BayouLife Magazine December 2021 by BayouLife Magazine

BLcontents 132

DECEMBER 2021

40 / HOLIDAY BRUNCH

There's not a day more magical than Christmas morning. After the kids have opened their presents and mom and dad have had their cup of coffee, it's time to settle down to a late-morning meal.

78 / FOR LOVE AND LIFE

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120 / AMANDA MCDOWELL

With a vivacious spirit, Amanda Mcdowell leaves an impression in the spaces she frequents. She’s a hugger with a welcoming laugh. Part memoir and part creed of faith, Mcdowell’s music is meant for searchers like herself.

132 / HOLIDAY DRESSING

106 / SUGAR AND SPICE

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176 / STEPHAN NODARSE

Stefan Nodarse aspired to be a comic book artist, but his career in art took several turns before landing In printmaking.

/ JINGLE BELLE AND BEAU A P R I L 2 0 1 8182 This holiday season snuggle up in

Both Jim and Anne Lockhart meet people easily and with a perceptible warmth. Although neither was born here, these two have been an integral part of this community for almost all of their lives. This small-scale modern, Southern bakery owned by Chef Becky Thompson and managed by Emily Kemp generates big flavor profiles in the form of pristinely decorated treats ready to give your day that pick-me-up only a confection can offer.

Glamourous looks for holiday parties top the charts this season. Layer slip dresses and sequins with leather and fur. Find these looks at area boutiques.

156 / JELK’S BAYOU HUNTING LODGE

winter’s finest looks. Find luxurious layers and cozy comforts from local boutiques.

194 / ART MEETS ADVOCACY

When Jessica Horne, a Ponca and Northern Arapaho artist based in Ruston, Louisiana, began to read about the lack of media attention regarding murdered and missing Indigenous women, she felt called to spread awareness.

BayouLife

ne of my favorite things about the holiday season are the scents. I can’t wait until November rolls around so I can light up my Frasier fir candle and sprinkle everything with cinnamon and spice. As a child, I remember my mom making spiced tea. She’d grab a big bowl and mix in the ingredients and divide it up in mason jars. It was a great gift idea for our neighbors and her fellow teachers. I looked forward to sneaking some for myself and could usually find a stash in our cabinets, perfect for chilly days or when I felt a cold coming on. Taylor Bennett and his mom, Tiffany Jones, mixed up their own “Friendship Tea,” perfect for holiday gifting to neighbors’ mailboxes. Read about this great holiday happy on page on page 58. Lindsey Clark Lowe, the owner of Fine Folks, created a very merry mantel using neutral colors, wood beaded garland, terra cotta vases, and tons of tapers for a beautiful glow. Make sure to look at this design inspiration on page 16. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Anne and Jim Lockhart, you’ll know why they were selected as this month’s BayouIcons. I have always said that Anne was who I wanted to be when I grew up – she’s smart, thoughtful, beautiful and incredibly funny. The first time I was invited to Anne and Jim’s house I spent the night in the living room laughing harder than I had in a long time. Anne was entertaining our group and Jim was filling our wine glasses. Because they have each contributed so much to the quality of life in our area, Jim and Anne Lockhart are our BayouIcons for December. Read their article on page 78. Though the bulk of Cake, the newest bakery on Antique Alley gravitates around the airy, frosted

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com staple we’ve grown to expect during special occasions, a visit inside the redbrick storefront reveals an array of other goodies. This small-scale modern, southern bakery owned by Chef Becky Thompson and managed by Emily Kemp generates big flavor profiles in the form of pristinely decorated treats ready to give your day that pick-me-up only a confection can offer. Find this article by Vanelis Rivera on page 106. Looking for the best gifts this holiday season? Our comprehensive gift guide has something for even the most difficult person on your list. Find it on pages 211218. We’ve had some amazing accomplishments this year, especially with the number of changes that we’ve faced. Our staff, writers, photographers and advertisers are truly the best and we couldn’t do it without each and every person involved. This holiday season, let’s let the peace of the season shine throughout the community and goodwill be done everywhere. With all my love and thanks, we truly hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holiday.

Cassie

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com Jenny Pankey jenny@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nils Borquist Dan Chason Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Clinton Downing Ashley Dupree Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Heather Land

Paul Lipe Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Glenn Miers Guy Miller Evelyn O’Neal Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Natalie Todd Judy Wagoner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Moore Clark Andrew Bailey Wade Shoemaker

ON THE COVER Katelyn McAllister wears Palette House and Plume photography by CASSIE LIVINGSTON makeup by BRITTANY DYE BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

p a r W A s ' t a Th

B AY O U H O L I D AY Be inspired this holiday season with wrapping papers full of color and character. Whimsical patterns mixed with strong stripes are topped with luxurious ribbons to create packages too pretty to open. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark and Styled by Taylor Bennett

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Joy, Comfort and Peace Wishes for the Holiday Season BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

HERE IS A SAYING THAT EVERYTHING HAS A SEASON. For many children the arrival of the holiday season seems to be an eternity. On the other hand for adults it seems the older you get the quicker the holiday season comes. I was one of those children who eagerly awaited the holidays in anticipation of all the goodness it brought… the revisiting of family traditions, the reappearance of special recipes saved for the holidays, and visits from friends and family. As a child I associated the holiday with changes in nature, holiday music on the radio, retail displays, the Sears Catalog in which I pointed out to my parents what I wanted, the Macy’s Day Parade, commercials on television, gift exchanges, merriment and receiving all I wanted for the holidays. I often wondered why the joy of the holiday had to end. Over time the holiday season has become symbolic of many values, wishes, pleasantries I hold dear for myself and others. As an adult my desire for the holidays has changed…what I wish is for the joy, comfort and peace of the season to continue long after the holiday has ended. Tis’ the season to be jolly. In a season that can already feel heavy with demands I would be remiss to discuss joy without acknowledging the holiday season is a challenging time of the year for many people. At the risk of projecting my thoughts and feelings this has been a particularly “trying year” for a number of my clients, colleagues, family and friends. It has been a year and half when admittedly the lows at times seem greater than the lows of past years. It is at times like this that I encourage people to look for the good, for in everything there is a season. During a recent counseling session I was reminded the holiday season is more than commercialized images of festivity and merrymaking. For many the holiday season is time of reflection on what life has brought us too and has brought us through. Over the past year and a half, life for many has changed and as a result the holiday season has changed despite all of its beauty, activity, vibrancy, tradition and wonderment. The occurrence of the holiday season is a reminder, as with nature, life is cyclical and ever changing. Perhaps a bit idealistic or a reflection of my having witnessed and experienced struggle, all I want for the holidays is world peace and serenity for all, human understanding and unconditional acceptance, physical and mental wellness. I want for every community openness and understanding, civil engagement and cohesiveness, forgiveness and justice, peaceful progress and redemption, healing and renewal. It

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is my desire for all to experience respectful and meaningful dialogue and honest conversations of good will and intent. May each individual possess resilience, the mental tenacity and inner strength to withstand the forces of life. It is my hope that the setbacks we have experienced individually in our personal lives and collectively as part of society become comebacks. I wish for all people everywhere young and old, ample provisions of the basic needs of food, water, safety and shelter coupled with an abundance of hugs and kisses (after months of social distancing) from those desired. It is my hope we will all experience prosperity in the form of promise, satisfaction and fulfillment. May we all be treated with good will, civility, compassion, humility, integrity, validation, and decency. Hopefully, we will witness and participate in acts of kindness both random and planned. Tips for keeping the spirit of the holiday joyous and peaceful. Embrace the season sincerely. Be centered in a spirit of gratitude of all things big and small; for the expected and the unexpected. Recognize the gifts that are too valuable to price, gifts from within… love, respect, trust and kindness, empathy, humility, compassion. Gifts from the heart versus material things are always timely, share them generously. Studies reveal people who are more materialistic are less thankful. Always remember to say thank you. Celebrate what you have accomplished and what you generated this year. Be a giver and spread joy. Let go of negativity, judgment and past grievances. Remove the potential chaos and frenzy of shopping for the right gift for the right person, instead you can indulge others with gifts of your time, concern and interest. Slow down and take a closer look at life and its offerings. Choose simplicity over complexity. Plan for family time and meaningful gatherings. Acknowledge and appreciate diversity by exposing yourself to the joy of the holiday season around the world. Be intentional about providing words of comfort and gestures of human kindness; be a force for good. Make time for self-care it will allow for emotional renewal, rejuvenation and replenishing of the soul. From the office of Wellness Initiatives comes a lasting wish for all the hope, wonder and joy that the season can bring. May the gifts of love, good health, patience, harmony, laughter, joy, comfort and peace be yours throughout the coming year. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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Merry Mantel reate a glow around your home's hearth this holiday season with beautiful warm tones and layered textures. Lindsey Clark Lowe, owner of Fine Folks, was inspired by her stucco fireplace and pre-existing décor. She used her white mantel as a blank canvas to create a space to be a focal point for beautifully curated holiday décor. When asked about her yuletide imaginings, Lindsey said, "I was looking to do something a little different with my mantel this year. Normally I'm drawn to reds and greens, but this year I decorated with more neutral tones. I let the colors and textiles in my home inspire me – that's why there are blushes, tans, creams and olive greens present in this design. I added in as much texture and layers as I could to create depth and complement my home. I strung wooden beads and crocheted garland, and filled in spaces with tons of terra cotta pieces, and glass ornaments. Lastly, I layered in varying heights of tapers to create that Christmas glow.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark and Design by Lindsey Clark Lowe Handmade Mud Cloth Stockings by Heather Land

Bayou Buzzworthy

MedCamps of Louisiana recently had its 27th annual dinner and auction fundraiser after a 27-month hiatus. It raised about $163,000. Funds will go to a complete renovation of the pool house and adding a splash pad to the swimming pool area at Camp Alabama. Medcamps of Louisiana is a non-profit organization providing camping experiences free of charge to children with special needs. The money will help make Camp Alabama’s swimming pool and pool house area usable for all kids who come to camp.

On Friday October 29th, Newcomer, Morris & Young Advertising Agency held an Open House at their location, 1220 Stubbs Avenue in Monroe. The entire NMY team, all of their wonderful clients, vendors, media partners, family and friends celebrated being in operation for the last 37 years with a ribbon cutting at their new office.

A group of first graders in Megan Hunt’s A.E Philips (AEP) classroom were so inspired by the idea of fundraising for renovations to the school’s physical campus and outdoor learning spaces that they decided to help out. In recent years, the school’s playground has experienced ongoing issues with exposed roots, older fencing, and drainage issues that have caused erosion. The renovation campaign will provide crucial improvements to exterior learning spaces as well as new playground equipment.

Flying Heart Brewing & Pub West Monroe hosted Tails and Ales. During the event on November 13th, $2,250 was raised for the Raising Cane’s Dog Park at Kiroli. A dog costume contest and fashion show were just a few of the fun activities.

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From early June to mid-August, Alexa Garlington, a ULM student pursuing a Medical Laboratory Science degree, participated in the highly competitive Summer Lab Science Program at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Rochester, MN. The Clinical Forensic and Toxicology Laboratory where Garlington spent 10 weeks is a facility responsible for performing routine screenings and confirmation tests to identify and quantify the presence of drugs (i.e., barbiturates, opiates, cocaine, and even alcohol, etc.) and chemicals in biological fluid and tissue samples.

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CONFLICTED CHRISTMASES Historical Impressions

b y G u y M i l l e r, V i c e C h a i r E m e r i t u s , C h e n n a u l t Av i a t i o n a n d M i l i t a r y M u s e u m

artime holidays have usually been times of relief and of difficulty. In many past conflicts both sides observed the same holiday and soldiers hoped for a day where they could set aside the fighting and get a little rest. Conversely a holiday also reminded soldiers and those back home of their mutual separation from loved ones. Christmas was not an official holiday during the Civil War. That wouldn’t happen until 1870 when President Ulysses S. Grant made Christmas a federal holiday in an attempt to unite the still fractured nation. Christmas was however observed as a religious holiday during the war years. Despite its religious nature, combat did not stop for Christmas and skirmishes occurred across both nations even while civilians and some troops tried to celebrate as best as they could. On the first Christmas day during the war, President Lincoln spent many hours working as he tried to prevent the Union’s capture of Confederate representatives to Great Britain and France from becoming a diplomatic disaster. He set that effort aside during the evening to host a holiday party Also that same 1861 day the U.S. Navy caught a blockade runner and there were two land skirmishes in Virginia and Maryland. There were several Christmas skirmishes in 1862 including Confederate general John Hunt Morgan’s Christmas Raid where his men destroyed all the the Louisville & Nashville Railroad improvements that they could along 35 miles of track in Kentucky. To mark the1862 birthday of the Christian Savior, President and Mrs. Lincoln visited injured soldiers at the various hospitals. Despite the day being a recognition of their Savior’s birth, some U.S. soldiers were forced to witness a Christmas day military execution for desertion.

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In 1863 many U.S. soldiers received Christmas gifts “From Tad Lincoln.” Tad had been affected greatly by the plight of Union soldiers when he accompanied his father on visits to the army. The gifts Tad gave were mostly books and clothing. Elsewhere on Christmas day, Union troops destroyed the Confederate salt works at Bear Inlet, North Carolina. The U.S. Navy and Confederate artillery exchanged cannon fire on the Stono River near Charleston, South Carolina. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote his pacifist poem “Christmas Bells” on Christmas Day 1864. Longfellow had received news of his son Lieutenant Charles Appleton Longfellow having suffered severe wounds during the Mine Run Campaign the previous month. Word came to the Northern states that General William T. Sherman had captured Savannah, Georgia on December 22. Confederates at Fort Fisher “offset” Sherman’s audacity by fiercely repelling a Federal assault of sixty warships. Several skirmishes were also fought in the western theater of the war. By the time of the Civil War most of the Christmas traditions we know today were already present. There were Christmas carols, gift giving and tree decoration. Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” had been a holiday staple since its 1843 publication. During the war the modern image of a jolly and portly Santa Claus first made his appearance in the drawings of Thomas Nast. Nast was a well known editorial cartoonist who worked as a propagandist for the North. Most soldiers not engaged in combat on Christmas celebrated as their circumstances permitted. Alfred Bellard of the 5th New Jersey noted: “In order to make it look much like Christmas as possible, a small tree was stuck up in front of our tent, decked off with hard tack and pork, in lieu of cakes and oranges, etc.” John Haley, of the 17th Maine, wrote in his diary: “It is rumored that there are sundry boxes and mysterious parcels

over at Stoneman’s Station directed to us. We retire to sleep with feelings akin to those of children expecting Santa Claus.” Some soldiers who had the ability also engaged in Christmas gift giving. A Massachusetts officer provided his troops with turkey, oysters, pies, and apples. In a display of martial chivalry on Christmas 1864 a company of Michigan soldiers gifted “food and supplies” to destitute Georgians. The Michiganders also tied tree branches to the heads of the mules pulling the carts so they could be pretend reindeer. Not every gift made it through as intended. A Confederate prisoner told how “A friend had sent me in a package a bottle of old brandy. On Christmas morning I quietly called several comrades up to my bunk to taste the precious fluid of… disappointment! The bottle had been opened outside, the brandy taken and replaced with water…and sent in. I hope the Yankee who played that practical joke lived to repent it and was shot before the war ended.” Soldiers were not the only ones who could suffer a holiday with little or no joy. Back in the civilian world presents were fewer, especially in the South where devastation and Union blockades took their toll. One Southern girl, Sallie Brock Putnam, actually charted the route Santa Claus would have to take to avoid the blockade. She later wrote: “Never before had so sad a Christmas dawned upon us… We had neither the heart nor inclination to make the week merry with joyousness when such a sad calamity hovered over us.” The enmity the war engendered was evident when excuses for an absent Santa included the Yankees having shot him. As you reflect on the impacts to Christmas during 1861-1863 please remember those serving away from home in our military today. Happy Holidays to all from the staff and friends of the Chennault Museum.

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumnus: Jonathan Perry

OCAL BUSINESS OWNER JONATHAN PERRY IS A product of ULM and the Monroe community. A graduate of Ouachita Christian School, Jonathan embraced the University close to home and the traditional college experience didn’t require moving away. Jonathan loves to hunt and fish, and he couldn’t imagine going years without his beloved hobbies. He longed to study business and ULM has one of the best business schools in the state. A business management degree meant he could do anything. His grandfather, fellow ULM graduate Clarke Williams, founded CenturyTel, a bedrock of this community. Built from scratch, the company continues to positively impact countless families in our region. Jonathan wanted to leave his own legacy by building something that gives back to the community he loves so much. While at ULM, Jonathan embraced the tough curriculum. Coming from a business-minded family, he knew the corporate world was tough, and learning to adapt was essential. Laying an educational foundation was key. ULM professor Dr. Bruce Walker encouraged Jonathan and his classmates. In one course, students completed a character analysis to better understand where they fit in the professional world. While the classes were tailored toward business knowledge, Jonathan learned the most about himself. He worked at Moore Health & Fitness throughout college and after graduation. He liked interacting with people, and new faces meant more opportunities to connect. Jonathan’s parents taught him that the best work involves helping others. Jonathan’s beaming smile and friendly disposition helped him develop lasting connections, friends that stood by him through tough times and rooted for his success. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Business Management, Jonathan took a sales job in the medical field, a booming industry at the time. And then life handed him a curve. He bought a house, got engaged, and was laid off all in the same week. Reality set in. He had to make tough professional decisions with others in mind. Jonathan took a job with Century Marketing Solutions, a subsidiary of CenturyLink. He started in general sales and soon advocated for a position as Director of Sales and Marketing. It was a long shot, as he didn’t have a degree in graphic design, but the company took a chance. Jonathan saw opportunities for the business to grow and worked quickly to implement his vision. ULM was one of the company’s early clients. The first job included a wall wrap in Fant Ewing Coliseum. ULM had just released its new Academic logo, and Jonathan’s job was to simply translate it onto the wrap, but he had other ideas. He proposed brightening the logo’s colors, a nod back to the cardinal red and gold of the institution’s days as NLU. The ULM officials loved it. Jonathan and his team adapted a Warhawk

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font, drew a mockup on the ULM football helmets, and produced the football promotional videos. Jonathan was making a difference at the institution that groomed him for this kind of work. It felt good to give back, to stand behind a concept and make it happen. Shortly after, Century Marketing Solutions closed its doors and he started a new marketing company with his team. Unfortunately, Covid hit. With many high-profile clients across the country, dwindling budgets, and no way to travel, the writing was on the wall. With a family now, traveling for business didn’t sound as appealing. Jonathan started looking for something local, a place to hang his hat. He purchased Chauvin Bayou Market. He traded in the corporate world for a meat market with growth potential, and he is relishing this new experience. Every day is an adventure, but Jonathan is leaning on faith and hard work to expand Chauvin Bayou Market. He recently built a commercial kitchen and is launching catering services. Holidays specialities include fried and smoked turkeys, smoked hams, beef tenderloins, and all the sides - including the best mac-n-cheese in the state. Ready-made dishes including gumbo, red beans and rice, and lasagna are a few of the other local favorites. Jonathan’s whole world changed drastically, but he likes this new direction and people see the evidence in his smile. He’s happy again. Jonathan remains a ULM Warhawk. His season football seats have been in his family for decades, and his girls love the revelry on the field. He is excited about the new medical school on campus and the future of ULM athletics. He is grateful to the ULM faculty and staff who molded his education and continue to support him professionally and personally. He has been married to Hollye Watts Perry since 2009, another ULM graduate in Speech Therapy. The couple have three daughters: Emarie, Ella, and Evie Clarke, named for her older brother John Clarke, who passed away in 2015. Jonathan’s alma mater and the people of this community continue to support the Perrys, and Jonathan and his family are invested in the community’s growth. The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships, and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/alumni.

Holiday Cheers

Share a Bottle of Wine or Dram from Washington Wine and Spirits

IGHTS ARE BEING HUNG, CHRISTMAS TREES decorated, warm fires started, and that means it’s time to share a bottle of wine or a great dram with your favorite people! As always we want to help you find the perfect gifts for the special people in your life. Below we have several hot items that are sure to put a smile on the gift recipient’s face. The first item is our private barrel selection from the Pinhook Vertical Series. This bourbon has a mashbill of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley and bottled at 117.2 proof at 6 years old. This series will continue through to 12 years old as we get to taste the evolution of this grouping of 1,500 barrels as they change each year, meaning that we will be picking a 7 year old next year. This barrel selection of ours also had the highest evaporation rate of any barrel pulled so far, and only produced 140 bottles. The appearance is an intense golden copper and the nose opens with butterscotch, clove, white pepper, sweet aromatic pipe tobacco, candied citrus, and a touch of rose petal. The palate starts with salted caramel that leads to rich French toast (cinnamon, buttered toast, and brown sugar) and soft oak. The finish is long with hints of maple, more vanilla butterscotch, cinnamon, and a touch of gentle pepper. A complex treat for bourbon enthusiasts. Next, we have a selection from Penelope Bourbon. This is a Louisiana Select of the Barrel Strength Toasted Series. For this they take their barrel strength bourbon and finish it in a heavily toasted barrel and its bottled at 112.8 proof. In the glass this whiskey is a gorgeous golden amber. The nose has notes of hard butterscotch candy, cigar box, vanilla, almond, and cocoa. The palate has floral honey, light toffee, and buttery shortbread with firm toasty oak. A splash of water reveals vanilla and softens the oak. A finish of brown sugar molasses, vanilla, and more tasty oak lingers gently in the middle of the tongue. This special release is in limited quantity. If you’re looking for a big and bold cabernet sauvignon we highly recommend the 2014 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine scored 97 points upon release and has only gotten better with age. Made from 100% cabernet sauvignon and offers up notes of cedar wood, forest floor, loamy earth, blackcurrants and a touch of background oak. The finish is extraordinarily long with rich black fruit. For a fan of older wines the Andrew Geoffrey Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons are an incredible value and we have multiple vintages dating as far back as 2002 and as current as 2013. These allow

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for a vertical tasting of amazing fruit from the coveted Diamond Mountain that not only allow you to see how wine ages, but to taste some incredible years in California winemaking history. We have talked about the incredible cream moonshines from Sugarlands Shine out of Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the past, and recently we received two new flavors. The new flavors are Banana Pudding and Strawberry Cream. These are great in a variety of ways, but our favorite is still in a cup of coffee. They taste just like their names in the best ways possible with the Banana Pudding tasting like your grandma’s recipe, and the strawberry cream tasting like melted strawberry ice cream. Don’t forget about their classic flavors of Butter Pecan, Dark Chocolate Coffee, and Electric Orange. Smoky Scotch drinkers can be difficult for a lot of people to shop for as a gift, but rest assured we have a great variety and the knowledge to help you find the perfect one. Take for instance, the 2021 Lagavulin Distillers Edition. This year’s take on the classic was distilled in 2006 and double matured in ex-bodega Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The nose shows intense peat immediately, but is followed by a raisiny sweetness from the sherry casks that creates a smoky, yet fruity, dark chocolate. Smoke fills the palate quickly and is followed by a sweet fruit, coffee, vanilla, and that classic touch of saltiness from Islay whiskies. A long luxurious finish hangs around with more fruit, peat, and beautifully balanced oak. Another great option for Scotch fans who don’t like the smoke would be Aberlour Casg Annamh (pronounced cask an-a-mu)This special release from Aberlour is aged in sherry oak and two types of American oak casks. Casg Annamh means rare cask in Gaelic and signifies the rarity of the bodegas sherry barrels chosen for this release. This is a great release for fans of heavily sherried Scotches like Macallan or Balvenie. The nose has notes of ginger, pineapple, and buttery caramel. A smooth mouthfeel leads to flavors of tangerines, apples, cinnamon, and clove. The finish is long with black pepper and licorice. Remember to stop by and get the Doe’s Eat Place steaks to take home for your grill this holiday season. We hope to see you soon, and help you find that perfect present no matter the type of libation. As always, thank you for letting us be your Spirits Guides here at Washington Wine & Spirits.

The Gift of Life Celebrating the Different Seasons

OME OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES OF childhood are at Christmastime. Walking the streets of downtown Monroe admiring the amazing window displays at The Palace, Silverstein’s, Field’s, and many long-gone local businesses. The thrill of going to Howard Griffin Land o’ Toys to make my Christmas wish list from Santa and to pick out an ornament for our family tree became annual tradition. Even in the winter temperatures, we would make a stop at Seale-Lily for ice cream to finish off the day. The ice cream and ice-cold water in the little metal cups would give you a brain freeze. That was just a minimal price to pay for such a fantastic time. There was so much joy and innocence in those memories that made life even more magical. The light posts were swagged with lighted merriment along DeSiard Street. The annual Christmas Floatilla of decorated boats paraded the Ouachita River downtown as the much-anticipated fireworks display were such a special treat. For fifteen brief minutes the sky was scattered with an array of colorful wonder. It seemed to be the official kick off for the holiday season. With my great-grandmother, Karline, owning the first women’s ready-to-wear and millinery in downtown West Monroe, I got my first taste of downtown retail. Even if I mainly sat on the stool in the breakroom eating Charlie’s Chips from the metal tin, it was the hustle and bustle of the retail season that delighted my little soul. I still have one of the window decorations from her shop that closed in the late 70’s. It holds so many memories. As years have gone by all that is left is the memories of days past. It is in those memories that the love of Christmas still feeds my soul and my heart. It is from those memories that vision for Revival resonated in my dreams and

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goals. When childhood dreams come true it is shear amazement. Finding that joy in life is even more amazing. When you go through things in life, you often doubt celebrating. Finding that peace is greater than any gift. I am so fortunate for the many gifts and talents I have been blessed with in the 50 years I have had on earth. Each day brings forth new goals and adventures that are priceless. This Christmas is the last in 32 years of decorating homes for me. It is also the first Christmas without my dad. Over those years, I missed out on making so many memories. It just puts things in perspective and helps you to realize what is more important in life. As another holiday season is under way, we remember those we have lost; we celebrate the loved ones around us and give thanks for having a home in which to share these moments. From decorating the tree to lighting the menorah, we all have a special tradition with our family and friends. Whether it be the festival of lights, the singing of Christmas carols or placing baby Jesus in the manger, we are blessed to have the freedom to celebrate such a wonderful time of the year. As we put out cookies and milk for Santa, we anticipate the next morning when the gifts will be unwrapped. Truly the gift of love is the most precious of them all. We have the blessing to love one another or whomever we choose to share our lives with each day. We coexist with the hopes of a peaceful and prosperous coming new year. At Revival, we are more than just consignment. To define our unique showroom is impossible. There are so many possibilities for gift giving for the holiday season. We are fortunate to celebrate the creative talents of many artists at Revival like Malva Rutledge, Traci Canterbury, Hank Holland,

Jason Byron Nelson, Jay Davis, Leah Reitzell, Martha Young, Grayson Rutledge and, KShana Hall. We celebrate their diversity and the challenges that some of them face. From Asperger’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and ages 18 to 80, we love to cover the spectrum on great talents. At Revival, we have a variety of antiques, furniture and accessories coming in daily from our area as well as New Orleans, Little Rock, Austin, Houston, and points in between. We are always looking for special pieces to make the perfect gift for your homes and offices. December 2nd will be the Downtown Gallery Crawl from 5pm-9pm. Moonlight Merriment will be on December 16th with extended shopping hours until 8pm. We are now open on Sundays from 1pm-5pm until Christmas. As Revival ends the year, we are adding so many great additions for 2022. The first two years in business taught us how to survive in order to thrive. We are excited about the great addition of the talented Jansen Nowell’s photography studio. We are grateful for his talents as he captured the photo for this month’s holiday ad for BayouLife. We have so much in store planned for collaborations in this historic building that are truly limitless. I am so grateful for the gifted staff here of Terrie Chisholm, Christina Downing, Joy Felder, Garrett Watley, Jeffrey Knight, Sarah Watley, and Carmalita Castle who have supported me over the past few months since losing my dad. It is truly a gift to know that you can feel so loved and appreciated. Without them, Revival would not be where it is today. May you have a happy holiday filled with love and a New Year of amazement, prosperity, and greatness. Love, Clinton, Cookie and Cooper Downing

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R E M E M B E R

W H E N I T WA S A S S L O W A S C H R I S T M A S

(John 1:11) Many of those who I REMEMBER a phrase rejected Him were expecting that was commonly used a military leader who would when I was a youngster - it throw off the oppressive went like this: “You’re as Roman rule. They were slow as Christmas.” This looking for someone like King communicated the idea that David who would lead them it seemed like that special back to the “Golden Days” of day would never get here. Israel’s greatest king. We were anxiously awaiting Some were so disappointed that wonderful day with in the Gift that they renounced anticipation and hope because Him and asked for His we knew that there would be death — “Crucify Him!,” gifts and were hoping that they demanded. Even Judas, those gifts would be things one of His disciples, became that we really wanted. But disillusioned when Jesus it appeared that Christmas BY TAKING OUR SINS AND PAYING THE failed to offer Himself as the would be a long time coming. PRICE OF OUR FORGIVENESS, AND BY political and military leader So we had to wait and wait who would end the oppressive and then wait some more. GIVING TO US HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, Roman domination. As a We knew it was coming, and JESUS IS THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT! result, he betrayed the Lord for we even knew the exact day monetary gain. when it would be here, but But that first Christmas Gift why did it take so long? So we thought that to be “as slow as Christmas” was to be exceedingly was precisely what mankind needed and was welcomed by those who waited in faith. You see, God is a god of justice and because unhurried. Waiting, seemingly forever, for Christmas to arrive is not of man’s disobedience, we are separated from the Lord, and the new to our generation. Just consider those who waited for the only way back into a right relationship with Him is through first Christmas. The promise of the coming of the Christ, the first the sacrifice of His Son’s life as an atonement for our sins. Jesus Christmas Gift, was made at the dawn of the human story. (cf. expressed it in these words: “I am the way, the truth, and the Genesis 3:15) But it was centuries before Christ came and some life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) wondered, “When, Lord?” The extended wait may have caused By taking our sins and paying the price of our forgiveness, and by giving to us His righteousness, Jesus is the Perfect Christmas many to doubt if the promise of the Messiah was to be trusted. Those who waited for that Christmas did not know the day Gift! We have the promise that the One Who came on the first that the Gift would come – just that it would be at the right time (“the fullness of time” – Galatians 4:4). Their wait was so long Christmas will come back one day. (Acts 1:11) Once again, His that a Christmas carol was written expressing this fact: “Come, followers have waited a long time for His promised return, but most still hold confidently to His pledge to come back. When He thou long-expected Jesus.” Not only was the first Christmas slow in coming, the first returns, all those who have placed their faith in Him for salvation Christmas Gift was not what some wanted. The apostle John will be ushered into the heaven which He has prepared for those writes, “He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him.” who trust Him. What a glorious Christmas Gift that will be!

ar t i c le b y PAUL L I PE o p in io n e x p re s s e d is t h a t o f t h e w r it e r

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“Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam

“Ruth had learned only one thing from the current reality, and it was that everything held together by tacit agreement that it would. All it took to unravel something was one party deciding to do just that. There was no real structure to prevent chaos. There was only a collective faith in order.”

he unknown is a compelling place from which to start a vacation novel. Amanda and Clay are exiting the city of New York for a quiet vacation with their teenage children, an escape from the rush of careers and schools. They choose a remote cabin, a means of leaving the world behind. But with that choice comes the repercussions of no one to contact when the world seemingly goes black. Rumaan Alam writes suburban family life in a way that resonates, the highs of privilege and the lows of inadequate connection with those we love. Amanda and Clay are struggling to find themselves in a marriage gone stale over time, to locate the children who’ve morphed into adults before their very eyes. The vacation is a chance to be a family again, away from the distractions that inevitably pull families apart. The opening meanders slowly, as Alam details the initial moments of a typical vacation. The food is gathered, the bad

habits are exposed, the family strife starts to unravel. In trying to reconnect, we see how disconnected they’ve all become. When cell phone service and TV connection stalls, the family assumes the remoteness is to blame. But when an elderly black couple Ruth and G.H. knocks in the middle of the second night, claiming to be the home’s owners and asking to stay, Amanda and Clay become suspicious. They claim the city is experiencing a blackout, that they drove directly to their second home for refuge. Irritated by their vacation being interrupted and scared of what has transpired back in New York, Amanda and Clay begrudgingly welcome the couple in. What transpires has the eeriness of a post-apocalyptic novel without the apocalypse exposed. We know something ominous is happening, but like the families, we remain unaware. Unexplained occurrences shift the focus from impending doom to immediate concerns. Amanda and Clay fumble through this new reality, as Ruth and G.H. navigate their home being temporarily possessed by strangers. Themes of race and class complicate the disaster novel, and the pages turn quickly as readers rush to understand what is happening and if the families will survive. Alam blends subtle comedy with the panic of the unknown, a timely novel to debut amidst the unknown of the past year. “It was like some tacit agreement; everyone had ceded to things just falling apart.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

30 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Fishing With Kenny WINTER BASS IN THE GRASS article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON

am what a lot of fishermen call a “mudder.” Most of the time when fishing a tournament, regardless of the time of year, I am fishing water less than ten foot deep. I have always believed bass caught during the winter in shallow water are generally bigger, easier to pattern and easier to catch than the ones living in the deeper depths. This is especially true if you catch them in grass. Years ago, fishing a Winter Club event on Lake Darbonne with air temperatures in the mid 30’s with periods of rain/sleet all day, I won the tournament fishing a big spinnerbait on shallow flats covered in coontail moss. When I told a fellow competitor how I caught my winning stringer, he didn’t believe me. I can still hear him saying, “There is no way you caught those fish in water that shallow in weather like this.” Over the years I have developed a wintertime grass fishing system that has proven to be consistent and in this month’s BayouLife article, I would like to share it with you. That tournament day on Lake Darbonne isn’t the only example I can give you of productive grass fishing in the wintertime. My system has been successful on several kinds of lakes such as a river oxbow like Lake Bruin, clear water lakes like Caney and Claiborne, or cypress tree dominated lakes like Cheniere, just to name a few. If you follow a few guidelines and apply the correct techniques, the rewards of fishing this way are worth your efforts. Water clarity and temperature are the first two things I look at. Winter grass fishing is more productive in clearer water situations. If I can see my lure three feet below the surface, that qualifies as clear water to me. Water temperature is important but not critical. As long as the water is 50 degrees or higher, I know my chances are really good for finding and catching bass. I have been able to catch them fishing grass in lower water temps, as low as 40 degrees, but 50 seems to be the magic number. After water clarity and temperature I then consider the kind of day I am fishing. Grass fishing is usually much better on cloudy, breezy days. Calm, rainy days or even an occasional snow day can also be surprisingly productive. The cloudy, windy scenarios are true during the summer and fall but I have found them to be especially true in the winter. The one situation I find to be the most difficult for fishing grass is the post-front bright, bluebird day with no wind. These conditions are brutal. Once I find the weather, water clarity and temperature to my liking, where do I begin my fishing search? I start fishing your typical

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spawning flats that I caught bass on earlier in the year, especially if I remember if the flat had any kind of aquatic vegetation on it. Flats that contain fields of dying or dead lily pads are excellent places. Hydrilla beds or areas where milfoil is present can also be good choices. No matter if it is hydrilla or sparse clumps of coontail, if there is grass, bass will be close by. Probably the biggest key to this concept is to cover enough water until you get an idea of where the fish are holding and what they are holding on. The more a flat has to offer the more potential it has. For example if I find a flat covered in coontail with scattered cypress trees, with the presence of baitfish, I know this area can be productive. If I make enough casts, eventually I will figure out if this is where I need to be. It is especially important to pay close attention to where you get your bites or where you catch your first fish. Was the fish on the outside edge of the grass or was he on a point? Was the grass scattered or was the fish relating to a clump of grass like he would an isolated stump? Where in the dead lily pad fields did the bite come from? Maybe, you were fishing scattered grass and you caught one off of an isolated tree with grass surrounding it. By paying attention to the information you can gather from your first fish the better your chances are of catching the next one. So now that we have established our potential area, what lures do we want to use in out attempt to locate fish? To keep things simple, no matter the body of water, I have just a few select lures I use. Let’s take a look….. SPINNERBAIT Without a doubt, I have won more money on a spinnerbait fishing grass during the winter than any other lure. It will catch numbers of bass but it also catches big bass. My #1 rule for spinnerbait fishing this time of year is “Go big or go home”. I use a ¾ ounce bait 75% of the time and a ½ bait the other 25%. I like using two big willow leaf blades and the only color I use is blue shad or blue glimmer, matched with a blue glimmer Zoom Fluke as a trailer. Chatterbait This is a lure I have been experimenting with the past few years and I have been pleased with the results. When the fish aren’t hitting the spinnerbait, often times they will hit a Chatterbait. I don’t have any logical explanation for this, it’s just a trend I have noticed. I keep my color choice pretty basic as a shad pattern or chartreuse/white are my favorites. Regardless of the chatterbait color, I use a white Yamamoto Zako as my trailer. Fish this lure slow enough where it stays just on top of the grass, retrieve speed is critical to its success. RAT L TRAP The Rat L Trap may be the ultimate winter time grass bait. In flat areas where the grass is sparse, the Rat L Trap is deadly for both numbers and size of bass. While I usually will stick to shad colors like chrome/blue or sexy shad, I have had very good luck using gold/black on cloudy days. The Rat L Trap is also a lure I will throw on the dreaded postfrontal days. It is very good at drawing reaction strikes by ripping it out of the grass once it has bogged down during a retrieve, triggering a bite from negative feeding fish. On that note, I have a few friends who prefer to throw their Traps on braided line when fishing it in and around grass. They believe it allows the angler to rip the lure free much easier, resulting in more reaction strikes. SWIM JIG A great alternative to the above mentioned “power baits” is a swim jig. Bass this time of year can get finicky and the subtle presentation of a swim jig is something they don’t see very often. As a rule, I choose shad colors but the real key is to use a boot tail swimbait trailer this time of year. With a slow retrieve the swimbait gives the jig a side to side action that looks like a gizzard shad that big bass love to feed on this time of year. This lure can be deadly! Well, it looks like we have run out of time and space again for another month. I hope we have been able to share some helpful information that will make your next fishing trip more productive. With hunting season still in full swing please be careful in the woods or while on the water. Catch one for me and I will see you next month!

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“The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion

“Grief, when it comes, is nothing we expect it to be. Grief has no distance. Grief comes in waves, paroxysms, sudden apprehensions that weaken the knees and blind the eyes and obliterate the dailiness of life.”

idion sparked my interest after the Netflix documentary The Center Will Not Hold was released in 2017. While her professional life as a writer has been successful, her personal life has been marred by loss, first her husband of forty years John Dunne, and then only a few years later their only daughter Quintana Roo Dunne. In The Year of Magical Thinking, Didion explores grief and mourning. The book opens on a snowy December night in New York as Joan and John are preparing dinner, after only having just returned from visiting Quintana in the hospital. As Joan is mixing salad, John suddenly gasps and collapses to the floor. The next hour is a fog of paramedics arriving, trying unsuccessfully to resuscitate John, and then Didion following in a second ambulance to the hospital, only for the attending physician to pronounce her husband dead. She found out that he had been dead for an hour, that the drive to the hospital was protocol for someone in his condition. The shock of being alone, of not having her partner of forty years to discuss the traumatic event weighs heavily on Joan. She must learn who she is and what to do

without his input. Joan must remain strong for Quintana who is battling continued illness all while learning to navigate grief and initiate the process of mourning. Didion writes, “Until now I had only been able to grieve, not mourn. Grief was passive. Grief happened. Mourning, the act of dealing with grief, required attention.” Didion spends the next year searching for signs she missed, reading medical journals for ways to have prevented his death. She habitually leans on information, assuming the tragedy is a result of not knowing enough. Didion searches for why, only to continually be reminded that some questions remain unanswered. Having never experienced intense grief due to an unexpected death, I ignorantly kept waiting for the book to start, for her life to find a new direction. But Didion writes her story as she lived it that year, constantly looking backward. Each day brings a comparison to the same day a year prior, a time when John was alive. She realizes this is the only year when the one prior will include John’s presence. The anecdotes of their life together aren’t meant to develop a love story for readers, but to translate emotion into words on the page, a space Didion understands. The Year of Magical Thinking won The National Book Award for Fiction and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Biography/Autobiography. “I know why we try to keep the dead alive: we try to keep the dead alive in order to keep them with us. I also know that if we are to live ourselves there comes a point in which we must relinquish the dead, let them go, keep them dead. Let them become the photograph on the table.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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BAYOUOUTDOORS

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS A R T I C L E BY DA N C H A S O N

m a blessed man. I have a wonderful home life, good health, a good job, good friends and overly blessed with some of the best places you could ever dream of to hunt and fish. I have always been a fishaholic and liked to hunt but I never enjoyed hunting as much as I do now because of one factor: the hunting camp. I wasn’t raised religiously hunting. My dad hunted rabbits, squirrels and doves but he seldom hunted any other critter. In fact, I went on my first solo deer hunting trip in D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge at the young age of 15. I didn’t own a rifle so I borrowed a friend’s 35 Marlin and off I went. I will never forget the first deer I took as my friends who joined me said it sounded like Tarzan coming through the woods with this deer across my shoulders. I was a mess but elated. I had finally harvested a deer. I got real serious about deer hunting after coming home from college. But duck hunting was a new found passion and I pursued that relentlessly. I was fortunate enough to lease some prime duck hunting north of Mer Rouge and filmed many shows in blinds that belonged to me. When the prices of pit blinds became more expensive and out of my financial reach, I started my quest to find a place to call a camp and start chasing deer and hogs. I found such a place near Alabama Landing and put a small camper there to hunt the Upper Ouachita Refuge. I really liked the camp but the hunting was a pain as most of it was by foot or water. When I found my current camp home in 1995, I can honestly say it changed my life. A hunting camp is a full time, year-long job. The camp is not the only thing that needs attention. There are lanes to clear, stands to erect, trees to clip, fields to move, water to control and roads to maintain. Thanks to a very understanding wife, she has realized that my “let off steam” need is directly tied to my camp. Some days I just go out to be in the woods and unwind. Most times I’m on my tractor and fixing various things to make it easier on everyone There are aggravations to the camp but the advantages far outweigh them. I have been to many hunting camps. They range from make shift lean to structures to campers, trailers and up to some that are nicer than my home. Most all of them have the same basic arrangement and members while some are there for commercial applications. Either way, once you pull up at the camp things are just different. Simple things are there like the food you eat. There is no gluten free, sugar free or low fat anything to be found. It is the only place a grown man will make a full lunch of vienna sausage and beenie weenies. The sheets 36 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

and covers have been there for months and your bed looks the same as it did when you left the last weekend. The kitchen chores are shared with the main rule for the cook is “I cook, you clean.” Everyone pitches in for one common goal: to eat good, enjoy some football on TV and be the first up to turn on the coffee pot. There is no whining about home life, no kid issues and no drama at the camp. Everyone pitches in on everything including food for critters, food for hunters and there is always something to munch on and a lot of good natured ribbing dished out. But there is one thing about my camp that holds a special place at a very special time each year. In our family, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. With grown kids being pulled every which a way, we have found it best for everyone to have Christmas Eve be reserved for them. This means that on Christmas Day, I have at least a half a day where I am not entertaining anyone and am totally alone at my camp. You would think that is no fun but for years it serves one purpose for me. I totally shut out the world and refocus my attention on how to be a better husband, father and grandfather and to remember those who are no longer here to enjoy this season. There is nothing like that morning to wake up early, slip to my deer stand and watch the sun rise. The wood ducks are the first sign of critters and I love hearing the sounds of duck wings whistling in the sky. As the birds of every kind wake up, I think of my loved ones: My son-in-law Chad, who we lost in Iraq in 2005; my mom and dad who both left us in 2014; my sweet sister-in-law Patsy, who went to heaven this year; my brother Steve who shared this stand with me for his last time in 2017. I cry. It is the only place I can do this without embarrassment or shame. I cry for my loss but I cry for the loss to my children and grandchildren. My brother’s ability mechanically, my dad’s sense of humor and devotion to God; my mother’s pride in her children; and Elijah, Chad’s son not knowing this fine man that was taken way too soon. It is a place where I smile thinking about where these loved ones are now and how the birth of Jesus Christ and his gift of salvation upon his death is the very reason we have hope. Hope to see them again and hope for our own peace. This is the season of peace. I find that in the woods and on the water. I find that in my wife’s loving eyes and the admiration I receive from my children and grandchildren. Yes, I am blessed beyond measure. And as always, there are the red birds in my corn pile. They represent to me the loved ones I lost. And I cry with tears of thankfulness and rebirth. Happy Birthday Jesus. He is the reason for the season.

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12 Days of Christmas

And Holiday Open House - Upcoming Events at The Medical Spa

INGLE ALLTHEWAYTOTHE MEDICAL SPATHIS DECEMBER! We have some great deals for you as we celebrate 12 Days of Christmas ending with a Holiday Open House. Whether you’re looking for gift options or to treat yourself this holiday season, we have plenty to choose from! Each weekday beginning Monday, December 1st, we will feature different deals ending with a day-long event on Thursday, December 16th from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Day 1: Wishing you a Merry Christmas with Gift Cards – Purchase a $100 gift certificate and get a $25 gift certificate for yourself • Day 2: Fa-la-la Facials - Oxygeneo Facials 25% off and Retail Masques 20% off • Day 3: Deck the Halls with Skincare Kits - Obagi and SkinCeuticals Kits at 20% off • Day 4: On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me Microneedling 25% off and free Biocellulose Masque (while supplies last) • Day 5: All I want for Christmas is luscious lashes! - Obagi Lash Serum 20% off! • Day 6: Unwrap the Christmas Bow-tox - Buy 25 units Botox get 5 free, $50 off Juvederm, and 20% off HA intensifier • Day 7: Making Spirits Bright with Vitamin C serums 20% off • Day 8: Santa Baby, slip some laser sessions under the tree for me! Laser Hair removal sessions 25% off • Day 9: Santa Claus is coming to town with cleansers, toners, and moisturizers 20% off • Day 10: New Year, New You – NuEra sessions 25% off • Day 11: Let it Snow with Corrective Products 20% off • Day 12: Don’t have a Blue Christmas, join us at our Holiday Open House – drop-in event on Thursday, December 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p. m. Take advantage of ALL 12 days of Christmas deals, complimentary refreshments, complimentary skin analysis, and fun giveaways! Be sure to add our Holiday Open house to your calendar. Any purchases of $200 or more during the 12 Days of Christmas will be entered into a drawing for special giveaways. They include 50 units of Botox, 25 units for yourself and 25 to gift to a friend, 1 syringe of Juvederm Volbella, and a SkinCeuticals skincare basket.

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SKINCARE The winter months can wreak havoc on your skin as temperatures and humidity drop. Common skincare problems during the winter months include dry, cracked, dull skin. Just as we change our wardrobe with the season, your skincare routine should change as well. This doesn’t mean a total overhaul, just small adjustments or additions should be made. The best thing is to look at how your skin changes and adjusts accordingly. During the winter, you may want to swap to a gentle or cream-based cleanser vs. foaming cleansers which can be more drying. Exfoliation during the winter can help remove dead skin cells, revealing a healthy glow. Remember, gentle exfoliation is key as overdoing it can disrupt the outer barrier leading to increased dryness and irritation. We recommend exfoliation 1-2 times a week. Lastly, using a rich cream or oil-based moisturizer helps lock in moisture and hydrates the outer layers of skin better. Ingredients that help with moisture retention include hyaluronic acid, lipids, ceramides, and glycerin. TREATMENT SPOTLIGHT Legend Pro by Lumenis offers TriPollar RF technology. Radiofrequency triggers regeneration of collagen and elastin fibers by applying controlled heating to the deep dermis layer of skin. This technology can be applied to areas of laxity on the face and neck. What sets the Legend Pro apart is the equipment offers a combination treatment as well, VoluDerm (RF Micro-needling). RF Micro-needling encourages the generation of new healthy skin by applying RFassisted thin electrodes, creating controlled micro wounds. Treatment is completely customizable and downtime is minimal. TriPollar and RF Micro-needling can be completed separately, or in a combination treatment depending on your desired results. You may experience mild redness lasting a few hours to a few days. We recommend not wearing make-up for 48-72 hours post-treatment allowing for better healing. Results are best with a course of 3-5 sessions, with sessions being 4-6 weeks apart. You can take advantage of this amazing treatment during our 12 days of Christmas! Contact us today at The Medical Spa to schedule your consultation.

RESTAURANT COTTON Wake up Christmas morning with southern fried chicken on a fluffy Belgian waffle served with local syrup, cane butter and powdered sugar.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK Scrumptious mini croissants filled with sweet and savory Cranberry Kelli chicken salad served with their famous grape salad topped with brown sugar and chopped pecans.

H O L I D AY BRUNCH There's not a day more magical than Christmas morning. After the kids have opened their presents and mom and dad have had their cup of coffee, it's time to settle down to a late-morning meal. These favorite brunch dishes from local restaurants will make your mornings merry and bright. styling by TAYLOR BENNETT photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

TRIO'S DINING Looking for a Louisiana brunch staple? Try Trio's Shrimp & Grits featuring large gulf shrimp and andouille sausage in a tomato cream sauce served on top of warm buttery grits.

NEWK'S EATERY Perfect for holiday gatherings, this scratch-made pimento cheese ball is made with aged yellow and Vermont white cheddar with tomatoes with Parisian bread.

THE PLATTER Grabbing breakfast in the middle of Santa's festivities? Try this platter with an assortment of delectable meats, flavorful fruits and an array of different cheeses. Garnished with mixed nuts, honey and sweet jams.

CC'S COFFEE HOUSE Start off your morning with these mouthwatering bacon and cheese and vegetable egg bites.

THURMAN'S FOOD FACTORY This holiday brunch casserole features bread, sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, sautéed vegetables, cheeses and seasonings.

PORTICO BAR & GRILL This brunch burger features sweet jalapeños with an over easy egg on top and melted cheese with a side of fries.

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Rebel Runway: In the Air

If you were fortunate enough to be sitting in the audience at the 2021 Rebel Runway, on October 19th, then you were witness to a spectacular fashion shoot. Hosted and presented by the West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club, the West Monroe Convention Center was packed with an eager audience as local models sported ensembles from casual weekend apparel to prom couture. There was something for everyone! The West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors, everyone who attended and everyone who participated in the silent auction. A special thanks to all of the local boutiques that participated. You helped make this event great!

On the BayouScene

1 Kris Lynne FLowers and Paige Chelette 2 Emily Snowden and Cindy Foust 3 Annalee and Emily Snowden 4 Gabbie Groves and Amelia Haynes 5 Tamy Titus, Paula Ford, Tashia Hines and Cindy Foust 6 Robert Scott Foust, Gracie Britt and Ryder Hamilton 7 Cindy Stone and Debbie Herrington 8 J. Jaye Cole and Melanie Massey - Groves 9 Lesleigh Faz and Angel Grace Froust 10 Jayme Garvin and Robert Scott Foust 11 Shannan Tarver, Hallie Mitchell and Amanda Mitchell 12 Kristi Hebert, Traci Babusek and Morgan Buxton 13 Emma Norwood and Kristy Moore 14 Stacey Knox and Lisa Hartmann 15 Models from Dusty and Company 16 Linda Lavender School of Dance Dancers

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your guide to

H O L I D AY E T I Q U E T T E by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

When I think of Thanksgiving and Christmas, of course my thoughts go first to recognizing the reason for each holiday and the requirements of food, family and gifts that come with both. But in addition, I think too about the things that need improvement from the year before. We all like to make a good impression, to give meaningful and thoughtful gifts, and to show kindness toward everyone, so I wanted to share a few of my best tips on holiday manners and etiquette. Etiquette is much more than where to place your fork and how to make a proper introduction. Although those are still very important things to know, etiquette is, in fact, about how to conduct yourself in a way that shows respect and kindness to those around you: RSVP! I know that we all lead busy lives but responding to an RSVP in a timely manner is a show of respect and consideration. Doing so helps your hostess know how much food to prepare and how to set up the event. Knowing the number of guests arriving will be less stressful for the host or hostess, and he or she will be grateful for your thoughtfulness. THANK YOU NOTES. If you receive an unexpected gift or kindness, I suggest writing a thank you note to the giver. It will show your appreciation and is always a good idea. To make doing so a little easier, keep a set of thank you notes in your desk drawer or vehicle and write them immediately. I pay bills weekly, so I include writing notes in this task. NEVER TALK POLITICS. If you are among a group of people with some you do not know, the topic of politics could introduce an unwanted element of contention. APPLY TABLE MANNERS. Always use appropriate table manners. You don’t have to be an expert on table settings, but you should be able to place a napkin in your lap and not smack, burp, slurp, or slouch at the table. However, I do love and appreciate someone who knows her way around a formal table. It garners immediate respect – and don’t we all want that? SPEAK TO EVERYONE. Especially if you are giving the party! Graciously thank everyone for coming and engage in light conversation with each guest. It will make them feel special and respected. NEVER ARRIVE EARLY. I know you expect me to say that you should never arrive late; however, it is more important not to arrive early to a party. Your hostess is most likely adding finishing touches to the event. NEVER ARRIVE EMPTY HANDED. As one of the golden rules of etiquette, it is very important never to arrive empty handed. When you RSVP to an event, ask what you can bring. If no specific item is needed, I suggest bringing a box of baked goods, a lightly scented candle or chocolates. Or you could bring something with a little more meaning behind it, like a homemade Christmas tree ornament or a bottle of local honey. TAKE SPECIAL CARE WITH WRAPPING. Try to make extra effort wrapping your gifts. Presentation is just as important as the gift itself. When the recipient notices that you wrapped a gift in a beautiful manner, it will mean so much more! ALWAYS TELL THE HOST ABOUT DIET RESTRICTIONS. I know this tip personally because I am a vegetarian. When I RSVP to an event, I always let the hostess know that I am happy to bring a vegetarian dish so that she is not pressured to change her menu just for me. The same applies with food allergies. A food allergy is more important than just a diet preference, so if you have any allergies, be sure to mention them. Above all, be kind and gracious. There is not enough thoughtfulness in this world, so help make that change. One kind act can be a good example for many people around you to follow. Will you be that good example?

Holiday Chiropractic Care Coleman Chiropractic Explains the Benefits During These Winter Months

HE HOLIDAY SEASON IS A BUSY TIME, FULL OF HUSTLE and bustle, and sometimes people forget to maintain their self care routines. The holiday season can be especially hard on our bodies for many reasons. People may experience increased aches and pains , higher levels of stress, or even injury. Drs. Brian and Beaux Coleman and their staff strive to offer patients the best chiropractic care especially during the holiday season when our bodies are put under more stress and strain than any other time of the year. Chiropractic Care can be especially beneficial during these winter months. The holidays are a time for visiting family and friends, and travel takes a toll on your body. Sitting for extended periods of time can cause damage to your lumbar discs. Maintaining good posture while traveling will help with these issues. Our doctors remain on the cutting edge of chiropractic care as they offer a holistic approach to their patients with massage therapy, custom orthotic solutions, physician grade supplements and dietary recommendations. We tend to lift and carry more objects than usual this time of year. Are you climbing up the ladder to put those lights on your house? Or are you out shopping carrying heavy bags, boxes of decorations, and lifting large items? This may cause pain in your neck, back and shoulders. With all the parties, family gatherings and daily responsibilities, most people tend to carry the stress and tension in these areas as well. Our clinic offers adjustments, wellness management and extremity manipulation to individuals from all walks of life in a welcoming and relaxing environment. With so many extra activities during the holidays, it may be hard to maintain your regular routine. Eating habits change, increased work hours or even decreased sunlight will lower your mood. Cold weather affects arthritis. These changes will make you start to feel achy and sore. Our team provides treatments that no only aid in the reduction of aches and pains but also in relaxation. The goal of Coleman Chiropractic is to make our community a healthier and happier place one person at a time by educating patients on matters of health and wellness all in a spirit of loving, giving and serving. You may not associate some of these issues with chiropractic care, our clinic is here to educate you on treatments specifically for any strains that your body may be telling you need to address. 52 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Preventive care fosters good health within in the body, and can speed up recovery time and even prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Among the 22 million Americans who visit chiropractors annually, 35% are seeking relief from back pain, muscle strains and headaches. In our care, we will enable the body to heal it’s self without surgery or medication. We restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury that may be caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper support. Dr. Brian Coleman has provided chiropractic care in the Monroe area for more than thirty years, his son Dr. Beaux Coleman joined the practice in the spring of 2021. Together our trained specialists know how important it is it is to understand that the human body is a complex system of organs that function in tandem with one another. Chiropractic Care focuses more than just the patient’s spine, it involves the nervous system which communicates with every part of the body. Patients who trust the experience of their doctors are more likely to return for follow up visits, change behaviors and have better outcomes. Our clinic prides itself on the knowledge of both our doctors. Chiropractic care not only treats the spine, but the body as a whole, holistically. Our services and products inlcude: • Massage therapy • Piezowave • Foot detox • Supplements • X-rays • Gift certificates for your loved ones. Coleman Chiropractic Clinic is conveniently located at 2501 Ferrand Street in Monroe, Louisiana. Our team is ready to help you find optimum health in their assessments. Schedule your appointment today to help prevent the winter blues with aches and pains. We will create a customized treatment plan specific to each patients needs. Be sure to follow and like them on Facebook @colemanchiro2501. Coleman Chiropractic Clinic 2501 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 318.388.2215 | colemanchiropractic.net

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Spa Bella and Bella Magnolia Two Local Businesses Located in One Convenient Location

HIS HOLIDAY SEASON,YOU CAN CONVENIENTLY SHOP two locations under one roof when you visit Spa Bella and Bella Magnolia. The two local stores are owned by Kristan Berry and offer something for everyone! Bella Magnolia carries a variety of home decor including furniture, accent pieces, candles and more, as well as gift items for everyone on your list. The perfect holiday happy or hostess gift is a tea towel and Bella Magnolia has quite the selection with Christmas themes, puppies and fun Southern sayings. They also carry fun napkins and drink ware, that all the nice….and naughty… girls will love! If you are still looking to put the finishing touches on your holiday decor, Bella Magnolia has plenty to choose from. They have festive pillows, tree skirts, nutcrackers and wreaths. The store is decked out with Christmas trees full of ornaments - from classic wooden ornaments to shiny, mercury glass, adding a special sparkle to any tree. You can get these ornaments for your house or they make the perfect teacher gift! One of the best things about the holidays is the hosting and parties and Bella Magnolia has plenty to choose from to ensure your’s is a hit. From ceramic Santa platters to wooden cheese boards, these will add just the right touch. And if you have someone with a sweet tooth on your list, be sure to grab a bag of specialty popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels or delicious truffles. Right next door is Spa Bella, one of the top spas in Northeast Louisiana. They offer massages, aesthetics services, manicures, pedicures and more. If you are looking to relax or put your best face forward going into the holiday season, you have to come to Spa Bella. With three massage therapists on staff, you can make an appointment for a variety of treatments - from sports massage to lymphatic to prenatal, there is a massage option for everyone. Everyone’s skin can be affected this time of year when the weather changes. The aesthetics team can customize a facial just for you that addresses needs and concerns like dry skin, breakouts, fine lines and more. They also offer Botox and Juvederm so be sure to book your appointment early so you will be ready for holiday parties and pictures! This is the perfect time of year to get a dermaplane treatment, a non-invasive skin procedure that involves using a sharp tool to exfoliate the surface of your skin, while also removing small, fine hairs. This leaves your skin dewy, increases cell turnover 54 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

and produces a smoother texture, allowing your make up to go on smoother and your skin care products to penetrate deeper. Spa Bella prides itself on always offering the newest and latest in products and technology. They have the entire line of Osea and SkinBetter Science products, featuring award winning cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more. They also carry the entire line of Bathouse Soapery, including bath bombs, lotions, scrubs and more, perfect to create a unique gift basket. And they are excited to bring something new to the area - the HALO™, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, delivering both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to the same or different microscopic treatment zones to provide ablative results, with nonablative downtime. Long term sun exposure, active lifestyle and the wear and tear of everyday living results in visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, discoloration, scars and laxity. A fractional treatment, whether ablative or coagulative, allows the epidermis to heal quickly as long as the dermis remains intact. Ablative fractional resurfacing is a well-established treatment that vaporizes aged tissue with less thermal injury, with mild to moderate levels of morbidity and downtime. Conversely, non-ablative fractional resurfacing causes thermal injury and tissue coagulation with lower levels of morbidity. The HALO hybrid fractional laser combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths delivered to the same microscopic treatment zone to maximize clinical results and minimize downtimes. The benefits include the ability to treat pigmentary issues, wrinkles and pores, it is less painful than traditional fractional resurfacing and you will see results in one to two treatments. If you suffer from sun damage, acne scars, pigmented lesions or just need overall resurfacing, HALO is the answer. It can treat all skin types, on the face as well as the body. “We are excited to bring this technology to Northeast Louisiana,” said Kristan. “This just shows that we strive to always be on the cutting edge and offer the best of the best to the community!” Whether you need a gift, to add some last minute holiday decor, need to relax before the hustle and bustle of hosting or want to get a gift card for someone on your list, Bella Magnolia and Spa Bella can help you do it all. Be sure to stop in and shop local this holiday season. Both businesses are located on Wood Street in the heart of downtown West Monroe, just around the corner from historic Trenton Street.

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usi n gs M s ’ h t i d K IN N IE Mer e D IT H M C ERE

TA N A S R DE A article by M

o kids still write and mail letters to Santa? Do they rely on whispers exchanged on his lap? Can we text Santa now? With toddlers, these issues matter to me again. I remember composing letters to Santa as a kid. Mother was the keeper of all things and found one the other day. I had asked for a purple suede skirt. I smiled when I read it. The penmanship was loopy and feminine. I took extra care in the presentation. I figured Santa received so many letters that mine needed to stand out. And I got that electric purple suede skirt. It grazed my kneecaps and was probably more appropriate on a 30-year-old woman than a teenaged girl, but I felt powerful in that skirt. Santa made sure the skirt belonged to me because I wrote beautiful letters. Santa and I understood each other. My daughter Wilder is learning to write. Each day after school we trace her name on her “homework.” She awkwardly holds the pen between her middle and forefinger, sloppily mimicking each letter with intense concentration. After she completes each line she draws her teacher a little picture in the corner of the paper, more confident in her artistic abilities than I ever was. Her friend Caroline sends her little pictures in the mail with drawings of the two of them in our backyard tossing acorns to squirrels. She’ll write little messages in her own 4-year-old penmanship, emphatically lined and precise. Wilder squeals when she gets mail. It warms my heart as I am a longtime advocate of the handwritten note. So, this year I am going to encourage Wilder to write a letter to Santa. I wonder what she’ll say. Family traditions resonate during the holiday season. It’s when we remember. It’s when we gather. It’s when we share with one 56 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

another. The world slows down for that delightful week between Christmas and New Year’s and we all take a well-deserved rest, if we’re so fortunate. As a parent, the responsibility of establishing those traditions I hold so dear weighs heavy. I’ve given up trying to make moments that will be remembered. We have no control over that. Moments lodge themselves in our brains regardless of our intention. But I do feel compelled to keep existing traditions going. I’ve bought holiday paper and a fancy pen for composing. I’ll start by asking what she wants to say to Santa and help her write it. I think brevity is key with a preschooler. I hope she asks for something indicative of her lovable personality, that will remind her of her childhood. The last time I mentioned Christmas she voiced a desire for a merry-go-round. Her father and I exchanged eyebrow raises and buried our heads in our soup. Hopefully I can veer her in another direction. I can’t have Santa ignoring her first letter. Their relationship is too important. I will encourage a friendly greeting and proper introduction. Don’t launch right into the asking part. Inquire about his health and be sure to say how grateful you are that he and the elves have been working hard all year. Establish a rapport. I want my daughter to be a believer. I want her to hope and dream and love beyond what she can touch or see. Santa is appealing not just because he brings the presents, but because he is magic. And kids need enchantment. I know some parents waffle about establishing a belief in Santa, but I always land on the side of the magical. My Christmas wish is that my girls fall in love with Santa and the Christmas season. BayouLife Readers, I wish all of you a little magic this holiday season.

y r e v i l e D p e c ia l

B AY O U H O L I D AY For an easy spiced tea recipe, mix 1/2 cup of unsweetened instant iced tea, 1 cup Tang orange drink mix, 1/2 cup sweetened lemonade powder (like Country Time), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Spread the Christmas cheer with thoughtful gifts handdelivered with love. ‘Tis the season for neighborly kindness, and what better way to show your holiday spirit than with small tokens dropped in mailboxes or a front porch. From spiced tea wrapped with merry toppers to a small fir in a beautiful vase. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark and Styled by Taylor Bennett and Tiffany Jones

B AY O U H O L I D AY Spread glad tidings this holiday season with edible entertaining. Gussy up your food spread, and wow guests with a beautiful, charcuterie wreath. Arrange cheeses, nuts, fruits, cured meats and more in a circle, add a satin ribbon and a few evergreen sprigs for a festive look. STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

HOLIDAY PUNCH Welcome guests into your home with a glass of our favorite Christmas punch. A hint of tartness from cranberry juice blends well with the fizz of ginger ale. Relish in the seasonal ingredients and spirited colors. Sip with good company while celebrating Christmas cheer.

S T Y L E D B Y TAY L O R B E N N E T T

Ingredients 6 cups Oceanspray cranberry juice or pomegranate cranberry juice 3 cups pineapple juice 1 Tbsp almond extract 3 liters ginger ale 1 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries (optional) 2 fresh limes, sliced (optional) Ice Pour cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and almond extract into a large drink dispenser and mix. Pour in ginger ale and give it one quick stir. Add in cranberries, ice and ginger ale. Serve within a few hours for best results as it will start to go flat. (100% cranberry juice is too tart for this recipe).

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Here I am, where I ought to be. - KAREN BLIXEN

A SNAPSHOT OF TIME Twisting off to our new adventure, we are thrilled to have embarked on a creative opportunity that brings our work full circle. We have loved sharing a snapshot of ideas and inspirations for you within the past five years...thank you for this lovely stop on our journey.

IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT the purest forms of life are seen as snapshots in time…whether through our own vision of a passing moment or a more permanent picture through the lens of a camera. Peter Beard was one of those artists whose photographs left an impact in recognizing the authentic beauty of the natural world. He especially loved Africa, and Kenya was a base where he photographed hundreds of thousands of images. Charismatic, connected and discerning, he was just as comfortable living outdoors in a thatched roof in the African hills as he was in his sprawling Hamptons estate. His body of work included capturing high fashion, exotic wildlife and everyday rural workers in their native habitat. Such diversity allowed his magnetic personality to develop lifelong friendships from all walks of life. As Peter had developed a bond with Karen Blixen over the years, he knew the places and sceneries intimately that were featured in the film about her life. “Out of Africa” idealized living in Africa during the early decades of the 1900’s and cemented the idea of glamorous safaris balanced with the harsh realities of life in the bush. He was much like Karen himself, living through the glory and tragedy of a life filled with purpose and conviction. Snapshots of a character in his own drama, Peter Beard’s photographs continue for those of us that remain in awe of his visual legacy. 66 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

THE STOCKING STORY

Holidays are full of traditions, from hanging heirloom ornaments on the Christmas tree to decorating gingerbread houses with the family. Nostalgia is part of what makes the holidays so much fun, but this year we are encouraging our readers to try something new. When packing away your stockings, ask everyone to tuck in a list of their goals and dreams for the upcoming year. Next year, as you are getting ready to unpack and hang your stockings on the mantel, take time to gather around and reflect on what was accomplished on your list. Laugh at the misses, be inspired by the accomplishments, and be encouraged for the next season. Styled by Taylor Bennett and photography by Kelly Moore Clark.

CHAI CIDER

INGREDIENTS Serves {roughly} 4 small sipping mugs 1 TBSP Chai blend 2 cups apple cider (unspiced) 1 cinnamon stick A splash of fresh squeezed orange juice A few slices of fresh orange Spring of fresh rosemary Whiskey if your Merry

Cold hands, warm heart. I absolutely love holding a warm mug in my chilled hands, especially when the weather calls for it. Light a fire - inside or outdoors. Gather your people. Sip and share. That is the spirit of Christmas.

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Add all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cut heat off and allow to steep covered for 5-10 minutes. Strain with mesh strainer. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for your senses, or to stir a splash of whiskey or bourbon.

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B AY O U H O L I D AY

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS FOR KIDS

My children love to make crafts all-year round, whether it's inventing their own board games or creating tiny villages with popsicle sticks – there is something about the art of creating that brings them so much joy. Usually after our December issue is at the printer, we take time together to decorate and ready our house for the holidays. I tasked Taylor Bennett with finding an easy, yuletide craft that our family could pull together this holiday season. Below are simple directions for a holiday tree toppper that Taylor and his mom, Tiffany, created for our family and yours. What you’ll need: pipe cleaner in varying colors scissors First, pick out the pipe cleaner colors that coordinate with your décor. You can use the entire pipe or cut smaller for varying-sized ornaments. Combine 6 to 8 pipe cleaners and tie them in the center. Next, fan out to make a 3-dimensional shape. Nest it in your tree, garland or wreath for a fun, family-created decoration. STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT AND TIFFANY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

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B AY O U H O L I D AY From Top: Cathedral - Haven, Marie Antoinette - Material Things, White and Lavender Geometric Ball - Walsworth & Company, Pink velvet and gold ball - Parterre, Girl with a Pearl Earring - Palette House & Plume, Peace sign - Three Threads, Santa ornament Bella Magnolia, Louisiana map - Vee's Flowers, Elton John - Revival Design & Consign, Small geometric shapes Woodstock Home and Gift, Red bird ornament - Dusty & Company

DECORATING THE TREE Add a new ornament to your family’s collection this holiday season. Whether you prefer traditional ornaments or something more unique, these area retailers have everything you need to trim your tree. Photo by Kelly Moore Clark

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Haven’s Holiday Gift Guide Haven Has Selected Some of Their Favorite Gifts to Make Your Shopping Easy

AVEN PREPARED EARLY AND HAS AMAZING gifts for gift-giving this year! They have such a wide selection, you are sure to find the perfect present for everyone on your list. 1. RELIGIOUS JEWELRY: A bronze pendant with a favorite bible verse makes a thoughtful gift. Available in several lengths, Madison Sterling necklaces are a beautiful reminder year-round of God’s importance in our life. 2. ROBE: Give the gift of luxury with a Little Giraffe robe. Reversible from satin to Luxe chenille, it is a gorgeous robe that anyone will love. Several other robes available at Haven in fluffy bamboo or satin. 3. MEN’S GIFTS: Leather dopp kits and wallets are a great gift for your guy this holiday season. Many new additions to the men’s section including books, cooking and camping gear, woven belts, canvas travel bags and new loungewear by Barefoot Dreams. 4. PAJAMAS: PJ Harlow loungewear has long been a staple at Haven. Whether you prefer neutrals, or the new soft blue, these heavenly pajamas are comfortable and beautiful. Need a new robe? Pj Harlow’s robes are stylish and roomy in the sleeve. 5. GLASSES: New hand-crafted artisan glasses paired with a book would be appreciated by any whiskey lover. So many new books for guys, these can provide a connoisseur new ideas of things to try, as well as ways to display your collection. 6. TODDLER GIFTS: Jellycat stuffed animals for the little ones is a must! Add a new book, puzzle, or matching game to make a fun present to open! 7. CANDLES: NEST candles are a wonderful gift and, as always Haven has a large selection of candles and diffusers. Come choose a holiday scent or one of the everyday favorites. 8. BARWARE: Elevate your bar this holiday season! New Hammered Brass decanters, and bar tools have just arrived. New Artisan Whiskey glasses and the wine and champagne glasses have been restocked. Sallie Bynum Oyster glasses are always a hit. 9. PURSES: Perfect for a night out! This leather clutch from GIGI New York will complete any outfit and is available in several colors. Other leather purses from GIGI are also in-stock at Haven. 10. HAZEN: Make a statement! Hazen necklaces and earrings are a striking combination of semi-precious stones. Choose an iconic Margaret bracelet paired with a colored bamboo bangle for an impeccable combination. 11. BAREFOOT DREAMS: Their throws are the most sought-after gift! So many options this year in different textures and colors, as well as 76 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

safari prints. Cozy, warm and machine washable, these throws are also a practical gift. 12. ART: Give a pop of color this season! Baton Rouge artist Jennifer Poe has created these small wonders for Haven. Your choice of works on canvas or paper that can be placed in an acrylic frame. Perfect for a bookcase! 13. CHARCUTERIE: Check out the Charcuterie section at Haven! Select a wood or marble board; add small bowls, serving pieces and spreaders for the perfect combination. Haven has gourmet foods, such as marinated okra, pickles, jams, cheese straws, pecans, etc. that would make a wonderful addition to your charcuterie board. Gourmet gift baskets are also available. 14. PLANNERS: Time to plan! 2022 is almost here. Haven has planners and calendars to get you organized. Grab one before they are gone! 15. DESIGN: Design books are an interesting way to decorate your home and provide design ideas for the gift recipient. Stack several together with a design accessory and you have a perfect addition to someone’s coffee table. Decorative trays and design accessories are a welcomed add to any home. 16. BATH PRODUCTS: Lovely hand lotions, bubble baths and soaps made in a small batch perfumery. Beautiful packaging, and they offer scents that appeal to everyone! Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are great days to support local businesses. Haven is providing a complimentary gift for the first 10 purchases both Friday and Saturday and several discounts in the shop these days. Continue shopping local after hours on Haven’s Website ShopHavenMonroe.com. You can ship gifts to friends and family with such ease! Haven’s new holiday hours provide more shopping time! Monday through Friday 10:00- 5:30, Saturday 10:00-4:00 and now open Sundays in December from 1:00-4:00. Use their “Text to Shop” service if you need gift ideas or you are in a hurry. Text (318)-267-7577 and their helpful staff can send pictures in your desired price range and get it wrapped and ready for you to pick up! It’s “Wish List” time! Visit the store to make a wish list or text it to Haven at (318)-267-7577! Then the Haven Staff can help your family and loved ones know which items are your favorites. Shop with Haven this holiday season and you will be glad you did! As Monroe’s premier shopping destination, the gift you give from Haven will be the best one under the tree, so stop by today!

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B AYO U I CO N S

For Love and Life ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POT TS PHOTOGR APHY BY K ELLY MOORE CL ARK

oth Jim and Anne Lockhart meet people easily and with a perceptible warmth. Although neither was born here, these two have been an integral part of this community for almost all of their lives. Each has influenced countless people – young and old -- through many varied interactions with the public. For Jim, a career in the hospitality industry was the perfect fit for both his organizational and management skills. Managing a private club for 35 years required both. Jim’s unflappable personality (plus a remarkable dry wit) served him well as he spent decades working with the staff to create a team responsive to the wishes and needs of their dining public. For Anne, her two careers – both focused on developing long-term personal and financial relationships with all sorts of people – were an equally perfect fit. Whether she was representing her bank or her university, Anne always met any challenge with grace, charm, and a delicious sense of humor. Because they have each contributed so much to the quality of life in our area, Jim and Anne Lockhart are our BayouIcons for December.

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im’s parents, Bill Lockhart and Ruth Simmons, met at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1945. Both had grown up in different cities --- Ruth, in Bay Springs, Mississippi; and Bill in Paris, Tennessee. Before WWII, Jim’s dad and his dad’s sister were semi-professional dancers. At that time there were lots of dance studios. Jim’s dad claimed his skills to be firing a cannon and dancing, so he became a dance instructor. On weekends, the dance studios often sponsored dances as a way of attracting new students. “Mom, already an accomplished ‘toe tapper’ went to the dances and eventually became an instructor. Dad said it was love at first sight and told her, ‘I’m going to marry you.’ Mom’s answer was, ‘Who is this NUT?’,” Jim remembers with a laugh. “The ‘nut’ grew on her!” The two subsequently fell in love and married. Over time, they welcomed four children – Billy Lockhart, Jr., then Jim, and then two younger daughters, Elizabeth and Carolyn. Ruth was a stay-at-home mom until Jim was in middle school. At that time, she began working at the Mississippi Department of Welfare. When the family moved to Monroe in 1962, she worked at the Louisiana Department of Welfare until her retirement in 1987. Bill worked for the Morgan & Lindsey Five & Dime Company (later acquired by G. C. Murphy) for 34 years. Jim’s dad’s transfers through work meant that the family moved often. As a result, Jim spent parts of his childhood in Bay Springs, Clarksdale, and Jackson, Mississippi, and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before finally settling in Monroe. Jim’s father retired in 1986. Once in Monroe, Jim continued his education at Neville High School and Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana Monroe). Anne’s path to Monroe took a more westerly turn. Her mother, Alice Scoggin, was born in Dallas in 1924 and grew up in the Highland Park area just two blocks from Southern Methodist University. When Alice graduated from Highland Park High School, she wanted to go to the University of Texas – Austin. Her parents thought it would be better – and more financially feasible -- if she lived at home and attended nearby SMU. Such a plan held no appeal for Alice, however, so she and a close friend moved to San Francisco to “see the world” and hopefully find gainful employment. Fortunately for all concerned, the two were hired at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland and worked there until the attack on Pearl Harbor. With the world at war, and the United States now in the thick of it, the

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two adventurous women returned home. Anne’s father, Bill Alleman, was born in 1919 and grew up in the small farming community of Alleman, Iowa. He graduated from Alleman High School and Iowa State University. With a B.S. in Agriculture Engineering in his pocket, any career plans in farming were stalled when he enlisted in the Naval Air Corp as the war broke out. He served with distinction as a bomber pilot in the Pacific theater and afterward was based with the Naval Reserve in Dallas. There he flew for Braniff Airlines and became close friends with another Navy bomber pilot, John Scoggin. John introduced Bill to his sister, Alice, and love soon followed. They had two children – Anne, born in 1950 in Dallas, and Mark, born in 1953 in Fort Worth. Anne’s father worked for Container Corporation in Dallas and Fort Worth before becoming a sales manager for Olin Corporation. The family transferred in 1958 to Clarendon Hills, Illinois, where Bill helped start a new plant in Joliet. In 1960, the family moved to Monroe when Bill was transferred for the final time. Anne enrolled in Monroe City Schools at Lexington Elementary as a 4th grader, and then went through Lee Junior High and Neville High School. Like Jim’s mother, Anne’s was a stayat-home-mom for a number of years. When her children were older, Alice became Director of Christian Education for Covenant Presbyterian Church. In 1971 she became Executive Assistant for NLU President George T. Walker, a position she held until

FIRST THANKSGIVING Anne and Jim celebrating their first family Thanksgiving lunch at their home in 35 years, after his retirement from the Lotus Club.

his retirement. His successor, NLU President Dwight Vines, retained her in that position until her retirement a few years later. Lessons Learned Growing Up Jim is quick to name his parents and his grandparents as the ones who helped guide his youth. His paternal grandparents passed away when Jim was very young, but he has many happy memories of time spent with his maternal grandparents in Bay Springs. Summers there were wonderful, and holidays were especially fun. “We spent most of our holidays in Bay Springs,” Jim

PRIDE AND JOY Anne and Jim have two beautiful grandchildren who they say are “their greatest gifts from God.” Pictured at left is Lockhart, who was two in July, all ready for his first day of school. At right is Liam, who was born October 16, 2021, pictured in his “coming home” outift.

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remembers. “Christmas was my favorite holiday because we got to see our cousins, too.” There were two life lessons in particular that Jim learned from his parents. “They taught me to work hard, and to treat everyone with respect,” he says. “These lessons impacted both my personal and professional life.” Jim’s earliest jobs indicated that he learned those lessons well. He worked in the Morgan & Lindsey stockroom for 50 cents a week, mowed lawns, threw newspapers, and worked for A & P Grocery as a bag boy and stock clerk. At A & P Jim also learned butchering, a skill that would come in handy later. When he was a senior in high school, he went to work for Cascio Enterprises at the Chateau Restaurant. “I worked as bartender and general flunky there, doing whatever they couldn’t get A FAMILY AFFAIR anyone else to do,” Jim says. “They allowed Anne, Jim and their daughter Lauren at Jim’s retirement party at the Lotus Club in me to work around my school schedule.” December 2019. Like Jim, Anne credits her parents with being her first mentors. The two attended every school event and every church play while their children were growing up. Anne remembers them teaching Sunday School together from the time she and her brother were quite young all the way through until their high school graduations. “And versus working against each other with Mom’s spirit of spontaneity and Dad’s measured, methodical guidance, they were the perfect blend of supportive and loving mentors,” Anne says. Christmas was Anne’s favorite childhood holiday, whether spending it with her mother’s smaller family or her father’s much larger one. Trips to Iowa to visit her paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were glorious affairs. These were always special times. “As we drove along the acres and acres of corn fields on the way, we would come to these two giant white silos that had ‘ALLEMAN’ painted in black across them,” Anne remembers. “I thought I was so famous!” The life lessons taught by her parents? To be kind to and respectful of everyone – especially the elderly, from whom much may be learned. They encouraged her to always do her best, even if she didn’t know just exactly what she was doing. Most important, they taught her to “. . . smile and laugh as often as possible. It lightens your load and is highly contagious!” Career Paths Can Be Winding Roads Jim majored in commercial art and photography at ULM and planned to build a career in advertising. Earlier, he had considered becoming a tree farmer, but that plan disappeared. By the time he entered college, Jim was already working in the hospitality business – a business in which he would end up spending 53 successful years. His earliest hospitality experience was delivering hamburgers to the NLU dormitories from Flynn’s Dime Spot (which later became the original Johnny’s Pizza on DeSiard). “Particularly memorable were the deliveries to the girls’ dorms,” Jim admits. “They would come down in their robes to pick up their burgers!” Jim’s career in hospitality was mentored by a number of men well-versed in the business. Jim calls Tony Cascio his greatest career mentor, and says that he helped him to truly understand the

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nuts and bolts of the hospitality industry. The three family members – Tony Cascio, brother Joe David Cascio, and brother-inlaw Jack Fontana, Sr. – were instrumental in Jim’s later success managing the Lotus Club. When Jim graduated from ULM, the oil embargo of the 1970’s had gutted the advertising industry. Approximately half of those working in advertising found themselves unemployed. Even so, Jim applied for positions and was offered a position in an ad agency in New York City. The salary offered would have paid only half of his cost of living there, so Jim decided to remain in hospitality at least until the advertising industry climate improved. Looking back, it was exactly the right decision.

In 1973, the Cascio’s offered him a career path that he couldn’t refuse. “They taught me the restaurant business for the next 13 years.” In 1985, Jim was hired as manager of the Lotus Club, a position he held until January 2020 when he retired. Anne’s career dreams came when she enrolled at Louisiana State University. During high school, she admits that she really had no idea what she wanted to be. She had worked in the Assistant Principal’s office at Neville during her junior and senior years where she did basic office work and assigned duties. “Mr. Turner became a wonderful friend,” Anne says, “who taught me organizational skills and how to appropriately deal with people of all ages.”

hen she began at LSU, however, her dreams crystalized and she had what she calls her “Jane Goodall” epiphany --- she wanted to go to Africa and shoot for National Geographic Magazine. She majored in zoology at LSU and planned to minor in photography, but life intervened. All was on track until June 1970 when Anne’s 50-year-old father died from an unexpected massive heart attack. Feeling the need to be home, Anne returned home from LSU at Christmas that year and did not return. She did what she could to help her mother and brother (he was a senior at Neville), and saw firsthand how her mother coped with the abrupt changes in their lives. Anne’s mother had been out of the work force for 25 years, but she quickly learned what she needed to in order to continue alone. “She handled it all like a champ,” Anne remembers. “I made a mental note to learn all I could to be selfsufficient, no matter where my life led me.” Anne enrolled at NLU and majored in Business Management. The 90 credit hours she had earned at LSU didn’t transfer as major credits, so when she graduated in 1986 with her BBA in Management, she had accumulated 175 credit hours. She built a successful, rewarding career in banking and one that she loved. There were moments, however, like the time she was working as a drive-in teller. She was waiting on a customer in the farthest lane, and a customer sent a check in to be cashed. Anne sent the cash back with her thanks. Unknown to Anne, the woman was being robbed by a man who had jumped into her car in a nearby parking lot. Happily, after they left the bank, he took the cash and ran. Only when the police arrived to question Anne did she realize what had happened.

(formerly known as American Bank and First American Bank) in May 1971, a chance meeting in a movie theatre reacquainted the two. “We ran into each other at intermission of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’,” Anne recalls. “Having just watched Lazarus walk out of his death tomb while hearing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, I was a basket case, but evidently Jim didn’t mind my weepiness.” Not long after that, Jim asked Anne out several times but she had other plans each time. Happily, he tried once more, this time sending her a note through the bank’s drive-through pneumatic tube that he knew she would open. It worked, and their first date was to the movies. At that point, she decided that Jim was “a keeper!” The two married on February 1, 1975, at the First Presbyterian Church. A Hawaiian-themed wedding reception followed at Bayou DeSiard Country Club – especially fitting because two days after the wedding, the couple flew to Hawaii for their honeymoon. They both place their honeymoon at the top of their favorite-tripsof-all-time lists. Although nearly perfect in every way, there was one hitch. On the day between their wedding and their flight to Hawaii, Anne decided to have her hair cut very short so that it would be easy to care for “. . . in the island breezes”. Jim told her that it looked “chic” and off to Hawaii they flew. “After we arrived in Hawaii, I washed my new ‘do’ for the first time,” Anne says with a laugh. “It took 2 hours to try and recreate the hairdresser’s magic! It wasn’t very funny then, but we could laugh about it after I had practiced for a few days.” The two would go on to have two wonderful children – a son, Brent, and a daughter, Lauren. Anne worked full-time at the bank, and attended classes at night. She took one semester off for the birth of each child.

Love and A Drive-Through Pneumatic Tube Although Jim and Anne had been friends at Lee and Neville, they hadn’t dated. Jim stayed in Monroe for college; Anne ventured off to LSU. When Anne left LSU and began working at Regions Bank

Changes Come No life is without its tragedies, and the Lockharts are no exception. Just as Anne was winding down her banking career in September 1995, their 14-year-old son Brent died as the result of an

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B AYO U I CO N S CO N T I N U E D churches (First Presbyterian and now Covenant Presbyterian), the United Way of NELA, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Junior League of Monroe, the Louisiana Restaurant Association, and boys baseball and girls softball – all have been supported in one way or another by Jim and Anne. Jim sees giving back to the community simply “one of the dues of life.” His career did not give him much time for volunteering in the leadership of community organizations, but it did allow him to support those groups’ catering needs. In recognition of his excellent tenure at the Lotus Club, the original poker/card room at the Club was named the Lockhart Room. Anne, too, has been recognized for her community work. She was named one of the sixteen most influential women of the Delta (2012), received the ULM Alumni Association Service Award (2010), earned the Monroe Chamber’s Rambin-Silverstein Award (2016), the ULM Women’s Symposium Legacy award (2017), and the ULM Alumni Association Golden Arrow Award (2017). Both Lockharts believe that they have received much more than they have given to their community.

FRONT OF THE HOUSE In 1973, the Cascio’s offered Jim a career path that he couldn’t refuse. “They taught me the restaurant business for the next 13 years.” In 1985, Jim was hired as manager of the Lotus Club, a position he held until January 2020 when he retired.

accident while tubing and skiing on Bayou DeSiard with his church youth group. Brent hit his head on the exposed pilings of an old dock, a fatal blow. There was a blessing, however, that came from a friend who was able to keep Brent breathing. This made it possible for Jim and Anne to donate all of his organs to others they didn’t even know who needed them. Nearly a year later, Anne moved completely out of her comfort zone by taking a position doing professional fundraising for her alma mater. Among her first duties was to write a business plan to completely revamp the Greater NLU Annual Fund. “I pulled out every one of my business management textbooks and reports I could find, and did a lot of sweating!” Anne recalls. “The good news was that the plan worked well for a number of years.” She grew to love her work in Development, and cherishes the friends and colleagues she made during this, her second career. Both Jim and Anne find blessings every day, and many of those come from their daughter Lauren, and her husband, Andy. They live in New Orleans where Lauren is a commercial real estate agent and Andy is in business development. The couple has presented Jim and Anne with two grandsons, Lockhart and Liam. Jim and Anne’s fondest wish is to have good health for as long as possible so that they can play with their grandchildren and watch them grow up. Give Your Time, Talents, and Treasure to Your Community The Lockharts know firsthand the importance of community involvement. They have both volunteered as much as their careers would allow, and only regret that they couldn’t do more. Their 84 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

The Future Holds Promise Although both admit that retiring was a significant change in their lives, they also quickly admit that they love this new chapter! There are a few wishes, however. Anne would love to have pizza with Sir Paul McCartney and have him sing “Yesterday” and “Hey, Jude” just for her. She confesses to having loved him since he and his band appeared on Ed Sullivan in 1964. Jim would enjoy sharing a steak with his son, Brent, for Brent’s accident happened just before he had completed two years in braces. He had told his parents during that 2-year ordeal that the first thing he wanted to do when the braces came off was to have a steak dinner. Unfortunately, his accident happened one week before the braces were to be removed. “I would like to hear about his life with God and Jesus,” Jim says, “and I would tell him how much his mom and I look forward to being with him again when God calls us.” When asked what a stranger meeting them for the first time would think of each of them, their answers were thoughtful. Jim hopes that the first impression would be that “... I was quiet and thoughtful, but could be dry-witted when prompted.” Anne hopes that the stranger would feel that he/she had just met..“ a kind, confident person who had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face.” Happiness is a core strength for both Jim and Anne and is a key to their many successes both personally and professionally. They are essentially happy souls who freely share their happiness with others. Their life together is reminiscent of an ancient truth that Buddha wrote: “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

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Did you know that you can designate your state tax dollars to stay in Northeast Louisiana?

Your Tax Dollars

For OUR Children - What You Need to Know about School Readiness Tax Credit

HAT ARE SCHOOL READINESS TAX CREDITS? You have the power to decide where your tax dollars go. With no minimum and a $5,000 maximum, businesses who contribute will receive a dollar-for-dollar refundable credit on Louisiana State taxes. In 2007, the Louisiana Legislature passed a unique package of tax credits known as the School Readiness Tax Credits (SRTC). These credits are a refundable state tax credit for donations made to Louisiana Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies, such as Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. You can turn your tax liability into an investment in programs and people who support early care and education for children. Direct the State of Louisiana to spend your tax dollars in Northeast Louisiana on early childhood care and education. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? All businesses are eligible. A business is defined as any for-profit or not-for-profit entity and includes sole proprietors (so long as the individual is not acting in his/her personal capacity), partnerships, limited liability corporations and corporations. WHY DOES IT MATTER? The Children’s Coalition CCR&R works to bring quality care and education to every child in Northeast Louisiana. Overwhelming evidence shows that children who enter kindergarten behind are likely to remain behind throughout their educational careers and beyond. These gaps in achievement are difficult and expensive to close with K-12 education alone, and they can last a lifetime, particularly for children from low-income families. Preparing a child for kindergarten requires a focus on five areas of development that begin at birth and are influenced by quality early experiences: physical well-being and motor development; social and emotional development, cognitive skills, language and developing literacy, and the ability to concentrate and follow directions. Investments in early childhood development lay the foundation for school readiness by building these cognitive and character skills that children need to do well in school and in life. HOW ARE THESE FUNDS USED? The Children’s Coalition reinvests these funds in three major ways to impact the quality of early childhood care and improves the experience for young children and their families: Direct grants to child care centers, Training and programs that support teacher quality in child care, Community awareness of what constitutes quality early care and education. During the 2020–2021-year 131 early care and education centers received grants that supported center improvements that enhanced the physical learning environments both in the classroom and outdoors. Due

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to the COVID-19 pandemic gaps in access to technology came to light and we responded by providing technology grants to ensure that early childhood teachers and leaders had access to the technology needed to participate in virtual professional development trainings and webinars, practice-based coaching, director support, curriculum planning, child assessment and more. These grants were key supports to ensure that children, teachers and leaders had the resources and support they needed to provide quality early care and education to our communities’ youngest learners. Over 4,153 teachers and leaders received enhanced support including additional trainings, CLASS coaching, stipends for travel, nutritionist support along with the Greauxing Gardens program and more to increase the quality of teacher and child interactions. Investment in community events and spaces provide a place for parents to interact with their child and learn about quality early child care. Locations supported include Baby Bayou at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Early Childhood Literacy Hub at the Franklin Parish Library, and the Born Learning Trail at Davis Park in Winnsboro and most recently several Early Childhood Story Walks throughout Union parish, created in partnership with the Union Parish Library. Children’s Coalition on the Go and resource fairs educate parents and caregivers while giving the opportunity to children to learn and play. HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? All donations must be postmarked by December 31, 2020 to be eligible for the 2020 tax year. Each LA Tax ID number can donate up to $5,000, with no minimum amount, to the Children’s Coalition. Please note that if your business’ state return flows through your personal state return, $5,000 is the maximum allowed per personal state return. After your donation is received you will be emailed a receipt AND mailed a verification letter documenting your contribution from us and the Louisiana Department of Education. For filing your taxes, you will need to provide a copy of your canceled check (preferred by the state) or credit card receipt to your CPA along with the letter that we provide you. Your CPA will file a Schedule F, 68F credit code on your Louisiana state tax return, and your tax liability is reduced. Make Payable to: Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Memo Line: SRTC Mail to: 117 Hall Street, Monroe, LA 71201, ATTN: SRTC For additional information or questions, please contact Dawn Landry at dlandry@childrenscoalition.org or 318.323.8775

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St. Frederick High School Night of the Diamond On Friday, November 5, 2001, St. Frederick HS hosted a fundraiser at the school for the Lady Warrior softball and Warrior baseball teams. The night was filled with live music, delicious appetizers catered by Thurmans and a great auction items donated by local businesses. The gym was decorated to a tee with all things St. Fred’s and featured a ton of Warrior pride. Guests enjoyed speeches from both team’s coaches along with the Athletic Director. They each thanked the crowd and spoke on the importance of athletics and education at SFHS. All proceeds raised will benefit both teams and their facilities. To be a part of the St. Frederick High School Community, where education, character and future are important to those who are building leaders, contact them at 318.323.9636 or at stfrederickhigh.org

On the BayouScene

1 Ashley and Andy Robinson 2 Courtney and Mark Holifield and Jessica and Damian O’Quinn 3 Brad Hart, Travis Day and Kenny O’Neil 4 Eddie Kincaid, Dr. Martin DeGravelle and Palmer Jarrell 5 Hallie and Dr. David Yarbrough and Mark and Courtney Holifield 6 Delaine Wylie and Ronnie LaSuzzo 7 Jim Rushworth, Andy Robinson and Ronnie LaSuzzo 8 Ryan Hudson and Laura Maclin 9 Kyle & Erica Miller 10 Sabrina Crosby and Fran Turpin 11 Lauren Davis, Laura Maclin and Emily McGee 12 Steven Ingram, Kenny O’Neil, Travis Day and Jason Kosik 13 Vickie and Anothy Jacola, Steven Ingram, Adriane Hebert, Kelly Hill, Dana DeGravelle and Meg Wood

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Marsala Beverage Local Company Supports Local Community

INCE 1952, MARSALA BEVERAGE HAS GROWN TO BE THE largest malt beverage, wine and non-alcoholic beverage distributor in the area. With two warehouses in Monroe and Ferriday, Louisiana, Marsala services all 15 parishes in Northeast Louisiana, making sure over 700 retailers get the service they deserve. With over 100 full-time employees working to build relationships with retailers and consumers, the company is consistently exceeding customer expectations. The team dynamic is vital to the company’s ongoing success, and Marsala Beverage reinvests that commitment back into the communities it serves. Marsala Beverage is a business bettering other businesses. Customers are made through business partnerships with convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars. The company is thankful for the opportunity to serve them every day. A dedicated mindset and motivation to succeed is inherent in the various partnerships. They rely on each other. Marsala helps other local businesses grow. VP of Marketing Tyler Flemister insists, “We help build their business and they allow us to build the brands we sell.” The Marsala team is composed of four integral parts. The warehouse team receives products, rotates stock, handles inventory flow, and builds loads by account. The delivery team makes sure the correct orders make it to the correct accounts, stocks coolers, keeps products fresh, collects payment, and keeps displays rotated for retailers. The sales team make sure the right products make into the right markets. They must know the demographics of their area and convince retailers to stock their products. In a dynamic market, every account is different. Maintaining those relationships and expanding their markets requires a united front from the entire Marsala team.The management team oversees all aspects of the company, balancing all the moving parts, including sales reps, merchandisers, and delivery drivers. And they’re all reliant on each other. Sales reps rely on delivery drivers, who rely on warehouse workers, who rely on operations, etc. The big turning wheel must remain in sync, and a friendly atmosphere ensures communication remains constant, providing long term personal and financial growth for both employees and customers. Determined and dedicated workers are the base of Marsala’s success. Before a Marsala Beverage employee enters the market place, everyone goes through an intense company training and employee development program. This program allows them to keep a constant

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line of communication with retailers and business partners, remain aware of shifts in the market, and enhances the employee’s carrier. Marsala Beverage employees believe in enjoying the workday, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism. While it is hard work, with often long hours, the laughs and light-hearted atmosphere make it a pleasurable work environment. Experience is another passion point for Marsala Beverage, as 35% of its workforce have been employed with the company for over ten years. As the market continues to change, Marsala Beverage continues to diversify its portfolio to ensure the consumers get the best quality products in the beverage industry. Whether it is a craft brewery, import brand, wine/spirit or a nonalcoholic brand, Marsala thrives on bringing the best products from all over the world to Northeast Louisiana. Marsala Beverage would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to its retailers, customers, employees, and the residents of Northeast Louisiana. Without loyal retailers and firm partnerships, Marsala would not have been able to serve NELA for 60 plus years. Loyal customers to the brands and business allow Marsala to achieve its goals. Every product bought from Marsala is reinvested in the community. The public has faith in Marsala, that business will be done right, that products are good quality, that their money is being put to good use. That’s why philanthropy is so important to Marsala Beverage. The company is reliant on the people and businesses of this community, and the best way to cement longevity is to give back. So, every time someone purchases a product of Marsala Beverage, a portion of those proceeds are reinvested into Northeast Louisiana through non-profit organizations, universities and local sponsorships. Marsala Beverage is a locally-based company that employs about 100 full-time employees, which all live and support the community of Northeast Louisiana. Each employee bases his or her success on never losing sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

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Twin City Ballet’s Lip Sync Battle On Thursday, October 28th, Twin City Ballet hosted their 2021 Lip Sync Battle and it was EPIC. It was their most successful fundraiser and event to date! The winners were, 3rd place: The Spice Girls, Leeanna Nelson, Dawn Bailey, Bambi Watson, Lindsay Mathews and Brook Schmitt. 2nd place: Taylor Swift, Aimee Hayward. 1st place was Madonna, Debbie Herrington and Cindy Stone. They even voted for a crowd favorite and Elton John, Victoria Krutzer Fisher, took home the title. This was definitely a night to remember and we can’t wait for 2022 Lip Sync Battle!

On the BayouScene

1 Michelle Rugg, Gayle Shepherd, Wendy Newsom, Dawne Smith and Patty Fuller 2 Katie Smith and Macy Poe 3 J ennifer Andrews and Roz Janway 4 Demi and Patience Talley 5 Catherine Stuckey and Leslie Trahan 6 Ash and Donna Bermingham 7 Meredith Mayeaux Brauhman, Melissa Kiper, Allison Ford and Lissy Compton 8M ary Kathryn Edwards, Amber Bass, Ashley Kilpatrick and Erin Muranovic 9 Allison Earl, Jessica Dispenza and Jessica O’Quinn 10 Mary Boyer, Amanda Carter, Salley Allen, Margaret Moses and Lyndsey Ewing 11 Allison and Cesar Camacho 12 Josh Fuselier, Wes Bass, Josh Caroll and Adi Muranovic 13 Jenni Hastings, Maureen and Brad Crooks

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Bastop Holiday Open House On Sunday, November 7, 2021, Bastrop held their annual holiday Open House with some of the local businesses participating in this event. Downtown historic Bastrop was decorated with festive Christmas wreaths, signs, lights, trees and even Santa Claus was spotted. Shoppers were in the holiday spirit as they casually walked the square admiring every store. Holiday cheer was displayed throughout town. Some of the participating businesses included Arnett, Jewelry, Pearce Pharmacy, Steve’s Jewelry, Tuhmara’s and Whit’s Pharmacy and Gifts. For more information on Historic Bastrop and a list of local businesses, visit BastropMorehouse Chamber of Commerce at bastroplacoc.com or the local visitors center.

On the BayouScene

1 Natalie Farah and Cassidy Nunn 2 Riley Stevenson and Maddie Stevenson 3 Kris Ann Bryant 4 Holly Green, Hunter Rollins, Tamara and Kelly Green 5 Anjel Lies and Haley Hixson 6 Lila Densmore, Jessie Densmore and Emma Hammond 7 Callie Chavis, Rose Rials and Haley Chavis 8 Alyna Gregory, Lynee Plummer, Shannon Cook, Elizabeth Wright, Selena Preaus and Ann Jenkins 9 Allie Rainer, Verna Sue Ferell and Venessa Johnson 10 Georgia White, Tammi Moore and Connie Spencer 11 Linda Davis, Belinda Oden, Teresa Pearce, Katie Jones and Amanda Stephenson

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Pennington Financial, LLC Asset Protection Planning for Seniors Needing Long Term Care

ARAH AND JIM HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF themselves as average, hard working Americans. They were high school sweethearts, married and had three children. Jim had a long career in sales, and Sarah was a stay-at-home wife and mom who volunteered in her spare time. They expected to enjoy a quiet, but well-deserved, well-planned retirement. Things went well until five years ago when a specific incident changed everything. Sarah tripped in her garden and fractured her hip. She underwent surgery; it seemed she was on her way to recovery after receiving inpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy sessions during the Medicare allotted 100 days. Just when they both thought everything was on track, Sarah had another major setback. She suffered a massive stroke. Through everything Jim was at her side, but Sarah’s health continued to deteriorate. Eventually, it was necessary for Sarah to be admitted to a nursing home for residential care. The funds in Jim’s retirement plan didn’t include the cost of both their home and a nursing home residence of an additional $60,000.00 per year. Now, three years later, Jim is sick with worry that he will outlive his savings and is uncertain where to turn for help. For most retired Americans, the possibility that they may have to someday live in a nursing home is a very difficult thought. The reality that they may have to give up all of their hard-earned life savings and their home makes it even worse. Today, the cost of nursing home care is high; the average cost for nursing home care in Louisiana is approximately $5,000 per month, or $60,000 per year. At this rate, it is very easy to spend-down a family’s life savings in a short amount of time leaving little for the “at-home” spouse to live on. New government rules make it even tougher for nursing home residents in need of financial assistance to qualify for Medicaid benefits. The new rules changed the “look back” period from three to five years. This means, when one applies for Medicaid, he/she will need to disclose all gifts made during the five years prior to the date one applies for Medicaid. The penalty period was also changed. Under the new rules, the penalty period does not begin until the applicant spends-down all their assets and then applies for Medicaid. Because of these changes, it is even more important than ever to plan early. Three years might go by quickly, but five years, not so fast.

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To qualify for Medicaid, one must complete and submit a detailed, multiple page application and provide proof of all financial transactions. These transactions include, but are not limited to, banking, CDs, stocks, bonds, income, expenses, annuities, etc., for the previous sixty months or five years. Mistakes and/or inadequate completion of the application can result in approval delays costing the family thousands of dollars, or worse case non-approval of the application altogether. The laws around Medicaid qualification are extensive and confusing. However, there are numerous exceptions that can be applied to help protect one’s assets if used properly. Often, hospitals and nursing homes will offer to help with a Medicaid application for you at no cost. This may work well for an applicant with no assets. Unfortunately, it may be devastating for the applicant, spouse and family if there are assets that the family wishes to preserve and protect. Even with the best intentions, hospital and nursing home staff do not have the knowledge necessary to determine whether you can truly qualify for Medicaid benefits. This is the time when working with a knowledgeable professional can help clients/residents receive fair consideration of deserved benefits much sooner. This article was written and submitted by Chuck Barber of Pennington Financial, LLC. He has over 10 years’ experience as a highly qualified Financial Estate planner with a specialty in asset protection. Other services include Pre-Retirement planning, Post Retirement planning, Long-term Care insurance, Life insurance and Annuities, Registered Investment Advisor services, and Notary Public. Visit our website for additional information: www. Penningtonfinancial.net Pennington Financial, LLC is located at 1900 N. 18th St. #211 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-4690.

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Max Porter Provisions Northeast Louisiana’s Newest Men’s Mercantile

ECENTLY OPENED AT 206 TRENTON STREET ON historic Antique is Max Porter Provisions, a men’s mercantile offering everything for apothecary to apparel, general store items to unique gift ideas. Parters Laurie Cochran and Cassie Livingston worked alongside Taylor Bennett to create a space in the old Mojoware store that would appeal to men looking to shop for themselves or women looking for unique gift items for the men in their lives. Décor gathered from estate sales and vintage family memorabilia set the stage for Max Porter. When asked about the name of the store, Livingston said, “The store is named for my father-in-law, Max Livingston, who we lost to leukemia in 2011. It’s a tribute to our family roots – acknowledging the hard-working, veteran who devoted his life to family and country. Among the brands that Max Porter Provisions carries is Paige jeans, a premium denim company that manufacturers all of their clothing in America, and DL1961. The Ampal Creative is another diverse line of socks, beanies and hats that are exclusively made in the USA. Shoppers can find a range of sauces and rubs from distributers like Hoff & Pepper, Salt Lick BBQ and BBQ Rubdown, along with drink mixes from award-winning El Guapo Bitters. “The store definitely had ‘every man’ in mind when we were purchasing products,” says Cochran. “Whether you describe your style as western, modern, rustic, old-school, metro... our store has something for you.” A favorite of the owners are the candles from Manready Mercantile. “Manready was really the inspiration behind the store. A friend put it on our radar, and the next time we visited Houston we really fell in love with the products. My husband loves the room sprays and candles – these were the first orders that we placed for Max Porter,” says Livingston. There are also candles and fragrances from Guy Fox, an under-the-radar company that offers affordable and unique colognes that are warm and full of zest. These fragrances have been so popular among customers that Livingston and Cochran have re-ordered three times in the month that the store has been open. Looking for a new razor? Supply offers an injector-style blade cartridge which allows you to reload the razor with ultra-sharp stubble-slicers, without ever touching a blade with your hands. Pair it along with Educated Beards delightful beard-grooming kit to keep your facial hair in place. Both of the companies, along with Duke Cannon are favorites of Livingston and Cochran’s husbands. While Max Porter Provisions is carrying apparel, their clothing 98 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

selection is well-curated and there are only a few brands that will be in the store, these include Paige, DL1961, Pendleton, Richer Poorer and Howler. “There are so many great apparel stores in North Louisiana, it was important to us to keep this section of our store limited. We have a waxed canvas jacket from Loyal Stricklin that we are in love with. There are also boxers from Richer Poorer, socks from Ampal Creative, and fun hats from Sendero Provisions. Our husbands definitely weighed in when we were ordering clothing, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the unique apparel that we have.” Leather goods is among one of the largest selections of gift items in the store. There are some beautiful, hand-crafted leather goods like wallets, belts, dog collars and leashes, bags, coaster, trays and more. “The Atticus duffle from Will Leather Company is my favorite item in the store,” says Cochran. “With plenty of pockets for organization and a dedicated shoe compartment, its roomy interior will hold all your essentials and more. It’s the right size for an overhead compartment and leather strap make going through the airport a breeze.” Even though the leather bags are a must-have, Max Porter also has a vintage camo print bag line from another local manufacturer that is perfect for fall travels. “Our front pocket wallets have been a great seller. The security that a front pocket wallet gives, along with the great streamline style, makes these a great purchase. We also have slim wallets, and some larger passport wallets. I’d say if that was something you were looking for, we definitely have you covered.” When you are making your Christmas lists this year, make sure to stop in and visit Max Porter Provisions. “We are so excited to have opened this store in our community. We genuinely found a need for a store like this, and feel that we will evolve to become a shopping destination for Northeast Louisiana.” says Livingston. “We are so happy that Bradley Castle is our store manager, he exudes everything we wanted in the store - he’s fun, has a unique style, is quirky and super witty. He has a wealth of product knowledge and experience. Our shoppers will really love meeting and working with him. He is our Max Porter.” Max Porter Provisions is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. The phone number is 318.737.7742 and you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Store hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

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If There is Something Broke… Who you gonna call? OSL!

OU HAVE FINALLY DECIDED that that knee pain has gotten to be too much, the bunions have narrowed your shoe options to slippers, your lower back pain is interfering with a good night’s sleep, hip pain is keeping you from dancing the night away at the company Christmas party or that trigger finger is slowing down your online holiday shopping. Even worse, you got caught up in the holiday spirit and decided that you would dust off your running shoes and run in the Turkey Trot 5k with your teenage daughter/track star and you woke up the next morning not being able to move. Who you gonna call? Well, we hope it is the team at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana! Recently we sat down with OSL’s Patient Intake Scheduling Director, Tanya, and asked her a few questions about scheduling appointments at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, insurance verification and why we must ask so many questions to get you scheduled for an appointment. OSL: Tanya, how long have you worked at Orthopedic Specialists and how many scheduling coordinators do you have on your team? What are the responsibilities of the OSL Scheduling Team? I have been with OSL for ten years. I started out in medical reception and was there for two years. As the clinic grew and more doctors joined the practice, the clinic created a separate scheduling team to manage all appointments and to verify insurance for the clinics in Shreveport and Bossier City. We currently have eight scheduling coordinators. Every morning the scheduling team has a meeting to review which doctors are in clinic, clear any issues from the previous day and answer any voicemails and appointment

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requests made online. In addition to scheduling all appointments and verifying insurance, the team also sends patient notes, medication requests and messages to the physician teams, as well as manage all physician referrals. OSL: When a new patient calls to schedule an appointment, what information should they have on hand? Its important to have your insurance card and information. If you have a family member or loved one calling to schedule an appointment on your behalf, please make sure they have your insurance information, they know the patient’s date of birth, address, and phone number. Also, it is important to identify whether you are seeing the physician due to a liability or a worker’s comp case… whether you are holding another party responsible; often liabilities require approval prior to your appointment. OSL: What is the deal with insurance verification…is it really necessary? Yes. A lot of people call in and get frustrated when we must take the time to verify their insurance. With all the different replacement and supplemental insurances and with the increase in patients from out of state, we must verify to prevent patients from showing up and being unable to be seen or to prevent unexpected charges. I encourage patients during open enrollments to reach out to their regularly attended physicians to make sure that any new replacement plans are covered. OSL: Can you accommodate new patients that require same day appointments? Yes- during our regular business hours, we typically can. Fortunately, our scheduling

office collaborates very closely with our physicians and their teams. After working with these doctors for the last ten years, I know they really do want to be able to help their patients and get them seen. OSL: What is one of the best parts of your job? When you are at the end of the call and the patient thanks you for taking time to explain their options and are truly grateful for your help. A lot of the OSL doctors affectionately call our team the “gatekeepers.” The doctors are all comfortable contacting the scheduling team to make sure we are all on the same page and that we are making sure our patients are well taken care of from start to finish. Knowing the doctors trust the scheduling team to be the first to interact with their patients is a responsibility we all take very seriously. OSL: What are some of the challenges your team faces? Patients often call in and are in pain or have been putting off making an appointment. When they call, they have a lot of symptoms, and they often want to get some sort of diagnoses over the phone. Unfortunately, we cannot offer medical advice over the phone or have one of the doctors call you back to discuss your symptoms. The best thing we can do for you is to get you scheduled for a face-to-face evaluation with one of our doctors. Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana is home to ten fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons with clinic locations in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana. To schedule an evaluation with one of our surgeons, please call (866) 759.9679 or visit: orthopedicspecialistsla.com.

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Lone River Ranch Water Bringing the Spirit of West Texas to a Cooler Near You BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

ANCH WATER – A COCKTAIL COMPRISED OF TEQUILA, lime juice, and soda water – has long been a West Texas staple. Over the past few years, this Texan specialty has risen in popularity and started to appear in bars across the nation. Legend has it, Ranch Water was originally concocted by a wild haired rancher in Far West Texas. The spirit of the drink had him following miles of Texas stars until found asleep under a piñon tree. While what transpired on that journey remains a mystery, its spirit and its sense of adventure inspires to this day. Lone River Beverage Company is rooted in the tradition and taste from Far West Texas where founder, Katie Beal Brown, and her family have been ranching for generations. Its namesake Ranch Water hard seltzer was inspired by the West Texas Cocktail and its lore. Today Founder & CEO Katie Beale Brown states, “Our family settled in West Texas over 100 years ago. We’ve been ranching out here in Far West Texas for generations. Ranch Water is more than a drink to us, it’s part of our culture. We started Lone River to give people a taste of where we come from.” In a new ad campaign which debuted in August, Follow It West, follows American singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham through a typical working ranch day out west. Bingham authentically embodies Lone River’s wild haired rancher and is joined by real cowgirls and cowboys from West Texas. The spot, which is beautifully narrated via a cowboy poem and ode to the symbolic Lone River, is built around romanticizing the great adventure of going West through the universally famous archetype of the cowboy on the ranch. Follow It West evokes a place where simplicity is sacred, hard work is nonnegotiable, and living off the land is a way of life. “West Texas is a vast, majestic place that’s close to my heart. I have roots here and so many great memories. I filmed my first music video in a Marfa bar,” comments Ryan Bingham. “When I think of ranch water, I’m instantly reminded of my time spent in West Texas and the way of life out there. I think of days working cattle, nights writing songs and a cold beverage at the end of a long day. Lone River is a success because it’s as authentic as it gets. We are on a ranch, we are working cattle and we are building fences - this campaign is the real deal.” Follow It West was filmed almost entirely on Lone River 102 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Founder and CEO Katie Beal Brown’s working ranch, Calamity Creek, operated by her family for generations and can be seen during the highly rated television show Yellowstone. “We started Lone River with a simple story. A story 100 years in the making. This was always a long play for us, to build a legacy that celebrates the culture connected to Ranch Water. A culture emblematic of the American West,” comments Katie Beal Brown. “We knew the only way to share this story with a national audience was to give people a taste of the real deal – out on our family’s ranch in Far West Texas with the cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers from the area. Ryan Bingham felt like such a natural partner to help us tell our humble story on a grander scale. His music has been the soundtrack that has inspired so much of our journey, and we immediately connected through our shared roots in Far West Texas.” Lone River Ranch Water is available locally in original 6 pack cans and variety 12 pack cans. Each 12 ounce can has just 80 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 4% ABV (alcohol by volume). Original is made from carbonated water, alcohol from sugar, key lime juice, organic agave nectar, natural flavor, and salt. In addition to Original, variety packs also contain Spicy, Rio Red Grapefruit, and Prickly Pear. All have the same base ingredients. Spicy adds natural jalapeno flavor, while Rio Red Grapefruit uses red grapefruit juice and Prickly Pear features the juice of the state cactus of Texas, the prickly pear. Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook. com/thechoicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/ choicebrands.

Holiday Open House

On Thursday, November 11th, several local businesses kicked off the shopping season with a holiday open house. Shoppers were able to enjoy shopping local and buying early for Christmas. Third Street in the Garden District was a buzz with shoppers visiting Woodstock, and checking out their wide selection of holiday decor, gardening items, clothing and more. Just across the street at Palette House + Plume, ladies were loving seeing the unique home and clothing options from Margaret Moses and Jansen Harvey. Just around the corner, the fun continued along Forsythe Avenue at Haven. And down the road at 1821 Avenue of America, shoppers enjoyed visiting and holiday shopping at Parterre Home. Complete with refreshments and a multi-artist exhibit that featured many local artists, showing off their amazing work. It was a lovely night filled with great shopping, food and beautiful friends.

On the BayouScene

1 Lauren Pleasant and Christy Bolton 2 Julie Boggs and Jordan Haddad 3 Frank McWhorter and Joey Haddad 4 Amanda Fritzer, Holly Ratcliff and Cheryl Grigson 5 Diane Paschall, Sadie Walker and Paul Walker 6 Annie Richardson, Pat Stewart, Rhenda Saporito and Holly Ratcliff 7 Katie Martin, Katherine Crumley, Taylor George, Sandy McMillan and Analise Kelly 8 Heather Rogers, Maddie Maxwell, Jansen Harvey, Margaret Moses and Whitlie Delukie 9 Courtney Riley, Traveling Chic Boutique

Omerta Cigar Event

2 4

n Thursday, November 11th, Omertà Cigar held a one of a kind O cigar experience with territory rep Joel Reser. Friends both old and new joined in on the superior lounge experience. Displays of cigar starter kits, top brand cigars and the finest humidors were on tap for the night. Owners and reps were on hand to give advice on all things cigars. The event featured great deals, cool raffles, and even a chili cookoff. A good time was shared by all who attended.

On the BayouScene

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1 Tori Douglas, Chandler and Joe Kidd 2 Nick & Rebekah Lawrence 3 Jarrett Jackson, Joel Reser and Adam McConnell 4 Brandon Sikes and Nolan Humble

and every thing nice!

Shopping the over 40 locally-owned antique shops, boutiques, and specialty stores on Trenton Street in West Monroe, Louisiana, just got a whole lot sweeter. Only in their eighth week of business, Cake has been luring passersbys with the promise of their appellation. Though the bulk of the business gravitates around the airy, frosted staple we’ve grown to expect during special occasions, a visit inside the redbrick storefront reveals an array of other goodies. This small-scale modern, southern bakery owned by Chef Becky Thompson and managed by Emily Kemp generates big flavor profiles in the form of pristinely decorated treats ready to give your day that pick-me-up only a confection can offer.

article by Vanelis Rivera | photography by Kelly Moore Clark

fter graduating from West Monroe High School in 2002, Thompson attended “Ole Miss,” the only one in her graduating class to attend the prestigious institution. There, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. “I knew in the end that I wanted to be in food service,” she says. For her, that meant dragging her college sweetheart, turned husband, all the way to the windy city of Chicago where she attended The French Pastry School. “It was such an amazing experience,” she beams. Her exposure to such a bustling city coupled with the guidance she was receiving from master pastry chefs solidified her craft and her drive. Upon completion of the program, she moved to Greenwood, Mississippi, to work for the Viking Cooking School, an extension of Viking Range Corporation, an American appliance company that manufactures kitchen appliances, including the cooking equipment used on the Food Network. For twelve years, she worked there as a chef instructor, “among other things.” The idea of setting out on her own, not having a regular paycheck, “leaving working for the man” and working for herself didn’t become real until four years ago. Having moved back home, she was able to begin making her “ultimate goal” a reality by freelance baking for local shops and taking on a small batch of clients for weddings and special occasions. While the pandemic cost them a few bookings, fortunately, they didn’t have as much overhead because they had not yet ventured into opening a brick and mortar. Having her sister as a business partner made that venture much more feasible. “I could not live without her. She is the left side of my brain. The right brain comes up with cookies, and creative designs for cookies and cakes and things, and the last half my brain doesn’t know what I need to do next,” laughs Thompson.

A big-city style with an athome feel reflects their demand for excellence through simplicity. At this bakery, each confection is a celebration, a centerpiece, and a statement. And, Thompson’s eye for design and flavor literally and figuratively takes the cake. 108 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Once pandemic restrictions loosened, brides started rebooking, and the business was on the rise once more. During that boom, the Trenton location fell in their lap, allowing them to better adjust to a growing clientele. “Oh my gosh, just the space. We’re not on top of each other.” exclaims Thompson, who took a quick and eager glance around the widespread baking space, an open kitchen that can be admired from the outside of the building. The increased efficiency the extra space affords allows the pair to better serve their custom orders as well as walk-ins. “And it helps with the flow of prep and production, but also separating work from home, which is unfortunately not a lot right now. Because I think my family is here more often than we are,” says Thompson who emphasized the importance of cherishing the time with her children. Even then, Thompson and Kemp have been able to curate a space where gathering takes place, whether it be extended family members like fathers and husbands, or clients: “We have the big table there that we use for wedding consults, which also was a great place for us to gather and eat... it’s not just a bakery, you know, it’s an extension of our home.” While the bakes being whipped out of Cake are high-end, the atmosphere portrayed is one that’s personal and amiable. “You’re not just a number,” stresses Thompson, adding “we try to make sure and project that to people who come in.” An assortment of details contributes to this effort. From the exterior of the building, a metal rack displaying colorful

cookie cutters can be admired through the glass door: stars, pumpkins, elephants, and even pineapples. For a while, Thompson considered blocking off the door, but it was hard to pull the plug after witnessing the number of kids that would press forehead to glass to take a better look. Another display adding color and frivolity can be found in the interior--a sixtier shelf bunched with clear boxes of sprinkles of different shapes, colors, and textures. One of the most delightful combinations is the tiny, avocado-shaped sprinkles! “I’ve gathered sprinkles for a long, long time. And I’ve got another shelf ordered that’s exactly like that one,” Thompson smiles. “I wanted it to be like a statement.” The space’s sleek minimalist design characterized by a white counter table and bakery display is contrasted by the professional-grade kitchen featuring stainless steel sheet pan racks, reach-in fridge, Southbend convection oven, and industrial packing tables. The baking space holds its own appeal, especially when customers can glance at Thompson diligently glazing chocolate ganache over brownies or dripping brightly colored frosting on her latest cake order. Ultimately, it’s where she can sift through creative ideas uninterrupted. Recently, she put together a cinnamon roll cake, a vanilla-base cake with stirred in ground cinnamon filled with cream cheese icing, which Thompson claims is even better the next day, in the morning, popped in the microwave just for a few. “Look, it is so delicious,” she says, WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2021 109

that eating cake is not as exciting to her as munching on a brownie or a cookie. But, coming up with a cake version of the popular breakfast treat was thrilling. “People have absolutely loved it.” “We have a policy. No butts, no boobs, no bodily functions,” says Thompson, referring to the strange requests she has gotten over the years. “Don’t come and ask me for a toilet paper roll cake,” she laughs. That’s not to say that she doesn’t have an adventurous tendency, but her excursions take the form of playing with nontraditional flavor profiles. Strawberry lemonade is one of those summer specialties (strawberry cake, cream cheese icing, and lemon curd drizzle). “That’ll be really fun when it starts getting warm again.” For these cold months, spice cake is her preferred concoction, along with Italian cream cake, and pumpkin cream cake. Thanks to her custom orders, she has added to her selection of cake options, one stand-out being a peanut butter cake originally created as a groom’s cake (vanilla sponge cake with strawberry filling, and peanut butter mousse icing). The unusual pairing was such a hit that the groom’s wife returned to order the same dessert for his birthday.

wo elements of Thompson’s cake creations that are most distinguished are her use of cream cheese icing and her decoration aesthetic. Why cream cheese instead of the go-to American buttercream? “Because it’s my favorite,” she proclaims, adding, “it sets us apart.” Her cream cheese icing is made from scratch, and though she swears by it, she will happily acquiesce to making a buttercream if a client so desires. Thompson creates a Swiss meringue buttercream, a combination of sugar, egg whites, butter, and vanilla paste (Madagascar bourbon vanilla paste; the highest quality vanilla paste from Nielsen-Massey). The result is a light, fluffy, and smooth buttercream. “The sky’s the limit, really,” she says, stressing that she loves a challenge, especially those requested for custom cake orders. She gravitates toward modern, minimalist designs that incorporate splashes of color either brushed on, dripped down, or glazed on a

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sponge. A scroll through her social media reveals delectable toppings, including her intricately adorned sugar cookies, fanciful sprinkle patterns, gilded macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries, mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, an array of fruits, and show-stopping flowers. Thompson takes pride in elevating cake design and is happy to go “over the top,” if the occasion calls for it. By far, Cake is not just cake. Their storefront holds incredible sweet snack options: sticky toffee pudding brownies covered in chocolate ganache, chocolate brownies with salted caramel glaze, macarons, and a flurry of cookies. One of her recent developments is a campfire cookie, a sweet and savory delight of chocolate chips, marshmallows, and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels. These giant cookies are just a little underbaked in the center and crispy around the edges. When it comes to commissioned orders, Thomspson’s decorated sugar cookies stand alone. Not only are they tasty, but

the decorations span the gamut: Harry Potter, horror movies, Star Wars, Friends, and Fortnite. From pop culture themes to corporate logos and cute animals, Thompson can traverse one end of the spectrum to the other. At Cake, Thompson and Kemp are marrying their childhood favorites-pralines, millionaires, fudge, and cookies-with the foundational techniques of traditional French baking. A big-city style with an at-home feel reflects their demand for excellence through simplicity. At this bakery, each confection is a celebration, a centerpiece, and a statement. And, Thompson’s eye for design and flavor literally and figuratively takes the cake. Cake is located at 115 Trenton St, West Monroe, LA, and is open Tuesday through Friday between 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Visit them on Instagram and check out their website (https://www.bmakingcake.com/) for some sweet-spiration. For commissions call 6-8 weeks out to (318) 855-3442.

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Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night American Mattress Outlet Offers Customers a “Whole Sleep Experience”

T’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME of the year, and it’s also one of the most stressful seasons for many. At American Mattress Outlet, we realize that while Christmas is filled with holiday cheer and genuine joy, it is also a time where many are stretched thin with lists to be completed, presents to be be wrapped and holiday festivities. Getting a good night’s sleep should not be one of the things put on the back burner this holiday season. American Mattress Outlet carries several lines of mattresses including: Signature by Southerland, Thermo Balance, Scandinavian Sleep, Englander, Symbol, American Sleep, Evolution Sleep and Wellsville. With a range of mattresses varying from Euro top to adjustable beds, there is something for everyone at American Mattress Outlet. Stepping into the store offers customers a “whole sleep experience.” Not only will owner Robby Compton and his team fit you

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for the perfect mattress, they will help you make the best choices to improve your sleep experience. Compton says, “We see people that have horrible sleep experiences and by guiding them to a better pillow, a mattress that fits their sleep positioning, we can improve someone’s life, and that is what makes me so passionate about this business. Our tag line is ‘We are American Mattress Outlet, where you don’t have to go into debt to get a great night’s sleep’ and I mean that. The difference is we can find the perfect mattress for your needs and budget without sacrificing quality for price.” Whether your in-laws are coming in for the holidays, or you need to spruce up the deer camp, this holiday season is the perfect time to update worn-out mattress sets. Here’s what one of their customers said about their experience with American Mattress Outlet: “The staff, and of course Robby himself, were so helpful. It also made the process very

laid back due to them being such fun and light-hearted people. They knew we were looking for something for our camp and steered us quickly in the right direction. The prices were on-point, and all of the guys were so easy to work with. We have recommended and will recommend them again to anyone that’s in the market for a new mattress.” ~ Elizabeth Rials Don’t be a scrooge this holiday season, get the sleep you deserve. Visit American Mattress Outlet at 2200 North 7th Street, Suite A in West Monroe. Call them at 318.366.5565 or visit their website at americanmattressoutletwm.com. You can also find them on Facebook

Dr. Sara Grandy, ABFM Board Certified Family Medicine

St. Francis Medical Group Welcomes Newest Family Physician

HANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR the warmhearted, yet cool weather welcome to Northeast Louisiana. I count it a privilege to be able to serve this community through the St. Francis Medical Group at St. Francis Primary Care Clinic Sterlington. I grew up in various communities in the province of Newfoundland, Canada. After the completion of high school, I moved to Nova Scotia, Canada, where I completed a Bachelor of Science with a double major in biology and kinesiology. I had always known I had wanted a career in medicine; however, it was during an anatomy and physiology course that my love and passion of medicine truly began. Attending medical school on a small Caribbean island brought about its own challenges, such as the once-a-week grocery ferry and running to the small grocery store during lunch to get some fresh produce. However, it was through medical school rotations that I was introduced to Louisiana,

where I spent about eight months in Houma. After spending time in Louisiana during medical school, I knew I wanted to return to complete my residency. Louisiana always had a feeling and sense of home since my very first encounter. I completed my residency as chief resident from the Lake Charles Family Medicine Program. Mission work has become a passion of mine. I am devoted to serving people, whether they live in other countries, as in my previous mission trips to Africa and Honduras, or right here in Louisiana, as I provided inpatient hospital care to those admitted during Hurricane Laura and facilitated their transfers. I strive to build physician-patient relationships from my youngest patient at three years of age to my oldest patient. In my biased opinion, family medicine is a special field of medicine. When given the opportunity, we get to know the family as a whole and can better tailor the management of your acute and chronic health conditions,

even including small in-office procedures. A couple of special interests I have are geriatrics and palliative care/hospice care. To be able to serve others and communicate with families during the most vulnerable times of their lives is a privilege I do not take for granted. Relocating to the Monroe area has been a smooth transition after spending my last three years in southwest Louisiana. Medicine is all about teamwork, with the patient being the most important part of that team. I’d be honored to be a part of your healthcare team. Dr. Sara Grandy practices at St. Francis Primary Care - Sterlington located at Bayou Place, 9644 Highway 165 North, in Sterlington; phone number is (318) 966-8800. Clinic hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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The Benefits of Shopping Local Holidays on the Alley

NJOY THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING this year knowing that not only are you providing gifts for your loved ones but you are investing in your community. Shopping local has multiple benefits and gives you the sense of accomplishment. When you understand that you are not only helping the community you live in, but a small business owner and the employees that work in these businesses. Here are a few more reasons to not only shop local for Christmas but always: More of your money will be kept in your local economy. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains. Locally owned business often purchase from other local businesses. They also donate more to local charities and youth organizations. Spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested right back in your community.

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You embrace what makes your community unique. Unlike franchises, each local shop, restaurant, or boutique has it’s own personality, look and products. You also create more choice. Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. You can take advantage of their expertise. Importantly, you help create local jobs. Local businesses are known to be better at creating higher paying jobs for your neighbors. Communities also become stronger with the economic and social relationships that form between neighbors and contribute to local causes. Local business owners know you, and you know them. You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses are interested in knowing how to serve you. They live locally and are invested in the well being of the community and it’s future. They’re passionate about what they do and work to provide a unique experience to the community.

Lastly, you contribute to making your community a destination. The more interesting and unique your community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone! Downtown West Monroe offers a wide variety of locally owned businesses that cater to a unique shopping experience. These include restaurants, antique shops, unique boutiques for both children, adults and specialty gifts, spices, furniture, a bed and breakfast and more! Come take a stroll on Antique Alley and check out what our certified merchants have to offer! Bon Temps Classical Pilates - Commerce Street Market - Cotton Port Antique Mall - Eleven 26 Boutique - Hamilton House Inn & Reception - Kayla’s Kitchen - Malcomb’s Woodcrafts & Treasures - Marty & Mark’s Jewelry & Watch Repair - Max Porter Provisions - Memory Lane Antiques - Potpourri de Tante Marie - Rusty Nails and Pearls Boutique - Shoppes on the Alley - Spa Bella - The Nude Nomad - The Perfect Find Designer Jewelry & Gifts - The Rustique Gator - The Spice & Tea Exchange of West Monroe - The Trenton House - Traditions - Trapp’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant - Trenton Street Antiques - Twisted Root Boutique - Vanguard Realty - Walsworth & Company

Merry Christmas From Mickel Plastic Surgery BY NATALIE TODD, LICENSED AESTHETICIAN

HRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE corner and one of the many ways you can show your significant other how much you care about them is with a gift certificate from Mickel Plastic Surgery! I have worked for Dr. Mickel for over twenty years, so I know that one of the benefits of being associated with a board certified Plastic Surgeon is the quality and consistency of the non-surgical services we offer. From laser treatments to skincare, all of our “spa” services are backed up by science and clinical experience. Here is a list of some of the non-surgical services we offer at Mickel Plastic Surgery – any of which would make the perfect gift for that special someone on your list. HydraFacial – This is basically microdermabrasion with water, so instead of sandblasting your face, it power washes it – aggressively exfoliating your skin and cleaning out your pores. One of our most popular procedures, it should be a regular part of your skin care routine. Morpheus 8–Morpheus uses microneedling

with radiofrequency energy to thicken and remodel the collagen layer. It goes deeper than the skin surface and is more aggressive at tightening than procedures that don’t penetrate the skin. Lumecca - If dark spots or little broken capillaries are your problem, then Lumecca pulsed light treatments might be right for you. They are quick, relatively painless and effective. Laser Hair Removal – We have been doing laser hair removal for over 20 years and use the Lumenis Lightsheer diode laser, one of the most effective hair removal devices ever made. It is great for the bikini area, the upper lip or the armpits, but it’s not just for women. Dr. Mickel wouldn’t mind me saying that after 5 treatments of his back and shoulders he went from looking like the missing link to a normal modern human. Fraxel – I have done hundreds of Fraxel laser treatments over the past 12 years. Fractionated laser treatments are a great way to improve skin texture, treat fine wrinkles and help with uneven pigmentation. Fraxel is a great compliment to Morpheus. It smoothes the surface while Morpheus tightens the skin. Microneedling with PRP – Microneedling thickens and rejuvenates the collagen in your skin. When it is done with platelet rich plasma, there are additional benefits that come from the growth factors in the platelets. It is a great addition to Fraxel or HydraFacial. CoolSculpting – The first and still the best treatment for non-surgical fat removal from

areas like love handles, muffin tops or the lower abdomen. We usually incorporate Evolve Tite external radiofrequency with our Coolsculpting treatments to help tighten the skin. Botox – Dr. Mickel has been injecting Botox for decades. Let him make you smooth and wrinkle-free for the holidays – then schedule regular follow-up injections so you can stay that way throughout the year. Spider Vein Injections – Done by Emily Roberson, RN, can help reduce the appearance of spider veins on your legs before swimsuit season. Fillers and Fat Injections – Dr. Mickel has refined the use of fillers over the years, using them conservatively for a natural look. In some patients he injects fat, a more permanent filler, using a minor surgical procedure that is done in the office. ZO Skincare – We are the experts on all ZO skincare products. ZO is the new and improved Obagi. We will individualize your skincare program to help you incorporate retin A into your regimen – probably the most important thing other than sunscreen you can do for your skin. As you can see, we have something for everyone. So, come by Mickel Plastic Surgery and pick up a gift certificate, or make an appointment to see me for a skin care consultation to discuss which of these treatments is right for you. And follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more information on new products, procedures and techniques.

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Prepare Your Home This Winter Achievers Home Improvements Does it All

HIS YEAR SEEMS TO BE A BIT colder than usual, and the Farmer’s Almanac agrees this will be one of the coldest winters we have had in years. Let us prepare for an earlier and harsher winter by protecting your home and property. Start winterizing your home now, with your water features, such as fountains, by draining all water out of the system. If possible, remove, clean, and store your pump inside. Protect your fountain with an outdoor-rated covering since the winter weather can cause cracks and other issues. Continue outdoor winter preparation by avoiding burst pipes. Your outdoor hose faucet is the most susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures and the easiest to protect. You can purchase an insulated faucet cover from your local hardware store or replace the existing faucet with a freeze-proof faucet. To prevent bringing the outside weather indoors, or allowing your heat to escape, inspect and update your windows and doors.

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The amount of energy spent heating a home can add up if you have a leak in a seal or damaged framing. We recommend updating windows and doors with professionally installed beautiful, energy-efficient options. To help with heating costs, install a programmable thermostat that allows you to schedule your temperature preferences. For instance, if you work outside of the home, you may consider reducing the temperature while you are away to not run your furnace unnecessarily, and only have it programmed to run at a comfortable temperature during certain time frames. This allows you to fluctuate the energy spent by your furnace and not have it continuously running around the clock all season. In the winter, we tend to use more flammable heat sources, such as natural gas, wood-burning stoves, candles, etc. Be sure to use fire safety procedures to keep you safe this season. Keep your matches and lighters out of reach of children, as well as have a safe space

to burn scented candles away from high traffic areas. Do not let them burn longer than the recommended time or leave them unattended. If you have a wood-burning stove or chimney, contact a local chimney sweep to check for damage or residue. Burning wood can leave a toxic residue in your chimney that needs to be cleaned professionally. If there is damage to the chimney or excessive build-up, chimney fires may occur. For your family’s safety, check the batteries in your fire alarms and test to make sure they are working correctly. If you do not have a carbon monoxide alarm, invest in one immediately. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and you can purchase detectors at local hardware stores. In the event of a major storm that causes a power outage, have a generator on hand to keep your essentials running. If it is gaspowered, follow the generator directions and leave the generator outside and at a safe distance from your home to prevent toxic fumes from entering the home. If you do not have a portable generator, get one before you find out about incoming winter storms. Whole-home generators are available and are a great option. These winter tips can prevent damage to your home and help keep your family safe and warm. If you have winter storm damage or want to winterize your home with new energyefficient windows and doors or a whole home generator, contact us at 318-325-0555 or visit our website at www.achieversinc.com.

Your Hometown Urologist Dr. Robert Marx Specializes in Vasectomies

S PEOPLE FIND THEMSELVES AT home for the holidays, this is the perfect opportunity to schedule your vasectomy. With minimal downtime, you can be back at home the same day and simply resting for two days. Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of met deductibles, and “Shelf Your Elf” this holiday season. A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a no-

cut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure. THE VASECTOMY PROCEDURE IS NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding AFTER THE VASECTOMY After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens

to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well. If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx. Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

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Get to Know Hartley Waldrop And How HARTFORSTYLE All Began

ARTFORSTYLE IS A SECONDhand online thrift business that focuses on the importance of repurposing clothing and preserving vintage fashion. 18-year-old West Monroe native Hartley Waldrop is the owner and curator of this business. Recently launching her new website, Hartley’s goal is that everyone would find their “heart” for style and learn to love vintage and unique fashion just as much as she does. Since starting this business when she was just 16 years old, HARTFORSTYLE has gained a following and a name for itself. Get to know Hartley and all that her business is about! How did it all start? Ever since I was young, my parents and I would spend some of our weekends going to yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores. We just loved finding cool and different things, especially things that were vintage. One day I got the idea to start selling some of my finds, and the response was great. I’ve always gotten compliments on my fashion

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choices, so by selling clothing handpicked by me, people loved it. I started selling my finds on Instagram through a bidding process. I would have themed “drops” of new items each week. People really looked forward to it! I was just 16 when I started HARTFORSTYLE, and now I’m almost 19... it’s so crazy to see how far I’ve come! Did you always have a love for vintage fashion? Well, I’ve always had a love for all things vintage and all things fashion... Tying the two together was a no brainer! I love things from the past and I love to have that nostalgic feel. I feel as if my fashion sense is unique, and vintage fashion is just one of kind since most things from the past are no longer made, to answer the question, yes! How did you come up with the name “HARTFORSTYLE”? My name is Hartley and I wanted to have a name for my business that stood out. I wanted people to hear the name and know exactly what it tied to. The slogan

for HARTFORSTYLE is this: “Where one’s heart is found within one’s style.” I think the name sums it up! What inspires you? The majority of my family owns businesses, so seeing their hard work in the fields of business most definitely has inspired me and continues to. I love to see other people like myself start their own small businesses, and that inspires me. When you start something from scratch it takes a lot of effort, and for that I applaud each and every busines owner! I thank God everyday for his faithfulness, because without Him I would be nothing. What are your plans for the future? My goal one day is to own my own storefront. Currently I have my website and I attend local pop-ups and events. Since I am a college student as well, I plan to finish my studies and to continue furthering my business in every aspect possible.

Spread Some Holiday Cheer with the Chick This Year Have Your Holiday Spread Catered and Order Today

HICKEN SALAD CHICK SERVES FULL-FLAVORED, southern-style chicken salad made from scratch served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as wells fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious deserts, Chicken Salad Chicks robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. If you are planning on hosting an event for the holidays, let us help cater your exciting day. Call in and order what you want from our new catering menu and we will have your food ready so that you can enjoy your wonderful event with family, friends or co-workers. We believe food brings people together, so we always provide service with a smile and aim for you to leave our chicken salad restaurants happy with your meal and refreshed from time well spent. This holiday season, turn to Chicken Salad Chick for all your catering needs. From our class all-stars like Olivia’s Old South, a southern tradition with sweet pickle relish and eggs, to holiday favorites like Cranberry Kelli, a picture of dried sweetened cranberries and slivered almonds, we’ve got a Chick for you. The mini-croissant platters and assorted sandwich platters are easy go-to’s for holiday gatherings. You can please everyone by mixing it up between the twelve chicken salad flavors, egg salad, pimento cheese, or turkey sandwiches.

Pimento cheeseballs are all the rage this year for the holidays. You can choose from our regular or spicy pimento cheese. These delicious pimento cheese balls are covered in crispy bacon and pecans. Serve with crackers as an appetizer, or kick it up a notch with pepper jelly for a sweet and savory bite! Looking for something sweet for the holidays? Chicken Salad Chick’s buttercream frosted cookies are available by the dozen. Fruit trays are also a great way to add color to your table. The Chick’s fruit tray includes red and white seedless grapes and strawberries, served with a delicious sweat cream cheese mixture for dipping. This year’s holiday flavor, Deck the Holly would be a great addition to your holiday menu. Deck the Holly, a jalapeno holly, decked with sweet cranberries, are great for friend gatherings or Christmas day dinner. Chicken Salad Chick is the nation’s only southern inspired fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept. If you’re interested in catering this holiday season, feel free to contact Nici Hanks and she can help make your holiday gatherings stress free. Contact her at 318-366-4249. Thank you to all of our loyal customers, we appreciate every single one of you. 1191 Lamy Lane Suite 7, Monroe • (318) 322-4425 1301 Maxwell Blvd, Ruston • (318) 217-8494

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Gift of Confidence

DermaMediQ Offers a Variety of Services

021 WAS DEFINITELY ONE FOR THE BOOKS. MANY are recovering from the impact of Covid-19, and starting to experience a little bit of normalcy in their lives. The team at DermaMediQ can help you regain some confidence and put your best self forward in 2022! DermaMediQ offers the best in skin care, hair removal, and more, focusing on quality one-on-one care and techniques with demonstrated success. They provide a variety of different services at the same level of considerate care consistently demonstrated by Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and her staff. One process that is popular with women of all ages is Morpheus 8, which improves tone and texture of the face and body by combining micro needling with the power of RIF thermal technology. Morpheus 8 combines the two technologies of microneedling and RF to deliver the thermal energy of radio-frequency waves to deeper layers of the skin and tissue with adjustable microneedles. This combination allows RF energy to reach both the dermis and epidermis for maximum results. It treats acne scars, poor skin texture, sun damage, deep lines and creases, mild sagging or jowls and enlarged pores. Morpheus 8 works well with arms, abdomen and legs as well. The skilled staff at DermaMediQ can assess your needs and let you know if Morpheus is right for you. Another great offering from DermaMediQ is Emsculpt. This is the first device to build muscle and sculpt your body. Through the high intensity electromagnetic therapy procedure one can enlarge current muscles, as well as grow new muscle fibers. The Emsculpt procedure is currently FDA cleared to treat abdominals, buttocks, arms, calves and thighs and is a great non-surgical alternative to the Brazilian butt lift. It is based on high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy and a single Emsculpt session causes thousands of powerful muscle contractions which are extremely important in improving the tone and strength of your muscles. These powerful induced muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions. The muscle tissue is forced to adapt to such extreme condition. It responds with a deep remodeling of its inner structure that results in muscle building and sculpting your body. Over time and as women age, lips lose volume, color and elasticity. DermaMediQ is happy to provide Restylane Kysse, the first lip filler designed with XpresHAn Technology™ for flexible movement and natural-looking volume. It adds volume, smooths upper lip lines for up to one year, and enhances lip color. Restylane enhances the texture and color of the lips while maintaining a full range of expression, leaving your lips looking full, yet natural. This holiday season, you can give the gift of confidence to others with a gift certificate to DermaMediQ. Or, treat yourself with one of the many services they have to offer including skincare, Botox, fillers, Morpheus 8, Facetite, Fractora, Hair Removal, Microneedling and more! Check out DermaMediQ’s website to find out more information on all of the procedures they have to offer and make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and her staff. Put be your best self in the new year with DermaMediQ!

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B AYO U B E AT S

AMANDA MCDOWELL Music allows us to escape our troubles, but when you are a songwriter, you are often getting your troubles outside of you. This has been Amanda Mcdowell’s experience as a singer/songwriter. With a vivacious spirit, Mcdowell leaves an impression in the spaces she frequents. She’s a hugger with a welcoming laugh. Rocking a pixie cut characterized by her silver tresses, she exudes a bit of rock and roll. And though her stage presence is magnetic, her energy reflects in her songwriting. Part memoir and part creed of faith, Mcdowell’s music is meant for searchers like herself. ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVER A PHOTOGR APHY BY ANDRE W BAILE Y AND C A SSIE LIVINGS TON

B AYO U B E AT S

“My dad had his own band, and was good enough to play in Radio City Music Hall,” informs Mcdowell. Her grandmother, an instrument aficionado, taught five different instruments. “She taught my dad how to play. She taught all his brothers and sisters how to play, and so I grew up with them, gathering together, standing around a piano and singing harmony,” she recalls. At around nine years old, Mcdowell made up harmony parts in her school choir. At eleven, she had a “deep conversation” with herself to make the decision that if she was going to be “one thing or the other,” then she would rather be a songwriter than a singer. “Because, you know, if you say something meaningful and other people want to say it too, then your words go all over the world. I mean, I was making that decision before I was a teenager about who I was going to be as a musician and an artist,” she affirms.

“

aunt into the bedroom to play them a song. “When I did that, they both looked at each other, and then my dad offered to buy me a guitar.” It wasn’t a very good guitar, but soon she would be able to listen to songs on the radio and figure out the chords to simple songs. By the time she turned thirteen, her parents offered to buy her a professional guitar because she had shown that she was diligent and serious about music, already writing songs at that point. When her parents told her that she could get any guitar she wanted, she chose a 1974 Martin D-35, which she still has. As soon as she was old enough, around the age of eighteen, Mcdowell started performing at bars solo and, throughout her early playing days, with a few bands. In 1997, Mcdowell recorded her first album, but she has had over fourteen songs recorded by other artists. “Which, you know, I feel like that’s the biggest

Mcdowell’s devotion for writing Christian music traces to her acceptance of Jesus into her life at age 13. “I sold out to the Lord, then fell away,” she says. For a stint, she played secular music at bars, but she returned to her spirit-filled ways around twenty-three and only wrote Christian music for twenty years. “So, all of my one-hit wonders, are Christian country,” she adds.

The first instrument Mcdowell learned was the bass ukulele. She remembers being at her aunt’s house, opening a music instruction book, and figuring out the chords on her own. Over and over again, she pressed on the strings to get the chords just right. “My fingers felt like they were bleeding, but I was so into it,” she says. She called her dad and

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honor of all, when someone feels what you feel, and wants to say what you’re saying,” she gleams. One of the big names that adopted one of her songs is Christian country singer/songwriter Candice Myers. The song “Daddy Was a Texas Ranger (and My Mama Was an Outlaw)” got to number five on the Christian country music charts. Mcdowell’s

devotion for writing Christian music traces to her acceptance of Jesus into her life at age 13. “I sold out to the Lord, then fell away,” she says. For a stint, she played secular music at bars, but she returned to her spirit-filled ways around twentythree and only wrote Christian music for twenty years. “So, all of my one-hit wonders, are Christian country,” she adds. At the age of twenty, Mcdowell began her own music publishing company called Hummingbird House, which her daughter Brianna Calhoun, local singer/ songwriter, uses for her publishing. “So, when these [artists] wanted to record my music, I wrote up contracts and sold them the publishing rights,” she informs, adding, “When you’re an artist, a lot of doors are shut to you, and so you’re trying

FAMILY TIES At the age of twenty, Mcdowell began her own music publishing company called Hummingbird House, which her daughter Brianna Calhoun, local singer/songwriter, uses for her publishing.

the end of the day, nothing else really matters...Christ is the beginning and end of all things.” She still resonates with this deeply, particularly because she believes that music is the vehicle for the lyrics. “The lyrics are my story.” Here, she thinks of all her failures and all her glories, getting emotional when reminiscing about some of the events that inspired her music. She wrote “Dust to Dust” when she was unhappily married to a controlling man. “It’s like he just kept me on an imaginary leash, jerking me back and forth, telling me I could play at a certain church or venue, then changing his mind, sometimes on the day I was supposed to go. I probably wrote that song during one of the down times because I had to remind myself who matters the most,” she recalls, finishing with, “I had to keep going no matter what.” The songwriting process for Mcdowell is simple. She turns her recorder on and lets “fly” whatever comes out of her heart. “If I see the song if the song catches my interest, and it has merit, I’ll work on it until it’s finished. If it doesn’t, I’ll let it go.” Even if a song has merit, it may take her a few years to finish. In the past, she has gone back to songs with the purpose of completing them. “I Don’t

to make your own way, and trying to make a living.” To create another avenue of revenue that would allow her to earn money on her own music and support herself, she took a chance, one that thus far has benefitted her art and pocket. “If you’re a serious musician, you’re trying to find different ways that your artistry is going to make money for you,” she affirms. In order for her publishing house to be better established, she joined organizations that would help her with networking, such as the International Country Gospel Music Association. At one time, she was their Female 124 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Songwriter of the Year. She also belongs to the Dallas Songwriters Association where she received the Children’s Song of the Year award. Being a member of such influential organizations has increased her exposure, allowing more fellow artists to approach her for songs. With such a rich volume of work, it’s difficult for Mcdowell to look back and select her favorites, but she does have a few that still resonate with her at a heart level. In the song “Dust to Dust,” the overarching theme is that “at

LED TO LEAD Led by emotion and faith, Mcdowell’s music is ultimately a release. “For instance, if I don’t get what I feel out, I will literally start getting sick,” she says. Lately, her songwriting has diminished because of her focus on her nonprofit organization Arrow Maker Outreach, which aims to help pay Title 1 students when they successfully improve their i-Ready Reading and Math assessment scores.

Wanna Go to School,” is one of those songs. She wrote it across a three to four-year period because she believed in it, but a few details needed to iron out. “It’s very subjective because with any art, you’re not finished until you know you’re finished, and I just couldn’t finish that song until I knew it was finished,” she says. At times, she would sing it on the way to school (Mcdowell is also an elementary school teacher at Union Parish). “It’s just a funny song about growing up not wanting to go to school and then becoming a teacher and how I didn’t want to be one, which is also the truth,” she says. Currently, it’s one of her top played songs, internationally. Led by emotion and faith, Mcdowell’s music is ultimately a release. “For instance, if I don’t get what I feel out, I will literally start getting sick,” she says. Lately, her songwriting has diminished because of her focus on her nonprofit organization Arrow Maker Outreach, which aims to help pay Title 1 students when they successfully improve their i-Ready Reading and Math assessment scores. “There are probably 50 to 60 songs, maybe even up to 100, that I’ve started since last year, but there’s probably been only two or three that I finished,” she confesses. “It’s time, you know.” Though life has taken over, as it is bound to do once in a while, her muses still call. “I need to come back to it because that’s my true calling. Whether anybody ever hears [my songs] or not.” In her case, songwriting pays, as she receives royalties from her songs and will continue to for at least 100 years. When Mcdowell thinks of this number, she thinks of her children, grandchildren, and the generations to come. In that way, her music is her legacy that encompasses her trials and tribulations as much as her triumphs, which she notes: “And, not only that, but your words are out there for whoever will listen, whoever it touches.” Follow Amanda Mcdowell on her Facebook page and check out her music on Spotify and iTunes. You can find her every Thursday night at La Bamba in Ruston, Louisiana. Go show her some love! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2021 125

Smith Makes Great Play Patient Shows His Appreciation

IK E D O W N H O U R S P E N D S significant time with players and coaches during his gig as a play-by-play radio announcer for a local high school sports team. When a big play happens, they all highfive each other. After his double-hernia surgery in August, Mike felt Dr. Patrick Smith deserved the same celebration. Mike said with a smile, “When I saw Dr. Smith after surgery, I high-fived him. I felt like he deserved that. He made a great play and did a great job.” Born and raised in New Orleans, Mike later moved to Monroe, where he is now the market manager for Stephens Media Group. Mike is an avid outdoorsman; he hikes, kayaks, and even skydives. Upon returning from a kayaking trip, he noticed some minor discomfort in his body. Mike said he likely would have ignored the feeling because it was not particularly painful. However, during a regular check-up, his family doctor discovered that Mike was suffering from

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MIKE

DR. SMITH

at least one hernia. He recommended Mike see Dr. Smith at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana. Dr. Smith surgically repaired two hernias using sophisticated technology. He used the da Vinci surgical robot to perform the surgery with an advanced set of instruments and a 3D, high-definition view of the surgical area. This technology significantly improves a patient’s outcome because minimally invasive surgeries mean less recovery time and less pain. Mike highly recommends the Surgery Clinic, which according to Mike: “provides an outstanding experience that starts at the window.” “The clinic’s staff could win an award for customer service. They were so friendly and so helpful. When that’s your first impression, it’s big. Dr. Smith’s nurse, Kacie, made everything easy. Dr. Smith explained the procedure and answered all of my questions,” Mike said. “Several hours after I was discharged, a staff member called me to make sure I had

arrived home safely. Then, Dr. Smith called me personally from his cell. You can’t beat that kind of care.” Mike encourages those who are ignoring any physical symptoms to be proactive about their health. According to the CDC, more than 40 percent of Americans have avoided medical care during the pandemic. Mike said, “We have all lost family members and friends from unexpected illnesses such as cancer and other conditions you don’t know about unless you get them checked.” More about hernias: · Hernias don’t go away on their own. Only surgery can repair a hernia. · Over time, hernias tend to grow as the belly’s muscle wall gets weaker and more tissue bulges through. · Many doctors recommend surgery because surgery prevents a rare but serious problem called, “strangulation.” Strangulation occurs when a loop of the intestine or a piece of fatty tissue is trapped inside the hernia and is separated from its blood supply. In addition to Dr. Patrick Smith, the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic today with your questions about general surgery, vein care procedures, and weight loss surgery.

Still Me, With Fewer Wrinkles

Botox Holiday Special with The Woman’s Clinic

OTOX USED TO BE A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. SOMETHING lots of people had done, but never wanted anyone to know. But I ask, why keep your beauty secrets secret? When I run into an old friend from high school and she says “WOW! You look great!” I always reply “Thanks, its Botox and ZO!” Being a mom of 3 in my 30s I need all the help I can get. Work, sick kids, and COVID have this momma stressed to the max… I certainly don’t want my forehead and eyes showing it! The big question shouldn’t be do you get Botox, but where do you get your Botox. When considering Botox, there are two main concerns that everyone should have: cost and quality. Always be sure you go to an experienced and trained Botox certified provider. I use the Botox services at The Woman’s Clinic. Not only do the Physicians and Nurse Practitioners provide Botox, but so does their aesthetics nurse. This makes it high quality and super convenient to schedule appointments. You can also couple your annual or problem exam with an appointment for Botox! Cost is of course, a large consideration when buying Botox. Botox recently had a per unit cost increase, but The Woman’s Clinic chose not to increase the cost for their patients. The clinic’s everyday per unit rate is $11.00, but through the end of the year TWC is offering Botox at $10 per unit when at least 20 units are purchased! That is an

amazing deal, just in time to look your best for the holiday season. Care Credit is another option that makes Botox more accessible. Care Credit allows you to finance Botox and other healthcare procedures in your physician’s office. Moral of the story, you can afford high quality Botox services! And you can use as little or as much as you need to get the look you are going for. Still you, with fewer wrinkles. If you are interested in a free consultation for Botox services call The Woman’s Clinic at 318-388-4030 and select option 3. Or visit our website www.thewomansclinic.net to request a consult time and find additional information on MediSpa services. The Woman’s Clinic 300 Grammont Street, Monroe 417 McMillan Road, West Monroe 931 N. Trenton Street, Ruston 318.388.4030

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IN THE GARDEN

My dad painted my grandmother’s potrait from a photograph (below) in the mid-1950s.

eirlooms evoke special memories, give us a comforting sense of home, remind us of simpler times, and connect us with the past. Of my modest possessions, the most prized are family heirlooms. For example, the portraits my dad painted of my paternal grandparents in the mid-1950s are stunning likenesses of the original photographs, which I also have. They transport me back to summer days spent with my grandfather, the two of us evading my formidable grandmother either in his garden or walking across the road to the post office or to Ed Saine’s feed store. High cotton for a little kid. I never knew my maternal grandfather, but I have his Gillette double edge razor. I shave with it today. It’s something that connects me to him besides chromosomes. Heirloom seeds have the same effect. They provide us with a window into the past via living plants. Unfortunately, much of this “living past” is already gone. The results of a study published by Rural Advancement Foundation International indicate that losses in genetic diversity of ten vegetable crops approach 90% or more in just under a century. In 1903, 497 varieties of lettuce and 544 varieties of cabbage were available to commercial growers. By 1983, these numbers had dwindled to only 36 and 28 available varieties, respectively. Reasons for this loss of diversity vary but it’s alarming. Seeds represent novel genetic combinations within a single variety and with genetic diversity comes better disease resistance, drought tolerance, fruit size, and other important traits may be important in the future. But, just like with species in nature, when a cultivar or landrace goes extinct, it’s gone forever. In the short time I’ve been on the hunt for heirloom seeds, the amount of genetic diversity I’ve collected and observed so far is incredible, especially in field peas, beans, and corn. There are many other examples. One of my cousins in North Carolina contacted me not long ago about a white cucumber my great grandfather grew and

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< Seeds of a white cucumber said to date back to the 1750s.

THIS CHRISTMAS, GIVE THE GIFT OF HEIRLOOMS

made mustard pickles with. I had never heard of mustard pickles but they certainly sound German so no surprise there! Long story short, between myself and my cousin Calvin, we were able to locate seeds of this cucumber, likely the Roseland White Pickling, Mr. Schronce’s black said to be introduced peanut likely dates into that area of North to the 1800s. Carolina in the 1750s. I’m growing it next season for the first time! I can’t wait to see this living relict and watch it grow! There is also a black-skinned peanut from that same area that is probably just as old although its origin is more obscure. It has been grown and shared by a gentleman who acquired the seeds from an elderly couple in 1980. Now 87 years old himself, Mr. Schronce has been growing and selecting seeds from among the blackest and largest peanuts and for the last 40 years keeping this variety from extinction. It will be introduced to Louisiana soils next season, too! I can’t wait!

My collections don’t begin to scratch the surface of what was once out there. At the same time, we don’t know what is still out there waiting to be rediscovered. Now, more than ever, it’s important we find and preserve as many of these nearly gone varieties as possible and pass them along to subsequent generations. This Christmas season, think about passing along an heirloom as a gift. It’s never too soon to pass something down whether it’s a picture or a seed. If you’re a gardener, try growing some heirloom varieties of your favorite flower or vegetable next spring and try saving its seeds. Pass seeds along so someone else can enjoy them and the genetics of that variety, and a portion of your own history, can be preserved. All of us at the LSU AgCenter wish everybody a Merry Christmas and safe, happy New Year!

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

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Steward Health Care Recognized by the ACC

ACC Acknowledges Health Systems Nationally for their Commitment to Quality Care

TEWARD HEALTH CARE HAS BEEN recognized by the American College of Cardiology in the “Best Hospitals” issue of U.S. News & World Report as one of the top health systems in the U.S. for providing top quality care to heart patients in 2021. Steward is one of only 87 health systems nationwide to be included. Twenty-five Steward hospitals across eight states were included on the list recognizing exemplary cardiovascular care. `The U.S. News & World Report issue recognizes Steward’s commitment to drive preeminent hospital care for heart patients. Through participation in the ACC’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) and/ or Accreditation programs, Steward informs a robust quality improvement processes using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart patients. ACC’s NCDR is cardiology’s most established, comprehensive registry offering, consisting of eight hospital-based registries

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and two outpatient registries. Participants are committed to ensuring evidence-based cardiovascular care, improving patient outcomes, and lowering health care costs. ACC Accreditation Services provides hospitals with practical resources and support to minimize gaps in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Facilities achieving an ACC accreditation are committed to establishing a method for sustainable quality improvement. “We are proud of our physicians and clinical teams across the country who have provided the highest quality cardiovascular care amid the extraordinary challenges of responding to the pandemic,” said Sanjay Shetty, President, Steward Health Care System. “This distinguished honor demonstrates the value of Steward’s physician-led, patientcentered approach to drive the highest-quality outcomes for every community we serve.” “As an ACC quality programs participant, Steward Health Care has established itself as

a leader in setting the national standard for improving quality of care in patients with cardiovascular disease,” said ACC President Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC. “Steward has demonstrated a commitment to providing reliable, comprehensive treatment for heart patients based on current clinical guideline recommendations. The ACC is proud to include Steward among the Best Hospitals of 2021.” About Steward Health Care Steward Health Care’s physician-led business model was built to unlock access to the highest-quality care at a sustainable cost, committed to providing personalized, ongoing medical services that positively impact patients’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Founded in 2010, Steward Health Care is the largest physician-led health care network with more than 5,500 providers and 43,000 health care professionals caring for 12.3 million patients a year through its global network.

State-of-the-Art VASER Lipo Only at Louisiana Center for Women’s Health

ITH THE CURRENT OBESITY epidemic, many people have unwanted fat on their bodies. This extra fat causes an unattractive appearance, interferes with various body functions, and damages a person’s general wellbeing, often destroying their self-confidence. Louisiana Center for Women’s Health has always been interested in helping people with such problems, improving their lives and enhancing their self-esteem. Liposuction may be the right solution. We have been performing liposuction for several decades. Starting in the 70’s we began using the original liposuction procedure which was invented and popularized by a gynecologist in France. Through the years liposuction technology has advanced and improved. When VASER liposuction became available, it was obvious it was a significant advancement and improvement, so we purchased the state-of-the-art technology. We

are now using the second and latest generation of VASER technology. We have even trained surgeons from around the world on how to use this VASER. When new technologies for fat reduction become available, we evaluate the manufacturer’s claims. Many of these claims don’t stand up to scrutiny. Some offer the patient little more than wishful thinking. This is especially true of various external freezing, radio frequency, or energy sources, which are non-invasive, but work poorly or perhaps not at all. Because they are non-invasive, they sound great, but they rarely live up to their expectations. Our best advice is to be careful when choosing the right liposuction procedure. The big difference with VASER compared to other liposuction methods, is the melting of fat prior to removal. The VASER procedure uses a two-step process, the first step essentially melts the fat using a thin ultrasound probe which is inserted under the skin and into the fat layer. This probe uses high frequency and

high energy sound to disrupt the fat cell wall, causing it to release its fat. The released fat is suctioned out of the body. It also probably kills the fat cell in the process, minimizing the future return of fat in this area. The VASER is real liposuction. Fat is actually removed from the body. VASER does not depend on promises of ongoing fat loss over time, as some of the non-invasive devices promise. The main differences between VASER and other conventional and non-conventional methods of liposuction are the following: 1.) The VASER procedure is performed in the office, so there is no expensive hospitalization required. 2.) The VASER administers its own local anesthesia, so you are awake during the procedure. 3.) The VASER is a minimally invasive procedure. The incisions used for fat removal are less than 1/4”. 4.) With VASER, healing is rapid and bruising is minimal. 5.) Finally, the VASER melts the fat prior to removal. If you are interested in the VASER procedure, Louisiana Center for Women’s Health is the only clinic offering this procedure in this area. Please call us for an initial appointment and evaluation.

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H O L I DAY DRESSING

Glamourous looks for holiday parties top the charts this season. Layer slip dresses and sequins with leather and fur. Find these looks at area boutiques. MODEL: KELLI NEAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT

PALETTE HOUSE AND PLUME Step out in style this holiday season in this sleek sangria-colored v-neck spaghetti strap midi dress in a luxe sateen fabric. Pair it with a black textured Moto Jacket and supple suede booties with a stacked heel.

HERRINGSTONE’S This remarkably comfortable blue sequin skirt with an elastic waistband is flattering and perfect for holiday events. Pair it with a solid chunky sweater and white cowboy boots. Make a statement and pair it with this baby blue faux fur jacket. This lux coat has a detachable belt to give shape and is truly the softest thing on the planet.

HEMLINE MONROE A fun and flirty mini silhouette handcrafted in a shimmering rainbow clip dot chiffon. This eye-catching mini includes a high smocked elastic neckline with double-button keyhole back closure and smocked elastic waist. Long blouson sleeves feature puffed shoulders with a ruffle detail and wide three-button cuffs. The perfect dress for all your holiday events. Pair it with these stunning pink suede pointed toe heels.

Waterview Casino and Hotel An Experience for Everyone

AS IT BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU visited WaterView Casino & Hotel in Vicksburg? We’re going strong after five years, though you may remember us by a different name. We get it. But... if there’s anything we’ve learned over the past couple of years, it is that everything changes. At WaterView, we have worked hard to make the right things change, so you can be comfortable visiting us! HOT SLOTS AND COOL SANITIZER Our gaming floor literally glows with all the hottest new slot games and brand-new electronic table games. Starting right at the front entrance all the way down to the casino stage, the view is hot! And everywhere you look, there is hand sanitizer and lots of cool wipes so you can be comfortable knowing that every surface is clean. Our team is always on the move as well, keeping your view safe!

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NEW ROOMS AND AMAZING VIEWS If you have not yet seen our newly remodeled hotel lobby, prepare to be wowed! As we continue to upgrade your hotel experience, we remain open for business. Many of our suites feature jetted tubs and balconies with expansive views of the Mighty Mississippi River. Want a preview? Visit our website at www.waterviewcasino.com to check out the Live Stream from our two cameras overlooking the river 24/7 via EarthCam.

FRIENDLY STAFF AND FAMILIAR FACES While there is a lot that has changed at WaterView, one thing we are proud to say has not changed is our amazing team members! The team at WaterView is made up of many people who have worked at our casino for years and years. Obviously, people come and go, and we are always looking for friendly faces to join our team. Here at WaterView, we are proud to have a large number of team members who have been here since day one!

COMFORT FOOD AND GENEROUS PORTIONS Our Blue Plate Special has just won Best of the Best in Vicksburg! Why? All your homecooked favorites are piled high! (Maybe bring a friend.) Feeling more like a sit-down dinner? Visit SandBar Steaks & Seafood Thursday through Sunday nights for an amazing steak, some tasty ribs, or perfectly prepared salmon. Order an adult beverage, appetizer, and dessert to round out your meal.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, REALLY Relax, play, eat, and enjoy your visit to WaterView Casino & Hotel in historic Vicksburg, MS. Come see what’s new. And with 2022 just around the corner, we have more great upgrades in store for you. Be sure to get your MYEDGE card and start earning FreePlay, free food, free rooms, gifts, promotions and more. We simply cannot wait to show you what we’ve done with the place!

Phase II Assisted Living Opens Next Month New Apartment Homes Available to Reserve Now

HE ANTICIPATION THAT HAS spanned months is now building into more excitement as the Phase II assisted living and memory care apartment buildings are about to open on the city block campus of The Gardens at Georgia Tucker in north Monroe’s Garden District. Reservations have been increasing each month leading up to this time, and future residents are looking forward to the move-in. Everything that has made the original facility desirable continues into this next phase, plus even more amenities are being added. Among the new features is a fitness area where exercise routines will be led by local NextLevel Health & Fitness, and each participant will have a unique nutritional and exercise plan for optimal health and well-being. Enhancing day-to-day living will be a new dining area with a gourmet chef design kitchen where all meals of the day will be prepared and served for both Phase I and Phase II assisted

living residents. Memory Care apartments will have an exclusive dining area that will be conducive to residents’ comfort and security. New amenities also extend to the exterior grounds where an inner courtyard will include areas for walking and relaxing for residents and guests surrounded by foliage that will be beautiful this coming spring season. Popular shared endeavors such as musical entertainment, movies & games, birthday parties, themed events, church activities, and more will continue in the gracious atrium gathering space in the original building. There will also be shopping excursions, and complimentary transportation is provided for medical visits. There are one-bedroom & two-bedroom assisted living apartments in both Phase I and 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. Full accreditation and a certified staff ensure proper attention for residents in this building. The unparalleled comfort, convenience, and amenities of The Gardens At Georgia Tucker assure residents of an environment that can truly be called home. You can hear from a few of the residents expressing their contentment when you visit GeorgiaTucker. com to view testimonial videos and comments. For the best in gracious assisted living, take a closer look at The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. Reservations and lease deposits are being accepted now for the Phase II assisted living and memory care apartments. Please call 318-538-0040 to schedule a tour appointment. The administration staff will be pleased to show you around, answer any questions, and provide leasing information for you or for a loved one. Visit GeorgiaTucker.com for more details.

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Dine Along the Ouachita Miro’s Features Burgers, Brews and Views

H E C O O L FA L L B R E E Z E I S F I N A L LY H E R E and there’s no better place to enjoy it than along the banks of the Ouachita River. The best views are from the patio of Miro’s located in the heart of downtown Monroe and the food is even better. The locally owned restaurant pays homage to the Endom Bridge and train track, just steps away from the patio. The menu features the River Burger, the Morning Barge, the Conductor, and the Caboose, just to name a few. You even get a $1 Fireball shot when the train comes by! In recent months, Miro’s has expanded their menu and added even more delicious options. The homemade fried cheese may look and taste familiar as it’s the same recipe as Sammy’s in Baton Rouge. Owner Roy Arthur has teamed up with Sammy Nagem of Sammy’s Bar and Grill to provide some favorites from the former restaurant. They have also added thin sliced, deep fried zucchini, lightly battered and served with ranch or marinara sauce. Another new menu item is the shrimp skewers, jumbo bacon-wrapped shrimp, jalapeno cream cheese, basil and served with sriracha glaze. Fried oysters have made it on the menu as well, and they have been very popular! Miro’s offers a daily lunch special, with the perfect amount of food to get you full and served quickly to get you right back to the office. On Tuesday’s, it’s spaghetti and meatballs, Wednesday’s is hamburger steak served with mashed potatoes and green beans, Thursday’s is chicken parmesan over pasta and Friday’s, you can choose from fried catfish served with fries. All lunch specials come with a drink for just $10.99. The bar area at Miro’s is always a good time, perfect for unwinding and enjoying happy hour. Miro’s bartenders serve up a variety of mules, frozen drinks and fruit concoctions. The drink menu features the Miro’s Mary, their version of a Bloody Mary; four variations of mules; a spicy margarita and the Velvet Hammer, made with Tito’s vodka and fruit flavors, just to name a few. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in town. Not only is the menu delicious, there is plenty of hair of the dog options, as well as drink towers filled with your favorite beverage. Brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is time to book your holiday parties and Miro’s has plenty of space to host your friends, family or co-workers. There is a large room in the front of the restaurant that could seat a group in a private setting. Miro’s also offers catering for local offices, as well as off-site events like parties, weddings and receptions. Miro’s is proud to be a part of the Northeast Louisiana community. They look for opportunities to give back whenever they can. They have hosted a fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, with a percentage of all food and drink purchases for a day benefiting the non-profit organization. Miro’s is proud to support local schools and high school teams including ULM as well as other local non-profit organizations. During this month and time of thanksgiving, Miro’s is grateful to be a part of this community and would like to say thank you to their loyal customers over the past 3 years!

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Take the Time to Relax at Spa Nouvelle Let Spa Nouvelle Get You Ready for the Holidays

PA NOUVELLE HAS BEEN ONE OF THE LEADING SPA’S in northeast Louisiana for over 10 years! Partners Mary Beth Dickerson, Ana Lopez Hale, Drew Farr and Wendy Newson all have a passion for health and beauty. With an attentive approach to relaxation and skincare health, it’s no surprise that the staff of Spa Nouvelle has won top prizes in the BayouLife BayouBuzz Awards since it’s inception. Ward off the stress of your crazy life with one of the many spa services offered at Spa Nouvelle: massages, facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, dermaplanning, Oxygen Hydro facials, airbrush tanning, chemical peels and SkinCeuticals products. Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Spa Nouvelle offers gift certificates to use with any of their services. Close your eyes. Imagine soothing music playing in a calm, relaxing atmosphere that allows you to melt away and leave everything behind. Pleasant aromas fill the space and an expertly trained staff is there to pamper you in a state-of-the-art facility with every convenience and amenity available. If this seems like a dream, wake up, it’s a reality at Spa Nouvelle. With Spa Nouvelle, you are sure to experience an all-encompassing spa experience like none other offered in Northeast Louisiana. Our massage therapist will talk to you in detail about your needs and customize your massage just for you. It doesn’t get much better than that and our massage therapist are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! The Signature Massage – our signature massage is a spa favorite with 80 minutes of body work with essential oils ( sounds like heaven doesn’t it?) Deep Tissue Massage – a wonderful remedy for those tired muscles from all those pre-wedding workouts. Skincare is also an important subject that you should start investing in and Spa Nouvelle has just what you need. Spa Nouvelle carries SkinCeutical products for all of your skin care needs. SkinCeuticals products help to improve skin health. They are committed to leading the skincare industry in terms of research and innovation, and they promise to provide advanced skincare backed by science. Their skincare philosophy centers on three main pillars: Prevent. Protect. Correct. These principles work synergistically to provide the healthiest skin possible, and optimal anti-aging results. Skin care is essential to maintaining the young radiant look that everyone strives to keep. Call them at 318.816.4949, visit the website, or find them on Facebook and Instagram to book your appointment today.

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TH E G I NG ER BR E AD W R E AT H

B AY O U H O L I D AY

Make one or more days in advance and allow house pieces to dry out for sturdier construction. Substitute equal parts of dairy butter and all purpose flour. Use half for snowflakes and half for cookies. The gluten free recipe makes for a lighter, less dense cookie. INGREDIENTS FOR DOUGH: 2 sticks butter 1 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup molasses 2 TBSP cinnamon 2 TBSP ground ginger 3 tsp ground cloves 2 tsp baking soda 4 cups all-purpose flour {GF or Wheat} 2 TBSP water

ather your family and friends for a fun afternoon making gingerbread for this festive, edible wreath. We recycled last year’s recipe from Heather Land to create this merry masterpiece. Recipe by HEATHER LAND Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

FOR ROYAL ICING: 1 lb powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy) 2 egg whites 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract Should be around the consistency of Elmer’s glue - a little thick but runny enough to pass through the tip of small squeeze bottle or piping bag.

resembles play dough - not sticky. CHILL FOR 30 MINUTES. The dough, in the fridge and you, by the fire. Lightly flour a smooth surface and roll out dough to about 1/4” thickness Use a snowflake cookie cutter to cut out the shapes. Bake on parchment lined baking sheet for 10-15 minutes - careful not to let edges burn. {*Bake cookies 8-10 minutes} Cool on baking sheet (let snowflakes sit out and dry overnight). Glue snowflake cookies together (two sets of hands works best) and hold them until they stick. Allow them to sit and dry for a bit. Repeat in a circular format until you complete the wreath. This may take a few trys. This is the fun part. Enjoy the process. If all else fails, hot glue it! Allow your “glue” to dry while you ice cookies or have an intermission dance party. Use your glue to decorate and make your masterpiece. The more, the merrier. In every way. A gingerbread wreath will last for months on your open countertop. Eat only at your discretion.

In a large mixing bowl, cream all ingredients (except flour) until smooth. Blend in flour and water to make a dough that

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Happy Pawlidays from Sit, Stay, Play Pamper Your Pets This Holiday Season

HIS HOLIDAY SEASON, LET YOUR furry friends have a vacation, too. From boarding options that let your pet enjoy their days without you in luxury, to our grooming menu that offers spa retreats for your furry friends, we have multiple services to keep your best animal friends happy. Have to work late to make holiday deadlines, or just need a day to get your home ready for guests? Just drop off your pets for a fun day at doggy day care. BOARDING Taking a holiday vacation? Don’t leave your pets out andgive them a vacation at Sit, Stay and Play! They will enjoy plush amenities and fun in the yard during daycare. We have condo life available for our cats too! Felines will enjoy their time staying in our condos where they can play all day and perch in our windows. They will have the opportunity to have fun and run around in our cat centered room! In addition, they will receive their daily afternoon tuna treat! Canines have numerous options for

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accommodations at Sit, Stay and Play! Check out our various style of accommodations. All include plush bedding, with daily turndown service and a happy treat hour during the day. Furry friends will enjoy sumptuous dining during their stay with us. Your pets will love the one of kind service they receive at Sit, Stay and Play. GROOMING Pamper your pet! Sit, Stay & Play offers full-service grooming by appointment only. Grooming can take extended time and pets are welcome to play in our daycare until their grooming appointment if requested by the owner. The Tune Up! (Clean-Up Groom) • Soothing Bath • Relaxing Massage • Trim-Bottom, feet and Face • Mani and Pedi (No Paint) • Anal Glands Expressed • Bow/Bandanna • Refreshing Spritz

The Overhaul (Full Groom) • Full Cut • Soothing Bath • Relaxing Massage • Mani and Pedi (No Paint) • Ears Cleaned • Anal Glands Expressed • Bandanna/Bow • Refreshing Spritz DAY CARE The best play your pup will get today. During the day, let your dog be a dog at Sit, Stay and Play! We will show your furry friends love and attention throughout the day and they will come home as one tired and happy PUP. Participating in daycare will help eliminate the feeling of loneliness and boredom while you are away. Canines participating in our program will enjoy many events throughout the day with their new friends! Make sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming events: December 7th - Grinchmas December 15th - Great Christmas Giveaway (Spin the Wheel) December 22nd - Puppy Pics with Santa

Make This Christmas Magical

With A Gift Of Beauty and Wellness

OLIDAY SURVEYS SHOW ALMOST 90% of women and men want either gift certificates or gift cards for Christmas. Let Professional Laser Center make this year’s shopping easy for you.  Give a gift that can reverse aging and restore wellness. This month, we celebrate our 18th year in business. Since that time, Professional Laser Center has grown into more than just a laser center. Integrative Medicine, which integrates natural medicines with traditional ones, has seen tremendous success at our business over the last decade. This includes bio-identical hormone replacement, and sexual wellness and rejuvenation. Restoring the  exact hormones  we made in our youth can be life-changing for both men and women. This can be achieved with pellets inserted just under the skin, or with creams, gels, troches, shots, etc. Beginning January first, we will bring IV Nutrient Infusion into our practice. Some specific benefits of this procedure include improved immune function, increased energy, less stress and anxiety, better

sleep, enhanced mood, and weight loss, which coincides with our new Medical Weight Loss program. Botox is the number one choice for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.  Injections of Filler, such as Restylane or Revanesse Versa, can plump the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds and marionette lines of the aging face.  If aging or weight loss has caused your skin to sag...especially around the knees, arms, stomach, butt, face or neck, a PDO Thread Lift is a perfect choice. Thread lifts help stimulate collagen production, resulting in more youthful-looking skin. The threads pull the skin taut, eliminating wrinkles and giving an overall smoother appearance. There is little to no downtime, the results are immediate, and they can last up to 18 months. If too much sun damage is a problem, Intense Pulsed Light can take years off the appearance of the skin by removing unsightly pigment, brown spots, facial spider veins and Rosacea in less than three weeks.  Laser Hair

Removal can permanently remove unwanted hair on the face or body, in as little as eight months. Dermapen Microneedling induces the production of new collagen through the delivery of tiny needles into the skin. You can expect a tighter and fuller appearance to the skin, as well as better texture, especially for those who suffer from scarring. We incorporate new technology that optimizes this procedure.  AnteAGE MD serum can be microneedled into the skin and hair to restore their youthful states. Plus, AnteAGE MD also offers a complete skin care line, a highly requested product during Christmas. Your gift card can open the door to these options and gift sets. To celebrate the Christmas season, we are having a Holiday Open House - Tuesday, December 14th from 4 until 7. We invite all of our wonderful clients and future clients to join us for some Christmas cheer, hors d’oeuvres and awesome door prizes. Plus, you’ll get a chance to meet our new Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Hoskins, and tour our facility, including our beautiful, IV Nutrient Infusion office. Make this Christmas magical by giving a unique gift or gift certificate from Professional Laser Center. For a list of all of our procedures, visit our website www.professsionallaser.com. Merry Christmas to all.

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Shopping Has a Destination

A Rugged Exterior May Be Just What You’re Looking For BY GLENN MIERS

O L I DAY S H O P P I N G I N T H E south has become as much of an event as the holiday itself, it seems. It takes strategy, planning and careful execution to get it all done. One can check off a lot on their list at Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop, LA. For more than 38 years Simmons has been a staple for outdoorsmen, sportsmen and just good ole boys to come find all they needed to pursue their favorite game. Like all things over time, Simmons has evolved. They now have over 80,000 square feet of retail space covering everything in those same expected categories, but in recent years, they’ve developed a softer side. Right from the moment they enter the store, shoppers are greeted with an array of casual offerings for women in the Duck Duck Goose Boutique. The décor has been updated, and although walls and displays are still true to its roots with the more rustic appeal, there is no doubt ladies are the focus. Many of their

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female patrons only need to see the front end of the store for brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Southern Shirt, Dylan, Columbia, Old Row, Banded, and Hey Dude. Patrons of the boutique are amazed at the elegant dresses, tops, and of course the trendy warmer duds that dawn in the fall. They even have the cutest hats, jewelry and definitely boots and shoes for the best look in a casual setting. Holiday shopping has changed so much. Gifts are no longer thrown into multiple bags while walking miles, eating marginal food from a food court and spending a few days at the mall. Online shopping virtually replaced the mall with something for everyone. People choose not to fight the traffic in the city and sometimes put themselves at risk by shopping after dark and walking through poorly patrolled parking lots. Simmons is kind of like that website you like so much, only if shoppers actually want to go there and put their hands on what they’re looking for, they can. However,

if time is of the essence and convenience is an advantage, shop online on their amazing website at simmonssportinggoods.com. Just like in the store, they have great sales and clearance deals for the sportsmen in our lives, and with Christmas around the corner, who doesn’t need some help saving a few bucks? Online shoppers are more frequent these days with our busy lives and always being on the go, they can make their purchases from the comfort of wherever they are and score huge with free shipping on purchases over $99. “Customers often tell us how much time they could spend in our store,” says CFO, Lindsey Curtis. “After nearly four decades in business, that’s great to hear, because it means we’re offering shoppers what they want, and they enjoy coming back.” Simmons is a great solution for things on anyone’s shopping list. Fall has finally arrived and there’s no better place to discover outfitting product, good looking quality clothing and more at a great price. Ladies, men, even kids, can find something they like every time they shop. For the holidays, there’s even free gift wrapping, giving shoppers one less thing to worry about. While its rugged exterior looks like something you may see in mountain states like Colorado or Wyoming, you are guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised when you walk through those massive elk horn handle doors.

Hopkins Dermatology Holiday Gift Guide

E HAVE HIGH QUALITY medical grade skin care products that make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for your loved ones available exclusively at Hopkins Dermatology. We will have gift cards available for products and services available for purchase throughout the holiday season. Packages of our rejuvenating Geneo Facials and Fotona Laser tightening and lifting treatments have amazing discounts that you do not want to miss out on! Here is a list of our most popular and staff favorite products: Rx: P3 is popular with our patients with concerns of redness and sensitivity. Our Triple Antioxidant serum combines the power of 90% Green Tea Polyphenols, Caffeine USP, and Resveratrol to give our patients unprecedented antioxidant protection. This formulation visibly reduces the signs of redness and inflammation, reduces the appearance of fine lines and surface wrinkles and is moisture enhanced with Hyaluronic Acid. Relieve your winter dry skin with Rx:

Hydrate serum. A pure, ultra-hydrating serum with fractionated Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced penetration, quenches dehydrated skin for a supple, smooth complexion and all day moisture retention. Visibly reduces the signs of aging with a nourishing blend of antioxidants and humectants. Skin appears brighter, firmer and rejuvenated. The Rx: Plump & Protect is a staff favorite! This high gloss lip treatment helps to restore hydration and youthful volume. It has a proprietary complex of stimulating ingredients that draw beautiful, natural color. Immediately lips appear more plump and rosy, with lasting benefits to lip hydration and overall health. It also provides protection with SPF 30. Patients instantly see the difference.! Rx: Exfoliate and Rx: Restore is a polishing and firming body duo. Rx: Restore lotion helps to visibly lift and tighten the skin with an AllTrans-Retinol that encourages cell turnover and a collagen-rich appearance. A blend of powerful antioxidants including Green Tea Polyphenols, Resveratrol and caffeine help to smooth the

appearance of cellulite, fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides moisturize and plump skin. Rx: Exfoliate has smoothing, softening, exfoliating, brightening and purifying qualities thanks to high-performance ingredients, such as Glycolic and Salicylic Acids, CoQ10, Green Tea Polyphenols and Vitamin C. And of course you cannot forget your SPF! We have a plethora of SPF available that protects your skin and also has anti-aging benefits. Rx: Protect SPF 50+ sunscreen is formulated with finely milled Micronized Zinc Oxide and a powerful antioxidant blend providing the highest level of UVA/UVB protection against damaging free radicals. This formula is enhanced with cooling and moisturizing hyaluronic acid and cucumber, great to wear under makeup or alone. Rx: Defend SPF 50+ is gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin with a weightless formula. This SPF 50+ sunscreen protects your skin with Micronized Zinc Oxide and antioxidant benefits of Green Tea Polyphenols, Resveratrol, Vitamin A, C, E, and CoQ10. Rx: Protect Powder SPF 30 is a mattifying mineral powder sunscreen. This is a gentle formula combining antioxidant plus broad-spectrum protection and oil control to help skin feel and look naturally flawless. Lighttranslucent color blends in sheer with most skin tones, concealing minor imperfections. You can find all of these products in our studio or online at shop.hopkinsdermatology.com. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Hopkins Dermatology!

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Christmas Cocoa Hot cocoa is like Christmas in a cup. With a dollap of delicious marshmallow creme, this homemade recipe will have you singing "Falalalala" all night long. Dip in a candy cane, light the fire and cozy up to this Christmas Cocoa.

S T Y L E D B Y TAY L O R B E N N E T T

Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa 1/3 cup water 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 4 cups milk 3/4 cup marshmallow creme In 2-quart saucepan, heat sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon and nutmeg over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in milk. Heat over low heat. Pour cocoa into 6 mugs. Top each with 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

The Little Hospital That Could

Delhi Hospital ranked Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for Patient Satisfaction

AYBE YOU’VE HEARD OF THE STORY OF “THE LITTLE Engine That Could.” As a little engine struggles to pull a long train of toys over a mountain, she repeats the mantra, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” When she successfully reaches the top and starts back down the other side, she happily says “I thought I could! I thought I could!” The moral of the children’s story is about overcoming obstacles—even when you’re not the biggest or strongest around. 2020 was a record year for rural hospital closures as they faced “Little Engine” challenges that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Delhi Hospital is a story of success. The critical access hospital is a great example of a small delivery network proving “big city medicine” can exist in a rural area. With a mindset of the “Little Hospital That Could,” Delhi Hospital continues to grow and expand its services to those who need it most.

SMALL BEGINNINGS: In 1936, two physicians moved to Delhi and opened a small clinic with the vision of providing the rural community with local health care. Since then, the Delhi Clinic and Sanitorium has transformed into a Hospital Service District providing a range of healthcare services to those throughout Northeast Louisiana. Today, Delhi’s Health Program includes a Critical Access Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, Federally-Qualified Health Center, Dental Clinic, and 3 School-Based Health Centers. “In the last few years, we’ve really made

an effort to expand services to our communities.” says Michael Carroll, administrator of Delhi Hospital. Patients can access a range of services close-to-home, such as: Cardiac Rehab, 3D Mammography, Diabetes Education, Mental Health Services, Addiction Medicine, Sleep Studies, Gastroenterology, FibroScan, Dental Care, and a 24-hour Emergency Room- just to name a few. The rural hospital is also proactive about providing the latest and greatest medical technology to its patients, being one of the first in the region to offer 3D Mammography & FibroScan. Dr. Corey Albritton, Medical Director of Delhi Hospital & Clinics, has proudly provided patient-centered care in his hometown for over 20 years. “Our patients feel like they are treated as a person rather than a number,” says Dr. Albritton. This personal connection the Delhi HealthCare Team makes with their patients recently earned them a national award: Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the Nation for Patient Satisfaction. BIG CITY MEDICINE, SMALL TOWN CARE: Like the Little Engine story, Delhi Hospital shows that size is not the determining factor of success or failure. Small does not have to be an impediment. With our commitment of improving access to healthcare for our community, combined with the heart of our dedicated Healthcare Team, Delhi Hospital is going places! Won’t you join us on the journey to better health? Learn more at www.delhihospital.com.

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Happy Holidays from Omerta

Join Us For the Inaugural Christmas and Cigar Event

OOKING FOR A FUN NIGHT OF merriment, camaraderie, food and cigars with your favorite friends? Join us for the inaugural Christmas Party & Cigar Event on Saturday, December 11th from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. There will be great deals on cigars – perfect for stocking stuffers, bosses’ gifts, or to stash away and share during holiday parties. The staff at Omertà will provide a main dish for the event but non-members are required to bring a side dish and participate in a “Dirty Santa” exchange. Members are encouraged to bring a side dish and participate in the festivities. (Please bring gift wrapped or in a bag, valued at $25-$40). Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and gift exchange begins at 7:30 p.m. Originally established in Oklahoma City in 2015, Omertà Cigar was founded by six cigar aficionados with a vision of providing other enthusiasts with a robust selection and superior lounge experience. From that vision the Omertà lifestyle emerged and expanded to include multiple cigar shops, a whiskey

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bar, and a cigar friendly dive bar in the greater Oklahoma City, Tulsa and now Monroe. The mantra at Omertà is “Your lounge experience is our strength,” a concept the team has readily embraced. In conjunction with providing a robust inventory and expert staff recommendations Omertà’s location provides its members with a unique atmosphere that exudes a vintage ambiance flowing to the rear lounge area which has been renovated to include modern seating, a fully stocked beverage area, two 65 inch wall mounted televisions, as well as two state-of-the-art air purification systems. The staff at Omertà prides itself on creating a superior lounge experiences, encouraging a sense of community, and appreciation for commonality among its members. The Omertà lifestyle encourages community, solidarity, and appreciation for commonality among members. The team at Omertà supports the concept of community and encourages patrons to enjoy, unplugged. Due to heavy use of social media and the

pandemic, there is a substantial decrease in opportunities for people to make genuine connections, interactions, and the creation of shared experiences. Cigar lounges, specifically Omertà aim to provide enthusiasts with this long forgotten practice. Their focus on creating an external community stems largely from their commitment to employees. The Omertà brand is managed by a Combat Disabled Veteran, something the small business prides itself on. The business extends this commitment by providing medical benefits to employees, a practice not commonly seen in their industry. We invite you to stop in and experience the Omertà lifestyle. Located in the historic Monroe garden district at 1004 North 3rd Street. Open Monday- Saturday 10-8. Lounge membership opportunities are available. Be sure to follow on social media and check-in frequently for the latest news and upcoming events. You can also shop online at www.purocigarhouse.com

Make it a December to Remember In Downtown Ruston

T IS THE “MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR” IN Downtown Ruston and December is packed full of exciting events to get you in the mood for the holiday season in Downtown Ruston. Our merchants have decked the halls and look forward to seeing you this holiday season. Our walkable downtown makes it easy to park and shop for everyone on your list! You’re sure to find just what you need for everyone on your list. Whether it’s jewelry, a great selection of boutique clothes, golf lessons, hair care, LA Tech apparel, or that perfect piece for your home, you’re sure to find it in Downtown Ruston. While you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy one of our outstanding restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! This month kicks off with a Ruston Community Theater presentation of “A Christmas Carol” in the historic Dixie Theater. The production runs December 2nd-5th with shows Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and a Sunday show at 2 p.m. Carriage rides will be back this year in Downtown Ruston. Every Friday and Saturday through December 18th, you can see the lights in style in a carriage with your family and friends! The rides start at 6 p.m. at Spears Parking Lot, just south of City Hall. Saturday, December 4th will be a great day to mark everyone off your shopping list in Downtown Ruston. The North Central Louisiana Arts Market will be in the Norton Building. Here, you can

find gifts from makers and artists from around North Louisiana all in one stop. The Market will open from noon until 7 p.m. Santa will be on sight from 12-2 p.m. and would love for you to take pictures with him. We are excited to welcome back the Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade this year. December 11th at 6 p.m. the parade will roll through Downtown with Cathi Cox-Boniol, the 2020 recipient of the Robert E. Russ Award, serving as Grand Marshal. This year’s theme is “All Things Christmas!” Saturday, December 18th, from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. we invite you and your family to Esma’s Alley where you can see the Jolly Old Elf, Santa Claus! We will have an art activity for the kids and a cookie kit from Uptown Downtown to take home! Ruston Photography will also be on-site to take photos of the kids with Santa. This is a fun and free family event. To keep up with all the events and activities, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @downtownruston. We are looking forward to seeing you Downtown!

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The Gift of Dance

Merry Christmas from DBK Dance & Performing Arts

ANCE BRINGS JOY TO SO MANY PEOPLE ALL AROUND the world – professional or otherwise — and in this way can very much be seen as a gift. As dancers, it is our job to refine this gift and share it with audiences. Being able to take the audience on a journey and bring a story to life on stage is truly a blessing. To dance is having the opportunity to pursue expression and beauty through movement and imagination. Through creativity, a child grows to appreciate and share the beauty in life. Dance is a gift that brings people together with creativity and music. Dance is joyous and brings a unity of kindness, acceptance, empathy, and passion. Surely they are the most important gifts to remember at Christmas, and beyond! At DBK, we teach our students the importance of sharing their talent by giving back to others. We are so proud of the positive impact our dancers have made in the community by giving their time and talent to help and inspire others! Dance makes the world better. Dance makes people better… that is the best gift in the world! We invite you to Celebrate the Season with us for a special performance as part of Christmas at Kiroli Park. On Saturday and Sunday, December 18th & 19th at 3 pm we will present DBK’s version of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” on the Amphitheater Stage. Enjoy our performance, the beauty of the park decorated for Christmas, and after the sun sets a drive through of the fabulous display of lights! Christmas is the time for giving, for sharing, for family and friends. It is the time to remember the Reason for the Season! The performing arts are so important to our children. dance attributes to strong physical development, coordination, and concentration. It enhances creativity, self assurance, discipline, and strong work ethics. Our amazing DBK staff share a passion for dance and love of teaching young people. We are so much more than dance! We believe in teaching important life lessons and instilling values that help our students grow into successful adults. Each teacher has a resume of extensive training and award winning choreography that bring together an amazing team! “I cannot imagine a world without music and dance! Dancers are truly blessed. To use your body as an instrument to bring the music or story to life is such a special gift! I teach my dancers to - dance from the heart and give God the glory!” Mrs. Debbie GIVE THE GIFT OF DANCE ! For detailed information about us or to register visit us at dbourgdance.com.

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A Smile You Can Show Off

Best Treatment Options to Improve Your Smile

UMEROUS STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT SMILING actually makes you happier and less stressed. The act of smiling releases numerous feel-good brain chemicals, like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. And there’s also a correlation between smiling and living longer. So it’s time to turn that frown upside-down. Here are multiple options to improve the health and the appearance of your smile. Regardless of the ultimate option you choose, our priority is to get you healthy. Our first step is always to take care of any active disease. Once that is done, we can focus on appearance. Depending on your concern, you have different treatments available to improve your smile: Teeth Whitening: If your main concern is staining, whitening is a safe, effective way to lighten your teeth. The most efficient way to do this is with custom whitening trays and gel obtained from your dentist that you wear at home. Whitening is good for external or surface stains on your teeth such as coffee stains, but not as effective on deeper or internal stains. Veneers: These are essentially covers that go on the fronts of your teeth. They’re typically the go-to for that “Hollywood Smile” and will essentially eliminate any visible defects on the surfaces of the teeth. They can also help to correct abnormal size, shape, or asymmetry of teeth. The amount of preparation the tooth requires depends on the individual, but modern veneers often require minimal removal of existing tooth structure. There are two main types of veneers: • Porcelain veneers are what most people think of when they hear the word “veneer.” These are made from a similar material to crowns/ caps. They have good longevity and are strong and resistant to stain and wear. • Composite veneers are made with composite, which is the same material we use for tooth-colored fillings. Composite is not as strong or wear-resistant as porcelain. It tends to stain and lose its luster over time. However, they are cheaper than porcelain but will need to be replaced every so often. Crowns: A crown is full-coverage (that is, it goes over the whole tooth surface, including the back), whereas veneers only cover the front. For teeth with existing restorations or cavities, crowns are usually better. Alignment: For people with crooked, crowded, or spaced-out teeth, as well as other positional concerns (e.g., overbite, non-centered midline), alignment is the best option. Both crowns and veneers can be used to address minor alignment issues, but only in appearance. They won’t treat the underlying issue. Alignment of the teeth will bring your bite and teeth to where they should be. Correct alignment will improve gum health, can help with clenching, grinding, and TMJ. The two most common methods of alignment are either traditional metal braces and brackets, or clear aligners such as Invisalign. Frequently these different options can be combined to give you the best smile possible. Dr. Jan T. Bagwell and Dr. Jessica J. Johnston will be able to consult with you to determine your best options. Their office is located next to Sterlington High School on 165N and offers patients complete general and cosmetic dental treatments. Their team is dedicated to using the newest technologies and techniques, as well as state-of-theart equipment, to enhance your smile. These dentists always work with compassion to make their patients feel as relaxed as possible! If you and your children are looking for a dental home, Dr. Jan Bagwell and Dr. Jessica Johnston would love for you to join their family! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2021 153

Mr. and Mrs. ULM Announced

Asja Jordan and Jared Anders Will Serve as ULM Ambassadors

SJ A J O R DA N , A PUBLIC administration graduate student from Monroe, was crowned the 68th Miss University of Louisiana Monroe, Friday, Nov. 5th, in Brown Auditorium. Jordan also received the Preliminary Red Carpet Award. Jordan’s platform is “Potential 2 Kinetic,” a business Jordan created. Potential 2 Kinetic’s goal is to be a catalyst for positive change and transformation within individuals and communities through yoga services, fitness training, community projects, and synergistic partnerships. “As Miss ULM, I dedicate and commit myself to the job of being a strong representative of the university, but also an active member and servant for the community. Wearing a crown and sash, it can be very glamorous and fine, but it’s not the most important to me,” Jordan said. “The most important thing to me is the job behind it. Because at the end of the day, you take the crown off, and you’re still a servant, a leader. That’s the quality that I wish to embody during this year.” Jordan will compete for the title of

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Miss Louisiana in June 2022 at the Monroe Civic Center. Leslie Hobgood from Shreveport was awarded the first runner-up and Preliminary Talent Award. The second runner-up was Kennedy Boston-Woods, a Monroe native, receiving a $2,000 tuition scholarship from CAB. The third runner-up was Alyssa Garner of Frierson, winning a $1,000 tuition scholarship by CAB. Victoria Sterling, an Abbeville native, was the fourth runner-up and received CAB’s $750 tuition scholarship. Ty’Leshia Brown of Winnsboro won the Social Media contest as well as Advertisement Sales award; Kiauna Rollins of Baton Rouge won the People’s Choice Award; MacKenzie Washington of Minden won Miss Congeniality, Spirit of Miss ULM, and the NonFinalist Talent Award; Sarah Riley Broadway of West Monroe won the Non-Finalist Academic Award, and Katelyn Yopp of Natchitoches won the Non-Finalist Interview Award. “The Miss ULM competition is the largest scholarship pageant in the state for the last 10-

plus years as part of the Miss Louisiana and Miss America Organizations,” said Meagan Lee, the Miss ULM Director. Along with Miss ULM, Jared Anders, a P3 College of Pharmacy doctoral candidate from Central, was crowned Mr. ULM. Anders received a $1,000 scholarship from the Miss ULM Foundation and Freeman Stamper, ULM alumnus, and will serve ULM as an official host alongside Jordan. Anders also won the Social Media contest. Anders’ social impact is “Affordable Medication for All.” According to Anders, Ouachita Parish and its surrounding parishes are some of the 54 parishes in Louisiana considered medically underserved. “Charitable clinics such as Monroe’s St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy help to provide medication to the economically disadvantaged and medically underserved, but they need our help,” Anders said. Anders said last year, the ULM’s Pharmacy Student Council raised $8,675 for the pharmacy, equating to more than $125,000 in life-saving retail medications. “The outlet I’ve been given as Mr. ULM provides an opportunity to boost these types of fundraisers to a university-wide level and further support those in need,” Anders said. Philip Vu from Shreveport was the first runner-up, receiving a $200 cash award sponsored by Stamper. Hollis Walker, a Lake Charles native, won the Spirit of Mr. ULM Award. Tristan Sonnier of Bunkie was awarded the People’s Choice Award and the Non-Finalist Interview Award.

Healthy and Happy Holidays

Enjoying the Tastes of the Season

OOD IS LIFE IN THE SOUTH, AND that rings truer during the holiday season, which might feature deep-fried turkey, a dressing recipe passed down through the years, and desserts like pies, cakes, cookies and more. Maintaining healthy eating habits can feel daunting in the face of such annual decadence, but Jen Avis, Med, LDN, RDN, CDE, outpatient dietitian with the St. Francis Medical Group, offers some perspective. She recommends that we start first with behaviors around eating and then look at healthier food choices. REALITY CHECK — ENJOY THE SEASON No single meal or day of eating will cause permanent damage to your health. Your everyday eating and activity patterns will determine your health and success on achieving your health-related goals. Don’t let overthinking about food cause you to miss out on time with family and friends.

…BUT DON’T GO OVERBOARD Of course, overindulging or binging on holiday foods isn’t a good idea Stick to your normal eating patterns and regular mealtimes as much as you can. Don’t skip breakfast just to double up at a big holiday lunch. Listen to your body while you eat. Check in with your fullness signals, stopping halfway through your meal to ask, “Have I had enough? Can I stop here?” Stop eating before you feel overly full. MODERATE ALCOHOL With football games on TV all day and waiting for the big meal, some families pass the time by drinking alcohol. Remember those calories count too. Often alcoholic drinks include added sugar and carbonation, which can sometimes uncomfortably expand your stomach or even make you feel hungrier than if you didn’t drink.

KEEP THE FAMILY RECIPES AND INCORPORATE HEALTHIER OPTIONS No one’s going to mess with Aunt Louise’s baked mac and cheese, but there might be ways to add in more fresh fruits and vegetables to the rest of the menu. Bonus points for locally sourced meats and farmfresh produce. When you’re planning your holiday menu or any meal, check out eatingwell. com, a website run by dietitians and health professionals that is chock-full of meal plans and recipes. GET MOVING After a big meal in which tryptophanheavy turkey is the star supported by all the carbs, it’s important to move your body, even just a little bit. Even a 10-minute light walk can help digestion move along and help blood sugar levels even out. We wish you a magical holiday season that includes time with family and friends and great eats to fuel your body, mind and spirit. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dietitian Jen Avis, please visit stfran.com or call (318) 966-4073.

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B AYO U H U N T

Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge

Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge provides the opportunity for anyone to drink of that tonic of wildness, to hunt, to enhance existing bonds of friendship and build new ones, and to relish the reward of nature’s offerings. A R T I C L E BY N I L S B O R Q U I S T P H OTO G R A P H Y BY WA D E S H O E M A K E R A N D K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

he entire Mississippi Delta region holds a special place in the hearts of waterfowl hunters, especially those who live in southeast Arkansas, western Mississippi, and northeastern Louisiana. As the migratory endpoint for millions of ducks and geese seeking warmer or simply unfrozen waters, a possible chance to mate, as well as assorted and abundant food sources, the area provides hunters the chance to fulfill their desires to trek out on a chilly morning and come home with a strap full of ducks along with a good story and a cherished memory. With nearly 40,000 waterfowl licenses sold in Louisiana each year, there is certainly no lack of hunters pursuing their harvest. Many, or even nearly all, of these people have regular sites where they hunker down each year. As both public and private wetland goldmines are usually heavily populated or difficult to find, novice and non-resident hunters may find securing a fruitful location to be impossible. Fortunately, a local gem, Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge, exists just north of Bastrop. With around 1,800 acres of dry and wet land and waterways to hunt, JBHL delivers aspiring and veteran shooters alike the chance to experience an exceptional expertly guided hunt while also being treated to the luxury of a top-notch, in-house chef, a beautiful rustic cabin, and unparalleled personal service, all within the boundaries of one of the most biodiverse locales in the state, the south, and perhaps even the country. Today, Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge, owned, operated, and being developed by fatherson associates Ric and Andrew Wiesemann, is located at 7932 Clayton Moore Road, in

Bastrop, Louisiana. Hosting groups from four to eight people, numbers that allow for ideal safety and high quality hunts for ducks, quail, and deer, in addition to the availability for corporate group or private lease opportunities for events, retreats, or bonding outings, the Wiesemanns have spared no expense to deliver a prime experience for guests. With proficient guides, an imaginative chef and their delicious food, refreshing beverages, and comfortable overnight accommodations, all visitors need to bring are their gear, licenses, and the willingness to have fun and enjoy the hunt. The Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge came into existence over 20 years ago. In the fall of 1999, after spending time studying Bayou Bartholomew and its surrounding areas and recognizing the consistent waterways used by migrating ducks, Travis Holley, the original owner of the property, wished to buy land that was for sale nearby. With help from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture (LDA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Ducks Unlimited, Holley and his wife Sara purchased the initial 1,000 acres, and then they set out to transform the space from an enormous sparse dirt patch with little undergrowth and minimal trees into an inviting area for visiting waterfowl. With so few food-yielding trees for the thousands of ducks, one of the first steps undertaken by Travis and Sara involved hand-planting in excess of 700,000 seedlings and young saplings. Twenty years later, those efforts have proven successful; the volume of both hardwood and softwood trees abounding across the acreage today has created a perfect environment of accessible sustenance for the animals traversing the land and water.

BAYOU HUNT

LEADERSHIP AT THE LODGE At Left: Andrew Wiesemann and his father recognized the need for a year-round wildlife and property management professional, and they had the fortune of enlisting the services of Caleb Justice.

long with working to improve the property for hunting, the Holleys also knew that building a relaxing cabin for guests and friends was a necessary step. After Sara designed the original 2,500 square feet lodge, the Holleys had it built, and Sara even oversaw the decorating. Today, after extensive expansions by the Wiesemanns, there are six bedrooms that comfortably sleep 12 guests, three and a half bathrooms, an exquisite stone fireplace, indoor and outdoor patio entertainment areas, enormous flat screen televisions, individual full-size lockers, and spacious dog kennels. The investments made by Travis and Sara can still be appreciated today, and the first few years of the Hunting Lodge set the foundation for the current property’s growth and development. In the late 1990’s, Travis Holley met a business owner originally from Illinois, Ric Wiesemann, who had relocated to Monroe. Although Ric did not grow up hunting, once he was introduced to duck hunting in Louisiana, he immediately fell in love with the preparation, required patience, and the camaraderie that are integral pieces of the sport. That meeting between Wiesemann and Holley became a friendship, and from there, Ric’s involvement in Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge began and steadily increased over the passing years. Beginning in 2014, he began acquiring the property, which was still essentially that initial 1,000 acres, fully completing the purchase in 2017. While the hunting had improved over the 18 years of the Lodge’s existence, Wiesemann and his son Andrew realized the possibility for improvement and set out to make that potential a reality.

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After comprehensively surveying the property and carefully detailing plans for future growth, the Wiesemanns commenced their vision for the project with the goal of creating the ideal hunting environment for multiple species. Development emerged as a priority, an enterprise they have tirelessly performed, and they even recently completed the purchase of an additional 750 acres that border the southern edges of the original property. With an eye on optimizing biodiversity, the group also set in motion successful operations to include more than 300 acres of flooded timber, agricultural fields, over 200 acres of sloughs, and wetland plains. In a daunting multi-year project, the Wiesemanns expanded upon the Holleys’ tree planting endeavors by increasing the amount of foliage in addition to building roads that negotiate the grounds as well as several barns to facilitate proper crop management. Currently, the Wiesemanns are in the midst of a two-year project to redevelop wetland habitat through a partnership with the NRCS, Louisiana Wildlife, and Ducks Unlimited. This project should comprise approximately 500 acres of appealing waterfowl paradise. Complementing the 500 acres of wetlands, the JBHL property has 1,300 acres of pine and hardwood bottoms that provide varied

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environmental features that invite a multitude of wildlife to visit and even stay, building extensive onsite breeding grounds for the sustaining of future generations. The property is closely managed all year, and the staff oversees the multiple food plots for deer as well as the fields of corn, rice, soy, milo, and millet along with the supplemental feeding for the waterfowl. The inception of Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge focused primarily on waterfowl hunting, with an especial emphasis on ducks. The Wiesemanns have maintained and enhanced the quality of their duck hunts by producing a trail infrastructure that minimizes the stress on the animals, constructing comfortable blinds in locations that maximize hunting in fly-over areas, and providing a variety of food spread over hundreds of acres. Over the years, coinciding with the burgeoning diversity of the property, the available animals to hunt has mushroomed. Although ducks remain the cornerstone for JBHL visitors, a bobwhite quail operation has recently been initiated, and the dividends have been immediate. Clients have enjoyed this addition, taking advantage of an afternoon quail hunt after a morning of duck hunting. With the Wiesemann family starting to develop the ground bird potential to equal the success of their duck hunting, they have enlisted the further help of the NRCS to provide assistance in quail and turkey management through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Whitetail deer hunting also plays a role in future plans. With a comprehensive whitetail management program in place, Andrew stated that they have seen promising evidence of the deer herd increasing in numbers and the size of deer increasing as well. The development of food plots across the terrain provides nourishment and protection, and they allow for individual growth and herd increases, all pointing to a positive trajectory for future hunts. Along with the bird and deer possibilities, hunters may also pursue hogs and alligators, though the time frame and tag availability for the latter are limited.

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B AYO U H U N T

STAY AND PLAY Today, after extensive expansions by the Wiesemanns, there are six bedrooms that comfortably sleep 12 guests, three and a half bathrooms, an exquisite stone fireplace, indoor and outdoor patio entertainment areas, enormous flat screen televisions, individual full-size lockers, and spacious dog kennels.

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ith so many ideas for future growth as well as considering the quality of the present operation, the Wiesemanns recognized the need for a year-round wildlife and property management professional, and they had the fortune of enlisting the services of Caleb Justice. An Army veteran and former professional firefighter, Justice’s route to JBHL has been circuitous, leading him from his home in Georgia to garnering a coveted position as a hunting guide at Habitat Flats in Missouri to being offered the role of Lead Guide and Manager at Jelk’s Bayou. While spending ten years as a firefighter in the south Atlanta area working ten days per month, as is the norm for fire personnel there, Justice began hunting more consistently, a pastime he grew up enjoying on his family farm but had gotten away from while in the military. He regained a love for the sport and discovered a newfound passion for hunting waterfowl, even developing into a duck calling expert. After spending several years both working in Georgia and spending off-time as a hunting guide in Arkansas, Caleb and his wife decided to take a great opportunity that sent him to northern Missouri. A fortuitous meeting during a guided

hunt led to Justice being recommended to the Wiesemanns, and they eventually met Caleb. After visiting the grounds and engaging in a great conversation about the future of the Lodge, the Wiesemanns offered him the chance to incorporate his many ideas for proper wildlife and property management on the JBHL grounds, as well as being the lead guide. With the dream of running a property and continuing to meet and interact with interesting clients, Justice jumped at the opportunity, and both sides have prospered. With over 20 years of ever-increasing focus on improvement of grounds, managing the humane harvesting of animals, and simply enjoying the incredible beauty and bounty nature provides, the legacy of Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge has grown and should continue to do so under the influence of the Wiesemann family and Caleb Justice. Their constant improvements of the grounds and desire to learn the most sustainable practices and high quality techniques to guarantee a present and future for both the environment and the wildlife that call it home all year or even for a few months prove that the goal of seeking to deliver a preeminent hunting and outdoor adventure has been a resounding success. The endeavor to be ingrained in nature, to WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2021 163

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do one’s part to enjoy it, to partake of it, to respect it, and to acknowledge the smallness of each of us within it while also recognizing that we have the gift of acting as wards of its beauty and constant regeneration are all central to the overall goal of the JBHL proprietors. It isruly best summed up by the words of Henry David Thoreau when he stated that “we need the tonic of wildness,” “we can never have enough of nature,” and that “I went to the woods… to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” In the end, gathering people to spend the day hiking, wading, and waiting all while in the pursuit of respectfully harvesting wild game, animals born in and sustained by nature’s abundance, could be considered a calling of the highest magnitude. In the course of hunting, the sky, the earth, and the creatures that inhabit them are met and appreciated, and the people who join together are undoubtedly united in friendship and personhood. Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge provides the opportunity for anyone to drink of that tonic of wildness, to hunt, to enhance existing bonds of friendship and build new ones, and to relish the reward of nature’s offerings.

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THE FUTURE OF JELK’S BAYOU HUNTING LODGE

With over 20 years of ever-increasing focus on improvement of grounds, managing the humane harvesting of animals, and simply enjoying the incredible beauty and bounty nature provides, the legacy of Jelk’s Bayou Hunting Lodge has grown and should continue to do so under the influence of the Wiesemann family and Caleb Justice.

Celebrate with The Platter Make Your Holidays Happy

HAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THE BEST time of the year then with a spread from The Platter? This local business specializes in charcuterie boards filled with fruits, cheese, meat, pastries and more. You can even get holiday themed boards featuring Christmas candy, bright red and green colors and seasonal favorites like gingerbread men. And their famous boxes have been a hit for people of all ages and you can place an order of individual boxes for family members and friends so everyone can enjoy the goodness of The Platter! They are also known for their grazing tables that have been the pièce de résistance of recent weddings, gatherings and parties. With selections ranging from stuffed olives, nuts, prosciutto, ham, cheddar, gouda, provolone, Monterey, brie, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, pepper jelly, fig spread, jam, spicy mustard and a variety of crackers, there is surely something to please every palette. Some other classic favorites include sandwich, charcuterie, veggie and fruit platters. But they offer a variety of creative culinary creations as well. The donut platter includes oversized cinnamon rolls, donuts, apple fritters, donut holes, fruit, bacon and maple syrup. The brunch platter has waffles, bacon, boiled eggs, fruit, muffins, brownie bites, honey syrup, jelly, scones and sausage links. And if you can’t find the perfect gift for that special someone, grab a birthday sprinkles platter with cake, rice crispy treats, cookies, popcorn, cake balls, dipped strawberries and pretzels, sprinkled with candy. These would make great gifts for teachers and co-workers this holiday season! The Platter has a variety of wooden trays to beautifully display their food, or you can provide your own to match a setting for a party or special occasion. With the holidays just around the corner, The Platter can help you celebrate with family and friends. You can order a Bloody Mary Platter, perfect for a boozy brunch. You can also order casseroles and family meals so you don’t have to worry about cooking. However, platters aren’t all they do. The Platter also offers off site catering as well as free catering consultations. Jodi and her team can guide you to execute your vision through their consultations and will have your vision come to life with their close attention to detail. They are able to accommodate weddings, showers, game night, Sunday school functions, anniversaries, birthdays, receptions, galas, corporate events, sales rep events and more. They can do it all! Stop by The Platter on 120 Blanchard St. in West Monroe to see everything they have to offer. You can call ahead to place an order or grab a prepared platter or casserole out of the cooler. The Platter looks forward to serving you and continuing to be the talk of the town! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Guaranty Bank & Trust Are You Ready for the Holidays

ITH THE HOLIDAYS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, it is never too early to start budgeting for your holiday shopping. While the holidays are a time for joy and cheer, the high costs can lead to stress. Finding a bank that understands your needs, your preferences and your way of doing business is what Guaranty Bank stands behind. We are all looking for more money, more freedom and more security. Our team actually takes time to truly analyze your situation. We work with you to find solutions all while giving you the best costumer service around. THE DIFFERENCE IS TRULY IN THE RELATIONSHIP! Do you have a holiday tradition that you do every year? What about starting a savings account for your kids or grandkids? How about a pack of dollar bills as a stocking stuffer? We have so many options that will bring a smile to your loved one this holiday season. Remember that the holidays are about giving thanks, joy and family. Put the important things first and you’ll be sure to get the most out of your holiday season. That is what our team of lenders will do for you. We are family at Guaranty Bank, building relationships through Community Banking and want you to be part of that. Here, your credit decisions aren’t made in faraway places or by some faceless decisioning software. We offer a wealth of banking experience and expertise, ready to work for you and your business. Our lenders have decades of experience and are ready to help with all your essential needs! We also offer personal loans, small business loans, commercial loans and home loans. Looking to lock in a rate for the holidays? Choose peace of mind with a hassle free banking. What do you want from your bank and your banker? If you’re not getting it with your current bank, it’s time for a change! We would be honored to visit with you in a way that is most convenient for you. Stop by and see us. Let us stash away some money for your future. By the way, our lobbies are open! In Monroe, contact Jeremy Harrell, Donna Faulkenberry or Chris Noren at 318-388-8115. In Sterlington, contact Johellen Maddox or Hank Pipes at 318-5706500. In West Monroe, contact Bill Crawford, Crystal McDougle or Scotty Robinson at 318-396-4300. In Delhi, Oak Grove, Rayville, Start or Tallulah, please call our main office at 318-878-3703. Personal Banking. Business Banking. Digital Banking. Local. Really. Since 1966 | gbankla.com Monroe | West Monroe | Sterlington | Delhi | Epps Oak Grove | Rayville | Start | Tallulah Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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Lacey Kennon Joins CFCF As the New Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

LACY KENNON APRN, PNP

EET THE NEW PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER for The Center for Children and Families Medication Management Division, Lacey Kennon. Lacey is originally from Pollock, LA. She holds degrees from Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana College. She has previously worked as a pediatric nurse at Rapides Regional Medical Center and in the pediatric ICU at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe. In May 2019 she earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University and became a licensed pediatric nurse practitioner. Earlier this year, Lacey joined Medical Psychologist Dr. Tony Young on the Medication Management team at The Center. Her addition to our team as a prescriber allows us to meet the needs of even more clients. Lacey says pediatrics has always been where she felt most “at home.” “I am continually amazed at the resilience of kids and my prayer is that I will do the most good in this population that stirs my heart,” she said. Lacey lives in Calhoun with her husband, son, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time cheering on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and hanging out with family and friends. The Center for Children and Families is an umbrella organization which includes the following divisions: Therapeutic Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northeast Louisiana, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana, and Brokers of Hope. In addition to the headquarters in Monroe, The Center for Children and Families has offices in Rayville, La., Shreveport, La., Crowley, La., and Clinton, Miss. Further job opportunities can be found at https://www. standforhope.org/career-opportunities.html The Center for Children and Families is committed to promoting safe, healthy environments through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. Visit www.standforhope.org for more information.

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W I N TE R S O L STIC E S O U P

R E C I P E F R O M H E AT H E R L A N D

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

WINTER SOLSTICE SOUP

This recipe can be modified with what you have stocked in your pantry or freezer. The better the quality of ingredients - the better the bite. Prepare it in an Instapot or stock pot on the stove, it’sup to you. INGREDIENTS Serves {roughly} 6 bowls / 8-10 mugs Double the recipe for a family dinner or for leftovers. 1 large onion - chopped 1 lb venison sausage 1 lb new potatoes - diced rough cubes 1 quart chicken bone broth 1 Bay leaf 1 clove garlic - chopped Roasted chicken seasoning blend (no added salt) Sea salt Olive oil Water

y definition, the winter solstice “occurs when either of the earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun” - thus shorter days and longer nights. Inevitably, the cold creeps in here in the Bayou state and out here at Luna Moon, a nesting begins. Any sunshine days are spent outside tending animals or piddling with projects. There is usually a fire both indoors and out. The chill of a winter day craves something both hearty and heartwarming - a big pot o’ something - to casually fill your bowl or someone else’s when needed. No need to miss out on the sunshine because you are standing in the kitchen; just throw it in the pot and carry on. The Christmas season should be savored not endured.

Heat a good glug of olive oil in instapot (on sautè) or in stock pot on stove. Sautè chopped onion for a few minutes before adding in sausage to brown. Add about a cup of your broth with the remainder of the ingredients - potatoes, seasonings, etc. Season to your taste with both the blend and sea salt. Be generous. Stir to toss and allow the potatoes to sauté for a few minutes. Add remaining broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are tender and flavors have married. Instapot “soup” or stovetop for as long as you want.

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Warhawk Wonderland ULM Hosts Holiday Festivities

HE SPIRIT OF THE WARHAWK AND THE SPIRIT OF THE season came together Monday, Nov. 22nd, for the University of Louisiana Monroe’s Warhawk Wonderland holiday festivities. Scott Plaza was the setting for entertainment and the tree lighting began at 5:30 p.m., followed by the School of Visual and Performing Arts Jazz Ensemble “Home for the Holidays” concert at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium. The gathering at Scott Plaza was MC’d by newly crowned Miss ULM 2022 Asja Jordan and Mr. ULM 2022 Jared Anders. Campus Activities Board Vice President Laurin Turner welcomed the crowd and was joined by President Ron Berry for the countdown to lighting the tree. President Berry said the lights on campus are symbolic of the power inside everyone to be a catalyst for change and positivity. “As we begin the holiday season by lighting our tree and campus, whether we are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something else, let us all be the light in someone else’s life,” Berry said. “Let us be the hope, the goodness, the wise counsel, or the signal of days to come where possibilities become opportunities fully realized. As we brighten our campus lights, let them serve as a sign of welcome, a sign of hope, a sign of better things to come, and a sign of celebration of the transformative process we live each and every day at ULM.” Observing the holiday season is a long-standing custom at the University. The Purple Jacket Club sponsored the first Christmas tree in December 1936. Participants drew names, and small gifts (price limit 25 cents) were exchanged. Gifts to the Purple Jackets were donated to a needy family. Joel Sinclair, Coordinator of Student Activities, said Warhawk Wonderland is a time to bring people together. “We invited our campus and community to ring in the holiday season at ULM. This tradition brings our students, faculty, staff, and families together and is always a special time for those involved. We know this year has had its ups and downs, so we hope to spread holiday cheer with the lighting of the ULM Christmas tree,” Sinclair said. Entertainment featured holiday renditions by the new Mr. ULM 2022 and Mr. ULM 2021 Ryan Petersen, both accomplished musicians. A tuba ensemble from the Sound of Today performed seasonal tunes. The Hawkline performed a routine to “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson. Complimentary hot chocolate and eggnog was provided followed by decorating holiday cookies – sponsored by the ULM Student Government Association. CAB hosted holiday plushie stuffing, and of course, there was photos with Santa Claus (aka CAB President Bryce Lovelady) and Ace the Warhawk.

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Sasha Danisheuskaya Former ULM Team Captain Takes Women’s Overall

N MID-OCTOBER, THE INTERNATIONAL WATER Ski Federation hosted the 2021 Open World Water Ski Championships at Sunset Lakes in Lake County, FL. The four-day tournament featured over 200 skiers from 34 countries, with 25 former and one current Warhawks Water Ski Team member. Current Warhawk Dominique Grondin-Allard came home with sixth place in the Open Women’s Jump with a score of 168 feet. Grondin-Allard is a graduating senior and the current 2021 National Collegiate Water Ski Association’s National Champion. She also reclaimed the Canadian Open women’s jump record earlier this fall and helped lead the Canadian Open Team to a gold medal in this year’s World’s Championships. In Women’s Overall, former ULM Warhawks Water Ski Team Captain Sasha Danisheuskaya placed first, narrowly defeating former ULM teammate Hanna Straltsova by a mere 8.3 points. In the Women’s Overall event, scores from all three preliminary events – slalom, trick, and jump – are combined into one score. Danisheuskaya also placed 17th in women’s slalom, fourth in the women’s jump finals, and eighth in women’s trick. Former Warhawk and the current U.S. collegiate record holder, Hanna Straltsova, placed second in the overall competition, 27th in slalom, 12th in the trick event, and second in jump. Straltsova also was part of the Belarus National team, which placed fifth. ULM Water Ski Coach Zane Nicholson praised the performances of all Warhawks competitors – past and present. “At this event they had all the world’s top skiers competing for a title. These athletes have trained their entire lives to become the top in their sport. It’s a tough and emotional week of skiing because becoming a world champion is the highest honor in the water ski world,” Nicholson said. Also competing in the Women’s Overall, Eleanor Benjamin placed 12th, with a 51st in slalom, 29th in trick, and 12th in jump, helping lead the British team to second in the team competition, its highest placement in many years. In Men’s Overall, alumnus Danylo Filchenko became the first person from his home country of Ukraine to stand on an Open World Water Ski podium with a bronze medal in Men’s Overall. Filchenko placed 52nd in slalom, 12th in tricks and ninth in jump. Also competing in the Men’s Overall event, ULM alumni and defending World Champion Martin Kolman (Czech) finished in ninth overall with 2613.82 points, and Warhawks teammate Adam Sedlmajer (Czech) finished in fifth place with a score of 2613.82 points. The near-perfect conditions in the Men’s Slalom event made it one of the most challenging slalom finals to qualify for. Still, ULM’s Thomas DeGasperi (Italy), Adam Sedlmajer (Czech), and Freddie Winter (Great Britain) found themselves in a six-way tiebreaker round, with DeGasperi victorious for the silver medal. Sedlmajer and Winter tied for a final score of fourth place. In the trick event, alumna Natallia Berdinkava (Belarus) placed fifth with 8040 points. In the men’s event, three Warhawks managed to break into the finals, but no one managed to make the podium, with Adam Pickos (USA) finishing in eighth, Martin Kolman in 10th place, and Filchenko finishing in 12th place. Alumnus and Men’s World Record Holder Aliaksei Zharnsek (Belarus) suffered an early fall in the preliminary rounds and unfortunately did not qualify for final. In the men’s and women’s jump events, former ULM Warhawks truly took flight. Former ULM skier and Open World Record holder Ryan Dodd (Canada) took home a gold with a winning distance jump of 232 feet, 10 feet farther than alumnus Freddy Kruegar (USA), who finished in second place. Former Warhawks skier Taylor Garcia was only 1-foot shorter than Kruegar and finished in fifth. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2021 171

Full Hearts, Full Bellies B AYO U H E A LTH | BY S HAN N O N DAH LU M

or as long as we’ve been around, humans have prepared food for each other as a display of love and appreciation. Gathering around food has bonded us together and built a sense of community. Food is steeped in tradition and often some of our fondest memories revolve around the meals and treats we have enjoyed with others. When those we care about experience sickness, loss, a new birth, or a birthday, we often express our love and support by preparing food for them. The ways in which we provide and receive food for and from others is one of the ingredients that creates our experience of love and bonding with others. Food doesn’t just nourish our bodies; it nourishes our souls. At no other time of year is love and appreciation expressed through food more than the holiday season. So many of my fondest holiday memories revolve around food. On Christmas morning, Mom’s hot, homemade cinnamon rolls greeted us after the gift giving excitement had ended. Next

was a trip to my grandmother’s house, where all the aunts, uncles and cousins would gather for lunch and visiting. My grandmother would have begun preparing this meal days in advance. There were always rolls made from scratch, vegetables from her garden, and fresh homemade coconut cake and cookies. Her spiced nuts, cinnamon hard candy, and chocolate covered nuts were spread throughout the house in pretty glass dishes, always within reach. Each family also brought their own homemade side dishes and snacks to share. All of the carefully prepared foods were imbued with the love and attention of their makers. Enjoying the abundance of intentionally made meals and treats always filled me with a warm, fuzzy sense of comfort, safety and love. Often, nutrition advice at this time of the year revolves around how to avoid overindulging and prevent that dreaded winter weight gain. Tips abound, like, “Eat something healthy and lowcalorie before you arrive at the holiday gathering so you won’t be hungry,” and “Fill up on protein and vegetables first, so you won’t have much room for dessert.” But perhaps this fear of overindulgence

is actually creating more harm than good. Maybe welcoming the sense of pleasure and comfort we receive from food is precisely what will allow us to gain satisfaction and stop eating once we’ve had enough. I believe that not allowing ourselves to experience the love and pleasure we desire as humans is what often drives insatiable food cravings. Rather than attempting to exercise more willpower during the holidays, I challenge you instead to try allowing yourself to welcome more love and pleasure; yes, even from food. It’s easy to mistake emptiness in our hearts for emptiness in our bellies, and this can drive over-eating. Food is a way to receive love and comfort, so if you find yourself consistently over-indulging at the table in a way that leaves you feeling guilty or shameful, ask yourself in what other ways you may be lacking the experience of love. In what ways can you fill your heart so you aren’t driven to over-fill your belly? With that understanding of overindulgence, here are some non-traditional tips for managing common holiday (as well as yearround) eating challenges:

Express love toward others.

Giving love and showing appreciation is one way we fill our own hearts and feel connection with others. Express love and thanks to those who are important in your life. Write thankyou notes, make phone calls, give hugs, choose thoughtful gifts, or make meals for others, all without the expectation of receiving anything in return. This is, in fact, what the spirit of Christmas is all about!

Show love, kindness, gratitude and compassion toward yourself.

Giving love to and receiving it from others is a vital part of the human experience, but you can only do it to the extent that you feel it toward yourself. Pay close attention to the constant chatter inside your mind and notice how you speak to yourself. If you aren’t speaking to yourself as kindly and compassionately as you do to your best friend or your child, you have room for improvement.

Receive love from those around you.

Sometimes, other people in our lives express love in ways we fail to see. I can’t remember where I saw this, but I once came across a story of a woman who was struggling in her relationship with her spouse. Her perspective was so tainted by so much resentment that she only saw things about him that bothered her. She felt no love from him, which made it hard for her to feel love toward him. In an attempt to shift her negative perspective, she decided to start a gratitude journal of sorts. Instead of writing down things she was grateful for each day, she took three photos of things with her phone. One day, one of those photos was of a piece of pie her husband had cut for her after dinner. She didn’t think much of it when he handed it to her, but after looking back at the photo, she realized that he had handed her the larger piece and kept the smallest piece for himself. This one small realization changed the

course of her relationship, because she finally understood that he was constantly expressing his love in many small ways; she had simply been failing to see it through her pessimistic lenses.

Fully enjoy the holiday meals and treats that have been prepared for you.

Rather than entering into these situations with a fear of foods you “shouldn’t be eating,” bring a sense of gratitude to the table. Set an intention to fully enjoy and receive love and pleasure from the meal or snack you are about to consume. Appreciate that the person or people who prepared that food did so as an expression of appreciation toward you, and receive it in your belly and your heart as just that. By not allowing yourself to receive their expression of love, you’re depriving them of their need to give, just as much as you’re depriving yourself of the need to receive. When you allow yourself to gain every ounce of pleasure possible from the food you’re enjoying (by eating slowly, staying present and aware all of the sensations that come along with it) you’ll gain satisfaction without overfilling yourself. We often believe that if we’re out of control with our eating, we must love food too much and need to assert more willpower. In fact, it’s usually fear that drives this behavior, not love. Fearing food causes us to push it away and deprive ourselves of it. This eventually leads to overindulgence, which creates guilt and shame, which fuels the unhealthy, seemingly endless cycle. Love and pleasure provides fullness and satisfaction in our hearts which erases the desire to over-compensate with the fleeting satisfaction from food. Instead of placing limits on yourself this holiday season, set an intention simply to love yourself, love others, and fully enjoy the food you receive!

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Touching Heaven Life Choices held their Annual Fundraising Banquet, “Touching Heaven” on October 19th at the Vantage Tower. The event was a special evening as they featured a live painting by Artist Rolando Diaz to the music of the Rod Allen Payne Trio. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Dan Blakeney. Featured speakers included Luke Breard and Terry Bowden, ULM Head Football Coach. At the end of the evening, the live painting was auctioned off and the proceeds went to Life Choices. This local non-profit organization is primarily funded through the kindness of community through churches, businesses and individuals.

On the BayouScene

1 Tallie and Wilson Mabray & Jonathan and Jamie Lynn Halley 2 Lyndsey Sikes, Terry Bowden and Jenny Remsberg 3 Ken Fletcher and Tom Lowe 4 Julie Brown, Toni Parrish and Angie Richardson 5 Luke Breard, Caroline Breard, Jan and David Nelson and John Paul Thevenot 6 Cesar and Kila Gonzalez 7 Life Choices Staff

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Ouachita Antique Woods Grand Opening

On October 29th, Ouachita Antique Woods owner Kyle Snellenberger and team opened the doors to a brick and mortar building designed by Licensed Architect, Cody Snellenberger. The store is excited to showcase ready-to-purchase designs for customers that may not be in the market for custom designs but where they can find a variety of pieces for their homes that were handmade locally from woods salvaged from Bayou Desiard or Forsythe Park. The Ouachita Antique Woods shop remain open at 336 Fontana Road for custom builds. Come visit Ouachita Antique Woods new location at 905 Sterlington Road and Store Manager, Avery Kea will be sure to find you the perfect piece or gift you may be searching for.

On the BayouScene

1 Kyle Snellenberger and Cody Snellenberger 2 Kyle Snellenberger, Mary Caballero and Cody Snellenberger 3 James Reneau and Kyle Snellenberger 4 AJ and Mary Francis Siggers 5 Avery Kea and Zach Coco 6 Cody, Chris and Kyle Snellenberger 7 Kyle Snellenberger cutting the ribbon 8 Ainslea and Kyle Snellenberger

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B AYO U A R T I S T

STEFAN NODARSE Stefan Nodarse aspired to be a comic book artist, but his career in art took several turns before landing in printmaking. As an alumni of the University of Monroe’s art program, and a Master’s graduate of Indiana State University, the Oak Grove native returned home to teach at ULM. Nodarse is also the curator of collections and exhibitions at the Masur Museum of Art. ARTICLE BY S TARL A GATSON PHOTOGR APHY BY K ELLY MOORE CL ARK

comic book artist — that’s the answer a young Stefan Nodarse would give when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. Like most children, the Oak Grove native had been drawing from a very early age, doodling with crayons and playing around with finger paints. But as he got older and his peers’ interests began shifting to other things, it was still art that captured Nodarse’s attention. That’s why, when he was old enough to begin seriously considering where he would attend college, institutions like The Kubert School in Dover, New Jersey, and The Art Institute of Dallas were contenders. Ultimately, Nodarse ended up enrolling at the University of Louisiana at Monroe with the intent of studying graphic design. It didn’t take long, though, for the new college student to realize the computercentric degree program wasn’t exactly what he thought it was — “I thought graphic design was comic books, and I didn’t grow up with a computer,” he admits with a chuckle. After toughing it out for about a year and a half, Nodarse made the decision to switch his major to the thing that would prove to be a perfect fit for him: printmaking. “I was a horrible painter, and drawing could only go so far, or so I thought at the time,” he explains. “Printmaking just kind of jumped out at me. The process of making multiples and the lines that you can get with etching was so similar to the ink lines of comic books, so I kind of gravitated toward that.”

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he guidance of his instructors, including Doyle Jeter and later, Jason Clark, would help Nodarse find success in printmaking rather quickly — so quickly, in fact, that his first successful print would be accepted into the university’s student juried exhibition. This moment would act as confirmation for the then-student that this was a creative process worth pursuing. “I was reading Paradise Lost at the time, and I developed my own image of what an angel was,” he says of the print. “I got in my first exhibition with just that print, and then I kept wanting to make art, play with imagery, and try to blend the style I grew up with from comic books and find a place for that in the art realm.” Nodarse’s passion for the process earned him a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking in 2009, and in 2015, he chose to continue his studies at Indiana State University, where he would earn a Master of Fine Arts with distinction in printmaking in 2018. After receiving his MFA, he stayed in the Hoosier State to start his professional career, first working at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute before joining the faculty of both St. Mary of the Woods College and Indiana State as an instructor. He hadn’t even gotten two full years of teaching under his belt before COVID-19 burst onto the scene, disrupting business as usual and pushing Nodarse and his students out of the studio and into their homes. Like countless other educators around the world, Nodarse had to adapt to teaching from home. When he

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wasn’t on Skype calls with his students in his basementturned-studio, he says he found himself doing not much else besides reading and watching television. Soon, those activities left him feeling less than satisfied, and just as everyone else was, Nodarse was itching for a way to pass the time in isolation. Rather than following the lead of the masses and scrolling through TikTok for hours, sipping too many cups of the viral whipped coffee that took the internet by storm, or baking loaf after loaf of sourdough bread, however, he turned to a different outlet: painting. The three large self-portraits he completed during quarantine weren’t the artist’s first ventures into painting, though. Despite not having painted since his late teen years, Nodarse had agreed to take over a painting class the summer before, and two weeks before the course began, he purchased a small paint set, a canvas, and a few brushes to give himself a quick still life lesson. Teaching the class and working alongside the students made him realize he genuinely liked painting, he explains, and this newfound enjoyment coupled with his quarantine-induced boredom led him to start a few paint projects of his own. Though Nodarse was having fun pressing into his interest in painting, he realized he needed a more significant change of pace. “I was kind of depressed, and I just decided I didn’t want to be in Indiana anymore,” he says. This decision led to a few text messages and phone calls with ULM art faculty members Cliff Tresner, an associate professor, and Joni Noble, the university’s art program director. Before long, the printmaker had

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his next step in the works: he would return to Louisiana and work at his undergraduate alma mater. Nodarse returned to the Pelican State just in time to begin teaching at ULM for the 2020-21 school year, and since then, he has been finding his place in the North Louisiana art scene. Local art lovers may have seen his work on display at The Palace during a Downtown Monroe Art Crawl, or perhaps they caught a glimpse of “Out of Storage,” his solo exhibition at ULM’s Bry Gallery that was shown from September to October of this year. Wherever one may have seen his work, though, an art patron shouldn’t be surprised if it evoked some sense of discomfort; it’s a theme Nodarse says seems to have shown up in much of his work, often unintentionally. “I read horror novels and watch horror films, and all my work was kind of centered around that theme,” he explains. “I got to grad school, and I remember thinking, ‘This isn’t going to work here,’ so I went into portraiture.” But even the portraits he created seemed to be centered around making their viewers a bit uncomfortable, he says. He recalls one portrait 180 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

series in particular based on a series of very exaggerated facial expressions and grunts he and his cousins used to make at one another. “I remembered not even thinking about it being scary or off-putting,” he says of the large portraits, “but I started looking at all of them, and I was like, ‘This is kind of unnerving.’ The horror aspect was still there; I did it without even thinking about it.” While he says its influence seems to be a recurring theme of his work, the horror genre Nodarse loves isn’t his only source of inspiration. He draws ideas from other places, the first being pretty much any book that captures his attention. “I’ve found that it doesn’t matter what you read; as long as it’s interesting and you’re into it, that can really influence what you’re going to do,” he explains. Another source of creative revelations, he goes on to say, tends to be the artists and instructors he’s crossed paths with, citing the aforementioned Tresner and Jeter as major influences on his work. Nodarse says his full-time job as the curator of collections and exhibitions at the Masur Museum, which he calls “a hell of a lot of fun so far,” also sparks inspiration, as he gets to

THE ARTIST STATEMENT Nodarse says he is experimenting with different materials and concepts, and regardless of where his attempts lead, he is determined to find pleasure in the process, just as he did when he took up painting during quarantine. “I’ve found that where I’m satisfied with something is where I’m having fun doing it.”

consistently work with artists and figure out how best to install their shows. This role is a bit of a full-circle moment for him, too, as it was a Masur exhibition from 2008 that directly influenced his thesis. And, of course, when Nodarse isn’t at the Masur, he’s doing what he initially planned to do upon returning to the south: teach. The adjunct professor says his role as an educator not only helps guide his students through their creative endeavors but also provides much-needed motivation for his own work. “You give students advice about how they’re working and what they’re doing, and through that conversation, you kind of start thinking about taking your own advice,” he says. “You’re telling students what you might not have thought about telling yourself because of whatever holdups or inadequacies you may have as an artist. A lot of artists don’t think too highly of their work, and when you’re encouraging students a certain way, you realize you should be telling yourself that, too.” Between his places of employment and the artists with which he surrounds himself, Nodarse is certainly not at a loss for inspiration and influence. Still, the artist says he’s not sure what his next body of work will look like. “I don’t know if I’m still going to work with portraiture or not,” he confesses. “I keep saying I’m not going to, and then I keep going back to it. I’m trying to experiment with more figurative stuff.” Now, Nodarse says he is experimenting with different materials and concepts, and regardless of where his attempts lead, he is determined to find pleasure in the process, just as he did when he took up painting during quarantine. “I’ve found that where I’m satisfied with something is where I’m having fun doing it.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2021 181

DUSTY & COMPANY Natasha looks stunning in an emerald sweater dress with gathered sleeves and a flattering fit. The outfit is complete with these slight slit booties in bone and matte gold hoop earrings with a layered beaded necklace.

JINGLE BELLE & BEAU

This holiday season snuggle up in winter’s finest looks. Find luxurious layers and cozy comforts from local boutiques. Special thanks to Candy Cane Lane. Models: Joey Gardunio, Colton Monnin and Natasha Regard. Hair and Makeup by Meka Bennett. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark.

RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS Step out in style this holiday season with these perfectly fitted gray trousers. Paired with a camel-colored turtleneck, this look is complete with a double-zip navy cardigan and leather loafers.

HARTFORSTYLE Natasha is rockin’ in this vintage geometric 80s cropped jacket with a silver bottom button. Paired with these super soft and form fitting suede pants, this outfit is a show-stopper. Complete the look with these astronomical chunky heel ankle boots.

MAX PORTER PROVISIONS Colton is wearing a lightweight olive jacket over Max Porter Provisions favorite flannel in blue, orange and mustard. Pair it with these dark slim straight jeans and a vintage camo print trucker hat to complete the look.

MR. P’S TEES This hand-drawn sweatshirt by artist Lissy Compton embodies our state pride. It features a water tower with the “boot” in a comfortable fit. Pair it with your go to jeans and hit the streets for a day of shopping.

THE NUDE NOMAD Our favorite color combination of the year is found in this stunning outfit. This green high-rise skinny will be your go-to this holiday season. It is paired with a green satin blouse and a plaid mocha shacket. Finish the look with an ivory snake-print bootie and cream-colored hat.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE SIMMONS’ SPORTING GOODS You can’t go wrong with a perfect pair of button-fly super skinny jeans this winter. Paired with a buttoned henley front tucked and layered with a burnt orange aztec print jacket, this look is on fire. Complete this outfit with these cognac ankle booties and black hat.

Orange Cranberry Bread 2 3/4 c All-Purpose Flour 2/3 c Sugar 2/3 c Packed Brown Sugar 3 1/2 tsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Nutmeg 1 Large Egg 1 c Milk (2%) 1/2 c Orange Juice

3 Tbsp Canola Oil 2-3 tsp Grated Orange Zest 2cC oarsely Chopped Fresh or Frozen Cranberries 1 Large Apple, Peeled and Chopped Orange Glaze (optional) 1 c Confectioner’s Sugar 1-2 Tbsp Orange Juice Orange Zest, if desired

Combine dry ingredients and sift together. Whisk egg, milk, orange juice, oil and zest. Sir into dry ingredients, just unti blended. Fold in cranberries and apple. Pour into two greased 8x4” loaf pans. Bake at 350º for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick insterted in the center, comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. Drizzle glaze over warm bread, if desired.

We loved this recipe so much that we are sharing it again. recipe by Evelyn O’Neal photo by Kelly Moore Clark

Level III Trauma Program

St. Francis Medical Center Earns Designation as Level III Trauma Program

T. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER officials announced today that the hospital has received Level III Trauma Designation from the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) after successfully completing a rigorous review process. St. Francis Medical Center officially submitted their attestation to the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) for this designation earlier this summer. St. Francis is also working with LERN to complete the trauma center verification, consultation, and review process through the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ASC COT) to become a nationally recognized trauma center. The ACS verification process takes place over a three-year period and verifies the presence of certain resources needed for optimal care of an injured patient. “Residents in Northeast Louisiana will be able to receive life-saving care closer

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to home as a result of our Level III Trauma designation,” St. Francis Medical Center President Kristin Wolkart said. “Providing this higher level of care, in partnership with our physicians, is just one of the many efforts from our ministry to build a healthier community through clinical excellence.” A Level III Trauma Center has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care, and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations. Elements of Level III Trauma Centers include the following: • 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists; •Incorporation of a comprehensive quality assessment program; •Developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center;

Backup care for rural and community hospitals; • Continued education of the nursing and allied health personnel or the trauma team; and • Involvement with prevention efforts and an active outreach program for its referring communities. “Our mission of caring for those most in need began nearly 110 years ago when six FMOL Sisters followed God’s call to serve in Northeast Louisiana. We are determined to continue their journey by improving health and saving lives through enhanced services focused on patient care,” added Wolkart. For more information on Level III Trauma designation and the rigorous standards process, visit lern.la.gov.

St. Francis Foundation Raffle This year, St.Francis Medical Center Foundation raffled off $50,000 cash. You could purchase tickets from August to midnight on October 8th. Proceeds benefit Women’s, Children’s, and Critical Care services at St.Francis Medical Center. Also, Sigma Lambda Chi sold over $8,000 worth of tickets for the Foundation. The winner of the $50,000 was April Boyett of Dodson. Look for more details in the upcoming year for 2022 raffle announcement.

On the BayouScene

1 Jeremy Rogers, Tammy Belleau, and Kayla Johnson 2 Father James, Judge Milton Moore, Dr.Thomas Gullatt and Wiliam Smart 3 Shatressa Furlow and Sister Mary Ann 4 Hott Rod Thompson and Dave Maxwell 5 Kristin Wolkart and Christian Creed 6 Briley Kelly and Ella Smith 7 Janie Milby, Laura Maddox, Aimee Kane and Kristin Wolkart

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ART MEETS ADVOCACY: JESSSICA HORNE

As I made my way among the cluster of trade show booths displaying an array of artisanal handiwork at Downtown Monroe’s October Art Crawl, the chill air carried the sounds of an electric guitar. A musician clad in a black cape pierced the ambiance with haunting tunes, adding to the buzz of eager art crawlers wandering from booth to booth. When so much art is displayed, color and texture can bombard one’s vision and make it difficult to really focus on one particular piece. Yet, my eyes were drawn to a 60 x 20 canvas. The hues—blood-red, turquoise, golden yellow, and sea green—demanded attention, and the central image made me pause. Instinctively, I knew it was a portrait of an Indigenous woman. Symbols floated around her head and on her face. And strikingly, the eyes were hidden by a thick, red paint stroke.

A R T I C L E B Y VA NE L I S R I V E R A A ND P H O T O GR A P H Y B Y K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

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hen Jessica Horne, a Ponca and Northern Arapaho artist based in Ruston, Louisiana, began to read about the lack of media attention regarding murdered and missing Indigenous women, she felt called to spread awareness. Her art series presented at the Art Crawl was just the beginning. A majority of the pieces, though distinct in imagery, color scheme, and medium, have a common thread--the face or body of an Indigenous woman and a red brush stroke or handprint painted across the face, eyes, or mouth. Since 2019, the use of the red handprint took hold as a symbol of solidarity to the missing Indigenous women thanks to athlete Jordan Marie Daniel, a competitive runner from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Even more recently, the case of Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old white woman whose body was found in Wyoming, has brought to light the disparity of police resources and media coverage allotted to missing and murdered women of color. According to a 2021 report by the University of Wyoming, over 700 cases of missing Indigenous people were reported in the past decade in Wyoming. The report found that compared to white people, Indigenous people were about 100 percent more likely to still be missing after 30 days. Horne wasn’t always as immersed in her heritage as she is now. She was adopted at birth and raised in Coushatta, Louisiana. Her adoptive mother had a personal connection to Horne’s biological family. “Because I was raised in Louisiana in a small town that was mostly white, I wasn’t really exposed that much except through the pow wows we went to when we were younger,” she says. Pow Wows are sacred social gatherings of many Indigenous communities which involve traditional feasting, singing, and dancing. She adds, “I always knew that I was Native American and always loved that about me.” Nevertheless, it wasn’t until college that she began to further unfurl what being Ponca and Northern Arapaho meant to her. In 2013, Horne enrolled in the art program at Louisiana Tech. “That’s when I actually started to paint and develop my craft,” she says. Horne had enjoyed painting since she was a young girl. “I always loved to paint. Even when I was in elementary, a lot of people would see me draw, and they’re like ‘Oh, that’s actually really good.’” While in the art program, Horne painted for herself, exploring artistic subjects that pulled on her burgeoning curiosity, like conspiracy theories. “So, you know, weird stuff like that.” Naturally, her interests shifted, particularly when she had her children. “It clicked,” she says, referring to her newfound artistic focus on current social issues and her own ethnic history. Ultimately, she hoped to pass down her heritage to her children through her craft: “I need to let them know about our culture.” The journey into her heritage took the form of reading about it, and the more Horne learned about the horrifying conditions of reservation life, the risk of alcoholism among the Indigenous community, and the disregard of her people’s way of life, the more urgency she felt to educate others with the hope of spreading understanding. Then, last year she connected with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)

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The journey into her heritage took the form of reading about it, and the more Horne learned about the horrifying conditions of reservation life, the risk of alcoholism among the Indigenous community, and the disregard of her people’s way of life, the more urgency she felt to educate others with the hope of spreading understanding. Then, last year she connected with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. “That really hit home,” she stressed. movement. “That really hit home,” she stressed. When she began painting with her heritage in mind, Horne researched Indigenous iconography. A signature element of her paintings has been the symbols she uses as embellishment, which are usually painted in yellow. Some standouts include the hogan, an image that resembles a wagon wheel but is usually symbolic of a permanent home. Another circular symbol which looks like an iris with two small lines drawn on the top, bottom, and sides represents happiness. The season of spring is embodied by a symbol that looks like a long comb, and the emblem for humans, in the form of a small arch, is painted in clusters. Her color selections are primarily bright earth tones like deep magenta, azure blue, and violet, striking colors complimenting the striking theme. Another compelling stylistic choice Horne is known for is a thin line of color outlining the portraits of the women, mawking them further stand out. “Yeah, it’s stylistic...novelistic. I love using lines and mark-making, and you can see that in my old paintings,” she says. “There aren’t a lot of Native American artists represented right now,” informs Horne, adding, “I just want to spread the

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“There aren’t a lot of Native American artists represented right now,” informs Horne, adding, “I just want to spread the awareness of us because we’re not gone yet.”

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awareness of us because we’re not gone yet.” As an Indigenous artist, Horne wants people to know that stories can be told on a plethora of platforms. Through art, she can keep her culture alive for herself and her children, as well as the Louisiana community which is home to eleven tribes including the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana. It’s not easy for Horne. She faces misconceptions about Indigenous people on a daily basis, as well as the disrespect of her culture by way of non-Indigenous people using regalia, like headdresses, as a costume. She encourages people to experience the culture in the right context, such as attending a regional Pow Wow where aspects of Indigenous culture, such as bead-making, dance, and food, are shared communally and by Indigenous communities themselves. Currently, Horne is working on a new series inspired by another atrocity concerning the Indigenous community. In May of this year, the world was shocked when the remains of 215 Indigenous children were discovered at the site of a former school in British Columbia. The Residential Schools, once scattered across the

country, were meant to eradicate the culture and language of the country’s Indigenous populations. For her new series, Horne is incorporating a similar style to her MMIW series. She is using simple imagery, but incorporating different markings. One of her pieces—still in progress—showcases the Kamloops Indian Residential School at the top half of the canvas paper. The bottom half displays a piercing image of 215 geometrically structured representations of children spread underground like roots. hen I approached Horne’s booth, I knew I wanted to take one of her pieces home. I wanted to show my solidarity. As a woman of color, I also wanted to share in the communal mourning of these forgotten missing women that had been inundating my Instagram stories for years. I examined the poignant array of acrylic paintings. The first one I picked up was a small 16x16 wood panel. The background, a striking red-toned fuschia, resembled sundown. Forest green brushstrokes lined the bottom, accented by lilac petals. An Indigenous girl wearing a deep blue sundress held a solid stare. It felt as if she was peering right at me with her light brown eyes. Where her mouth should be, a red smear. Yellow iconography surrounded her like fireflies. She could be me, I found myself thinking. I took the painting home.

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SIMPLY LOU MY LIFE AS AN ARTIST article and illustration by LOU DAVE NPORT

his month’s theme for the December issue of Bayou Life is “Holiday Celebrations.” I decided to celebrate my “life as an artist,” since I’ve been painting, drawing and selling my work for a little over 50 years. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long, but, I started drawing when I was about 10. My Uncle Jack worked at Kunze and Gamble Feed Store in Bastrop. Most of you all know I was born and raised in Bastrop already. I used to love to go visit my uncle when he worked there and loved the smell of that store. My favorite part of the store was where they kept all the things you’d need to have a horse. And of course, like most 10 year old girls, I wanted a horse! I found a little book about all the different horses and I’d go home and draw horses. I did have a horse for awhile, but, it ran off with me back to the barn, so I didn’t really want a horse after all! But, I did use that little book to draw all kinds 200 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

of horses. I still draw horses! I don’t paint them, but I still draw them, recently selling several I saw in Kentucky. When I was a junior in high school, you could only take drawing but then, you learned painting your senior year. I had a really good teacher who pretty much let me draw or paint anything I wanted. I remember drawing many of my friend’s portraits or I would draw little silly drawings for them. I found the fastest way to make friends was to let them find out you could draw! Sometimes around that time, my dad gave my mom a set of oil paints and canvases. I had never painted with any kind of paint, let alone oils, and of course, I had to get in that paint! My mom had been a Fine Arts Major at La. Tech, but stayed behind to help my grandmother since my grandfather was very sick. She went back to Tech and got another degree in elementary education and taught third grade for many years.

She let me get in her paint, but she also told me I had to keep the brushes clean! I still do that almost obsessively! I think the first painting I did with her paint was a portrait of a guy I had a crush on and it really wasn’t very good. I probably painted over it or even threw it away. I just don’t really remember. During my senior year, I had enough credits to graduate but back then, you didn’t get to go home after those two classes. You had to stay all day. Somebody decided that I could spend the rest of the day down in the art room. My teacher taught me how to paint with a palette knife, make pottery, and even let me turn wood on a lathe. When we had our Senior Art Show at the end of the year, I sold my first painting! I think it was one that I had painted with a palette knife. After I graduated, I wanted to be major in art, but, my dad thought that was a bad idea. He’d say “You’ll never make a living doing art.” So, begrudgingly, I went into elementary education. But, I took as many electives in drawing, design and all the classes in art history I could. They were still my favorite classes, finding myself bored in my others. My first real boyfriend, George Sims, the one I call “the Greek God,” knew how much I loved to paint. He bought me one of the best easels around back then. I finally let my son Adam have it since he uses an easel and I paint on a table. He still has it and uses it to this day! As fate would have it, I met my first husband, the father of my three children, when I transferred to Mississippi College for Women, or as it was known then, “The W.” It was located in Columbus, Mississippi. Larry had taken a job at Walker Mufflers in Aberdeen, Mississippi after just having graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in mechanical engineering. Larry was from Greenville, Mississippi and I actually met him at my cousin Judi’s wedding. Long story short, we started dating and eventually got married. I had my first daughter, Carolyn, later that year and didn’t go back to finish my degree until she was 18 months old. I was lucky that I got to stay home with Carolyn since Larry had a great job. And, although I had Carolyn to look after, I could still paint when she was napping. And yes, I still had my mom’s old oil paint set and the easel George gave me. Oils take forever to dry so that was one reason I changed mediums, from oils to watercolor. And with watercolor, I didn’t have to worry about the toxic cleaners to clean my brushes. With watercolor, you just need water! I never could get the “hang” of the “wet in wet” techniques that most people think of when they think “watercolor.” I didn’t like

to use the regular watercolor paper, I used a watercolor board. It was sturdy and thick and it didn’t warp like other paper did. I remember I had to order it since there weren’t any art supply stores in Aberdeen, back then. After I got my degree, I had my son Adam and that kid was a handful. When Adam was a little over two years old, I had my daughter, Paige. She was so cute and her hair looked like “Pig Pen.” She followed Adam around like a little puppy. Even with this all going on, I painted. The only subject people in Aberdeen would buy were magnolias. I bet I painted about 100! I didn’t sell them for very much because those people were “tight wads” when it came to buying art. I told myself if we ever moved I would never paint another magnolia as long as I lived! And so, far, I haven’t. God sure did answer my prayers when Larry found out he had another job in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I can’t say I loved Aberdeen, because I didn’t. I lived there for nearly 9 years and only had about 5 friends. I haven’t been back. We found a house in Lake Forest subdivision that was a perfect neighborhood to raise our kids. It was big house! There was a long deck and screened porch. I would eventually get into bird watching and I had bird feeders that I hung right outside the living room window so we could all see all the birds that came through there. Maybe that’s why I paint a lot of birds these days. When we first went to look at houses, our realtor took us to The Attic Gallery and I met Leslie Silver, the owner. She took my paintings and sold them! I joined the Vicksburg Art Association where I met some of my best friends as well as The Vicksburg Theatre Guild where I painted many sets for the plays.

My life in Vicksburg was just about perfect, but, as life often does, my husband died of cancer at the age of 46. I didn’t want to sell our house, but, I knew I didn’t need that big house. There were a lot of memories there but, life had to move on. Fate stepped in again when I was offered a job as Curator of Education at the Masur Museum of Art. I didn’t paint that much but I certainly got to see some wonderful art by some exceptional artists. I stayed at the Masur for 9 years. I remarried a man I call, “Mister” and moved to Ruston, Louisiana. My son and daughter and I rented one of the galleries on Art Alley, “Over the Moon.” By then I was working in acrylics on wrapped canvases and doing mixed media. (which is what I work with today) That was a lot of fun, but, we finally gave up on the gallery. We all sold a few things, but, not enough to keep paying the rent. I left “Mister” and that was really hard. He didn’t give me much to live on until I could find a good job, so, I got a job at “Painting with a Twist,” where I taught and also managed the place in the afternoons, kept it clean, even cleaning the toilets. When I was offered a job to teach art at River Oaks, I jumped on it! I absolutely loved my kids there and still hear from many of them. When I turned 62, I could retire and draw Larry’s Social Security. So, I left and never looked back. Today, since I’m retired, I can paint whenever I want to. I sell much of my work on my Facebook page. And, it seems like I am selling so many, I find it hard to keep up! But, I’m so thankful for that. After all these 51 years, being through some really hard times, I can finally say I have a career as an artist. A big thank you to my kids, to all of you who buy my work and to Bayou Life for giving me the opportunity to write and illustrate my column for the past 6 years. Merry Christmas ya’ll!

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B AYOUKID Z

The Gift of Encouragement Sieze this Opportunity to Warm Someone’s Home or Heart article by Cindy G. Foust

“Sleigh bells ring are you listening In the lane snow is glistening

A beautiful sight oh we’re happy tonight

Walking in a winter wonderland”

hese lyrics sound great and Norman Rockwell and all, but we don’t have any lanes glistening in snow, do we? As I sit in my big comfy chair writing this month’s column, about the only thing I can say that’s glistening is the sequins on my Christmas tree skirt. Don’t judge neighbors, I know it’s early and we haven’t technically even had Thanksgiving (we publish our magazine a month ahead) but I just felt I needed a pick-me-up a little early this year and my Christmas decorations make me happy. And they give me comfort, and that’s something I find myself needing a little bit of these days. Anyone else feeling the same sort of blues? I can’t quite put my finger on it, readers, I think maybe because I started the year off in chemo treatment but I’m finding myself just a little tired, and really feeling for some of my close family and friends who are on the cusp of the first holidays without their loved ones. During this time of year, when we should be feeling the “warm glow” we instead do nothing but go, go, go (you know I love a good rhyme). And whether we are ready for it or not, however, the Christmas Tsunami is on its way and many of us will not likely feel any relief until the day after Christmas, when we are sitting around looking for a Weight Watcher’s coupon watching the Hallmark Channel. Can I get an amen? Except, this year, I’m having a hard time kick-starting that warm glow when people I know are hurting. Sorry readers, I know I should be writing about gingerbread houses and the 2021 Toy Wish List (probably a space shuttle you can launch in your backyard as sophisticated as toys

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have gotten) but instead, I think I will write this month about how to be an encourager during the holiday season. Think about it, we all need a little encouragement from time to time, and that includes this writer. I did have a medical setback this year, but more importantly, I lost people I love… friends who are like family. Last January, I lost one of my best friends, and this holiday season, I find myself missing him even more. We all have that person, right? The one that cheers us on; gives great advice, even when it’s hard; and laughs at all our jokes. Paul Aron and I have been friends since I was in college, and he was truly the salt of the earth. What you saw is what you got… but let me tell you, if he loved you, he loved you hard. Loyal… fiercely loyal he was and would help anyone at any time for anything. Even though he was crabby sometimes. And bossy. But hey, aren’t we all? There is definitely a sorrow in my soul since his loss, and I laugh out loud when I think about the joke he would make if he knew I was listening to Christmas music staring at my sequin Christmas tree skirt. And then there’s my friend Ryan Chappell…husband to my boss, who graciously shared him with us on a week to week basis. Smart he was, but more importantly, he was kind. He never met a stranger and I was fortunate enough to be privy to some of the articles he wrote for various magazines. It might be a little known fact about Ryan, that he was a gifted writer, because he was so talented at so many other things. I wasn’t gifted the length of friendship years with him that I had with Paul, but Ryan was a true friend; kind and loyal and completely devoted to Susan, their children and grandchildren.

It may seem like an awkward column, readers, writing about two people who meant a lot to me, but here’s the crux: loss is hard, especially at the holidays, and we are all in a position to do something about it. Yes, another lesson in the simplicity of life, and how the smallest of efforts mean the most to people. A cup of coffee and a few hours to sit and talk with someone costs us nothing. Well, except our time, which seems to be our most valuable commodity. With these very thoughts in mind this month, I decided to go for it this month and encourage each one of you to stop the busy rat race for just a wee minute to give someone the most important gift you have and that’s your time. No matter our age or station in life, we can all give something that is completely free and will mean so much to someone; I’m talking about giving someone your time, your thoughts, your efforts. Now, don’t any of you get a brief moment of inspiration and think running by and seeing a long lost aunt for 20 minutes is what I’m talking about. No, readers, I am asking you to dig a little deeper this year. I’m asking you to sit down with your family and think of someone you all know and love, perhaps someone who has been through a hard time this year,

or is currently going through a loss in their life. Think of someone who could use a little Christmas sparkle, a little Christmas glistening maybe (and for any dads out there currently rolling their eyes, I have but two words for you… Bah Humbug!). After you settle in on this person, or perhaps this family, pull out a piece of paper and as a family, decide on something you can do to encourage them this holiday season. What am I talking about? How about inviting them over to dinner? Or taking them out for a meal? Or how about a card that everyone signs or maybe even the children make. Listen, don’t over complicate this… it’s the age old “it’s the thought that counts” mentality. Well, unless some of you want to do this for me and in that case, I would love a new car. Or a trip to Italy. Seriously, just write a simple note letting them know you are thinking of them during the holidays and maybe even leave an ornament. Let your kids get creative with the process. A trip to the Dollar Store usually scores some treasures! Homemade treats are also always a favorite, unless you are my friend, Melanie, and then I sure hope her recipient likes chicken nuggets! Some other cool ideas might be a holiday movie, gift cards, or even a homemade

certificate that offers to do something nice like mow their grass. Whatever you choose to do, remember to leave a note of encouragement and let them know you are thinking about them and praying for them during the holiday season. Whatever you do, make this a family project and really emphasize how important it is to give of our time and resources to others, particularly when those we love are experiencing a difficult season in their life. The holidays, even with all the glam and lights and decorations, can still be a time of sadness and hurt. Seize this opportunity to warm someone’s home or their heart with the gift of encouragement. It’s a chance to prove to your young, impressionable children (or your Grinch-like husband) why this is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the wonderful community who invites us into your homes each month. It is a distinct pleasure and privilege to be part of the BayouLife community that I love so much. 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.

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KENYA DREW A R T I CL E BY VA N EL IS R I V ER A A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

The psychology of clothing should not be underestimated. Whether we’re styled for comfort or to dazzle, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the clothes we choose. One thing is for certain, though: when you look good you feel great. Which is why, if the opportunity arises, our call to expression should be further nourished by purchasing garments that complement our glorious figures and leave onlookers wanting to know where we got that outfit. Unfortunately, finding the perfect dress does not always guarantee the perfect fit, which is where Kenya Drew makes a fashion-forward solution for most of our styling needs. Self-taught designer and owner of IV Luxé, Drew has been creating striking, custom gowns and garments that leave customers feeling, as Beyonce would say, flawless. Monroe native, Drew has always been into the fashion industry. She has worked retail since she was 16, eventually becoming store manager for the clothing and accessories retail brand rue21. “That experience taught me everything I needed to know about running a business from hiring, customer service, marketing, sales, and scaling the business,” she says. When she opened her own boutique, she dove “deeper” into the industry. “Little did I know, it was all a part of the plan. Those long years of hard work and training were preparing me for my next step. Trust the process!” Though the boutique didn’t pan out, Drew wasn’t deterred from seeking other avenues. On a random Instagram scroll, she chanced upon an opportunity she intuitively knew she couldn’t miss. The Fashionpreneur Summit, a retreat in Los Angeles founded and hosted by successful fashion-based entrepreneur Jessica Williams, allowed her to receive coaching to better develop her design and business skills. There, Williams encouraged Drew to dream big by telling her, “You’re very creative and you should be designing clothes.” It didn’t take much for Drew to act on that confidence boost, as she was already considering the shift from boutique owner to design guru: “I could never find clothing in those wholesalers for my boutique. And it was never anything that was very unique or anything that I wanted. So that’s why I started designing.” The next logical step for Drew was to pick up a sewing machine, so she bought one from one of her closest friends and started the seemingly arduous task of learning how to sew. “I

actually learned how to sew on YouTube. I have never been to any kind of sewing classes,” she revealed, though it was on her agenda, but then the pandemic hit. Though she has only been sewing for about three years, quarantine gave her the requisite time to “practice, practice, practice” and really hone her skills. Drew began making baby clothes and fittingly grew from that. “I’ve always been the type of girl that wanted more,” she says. So, every time she learned and grasped a new, more complicated skill she was ready for the next thing, which led her to jump into adult clothing. From there, she found herself segueing into the prominent market of prom dresses. To showcase her new collection and push herself to design formal gowns for the first time, she hosted an event that would allow her to display her creations titled Exhibit IV Showcase. In one month she completed ten luxurious, form-fitting pieces. Each gown exuded a distinct personality—plunging necklines, elaborate sequins, vibrant tulle, peek-a-boo cutouts, delicate slits, and floral prints—showing off Drew’s versatile artistry and prowess. A great success, the event helped to expand her services. Not only did her talent get the exposure it deserved, but it opened up the exclusive world of wedding gowns. After the showcase, Drew was approached by a lady wanting to make an appointment for a custom wedding dress. Though Drew cautioned her that she had not yet ventured into creating such high-caliber and ultimately personal dresses, she was met with assurance. “I believe in you,” she told Drew. “That pushed me to actually go ahead and do those gowns.” Her first bride had already purchased a dress elsewhere but wasn’t entirely pleased with it, and after failing to find her vision in a multitude of shops, she realized she needed her ideal gown to be created. “That’s another reason that people come for custom as well; they have this idea and they can’t find it in stores.” She brought Drew the idea of a black wedding gown with detailed beading, big and fluffy chantilly lace, and mesh with a “super-long” train. As a designer that doesn’t sketch, her first bride had to trust the designer’s instincts. “You never know what you’re getting until I put it together,” she laughs. After lots of tulle, layers, beading, and a little magic, when the bride walked out of the dressing room, it was everything she wanted it to be. “She cried when she saw it. And that made me feel so good about myself.” Since then, Drew has completed six other wedding gowns. She has noticed that regardless of the bride’s style, be it a fit and flare or ball gown, the women hiring her just want to feel beautiful, and Drew accomplishes that by accentuating all the areas the brides love the most. Fabric is an essential part of making a dress stand out from the rest, so Drew goes to Dallas on the regular to get some of her favorites. “I’m a touchy-feely person. I like to feel my fabrics or see them in person versus ordering them online. It’s a completely different experience when you’re feeling your fabric,” she asserts. Although she often gravitates to sequin mesh and silk charmeuse, she tries to go into a fabric store with an open mind. “Whatever catches my eye, that’s what I’m buying.” Selecting the fabric is often a task Drew carefully reviews with a client. A design can call for a specific fabric or a new fabric can present itself and cause the original design to be altered. Ultimately, the consultation process is an enjoyable one that Drew relishes going through. There have been times where she has had clients that are insecure about certain areas

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IMAGES COURTESY OF KENYA DREW

“I always say that there are no rules in fashion. So, whatever you feel comfortable in, and whatever you feel beautiful in, that’s what makes the perfect you.” of their body, so their end goal is to leave with apparel they can be comfortable in. “The best thing about custom is everything is created to fit your curves or whatever insecurity you have,” she asserts, adding, “It’s a very fun experience.” After all, seeking custommade clothing is all about individuality, self-expression, and giving yourself the gift of the ‘perfect fit.’ Drew insists that consultations are all about her clients and their dream design. “It’s about you and me creating your vision, but putting my creative ideas [in place] to make it fashion-forward and to fit you the way you want and make you feel comfortable at the end of the day.” She encourages clients to reach out whether they have changed their minds about a styling choice or just want a sneak peek of the creation. Additionally, she hopes to expand her business in the long run by manufacturing her designs. “That way, I can give my services to more clients,” she reveals. Even with the exceptional expertise that Drew has honed in the last year, she keeps a personal development mindset: “I change and grow every day, so who knows what I’ll be into next.” Recently, she has been creating the very popular two-in-one gown, which is characterized by a detachable train. She also dabbles in casual wear for children and adults. Always making sure to keep a creative 206 DECEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

attitude when conceptualizing for clients, Drew draws inspiration from fashion magazines, social media, and other designers, happily admitting, “Every time I grasp a concept, I want to learn something else.” The road to success is often paved with mistakes, and Drew isn’t shy about confessing a few of hers, but ultimately this mompreneur and relentless fashionista has relied on persistence as her followthrough. Motivated to dress and empower other women to be the best versions of themselves, Drew’s energetic personality is her secret weapon. It has helped her build her business and establish trust and strong relationships with her clients. As a result, she has become an even bolder designer and has embraced the humbling yet powerful notion that there’s no such thing as a perfect dress. “I always say that there are no rules in fashion. So, whatever you feel comfortable in, and whatever you feel beautiful in, that’s what makes the perfect you.” Book a session with Kenya Drew by following IV Luxé on Facebook and sending her a message to schedule an appointment.

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“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

“I find it interesting that the meanest life, the poorest existence, is attributed to God’s will, but as human beings become more affluent, as their living standard and style begin to ascend the material scale, God descends the scale of responsibility at a commensurate speed.”

ngelou’s groundbreaking memoir challenges the autobiographical genre. Published in 1969, Angelou recounts her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. Left by her mother and father, Marguerite (Maya) and her beloved brother Bailey live with their grandmother (Momma) and Uncle Willie. Though surrounded by an impoverished black community, Momma is the sole black owner of a general store, providing the family some comforts that elevate them in their neighbor’s eyes. Momma’s devout faith and emphasis on a Christian upbringing for the children is shrouded in her immense love and no-nonsense approach to parenting. While visiting their mother in St. Louis, 8-year-old Marguerite is brutally raped by her mother’s boyfriend, an experience that overshadows the rest of her life. Exploring themes of identity, sexual violence, racism, and education, Angelou’s memoir chronicles her upbringing until the age of 16. Six more volumes of the

autobiography continue the story. Elegantly composed and beautifully narrated, Angelou blends blistering social commentary with coming-of-age woes, cloaked in the heartbreak of being forced into womanhood against one’s will. The love story between Marguerite and her brother Bailey resonates throughout the narrative, providing the girl a safe space, a constant place to return. Divided between their time in pre-Civil Rights southern town and California, Marguerite learns the immediacy of place and the ability of books to transport oneself somewhere else. Anytime she feels lost in the world, she can find grounding in someone else’s story. One of her beloved escapes is Jane Eyre, a reminder that a black girl in the south struggled to see someone who looked and lived like her recognized in print. Maya Angelou is also known for her poetry and activism. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was nominated for the National book Award in 1970 and went on to be a bestseller for many years. The poet’s lyricism is evident on each page of the memoir, ironically as if Angelou herself is singing to the reader. The metaphor of a caged bird resonates throughout, as Angelou longs to find herself and her place in a world that refuses to allow a young black woman to live truly free. Through unimaginable hardship, a quiet girl finds her voice on the page. “Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between...there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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Steward Generated Millions

Steward Health Care Ranked First in Membership

TEWARD HEALTH CARE, THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARY Steward National Care Network, ranked first in membership, tied for first in quality, and earned the second highest shared savings payout out of 513 participants in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s (CMS) Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), according to recently released CMS data. As the nation’s largest physician-led health care network and accountable care organization (ACO), Steward generated more than $68 million in total 2020 Medicare cost savings while receiving a perfect 100% quality rating amid the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Since Steward’s Medicare Accountable Care Organization launched in 2012, it has grown into the largest in the country, with more than 161,000 program beneficiaries, while maintaining a multi-year track record of success in delivering high quality clinical outcomes and generating consistent savings. Steward’s Medicare ACO results are part of its large portfolio of value-based success across commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid risk-based contracts in every state where Steward operates. Despite significant market headwinds related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Steward’s 2020 performance year was its most successful — which can be attributed to its physician-led, compassionate, patient-first care model. This model of care has been proven to lower costs while markedly increasing quality of care and patient satisfaction in communities across the country. “We are proud of our physicians, and their clinical teams who participate in the MSSP program across our network, who have provided the highest quality care while aiming to keep their patients healthy in the communities where they live,” said Sanjay Shetty, M.D., President of Steward North America. “This important designation validates that our physician-led, patient-centric model consistently delivers best in class outcomes for all stakeholders including patients, payors and communities.” “Our comprehensive care management programs support recently hospitalized patients with chronic diseases with resources and programs in their communities and have been integral to our ongoing Medicare ACO success and mission to put patients first in everything we do,” said Dr. Joseph Weinstein, Chief Physician Executive for Steward Health Care Network. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose numerous challenges, but our unwavering commitment to providing high quality, value-based care in all the communities we call home is and will remain the central tenet of our work.”

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The Fat Doctor Ribbon Cutting The Fat Doctor ribbon cutting event was held at their new location, 1900 Auburn Ave suite D, on Monday October 18th. The Fat Doctor is a physician monitored weight loss clinic offering weekly accountability and support. The program utilizes a 3-pronged approach: Ketogenic Diet, Intermittent Fasting, and targeted exercise. At the weekly checkins, patients can get a vitamin B-12 injection, accurately measure their current rate of fat burning, and tweak their individual weight loss plan to optimize success.

On the BayouScene

1 Jay Mulhearn and Meg Keene 2 Katharine and Daven Spires 3 Reagan Driscoll and Cade Hunter 4 Stephanie Bailey and Chris and Valerie Ramsey 5 Aaron and Amy Booth and Jennifer and Troy Lizenby

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2021

HOLIDAY gift guide

Each year, we compile a gift guide in our Holiday issue that features items from local boutiques, shops and retailers. This year, more than ever, it is so important to shop local as you buy gifts to wrap under the tree and place in stockings. Our local businesses are the backbone of our community and do so much to give back to make our home a better place to live. Browse through the next few pages to find everything from drinkware to diamonds and candles to cozy pajamas, all available from local retailers here in Northeast Louisiana.

Christmas Cheer This Old Forester 1910 found at Washington Wine and Spirits has a smooth and sweet flavor and a clean, crisp finish. Entering the second barrel at a low 100 proof allows more of the sweet wood sugars to dissolve into the whiskey.

Silver Bells Have a special lady that wants to stand out from the rest? These one-of-akind, handmade sterling silver earrings from TANE can be found at Hollis & Company. They are sure to be a conversation piece at the Christmas party.

Cheers to the New Year These colored champagne glasses from Estelle will be the toast of the town. Grab them in red or green, or various other colors. Find this and many more at Parterre Home. Pillow Talk To find handmade, unique, custom vintage Belgium tapestry pillows look no farther than Revival Design & Consign. Browse the different selections to find the perfect design for you.

Arm Candy The best holiday treat is arm candy, and Herringstone’s gold bracelets are no exception. These bracelets make perfect stocking stuffers. Choose from assorted colors and textures to mix and match to create a look that fits your personal style.

Wrap It Up For the ultimate in relaxation this season, choose an amazing Barefoot Dreams blanket. Haven has a huge selection of these soft blankets, add a cozy pair of socks and you may never leave the sofa again. Relax into 2022. A Glowing Gift This Cire Trudon’s Fir candle is part of the Normany-crafted Christmas Edition’s collection. This is inspired by the Christmas season and features notes of fir tree and Siberian pine. The oldest French manufacturer produces the world’s most prestigious candles of the highest quality with hand blown glass and pure vegetable wax and are available at Material Things.

Sweet Tees Hand-drawn by local artist, Lissy Compton, this great tee and many other fun designs from Mr. P’s Tees are all available on their website at mrpstees. com. From shortsleeves to sweatshirts, their is a size to fit everyone in the family.

Grillin’ & Chillin’ The guy on your list will be giddy to get a Primo grill from Azure Pools and Spas. He can grill, roast, sear and smoke on this ceramic grill, all in the comfort of his own backyard.

Merry and Bright Give your skin the tender love and care that it deserves this holiday season. Zo Skin Health found at The Woman’s Clinic is perfect for your skin to recover from all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Sleigh This Season This black leather petite bag with a large gold chain can be worn as a top handle bag or adjusted to the perfect shoulder strap length. An accessory like this can make any outfit your own. Sleigh this season with this look and others from Hemline Monroe. Flower Power Whether you are looking for a gift for a fiend, or yourself, these gold floral earrings with rhinestone center are perfect for the holidays. Great gifts like these can be found at The Nude Nomad.

Sippin’ With Santa Needing to relax after the hustle and bustle from holiday shopping? Grab a chic cheetahprint stemless wine glass from Walsworth & Company and fill it up!

Grill Mate A modern, highperformance version of an authentic plow disc cooker, FIREDISC is built to last and designed to be easily taken down for travel and storage. FIREDISC fires up fast, cooks virtually anything, seasons like a cast-iron skillet and cleans up quickly with just water. Available at Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart.

Steamer Stack The Steamer Stack has 8 eucalyptus menthol steamers giving you the ability to choose how much aromatherapy you’d like. Use 1 cube for a mild scent or 2 for a more therapeutic effect. Place cubes indirect stream of water and breath deeply to invigorate your senses. Find this and more at Rain the Salon and Spa. Humidor For The Holidays This unique cigar box features a modern, masculine design with a distinctive style. Its divided interior provides maximum versatility and the simple, clean styling blends with any décor. The interior dividers in this high quality humidor are lined with premium kiln dried Spanish cedar. Omertà Cigar Co. has these specialty items and everything in between.

Travel In Style These royal standard cosmetic and travel bags are available at Dusty & Company. Both stylish and practical, any trendy girl on your list will love one of these beautiful bags.

Don’t Worry, Bee Happy This floral bee decorative pillow will be the perfect piece to add a pop of color to any room. Find this pillow and many more gift items at Woodstock Home and Gift.

Sparkle and Shine SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferlic serum found at Spa Nouvelle provides advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and brightens skin’s complexion.

Sew Special Material Things in Monroe is excited to offer a variety of sewing machines, including the Husqvarna Viking Epic 95Q, one of the best on the market. If you have a sewing enthusiast on your list, they will love this comprehensive computerized sewing machine under the tree this year.

Full Of Love These white oak cups hand turned by Kyle Snellenberger in the heart of Monroe would be a dynamic duo for anyone on your Christmas list. The Ouachita Antique Woods store is a creative outlet of ideas Snellenberger has been stockpiling. Ready-to-purchase uniquely designed woodworking items can be found at Ouachita Antique Woods. Poppin’ Collars Long sleeve Merino wool polos with horn buttons and leather elbow patches will add the finishing touches for your cool evening attire ensemble and is available at Ron Alexander Clothiers.

Sweater Weather This vintage Mount Cervin sweater from the 80’s is sure to be a hit at any holiday party. HARTFORSTYLE has these and more designs available for everyone on your list.

Scent of the Season Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt is composed of delicate scents to enchant your lifestyle with a botanical tradition. The perfect size to carry in your purse, this luxurious product can be found at Palette House & Plume.

Nice Lid The “Distressed Gentlemen” is a collaboration of custom hats by Caddo Bros. Hat Company and Max Porter Provisions. There are a variety of sizes and styles available, as well as options for custom ordering. Find this and more and Max Porter Provisions.

Warm Your Spirit Wood Stove mulling syrup from Vees Flowers is a perfect gift for those cold nights by the fire. Pair with a nice bottle of wine or cider to get you in the spirit of the holidays.

Best Face Forward This all-in-one skin rejuvenating serum improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and texture. Get the glow you deserve this holiday season at DermaMediQ.

Slip Into Comfort Whether you are binge-watching your favorite Netflix series or running to grab the newspaper, these comfy pair of slippers from Walsworth & Company are sure to be the trend this holiday season.

Hot Tub Holidays Azure Pools and Spas carries several products fro Hot Spring Spas, providing a powerful combo of massage and hot water. We can all use a little relaxation this year and this is the perfect answer

Cooler Weather Ice down your drinks in this rugged, dependable customizable Swamp Gear Box cooler from Simmons Sporting Goods. It’s the perfect gift for any man or lady on your list.

Chill Out This life changing pillow from American Mattress Outlet is designed for side sleepers, infused with cooling gel beads, zoned gel dough, memory foam and a breathable cover. Perfect for anyone needing a good night’s sleep.

S’more Please This S’more Roasting Board set will have you asking for S’more please! The board holds s’more ingredients with places for marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. The set also comes with two metal and wood skewers and a mini fire pit that will have your marshmallows toasty. Find this at Bella Magnolia in downtown West Monroe.

Luscious Lips The Rx: Plump & Protect is a staff favorite! This high gloss lip treatment helps to restore hydration and youthful volume. It has a proprietary complex of stimulating ingredients that draw beautiful, natural color. Immediately lips appear more plump and rosy, with lasting benefits to lip hydration and overall health. You can fill your stocking with this Hopkins Dermatology exclusive.

Not Your Basic Basket Thurman’s Food Factory has a variety of gift baskets full of specialty themed items. You can choose from an Italian theme with pasta and spaghetti sauce or Louisiana with Cajun seasonings. You can even have them customize a basket for anyone on your list.

Wild At Heart Make a grand entrance to your holiday party with this wild at heart tiger purse on your arm. The Nude Nomad is where you can find stylish bags like this one and so much more.

Heat Things Up This patio heater from Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart is essential if you want to enjoy your outdoor space during the cooler months. It makes sitting in the backyard with family and friends a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Eye Opening Mickel Plastic Surgery’s office carries the entire line of Zo Skin Health, including this Growth Eye Serum. It is designed to improve the appearance of expression lines, encouraging healthy skin for a visibility revived look. Blowout Brush The Sutra Professional Blowout Brush is equipped with mixed nylon and boar bristles help to detangle and brush your hair while you style, leaving you with shiny, beautiful results. Find this and more at Rain the Salon and Spa.

Leather Love The perfect size for your on-thego lifestyle, the Hank Leather Satchel melds functionality and durability into the ultimate everyday bag. With dual main body compartments, an interior organization panel, and an all-leather crossbody strap, the Hank is equal parts utility and style. Find this and more at Max Porter Provisions.

Sassy Set This Printfresh pajama duo is the perfect companion for a weekend of lounging in bed with a book or curled up under a blanket next to a warm fire. Find these and other pajama sets at Haven.

Deer To Us To find handmade, unique, custom vintage Belgium tapestry pillows look no farther than Revival Design & Consign. Browse the different selections to find the perfect design for you.

Christmas Spirits Made with %100 pure agave and formulated using a blend of Extra Anejo, Anejo and Reposado tequilas, this exceptional tequila is unique. The tequila goes through a proprietary filtration process that selectively removes the color, while preserving its smoothness. Find at Washington Wine & Spirits.

Oh Dear Your loved ones on your list will love this Roller Buck sweat shirt from Mr.P’s Tees. It is super soft and perfect for the Louisiana loving little kid. Available at mr.PsTees.com Finish It With A Bow. Complete your holiday look with these gorgeous gold bow earrings completele with a teardrop pearl. Find this and other great stocking stuffers and gift items at Herringstones.

Dasher and Dancer These decorative reindeer are the perfect home décor for your mantel or holiday tablescape. Incorporate them anywhere in your home for a festive look. Find this and more at Parterre Home.

Fa-la-la-la Fountain of Youth Give the gift of skincare this season with any of the SkinBetter Science products, available at Spa Bella in West Monroe. This award winning skincare cream improves the appearance of wrinkles, lines and uneven tone and texture, perfect for the woman on your list this year.

So Charming This new line of bracelets and necklaces make for a unique and one-of-a-kind accessory. The perfect present for any of your loved ones this Christmas. Visit Palette House and Plume to create an ensemble like this.

Cup of Cheer CC’s Coffee not only has a menu full of hot and iced coffee, they have plenty of travel mugs and cups that any java Joe on your list will love.

Everything Sparkles This choice between gold and silver stainless steel can be difficult. Gold is bold and brilliant, but silver is classic and versatile. If you cannot bring yourself to pick between the two, don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect bracelet for you. Find this and more at Hemline Monroe.

Time to Shop Needing more time to shop for Christmas? Stop by and pick up this Navy SEAL Foundation Exclusive 3503. NSF Military Dive Watch from Hollis & Company and you’ll never be late again.

Gift Of Beauty Restore your skin’s ability to heal itself with AnteAGE MD regenerating serum and accelerator. This elegant product quickly absorbs into your skin, utilizing nanotechnology to deliver a powerhouse of physiologically balanced Stem Cytokines™, Potent Peptides, and Protective Antioxidants. Find this at Professional Laser Center.

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com December 1 - 3 Stuff a Bus 2021 Join The Center for Children and Families for Stuff a Bus! The annual community gift drive that helps provide toys and gifts for local Northeast Louisiana children in need this Christmas is back. Venue: Pecanland Mall Parking Lot, 4700 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA Phone: (318) 398-0945 December 1 - 25 Christmas at Kiroli Drive through a wonderland of Christmas lights beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas night! Open every Thursday-Sunday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Venue: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Hours: Thursday-Sunday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Cost: $10 per vehicle, $20 per commercial vehicle, no buses. Phone: (318) 396-4016 December 1 - 31 Christmas at The Biedenharn Enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the Biedenharn Home and Elsong Gardens thanks to the Monroe Garden Study League. Be sure to come by during regular museum hours to take your family Christmas snapshots. Venue: The Biedenharn, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA Phone: (318) 387-5281 December 1 - 31 Holiday Light Displays Check out all the light displays in Downtown Monroe & West Monroe beginning at 5:30 pm each night! Venue: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe Hours: 5:30 PM - Until Cost: Free Phone: (800) 843-1872 Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 Freedom Trees Get in the Christmas spirit and check out the Freedom Trees

at Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. These patriotic themed trees honor veterans and those currently serving in all branches of the military. The Freedom Trees were turned on November 11 and will light the night through New Years. Venue: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe Cost: Free Phone: (318) 362-5540 Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 Candy Cane Lane Candy Cane Lane is a mile-long wooded drive decorated with over One Million Christmas lights. Venue: Candy Cane Lane 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun Hours: 6:00 PM -10:00 PM Cost: $20 Family Vehicle / $40 Commercial Vehicle Phone: (318) 801-0670 December 2 - 4 Christmas Open House at The Biedenharn A Monroe tradition for over 3 decades, Christmas Open House is a free event that showcases the decorating talents of the Monroe Garden Study League, the talent of many area musicians and the many facets of the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, all with bright lights, festive refreshments and of course photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Venue: The Biedenharn, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA Hours: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Cost: Free Phone: (318) 387-5281 December 2 Downtown Gallery Crawl It's time to Crawl! Come and celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Venue: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe

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Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: (513) 857-1292

Winnsboro Children's Parade We are proud to announce that the children’s parade is back in action this year! This parade, a favorite among the local kids, will be held on Thursday, December 2nd at 6:00 PM. The line-up starts at 5:00 PM in the parking lot behind the Princess Theater located at 714 Prairie Street. The children will march through downtown Winnsboro and Prairie Street, where it will end at the Old Post Office Museum. Once at the Old Post Office Museum, enjoy hot chocolate hosted by White Ford, and visit with Santa! Venue: Downtown Winnsboro, Prairie Street Hours: Line-Up Starts at 5 PM, Parade starts at 6 PM Cost: free December 2-4 Lincoln Lights Up the Pines Enjoy Ruston’s premier drivethru Christmas lights display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. Venue: Lincoln Parish Park, 211 Parish Park Rd, Ruston, LA Hours: 5:30 PM -10PM Cost: $10 per vehicle/ $20 per bus Phone: 318-255-2031

December3 Franklin Parish Christmas Parade This year marks the 18th Nighttime Franklin Parish Christmas Parade! Join us for the WinnsboroFranklin Parish Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Parish Tourism’s annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 3rd at 7PM. The parade will resume its tradition and a big fireworks show over Landis Park will take place after. Venue: Downtown Winnsboro Prairie Street Hours: 7 PM, Cost: free December 2-5 A Christmas Carol Enjoy this entertaining holiday performance from Ruston Community Theatre this season live at the Dixie Center of Arts! Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 7 PM; Sunday, 2 PM Cost: Adults: $14, Students: $7 Phone: 318-595-0872 December 3 – 23 Santa's Christmas Village Don't miss out on Santa's Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum! Santa's Village Includes: Cookie decorating, Visits with Santa, model train village, Make and Take holiday ornament, Snow Shows, Festive light display, Rides down Mount Sneaux, Photo ops, the new giant snow globe, and all exhibits! Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Hours: Thur-Fri 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cost: $10 per person Phone: (318) 361-9611 December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-19 Open Wagon Rides Through the Lights Landry Vineyards is once again providing its wonderful wagon so

everyone can take a ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe. The 30-minute rides begin at 5 PM every Friday and Saturday nights beginning Nov 29th. The ride begins at Commerce Street and ends at Wood Street. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $5 per person December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 Downtown Carriage Rides Experience magical carriage rides through the decorated streets of Downtown Ruston this holiday season! Venue: Historic Fire Station, 200 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, 6 PM-10 PM Cost: Kids- $5, Adults- $10 Phone: 318-251-8647 December 4,11,18 Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-957-1305 December 4 Christmas on the River 5k Get your jingle on at the Christmas on the River 5K in Alley Park! This fun race kicks off the Christmas on the River Festival day that includes the Kiwanis parade, fireworks, and live music in Alley Park! Entry is $35 and includes a cap and medals for the first 100 finishers. There will be a costume contest, so folks are encouraged to wear their festive holiday gear. Venue: Alley Park, West Monroe Hours: 8:30 am Cost: $35 Christmas Makers and Producers Market Tis the season to get crafty! Head on out to the Makers and Producers Market as they bring holiday cheer to the market. Venue: 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Twin City Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea Don’t miss the Nutcracker Tea in the Land of Sweets beginning at 9:30 a.m. and a matinee showing of the Nutcracker at 11:00 a.m. Your ticket will provide admission to both the breakfast and matinee performance. The party will include breakfast with Clara and the Nutcracker cast, sweet treats, crafts, and games. Your children will not want to miss this magical holiday morning! Venue: WL Jack Howard Theatre, 401 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe Hours: Breakfast at 9:30 am; Performance at 11:00 am Cost: $15 Phone: (318) 388-3011 2021 Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade Celebrate Christmas Redneck Style! The Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade is a parade like no other! You'll enjoy floats with fun-loving redneck themes and throws that range from beads to toys to other surprises! The parade rolls down Smith Street from Riser Elementary School to Jonesboro Road. Venue: Smith Street, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM Cost: Free Phone: (318) 388-5858 NCLAC's Holiday Arts Market Come discover the works of 25 artists and artisans in a festive arts market space in Downtown Ruston. Venue: The Norton Building, 207 W Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Hours: 12-7 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-255-1450 Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita Christmas Parade Come enjoy the holiday floats, bands, dancers, and more at the annual Christmas Parade! This year’s theme is Christmas in Paradise. You might even see Santa! Venue: Monroe-West Monroe Louisville Avenue and Trenton Street, Monroe-West Monroe Hours: 3:30 PM - Until Cost: Free Christmas Fireworks Don't miss out the Christmas Fireworks in Monroe-West Monroe! Best viewed from either downtown Monroe or West Monroe, the

fireworks will be shot from the Endom Bridge. Venue: 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM The Nutcracker Gala Performance What is the Christmas season without the TCB’s Christmas performance? This year, the TCB is brimming with excitement to announce that they will host a gala performance of The Nutcracker – Acts I and II. Step back in time with us to a Christmas Eve party where Clara receives her beloved Nutcracker. To end the evening, we will venture into the beautiful Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Twin City Ballet is thrilled to bring both acts of this Tchaikovsky classic, featuring our beautiful TCB dancers and guest artists, to this community. Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Exp, Monroe Hours: 7:00 pm Cost: $25 per ticket Phone: (318) 388-3011 Mistletoe & Margaritas Welcome the Holiday Season with The Mason Granade Band. Enjoy great dance music, specialty margaritas & much more including great food all in a beautiful Holiday themed venue. Venue: Desiard Plaza Centre 371 Desiard Plaza Dr, Monroe Phone: (318) 381-0515 Barracuda-America's Heart Tribute Come see and hear this Rock Solid Tribute to the Rock n Roll Hall of Famer's, HEART! All the hits from the 70s and 80s by some of the best musicians and vocalists in the USA! Venue: The Hub Music Hall, 201 Washington St, Monroe Hours: 10:00 PM – Until Phone: (615) 557-7371 The Whistling Hounds Live at Jac's Americana/Rock duo, The Whistling Hounds, are a multiregional touring band that uses story-like lyrics and powerful sound to drive their live performance. Venue: Jac’s Craft Smokehouse, 401 Trenton St, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Phone: (318) 855-8680 December 9 Elton John Tribute

Come see and hear this Rock Solid Tribute to the Rock n Roll Hall of Famer's, HEART! All the hits from the 70s and 80s by some of the best musicians and vocalists in the USA! Venue: Desiard Plaza Centre 371 Desiard Dr, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM – Until Phone: (318) 381-0515 December 10 Children's Parade Light up your bikes, trikes, wagons and battery-powered cars for a parade under the Christmas lights in downtown West Monroe! Venue: Downtown West Monroe, 250 Trenton St, Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM December 10 Elf Jr. The Musical Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts presents Elf Jr! Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Venue: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, 1300 1/2 Lamy Ln, Monroe Phone: (318) 812-7922 December 10-12 Big Creek Trade Days Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Hours: Friday & Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Phone: 318-680-1304 December 11 Pet Photos with Santa The howlidays are here, which means it's time to get your canine crew to The Biedenharn for photos with Santa! Venue: Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe

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Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: $15 per pet Phone: (318) 387-5281 December 11 Quiche & O’Keeffe Come spend your morning at the farm learning about the great American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe. Participates will enjoy homemade quiche made with fresh Compton Farm eggs while they learn about the Mother of American Modernism and create their own cow skull inspired piece of art. Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Cost: $65 Venue: Compton Farms of La, West Monroe

Phone: (318) 345-1155 December 18 Jingle Bell Run Race into the holidays at the 2021 Jingle Bell Run! This is a funfilled event for the whole family. Participate in the 10K, 5K, or Fun Run. Proceeds go to benefit local Scouting programs in Northeast and Central Louisiana. Participants are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Rock 106 Christmas for Kids Toy Drive. Venue: Forsythe Park, 2300 Sycamore St, Monroe Hours: 8:00 AM - Until Phone: (318) 325-4634

Calhoun Christmas Parade A Cajun Christmas Parade rolls through the Calhoun community on December 11th with Parade Grand Marshall Sheila Kay of Sunny 98.3! Venue: Calhoun Community Hours: 11:00 am Phone: (318) 450-0752 Ruston Christmas Parade Ruston's Annual Christmas Parade will bring the holiday spirit to life as it rolls through charming Downtown Ruston. Venue: Downtown Ruston Hours: 6 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-255-2031 Holiday Strings Celebrate the holidays as the Monroe Symphony Orchestra performs holiday classics. Venue: North Monroe Baptist Church 210 Finks Hideaway Rd, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: (318) 812 6761 December 17 Louisiana Delta Ballet Presents "The Enchanted Christmas" Louisiana Delta Ballet Presents "The Enchanted Christmas," a spectacular Christmas Gala Performance based on the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. Exciting dancing, costumes, and state-of-the-art sets and scenery will create the perfect family outing for the 2021 Christmas season!! Venue: Jack Howard Theater, 401 Lea Joyner Expy, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $25 per ticket

December 18 Wreaths Across America Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Wreaths are given to loved ones in memory of those that served in the armed forces, and are buried in Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens. Venue: Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens and Kilpatrick's Memorial Gardens Hours: 11 AM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318.397.3766 Cookies with Santa Bring the entire family out to Esma’s Alley for cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa in magical Downtown Ruston! Venue: Esma’s Alley 112 E Park Ave, Ruston, LA

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Hours: 10 AM- 12 PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-251-8647 An Artisan Christmas Downtown West Monroe presents An Artisan Christmas: Market, Music, and Holiday Outdoor Movie! Venue: Downtown West Monroe,Trenton St, West Monroe Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Until December 19 Flying Heart Live with Josh Love Josh Love channels virtually every genre in his playing and singing from rock to RnB, to gospel to blues. Not being afraid to cross barriers Josh Love is able to connect with any crowd. It’s always a treat to be able to come to a show of his! Venue: Flying Heart Brewery, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM December 22 Coca-Cola Truck Night The Lighted Coke Truck will be parked on the 2000 block of Riverside Drive right in front of the Coke Museum. There will be entertainment, and all museum buildings will be open. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance to hear last-minute Christmas list requests in the Welcome Room. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa! Venue: The Biedenharn 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe Hours: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: Free

December 26 Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller A little hip-hop, a little southern rock, and a whole lot of fun! Join Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller. Venue: Flying Heart Brewery, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM December 31 Feathers and Fedoras The Radio People invite you to ring in the New Year at The Hub Music Hall. Roar into 2022, the same way the roaring 1920s brought change to a new decade. Grab your feathers, fedoras, wingtip shoes, and swing dresses to roar into 2022! Venue: The Hub Music Hall, 201 Washington St, Monroe Hours: 8:00 PM - Until Phone: (318) 325-9837 Monroe VFW New Year's Eve Party Ring in the New Year with Mike McKenzie at VFW Post 1809! Venue: VFW Post 1809 Rodney J Hobbs, 1499 Hwy 594, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - Until

BayouLife Magazine December 2021

Articles inside

ART MEETS ADVOCACY

HOLIDAY DRESSING

FOR LOVE AND LIFE

STEPHAN NODARSE

JELK’S BAYOU HUNTING LODGE

AMANDA MCDOWELL

HOLIDAY BRUNCH

SUGAR AND SPICE

JINGLE BELLE AND BEAU