BayouLife Magazine December 2019

THE GIFT OF GIVING LOCALLY

We would like to thank local non-profit organizations and higher education institutions that allow Marsala Beverage to serve them. All non-profit organizations and universities have learned how to do more with less and we see a need to support and invest in the communities we do business. In 2019, Marsala Beverage donated over $45,000 to local non-profit agencies.Giving money and time is just a small way we can do our part. These are just a few of the organizations we support to help make northeast Louisiana a better place to live.

River Cities Humane Society

Delivering Quality Since 1952 www.marsalabeverage.com

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DECEMBER 2019

76 22 /GRANNY’S RECIPE Granny Shares Her Recipe for Holiday Cinnamon Rolls

136/ SWEETS AND TREATS These Festive Holiday Treats are Perfect for Family Gatherings

202 / HOLIDAY HUES Sparkle this Holiday Season in Haute Hues Perfect for Seasonal Gatherings

44 / A DANCE OF GRIEF AND JOY Parents Kila and Cesar Gonzalez Face a Seemingly Impossible—and Heartbreaking—Decision

140 / CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Tried and True Ideas That Bring Family and Friends Together to Make Memories.

220 / BAND OF BROTHERS Piloting the Restoration of Military Aircraft at the Chennault Museum

76 / MADAME MAYOR West Monroe Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell, this Month’s Bayou Icon, is the Perfect Combination to Lead the City of West Monroe Forward

151 / SETTING THE BAR The Eli is Jay Howell’s Vision and Ultimately A Showcase For Some Of His Favorite Haunts

104 / MERRY MANTLES Local Mantles Decorated by Local Designers 122 / CHRISTMAS BAKE-OFF We’ve Asked Some of Our Favorite Northeast Louisiana Bakeries to Spruce Up Their Best Christmas Tree Confections

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APRIL 2018

166 / BAYOU ARTIST Megan Smith has a Little Bit of Her Soul Poured Into The Clay 184 / THE CYPRESS KNEES Sharing One Mic, the Couple Perform as If Alone, Nobody Watching What is a Breath Away from Becoming an Intimate Moment

240 / WINTER WONDERLAND Take a Walk in the Winter Wonderland with Festive Apparel from Area Boutiques 264 / GIFT GUIDE We’ve Shared Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List from Some of Our Favorite Boutiques, Shops and Retailers

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his year has been one for the books. We’ve had some amazing accomplishments this year, especially with the challenges that we’ve faced. Our team pulled together a great magazine this month – but it wasn’t without a few tears shed and some big favors called in. I want to thank Ashley Hubenthal for going the extra mile and doing everything outside her job description to help us get it done. My friend, Maré Brennan, stepped in and pulled us out of the weeds – getting a little throwback to her graphic design skills.

Meagan was a beast on the computer, Taylor and Kelly pulled off the most shots they’ve ever taken for the magazine (and they are beautiful). Amanda and Katelyn used their sales skills and creative side to help pull us through. 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.

Please support your local businesses this holiday season. The people who own stores locally are those whose children go to school with yours. We are those who support local non-profit organizations; who pay local taxes. We are those who give back to our community. We depend on your business during the holiday season. It’s easy to find everything you are looking for in the pages of this magazine. Our local retailers are stocked with the greatest gifts for everyone on your list. Our comprehensive gift guide has something for even the most difficult

person on your list. Find it on pages 264271.

There are so many great editorial pieces in this month’s magazine.

Georgiann Potts sat down with West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell to talk about her vision for the city. See her interview on page 76.

On pages 240-248, Kemper Baugh and Joshua Mitchell, model this season’s most stylish attire. There is a lot that goes in to each and every one of our fashion shoots and this month Taylor Bennett, Kelly Moore Clark and Meka Bennett knocked it out of the park with our Winter Wonderland.

When Trent and I first started attending our church in Monroe, we were immediately struck by the music. There is something about Stacey and Jordan Sheppard’s vocal stylings that really makes you feel alive – feel the Spirit. So, when Vanelis Rivera asked to highlight The Cypress Knees this month, the answer was a resounding, YES! See their article on page 184.

Quick shout out to Nicole Douglass, who was inadvertently left out of the photo credit in last month’s magazine for some images used in BayouScene’s Life Choices Banquet.

With all my love and thanks, we truly hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. I am so thankful for the birth of our Savior and His upcoming celebration, and I pray that this holiday season brings you joy and peace. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Cassie

BayouLife 1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Amanda Singley amanda@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah K. Brack Maré Brennan Brandi Chambless Dan Chason Laura W. Clark Leslie Coffman, MD Bill Cornelius Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport John Dobbs Chasity Estis Thomas Estis Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner April Clark Honaker

Bill Kelley Nicole Lahr Paul Lipe Chase Lobrano, MD Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Guy Miller Evelyn O’Neal J. Preston Perry, MD Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Amie Smith Beatrice A. Tatem Natalie Todd Julie and Heber Tuft Vanelis Rivera Judy Wagoner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Andrew Bailey Kelly Moore Clark Desirae Gooding Prajal Prasai ON THE COVER Kemper Baugh wearing Hemline Monroe photography by Kelly Moore Clark

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BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 14,000 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag. com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts or other materials. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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Dr. Henry Zizzi

Consistent, Thorough and Takes Time to Explain Everything for His Patient

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R. HENRY ZIZZI WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NATCHEZ, Mississippi, where he sparked an interest in medicine and all things science-related at a very young age. His first jobs were spent working in hospitals as an orderly or alongside respiratory therapists, and through this experience Dr. Zizzi realized he loved the environment and healing those in need. He was interested in learning the mechanics of the human body, and Dr. Zizzi transformed his interests into a successful career in the Northeast Louisiana area.

He is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University, and continued his education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, where he also completed his residency. During his time in medical school, surgery particularly caught his attention when he realized what one person can do with two hands. Surgery is an art form that requires the surgeon be adept and dexterous, and as a selfprofessed perfectionist, Dr. Zizzi knew he had a talent for operating.

He ultimately chose general surgery because it allowed him to treat conditions of a wide variety and gave him the opportunity to hone his skills, as well as helping and potentially curing his patients. Though his residency was stressful and required a tremendous amount of training, Dr. Zizzi never considered any other field of medicine.

For the last 21 years, Dr. Zizzi has been practicing General Surgery in the Monroe/West Monroe area. After completing his training, he joined the practice of Drs. William Ferguson and Tommy Lolley, who have both since retired. Dr. Zizzi believes in more than just treating his patients – he leads with his heart, as he knows many people walk into his office scared and concerned. Even minor procedures deserve a surgeon’s utmost attention to detail, and his experience enables him to perform surgeries with precision, accuracy, and trust between him and his patients. Dr. Zizzi takes a significant amount of time getting to know each individual while answering questions and alleviating concerns. He often uses diagrams or sketches to educate patients so that they know exactly what to expect before entering the operating room. Dr. Zizzi treats his patients with respect and compassion, as he understands how important the doctor-patient relationship is to one’s well-being before and after surgery.

If you ask his patients, the quality that distinguishes Dr. Zizzi is his bedside manner. He spends as much time as necessary with each patient and answers any questions they may have. Patients

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appreciate the consistency in his office, and they often remark that he is so thorough in his explanations that he answers their questions before they can even ask them. His main goal in an office visit is to keep the patient informed and comfortable, as he is well aware that the experience of undergoing a surgical procedure is hard enough.

As a general surgeon, Dr. Zizzi is trained to operate on multiple areas of the body, and the most common procedures he performs involve the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, appendix, and gallbladder. Theses gastrointestinal procedures are most commonly performed with a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. He also performs thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as weight loss surgery. Along with these procedures, he treats benign and malignant diseases of the breast, which is a significant part of his practice.

Outside of the office, Dr. Zizzi has a variety of interests besides medicine. He married his best friend, Deborah, and he has five children whom he adores. He enjoys studying and speaking foreign languages as well as traveling to countries outside the United States to practice his skills. Dr. Zizzi is also the lead singer of Code Blue and the Flatliners, having performed with this locally popular group since its inception in 2002. He actually attended NLU on a choir scholarship, which was a very fulfilling part of his college education.

To top it off, he has a passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine, and his family says his homemade pasta is to die for.

Dr. Zizzi has a way with people, and he treats his patients how he would want a physician to treat his own family members. While not every procedure is life or death, anxiety due to having surgery is real, and Dr. Zizzi takes the time to reassure his patients that he will take care of them to the best of his ability. With his hands, he heals the body, and with his heart, he builds long-lasting relationships with his patients.

Dr. Henry Zizzi 102 Thomas Road, Suite 203 West Monroe, Louisiana 318-387-1812

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St. Francis Medical Center Now Offering Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Procedure - TAVR

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EVERAL PHYSICIANS, ALONG WITH A TEAM OF healthcare professionals, recently performed the institution’s first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The TAVR is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure that offers hope to patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis.

Somewhat similar to a stent placed in an artery, the TAVR procedure delivers a fully collapsible replacement valve to the valve site through a catheter. Once the new valve is expanded, it pushes the old valve leaflets out of the way and the tissue in the replacement valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow.

ABOUT AORTIC STENOSIS AND TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT (TAVR) Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve. This narrowing obstructs normal blood flow to the aorta and then to the rest of your body causing the heart to work harder. Aortic stenosis is often caused by age-related calcification, but can be caused by a birth defect, rheumatic fever or radiation therapy. Aortic stenosis can cause fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, chest tightness, dizziness and heart palpitations.

TAVR is a surgical procedure that has been approved for patients who have severe aortic stenosis and are at risk for open heart surgery. TAVR allows a hybrid team of interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons to insert a flexible tube, or catheter, with the new artificial valve compressed inside until it reaches the diseased aortic valve. The new artificial valve is implanted within the patient’s diseased aortic valve and the catheter is removed. The new valve replaces the old, increasing blood flow throughout the body.

At the start of the procedure, your doctor will make a small cut in one of three places: the groin, the neck or a space between your ribs. The doctor will guide a thin, flexible tube with the heart valve through the incision, into your artery, and to your diseased valve. The TAVR heart valve will be placed in your diseased valve or failing surgical valve and begin working immediately. Your doctor will then remove the tube and close the incision.

Because the TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure, patients generally see a shorter recovery time to resume everyday activities and an overall improvement in quality of life.

“We are extremely proud to offer the TAVR procedure as an option for patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis and may not be able to have

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open heart surgery,” said Kristin Wolkart, President of St. Francis Medical Center. “TAVR is just one more treatment option added to the specialized cardiovascular care we offer for patients in Northeast Louisiana.”

St. Francis recently began offering the Watchman device as an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR TAVR?

An assessment, which may include several diagnostic tests, will be conducted by your physician to determine the best treatment option for your aortic valve stenosis based on your medical history, current health status and condition of your heart. The diagnostic testing may include: • Echocardiogram An echocardiogram is a test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of blood flow through the heart valves and chambers along with the pumping action of the heart.

• Carotid Ultrasound A carotid ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to produce images of the carotid arteries in the neck which carry blood from the heart to the brain. It also shows the blood flow through these vessels.

• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan A CT scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from many different angles to create detailed images of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body.

• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) A PFT measures the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and if your lungs are delivering enough oxygen to your blood.

• Heart Catheterization or Coronary Angiogram

A diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and directed toward the heart. The procedure allows the physician to assess how well the heart is pumping and to examine the coronary arteries and the heart valves.

The TAVR procedure is only for certain patients. This includes patients with severe aortic stenosis or failing surgical valves who are at risk for open heart surgery. The decision to treat aortic stenosis with TAVR is made after medical and surgical heart specialists together determine the best treatment option for each patient.

Joy to the World A Gift For The Holidays, A Gift For All Times

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OY TO THE WORLD IS A MESSAGE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, for all times for everyone. December is here. We have celebrated Thanksgiving and now the anticipation of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s is upon us. It means we will potentially be around family and friends, that we will experience the excitement and elation associated with the holiday and that there will be a lot to do. So much to do, we may fail to find ourselves truly living in the joy of the season or in joy at all. It has been said the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year and yet many can agree that there are negative aspects.

Joy to the world means different things to different people. Joy is achieved in various ways unique to the individual shaped by their experiences, perceptions and exposure. I grew up under circumstances where life was positive; where I experienced joy, delicious home cooked food, lots of laughter and fun times with family and friends, attentive and loving parents, safety and warmth. Through my work as a therapist my world has expanded to include other’s perceptions and exposure to joy. I believe joy is a feeling we all deserve yet not always experienced; that the simple joys I took for granted as a child are not felt by all. I recognize the holidays are met with mixed emotions and varied reactions; while there are those who look forward to the holidays with a focus on the joyousness of the season there are those who are without joy. Whether a family member passed and it’s hard to celebrate without them, troubled finances, challenges due to disappointment, or general anxieties or depression, some of the hardest times each year are from November to January. I am a firm believer that finding joy in the holidays is possible and when discovered, renews us for the new year.

As a therapist I have observed the positive feeling joy has on ones’ life… one of the greatest gifts you can give to someone is their opportunity to feel joy.

Tis the season to be jolly…. have the self-agency to bring lasting joy into your life this holiday and days to come. There is a plethora of events to attend, gifts to exchange and opportunities to gather with family and friends; do what makes you happy with the people you enjoy. Deck the halls, walls and shelves of your home and office with pieces of art, photos and sentimental pieces that are uplifting and inspiring. This will ensure that every step you take, you can reflect in the joy that surrounds you. Check into joy; check in with the people you love and who love

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you, take time for the things you like to do and the places you like to go. Make a wish list of joyful things that are not commercialized or can be bought. Yet focus on gifts that are priceless; gifts of time, interest, support, creativity and engagement. Be mindful that inner joy is greater than superficial joy; identify the joy within. Laughter often equates joy, be sure to laugh frequently, honestly and openly. Good mental and physical health is not to be taken for granted. Interject a little joy into your day with physical activity. Avoid getting caught up in unpleasant traditions. This holiday, initiate a new tradition relevant to your current needs and desires. Physical interaction coupled with love is one of the best ways to up your joy levels. Get warm and cozy and experience the comfort and joy of being with a romantic partner, significant other or a favorite pet; cuddling with the one you love can be massively satisfying.

There is a child within all of us. Connect with your inner child. My good friend shares her stories about her niece, when stressed these lighthearted stories reminds me of the beauty and joy of life. Reminding yourself about the joys of childhood can bring joy to the here and now.

Stimulate your senses with the joyful smells, sounds, sights and feel of the holiday. Be bold and unapologetic with the joy you feel. Counteract holiday blues associated with difficult times by emphasizing joy. When frantically decorating, shopping or entertaining add joy to your day by taking five minutes alone. Find serenity and solace at a favorite spot for example the library, art museum, a bookstore, coffee shop, a special place in your residence. Slow your pace and enjoy a long brunch with friends or breakfast in bed. Prescribe yourself a daily dose of joy, it will help your overall well-being.

This holiday allow yourself to be emotionally wrapped up in the joy of the season. I wish joy to the world allowing us to find joy in the joy of others. May the spirit of the holiday infiltrate our minds, penetrate our souls, restore our hope and fortify us physically and mentally. May you receive in abundance the gifts of love, inner strength, unconditional acceptance and genuine happiness. I wish for all peace on earth, inner strength and each of you a joyful state of mind.

For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 2485 Tower Drive, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com

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When She Succeeds,

We All Do ar ticl e by L AU R A W C L A R K

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hen my newsroom cubemate, Jomay, turned to me and said, “Girls have to stick together,” I smiled and did not think much more about it, except that her phrasing reminded me of Cindy Lauper’s, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” I was 24 years old, and Jomay, who had significantly more reporting experience, also knew how to navigate the often male-dominated newsrooms of the early 2000s.

So, why did Jomay tell me this? I was working on a complicated news story about military base realignment and closures. I was not— at all—passionate about the story, and she could sense it. Without any prompting from me, she approached my cube and asked if she could help. I was surprised and extremely grateful because had she not helped me, I would have missed my deadline. Being one of the youngest reporters in the newsroom, I felt too insecure to admit I found the writing assignment overwhelming.

Since that time, I have worked with a lot of collaborative, progressive thinkers, both women and men. I have also benefitted from a multitude of mentors, most of them women. However, I’ve also experienced discouraging interactions. When I was a public relations professional in my early 30s, I served on a planning committee. I observed—more than once—female colleagues reporting on their respective departments as some women occasionally rolled their eyes or even whispered. While I hope I didn’t participate, it is possible I did. But why?

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Many of us have heard the phrase, “mean girls,” made popular by the 2004 blockbuster movie, which focused on high school drama among teenage girls. But the “mean girls” phenomenon doesn’t necessarily end after high school. Women sometimes fear losing their position, influence, and power in the workplace, according to social psychologist Joyce Benenson. In reaction to that fear, they don’t always support their female peers.

The sacred position, influence, and power are hard-earned; women still occupy­­ significantly less senior leadership roles than men. For example, while women have earned the majority of doctorates for eight consecutive years, only 32% are full professors, and 30% are college presidents, according to the Center for American Progress. So, we sometimes compete—even subconsciously—for the few opportunities that exist at the top.

Laurie Rudman, also a social psychologist, believes women criticize their female peers because they are struggling to understand an unfair and unbalanced situation. Subsequently, women project, internalize—and sometimes even believe—negative stereotypes about women in leadership. For example, while most men embrace leadership positions with confidence, women sometimes struggle with “imposter syndrome,” or the belief they are not worthy of their roles.

Women also face cultural hurdles that make it more difficult for them to advance. Women are expected to remain helpful and upbeat, and if they aren’t, they are considered abrasive and “not likable” by both women and men. One study, conducted by Kieran Snyder, revealed that 66% of women’s performance reviews contained negative personality feedback, compared to only 1% of men’s reviews.

So how can we support our female colleagues in spite of these challenges? We can: • Practice the Shine Theory—the belief that when one woman succeeds, we all do. When your female peer accomplishes something, tell her and others. Praising others does not mean you are downplaying your contributions. Quite the opposite: you are secure enough in your abilities to recognize the strengths of others. When one of my fellow Women’s Symposium board members receives an award, I often observe other board members praising her on social media. I think that’s powerful.

• D evelop close connections with female peers who can advise you on how to negotiate your worth and promote your talents.

Also, when you develop relationships based on shared interests and aspirations, you’ll achieve more at your job. People want to collaborate with those they know and like.

• C reate your advisory board. A core group of women advise me on career moves, general life decisions, and more. And it’s reciprocated. When I ask one of them how they are doing, I usually receive a very candid response like, “I’m not great.” This kind of exchange often results in a cathartic discussion and, most importantly, an antidote to isolation.

While it took me several years in the workforce to appreciate— and truly understand—Jomay’s wise words, I now rely on her sentiment often. We do need to stick together.

Laura W. Clark, owner of Vivian’s Voice, LLC, a communications consulting company, can be reached at findyours@viviansvoice.com

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Let Us Help You Celebrate Happiness is Whiskey - The Perfect Christmas and Holiday Gifts

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APPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! YOU’VE DECKED THE halls with tinsel and wreaths, hung your lights and decorated your tree. It’s the season of giving and we have the perfect gifts for your loved ones! Are you stumped on what to get your family and friends for Christmas? You can’t go wrong with whiskey and we’ve got you covered.

This holiday season we are excited to bring you five single barrel store picks that we know are exceptional.

BARRELL BOURBON SINGLE BARREL 14YR Barrell Bourbon Single Barrel is distilled at Cascade Hollow Distillery, formerly known as Dickel and owned by Diageo. We have always been a fan of the Barrell products, but we are blown away with this expression. Bottled at cask strength with a whopping proof of 116, this bourbon definitely packs a punch. As you swirl your glass and the alcohol begins to dissipate, aromas of nutmeg, maple syrup and subtle oak fill your nose and leave your mouth watering in anticipation. As you take your first sip, maple really begins to make itself known. With a beautiful, velvety mouthfeel, cinnamon and oak follow close behind with an outstanding lingering finish of creamy hazelnut. If you still feel this whiskey is too hot, add a drop or two of water to tone down that bite. All of those incredible flavors still remain.

WIDOW JANE 12YR SINGLE BARREL BOURBON Widow Jane Distillery is located in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York where things get done in their own way—- a place that defines itself. This bourbon definitely defines itself. Widow Jane bourbons are all proofed with pure limestone water coming from the legendary Rosendale Limestone Mines. The limestone from these now-abandoned mines was used to build the foundation of some of our country’s greatest structures, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. After being aged for 12 years in American Oak, it is truly one of a kind. On the nose, you are blown away with sweet and tempting aromas of chocolate, vanilla, honey and citrus followed by pleasantly heavy charred oak. On the palate, the charred oak sticks around as layers of caramel, walnut, cherry syrup, leather and rye spice all stop to say hello. These complex flavors linger on your lips ever so nicely with a long and enjoyable finish of chocolate, vanilla and lemon peel. You can’t just have one!

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF BOURBON Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky is where Elijah Craig calls home. Elijah Craig is a bold and honest expression of what charred oak barrel aging can really do for bourbon. It is a mouth-filling, deeply satisfying whiskey that is amazingly palatable and will delight many drinkers. The nose is filled with everything you want to smell in a bourbon. The well balanced 22 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

aromas of caramel, brown sugar, oak and sweet corn warm your soul and excite your senses. The first sip leaves you with a seductive silky mouthfeel that opens up to rich flavors of molasses, vanilla, oak and leather followed by little bursts of sweet corn. Just when you think there couldn’t be anymore, Elijah surprises you with a growing spicy feel that brings a warm, sensational cinnamon experience. The finish is nicely layered showcasing all of the flavors. The cinnamon, brown sugar and sweet corn continue to grow until it eventually fades and awaits your next sip.

OLD SCOUT SMOOTH AMBLER SINGLE BARREL BOURBON Old Scout is a patiently made Appalachian whiskey from the hands that work at Smooth Ambler Spirits Distillery located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Made with authenticity, integrity and sincerity, you can taste excellence in every sip! Old Scout is bottled at a unique cask-strength reflecting the exact barrel proof of the cask in which the whiskey was aged. On the nose, you can truly smell the confidence of this bourbon. Rustic oak, caramel, black pepper, new leather and tobacco leaves will make you want to stand a little taller. The faint touch of roasted grains and chalk have you looking forward to your first taste.

Your taste buds are ignited by notes of firewood and chewy pipe tobacco then rounded out by dark chocolate and sweet hints of ripe cherry. There is an impressive and distinctive earthy quality that swoops in to steal the show. A bit of spice pops right away then leaves you with the chocolatey, earthy, charred wood flavors from your palate. This bourbon will send you into a frenzy and have you begging for more!

EAGLE RARE 10YR SINGLE BARREL SELECT Eagle Rare is masterfully crafted and carefully aged in the utterly famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in the heart of Frankfort, Kentucky. It is an intense whiskey with layers of oaky spice and rich sweetness and a surprising, yet delightful fruitiness that we are all here for. As you swirl your glass and take in your first breath, toffee, raisins and marzipan fill your nose. Caramelized brown sugar and fruity bread pudding follow close behind. Under the layers of sweetness, touches of spice and overripe pears are ready to be noticed. After your first taste, your whole mouth is coated with a satisfying creamy texture as notes of applesauce, cinnamon sugar and raisins become known while apple-skin sharpness faintly floats around the edges along with balancing barrel char. Hints of mint and menthol say their goodbyes as notes of buttered toast and brown sugar linger on.

Eagle Rare is well balanced and easy drinking with spice, fruit and classic bourbon sweetness all coming perfectly together. You can truly enjoy this bourbon any time of the year.

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B AY O U H O L I D AY

Holiday Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter, softened 3/4 cup of milk 1 egg Filling: 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon Frosting: 1 cup powdered sugar 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 400.

Brush 10� inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Whisk flour, 2 tablespoons white sugar, baking powder and salt. Work 3 tablespoons softened butter into flour mixture. Beat milk and egg together, then pour into flour mixture and stir until soft dough forms.

Turn dough out on floured surface. Knead lightly and roll into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.

Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Whisk 1/2 cup white sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle 1/2 over buttered dough and 1/2 over buttered dish.

Roll dough to form a log. Cut into 12-18 rolls. Bake 20-25 minutes.

Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter and vanilla until smooth.

Frost hot rolls.

recipe by Evelyn O’Neal and photo by Kelly Moore Clark

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumni: Bentley & Sandy Curry

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N NOVEMBER OF 1966, SANDY AND BENTLEY MET ON a blind date at the ULM/LA Tech football game. Sandy was attending Louisiana Tech, and Bentley was a student at ULM majoring in Ag Business. Three months later, they were married. Sandy had graduated high school in Alexandria, Virginia, and Bentley was a graduate of Start High School. He worked at Howard Griffin, selling outboard motors and boats, while still taking classes. When he met Sandy, he took a break from school, focusing on providing for his growing family. In 1973, he started Curry’s Crop Consulting. At the time, cotton was the main crop, and it looked like the vegetable industry would take off in the area. Bentley returned to ULM to educate himself. He took courses in economics, agronomy, horticulture, and vegetable production. He became licensed in 9 of 12 categories related to crop consulting in 1974, at the time one of the most licensed individuals in the state. He was declared an expert and testified in state and federal courts for insurance companies and private farmers. Sandy kept busy raising their children, and decided to return to school at ULM in 1976.

Sandy majored in Ornamental Horticulture & Turf Management.

Her goal was to help her husband with the crop consulting business, to understand the terminology. Dr. Paul Kapp was the Head of Horticulture at ULM at the time. He taught most of Sandy’s courses, and encouraged Sandy and Bentley to get into the Christmas tree business. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture was promoting Christmas trees as an alternative crop for small farms. The couple have now been growing and selling Christmas trees for 36 years.

Curry Farms has transitioned in the last twelve years to an ag-tourism business, including a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Bentley says teachers call and ask if their pumpkins have vines and blooms. They want their students to see how the pumpkins grow and experience a real pumpkin patch. Today there are 41 different activities on the farm, all constructed out of old farm equipment and stuff found on a farm. Some highlights are the hay barn with swinging ropes, the bounce pillow made from a grain truck tarpaulin and the spider web made out of netting constructed by the Net Company of Jonesville, LA. There are haystacks with slides, a cornbox in lieu of a sandbox, where small children love to play. Barrels mounted on carts are pulled behind a tractor. The Currys started with 30-gallon barrels, but soon added 50-gallon barrels so parents could join in on the fun. The newly constructed animal barn is a customer favorite, and the Currys are

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always looking to add to their attractions. Bentley admits he always has new ideas, and is constantly warming Sandy up to them.

What started as a Christmas tree farm has flourished. Dr. Kapp’s initial suggestion has led to decades of Curry Farms serving the residents of Northeast Louisiana. Sandy remembers Dr. Kapp as being personable and knowledgeable. In her two years getting her associate’s degree, Sandy was a member of Delta Demeter, the ag fraternity. She was older than many of her peers and often “set the curve.” She used to drive a younger student named Donnie to class with her every day.

When he wanted to drop out shortly before graduation, she encouraged him to stay in school, insisting she didn’t drag him this far for him to just give up. On graduation day, the two entered Fant-Ewing coliseum side-by-side, a random occurrence that symbolized them both finishing the journey together. Bentley admits the knowledge he gained in his university classes helped prepare him for the work in his field.

The Currys are members of the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, where they get inspiration for their activities and attractions on the farm. They are also members of the National Christmas Tree Association. Curry Farms hosts field trips October through December each year. Just this year, over 10,000 children have visited the farm. The trips wind down shortly before Thanksgiving as the Currys prepare for the Christmas season. Curry Farms is a staple in Northeast Louisiana, much like the university that educated its owners. The Currys are proponents of education, particularly those fields that serve residents of this area. They have been married for 52 years, have three children, and seven grandchildren. They are proud of their contribution to this community, and like ULM, are a big part of its 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.

TAVR

The New, Less Invasive Alternative to Open-Heart Surgery

I

N FEBRUARY OF 2019, GLENWOOD Regional Medical Center became the first hospital in the region to perform groundbreaking TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) procedures.

TAVR is an innovative new procedure for cardiac patients who may be high-risk or too sick for traditional open-heart surgery. It is also approved for low-risk patients who are symptomatic with severe aortic stenosis.

It allows a new valve to be inserted within the native, diseased aortic valve. The TAVR procedure can be performed using one of many approaches, the most common being through a small incision in the leg. It uses a catheter to replace a failing heart valve, making it much less invasive than open-heart operations.

Glenwood uses the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter heart valve to treat high-risk and intermediate-risk patients with aortic stenosis (AS), one of the most common heart valve diseases. Aortic stenosis impacts more than 2.5 million Americans over the age of 75 annually. Without treatment, half of the people who feel sick from this problem die within an average of 2 years. Yet many patients refuse or are denied open-heart surgery, the traditional treatment for aortic stenosis. Compared with open-heart surgery, patients who undergo TAVR spend less time in the hospital and can recover more quickly and get back to their everyday activities.

“By using TAVR, we’re saving lives and allowing our patients to spend less time at the hospital and more time at home with the families they love,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, president of Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

OVERVIEW OF THE DISEASE

Aortic stenosis is a progressive disease,

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which means it gets worse over time. It’s typically measured as mild, moderate, or severe aortic stenosis. As a result of the reduced blood flow, the body does not get the oxygen it needs, which may cause symptoms.

Many patients initially appear asymptomatic, but on close examination, up to 32% exhibit symptoms. The symptoms below are typically associated with severe aortic stenosis but are commonly misunderstood by patients as “normal” signs of aging.

SYMPTOMS OF AORTIC STENOSIS

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Difficulty walking short distances

• Lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting

• Swollen ankles and feet

• Rapid heartbeat

• Chest pain • No longer taking part in physical activities, you used to enjoy There may be no outward symptoms.

These could also be symptoms of heart failure.

If you have any of these symptoms and have been diagnosed with heart failure, ask your doctor to also test for aortic stenosis.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE HAS AORTIC STENOSIS?

Over time, the leaflets of your aortic valve become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close. When the leaflets don’t fully open, your heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to your body.

Eventually, your heart gets weaker, increasing the risk of heart failure (when your heart cannot supply enough blood to your body).

MAJOR RISK FACTORS Factors associated with aortic valve disease include the following:

• Increasing age

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Smoking DIAGNOSIS In addition to a physical exam, severe aortic stenosis is diagnosed in several ways, the most common being an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray of the patient’s heart, and cardiac catheterization (angiography).

TREATING SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS Treatment for aortic stenosis depends on how far your disease has progressed. If your stenosis is mild, medication may be prescribed to help regulate your heartbeat and prevent blood clots. However, if the severity of your stenosis progresses, your doctor or cardiologist may recommend replacing your diseased aortic valve. Severe aortic stenosis cannot be treated with medication. The good news is that now, with the TAVR procedure available exclusively at Glenwood Regional Medical Center, open heart surgery is not your only option.

To learn more about the new, less invasive TAVR procedure, and the comprehensive heart and vascular services at Glenwood Regional Medical Center, contact Jaclyn Green, TAVR Coordinator at 318-329-4462.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 29

Hunt for the Perfect Bows

Amelia and Annie Hunt are using their gift of bow-making for the greater good. What started as an art project blossomed into a small business, and ultimately into a philanthropic endeavor. article by STAR L A GAT SON and photos by PR AJA L PRASAI

T

he turkey was carved, and all that remained of the pumpkin pie was a few crumbs. With full bellies, happy hearts, and a football game playing in the background, the Thanksgiving holiday drew to a close. As people across the country cleared their dinner tables, ready to trade in leaves and pumpkins for ornaments and trees, one Monroe family prepared to fill their table all over again.

This time, though, it would not be covered with a holiday feast.

Instead, the Hunt family’s dining room table would be occupied by strips of brightly colored cardstock, glittery ornaments, and festive 30 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

trinkets, as sisters Annie and Amelia get to work crafting and selling paper bows for the Christmas season.

Annie, 13, and Amelia, 12, first entered the bow business four years ago. “We wanted to wrap presents and stuff for fun,” says Annie.

“We didn’t have any bows, so we looked up how to make them, and then we wanted to sell them. So, our mom posted on Facebook about it, and her friends bought them.” What began as a casual art project blossomed into a small business, and, after selling their handmade creations for fifty cents each, the two sisters found themselves with a decent profit and a question to be answered: what would be done with the money? According to both girls, though, the decision was clear.

“We thought instead of using this money for ourselves, we could give it to someone who needed it,” Amelia explains. The first year’s earnings were used to benefit a young student at Lexington Elementary, and the money was used to buy Christmas gifts and necessary items, like clothes and shoes, for the child in need. “It was fun to go shopping for someone,” Annie recalls.

Each year since, the sisters have used the entirety of their profit to support a local cause of their choice. During their second year of bow-making, the Hunt sisters decided their profits — approximately $700 — would be gifted to a family friend who was battling cancer. “I called around to a few different local charities and gave them some choices,” says Annie and Amelia’s mother, Erin. “We talked about it

for a while, and then, suddenly, Amelia is the one who remembered

According to Erin, because both she and her husband grew up in our friend who had cancer. She asked if we could donate it to their families that valued generosity, they emphasized the value of serving family.” others in hopes their own children would follow the examples set

Last year, in 2018, the girls sold close to 2,000 bows and managed by their parents and grandparents. The Hunts’ dreams for their kids to earn $1,000. The amount raised was high, but not high enough to seem to be coming true, because for Annie and Amelia, using their distract them from giving back; the sisters donated the year’s earnings gifts for the greater good just makes perfect sense. “It’s fun to make to the DeSiard Street Shelter. This year, though they have yet to select bows, and then if we can make money from it, why wouldn’t we? And a cause to support, Annie and Amelia are on a mission to raise even we don’t need the money, so why would we keep it?” asks Annie. more funds than they did last “It’s a good feeling when you year and began making this give somebody something,” year’s batch of bows, which will Amelia adds. be sold for a dollar apiece, in The impact their October. contributions make to those The girls carve out time in need is not lost on the to make bows whenever they Hunt sisters. Both girls can — in the evenings, on noted that the recipients of weekends, and in moments of their donations were always free time between soccer games touched by their generosity, and practices, church youth and customers are always group activities, and hunting appreciative of their products. and fishing outings. Since their In addition to blessing those start, the two-person operation in need, the Hunts hope that has grown into a group effort, Annie and Amelia’s bowand family members, friends, making business encourages and neighbors often step in to others to spread generosity help design and make bows, and kindness whenever and provide supplies, or help the however they can. “Sometimes girls stay organized. Annie and you just have to start small, Amelia have even partnered like a little bow-making with The Paper Market, where business,” Erin says. “It their bows are sold in-house, started out in their playroom and for the past two years, as something fun to do, and the local party supply and we had no idea that it would stationery store has matched turn into raising thousands of the girls’ earnings dollar-fordollars to help needy people in dollar. our community. We just want The unique handmade people to be willing to look for bows come in a variety of ways to help others.” colors, patterns, and designs,

It was writer and poet and are decorated with Kahlil Gibran who said, “There upcycled materials, including are those who give with joy, clippings from old Christmas and that joy is their reward,” cards, corks, pinecones, and and for Annie and Amelia seashells. “They’re both very Hunt, this quote rings true.

“It started out in their playroom as something fun creative, and I like to see what In the midst of the Christmas to do, and we had no idea that it would turn into they come up with,” Erin says season, a time when many raising thousands of dollars to help needy people in of her daughters’ bows. Though may search for happiness our community. We just want people to be willing to she is proud of their artistic in the gifts they receive, the abilities, Erin says she is most Hunt sisters are finding joy in look for ways to help others.” proud of the initiative Annie generosity. They are proof that and Amelia have taken to help one is never too young to use those less fortunate and the attitude toward charity that they have their talents and abilities to give back, and the little things — even developed. those as small as a paper bow — can make a big difference.

“The only thing I want for my children is to grow up and treat

everyone like they would want to be treated and help others in need,” Annie and Amelia’s handmade paper bows can be purchased for $1 each and she says. “I don’t think that’s always easy to do. I think sometimes you are available through their mother’s Facebook profile or in person at The Paper have to look for ways to help — things don’t always just fall into your Market. To donate to the cause, bring attention to a local need, or for more lap. So, I want my kids to grow up looking for ways to help and using information on the girls’ fundraising efforts, contact Erin Hunt. their talents and their gifts.”

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 31

Having Nothing Possessing Everything

BY BRANDI CHAMBLESS

I

T WAS THE 1 AM PHONE CALL THAT NOBODY WANTS. Mama’s cell. From a dead sleep to my greeting of what’s wrong, the reason for the call was the most bizarre thing we could have ever imagined. My sister’s house was burning down.

Just hours before, I had arrived from visiting my mama three hours away and my bags were not yet unpacked. It was an ordinary night with close friends. There was no reason to ever imagine the potential horror of what I would learn in the next few hours.

My friends surrounded me in the middle of the night as I conversed with my baby sister four hours away. Everyone got out of the burning house unharmed with the exception of the family hunting dog Mae who became cornered and perished in the fire. Hearing her say that there was nothing else in the house that mattered gave me great comfort as my heart pounded and I wondered what my next steps should be.

Had it not been for a chance sighting of the fire by a neighbor, my brother-in-law and sister would have perished within the walls of their master bedroom, leaving their three monogrammed princesses asleep and likely trapped upstairs.

“I think your house is on fire,” said the neighbor when she called, as her husband called 9-1-1. When my sister opened her bedroom door, the entire living room was orange. She ran upstairs where the girls’ room was lit up with orange light from the flames outside their window, calmly waking them. “There is a fire, we need to leave.”

Carrying the baby while walking the older girls down the stairs, there was no time for coats or shoes in the middle of winter. As she approached the front door she paused to disarm the security system out of habit, then remembering the house burning around her, she flung the door wide open as the alarm sounded. The neighbor was motioning, enticing her to move swiftly as if to say, “Come on. come on.”

As the family of five exited the burning house, the wheels on my sister’s SUV began to explode and another brand new Lexus SUV that was purchased two days prior melted in the driveway. Before too long, the entire master bedroom was consumed. Unbeknownst to my sister, this moment would be the beginning of days of red tape and phone calls to initiate a recovery process that seemed endless and offered no instruction manual.

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After some time, the neighbor asked my sister if she would like a pair of pants. “We don’t mind, but would you like a pair of pants?” when my sister realized that she had been walking around in her neighborhood braless in only a strappy little shirt and underwear with a phone on one ear and a baby on the opposite hip.

The fact that a fireman emerged from the house with my sister’s wedding ring was an unforeseen blessing since she had lost her original ring while tossing a football in the Amite river a few years prior.

Once the fire was made public on the local news, the entire community surrounded my family with love by sending gift cards, meals, and purchasing immediate needs. I threw my bags back in the car and drove all night to get to my sister. I asked her if she had cried a lot and she gave the strongest, most beautiful response I could have imagined.

“It’s not about what we lost, it’s about what we saved.”

I couldn’t say that the rest of us didn’t have our fair share of private tears, first and foremost, seeing the wreckage once we could investigate the wrath of this particular fire. But mainly, because the world we lost in that fire was one where we spent many of our holidays and other family celebrations. It was the setting for a cocoon in which my little sister transformed from a college student to a wife, mother, and a career woman. It was never about one single photo or wedding dress never to be seen or touched ever again.

The event we would forevermore refer to as “the fire” had been no respecter of persons. It didn’t know whether my sister was rich or poor, black, yellow, red, nor white. She emerged wearing only her pajamas into a new life without one material possession, but she showed me a heart that knows what it is to have nothing yet possess everything.

None of us will ever forget the call of the fire. Neither shall we forget the smiles on the girls’ faces when we took them to what dubbed as the “burn house”. “Look, I think that’s my old bike and over there is your scooter!….Cool.” My sister has done her job quite well, for even in their young ages, the girls knew they already had all they ever needed.

• H ave a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect annually • Have an escape plan • Check smoke alarms • Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.

• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.

• Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.

• Never use an oven to heat your home.

• Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

For more information on fire safety tips, contact your local fire department: Monroe - LaTonya, 329-2475 West Monroe - Charlie, 397-0758 Ouachita Parish Fire - Dusty, 325-1621 Ruston Fire - Eric, 251-8628 Lincoln Parish Fire District - Summer, 255-1055

JohnReaRealty.com WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 33

Historical Impressions

A M E R I C A N H O L I D AY S F O R A M E R I C A N S

A

s the old song proclaims this is the most wonderful time of the year. It is hard not to be excited with so many holidays piling up in such a short time.

December brings the close to the roster of annual holidays that our Nation celebrates each year.

Americans of the Christian faith celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Most non-Christian Americans celebrate one of the other religious holidays and/or celebrate the secular aspect of Christmas with Santa Claus, holiday decorations and exchanging gifts. December then ends with the non-holiday celebration that culminates in the joyous welcoming of the New Year and its first holiday.

Beginning with New Years Day and carrying through all annual secular holidays, the patriotic display of the American flag is appropriate and encouraged. I wanted to help you prepare for these upcoming holidays with a brief review of the major things to remember regarding national flag display etiquette.

You may not realize it but the ways in which we give respect to the flag is set down in law under Title 4, Section 1 of the United States Code which is commonly referred to as the U.S. Flag Code.

This Code also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.

Some of the more significant U.S. Flag Code rules that apply to homeowners include:

Display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset. The flag may be displayed 24-hours a day however if spotlit during the hours of darkness.

The U.S. flag must be flown above all other flags on a single pole or to the observer’s left when displayed in a row with other flags.

On Memorial Day, the flag is traditionally flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. When flown at half-staff the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. If flown at half staff due to a government decision to pay respect for a death(s) at any other time, the flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall or other flat surface, or in a window, the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the observer’s left. In the case of a window, the observer refers to a person outside of the building.

Never fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency.

Don’t let the flag touch the ground. Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. Never fasten the flag or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.

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It is appropriate to salute the flag in the following ways:

The proper salute to the flag is to face it and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart. If you are wearing a hat or cap, remove it with your right hand and hold it at your left shoulder so your hand is over your heart.

When in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) render the military salute. Current military and veterans who are not in uniform may render the military salute even if uncovered (no hat worn).

When stowing or disposing of the flag, fold it in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wad it up. To properly dispose of a worn flag, it should be folded in its customary manner and burned in a fire of sufficient size and intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. After the flag is completely consumed, the ashes should be buried. There is also a ceremony that involves cutting the union and stripes, recognizing the meaning of each element of the flag’s design, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and having a brief period of silent reflection. Organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America and other patriotic organizations may collect your worn flags and perform these flag burning ceremonies.

The Chennault Salute Project, a joint-effort campaign with Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, the Louisiana National Guard, Vantage Health Plan, and WoodmenLife, encourages area homeowners to fly American flags and replace worn flags with new flags. If you don’t have a US flag, you can order through this project. Flags ordered will be hand-delivered and installed, if needed, during December 10th-13th by volunteers actively serving in the Louisiana National Guard.

A flag retirement ceremony will also be part of the Chennault Museum effort to help ensure tattered or faded flags are retired in a dignified, respectful manner. Worn flags can be turned in to the museum or during flag delivery to be properly retired. The third-annual flag retirement ceremony will be held at the Museum on December 10th at 6:00 p.m. during a Member Appreciation Christmas Party.

For further information regarding the Chennault Salute Project contact the Chennault Museum by email, by phone call, or by coming by during business hours before the December 6th deadline.

For further information regarding the complete U.S. Flag Code, one good source is https://www.legion.org/flag/code.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Years to all.

BY GUY MILLER Vice Chair Emeritus - Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 35

Confidence and Satisfaction The Woman’s Clinic Offers Expanded Services For Women’s Health and Beauty

F

OR DECADES THE WOMAN’S Clinic has served Northeast Louisiana and every woman who lives here represented by our name and a logo. As Northeast Louisiana continues to evolve, so must we. The Woman’s Clinic will continue to provide the best OBGYN care in the region, but we will do it with a new logo and color scheme. Everyone needs a face lift from time to time. However, while we may look different, we will continue to be the premier OBGYN clinic in the region.

We’ve also made some changes to our website to make it easier for our patients to use. Please take a minute and look around.

You may visit the website at thewomansclinic. net.

The origin of The Woman’s Clinic can be traced back to a 1961 handshake between Dr. Richard Vines and Dr. Ed Brown. Out of that handshake, grew one of the most trusted and respected organizations in Northeast Louisiana. Now the Woman’s Clinic is the premier OB/GYN clinic in the region.

In 1970, Dr. James Wolff joined and was followed soon there after by Dr. Ronald Shemwell and the clinic took off from there.

We now employ 10 board certified/board eligible physicians and three Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners across four locations in Monroe, West Monroe, and Ruston.

We get to experience the joy of seeing new babies brought into the world every day. We have the duty of making sure that every woman who comes into our clinic is well taken care of and we have the honor of getting to become part of our patient’s lives.

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We see women at their highest highs, lowest lows, and everywhere in between.

Knowing this, The Woman’s Clinic takes a compassionate, education-based approach to care. We want you to feel comfortable as well as informed. If you are going to trust us to be such an important part of your life, you deserve to be treated like an important part of ours.

As the premier Woman’s Health Clinic in Northeast Louisiana, we are structured to meet the healthcare needs women face in today’s world. Our team of ten board certified or board eligible physicians and three women’s health nurse practitioners are here to treat a variety of symptoms and provide many different services.

A few of them are listed below: • Aesthetics

• Birth Control

• Bone Density

• Cancer Screening • Colposcopy • Endometriosis

• Family Counseling • Fibroids

• Gynecological Surgery • Gynecology

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

• Hormone Therapy • Infertility • Menopause

• Minimally Invasive Surgery • Obstetrics • Osteoporosis

• Ovarian Cysts

• Pap Smear & HPV Screening

• Pelvic Pain

• Preconception Counseling • Prolapse

• STD Testing & Treatment • Ultrasound

• Urinary Incontinence

• Well Woman Exam We also provide our patients with a patient portal. We know the world can be a busy place. Sometimes its tough to make the connections to get what you need. At the Woman’s Clinic, our patient portal will help you make those connections on your own time.

We have been privileged to provide care to and serve the woman of Northeast Louisiana. We are excited to continue that in the future. Please give us a call at (318)3884030 or visit our website at thewomansclinic. net. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We will post some informative and some fun content. The Woman’s Clinic is here to take care of you.

Pictured Above – Bottom Row: Dr. Erin Gullatt, Dr. Sara Klug, Dr. Dawn Pennebaker, Dr. Adrienne Williams; Top Row: Dr. Amber Shemwell, Dr. Jason Wilson, Dr. David Bryan, Dr. Terry Tugwell, Dr. Won Lee, Dr. Laura Petty

I REMEMBER remembering the greatest gift of all this holdiay season a r t i cl e by PAUL L I PE

I REMEMBER something of the process by which I came to realize never-Christers.” “Why?” they argue, “should I let Him govern the that Christmas is not so much about those gifts under the tree as it is way I think and behave?” The unregenerate have no room in their lives about the Gift Who came to die on a tree for His people. (I Peter 2:24 – for Jesus and they frequently show their disdain, even their hatred, for “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to those who devotedly follow the Christ.

The rejection of this Gift is so sad, sin and live to righteousness.”) Those so unfortunate, because this special gifts under the Christmas tree are nice Gift has its origin in the love of God and do contribute to our enjoyment the Father. Why did the Father give of this special holiday, but it is the His Son for us? The Bible provides the birth of Jesus, the Incarnation of the answer: “God so loved the world that Son of God, that gives real meaning He gave His only Son, that whoever to this season of the year. Those who believes in Him should not perish, fail to comprehend this are missing but have eternal life.” (John. 3:16) the real benefit of receiving the Gift He gave because He loves us, and above all other gifts and of enjoying Christmas continues to be about love. the intended blessing of Christmas.

It is when love motivates our giving

The giving of gifts was part of that our gifts become special. I am the initial Christmas as the magi aware that there are other reasons for presented their expressions of honor giving: perhaps we give to respond to to the newborn King. They travelled a gift we have received from another, long miles to reach Bethlehem, the or we give because we want to be place of His birth, and when they liked by the recipient, or it may seem came into His presence, they gave that duty requires it. But when a gift Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and is given because we love the one to myrrh (Matthew 2:11). In the Bible, whom we give, we may even become we have pictured for us the Gift of God to mankind and man’s gift of “ HE GAVE BECAUSE HE LOVES US, the beneficiary, for the Bible teaches that “it is more blessed to give than it adoration to the Lord. This year’s AND CHRISTMAS CONTINUES TO is to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Christmas ought to involve both, as BE ABOUT LOVE.” I am confident that I get a greater well. delight than do my loved ones as I see

As we exchange gifts with family and friends, let us also be aware of the Gift our God gives to us, and let them take pleasure in my gifts to them. And I believe this is also true us respond by offering Him the gifts of our gratitude, our praise, and of Jesus of Whom it is said, “Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2). Our Lord is pleased and blessed when He our commitment to His service.

It is important that we know that there was opposition to the sees an individual accept the gift of life which He came to offer. May coming of the Christ Child, opposition conveyed by the slaughter of love, then, be behind every gift we give and every gift we receive this all boy babies two years and younger – killings ordered by Herod in an Christmas. And may our love for others cause us to offer them that best attempt to kill the new “King” the magi had come to reverence. King Christmas Gift.

If I give my children or my grandchildren very expensive gifts for Herod could not abide the thought of any opposition to his reign, so he did his best to eliminate this new Arrival. Sadly this disregard for Christmas but do not give them a knowledge of Jesus, I leave them Jesus is not limited to those earliest years; there still are those who want paupers. But if I give them Jesus -- and nothing besides -- I have greatly nothing to do with the Christ and who refuse His influence on their enriched their lives, both for now and for eternity. May your Christmas lives. Perhaps those who renounce His Kingship could be called “the be a Merry Christmas because of Christ.

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C H R I S T M A S AT H O G WA RT S

Meredith’s Musings

It’s important to take a well-deserved break from the fast pace of life and immerse yourself in the things that matter most. article by M E RE DI T H MCK I N N I E

I

’ve been having this daydream for the last few months.

Husband, me, the girls are all curled up on the couch, a big bowl of husband’s homemade popcorn on his lap.

All the lights are dimmed, and the television lights up with the opening scene of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. We started this tradition a few years ago when we introduced our oldest daughter to the Harry Potter series. She has been a devoted fan ever since, lately styling her hair like Hermione. We will cram all the movies into her visits during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I love the scene when Hogwarts first comes into view, the magical landscape and promise of adventure. It’s become the highlight of my year, snuggling with my family, taking a well-deserved break from the fast pace of it all.

I’ve always been a juggler of sorts. I teach, write, read, mother, write some more, mother some more. And this semester, I added student to that list. It’s exciting to be back in the classroom, learning from people whose work I admire, studying the scholars to eventually become one. But it’s hard, too. It takes a lot of time, a lot of solely-devoted time to studying and writing, away from my family. During the week, I focus on teaching in the mornings and being a mother in the afternoons. I most look forward to the weekends. Mine have been spent back in the office, my quiet space, where I can do a

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week’s worth of studying and reading over the course of two uninterrupted days. I treat Saturdays and Sundays like work days, only the focus is on my schoolwork. I look forward to that feeling of productivity, of hunkering down for hours at a time and having something to show for it. But I miss my free time. It doesn’t really exist anymore, not where I can relax without the feeling of having to get something done.

This is not the graduate school experience I imagined for myself years ago, but I’m no longer a traditional student.

I have people who depend on me to be a wife, a mother, a friend. So much has to be done, and I feel as if there’s so little of me to go around. I’m used to being there for people; I’ve always been the dependable friend, and now the hours aren’t left at the end of the day. I felt guilty at first, but I’ve decided it’s just the way it has to be right now. The people who love me know they may have to miss me for awhile. Husband and the girls come first, and any moments I do have are dedicated to them.

A few weeks ago, I was having one of those long conversations with my professor, explaining the pressure of being a good student while remaining a “good everything else.” I lamented not getting this graduate degree when it was just me, when I wasn’t having to be so many things to so many people. She paused, and said I should focus on what I have to go home to every day, that school can be all-consuming.

Having a reason to step away from the work makes the work worthwhile. I hadn’t thought of my life that way in some time. Instead of focusing on all the things I have to do, I must remember all the things I already have. When one’s a perfectionist with schoolwork like I am, it can seem like every assignment must be perfect, every theory clearly articulated.

A co-worker looked at me the other day and said, “Meredith, sometimes you don’t have to do it exceptionally well. You just have to get it done.” I needed that reminder, James.

I’m writing this on a Saturday, having just wrapped six hours of intense study. I’m about to turn out the lights in my office and head home to my family. Wilder will run up to me, grab my knees and say, “Mommy, I miss you.” Fable will chuckle when I lean into her face and tickle her little cheeks.

Husband will wrap me in his arms and ask if the day was productive. I have all these people rooting for me. And this Christmas I am thankful for an extended break, to focus on a Harry Potter marathon with my family, to grab a drink with friends who are so patient, and to immerse myself in the stuff that matters most.

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Take Time to Relax

Let Spa Nouvelle Get You Ready for the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays

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LTHOUGH WE’RE IN THE SEASON OF JOY, THE holidays can be busy and stressful. From Christmas parties to holiday shopping, charitable events to family guests, the holidays are taxing on most people. If this seems familiar, take time to relax and recharge at Spa Nouvelle.

Partners Mary Beth Dickerson, Ana Lopez Hale, Drew Farr and Wendy Newsom 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 BayouBuzz Awards since it’s inception. Ward off the stress of the holiday season with one of the many spa services offered at Spa Nouvelle: massages, facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, hydrafacials, body treatments, airbrush tanning, chemical peels, lash and brow tinting, SkinCeuticals products, Dermablend products, DoTerra and essential oils and diffusers.

A spa favorite is the Spa Day Escape. Have your spa experience tailored to your specific needs. Lockers, luxurious bathrobes, towels, showers and sandals are provided for your use during your day.

Three and a half hours of uninterrupted relaxation is designed to help you escape from stress. The experience includes a light lunch, spa day customized luxury massage, and spa day red carpet treatment facial that includes product consultation. Spa Nouvelle also will host a spa party. Whether it’s a day of pampering with your bridesmaids, a mom’s day out, or a gift for your entire staff, they can accommodate the whole gang or just a few special ladies… or men. From beginning to end, the dedicated spa team at Spa Nouvelle will ensure that your visit enhances your well-being.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Spa Nouvelle offers gift certificates to use with any of their services. Mom, dad, brother and sister alike will thank you for a gift certificate after the busy holiday season has ended. The distinct Spa Nouvelle box and decorative bow are always a favorite for Santa to leave under the tree.

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

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Spa Nouvelle. With Spa Nouvelle, you are sure to experience an allencompassing spa experience like none other offered in Northeast Louisiana.

Skin care 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.

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 is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Here are a few others: 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 intense workouts.

So, Santa baby, hurry down to Spa Nouvelle tonight and pick your loved one up the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation. You can purchase gift certificates online at SpaNouvelle.com, stop by 1705 Lamy Lane in Monroe or call 318.816.4949. The ladies at Spa Nouvelle will make sure you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas and a gorgeous and pampered New Year. Call them at 318.816.4949,

visit the website, or find them on Facebook and Instagram to book your appointment today.

Spa Nouvelle 1705 Lamy Lane Monroe, LA 318.816.4949 Hours: Monday - Friday 10- 4:30, Saturday 10-2

a dance of grief and joy article by L AU R A W C L A R K images by DE SI R A E G O ODI NG PHOT O GR A PH Y

In life, we carry the burdens of disappointment and the gifts of joy. Sometimes, we manage to come out stronger and more resilient, even if we are a little broken. Parents Kila and Cesar Gonzalez faced a seemingly impossible—and heartbreaking—decision. But together, their family grows, and their loss brings life. This is the story of Eva and Mia.

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ia Gonzales, eight months old, often carries her Kila’s renewed hope. Approximately two months later, she learned beloved brown bunny with its soft, pink ears. she was pregnant. “When we were trying to conceive, it was torture, When she hugs the bunny, she hears the recorded month after month. When I learned I was pregnant, I felt elated. I fell heartbeat from her sister’s ultrasound. The strong, in love with that baby immediately.” rhythmic beating connects Mia to the sister she

Following several ultrasounds, all of which confirmed a healthy never met, but who ultimately shaped her life. heartbeat, Kila returned for another ultrasound at approximately 10

Eva means “life.” And while Eva’s ended 36 minutes after she weeks. What transpired next, Kila said, was “devastating.” Her doctor was born to Kila and Cesar Gonzales, Kila continues to carry Eva confirmed there was no heartbeat. Kila then endured complications, today, in everything she does. including severe hemorrhaging.

Eva and Mia’s story began 33 years The couple decided to attempt in vitro ago in a town whose name suits their fertilization (IVF), an intense medical mother, Kila. Their mother was born in process that involves weeks of hormone Strong, Arkansas, a small town without injections for the hopeful mother. Kila’s a red light. She was raised by her mother, physician transferred one embryo in 2018. a school principal, her dad, a game “For the first time in a while, I had some warden, and her older brother, who was hope that this was it. I had been in such born 14 years before Kila. a dark place after my miscarriage. My While Kila was a “daddy’s girl,” her body didn’t work, and I felt broken,” she older brother was also a father figure. said. “We live in a pregnancy-obsessed Her dad, who was “good, spontaneous, society, and yet, when you lose a baby, and fun,” often took Kila hunting, it’s just too scary for people to imagine. fishing, and four-wheeling. However, he­­ So, they don’t talk about it, which can be battled alcoholism, and he died in 2012 very isolating.” from liver disease. His death was Kila’s They soon learned the IVF worked, first encounter with major loss, and she and Kila was pregnant a third time, struggled with the feeling that he chose which evoked both happiness and fear.

“We immediately said, alcohol over her.

Kila said, “Infertility robs you of what ‘We will carry her.’ And that began the “That kind of experience alters should be a beautiful thing.” After the hardest journey of my life.” your perception of yourself and your couple saw the baby on an ultrasound at worthiness. I thought, ‘Was I not a good 6 weeks, they started buying baby clothes enough girl?’ I carried that resentment and accessories. They announced Kila’s into adulthood. I forgave him after he died, but it was a slow and pregnancy at 14 weeks with a family photoshoot in their backyard, painful process,” she said. “I realized he did the best he could, and I and Kila posted the pictures on social media. just got caught up in it. The pain of losing my dad is what drew me During their 16-week ultrasound, they learned their baby was closer to walking with Christ. Without the love of Christ, I would smaller than average. They waited for the ultrasound technician to have never had the strength to face what would happen years later. I notify their physician, who then told them that the baby suffered had no idea what was coming.” from severe abnormalities. Kila said she will never forget the surge After high school, she moved to Monroe and later graduated of anguish that coursed through her body. “I remember crying out to from the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s nursing program in God, ‘Please, not again.’”

2008. She felt compelled to help people. Kila chose the cardiovascular Not knowing exactly what was wrong with the baby, Kila and intensive care unit at St. Francis Medical Center for one reason: she Cesar were determined to do whatever was necessary to save their heard it was the most difficult. “I cared for patients who came straight child. Kila said, “I was prepared and ready to take care of this child out of open-heart surgery, still on ventilators. It was intense; I carried for the rest of my life.” Their hopes dissolved when a maternaltheir lives in my hands.” Kila said her nursing career shaped her fetal medicine specialist diagnosed their baby with a rare, terminal into a more confident, outspoken person. “I learned to not be afraid; condition, Limb Body Wall Complex. The disease was not genetic— to stand up for what’s right; and to advocate for my patients. I had the embryo had been tested for genetic abnormalities—but rather a always been meek, and nursing helped me find my voice.” random fluke. They were told nothing could be done, and the baby, a Kila found another source of strength in Cesar, a “sensitive and girl, would die during the pregnancy or shortly after delivery. While thoughtful man.” Kila and Cesar both grew up in small families and Kila does not judge anyone who makes a different choice, hers was decided they wanted to create a large family together. They married instantly clear. “We immediately said, ‘We will carry her.’ And that in 2014, and Kila stopped working in 2015, the same year she and began the hardest journey of my life.” her husband, a physician, welcomed their son Maxwell. She was Kila tried to enjoy her time with her baby. However, her days— hospitalized several weeks before Maxwell’s birth due to placenta and especially her nights—were often filled with panic attacks. “I previa, a condition that can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy was grieving her before she was gone. All I could think about was and delivery. She delivered her healthy baby via an emergency what was going to happen—her death loomed over everything C-section at 37 weeks. because I never knew when or how it was going to happen,” she said.

The couple began trying for a second baby about a year later.

“One moment, when I was 20 weeks pregnant, I remember sitting at Their journey involved fertility medications, specialists, and the funeral home, making plans, and I felt her kick inside me.” eventually surgery in 2017 to remove scar tissue from Kila’s fallopian The mother prayed for her baby to be born alive so that could tubes. “I remember waking up from the surgery and asking, ‘Did it she could care for her, even for a moment. “One of my biggest prayers work?’” The nurses confirmed the surgery’s success, the catalyst for was for her to have a face that I could look at and kiss.”

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solid friendship. “It was the most heartbreaking experience I have ever witnessed or been close to. Our relationship, up until that point, had been more about Kila being my rock, helping me through various low points in my life. That night, it became my turn,” Lindsey said, “My heart was broken for baby Eva, for Kila, for Cesar, and for Max. But I was able to compartmentalize and be there for her and for them.

After going through that together, our relationship was confirmed and cemented. It became more than a friendship that night.”

Cesar and Kila had begun the adoption process about a month after receiving Eva’s terminal diagnosis. With hope in her heart, Kila decided early in her pregnancy she would pump her breast milk after delivering Eva. “I thought, if I’m not able to adopt a baby, I will donate the milk. It was Eva’s milk, and it was special. I wanted it to bless other babies. After Eva was born, and I started pumping, it was really hard emotionally. I was lactating and didn’t have a baby to give it to. I kept thinking, ‘She is not here, and she should be.’ But something kept telling me to have faith.”

A week after Kila gave birth, she and Cesar received news from their adoption attorney. A birth mother had viewed Kila’s adoption profile and read about Eva. She told Kila that she chose the Gonzales family to adopt her baby girl when she learned of Kila’s decision to carry Eva. “Eva gave us Mia. When the birth mother told me she chose us, I started screaming, ‘We got the baby!’ It was an amazing moment.”

The day after Eva’s funeral, the Gonzales family boarded a plane and flew to Florida. Kila was still sore from her emergency C-section just 10 days

“We got to hold Eva for 36 minutes prior, but she ignored her physical before she died. It was very peaceful. She pain. “When I walked into the didn’t suffer or cry. She just sat there, hospital, a nurse was standing there, and she looked at me the entire time. I holding Mia. I ran up to the nurse. Mia bathed her, dressed her up, swaddled her, was so little—only 4 pounds. She was and took hundreds of photos. We made beautiful, and I fell in love with her. footprints and handprints. I was able to I remember crying and praising God mother her for one day.” that he put a baby in our arms.” Mia, now healthy, was born prematurely and spent two weeks in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit before meeting Kila and the rest of her new family.

A month after Kila delivered Eva, she was admitted to the hospital again for a condition called placenta accreta, which occurs when the placenta grows too deeply in the uterine wall and remains attached.

Doctors told her she would most likely never carry a child again. The time following Mia’s arrival and Eva’s absence was a “dance of grief and joy,” Kila said. “It was messy and confusing.

I loved Mia, but I missed Eva.” Kila initially struggled to bond with Mia due to the trauma of losing Eva and the ramifications of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. She fed Mia her stored breastmilk for the first two months and then decided to try what would become a turning point in Kila’s recovery. One day, she attempted

Kila was given that chance at 32 weeks when she began experiencing contractions. She was rushed by ambulance to Shreveport—hemorrhaging from placenta abruption— and underwent an emergency c-section. Kila remembers the anesthesiologist vigorously working to keep Kila awake so she could meet her baby, who was born alive at 1:51 a.m. on March 4, 2019.

“We got to hold Eva for 36 minutes before she died. It was very peaceful. She didn’t suffer or cry. She just sat there, and she looked at me the entire time. I bathed her, dressed her up, swaddled her, and took hundreds of photos. We made footprints and handprints. I was able to mother her for one day.”

Typically, hospital policy mandates that after the baby passes, the mother can spend two hours with her child. Kila was given 14 hours. “I was sitting in the bed holding her, and a man from the funeral home, who had a white beard, a white suit, and a white cowboy hat, was standing in the doorway, waiting to take the baby from me. That image has stayed with me,” she said. “I was discharged after two or three nights in the hospital. And then I was rolled out of there empty-handed. It was very difficult.”

Kila’s longtime best friend, Lindsey Simmons, was with Kila the morning Eva passed. Lindsey, who described her friend as “strong, yet tender,” said the events of March 4th transformed their already-

i will carry you

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“I don’t know if I will ever be the person I was before, but I don’t know if I was meant to be that person. I do know that Eva’s life means something. As long as I’m alive, she will be too.

I will always carry her, and Mia will always know her sister. ” to breastfeed Mia, who latched immediately. After Kila began breastfeeding, Mia no longer accepted a bottle or even a pacifier.

“We bonded very intensely during that moment,” Kila said. “I feel as much love for her as if I had birthed her myself. She is mine, and I am hers.”

The dance of grief and joy is one Kila continues to navigate.

“So many people think that adopting Mia erases what happened.

They congratulate me on Mia, but they don’t say anything about Eva, almost like it never happened. Our society is so grief averse.

People worry about bringing her up as if that would remind me.

But I’m always thinking of her. I want to talk about her because that’s the only way I have left to mother her.”

Kila wants to carry other mothers through pregnancy and infant loss, so she is training to become a certified birth and bereavement doula. She recently founded a non-profit foundation, I Will Carry You. The non-profit, founded in honor of Eva, will help families—free of charge—make burial, memorial, and funeral arrangements; talk to siblings about 50 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

loss; provide postpartum support; accompany parents to doctor appointments; offer healthcare sensitivity training; and much more. Additional services appear on the organization’s web site: iwillcarryyou.net.

The new non-profit will benefit from one of Kila’s greatest strengths—her sincere love for those around her. Lindsey said, “The thing about Kila is that everyone is drawn to her. Her most captivating trait is that she listens … she’s the kind of person that connects with you on the deepest level, and you feel that.”

Mia, a happy baby with brown, curly hair, clearly feels her mother’s love. Mia often grabs Kila’s face and grins, prompting her mother to smile and say, “Mia loves her mama.” Kila speaks about Eva with tears in her eyes, but with a determined tone and articulate words.

“I don’t know if I will ever be the person I was before, but I don’t know if I was meant to be that person. I do know that Eva’s life means something. As long as I’m alive, she will be too. I will always carry her, and Mia will always know her sister.”

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Amazing Lash is Now Open Time to Look Amazing for the Holidays

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OLIDAYS AT AMAZING LASH STUDIO ARE UPON US! Get yourself ready for all of the Christmas parties, family pictures, and New Year’s celebrations. Amazing Lash Studio has gift cards and gift baskets for the girl in your life. Just stop by and let their amazing staff help you in selecting the perfect thing for her. They will also have specials going on Black Friday. They have everything you need to look your best for the holidays.

Amazing Lash Studio, the nation’s largest and fastest growing eyelash extension franchise beauty brand, celebrated opening its new studio in Monroe, LA on November 1st and would like to thank everyone who supported them and attended the event. They are the first Amazing Lash Studio to come to Louisiana and the studio is locally owned and operated by Darrell Nordan and Emily Stansbury.

Founded in 2010, Amazing Lash Studios apply semi-permanent eyelash extensions with a proprietary, patented process to the clients’ own lashes, replicating the curve and size of natural lashes. The concept began franchising in 2013 and to date has over 200 open studios in 29 states. In 2018, Amazing Lash Studio earned the rank of #5 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises, #327 in the Franchise Times Top Franchisors list and #260 on the Inc. 500 in its inaugural year.

The brand landed #4 in the 2019 Franchise Times Fast & Serious, #344 on Entrepreneur’s 2019 Franchise 500® list and No. 71 on Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises.

At Amazing Lash Studio, they offer four, proprietary, eyelash styles: natural, sexy, cute and gorgeous. Their lash stylists have lots of experience helping guests find looks they love—they’ll be happy to help you too!

Amazing Lash Studio provides clients semi-permanent eyelash extensions in private lash application suites, and recently announced the launch of two all-new offerings available in studios nationwide: Featherweight LashesTM and Lash Lift. Featherweight Lashes are an innovative eyelash extension product that offers women a lighterweight option that is full of beauty, and the Lash Lift treatment lifts and elongates the natural lash as an alternative to applying extensions.

Lashes are offered at affordable price, a full set is only $89.99 and refills are only $69.99 when you join the maintenance program. They have four styles: natural, gorgeous, sexy and cute. No matter what style, it’s the same price. They also offer upgrades and the new featherweight lashes. Lastly, a volume lash would be perfect if one desires a fuller look for perhaps a special occasion.

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They also have top of the line products available like: • Eyelash Foaming Cleanser • Eye Makeup Cleansing and Protein Removal Pads • NatureLashes • Protective Lash Coating • Long-Lasting Eye Liner • Amazing Lash Mascara • Clear Brow & Lash Gel.

“Darrell and I appreciate all the kindness from the community and town during our training. We have a great staff of stylist and consultants that are trained to make your experience amazing. They can answer any question you may have. Once you walk into the studio, our team members strives to make each guest experience perfect. We want you to leave feeling beautiful!” states Emily Stansbury.

Amazing Lash Studio Monroe, LA is located at 2020 Tower Drive Suite 101, Monroe, LA. The studio is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information please call (888)404-LASH or visit www.amazinglashstudio.com/studios/la/ monroe/monroe. Be sure to follow Amazing Lash on Facebook and Instagram.

Our mission is to create lasting beauty and confidence through passion, dedication and excellence so our guests will look and feel amazing.

Thank you, Monroe and West Monroe for helping us celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at our new location of Amazing Lash Studio and participating in the opening of this unique creation of a member-based concept. We appreciate the time that over 85 attendees took to visit and celebrate with us. We invite you to browse through photos of the event on our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Thanks, as well to everyone who supported us during our training phase and soft launch.

An extra special thank you to our team of stylists and consultants at Amazing Lash Studio for your tireless dedication and countless hours of training to make this all possible.

As we enter this new phase in our journey, we invite our clients and members to further explore our new studio through a personalized experience. This will enable you to explore the range of solutions with greater focus on areas of semi-permanent eyelash extensions and better understand how we can make you look and feel AMAZING!

School Readiness Tax Credits Turn Your Tax Liability into a Local Investment for Children

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HAT ARE SCHOOL READINESS TAX CREDITS? In 2007, the Louisiana Legislature passed a unique package of tax credits known as the School Readiness Tax Credits (SRTC). For Louisiana businesses, there is 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.

HOW DOES IT WORK? For every dollar up to $5,000 contributed to the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, businesses will receive a dollar-for-dollar refundable credit on Louisiana State taxes. For each LA Tax ID number, $5,000 can be given in the name of School Readiness Tax Credits. A business with multiple LLCs under their umbrella can give $5,000 per LLC. You can turn your tax liability into an investment in programs and people who support early care and education for children.

This investment will ensure that all children have a strong foundation for future success in school and in life.

​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.

INVESTING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS PAYS OFF Research shows that quality care in early childhood (from birth to age five) is a critical element as to how successful a child and our society as a whole will be in the years to come. The most economically-efficient time to develop skills and social abilities is in the very early years. Prevention is far more cost-effective than remediation. The Children’s Coalition CCR&R works to bring quality care and education to every child in Northeast Louisiana.

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 is quality child care and education.

This year 80 Child Care Centers received grants in support of quality curriculum, books and blocks, STEM materials, playground equipment and basic improvements. These grants raise the quality of the center by providing a safe and healthy space for children to grow and learn.

Over 1,750 child care educators received enhanced support including additional trainings, CLASS Coaching, stipends for travel, nutritionist support and more to raise the quality of teacher/child interactions.

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Investment in community events and spaces provide a place for parents to interact with their child and learn about quality 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.

Children’s Coalition on the Go and resource fairs educate parents and caregivers while giving the opportunity to children to learn and play.

WHY IT MATTERS The 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, including attentiveness, persistence, impulse control and sociability.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE All donations must be postmarked by December 31, 2019 to be eligible for the 2019 tax year. Each LA Tax ID number can donate up to $5,000, with no minimum amount, to the Children’s Coalition.

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 or credit card receipt to your CPA along with the letter that we provide you.

CPAs will file a Schedule F, 68F credit code on your Louisiana state tax return. Then, your tax liability is reduced and check for balance.

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 visit childrenscoalition.org or contact Sarah Floyd at sfloyd@childrenscoalition.org or 318.323.8775.

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Christmas Traditions Making the Holidays Magical and Meaningful

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ASKED MY HUSBAND WHAT HE WANTED TO DO THIS Christmas and with out missing a beat he yelled “Ninja Santa!”

Ninja what? Apparently you dress like ninjas, bust out all your best ninja moves and sneak up to drop off presents. Seriously, this is why I married the guy! Behaving incredibly goofy while secretly doing something nice for others. He is hands down the most selfless person I know and to add the adventure component to it is right up my alley.

Here are a few traditions you can incorporate to make your holidays magical and meaningful.

SWAPPING FAMILY TALENT SHOW

Instead of a Christmas talent show, put each family member’s talent in a hat and draw one. It’s hilarious watching dad perform sister’s Nutcracker dance.

DOLLAR CHRISTMAS

Draw names and take a trip to the dollar store. It’s an inexpensive way to teach kids to think of what others might like instead of what’s on their own request list for Santa.

(MATCHING) PAJAMA PARTY

Matching family pajamas are good for more than just an awkward family photo. Spend the night under the Christmas tree. Family slumber parties playing games and dozing off to twinkling tree lights are magical.

LIVE NATIVITY

Include the dog, grandpa, the chubby baby cousin, and act out the nativity. Depending on which side of the family we were with that year it was either a solemn event reciting scriptures and singing hymns, or a hilarious combo of rambunctious donkeys, wise-cracking wisemen and cousin Eddy singing the hallelujah chorus.

WHITE ELEPHANT EXCHANGE

My cousins have a yearly exchange. A present has been showing up at every party since about 1995... a paint your own tie kit. Whoever gets it brings it back the next year, and whenever it’s opened everyone shouts “The worst gift of Christmas!” A couple of years ago a cousin found a bunch of these tie kits on EBay and brought them to the

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party. It was hilarious because these ties just kept appearing. Another favorite present was a body building calendar where all the heads of the body builders had been replaced with pictures of grandpa.

ELF ON A SHELF

If this is the bane of your existence, pass it off to a teenager. They’ll get into it for the littles and you can sit back and enjoy their creativity.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR BLENDED FAMILIES

Adopt each other’s traditions. We now set out reindeer food and they now take turns opening presents youngest to oldest as opposed to a mad rush of paper flying. Consider inviting your ex to join in the fun. My ex has joined our family for several Christmases, matching pajamas and all. If that’s not a possibility, consider helping your kids buy or make a gift for their other parent. My husband helped his boys collect sea glass that they had made into jewelry. When my kids were younger there wasn’t anyone to take them to get a present for me, which was yet another reminder that there was a hole there.

Put differences aside and be an example of kindness, especially at Christmas.

SERVICE

There are many in need here close to home. Adopt a family and provide their Christmas, invite a widow over, or volunteer. We wish you the merriest of Christmases and would love to hear your favorite Christmas traditions at www.tuftpediatricdentistry.com. In the meantime, beware of 8 Ninja Santas coming to a neighborhood near you!

Love, The Tufts Julie & Heber Tuft teach parenting classes for Parenting with Love and Logic.

Heber is a Pediatric Dentist who has dedicated his life to serving children and Julie is a former teacher, school administrator, and owner of an event planning business.

Vantage 25th Anniversary Honesty. Integrity. Trust.

I

N ANY BUSINESS, THESE QUALITIES MATTER. IN health insurance, they are essential. For many companies, it can take decades to build the trust of clients and the public. Health insurance, because of its personal nature, not only has to start with trust, it can never lose that trust.

Vantage Health Plan is celebrating its 25th year as a trusted company in Monroe, Louisiana. Health insurance is a difficult industry to enter, much less succeed in. Through the careful and dedicated leadership of CEO and Chief Medical Director, Dr. Patrick Gary Jones and a group of other local physicians, Vantage has grown from a young business to a successful state-wide health insurance company. The key to Vantage’s success? Caring.

Vantage was founded by Dr. Jones and others in 1994 after they started listening to complaints about the high health insurance costs in Louisiana. As family practice physicians with their own practices, they knew first-hand how complicated healthcare was for doctors and patients alike. They wanted to work within the system to create a more equal playing field, to provide quality health insurance for lower costs.

Twenty-five years later, Vantage is still doing exactly that: providing cost-effective health insurance for Medicare members, individuals, and businesses and backing it up with the promise to care.

A big part of caring about the health of members is caring about their communities. Vantage donates to, and volunteers with, organizations across Louisiana. Vantage has been committed to renovating buildings in downtown Monroe. Vantage was the first company to reinvest in the community of Monroe’s downtown area and has been called a leader in the downtown renaissance.

So far, Vantage has restored six buildings to their former beauty, encouraging a wave of new businesses and restaurants to invest in Monroe’s downtown as well.

Of course, Vantage’s goal of renovating old buildings was not entirely selfless. From just a few employees in 1994 (many of whom are still with Vantage today), to 60 in 2003, and now with over 600 employees, Vantage’s exponential growth has pushed the company to find office space for those employees. In addition to the 600 Vantage

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employees, Vantage contributes to the local economy through its subsidiary companies, Affinity Health Group and Monroe Surgical Hospital, which together have over 600 employees Because of Vantage’s dedication to local, friendly, caring customer support, Vantage directly employs all member services staff and does not outsource to third party companies. Every member of Vantage’s well-trained staff understands the unique challenges of healthcare in the State of Louisiana (and speaks the language!)

After 25 years, Dr. Jones continues to be excited about the success of Vantage: “The future of Vantage is bright! Vantage has now expanded into Arkansas and will continue to grow as it expands into other surrounding states.”

To all who are insured with Vantage, we thank you! And to those who have not yet experienced Vantage health insurance, we look forward to serving you in the near future.

ABOUT VANTAGE HEALTH PLAN Vantage Health Plan is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) formed over 25 years ago by physicians who wanted to improve healthcare and help lower healthcare costs. Vantage prides itself in offering friendly, excellent customer service and high-quality healthcare products. Coverage is available to members who live or work in any of the 64 Louisiana parishes and, beginning January 1, 2020, select counties in Arkansas. For more information, please visit VantageHealthPlan.com or facebook.com/VantageHealthPlan.

Vantage Health Plan complies with all applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic. ATTENTION: If you have limited English proficiency, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-704-0109 (TTY: 1-866-524-5144). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.

Llame al 1-866-704-0109 (TTY: 1-866-524-5144). ATTENTION: Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez 1-866-704-0109 (TTY: 1-866-524-5144).

B AY O U O U T D O O R

The Red Bird

Celebrate this holiday season with the ones you love.

Enjoy taking a moment from the hustle and bustle and welcome company, and make memories. article by DAN C H ASON

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t is now in the breaking of a new day, watching the sun rise through the timber, hearing the wood ducks squeal that I am at total peace. I am left with my thoughts and only the sounds of nature.

Barking squirrels, a black crow off in the distance sounding his alarm are all sounds that bring back memories and thoughts of the path I took that brings me to this place. I think of my brother, who I lost in August of this year and how we hunted together only last year in this same deer stand. The look on his face, drawn from his battle with brain cancer but lit up with anticipation of a good deer hunt.

We were in the “shooting gallery” of a 4 by 8 box stand where you can hunt a family of Chason’s. Speedo, my brother, had not killed a deer in a long time after moving to Texas years ago, and didn’t have readily available places to hunt. I remember that cold morning vividly as we talked about past hunting adventures in a quiet whisper.

We laughed at each other’s memories of things we had gotten into as kids and just enjoyed being together.

Simple things enjoyed like sharing a good cup of coffee together in the stand, or watching him get irritated as I would cover him with a jacket or bring the heater closer out of concern for his weakened state. The jovial picking at each other as he still called me “Fat Boy” as 60 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

he did most of my life. Knowing that there sits a man that I love; a man who was a huge part of who I became and who I want to be.

A Godly man who never once blamed our Creator for his illness. A man I knew who would probably never see another hunting season.

But this morning, I sit here alone with my thoughts. Questioning why and how God decided to take a good man from a loving wife and family. But the answer will not come. The same question is asked about my parents, who I lost in 2014, both devout and loving people. Why do good people die too early and how do you deal with it all?

Indian folklore says that there is a creature who embodies those who have left this earth. That creature is a cardinal or what we refer to as a red bird. I never really paid much attention to red birds when hunting. I didn’t until 2005.

2005 was the first death that hit close to me. When my son-in-law Chad Powell, was killed in Iraq, it was devastating. Chad was my son’s best friend and my daughter’s husband. He had been a steady presence in my life since he was 13 years old. When he died, my whole perception of living and death changed.

Chad was on my camera crew with my son Andy and traveled all over with us filming our TV show. One thing Chad loved

was deer hunting and it was deer hunting that we enjoyed the last season he was home in 2004. Since then, when I’m hunting or fishing, I would see a red bird and know that Chad was still there with me.

People that don’t hunt can’t fathom the reason hunters spend so much time in the woods. It is the untold story of hunting that I want to give you today. It’s the sounds, the smells and the peaceful quiet of the woods.

Far off shots make your anticipation rise as you know the deer are moving. Hearing a branch or leaves rustle not knowing if you are about to watch a black bear mama and her cubs visit your area. Or if it is a big hog and piglets rooting around for breakfast.

The ultimate of course is the scene of a doe slipping through the woods and hearing noise behind her as she turns to look. Your heart pounds with anticipation of that elusive trophy buck slipping in behind her.

All of this is the reason we hunt. It is not just the harvesting of an animal for table fare. In fact, the harvest is almost disappointing in some sense, as the best part is over. That feeling of total peace. Most people do not have a single minute in a week where there is complete silence and quiet. Nor do they understand what it is like to climb into an observation point and just listen. Listening and determining the source of that noise.

That is why I love hunting with kids or someone who never hunts. All of these familiar sounds to me are foreign to them.

But the best part is the complete silence. So quiet that you can hear your heart beat. That is hunting.

I think of those things as I sit in this stand. My brother harvested a barren doe that morning which is the last deer he ever saw or shot. I remember his face and the total elation that he displayed that day ... pure joy. We shared that moment together and I can tell you this, that is the memory I savor. The last big crappie he caught with me that week; helping him load up his last deer; seeing him being able to escape the horror he lived fighting cancer. That’s what I remember. I remember my brother being totally happy. But I also remember his last words to me as he lay in the hospital, “I love you Bubba.” He always told me that on each and every call, that sound rings in my ears today and I would give it all up to hear it one more time.

And as I sit here today in this stand, not one or two or three but FOUR red birds come into my corn pile. I’d like to think that mom, dad, Chad and Speedo are here with me. And I can’t think of anything I’d rather have right now for my perfect Christmas present. Love them while you have them is my best advice. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FISHING SHIRTS

The manufacturing trend on fishing shirts is they are moving to lighter, breathable with high sun protection materials. The long sleeved T-shirt variety have become very popular and contrary to what some believe these long sleeved T-shirts make fishing in the hottest of summer temperatures to be very bearable. The only thing to watch for when purchasing these types of shirts is to be careful when picking the size, some of them run smaller due to the type of material they are made of.

Fishing With Kenny Looking for gifts for your favorite fisherperson? Skip the gift certificate and pick one of these often overlooked gift items that are available at local retailers. article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON

E

very year during the holiday seasons as I shop around the tackle stores and sporting goods departments, often times I find myself helping more and more people pick out Christmas items for their loved ones. People who fish are a unique group of people so buying gifts for them can be difficult to say the least. What to buy them can be quite intimidating if you don’t really know what to buy or even what you are looking for.

The standard the past several years is to go to your local Toledo Tackle or Honey Hole Tackle Store or other retail outlet and buy a gift certificate/card for your favorite fisherman. While I have no problem receiving and cashing in a gift card, some people find that to be too impersonal for the time of year.

“I hate giving them a gift card but I don’t know what to buy them” is something I have heard more times than I can count over the years. In this month’s BayouLife “Fishing with Kenny”, let’s see if I can help.

While picking out specific fishing items such as rods and reels can be a challenge the first thing I want to suggest are simple to pick out yet often over looked gift items. Here are a couple of suggestions: FISHING PLIERS

Take it from someone who keeps several types of pliers in his boat (usually because I am bad about dropping them in the lake), from needle nose to split ring to even wire cutters, a fishermen can never have enough pliers. You can buy them individually or you can find them in packaged as a set. I have always recommended buying the packaged sets because you get the different sizes at a better price.

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FISHING SCALES

When it comes to buying fishing scales the choices are numerous. While I don’t usually recommend specific brands I will say that any fishing scale I have ever purchased made by Berkley Fishing has worked extremely well and are quite durable. The ones I currently use are two years old and are showing no signs of wear and tear and are still very accurate. You will generally spend $30-$50 for a good set of fishing scales but they are well worth the cost.

“Well I hate to buy them that because they have so many of them already”. How many times have you said or hear that one?

Trust me when I say a person can never have too many clothes to fish in. I fish over thirty tournaments a year in all seasons and conditions so I like having a wide variety of clothes to choose from. Here are a few things I have gotten over the years that I put to good use that would make a good gift choice as well: FISHING GLOVES

No matter if you are buying them for cold weather days on the water or if you are wanting to purchase the kind of gloves that protect your hands from the harmful sun rays, there are fishing gloves abound. For winter time make sure the gloves can be worn and still effective keeping hands warm even if the gloves getting wet. Cold wet hands make for a miserable time on the water I assure you.

When buying the newer finer material gloves that are being using for sun protection, those are simply a matter of choice but make sure they have a high sun protection rating.

NECK GAITER Regardless if you are buying one specifically for the heat of the summer or to keep the cold out during the winter, a neck gaiter is worth its weight in gold, especially one bought for the winter time. The amount of heat that escapes around the chest core area when it is cold would surprise people who don’t spend a lot of time in the outdoors.

If you purchase a good neck gaiter as a gift, I assure you they will thank you later. The summer style neck gaiter can also be used as face protection against the sun as well.

See how easy Christmas shopping has become for your favorite outdoors person? I haven’t even recommended rods, reels, lures or any of the little things people tend to stress out about. But because it is the Christmas season I will leave you with a couple of ideas that will make good stocking stuffers:

BULK SPOOLS OF LINE

If you are buying for someone who is serious about their fishing, chances are they change their line a lot. Purchasing the bigger spools of line may seem expensive, but in reality over the course of a years’ time you will save money. Find out their favorite size and type of line and you should be able to find a pretty good deal on the bigger bulk spools.

Berkley Big Game is easily one of the better lines regardless of the fishing situation and is also the most price friendly for consumers.

FAVORITE SOFT PLASTICS

A good stocking stuffer for any fisherman is packs of soft plastic lures. Regardless of the choice of soft plastic, as long as it is watermelon/red, green pumpkin or some sort of a variation of the color black/blue, you can’t go wrong. Zoom, Reaction Innovations or any of the Strike King soft plastics are great choices.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time each month to read BayouLife Magazine and checking out my article. I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Remember to be careful out in the wood and while you are on the water and be sure to catch one for me!

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

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AVEN HAS JUST WHAT YOU NEED, WHETHER IT’S giving the perfect gift or finding the most beautiful accessories for your home. Customers always appreciate the personal service they receive at Haven. All of their gift lines have been hand selected and most are exclusive to their store, so the staff has provided a list of wonderful gift ideas to inspire your shopping this holiday season.

1. Jewelry - Haven has several lines of jewelry in a variety of styles and price ranges. They have beautiful classic gold jewelry or that little pop of color to accessorize any outfit.

2. Religious - Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Haven always has a nice assortment of religious books, devotionals, canvases and jewelry that make a thoughtful gift. Newly added SAINT candles, include a prayer to the patron saint, holy oil, and an Italian prayer coin embedded in the candle.

3. Travel Items - Haven has new bag arrivals with RFID protection and anti-theft features which are a must when traveling. There is a large selection of travel accessories for organization, and some for pure comfort.

4. Picture Frames - Frame those special moments you never want to forget. Haven has such a nice array of picture frames in gold tones, silver and acrylic.

5. Barefoot Dreams - Barefoot Dreams wraps, ponchos, and pants are perfect gifts this season. New styles have arrived, including their ever popular socks. Current Barefoot Dreams customers know this soft bamboo apparel is heavenly to wear and it is machine washable.

6. Pottery - Susan Gordon pottery is a new debut for Haven this year! This stunning hand-painted pottery is food safe and is stocked in multiple sizes and gorgeous colors. Petite jewelry dishes are a staff favorite. Etta B pottery is another must see. So many sizes of platters, and bowls, they are functional and a work of art.

7. Pajamas - Haven’s pajama selection just keeps growing. A new light weight cotton pajama set is available in several styles and patterns.

Barefoot Dreams never disappoints with their comfy robes and Haven has a new color in their silky pajamas. Don’t miss their selection of slippers.

8. Cashmere Wraps - Give the gift of luxury this Christmas with an amazing cashmere wrap. Available in several colors these light weight wraps are a must have.

9. Bath Products - By customer request, Haven is offering more Kai products. Room spray, lotions, or the ever popular body buffer are 64 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

always a good choice. A small batch line of bath products from Yuzu is new for Haven this season. Elevate your relaxation time with either of these lines.

10. SCOUT - Haven is excited to be offering SCOUT. These reusable colorful bags mix function and fashion using fun patterns. SCOUT bags can be used whether you are heading to the park, grocery store, or vacation! Teens love SCOUT cosmetic bags and wristlets.

11. Bar Ware - The holidays are the ideal time to spruce up your bar.

Hand-painted wine glasses, ice buckets, and bar tools are always great gifts. New bar books have arrived, as well as the popular Vinglacé wine chiller.

12. Men’s Gifts - Practical, good looking men’s travel bags are available in several colors. A durable canvas dopp kit with skincare products from Jack Black are practical for any man. New styles of Louisiana themed socks make an excellent stocking stuffer and, for every pair purchased the company donates a pair to someone in need.

13. Little Ones - Shopping for infants and children couldn’t be easier with Haven’s broad selection of books, toys, blankets and the softest stuffed animals. They have something for all ages.

14. Louisiana - Haven has a new dedicated Louisiana section.

Fun kitchen towels from NOLA, LSU and ULM cups and notepads to show your collegiate spirit, and the ever popular L. Young canvases are always a great way to share Louisiana.

15. Books - Whether you are looking for children’s books, design books, books for men, or an inspirational read, Haven has it. Test your skills in the kitchen with one of their many new cookbooks with delicious recipes.

Not only is Haven Monroe’s premier shopping destination, they are now offering the service of Curbside Pickup. Just call or text (318)267-7577 with your inquiry and one of their employees will assist you.

Call or text when you have arrived, and they will bring the purchase out to you, where you can swipe your card from the comfort of your car.

Haven has extended holiday hours! They will be open everyday in December leading up to Christmas: Monday - Friday 10:00-5:30, Saturday 10:00-5:00, and Sunday 1:00-4:00. Be sure to follow Haven on Instagram and Facebook as they are posting gift ideas each day.

Remember, Haven offers beautiful, complimentary gift wrapping. The gift you give from Haven will be the best one under the tree, so stop by today!

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Newest Professional Office Building in West Monroe

Cypress Hill Office Suites in the Heartbeat of West Monroe’s Newest Business District

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HE NEW YEAR CAN BE A TIME TO start something new or make a change you have always dreamed of. If the New Year has you setting goals and looking for a new location for your current business or you have outgrown your current office space and have dreamed of moving your existing professional service, the time has never been better. The Cypress Hill Office Suites, home of West Monroe’s newest professional offices, are almost complete and only have two units left for pre-leasing.

Ready for move in after the first of the year, these office suites have everything you need. Located in the heart of West Monroe’s newest business district, Cypress Hill Office Suites offer quality built commercial real estate right off Cypress Street. With over 20,000 cars passing by per day, this location is ideal for a doctor’s office, law practice,

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insurance company, accounting firm, and many other professional businesses. Cypress Hill Office Suites are easily accessible to potential clients, patients and customers.

Professionally designed, the layout of the Cypress Hill Office Suites was planned to accommodate your business. Each unit has been constructed with a reception area, five spacious offices, a break room, and a restroom. Each unit also has clear visibility from Cypress Street and the ability to display your company name takes advantage of the high traffic area and central location of Cypress Hill Office Suites.

SOME INTERIOR AMENITIES INCLUDE: • 10’ ceilings.

• Crown molding throughout.

• 8’ solid doors throughout.

• Foam insulation.

• Energy efficient.

SOME EXTERIOR AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Professional Landscaping and Lighting • Security Cameras • Ample Parking

This office building was constructed by Jonathan Hill Construction and was built like a custom home. With only two units left, don’t miss out on this great location!

Jonathan Hill Construction jhillconstruction.com 318-372-2002 jonathan@jhillconstruction.com Follow them on Facebook and Instagram

Call Jonathan at (318) 372-2002 with any questions and to schedule your showing.

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BAYOU BU Z Z WO RT H Y >

SHOPPES AT COTTONPORT

On November 5, the Shoppes at Cotton Port celebrated a ribbon cutting with the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce. The building is under new management with owner Tommy Block. A variety of businesses can be found under one roof including Sew Suzy, Linen Label, Darling Dearman, Free Birds and Peace of My Soul offering everything from apparel to home decor and gifts to toys. It is located at 215 Trenton Street in the heart of downtown Monroe and is just one of the buildings managed by Block’s company, Cottonport Properties.

^JINGLE AND MINGLE

CVB hosted a Jingle and Mingle and got everyone caught up what’s happening during the holiday season. Local attractions were there talking about Christmas on the River and the wonderful Holiday Trail of Lights. The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights partnered with Shreveport-Bossier City, AlexandriaPineville, Natchitoches and Minden and they were all on scene ready to help make the holiday season a little better. Santa and Mrs.Clause were there ready for that perfect Christmas photo and Miss Kay’s Sweets and Eats had light refreshments that were perfect for the occasion.

^ CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

On Wednesday, November 6th at 10am Centric Federal Credit Union hosted their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for their new Corporate Headquarters in West Monroe. Mayor Staci Albritton, the West MonroeWest Ouachita Chamber of Commerce and others spoke of the growth of the community and the benefits of using local businesses. Centric would like to thank everyone who joined them for the grand opening.

STEVE’S JEWELRY’S VAHAN TRUNK SHOW

From November 7th-16th, Steve’s Jewelry in Bastrop hosted a VAHAN Trunk Show and Sale in their store front on Madison Avenue. They were offering 40% off all VAHAN Bracelets. Just in time for the holidays customers came from all over Northeast Louisiana to get the perfect gift for the holidays. Steve’s Jewelry would like to thank everyone that came to the trunk show this year and hopes that everyone has a Merry Christmas!

< BOURBON TASTING

On Thursday November 14th, Tonore’s hosted their private bourbon tasting. Guests came to enjoy different samples of bourbons supplied by Republic National, Glazier and Wines International.

They also got to enjoy some great finger foods and appetizers by Thurman’s that were absolutely delicious.

< NEW OFFICE FOR MONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce celebrated their new location with an open house and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, November 5th. Their new office is located on Auburn Avenue, in the heart of mid-town Monroe. City officials including Mayor Jamie Mayo, Councilwoman Juanita Woods and Rep. Jay Morris were on hand, as well as numerous business leaders and community members to mark the occasion. Chamber President Sue Nicholson addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support.

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Jesus the Good Shepherd Blessed This Holiday Season

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ESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC SCHOOL IS grateful this Advent and Christmas season for the countless number of volunteers, sponsors and donors who made the JGS School Annual Fund Campaign and the 5th Annual Parish Fall Festival an outstanding success. The success of our 2019/20 Annual Fund Campaign is attributed to our generous JGS families, grandparents, friends and parishioners. Their consistent support resulted in JGS School reaching its annual goal. These funds constitute a large portion of our school’s operating budget each year and are utilized for teacher salaries and day-to-day operations as well as maintenance and technology upgrades required to keep our school in proper functioning order. As a result of this sustained donor engagement, JGS remains a leader in private Catholic education in Northeast Louisiana. We cannot put into words how thankful we are to our annual fund donors and fall festival sponsors for their continued commitment to our school and church.

Our families, friends and parishioners, in true JGS style, arrived at the fall festival celebration ready to have a great evening full of fun and fellowship! There were many rides and games from Duvall’s Amusements, class carnival booths, a silent auction, fantastic food provided by the JGS Dad’s Club Grill, a country store full of homemade goodies and bingo in Moore Hall. Through the combined efforts of all involved, we pray this annual event will continue as a school and church tradition.

The success of these events is due to the hard work and organization of some amazing volunteers. We would like to extend a big thank you to the following committee members and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the biggest weekend of the year a wonderful celebration of school & church: Susan Hopper, Emily McGee, Andree’ Eddleman, Felicia Hardwick, Jaclyn Hall, Kym Marsala, Ashton Mintz, Heather Grant, Kira McCourt, Valerie Daniel, Lori Bratton, Ashley Tonore, Lillian Paxton, Ashley Robinson, Marylane Miletello, Heather Haddad, Flor Grados, Cynthia Nyquist, Lindsay Ingram, Rebecca Leaumont, Chad Beasinger, Amanda Smith, Susie Lefebvre, Marlo Shepard, Laurie Sylvestri, Olga Barkley, Allene Worley, Sarah Gregory, Kindra Neitz, Tallie Mabry, Melissa Ducote, Dana Tarver, JGS School library interns, Mallory Benedetto, Gretchen & Jason Tiser, Haley Pulliam, Alecia Traxler, Kerri Frantz, Jan Nelson, Amy Taylor, Missy McKenzie, Holly McCready, Laura Bryan, 70 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Megan Parker, Christi Blakeney, Doneshia Gee, Erica Miller, Alison Sanford, Lisa Hammett, Kelly Rutz, Perry Estis, Tammy Sheridan, Misti Hajj, Audrey Malloy, Jenny Pankey, Justin O’Neal, James Gee, Mark Holyfield, Mark Sisk, Jason Wegener, Tommy Hays, Mickey Wilkinson, Josh Myers, Shane Russell, Mac Casteel, Jeff Leaumont, Mead Hardwick, David Crigler, Justin Tarver, Gerald Tonore, Johnny Wade, Michael Echols, Matt Rocconi, Tam Middleton and The Old Navy crew, Norma Sherman, Janet Moore, Barbara Thrascher, Buff Harvey, Georgie Porter, Babs Oakley, Barbara Cattar, Leslie Miletello, Nathan Tremaine & Band, JPS Equipment, The Coffee Bean, Skent N Dent, SFHS Religion teachers Stephanie Hay & Jennifer Patterson and the SFHS student ambassadors, Miranda Hemrick, Megan Harkey, Amanda Smith, JGS School Faculty & Staff and all those who cooked and supplied the amazing items for the country store and silent auction. The Fall Festival Celebration, Annual Fund and Grandparents’ Day would not have been possible without the collective efforts of all involved and we are so grateful and humbled by the time, talent and hard work that went into making these events successful.

We are truly blessed at JGS with generous and dedicated family and friends who recognize the unique benefits of a Catholic education and Christ-centered school environment. By the grace of God, we are blessed with excellent certified and experienced teachers, whose focus is to provide a loving and secure atmosphere for all students. Just as Advent helps us prepare our hearts and minds for the Christmas season and to remember the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we also remember those who have been so generous and giving throughout the year in support of our school and church. Thank you for your continued support throughout the years and we wish you all a very special Advent and Christmas season!

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

Tours are given every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and by appointment with our principal, Mrs. Lisa Patrick. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Adult Orthodontics A Healthy, Beautiful Smile At Any Age

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T’S NEVER TOO LATE TO MOVE HEALTHY TEETH. TODAY, one orthodontic patient in five is an adult. You’re never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. No matter what your age, proper alignment of teeth contributes to your good health and a beautiful smile.

Leaving misaligned teeth untreated may lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, as well as abnormal wearing of tooth enamel and difficulty in chewing. Orthodontic treatment can contribute to good dental health. Advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and more successful than ever for people of all ages. Orthodontists work with other dental practitioners- general dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons- to provide a comprehensive approach to your dental health.

Looking good Orthodontic treatment can correct crooked teeth or spaces that you’ve been self-conscious about for years. It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile.

Is orthodontic treatment effective for adults? Yes. Age is not a consideration when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved successfully at any age. Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future dental problems regardless of age.

Can I get an appliance that is less noticeable? Thanks to the variety of “appliances” (such as clear aligners and various bracket types) used by orthodontists, adults may be able to inconspicuously achieve the great smile they want. Many of today’s treatment options are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance and better fit an adult lifestyle. Ask at your consultation about treatment options that are appropriate for you.

Will orthodontic treatment fit my lifestyle? Certainly. You can do almost anything during orthodontic treatment — sing, play a musical instrument, dine out, kiss, and even have your picture taken. Some temporary adjustments will be necessary, but if you’re like the vast majority of adult patients, you’ll adapt quickly.

Am I a good fit for orthodontic treatment? A consultation with an orthodontist will determine if you can benefit from treatment. After carefully analyzing the nature of your orthodontic problem, we can recommend how you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

How often will I need to come in for appointments? Advances in today’s orthodontic materials mean patients see the orthodontist only about once every 8 to 12 weeks during active treatment.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt? New techniques and materials

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today have made orthodontic treatment more comfortable than ever.

Discomfort, if any, is shortlived and can be managed using over-thecounter analgesics.

How much does treatment cost? The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment. Our office will be glad to discuss fees with you before treatment begins. Many patients find that orthodontic treatment is more affordable today than ever. We offer a variety of convenient payment plans. Employers may offer dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits, and/or the option to set aside pre-tax dollars in a flexible spending account or other health savings account.

SO WHY CHOOSE TURPIN ORTHODONTICS? Not only are both orthodontists members of the American Association of Orthodontists and graduates of LSU orthodontics two-year orthodontic residency program, but they have also over 37 years of combined practice experience.

Dr. Melannie Turpin is a 2nd generation Board Certified orthodontist by the American Board of Orthodontics and has been continuously carrying on the family business started by Dr. Hoye Grafton, since 1966.

She is proud to be the first female to ever practice orthodontics in all of North Louisiana, since 2001. She has 4 children, all who attend Cedar Creek School, and treats all of her patients like they are her own family.

Dr. Corbin Turpin is a 1st generation orthodontist and also Board Certified. He has been in practice since 2000 and loves his profession, patients and their families.

We feel our team at Turpin Orthodontics is truly the friendliest and best at what they do. Feel free to go check out our awesome online reviews!

We offer the most advanced technology for treatment, including digital 3D x-rays if needed, digital “goo-free” 3D scanning of teeth for optimum patient comfort, and can utilize our in office 3D model printer and digital lab to fabricate any needed appliances or retainers directly from your digital scan. This eliminates the need for any old fashioned and sometimes uncomfortable impressions.

Our team is efficient and on time, and if we have all of your correct insurance information, and you or your child are up to date with all dental work, then in some cases, we can start treatment the SAME DAY as your complimentary exam.

Give us a call today to experience what Turpin Orthodontics has to offer.

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Community Coffee 100 Years of Brewing Louisiana’s Finest

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

C

OMMUNITY COFFEE WAS FOUNDED IN 1919 BY Norman “Cap” Saurage. He named it Community Coffee out of appreciation for his community of friends and the customers he served. With the help of his family, Cap opened a country store to sell coffee and other groceries to his neighbors. Before long, he opened a second. It was in these Baton Rouge grocery stores that he began experimenting with coffee blends. Demand for the coffee increased so much that by 1923 he moved the coffee production to a converted barn and in 1924 he left the grocery business entirely to focus on coffee.

100 years later, Community Coffee is the largest family owned coffee brand in the United States.

“Since Cap blended the first batch of Community coffee, we’ve seen plenty of change — both inside and outside the company,” says Matt Saurage, Cap’s great grandson. “We’ve evolved to better serve our customers, but we’ve also tried to stay true to our roots and the community that got us started. That’s why over the past 100 years we’ve maintained an unwavering dedication to making the besttasting, highest-quality coffee we possibly can — all while developing better methods of sourcing, superior roasting techniques and innovative ideas to keep our coffee at its peak of flavor and freshness.

We simply love making coffee, and we find inspiration in every part of the process, from planting the beans to serving the perfect cup. Above all, we’re inspired by the people we work with, the customers we serve and the connections we’ve built together.”

Every step in the journey of Community Coffee is taken with an uncompromising commitment to quality and an unparalleled passion for great ground and whole bean coffee. Community adheres to the stringent standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to deliver the best possible product to its customers. It’s all about the beans. Community uses 100% Arabica beans. Why is this important?

Arabica beans grow at higher altitudes, require extra care, and are more vulnerable to harsh growing conditions. This makes them more expensive but they also deliver a smooth, sweeter flavor with different varieties producing notes of fruit, chocolate, and citrus.

Beyond the beans, great coffee is also the product of great people.

Community employs real masters who immerse themselves in the

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process from beginning to end. These experts are focused on making rich, bold, and flavorful coffee, and are constantly monitoring it with quality checkpoints for brewing, aroma, and taste. It is this attention to detail that has kept Community at the top of the coffee game for the last 100 years.

In 2018, Community’s evolution reached another level when the company launched its new line of ready-to-drink iced coffees. Crafted with Community’s Signature Blend Dark Roast coffee and sweetened with pure Louisiana cane sugar, this delicious line of iced lattes offers a treat perfect for any time of day. Available in mocha and vanilla, Community Iced Lattes are made with real, natural ingredients and contain zero artificial flavors or coloring. Unlike most iced latte drinks, Community Iced Lattes contain only 230 calories per serving.

“We’re excited to give consumers a quality iced latte option that delivers on taste, texture and ingredients,” says David Belanger, President and CEO of Community Coffee Company. “Community Iced Lattes are coffee forward with limited calories providing a flavorful, creamy and convenient ready-to-drink beverage.”

Like all Community coffee products, these tasty coffee drinks are made with 100% select Arabica coffee beans. Community Iced Lattes can be purchased in 13.7 ounce premium recyclable glass bottles. Each iced latte is comparable in caffeine content to a cup of coffee and offers a coffee-forward taste. See below for a list of local retailers carrying Community Iced Lattes. Scan the QR code in the image above to find Community Iced Lattes at a retailer near you!

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with local happenings and new product releases.

In addition, you’ll find links to beer related articles, fun recipes, and much more! Find us at facebook.com/choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

Madame MAYOR

West Monroe Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell is the perfect combination to lead the City of West Monroe forward – she is both strong-willed and a visionary. Her strength of character, her ability to recognize and act on opportunities, and – above all – her love for her community and its residents make her our December BayouIcon.

ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

“I learned that successful elected officials must consider what is best for their area, look to the future, and make tough decisions.”

S

taci Albritton Mitchell did not start out to be an elected official.

Her life and career had been moving along steadily when an opportunity for public service arose that changed everything.

The late West Monroe Alderman Sam Yeager passed away and his seat had to be filled by the mayor until a special election could be held. When Mitchell read this, she made an appointment with West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris and asked for the position. Norris offered, and Mitchell took the seat. In only six months, she had to run in the special election to keep the seat. She won by 67% of the vote, in spite of the fact that she had two opponents. Morphing first from businesswoman to an appointed government position and then winning an elective one on her own was just another chapter in an already amazing life.

The Early Years . . .

While many likely assume that Mitchell grew up in West Monroe, such is not the case. She was born on an Air Force base in Columbus, Mississippi, while her father was in Thailand serving in the Vietnam War. Her father, Billy Tom Albritton, and her mother, Mary Lou Allder Albritton, were both from West Carroll Parish. Both graduated from college – her father from Louisiana Tech and her mother from ULM (then NLU).

Not long after Mitchell was born, her father left the Air Force and took a position as an Air Traffic Controller. He had always enjoyed photography, and decided to pursue a career in it. The family moved to Littleton, Colorado, so that he could attend Camera Repair School.

When Mitchell was in Littleton, she became active in the Girl Scouts.

Mitchell was ten when the family moved to West Monroe. Her parents selected West Monroe, according to Mitchell, “ . . . because it offered a good option for jobs and careers that got us closer to our grandparents.”

Before this move in 1978, Mitchell and her brothers had only been able to be with their grandparents and cousins for the holidays and some during the summers. She remembers feeding chickens at her maternal grandmother’s home and then feeding the cows and painting ceramics with her paternal grandparents. She and her brothers climbed trees, played in the barn, and spent their time together the way countless other kids in rural north Louisiana did. She and her brothers, Thomas and Todd, showed market lambs through the 4-H livestock program. Her very favorite, however, was a 4-H photography program that she signed up for. She had no idea how far her love of photography would eventually take her.

Although she readily admits that living in Colorado for two years was fun (exploring the mountains and ice skating), those good times were quickly replaced in Louisiana with even better ones when her father bought a boat and the family spent many hours on the Ouachita River, waterskiing and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. This was the first time that Mitchell had not lived in a subdivision. Life in the country suited her, and she loved riding three-wheelers in the woods.

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Selecting a Career . . .

When she was quite young, Mitchell remembers thinking that she wanted to be a lawyer. Then while attending West Monroe High School, she remembers telling friends that she wanted to be a senator.

Although Mitchell wasn’t quite sure what career she would select, she wasn’t terribly concerned. Her parents and grandparents had always taught her by word and example to work hard, do more than what is expected, and do what is right even when no one can see you. “They taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, as long as I studied and remembered to be thankful, believed that I could, and had faith in God,” she remembers.

During high school, Mitchell worked as a babysitter for children of her neighbors and teachers, and also spent her Saturdays and summers in her father’s store. She sold cameras, processed film, printed photos, and did anything else that was needed to help out.

“I learned good work ethic and to do whatever needed to be done – cleaning the bathrooms, picking up trash, waiting on customers, etc. --- to make the business successful,” Mitchell says. “I learned to pay attention to details, and how important customer service is in business.”

After high school graduation, Mitchell enrolled at ULM and declared economics as her major. After one year there, she transferred to LSU and changed her major to agricultural economics because she liked both agriculture and business. She toyed with the idea of being a futures broker on the Chicago Board of Trade while there.

When asked what was her favorite subject in college not related to her career, Mitchell did not hesitate to name the aviation class that she took at ULM. “My dad has always flown and had small airplanes,” she explains. “My brothers and I have been flying with him since we were very young. That class was both easy and enjoyable!” Mitchell’s father had given her flying lessons for Christmas one year so she held a student license and had completed her solo flights. Although Mitchell did not finish the final steps to get her pilot’s license, her brother Todd did.

The two classes that were related to her career that she enjoyed the most were statistics and econometrics. “I really like numbers, seeing trends, and trying to predict what can or will happen,” says Mitchell.

“Those classes taught me the importance of studying past trends and looking to the future and how important it is to be willing to change with the market or risk being left behind. Those teachings proved very beneficial for Albritton Photography, because the photography business has changed tremendously in the last 29 years.”

At LSU, Mitchell worked in the LSU Public Relations Photography Department, as a photographer at a one-hour photo lab in Baton Rouge, and as a salesperson at Southern Camera. Even so, she still found time to be involved in extra-curricular activities. Once again, 4-H was at the center. She was active in LSU Collegiate 4-H, LSU Ag Economics Club, and LSU Block & Bridle Club. “At the collegiate level, 4-H was a service organization. I enjoyed it because I believe in being active in my community,” Mitchell says. “AG Econ and B&B were social clubs. Through all three I made good friends, an important thing since I didn’t know but a couple of people when I moved to Baton Rouge for school.”

service projects at the same time. One year Mitchell did 42 weddings; she was pregnant with her daughter, Calli, at the time and managed to finish the final wedding just 10 days before she delivered.

When her mother passed away in 2007, and her father retired, Mitchell acquired ownership of the family business where she had worked since graduation from LSU.

Public Service Calls . . .

When Mitchell accepted the appointment as alderman, she did so because she wanted to help make a difference in the community that had been so good to her and to her family. As an alderman, she was able to meet even more people from all parts of West Monroe. She learned that “. . . all anyone wants is to live in a safe and clean community with good infrastructure and services and quality of life amenities. I learned that successful elected officials must consider what is best for their area, look to the future, and make tough decisions.” She quickly adds, “Unfortunately, you will not please everyone all of the time.”

Even though there was much accomplished during her service as alderman, there were some light moments as well. More than once, she says, people didn’t know exactly how to properly introduce an alderman who happened to be a female. She says that she was called “Aldermanwoman” a number of times!

When Mayor Norris announced that he was not going to seek reelection but had decided to retire, Mitchell was encouraged to run. Some constituents had suggested that she consider running for mayor some day even in the early days of her term as alderman. Mitchell had heard more than enough comments such as “They should do something about the (fill in the blank)”. She decided that she would not talk, but do. As mayor, she realized, she would be able to do much more. Determined to make a difference, she took her campaign to the people and was elected mayor.

“I was taught that I could do anything I set my mind to, as long as I studied and remembered to be thankful, believed that I could, and had faith in God.”

Professional Photography Gets the Nod . . .

Clearly, leaving photography was not in the cards. Her father had always had a passion for photography and had made a successful career of it in West Monroe. When Mitchell completed her BS degree at LSU, she went into business with her parents as a portrait photographer. “I love photography,” Mitchell says. “I love being around people and I love being in business. Going into business with my parents and then out on my own just came naturally.”

Through the years, Mitchell learned all aspects of the business.

She and her father attended Professional Photographers of America and Professional Photographers of Louisiana events that helped her learn the marketing and pricing side of the business. When she was in her mid-20’s, she became a Certified Professional Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America.

As Albritton Photography grew, Mitchell’s engagement with her community grew. Through hard work and determination, the company amassed a reputation for providing good quality products and service, and for putting the customer first. The company made a good living for Mitchell’s parents, her own family, and for their employees.

It also gave Mitchell the opportunity to work with many people over the years she might not have met otherwise. “I love seeing the children I have photographed since they were born grow up!” she remembers with a smile. “They still call me ‘Miss Staci’ and hug my neck. Others will tell me that I photographed their wedding 25 years ago. I love that!”

Never one to step aside when there was work to be done, Mitchell managed to juggle two children, the business, and some community

Along the way . . .

During her time as alderman, Mitchell was at a Kiwanis meeting and met a fellow who would change her life. Jay Mitchell was at the meeting with Sheriff Jay Russell, advocating for the Ouachita Correctional Center. They found it easy and fun to talk to each other at that first meeting, and they still do today. “He is the best man I know, a good Christian, and he cares about helping people,” Mitchell says.

“He loves family. We are enjoying life together!”

Their earliest date was to a Cancer Foundation League fundraiser.

Because they both are community-minded and service-oriented, their attraction to each other was inevitable. They share many things, and are both very active in their community and in their church.

They also both have demanding jobs that require unusual hours. By keeping good calendars, they are able to set aside time to do things together like visiting family and just enjoying time together. “We both understand that even though we may not be at work, we are both always working,” Mitchell explains. “One day we want to travel. We want to visit all 50 states, and I want to see Italy –just take my camera and go!”

When Mitchell decided to run for mayor, Jay encouraged her to do so and continues to support her every day. Both believe that West Monroe and northeast Louisiana are great places to live. Mitchell says there is so much potential here, and that she and her husband hope to help realize some of that.

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Plans for West Monroe . . .

Once Mitchell assumed the mayor’s post, she wasted no time in making priorities for her first term and beyond. Today, a little over a year in office, she has identified several.

Drainage and detention are at the top of the priority list. Several projects are in the works including the detention at Highland Park; the Black Bayou repairs, improvements and realignment; and the Commercial Park Drainage Project next to the frontage road out by the Ike. The Highland Park property (a former golf course) detention and public space project and the Black Bayou Canal both relate to overall quality of life improvements. The Highland Park property will also encourage economic development and should stimulate new business growth. The area around Black Bayou Canal will ultimately be a Greenway and serve as detention, public recreation, and education.

The Black Bayou Canal project will include structural repairs, improvements, and realignment and will be partially paid for through a Statewide Flood Control grant of $4 million that was recently announced. Because Black Bayou Canal drains 80% of West Monroe, this long-term project will have a significant impact on storm water levels during heavy rainfall events.

Another priority is Neighborhood Revitalization and encouraging people to move back into the city limits by having stronger code enforcement, more amenities, and improving the quality of life for all West Monroe residents. Recycling, bike paths, community development, and downtown development are all quality of life amenities.

To meet these and future challenges, Mitchell has a straightforward philosophy: “I will work hard every day and not get too comfortable.

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I’m always looking to the future to see what we can do better and to find ways to make things better for our residents and businesses.”

What the Future Holds . . .

With their blended family of four children who are all now very successful young adults, the Mitchells are looking forward to having lots of grandchildren. They share 2 grandsons already, and a granddaughter is on the way. Her experience photographing babies and young children will certainly come in handy!

When asked to describe a “perfect” day, Mitchell was quick to respond. “I would be in West Monroe, and I would go to work. I like where I live and what I do,” she says. “If it were not a work day, then I would be visiting and playing with the grandkids or on the river or the lake.”

Jay just gave her kayaks for her birthday, so they will likely become a new hobby for the two. Both enjoy fishing, and she is especially happy planting flowers and plants. Clearly, not all of their time is spent working.

Still, there will always be in Mitchell’s spirit a need to help others wherever she can. Her willingness to serve and her vision for what “could be” in the future are both strong.

Thomas Edison is credited with a saying that seems appropriate for this remarkable woman who both sees and does on a daily basis: “Vision without execution is hallucination.”

Mitchell’s vision for a better West Monroe is as sharp as her camera lens, and her commitment is as strong as her love for her city. No, there are no hallucinations here.

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B AY O U C O C K T A I L S

Holiday Spirits

photo by KEL LY MO O R E CLAR K

Spread a little cheer with these festive holiday cocktails created by local mixologists. From classic milk punch to champagne cheers, these drinks will be the toast of the town.

HOLIDAY BUBBLES Tonore’s Wine Cellar

Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne Green apple slices Cranberries Rosemary

Serve in a champagne glass and add cranberries, apple slices and rosemary.

MILK PUNCH Trio’s Dining

1 ounce Jameson Whiskey 5 ounces milk 1 tsp vanilla A splash of simple syrup

Shake all ingredients together until frothy. Serve over ice or in a cold coupe. Sprinkle with fresh nutmeg.

THE KIRKLAND Doe’s Eat Place

1 ounces Jack Fire Apple 4 ounces of cranberry juice Topped with Sprite

Shake Jack Fire Apple and cranberry juice over ice and strain into martini glass. Top with Sprite and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice.

B AY O U H O L I D AY

Signed, Sealed, Delivered photo by K EL LY MO O RE CL A RK

A thoughtfully wrapped gift shows the recipient how much effort and care went into their present. By sprucing up a simple paper with personalization, photos, toppers and ribbon, you can transform the ordinary into extraordinary.

PA P E R

We chose a simple selection of papers that worked well together. Plain kraft paper or white paper allows you to hand-design your packages.

TOPPERS

Ornaments, feathers, and photos all add interest to your gifts. Combine them with greenery and ribbon for extra dimension.

Toppers are a fun way to add an extra gift element to your present.

NOTES

Personalize your packages with a hand-written note or elegant calligraphy with the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. Our designer, Meagan Russell, hand-lettered names on our ornament topper, feather embellishment and kraft paper. You can also make your own print on plain white paper for a fun, interesting package.

G R E E N E RY

Create your own topper with greenery cut from your backyard or Christmas tree. Seeded eucalyptus, juniper, pine and cypress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all add a beautiful, fragrant touch to gifts. You can also add dried florals or clippings from your Christmas tree. Just clip and secure with ribbon.

RIBBON

For our gifts we chose a simple twine, white dyed silk and red yarn. Tie in a beautiful, classic bow or a simple knot to secure decorative elements. You can use a monochromatic color palette or as a contrasting element to your package.

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Experience the Magic

Ice Skating, Holiday Art Market, Shopping Happy Hour and More in Downtown Ruston

W

ITH ROWS OF TWINKLING LIGHTS, HOLIDAY TUNES filling the air, and the sound of ice skates gliding on the rink, it’s hard to find a more magical place at Christmastime than Downtown Ruston. Ruston’s charming, 18-block historic downtown has become a must-visit area of North Louisiana, especially during the holidays.

Throughout the month of December, families can enjoy Ruston’s Artificial Skating Rink, located at the Historic Fire Station parking lot in downtown. The skating rink is a family favorite, offering a safe and easy skating experience for kiddos of all ages. Take a walk through the “Ball of Joy” as you enter the skating rink area, complete with twinkling lights and holiday tunes. The rink is open every Thursday-Sunday during the following hours: Thursdays 4:00– 9:00 p.m., Fridays 4:009:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., and Sundays 4:00-9:00 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person for an hour of skating, which includes skate rentals. The rink also hosts special events all month, including a hockey night with the Shreveport Mudbugs and Cookies with Santa.

Follow Downtown Ruston on Facebook for specifics on the skating rink and related events.

If you love to find artistic and one-of-a-kind pieces to give as gifts, be sure to check out North Central Louisiana Arts Council’s (NCLAC) all-new Holiday Arts Market on Friday, December 6th from 2:00-9:00 p.m. NCLAC is taking your favorite local artists and getting cozy at the Norton Building in an open air market. You can expect live music, kids’ activities, door prizes, food trucks and much more. Come do your holiday shopping all in one place with curated giftable handmade items. More information can be found at nclac.org.

New this year is Holiday in the Pine, A Tour of Homes, presented

by Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center. The tour will takes place on December 8th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to tour four fabulous homes in Ruston, all of which will be dressed with magical holiday décor. Tickets can be purchased at www.pinehillscac. org. You won’t want to miss your chance to take a peek into some of the most beautiful homes in Ruston,

The Downtown Ruston community will also be providing plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. During the week before Christmas (December 16-20), participating downtown shops will be offering a special deal every day of the week from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for a “Holiday Shopping Happy Hour.” Don’t miss this time finish up your

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holiday shopping while taking advantage of some amazing deals and discounts. Participating businesses include: Amberley’s Aveda Concept Salon, Alvar & Hurrik’s, Catwalk New York, Chartreuse Pear, Chessys Boutique, Champs, The Children’s Shoppe, Cotton Top Print Shop, David Hedgepeth Interiors, Dussé Boutique, The Fabric Shop, FanBase, The Fashion of Ruston, Fine Line Supply Co., Garden Baby, Main Street Exchange, Number 9 Books and Records, Ponchatoulas Restaurant, Rodéo Boutique, Ruston Artisans, Social Bites, Sue Paperie, Townsend House Gifts, Uptown Downtown Ruston, Vintage & Vogue, and Yolo Nitro.

Also on the list of must-do holiday activities is catching the year’s Christmas play at the Historic Dixie Theater in downtown. This year, Ruston Community Theatre presents, “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” on December 5-8. As the locals will tell you, there’s nothing quite as festive as RCT’s annual holiday show. For ticket information, visit rctruston.org.

You can’t have the full Ruston holiday experience without driving through Lincoln Parish’s only drive-thru Christmas lights display – Lincoln Lights Up the Pines. This year’s display will be open on December 5-7 from 5:30-10:00 p.m.. The entire family will enjoy twinkling lights, lively holiday scenes and Christmas decorations as you drive through beautiful Lincoln Parish Park. Perhaps one of the best parts of this fun holiday attraction - it can be experienced from the comfort (and warmth) of your vehicle. Admission is $5 per vehicle/$10 for buses.

Could there possibly be any more festive fun this holiday season in Ruston? Yep! On Saturday, December 14th you can catch the annual Ruston Christmas Parade rolling through Downtown Ruston at 10:30 a.m. This year’s “Christmas at the Movies” theme is sure to inspire some floats and costumes to remember – we hear the Mayor of Whoville may even make an appearance. Be sure to drop by Railroad Park before and after the parade to get your tasting tickets for the 2nd Annual “Battle for the Paddle” Chili Cook-Off.

With so many lively holiday celebrations taking place in the next several weeks, it’s easy to see why Ruston is one of the most magical places to make your holiday memories. For more information on Downtown Ruston’s holiday events, visit facebook.com/downtownrustonla.

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Aimwell Addiction Recovery Center, LLC Was the Grinch an Alcoholic in Need of Recovery?

BY THOMAS ESTIS, PH.D.

O

NE CAN BE REMINDED OF THE CHILDHOOD STORY of the Grinch each year at Christmastime. The story begins as Mr. Grinch is hiding in seclusion while filled with resentment and denying his need for connectedness. This picture parallels the experience the alcoholic/addict finds himself/herself. Mr. Grinch had reached this place in his life as a response to an early childhood disappointment. The progression of alcoholism or addiction has a similar journey. A person encounters a disappointing event or repetition of disappointing events which results in obvious suffering. Rather than the person processing through the suffering he/she demands that something or someone is going to provide relief.

The mind is designed for truth and the heart is designed to love truth.

Unfortunately, the person abandons truth and, in the process, begins the journey of abandoning and rejecting true self. The person begins consuming alcohol and/or other drugs to self-medicate. Abandoning oneself results in a false self-protecting modality requiring an array of defense mechanism: denial, rationalization, explaining, justifying, minimizing, blaming, attacking, alibis, silence, and bargaining. Finally, just like Mr. Grinch, the defenses become the person. Similarly, as Mr. Grinch reduced his choices and created years of unnecessary suffering, the person’s choices are lost to alcohol. He becomes an alcoholic and/ or addict and his life and years are given to unnecessary suffering. This unnecessary suffering supersedes the original disappointment.

Shame and/or the perception of shame contributed to Mr. Grinch’s journey into seclusion and isolation. Shame is the sense of being inferior or incompetent. Unfortunately, the experience of shame blinded Mr. Grinch of his creativity and numerous talents. The same occurs and transpires for the person who becomes dependent on alcohol and/or other drugs. As the disease progresses the shame only increases, as well as, self-hate, sadness, self-rejection, fear, loneliness, anger, resentment, discouragement, depression, and ultimately despair.

The person desires to live but becomes more afraid of living than dying. Mr. Grinch looks from his cave and creates the evil plan to rob Whoville of Christmas. Their misery will then match his and he will no longer be burdened by their contradictory messages of joy and love and life and laughter. The underlying root word for evil is empty or useless.

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feelings of emptiness and uselessness and the overwhelming void in the soul.

Mr. Grinch’s only remaining company is his poor dog who also appears lacking in love and attention. The animal is commandeered into being an unwilling accomplice. Sadly, family members of those with a substance dependence problem are also held hostage in the ongoing departure from sanity and love. Together through seemingly impossible odds they completed Mr. Grinch’s wicked objective of robbing Whoville of the external accessories of Christmas. If only, the poor soul suffering from chemical or process dependence(s) could utilize their energies into positive undertakings!

However, the Spirit of Christmas could not be robbed. Guilt became Mr. Grinch’s initial catalyst for transformation. Seeing the potentially horrible catastrophe he was moved to actions of selflessness. In restoring the gifts and the food for the Whoville feast, Mr. Grinch also opened the door for his life to be restored. The restoration would afford discoveries in mutually rewarding intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.

The person suffering from chemical or process addictions (e.g. gambling) is extended the same offer of hope. Guilt is defined as breaking or going against one’s own inner moral code. In the alcoholism or addiction, one is only a fragmented self, living a disjointed contradictory existence. When the alcoholic or addict begins to own the guilt and take action, he or she begins the journey in no longer being in contradiction to self.

The person begins progress toward discovering one’s individuality.

An underlying root word for individual is undivided. The implication is when one is connected to self, to God, and to others in meaningful and purposeful ways one truly has one’s individuality. Is that not the underlying theme of Christmas? Jesus Christ, the Son of God came that we could truly be connected to God, to ourselves, and others in meaningful and purposeful ways.

If you or a loved one is suffering a fragmented existence due to alcoholism, addiction, process addiction(s), anxiety, depression, and/or family discord, we would like to assist you in your journey of recovery, restoration, and discovery.

Wishing you a Christ filled Christmas with glorious life discoveries!

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B AY O U G A R D E N

plant CARE HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES IT NEED? If you are keeping your rosemary plant indoors, make sure to put it in a south-facing window for bright light. But, during hotter summer months, don’t let it burn.

WAT E R I N G YO U R ROSEMARY Only water when the soil gets dry. Over-watering your plant can lead to soggy soil and eventually cause root rot.

D I F F E R E N T VA R I E T I ES Most literature suggest using “Spice Island” or “Tuscan Blue” if you are growing rosemary for cooking. These plants can grow 4 to 6 feet tall when planted in the ground. If you are growing in a pot, choose a variety like “Blue Boy,” which grows in clusters.

Enjoy growing this fragrant herb.

It’s not only a culinary dream but is a beautiful ornamental plant which makes for a cute Christmas bush when lights are added.

The Rosemary Plant

You don’t need an herb garden to grow rosemary. All you need is good drainage and a little bit of sunlight. This fragrant plant is one of our favorites for adding flavor to dishes and fun to holiday charcuterie boards.

Photo by Kelly Moore Clark.

Styling by Taylor Bennett.

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B AY O U H E A L T H | B Y S H A N N O N D A H L U M

Warm Up with a Nice, Hot Cup of ... Antioxidants?

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ou’ve probably heard of antioxidants before, right? Even if you don’t really know what they are, you most likely know that they’re good for you and are important to have in your diet. Antioxidants neutralize oxidation your body, which is responsible for damaging cells, speeding up the aging process, and increasing systemic inflammation, which precedes all modern lifestyle disease. Oxidation happens inside your body as a normal byproduct of metabolism, but it’s sped up by exposure to toxins in your environment, eating highly processed and chemical- laden foods, alcohol, sugar, chronic stress... basically by being an average American.

To keep modern lifestyle diseases at bay, it’s more important now than ever to be sure your diet is rich in antioxidants. If someone were to tell you in increase your intake of foods high in antioxidants, you’d probably think of blueberries or some other deeply colored berries. Maybe you’d think about spinach or broccoli. While you do typically get most of your antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, all parts of plants contain them, including the seeds, nuts, leaves, roots and 94 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

bark. And the best news ever, in my opinion, is that the one of the highest antioxidant containing foods we have isn’t a vegetable at all, it’s chocolate!

The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale is used to measure the antioxidant capacity of foods per 100 grams.

The higher the ORAC value of an item, the richer it is in antioxidants. To give you some perspective, blueberries have an ORAC value of 2,400 and spinach comes in at 1,260. Raw cacao powder? Oh, no big deal, it just has an ORAC value of between 80,000 and 100,000.

That’s not a typo; that’s eighty thousand to one hundred thousand!

Cacao seems to have first been used in southern Mexico as early as 1500 B.C. The cacao beans imparted a bitter flavor into many savory dishes. As a drink, they found it to be a mood enhancer and aphrodisiac and believed it had mystical qualities. Flavor enhancers like vanilla, chili, and cinnamon were often incorporated into cacao flavored foods and drinks, but it wasn’t sweetened until around 1500 A.D. by the Spaniards, after the Spanish conquistadors returned with chocolate instead of the gold and silver they sought.

As chocolate spread throughout Europe, it continued to be more heavily processed and sweetened. By the late 1800’s, creamy milk chocolate bars were being mass produced, and chocolate has been popular as a sweet treat ever since. Today, the average American consumes 12 pounds of chocolate per year, but unfortunately, this form of processed chocolate certainly isn’t doing our health any favors.

Cacao trees grow in tropical regions near the equator. The trees produce fruits, which are large pods, and within each of these pods are 20-30 seeds, or cacao beans. These beans are fermented, dried and cleaned, and go on to be processed in any number of ways. The beans are often roasted at high temperatures to become cocoa, but unfortunately, this process diminishes the antioxidant content of the beans, so not all chocolate products contain these benefits. In order to reap the antioxidant benefits in your cup of hot chocolate, it’s important to purchase a raw cacao powder, which has an ORAC value about 400% higher than the highest quality roasted cocoa powder. It’s easy to know whether an item has been roasted or is raw because of how it’s spelled; roasted beans are called “cocoa” while raw beans are “cacao.”

According to the package, an individual packet of your typical instant hot cocoa contains “sugar, corn syrup, modified whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated coconut oil, nonfat milk, calcium carbonate, less than 2% of: salt, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavor”.

There is nothing healthy about that at all. Why drink that version of cocoa, which contributes to oxidation in your body, when you can have a rich cup of cacao containing one of the most antioxidant rich foods on earth?

The traditional, unsweetened version of Mayan hot cacao is a bitter beverage that most Americans would find pretty unpalatable. The cinnamon and chili typically used, however, really punch up the flavor. I recommend trying the traditional recipe, but adding a small amount of natural sweetener, like pure maple syrup.

M AYA N H OT C AC AO

2 cups milk of choice 1/4 cup raw cacao powder 1 heaping teaspoon of cinnamon Small pinch of pink Himalayan salt Small pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder pure maple syrup to taste

Puree all ingredients except maple syrup in a blender until smooth and then warm on the stove. Once heated, add maple syrup to taste.

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Sadie C’s West Monroe Grand Opening Saturday, October 19th was an exciting day for the historic Antique Alley in West Monroe as Sadie C’s boutique opened its doors to the public.

Sarah Blackwell, owner, and her staff have been working for months to get the store prepared for the big day. Sadie C’s new location is located in the newly renovated Hatchell Building on the corner of Trenton and Natchitoches. Guests filled the store, and gifts were passed out to the first 25 shoppers. Treats and sweets were given to guests as they were invited to shop at the new location. Fun and excitement filled the air and the ladies of Sadie C’s would like to thank everyone that helped make the day a huge success!

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On the BayouScene 1 Dawn Thompson, Taylor Kennedy and Dana Kennedy 2 Caroline Kingrea and LeighAnn Kingrea 3 Hope and Rebecca Robertson 4 Madison Felts and Kaitlyn Robinson 5 Sadie C’s Girls 6 Angela Hammond and Abby Hammond 7 Haley Cheek and Leslie Sharbono 8 Macy Sorensen, Samantha Raney and Kait Many 9R ylee and Mica Holubec 10 Paula Hough and Shelia McDonald 11 Hannah Cheek and Samantha Raney 12 V erna Blackmon, Macy Sorensen and Allie Blackmon 13 April Vuttitta and Kim Roberts 14 Bailey Taylor, Zoe Kudlas and Jade Banks 15 Madeline Blackwell and John Blackwell 16 Kinsey Pody, Vanessa Bingham and Kaitlyn Bingham 17 Sadie C’s Girls

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House of Cycles Introducing David Boles

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UR COMMUNITY KNOWS DAVID BOLES FROM HIS 23 years as owner of The Bike Source in Monroe. When The Bike Source closed its doors at the beginning of 2019, it was a sad day for David. He assumed he would retire at the shop, and he was worried he wouldn’t be able to serve our community of cycling enthusiasts any longer, doing a job he had loved for so long. When Robert Morris, owner of House of Cycles, and Justin Riles, General Manager, approached David about setting up his bike shop in their building, David was overwhelmed with gratitude. He just knew it would be a positive direction for him and the business he loved so much. House of Cycles now houses the only full-service bike shop in the Twin Cities. By combining the bicycle shop with House of Cycles’ motorcycles and four-wheelers, the transition made perfect sense.

David is able to offer the community the same services as he did at his local shop including all types of repairs on all makes and models. Customers can shop with the same face they are accustomed to seeing for the past two decades. The shop offers the same Trek brand bikes but has added Cannondale bikes as well. David offers all cycling accessories like helmets, shoes, and clothing for a fun and comfortable riding experience. “We want the community to know I’m here,” says David. We all remember The Bike Source closing and what a loss it was for the community. But since many customers only shop for cycling merchandise a few times a year, many are still unaware that the shop has essentially just relocated. David calls himself the Bicycle Department Manager at House of Cycles, but it’s only him, just like before. The Monroe/West Monroe area gets to have the same quality bike shop they’ve come to know and trust over the years.

David found his passion for cycling in college while working for a sporting goods retailer. He and the owner began riding bikes together after work. When his boss suggested David do bike repairs in the back of the shop, David accepted, though he admits not knowing what he was doing at first. The owner assured him he would figure it out, and along the way, David found his passion for the sport and a community of people who shared his love of cycling. He opened The Bike Source in 1996. It served the community well, but being just a small local shop, The Bike Source couldn’t compete with online competitors and the shrinking trends in retail, and though the will 98 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

was there, the business wasn’t enough to maintain its own location.

The suggestion to move the shop to House of Cycles came only a month after David closed The Bike Source’s doors, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

This Christmas, David is thankful to continue doing what he loves in a new home for his business. He wants to remind customers to remember House of Cycles for all their cycling needs, including kids’ bicycles. He has bikes with training wheels all the way to youth cycles and adult models available on the floor. House of Cycles is the Christmas headquarters for all the cycling lovers out there. They offer 12 months, no interest-financing and layaway options. David also welcomes new customers, those perhaps not as familiar with the cycling world. He is available in house to answer all your questions, walk you through the models on the floor, and find just the right bike for you or a loved one. He has the knowledge to share and only offers quality merchandise and friendly service. Though the cycling world can be an intimidating place to outsiders, he encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about the sport and is not sure how to get started, to come see him. He promises a fun, stress-free experience.

He helps visitors to the shop make the right decision, ready to leave the store and go for a ride. General Manager Justin Riles wants to remind the community that House of Cycles serves all types of riders as well. “If it has wheels, House of Cycles has you covered, from gokarts to ATVs, side-by-sides, lawnmowers, and now bicycles. From the yard to the street and every mudhole in between, House of Cycles ir ready to help you maximize your riding experience.”

House of Cycles 501 Constitution Drive West Monroe, LA houseofcycles.com 318-362-1366

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“We love broken beautiful people. And it doesn’t get much more obviously broken and more classically beautiful than Daisy Jones.”

It’s about a girl, it’s about a band, it’s about love, it’s about self-destruction. It’s the 70’s where sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll are supreme. The coveted musicians immerse themselves in all of it at once; the lucky ones find their way out, but with a nostalgia for the way it was when it could be. Daisy Jones is the girl that lights up the room for all the right and the wrong reasons. No one ever told her no, or even paid attention to her at all, until everyone did, and she couldn’t handle the pressure. She was too smart to know they loved her for what she refused to be rather than what she was: “There were a lot of teenage girls that wanted to grow up to be me in the late seventies. But the only reason people thought I had everything is because I had all the things you can see. I had none of the things you can’t.” She’s the icon who resents all the reasons people love her, the tragic girl in perfect packaging.

The Six is a band formed from the vision of Billy Dunne, the lead singer looking for something to say and a reason to say it. He’s battling addiction, but strong enough to recognize it. But he continues to battle the lifestyle that comes with making music. He has a good band, but when the manager suggests Daisy be the lead

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singer, he knows this cyclone, and all the mess she brings with her, can make the band legendary, and he foresees legendary status. The story is told via interviews with the band members and the road crew, all with their own perspectives of what happened, many times conflicting and other times substantiated. Jenkins takes readers on the road with The Six; she takes us in the head of Daisy Jones. The narrative is raw, emotions ripped to shreds and then written in eyeliner on the back of a napkin before becoming a hit song.

It’s a snapshot of the rock scene: “I think we both had stars in our eyes-wanted to the Beatles. You wanted to be the Beatles and then you wanted to be the Stones.” It showcases a band as a family, chosen only for their talent, not for their ability to mesh. Like any family, they fight, they make up, they recognize the best and the worst in each other: “Everything that made Daisy burn made me burn. Everything I loved about the world, Daisy loved about the world. Everything I struggled with, Daisy struggled with. We were two halves.” It’s about loving selflessly and about loving selfishly. It’s honest about how the heart can be in two places at once, and sometimes more so where it knows it shouldn’t. Jenkins writes simply, but with such powerful intuition about real people living in a fantasy. It’s a delicious dive into a decade and a world we didn’t know we needed.

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“She could never explain this to her daughter. You made me recognize that my heart is, in fact, a bottomless hole of simultaneous pleasure and despair. You gave my life meaning and ruined it at the same time.”

Lombardo’s debut novel spans over forty years, but yet is current, with all the emotional turmoil easily expressed today applied to situations both now and a generation ago. It’s about love, loss, loving loss, resenting love, and all the ways that life forces us to adapt. Marilyn and David are a couple in love, almost sickeningly so, with four daughters. They can’t keep their hands off each other, and while their affection is the envy of even their own children, it doesn’t shield them from the hardships of married life. While of a generation that made marriage last, their daughters are struggling to find their places in relationships that seem lackluster in comparison. The narrative shifts from the daughters adjusting to adulthood, to the early days of Marilyn and David’s romance. The layers unfold oh so delicately, almost side-stepping plot shifts, a tactic rarely so eloquently done. What happens is not so much the focus of the book, but rather the trickle effect on the family. It’s the kind of book you can get lost in, that you hurry back to your bedside table a little earlier each evening to soak in the story a little while longer. The narrative is rich and deep and saturating. The female author writes the core

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of female emotion as if she’s lived the full life of one surprisingly, Lombardo is only 30 years old.

Marilyn and her daughters have always existed in the shadows of one another. Marilyn sacrificed her dreams to raise children before she even considered what she wanted, as if she was so in love that she couldn’t help but breed love. She finds a new dream in her children, and the author doesn’t shy away from the sadness and beauty in that. Her husband David has the family he always wanted, yet he struggles to understand the five women in his life while retaining his own identity. He lets his wife lead their home because he knows it’s the only place she can. He bears the guilt of costing Marilyn her dreams and the satisfaction of having a wife who acts like one. “Marriage, she learned, was a powerful game, a careful balance of competing egos, conflicting moods. She could turn hers off in order to allow his to shine.”

The give and take of a romantic relationship is personified in this couple, yet not always clear who’s giving and who’s taking. As readers, we walk alongside this family, envying their highs and crying through their lows. The story is beautifully heartbreaking and heartwarming simultaneously, in hindsight, much like life itself. If there is a criticism of this work, it’s that it’s almost 600 pages; it’s a shame we couldn’t have 600 more.

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botanical

ORNAMENTS

These handmade ornaments are the perfect way to involve the whole family in craft-making this holiday season. Celebrate the season and make memories by adding a decorative touch to your Christmas tree that even the smallest kids in the family can participate in. Transform empty plastic ornaments into festive botanical baubles by adding elements like pine, cedar, berries and fake snow. photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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hearth of the home

“We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

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esigner Chris Allums’ and design assistant Caroline Allums’ inspiration for this mantel design originated with the original abstract painting sourced from Material Things, emphasizing the simplicity of the mantel. The foundational garland of the mantel decoration was found in Chris’ mother-in-law’s attic to which he added several strands of white lights, pine cones and pine garland intertwined.. Says Chris, “We have used it on her mantel for years, it

always looks so festive when it’s decked out to her liking!” The white berries were sourced from Carlstedt’s and added the perfect finishing touch to the natural look. “The brass candlesticks with the black tapers have been in Chris’ family for years, too. When we light them on Christmas Eve, with all the family around, we are reminded of the Light brought into the world on a dark night with the birth of Christ.

One Mantel: Three Designer Christmas Looks S T Y L I N G B Y C H R I S A L LU M S | 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

hearth of the home

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”

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et the merriment begin! Local designer Brandi Brownlee Howard pulls out all the stops with her vision of Christmas viewed through the eyes of a child. Brandi chose a myriad of items from Material Things designed to spark wonder and whimsey. Adding to the

mix, Brandi incorporated vintage nutcrackers, needlepoint Christmas stockings, heirloom B.Viz mini stockings, wooden Santas, musical soldiers of painted metal, reindeer candlesticks and a sleigh from Dr. Jan Bagwell’s personal collection of Christmas decor.

One Mantel: Three Designer Christmas Looks S T Y L I N G B Y B R A N D I B R O W N L E E H O WA R 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

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hearth of the home

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son”

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hen designer Jan Hales Strickland was tasked with designing a Christmas-themed mantel, she decided on a monochromatic, wintry color scheme. With “Winter Wonderland” as her mantra, Jan set to work creating an icy, cool woodland scene. A stunning

deer head enveloped in an feathery textured white wreath creates a focal point. Delicate icicle-inspired branches are interspersed with glittered, feathered and crystal covered trees along the mantel’s ledge. All decor was graciously on loan from Paul Michael & Co.

One Mantel: Three Designer Christmas Looks S T Y L I N G B Y J A N H A L E S S T R I C K 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

Come and Celebrate With Us First West Presents Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration

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HRISTMAS IS A JOYOUS TIME. The lights. The gifts. The time with family. All these things hopefully bring joy to you during this time. First West hopes to add to that joy this Christmas season with the Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration.

The Celebration is your opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the season. With over 200 singers, dancers, and musicians, you will hear and experience the songs and story of the Christmas season.

“We’re excited about bringing the Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration back,” says Brad Jett, Worship Pastor at First West. “It’s going to be so much fun.”

The Celebration garnered a lot of attention in 2018 as overflow crowds attended to celebrate the Christmas season.

The event features a full choir, orchestra, and dancers. The entire event features technology that enhances the environment and helps tell the story of the classic Christmas season.

“You’ll hear all of your favorite Christmas songs; Frosty the Snowman and our good friend Saint Nick will be there,” says Jett. “You’ll also see and experience the story of Christmas—the story of Jesus’ birth.”

One highlight of the Celebration last year was a bit of a surprise. First West asked attendees to help with two projects. The first, they worked to pay for Christmas layaway at West Monroe’s Walmart store. Secondly, attendees helped make a significant donation to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.

“Spontaneously over two nights, we raised over $15,000,” says Jett. “It became a big highlight of the event. That’s why when

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we started thinking about what we could do this year, we learned about a significant problem in Ouachita Parish.”

That problem is that there is $23 million in medical debt that has been sold to debt collectors. This dollar amount represents the indebtedness of people in Ouachita Parish.

There’s more medical debt in this parish than there is in Orleans Parish. First West is excited about working to eradicate this debt and bring Christmas joy to families in Northeast Louisiana.

“We found out about an organization called RIP Medical Debt,” says Jett. “They work with collection agencies to end this debt. It’s why this year’s Celebration comes with a cost.”

Tickets are $5 to this year’s NELA Christmas Celebration. Proceeds go to help eliminate this medical debt.

“RIP Medical Debt will work to eliminate the debt of Ouachita Parish poorest,” says Jett. “That’s what gets us excited. To know that attendees to this year’s Celebration will be making a big difference.”

Christmas is truly the season of giving.

Not only giving gifts but giving back to the community. Some people are less fortunate than others and may not be able to enjoy this special holiday. The celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the love and selflessness taught by the Savior.

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. We feel more kindly to one another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate. Our hearts are softened.

Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas

illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.

That’s why First West invites you and your family to attend the Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration on the West Monroe Campus.. Tickets are required to attend.

When purchasing a ticket, attendees will be able to pick their physical seat in the First West West Monroe Campus’ Worship Center.

There is also handicap seating available.

Tickets are available via the website, nelachristmas.com. Checks and cash payments can be made for seats at the West Monroe Campus’ Church Office at 500 Pine Street in West Monroe, Louisiana. For more information, you can contact the church at 318.322.5104.

One Church. Three Locations.

West Monroe 311 Mill Street 318.322.5104 Fairbanks 1029 Highway 134 318.516.2555 Calhoun 1318 Highway 80

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Cathi French Roberts & Lori French

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C R E AT I N G A B E A U T I F U L H O L I DAY

ransforming your home into a holiday wonderland that speaks of you and your family traditions can be a simple or elaborate as you desire. Many of us have times in our lives that can dictate more (small children) or less (traveling out of town for the holiday) when it comes to Christmas decorating decisions. Embrace every year as an opportunity to fine tune what really makes you happy, and realize that you don’t have to pull every Christmas box out of the attic this year to make your home holiday perfect.

Start with a plan and let your holiday décor evolve.

When you plan it, think of your objects and decorations as an opportunity to express your personal taste and vision. Have the courage to create a holiday home that is original and uniquely pleases you and your family.

Be bold and take risks. Before you know it, the calendar will turn and everything will be packaged and stored until the next year so why not enjoy the wonder!

Try not to forget the importance of comfort and convenience, especially during the holiday season. It has been said that comfort is the ultimate success of a room. This might be even more important during this season as family that travels to your home will be living in spaces that sometimes are only used a few times during the year. Along with a Christmas touch in the unused guest room, be sure to stock it with comfy pillows and throws, plenty of lamp lighting and surface space. Old photo books of times gone by and Christmas cards from years past in a crystal bowl can ignite great conversation.

Forget the rigid rules of what decoration belongs in each room and follow your heart. If you want the Christmas tree in the dining room instead of the foyer window, then start stringing the lights! The odd touch in the creative process as well as in your own personal style makes where you live your signature. Don’t change what you love and who you are just because it is the Christmas season for a few weeks. Go your own way and pull out all the stops (or don’t). Just remember the reason for the season, and your home holiday décor will be more than perfect.

FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041 114 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Monroe’s Newest Music Hall The HUB - an Event and Cultural Venue

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OR YEARS OUR COMMUNITY HAS ASKED FOR A MUSIC hall. A place to go and relax, enjoy a nice atmosphere and share the company of great friends. All of those years of wishing have come true. Monroe’s newest, most beautiful venue has arrived and is now open for business: The HUB Music Hall. Here’s a little about us…

The HUB is an event and cultural venue in the heart of downtown Monroe. Based in a historical building, The HUB was formerly Polk Ryan Chevrolet. With countless hours of renovating, décor and thought, Jason Thomas brought The HUB to life with a team of creative geniuses.

The HUB is unlike anything in our community. It has a centralized location for multi-purpose community events, private gatherings, musical entertainment and offers 16,000 square feet of luxury and style. With abundant space indoors and outdoors, The HUB will make any occasion a lifetime memory. Experience magical weddings, enchanting galas and amazing concerts that this town has longed for…The HUB will literally make your heart skip a beat.

The Murphy Lounge is a 1,500 square foot haven for professionals, artists, and enthusiasts seeking a simple and contemporary atmosphere. The blue granite bar will whisk your worries away as you walk in. Lighting from the next century proves that the Murphy Lounge is perfect for those looking to have a new experience. The Murphy Lounge would be perfect for your mid-sized private event.

Ryan Hall is 9,000 square feet of style and grace. As you enter the room, you are taken by the eight stunning crystal chandeliers and velvet drapes. This room can be transformed into whatever your imagination can dream of; weddings, receptions, music concerts and charity events to name a few. Ryan Hall will draw you in and have you wondering when you left Monroe. Our community is blessed to have a venue with such an elegant, yet raw style.

The Cobalt Room, otherwise known as our VIP Room, is 2,000 square feet of perfection. Serving as a “home away from home,” this space is a paradise for musicians, performers, meetings and even the bride-to-be. This exquisite suite is designed with comfort in mind and equipped with a full kitchen, spacious living space, bedroom, conference area, two bathrooms and a dressing room. With luxury at your fingertips, the Cobalt Room could be perfect for you.

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The Garage is another great space that is available. It is 1,800 square feet of a one of a kind room. A six foot chandelier hanging from an open ceiling, reclaimed wood, historical iron gates and lots of glass to give you an amazing view of the property. These incredible iron gates will open up to a future amphitheater. The amphitheater will be an added bonus to your extraordinary experience, right here in downtown Monroe.

The HUB has something really special for those who love live music without the late nights. Want something different to do? Make sure you watch for our Tuesday event schedule and plan to go to The HUB to experience full concerts with what we call Turn it Up Tuesdays. The best part is that we open The Murphy Lounge at five and the concerts start at six. Where else can you enjoy live music right after work? Keep up with their Facebook and Instagram pages for daily updates. The HUB is a one stop shop for live music, food, entertainment, galas, fundraisers and so much more.

The HUB is more than excited to bring our community together with new experiences that welcome everyone. The small quaint details and its lavish interior will check all the boxes on your list of needs. This historical building has been brought back to life and is ready to add to the vibrant culture of our great city.

They are located at 201 Washington Street in downtown Monroe and can easily be recognized by the huge hand painted mural that showcases many local music extraordinaires. It’s time for you to take your tour of The HUB. We are always available for you to stop by and see our amazing facility. Our creative team has worked hard to bring a new experience to downtown Monroe. Although The HUB is new, much care has gone into retaining the historic value.

Our mission is to bring the community together with a facility that continues the revitalization of the historic downtown Monroe area. We are proud to bring an innovative concept to the city we all love so much. Check out our event calendar for all of the exciting events that The HUB welcomes you to attend! www.thehubmonroe.com Facebook- thehubmusichall Instagram- thehubmonroe

Look Better, Feel Better.

Turn the Look You Have into the Look You Want

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HERE IS AN EXCITEMENT AROUND LOOKING YOUR best. Whether it be as simple as getting a hair cut or painting your nails, it is a common fact that you automatically feel better when you look your very best. The experienced practitioners at The Lash Room, It’s Permanent and Anna Stephens - Aesthetics have been helping women, and men, look and feel their best for many years.

They strive to provide the most current and most popular services available.

THE LASH ROOM Jodi Gaumnitz has been in business for 21 years and been professionally lashing for 15 years. She has a passion for working on lashes and strives for each and every lash to be perfect for her clients.

Here are some of the services she provides in The Lash Room:

Lash Lift & Tint is like a perm and color for your natural eyelashes but without harsh chemicals. It uplifts and curls them from the base of the lash, making them stand out and look longer. It’s often paired with an eyelash tint, to enhance the defining effect. When finished, your eyes look larger, your lashes look longer and fuller, and your entire face looks uplifted and rejuvenated.

NovaLash Extensions are a glamorous way to extend the length and thickness of natural lashes. Each synthetic lash is bonded to a single natural lash. They can be worn daily without nightly removal.

Fill-ins every two to three weeks will keep them pristine and beautiful.

IT’S PERMANENT AND ANNA STEPHENS AESTHETICS

It’s Permanent and Anna Stephens Aesthetics specialize in nonsurgical procedures/treatments that offer effective results with little to no pain or downtime. The staff consists of an elite team of highly trained and experienced skin specialists and aesthetic practitioners who will work with each other and you to develop a plan specific to your concerns.

A combination of Botox, dermal fillers, medical grade skin care products, and procedures to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin can take years off without surgery. Yes, it’s possible to tighten and lift your skin without surgery. If you find yourself gently pulling back skin on your face when you look in the mirror and wishing it would 118 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

stay there, Laser Skin Tight may be right for you.

Laser Skin Tight by Novalis Medical is designed for deep dermal skin tightening and rejuvenation. If you are bothered by lax, sagging skin on the face, neck, or body, Skin Tight can temporarily halt the progression and restore a firmer, smoother, lifted appearance with almost no downtime. Results are usually seen after the first treatment and gradually improve with each treatment for six months or longer after the final treatment. Results can last up to two+ years. Botox can improve forehead lines, frown lines, and crows feet within 7-10 days, is virtually painless, and only takes 15 minutes.

Dermal fillers restore lost volume to create a more youthful, lifted look. But fillers are not just for lips and face. Yes, for most of us, our face is the main concern but what about your chest and hands?

Those important areas are often neglected.

Fillers like Voluma can also be used along with Skin Tight or chemicals to restore volume, remove damaged skin, and resurface skin for a complete rejuvenation effect of the hands, neck, and chest.

Don’t you want your neck, chest, and hands to look as radiant and youthful as your face?

When you choose The Lash Room, It’s Permanent and Anna Stephens Aesthetics your satisfaction will always be our first priority.

You’ll have an opportunity to tell us what you want and we will listen! We will make recommendations and offer you safe, effective, options that are affordable on most any budget but the decision is always yours.

Call today for you FREE CONSULTATION and “Turn the Look You Have Into the Look You Want”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at 1033 North 6th Street in Monroe. Gift Cards are always available.

Open House will be December 10th from 10 AM - 5 PM.

“Turn the look you have into the look you want.”

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Vintage Soul Opens in Monroe Clothing Boutique Offers Trendy Styles for All Ages

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AUREN PAULEY OFTEN SAYS “EVERYTHING HAPPENS for a reason” and that mantra has been adamant throughout her life. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she happened to be in the small town of Columbia, Louisiana visiting family in 2008. It was during that visit that she met her future husband, Derek. “It was a random chance meeting and like they say, the rest is history!” says Lauren. They now have two children, Whitlee, age 6 and Walker, age 2. Lauren eventually relocated to Columbia and settled into life in Northeast Louisiana. She made Columbia, LA her home and of course, frequented local businesses. One of those businesses was Vintage Soul Boutique, a local clothing store. Lauren was an avid customer and became friends with the manager, Whitney Laffoon.

In 2018, Lauren found out the owner of Vintage Soul was considering closing the boutique, she stepped in. “I have always had a passion for fashion so when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it,” said Lauren. She purchased the local boutique and ran with it. “I really love people and getting to know them and their style,” said Lauren. “I love to help people bring out their beauty and feel confident about themselves and what they are wearing.” After a year of owning Vintage Soul in Columbia, Lauren and Whitney somewhat joked about moving the boutique to Monroe. “We kind of talked about it in passing and it was somewhat of a joke but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense,” said Lauren.

So the two started looking at options and opportunities around Monroe. Lauren eyed one location and made several calls to the landlord, without a return call. Just another example of everything happening for a reason because she soon found the perfect location at the corner of North 18th Street and Glenmar Avenue in the heart of Monroe. “We were so excited about this opportunity because this is such a thriving area and there isn’t anyone quite like us in this area,” said Lauren. Vintage Soul officially opened in November and has been met with rave reviews. “Everyone we have met has been so great and so excited about having us in this community,” said Lauren.

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pride ourselves on having something for everyone,” said Lauren. “I am a 34 year old mom, and I have in the store what I would wear, but I also have clothes that my mom would wear.” Lauren prides herself on staying up to date on the latest fashions and trends, as well as getting feedback from customers. “I listen to what they are looking for and what they are wanting to see,” said Lauren.

If you step in Vintage Soul Boutique right now, you will find a variety of sweaters, from oversized to cropped. They also have leggings and flare jeans, as well as skirts. “Right now, corduroy is really in and we have some cute corduroy skirts, that are perfect for adding texture during the holiday season,” said Lauren. Other items on trend are animal print options, stripes and color blocking. Vintage Soul also carries shoes and has over the knee boots, mules, heels and more. To finish off any outfit, Vintage Soul has accessories including hats, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. In addition to clothing, Vintage Soul has a variety of options for gifts and happys. They carry the complete line of Bridgewater candles, as well as sachets, laundry detergent and auto clips. They also have every girls’ favorite - bath bombs.

Vintage Soul is excited to offer their affordable and stylish clothes to the Monroe area and is already looking forward to being involved in the community by partnering with local non-profit organizations and schools. Stop by and visit with Lauren and Whitney at their new location. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also shop online at VintageSoulBoutique-LA.com and see everything they have to offer.

Find them on Facebook and Instagram as well!

Vintage Soul Boutique 1306 North 18th Street, Suite A Monroe, LA 71201 318.594.1231 vintagesoulboutique-la.com

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LSU AG CENTER

The Botany of Christmas

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hristmas really is the most wonderful time of year because we can literally bring the outdoors indoors! For a fun activity this Christmas, take some time to wander out into our natural gardens and gather the makings for a homemade wreath. Start with a frame made from muscadine vines (Vitis rotundifolia) rolled into a ring as large or as small as you like. Use florist wire from a hobby shop to both hold the vines together and attach everything else to it. Take advantage of the abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs in the ArkLaMiss.

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) will not only have large, glossy foliage, but will also have the clusters of fruit, technically an aggregate of follicles, with the waxy red seeds still attached.

Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and arbor vitae (Thuja sp.) are two conifers that have foliage perfect for holiday decorations, and should have small, blue, berry-like female cones for added color.

Loblolly and Virginia pine (Pinus taeda and P. virginiana, respectively) are scattered all over our area and can be used for their needles and cones. Female specimens of our native yaupon hollies (Ilex vomitoria) will have both glossy green foliage and red berries that you’ll have to compete with birds for. If you have an herb garden, sprigs of rosemary and sage will add both greenery and a different texture. Add some color to this green canvas with newly fallen leaves of deciduous trees like hickory for yellow, black gum or Bradford pear for scarlet, and southern sugar maple for yellows and oranges. A touch of blue can be added if you can find some leftover bunches of our native fox grape (Vitis labrusca) or certain species of cat briar (Smilax sp.) or even leftover branches of American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

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with clusters of tiny purple fruit still on them. Glue acorns, hickory nuts, and pecans into clusters and attach them at various places for something more 3-D. There’s no right or wrong so be creative! Then, when the holidays are over, hang your wreath in a strategic location in your landscape and see what wildlife enjoys it long after St. Nick is gone.

Are you using a real Christmas tree this year? If so, chances are it’s either Fraser fir, Noble fir, Scotch pine, or Arizona or Leyland cypress.

Without doubt, Fraser fir (Abies faseri) is the most popular Christmas tree species used in the south and for good reason: the scent alone takes us back to a Christmas past.

Natural populations of Fraser fir and red spruce (Picea rubens) dot the highest peaks, above 4,500 feet, of the Southern Appalachians.

These relict populations were left after the last Pleistocene glaciers retreated some 20,000 years ago. Fraser firs are farmed in many Appalachian Mountain counties and trucked all over the country for Christmas.

When Christmas is over, what do you do with the live tree? It turns out used Christmas trees can greatly benefit wildlife.

Here are two suggestions. If you live near a pond or lake, sink the tree just offshore with cement blocks. The tree will provide structure that fish and other aquatic wildlife will use for habitat. As many of our native game fish ambush their prey, the tree will

provide them a good hiding place. Next spring, when the bite is hot, you’ll be glad you put your used Christmas tree to good use. If you don’t live on or near a body of water, then use your Christmas tree to attract birds. Treats made from suet, peanut butter, birdseed, and like material can be hidden among the branches for our feathered friends that overwinter in the area.

As winter progresses into spring and if there are still any branches on the tree, good nesting habitat is available.

Birds may simply enjoy perching in the branches on a winter day, anticipating spring bloom as much as we are.

Don’t forget to hang your mistletoe to stand under for that smooch from your Christmas sweetie! Mistletoe is a common name broadly applied to certain hemiparasitic members of the vascular plant family Santalaceae. “Hemiparasitic” means that mistletoe is photosynthetic, as evidenced by its green color caused by chlorophyll, but must also obtain water and nutrients from a host tree if infects using a specialized root called a haustorium. Eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) is the species native to our area and is visible now that its deciduous hardwood hosts such as ash, elms,

maples, and oaks are leafless. The white berries are dispersed by birds but are toxic to us. Kissing under the mistletoe seems to have been cemented in Christmas tradition in Victorian-era England. Apparently, any woman who refused a kiss offered by a man was subject to bad luck. Supposedly, mistletoe also offered protection from witches and demons. Whatever your use for it during Christmas, be careful plucking it out of the tree it’s infecting. It often occurs on branches at heights that are unattainable by mere mortals.

And, what epistle on Christmas botany would be complete without mention of hollies (Ilex sp.). Our landscapes are home to a list of native species and numerous cultivars, all of which have boughs perfect for decking halls with. Hollies are dioecious (die-EE-shus), meaning male flowers and female flowers occur on separate plants so there are literally male and female plants.

Males produce pollen; females receive the pollen and produce the red berries we’re so familiar with. In addition to free Christmas décor, hollies are great pollinator plants.

Honeybees heavily work holly flowers and birds consume the red berries in large quantities. They also use the branches for cover and nesting. Dwarf holly varieties are more disease-resistant alternatives to boxwoods and can be shaped to just about any form. A few native holly species are deciduous and can add an interesting texture to an otherwise homogenous landscape, especially if loaded with red berries at the time of leaf drop.

Finally, the NELA Master Gardeners will hold their tenth annual January gardening seminar on Saturday, January 18th, 2020, at the West Monroe Convention Center. The 2020 seminar theme is “Native Plants & Native Landscapes” and the speaker line up is impressive as usual. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Dwayne Estes of Austin Peay State University. Dr. Estes is Executive Director of the non-profit organization Southeastern Grasslands Initiative, or SGI. Known as the “Prairie Preacher,” Dwayne will be speaking about native grassland restoration projects his organization has been leading throughout the southern United States. We will also welcome legendary seed saver John Coykendall back to the ArkLaMiss. John will be on hand to sign copies of his newly published book, co-authored with Christina Melton of Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Be watching for January’s BayouLife for more information.

On a personal note, December 1st marks my fifth year as an extension agent for the LSU AgCenter. I can honestly say that I have not had a bad day at work in these fast five years. There are long days, there are hectic days, but there are no bad days. I would hope you could say the same about your job.

Going to work every day is a privilege and I’m looking forward to many more years with the LSU AgCenter.

On behalf of the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Association and the staff at the LSU AgCenter Ouachita Parish Extension Office, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous, productive New Year!

“TAKE SOME TIME TO WANDER OUT INTO OUR NATURAL GARDENS AND GATHER THE MAKINGS FOR A HOMEMADE WREATH.”

For advice on how to make your garden thrive, go to the Ag Journal page at www. myarklamiss.com and submit your questions.I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!

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Christmas Bake-Off Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve asked some of our favorite Northeast Louisiana bakeries to spruce up their best Christmas tree confections. Behold, these tidings of joy and creative creations.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

CA K E

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: A selection of custom-designed vanilla sugar cookies topped with royal icing. Each features a unique hand-piped Christmas tree beautifully decorated with swirls, sugar dragees, painted wood grain, and crackle icing.

B AY O U H O L I D AY

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B AY O U H O L I D AY

BU T T E R BA KE RY

These petite petit fours are inspired by a classic Christmas favorite, Little Debbie Christmas trees. A white cake, layered with almond butter cream and covered with white chocolate shaped in a Christmas tree makes for the perfect few bites of Christmas cheer!

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TH U RM A N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S FO O D FACTO RY

This Christmas tree is fashioned from stacked sand tarts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tasty little pecan butter cookies with a golden glaze. The tree is held together by mouth-watering butter cream icing and topped with sugar snowflakes.

B AY O U H O L I D AY

M I SS K AY â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S SW E ETS & E AT S

Miss Kayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homemade cinnamon rolls are stacked with a sugar glaze and decorated with French macaroons, peppermint dust and vanilla buttercream.

B AY O U H O L I D AY

Your Home for Christmas.

You Will Get a Sentimental Feeling...

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HRISTMAS HAS A WAY OF TAKING YOU BACK IN time. It only takes a little nudge and you can find yourself flipping through photo albums, remembering the moment you got the perfect gift as a child. For others, it was the first time back at home, or at grandma and grandpa’s house, after growing up.

The familiar ornaments and candy, with old jokes and warm hugs, fill you with an unmistakable tingle of happiness. Flipping through the channels and landing on a black and white movie reminds us of simpler times.

It is truly a joy to take in the smell of pine and peppermint … cocoa and cinnamon … or cookies baking and turkey fresh from the oven. That first taste of pumpkin pie or hot apple cider is always a perfect seasonal delight. You’re probably picturing the neighborhoods with the best Christmas decorations, and thinking about when you’ll load the giggling kids or grandkids in the car to enjoy the incredible displays. In midst of the busyness that comes with shopping and picking out the perfect tree, you’ll also try to avoid letting stress rob you of your Christmas cheer. We all look to find little ways to keep Christ in Christmas, even as the fun of Santa Claus and presents brings happiness to little hearts and fills scrapbooks with stories for years to come. Creating the right balance can be difficult, and with so many things to think about, this is an area that we’d like to help with.

88.7 THE CROSS IS INVITING YOU TO HAVE A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR. The feeling of nostalgia will still be there, with the timeless songs of our dreams of a White Christmas, and chestnuts roasting over an open fire. We’ll share our favorite memories, recipes, and family traditions with each other. However, we’re also ensuring that the full meaning of Christmas takes center stage. When you listen, you’ll also enjoy a Christmas worship experience, with additional songs and carols that not only call our hearts back to Baby Jesus, but also to the richness of His Glory as the resurrected Son of God. Finally, we also commit to pray for you, if your holiday season is less than perfect.

This is a reality that we’re well aware of. Families find themselves divided and unable to overcome tensions – even at Christmastime.

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Others desperately want to experience the peace and laughter that Christmas brings to others, but because of the loss of a loved one, you’re feeling empty and lonely. Financial challenges become even more pronounced as it seems everyone but you can afford everything on their shopping wish list. Depression settles in, and you find it a struggle to even watch one of the local Christmas parades or join in enthusiastically as your office picks names for Secret Santa.

However, even though it isn’t easy, there’s no reason to feel ashamed about struggling through the holidays.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE. Remember: The true meaning of Christmas – tucked away under wrapping paper, glittering ornaments, stockings, egg nog and our favorite movies or cartoons – is simply “Emmanuel.” It was the name given to the Baby that brought angels, shepherds and wise men to a manger for worship. It means “God with us.” Specifically, God sent His Son Jesus to earth so that you and He could be together now, and forever. Additionally, those of us who call ourselves Christians, are also called to be there as your friend who will laugh with you when times are good, and cry with you when life gets so hard you can barely get out of bed. You’ll always find a friendly voice on the radio, and we’re only a phone call away if you need prayer. The #318MomSquad is also a great place for community and friendship on Facebook, where moms connect each day for laughter and encouragement.

THIS IS OUR PROMISE TO YOU THIS YEAR.

If you will make 88.7 The Cross “Your Home for Christmas,” we will do all we can to make a holiday experience you will love. You can listen each day and know that we’ll never say anything that will embarrass you in front of your kids or co-workers. We’ll do our best to help you connect with God. We’ll have fun together, but it will always be good, clean, family fun. So think it over, and give us a try.

We think you’ll like what you hear, but whatever you decide on as your Christmas music soundtrack, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

photo by Amanda Myree

Impacting and Inspiring Five Years of Serving the Community

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LINT EASTWOOD’S SQUINTING EYES, LOW PERCHED black hat, and hands hidden under an unflinching serape.

Winston Churchill’s dour stare, starched black suit, and stout fingers gripping an ivory cane. Fidel Castro’s impish smirk, olive drab collar, and wispy black beard. When the word cigar is mentioned, these are among the images that the mind conjures. Often, if not Eastwood’s jaw clenched around a gnarled cigarillo or Churchill’s slack lips draped around a burly ever-present Romeo y Julieta or the dense haze encircling Castro’s head, the image likely involves a man of supreme maleness—alone, hardened by life, taking no guff, and wordlessly winning any argument with steely eyes and flowing machismo.

Maybe this is an inaccurate and negative overview of images and perceptions connected to the word cigar. Perhaps “cigar” should entice people to think not of a lone wolf but of a room filled with people exuding laughter and smiles, gifting handshakes and hugs.

Perhaps “cigar” should not be linked with the harshness of life but with love and fellowship and the joys that come with waking to every emerging sunrise. Perhaps instead of inducing a stoic silence, a cigar is an invitation to converse, to relax for hours while paying no mind to the clock, to meet a friend for the first time or reunite with one from a time long lost. The word cigar does mean these wonderful things to Friday Ellis of Governors Cigar and Pipe, and thankfully, it’s a feeling he has shared with his community for the past five years.

Ellis certainly created Governors with the hope of successfully providing established smokers a place to relax and appreciate global cigar brands while simultaneously introducing burgeoning aficionados to a pastime with as great a history and legacy as enjoying wine. In addition, he strove to also become a force within the community in the developmental efforts for the revitalization of Monroe. In fact, Ellis takes great pride in admitting that for as much time as it took to establish his own shop, and as much time it continues to take for perpetual growth, he has also spent as much or more time “away from Governors to help others grow their passions and dreams.”

With a desire to put community enhancement first, the priority to build a web of successful small businesses where proprietors relied on one another closely thereafter, and his own personal achievements at the back, Ellis has proven over the previous half decade that his

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intent to “create a community” over getting people to enter his doors was and is of the utmost significance. He even used his own business as a nerve center at times, stating that it is “more than a shop. It’s a meeting place for people, a place for relationships to grow.” Indeed, this is true as on any given day or night, several local and regional business owners may be found lounging and talking, sampling cigars and bourbon, and strengthening bonds underneath steady strains of legendary Southern musicians.

Over the past five years, Ellis has impacted the community through his efforts. He consistently encourages others to do as he has done—create a business centered on a passion, devoting time and energy and knowhow to get it going, then reciprocate the love given by those who appreciate his craft as much as he does. This involves unseen tireless hours behind the scenes; cleaning floors and tables; restocking.; missing valuable time with loved ones. Being a business owner requires a great deal of the day and night, but though these difficulties drain a person, those who see the prizes at the end and wish to share them with others makes the long days and sometimes longer evenings completely worth it. This is especially true when the owner recognizes that his success comes about as a team effort and does all he can to help others reach those same heights. Ellis strongly said he is simply “proud” of the “growth, work, and community.”

Regional business success means a highly functioning system is in place and is smoothly running, and it requires consistent energies to keep it going, something Ellis is happy to do.

At this point in time, Friday and Ashley Ellis are satisfied with their work, but they also know that the way they play the game is a lifestyle, not a timecard to be punched for a few hours per day. Their work is one dedicated to a community they are exceedingly thankful for. Ellis is quick to praise his customers and vendors as they commit their dollars and hours to help him and others succeed and enjoy life. At the end of the day, that enjoyment, the smiles on the faces of the people sitting in leather chairs talking and smoking cigars and relishing the company of others is what it’s all about for Friday. Go see for yourself, and try not to join in.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Friday Ellis

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A Family Tradition Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop

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ERE IN THE BAYOU STATE WE HAVE MANY VALUED traditions. Some are community traditions while others are more of what we call a family tradition. There are a litany of little things like recipes, phrases and holiday rituals we pass around, but there are some things that transcend time and generations.

This time of year we look forward to football championships, holiday gatherings and of course, hunting season. Small game, big game and waterfowl hunters can be seen almost any morning cruising the highways and backroads with atv’s in tow and a truck full of their prized hunting gear.

That leads us to another family tradition, Simmons Sporting Goods. It’s a family tradition because its owned and operated by a family, the folks that work there are family and for most that have entered those giant elk horn laden doors, they shop as a family. Over 35 years ago, Jeff and Robin Simmons went all in on a dream and have grown it to become the outfitting empire it is today.

However, it didn’t come easy. Unlike large corporations or brand names we all know, there was no family fortune to fall back on.

Unlike big businessmen with a long pedigree, there were no million dollar loans from a parent or wealthy uncle. Robin actually worked as a med tech as well as the store for years. Jeff depended on being a hunting guide and working cattle to help make ends meet early on. Their name was on the sign, but they opened the doors in the morning and locked them in the evening.

Simmons has served as an employer, a landmark and a community staple for the working class. Within the last 18 years it has become a gathering place for working people during the day at The Blind, a in-house restaurant with home cooked lunch specials and amazing burgers made with JS Cattle Co. beef, another Simmons enterprise.

Something else that has transpired over the last ten years is the welcomed help of daughter and COO, Lindsey Simmons, as well as son and Merchandising Manager, Hunter Simmons. Lindsey, an LSU graduate, with a head for business has become the face of the business, recognized from her clever TV commercials and Hunter, a business graduate from Louisiana Tech has become the go-to guy for anything related to firearms or other hard goods and community related interests.

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The siblings believe in their business and what it supports as much as anyone who shops there. They work hard, but somehow, they always work in a little time to enjoy a little hunting of their own.

Like the rest of us, they grew up going with their dad. They learned what to do, what not to do and the proper way to use the tools of the trade.

Men shopping today, that bring their own kids, were taken there by their own fathers or grandfathers. Even though it’s where one goes for a new gun, waders, bow or camo clothing, it’s so much more than that. It has grown to cover more than a city block with its warehouses, massive parking and more than 70,000 square feet of retail space.

Simmons is a great outlet for replenishing the supplies and products to carry on our incredible hunting culture. As adults we want to spend time with friends and family. We want to pass on knowledge, experience the natural beauty of the outdoors and make memories with the ones we care about doing the things we cherish.

It’s an exercise in freedoms as much is it is a preservation of heritage.

It’s woven into our fabric. It’s engrained in our DNA. This life of sunrises and sunsets, feathers and fur, antlers and lanyards, is simply who we are.

Now we have Christmas upon us with wish lists abounding. Of course, there will be jewelry for mom, game systems for the kids and phones for, well just about everyone. In the homes where hunting is still a pastime, Simmons will be a powerful catalyst in keeping those hunting traditions alive. It’s where you go when you want to replace something worn out or get something that’s been on that wish list for a long time.

No matter what people need for those anticipated outdoor excursions, Simmons Sporting Goods will have it. It’s even where the ladies, those hunting season widows as some are called, can even find their own boutique that has virtually nothing for the outdoors but plenty for a lady who appreciates comfortable fashion, but never forget why we go. Simmons’ is a special place that embodies the promise to carry on a family tradition.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK A scrumptious pimento cheese ball coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon, surrounded

by Ritz crackers.

CAKE Bite-size vanilla cupcakes topped with swirls of decadent cream cheese icing. Adorned with metallic and pearl dragees, sprinkles, and a shimmer of edible luster dust.

SW EETS and TR E ATS

These festive holiday treats are perfect for family gatherings. From delicious dips to scrumptious confections, these offerings are available at local eateries PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK Mini croissants stuffed with a mixture of dried, sweetened cranberries, and slivered almonds

THE GOOD EARTH JUICE AND SALAD BAR inside FIESTA With its beautiful red colors, this Holiday Cherry Slab Pie is perfect for Christmas. Make it as decorative as you’d like and top with a delicious warm icing.

NEWK’S EATERY This veggie tray is loaded with gorgeous, nutritious fresh veggies and is served with scratchmade ranch dressing.

DOE’S EAT PLACE This spinach and artichoke dip is rich and creamy, perfect for holiday parties.

MISS KAY’S These individual quiche are perfect for brunch or lunch. Each morsel is perfectly balanced with spinach, ham and cheese.

TRIO’S DINING Perfectly cooked fried chicken seasoned with thyme and drizzled with honey. The skins are an utterly addictive snack.

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY These marinated duck tenderloins are stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeño peppers and wrapped in bacon.

MISS KAY’S White chocolate and peppermint dipped pretzels are a staple for holiday gatherings.

BUTTER BAKERY This confection perfection is a pumpkin loaf drizzled with cream cheese icing and topped with walnuts.

Cocoa Board

art of simple

Christmas Traditions In search of magical traditions that warm up the Christmas holidays with cheer,

BayouLife has teamed with Taylor Bennett for tried and true ideas that bring family and friends together to make memories.

< It’s a Hot Cocoa Christmas

– With All the Trimmings!

Holiday Punch

When the weather dips below 70° in the south, we call that hot chocolate weather at our house. Hot cocoa brings memories of time spent around a fire, watching Will Ferrell’s Elf on repeat and laughing until our sides hurt.

Taylor Bennett has created the perfect hot cocoa board with delicious add-ins for the ultimate hot chocolate mug. Create your own cocoa board using peppermint candy canes, mini and large sized marshmallows, butterscotch and chocolate chips, crushed white chocolate and peppermint bark, gingerbread men and homemade whipped cream.

Christmas with a Punch > Quick! Twenty of your best friends just showed up at your front door and have commenced to carol to their hearts content. You know they must be parched from singing, and you invite them in for sip. You know you have pineapple juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, limes and cranberries in your fridge, so with your trusty kids at your side you combine all the ingredients together with a healthy dose of ice for an instantly cheerful and colorful Christmas Punch.

The added benefit? Plenty of Vitamin C to keep all your friends’ immune systems boosted as they make their way around the neighborhood sharing the sounds of the season.

S T Y L I N G B Y TAY L O R B E N N E T T | 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

Christmas Candies for Giving

art of simple

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Candy for Giving

ome of BayouLife publisher Cassie Livingston’s fondest memories at Christmastime were spent with her mom making Christmas candy, like delicious, coconutty Martha Washington Candy Balls, for sharing with friends. Now she carries on that tradition with her two little girls, who love getting elbow deep in chocolate -- but who doesn’t?

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Makes about 2 dozen Prep Time: 30 minutes + 5 minutes of cooking Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 3 Tbsp salted butter softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: Mix the peanut butter and softened butter together in a mixing bowl. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until fully combined. Cover and place in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up.

Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls.

Place the balls on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (this will help each ball hold its shape for dipping).

Melt the chocolate chips according to package instructions.

Using a fork, dip the peanut butter balls one at a time into the melted chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Place the chocolate balls onto wax paper, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chocolate option: If you prefer, you can use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet chocolate coating for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls and/or the Martha Washington Balls.

Martha Washington Candy Balls Makes about 5-1/2 dozen Prep Time: about 45 minutes + chilling time Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted 6 cups (36 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup shortening Directions: In a large bowl, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla until blended. Stir in coconut and pecans.

Divide dough in half; refrigerate, covered, 1 hour.

Working with half the dough at a time, shape mixture into 1-inch balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate 30 minutes longer.

In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over barely simmering water, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip balls in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Return to waxed paper. Refrigerate until set.

To Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezer option: Freeze candy, layered between pieces of waxed paper, in freezer containers. To use, thaw in refrigerator 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tips: For this recipe, make sure to use sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk is concentrated in the same way, but doesn’t contain added sugar.

To toast pecans, spread them in a baking pan and bake at 350° until golden brown, stirring often. Generally, nuts will be toasted in 6-10 minutes. Timing will depend on how finely the nuts are chopped and the thickness of your baking pan.

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Handmade Felt Ornaments

< All the Christmas Feltings Kelly Moore Clark crafted these whimsical felt Christmas sloth and narwhal ornaments using an easy-to-follow pattern you can download at www.bayoulifemag.com.

Using a needle, a few colors of thread (black, white and pink) and grey, white, pink, blue and black felt, Kelly stitched together some cute new memories to go on her handmade ornament tree this year.

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‘Tis the Season to Be Careful Tips to Have a Happy, Healthy and Injury Free Holiday Season

BY CHASE LOBRANO, MD

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T’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR... FAMILY, friends, festivities and lots of holiday cheer! It also means climbing on ladders to hang Christmas lights, hauling boxes of ornaments and holiday decorations out of the attic, preparing glorious holiday feasts and carving turkeys and traveling to see family and friends. Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays can sometimes cause us to focus less on safety and ultimately this can result in injury.

While we love our tinsel and twinkling lights, some of the most common orthopedic injuries we see during the holidays are broken bones and fractures due to falling while hanging these special holiday decorations. We also see overuse injuries… spending time on a ladder for hours at a time when not accustomed to that activity can cause back strain. Hanging ornaments and wreaths all day can result in shoulder and arm pain. Holiday decorating can cause you to use muscle and joints that you typically do not utilize on a daily basis and when used consistently over a longer period of time, it can result in pain. Some the crazier injuries that can happen during the holiday season involve holiday feasts. Hand surgeons inevitably will see an increase in tendon and nerve injuries from lacerations due to a carving or holiday meal clean-up mishap. Broken toes have resulted due to a very large frozen turkey accidentally being dropped on someone’s toe(s), resulting in a broken toe(s). As unbelievable as it may seem, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were nearly 69,000 visits to doctor’s offices and/or emergency departments in 2015 directly due to holiday decorating and decorations. (AAOS)

Ho… Ho… Hold On and take time to focus on some tips to remain injury free during your holiday fun, feasts and travel:

MASTER THE LADDER

• Choose the right ladder for the job. Step stools or lower-reaching utility ladders are good for indoor jobs. Extension ladders should generally only be used outside.

•S et up on a secure surface. Make sure ladder is on a flat, stable surface clear of debris, and if working outdoors, avoid ladder use when it’s raining or wet.

• Always check your ladder for broken hinges or rungs and loose screws.

• Wear proper footwear. Your shoe soles should have adequate grip, a secure fit, and if applicable, shoelaces should be securely tied (whether you are using a ladder or walking on slick surfaces 148 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

CARVING BASICS

• Do not cut toward yourself. Place your free hand on the opposite side of which you are carving.

• Make sure your cutting space is dry and well-lit.

• Your cutting utensils should be adequately sharpened. Using extra force because of a dull blade could lead to injury (using an electric blade also helps)!

TRAVEL LIGHTLY

• Avoid luggage that is difficult to transport (wheels make traveling less challenging) and pack light.

• Be careful when storing your bags in overhead compartments.

Placing luggage on the seat first and slowly lifting with your legs can help prevent strain or sprain. Be sure to place your hands on each side of the bag and push the item in wheels-first. If it is too heavy, check it!

• Start by packing lightly and resist the urge to drag that single, massive suitcase around. Several, lighter bags will be easier on your body. And when lifting luggage — no matter the weight — stand alongside your luggage and bend at the knees instead of the waist. Grab the handle and straighten up with the luggage close to your body — this allows you to lift with your leg muscles instead of your back.

• Handle luggage properly. If you’re carrying a duffel bag, resist the urge to keep it on your dominant shoulder for the duration of the trip — rotate shoulders instead. Likewise, if you are using a backpack, make sure both shoulder straps are used and tightened accordingly so the weight is evenly distributed.

• Pick it up and carry instead, when handling a roller bag. This simple adjustment will protect your body and the bag.

All of us at Orthopedic Specialists wish you a safe and injury free holiday season. Remember safety first to ensure that you remain holly and jolly. And, in 2020, my colleague, Dr. Val Irion will talk New Year’s resolutions and exercise regimes! Cheers!

Chase Lobrano, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement of the knee and hip particularly, Mako Robotic Joint replacement of the knee and hip. He practices at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana with locations in both Shreveport and Bossier City. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lobrano, please call his clinic: 866.759.9679 or visit: orthopedicspecialistsla.com.

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Mindful Driving: An Ideal or Anathema?

BY SARAH K BRACK

“YOU MAY SAY I’M A DREAMER, BUT I’M NOT THE ONLY one.” If you’re familiar with John Lennon’s song “Imagine,” you may recognize these lyrics.

These lyrics represent ULM’s D.R.E.A.M. team, an eclectic group of college students majoring in Education, Art, Psychology, and English with professional interests in law, Marriage and Family Therapy, research, teaching, illustration, and Occupational Therapy. We are bound together by a shared goal of promoting thoughtful and cooperative driving behaviors in our community through Dr. Joseph McGahan’s State Farm funded grant “More Thoughtful and Compassionate Approaches for Getting From Here to There and Back.” Interdependence is a key concept that permeates our ideology and guides the functional capacity of our society.

Our D.R.E.A.M. model represents the acts of deliberation, reflection, education, adaption, and maintenance as related to driving. First, just like a pilot flying a plane, we believe that drivers should be deliberate in their “flightpath” and its execution. You should know where you are, where you want to go, and how you are going to get there. Next, we believe that drivers should reflect on the variables involved in driving, like the power of their vehicle, the freedoms involved with driving, the responsibility of a driver to follow laws, and the value of their life and the lives around them. We hope to meet these goals through awareness of the multi-factor task of driving by educating ourselves and our community. Humans are rapid information processors, which makes us perfectly suited to adapt to the ever changing circumstances on the road. Finally, ongoing maintenance is imperative for a car to function appropriately and safely.

Consider this non-driving example: would you board a plane if there was not adequate fuel in the tank?

My experience as a practicing Occupational Therapy Assistant prompts me to view Project D.R.E.A.M. in terms of functionality. Our project’s goal, similar to the overarching goal of Occupational Therapy, is to facilitate a higher form of functionality and efficiency. This creates a quality of life that is worth valuing. OT practitioners do this through education with a focus on skill sets. Similarly, Project D.R.E.A.M. utilizes an educational model based on the aforementioned components of D.R.E.A.M. with a focus on the intertwined concepts of power, freedom, responsibility, and sanctity of life. The relationships between the concepts are a strong example of the interconnectedness, or interdependence, which pervades throughout a functional society.

In fact, there is a strong argument for interdependence to be considered a law of nature. Per Dr. Owen Pittenger and Dr. Thomas 150 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Gooding, Dr. McGahan’s undergraduate mentors, in Learning Theories in Educational Practice, a natural law is the end goal of a society, essentially the truth by which an individual should live to be considered moral (1971). One example of interdependence is obvious in our more personal topic, the sanctity of life. Interdependence is obvious when you look at living things such as organisms, societies, and ecosystems. For example, look at your own body. You see the outer skin, or epidermis, but beneath that lies diverse and complex structures relying on each other to support you, the organism. You would not exist without the trillions of cells in your body combining to create tissues, organs, and organ systems. This biological organization of life is durable, yet delicate. Damage to any layer is easily sustained and impacts functional abilities of organisms.

Our society functions the same way, especially in regard to our systems of travel.

Cognitive dissonance plays a major role in Project D.R.E.AM. Few among us would claim to consider life as worthless or to believe ourselves immoral. Yet our behavior is frequently in violation of our own moral codes and natural laws, which we break frequently enough to laugh at its mention. To demonstrate how typical driving behaviors fail to comply with the natural law of interdependence, consider how frequently you look at your phone, eat, or otherwise distract yourself while driving. Additionally, consider your tendencies to allow other drivers to merge or turn. Are you participating in an interdependent and, thus, functional and efficient driving environment, or do you contribute to life-endangering dysfunction in order to ease your impulses?

When we reflect on our role as a member of a larger society, especially as it relates to engaging with fellow drivers, our behaviors are more reflective of our belief that our life and the lives of others are valuable. Project D.R.E.A.M. is calling for a unified community, the kind of community that is actively aware of how their actions impact the safety of everyone. Yes, we are dreamers, like numerous others, including Lynn Clark and her colleagues, that have come before and will come after to facilitate the betterment of our society. In the words of John Lennon, we “hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”

References Pittenger, O. E., & Gooding, C. T. (1971). Learning theories in educational practice: an integration of psychological theory and educational philosophy. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. *Special thanks to Dr. Joseph McGahan and Taylor Barclay for their contributions*

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O N E- O F - A - K I N D C U LT U R A L D E S T I N AT I O N I N H I S TO R I C D OW N TOW N M O N R O E

THE ELI

Setting the Bar

THE ELI IS JAY HOWELLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S VISION AND ULTIMATELY A SHOWCASE FOR SOME OF HIS FAVORITE HAUNTS

By Vanelis Rivera

P HOTO G R A P H S BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

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or Jay Howell, opening up a business and creating a brand incorporates all the things he loves about art, music, and design. “It’s like an album. If you kind of see it like that. The further you get down to it, it’s got a point of view. It’s got a certain time of way.”

The Eli (as in Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin) is owner Howell’s song he has written for himself.

“This was probably the first time that I didn’t care to be honest with you, about what anybody thought,” Howell says, referencing his capricious design of the brand and space solely guided by his point of view. Though, a mischievous chuckle follows a short pause, the sincerity of the statement is a declaration of the bar’s identity—a one-of-a-kind “cultural destination,” upstairs from Restaurant Cotton in historic downtown Monroe.

Each room of the JS Block Building has its own personality, but for Howell the second floor front rooms have the best energy and he wanted to make sure that people soaked the history in. “I think it alters you a little bit different than downstairs or the back,” a “truer representation of the building.” Erected in 1893, the structure housed a bar for over-the-counter sales as well as a saloon in its heyday. After the close of the mail-order liquor business, the location was used as a general store, cafeteria, bookstore, and even a cotton exchange.

This most recent chapter of the building’s history is unique in that it presents three co-existing stories in the form of Cotton, Planters Gastropub, and now The Eli. Craving a space where conversation was a driving force, Howell began to focus on curating an “after five” environment that transcended the go-to bar or club scene. It’s easy to see how frequent travel and cocktailing expanded Howell’s tastes and influenced the creation of this new addition. He wanted The Eli to feel like a sliver of bars from prominent cities such as New Orleans, Nashville, and New York. Some of his decor nods to these places. One wall in particular showcases framed menus from his favorite haunts, like Bar Hemingway at the Hôtel Ritz Paris in France. Walking into The Eli feels like walking into another world, an illicit space you’re not sure whether you need a password to enter.

The furniture and art adorning the space is a hodge-podge of collectibles. “These lights right here,” he says, pointing to a brass reading lamp, “I just seek ‘em out. I go across the South and find ‘em.”

Walls are decorated with black-and-white and sepia photographs of

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buildings and stone-faced portraits. A few old stocks and bonds are also framed. Wanting to keep an authentic feel of the building’s heyday, the furniture, most noted by Cabriole legs and varied wood accents, and magnolia-patterned wallpaper (by local artist Ashley Alford) resembles the Victorian period aesthetic. The final element of the space was facilitating customer conversations. “That’s a whole ‘nother dynamic,” Howell says. Furniture layout was carefully implemented in order to find the minutiae of the seating that would balance the intimate energy of the rooms, all while providing clandestine spots: “Monroe is a town that wants to be clabbered in, all kinds of together, but almost anonymous.” The Eli is not a place to stand up. It’s one of the aspects of his vision that has been challenging to get through to customers. “It ruins the vibe,” he claims. Sometimes you may have to wait your turn. Howell’s concern is the comfortability of those already seated, making sure their conversations are not interrupted by busyness. Ultimately, the necessary adhesive that maintains and controls the space’s magnetism is music.

Howell explored classics like early Marty Robbins and Hank Williams to add to the ambiance: “That’s what I want to listen to.

It works for me and I think it’s going to make sense to everybody.”

Then, he started going deep into what was already part of his music life—country music. He grew up listening to old school Americana, like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, which made it easy for Howell to create Eli’s Afternoon and Eli’s Evening. These two self-explanatory Spotify playlists are distinctly flavored, catering to a specific mood. Eli Evening, which starts to play at 9:30 PM is more uptempo, featuring artists like Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Alabama Shakes. “There’s a method to the madness,” he laughs.

To compose the bar’s drink menu, Howell went on a “cocktail spree.” After diving into books of mixed drinks from renowned bars like Death & Co. and The Dead Rabbit, he set up a bar at his house and “just went at it for probably six to eight months.” Historical classic cocktails were his main interest, selecting recipes that would be well received by Northeast Louisiana customers. “It became an obsession for a while,” he reveals. At times, he would make on average twenty drinks a night, inviting friends to come over for sampling. For field research, he traveled to the best cocktail places the South had to offer, not just for the drinks, but also for the feel of those spaces.

Kyle Snellenberger from Ouachita Antique Woods carried out the

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B AY O U E A T S

vision for cutting the bar in, distressing the finished product to look a century old, and creating a fitting frame for shelves of specifically selected spirits ready to be made into any of the establishment’s fifteen riveting cocktails.

The best drink at The Eli is the Southside. It’s an historical cocktail made with gin, lime juice, simple syrup (house made cane sugar syrup) and mint, that Howell found in his “dustheap of bar books.” Gin was tricky to market to his friends, as not many liked that particular spirit.“Especially a man in the South,” he follows. But he quickly realized that gin is “a hydra, almost, that you can just attach things to.” The first time Howell had a Southside he was surprised by its whiff of bourbon, created by the muddled mint in the drink. That was the key to convincing his “bourbon, whiskey drinking aficionados” to sample the concoction. The only component missing was the sweetness, which became the standout feature of Eli’s Southside—the honey rim! One of the last drinks added to the menu became Eli’s top seller, the Amelia (Tito’s vodka, blackberry puree, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and mint). It’s completely copied from Employees Only in New York. “It was just a taste and a flavor that I was not prepared for, wasn’t expecting it,” says Howell. While the Amelia has the essence of a female drink—the color a deep purple and its architecture topped with a mint leaf—it’s a slow burn. Howell has urged more of his male customers to taste the visually impressive drink and they’re always equally impressed with its flavor. What is that? “First of all, that’s two shots of vodka. Let’s start there, big guy,” humours Howell. “It has been quite interesting watching the macho guys to drink the old Amelia. It’s awesome.”

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hough Howell wanted food to be an afterthought, their tapa-like selections are creative and delicious. Small shares include some Cotton favorites like the Duck Fat Fries (parmesan, fine herbs, pig salt, truffle aioli, and jalapeno ketchup) and the Duck Wraps (smoked bacon, jalapeno, cheddar, cream cheese, and local honey glaze).

Sweet and sour flavors inspire the flatbread options: Duck Flatbread (duck confit, applewood bacon, smoked cheddar, cream cheese, jalapeno, and honey glaze) and Steak Flatbread (tenderloin, candied jalapeno, goat cheese, caramelized onion, horseradish, and arugula). On the hardier-side, their Butcher’s Block section includes a delectable charcuterie board of three meats, “fixin’s,” spreads, and crackers. Sweet-tooth customers are encouraged to try the Ice Cream Sandwich, made with in-house blackberry lavender ice cream, and drizzled with honey from the local Old Home Place Apiary.

About ten years ago, after seeing patients at his dentist office, Howell would come to the JS Block Building, crank up the generator, take his pneumatic drill and knock out all the plaster over the brick walls until about two in the morning. Then, with a hand dremel tool, he’d file the plaster between each brick. Even then, he recognized the zest in those rooms, and wanted to fill them with human connection, eased by the oil of conversation and our common bond. The Eli has a purpose and a point-of-view, one that celebrates community and culture in a haze of amber lighting and wistful tunes.

The Eli is located 101 N Grand St Suite A, Monroe, LA 71201. Visit them Thursdays between 4 PM and 10 PM and/or Fridays & Saturdays between 2:30-12:45 PM. Visit their website www.restaurantcotton.com.

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Brewed for the Holidays 600 Years of Belgian Heritage

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HE FOLKS AT STELLA ARTOIS® are extremely proud of their Belgian roots. Their story can be seen on every bottle of Stella Artois. If you look closely, hints of their origins are proudly displayed.

By 1366 roots of Stella’s brewing tradition had been established in the city of Leuven, Belgium– which is also where the original Den Hoorn brewery was founded.

Den Hoorn laid the foundation for the quality taste and standard Stella Artois is known for.

The symbol of the Den Hoorn Brewery is proudly displayed in Stella Artois’ cartouche to this day.

SEBASTIAN ARTOIS Sebastian Artois was admitted to the Leuven Brewer’s Guild as a Brew Master in 1708, and only nine years later purchased the Den Hoorn brewery. In memoriam, you can find his last name on the brewery and every bottle of Stella Artois around the world.

ORIGINALLY BREWED FOR THE HOLIDAYS The Artois Brewery was so beloved internationally and locally, a special batch was created as a Christmas gift to the people of Leuven. That special batch was the first to officially include “Stella” in its name. “Stella”, meaning star in Latin, pays homage to this original occasion, accompanied by a star on every bottle.

So next time you see a bottle of Stella Artois, take note of the rich history paired with the rich flavor on and in every bottle.

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HOW TO POUR PERFECTION

The Stella Artois® 9 Step Pouring Ritual Pouring the perfect Stella Artois® is key to enjoying the perfect Stella Artois®. The brand’s time-honored nine-step ritual helps ensure that consumers everywhere are served as they would be in Belgium. After hundreds of years of brewing experience, there is only one way to pour a Stella Artois® and it is important that all those who serve Leuven’s gold standard lager pay as much attention to serving Stella Artois® as we do to brewing it.

THE 9-STEP POURING RITUAL: 1. T he Purification: Use clean and rinsed branded glass.

2. T he Sacrifice: Open the tap in one quick action and let the first drops of beer flow away.

3. The Liquid Alchemy Begins: Hold the glass just under the tap without touching it at a 45° angle.

4. T he Head: Lower the glass to allow the natural formation of the foam head.

5. T he Removal: Close the tap quickly and move the glass away so beer doesn’t drip into the glass.

6. The Beheading: While the head foams up and overflows the side of the glass, smooth it gently with a head cutter.

7. T he Judgment: The right amount of foam is usually about 2 fingers .

8. T he Cleansing: Clean the bottom and sides of the glass.

9. T he Bestowal: Present the beer on a clean beer coaster with the logo facing the consumer.

Not only has it been proven that correctlypoured Stella Artois® results in satisfied consumers and increased brand loyalty, but bartenders, too, become true brand ambassadors once they have mastered the art of serving Stella Artois®. The annual Stella Artois® World Draught Master Competition – established in 1997 - heralds the importance of this pouring ritual. Bartenders from around the world compete to demonstrate their beer-serving prowess before a panel of distinguished judges who carefully scrutinize each and every step.

SAY BONJOUR TO THE SIMPLE LIFE

Imagine the taste of...

A soft, fruity sweetness paired with a crisp, dry finish made with hand picked apples from wine-growing regions.

A perfectly balanced and blended cider to awaken your senses.

That is Stella Artois Cidre, my friend.

HOST BEAUTIFULLY

Discover the art of hosting with tips from experts in the world of food, entertainment and style by visiting www.stellaartois.com.

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A Fond Farewell From Avenue Shoes

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

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VENUE SHOES OPENED ITS DOORS IN OCTOBER 2000.

Through the years, we have been blessed to have you as our customers and for that we say thanks. After considerable thought and prayer, we have discerned that it is time for us to retire, so this fall season will be our last.

We invite you to stop by for storewide savings on all remaining inventory. We also want to remind you that if you have any gift certificates or store credits remaining, we encourage you to use them by December 31st.

Avenue Shoes has been recognized as one of Northeast Louisiana’s favorite shoe stores, yet as we look back over the past 20 years, we realize that Avenue Shoes has served as much more than a retail store. In a variety of ways, our little store became part of God’s Vineyard where all are welcomed with compassion and understanding.

Through the years, we have made many new friends… shared lots of smiles and laughter… and shed some tears for each other as we embraced the ups and downs of our personal lives. Along the way, there have been prayers offered up and prayers answered within the friendly confines of our little shoe store where “items are priced as marked, but PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS FREE.”

So what will life be like for the Shoe Man as he begins retirement?

To be honest, it will be bittersweet. I will certainly miss seeing everyone at Avenue Shoes, yet I look forward to what our Lord has in store in the years to come. Certainly, there will be more time for my children and grandchildren, as well as exciting opportunities to travel and minister to others.

As many of you know, I lost my first wife, Betty, almost two years ago after 37 wonderful years of marriage. The ensuing grief journey proved to be very difficult, yet God has now turned my mourning into joy. He has blessed me with a wonderful new companion, Anne Hodge Smith, whom I have known for over 20 years. Anne and I recently married and we look forward to spending the rest of our lives together as “two become one…and the one grows closer and closer to our Lord.”

As I end this letter, I want to leave you with a message of HOPE. Simply put, in good times and in difficult ones… Our Lord is with us every step of the way. Life is an adventure filled with endless possibilities.

Now go forth and embrace it with Our Lord by your side.

Blessings,

Bill Kelley 160 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Mix and Mingle

Let Us Help Cater Your Next Holiday Event!

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ELCOME TO CHICKEN SALAD CHICK, WHERE we offer delicious, scratch-made, Southern-style, favorites served from the heart. We don’t believe in strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet—so come in and enjoy! You’ll find fresh, healthy fare and gracious hospitality at our chicken salad restaurant.

We know everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect chicken salad recipe, so we’ve created several options. If you’re a chicken salad lover, you’ll discover something here to satisfy your tastes. From simple to savory to fruity and nutty or even a little spicy, you can pick the chick that suits your mood. We have over a dozen varieties of chicken salads along with pimento cheese or egg salad, served by the scoop, sandwich, or bowl. You’ll also find delicious sides, soups, and desserts in addition to the scoops of chicken salad that started it all. Bringing along your little chicks? We have a great kids menu. For quick, amazing meals we even offer convenient carryout.

At Chicken Salad Chick, we use fresh ingredients and time-honored traditions. We take great pride in making our flavors by hand each morning, using only premium chicken tenderloins, and our special combinations of sweet and savory ingredients. While you are here, consider yourself an honorary chick. 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. Follow your appetite & earn rewards.

Download the Chicken Salad Chick App from the App Store or Google Play. Every time you enjoy our mouthwatering menu of fresh, scratch-made chicken salad, pimento cheese, and other favorites, you’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend. Redeem them for special discounts, free food items, and fun Chick gear. At Chicken Salad Chick, we love to share the love. Get the App, scan your barcode, and get start earning points today!

If you are planning on hosting an event for the holidays, let us help cater you’re exciting day. Call in and order what you want from our new catering menu and we will have your food ready for you and you can enjoy you’re wonderful event with family, friends or coworkers.

Our gift cards are available for purchase as well. These make perfect stocking stuffers and easy teacher’s gifts.

Chicken Salad Chick 1191 Lamy Lane, Suite 7 Monroe, Louisiana Call (318) 322-4425

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Family Solutions Therapy Center

An Inclusive, Interactive, Interdisciplinary Approach to Care

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HYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, AND Speech Therapy at Family Solutions Therapy Clinic emphasizes total body treatment. Our highly trained and experienced therapy team works with physicians to design the perfect rehabilitation program for each patient.

Whether you wish to play pain-free with the kids or return to work, we strive to get you to a higher level of fitness and health than before your injury. You are a unique, whole person with your own individual goals; you need a treatment program designed just for you. We push you to achieve your goals safely and teach you what you need to know about body mechanics and the source of your injury to prevent it from happening again.

Occupational therapy and physical therapy programs are designed to help people with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities lead independent, productive and satisfying lives. During the initial evaluation, a therapist will develop and execute a plan of

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care consistent with evidence-based practice to help patients return to sports, work or daily activities. During each visit, a therapist will utilize techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, functional training, dry needling, biofeedback and other treatments as needed in order to assist each patient with reaching their goals and returning to their prior functional level.

Our licensed speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat several different speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. For example, if a patient has slurred speech due to a stroke, head injury, or neurological disease, we can help improve speech sound production. We can help patients deal with language issues, such as trouble finding the right words or difficulty forming complete statements. In addition, we work with patients with cognitive difficulties, including problems with short-term memory, organization, and planning. We identify areas for improvement and work with the patient to

develop goals and an appropriate plan of care.

We can help you with sports injuries, workrelated injuries, repetitive stress injuries, neck and/or all joint pain, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, pain following motor vehicle accident, impingement syndromes, rotator cuff conditions, wrist/ hand/elbow conditions, gait and balance, cognitive disabilities and swallowing disorders Treatments provided: trigger point dry needling with electrical stimulation by a certified dry needling provider, joint and/or soft tissue mobilization, therapeutic exercise, fall prevention, vestibular rehabilitation for Vertigo, gait training, total joint rehabilitation, preâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; and post-operative care, arthritis, headaches, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, neck and back injuries, pelvic floor/womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health issues, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, sprains, strains, fractures, stroke and other neurological conditions, weakness/deconditioning and tennis elbow.

Among the goals PT, OT, & ST can help accomplish are: visiting a PT or OT at the onset of pain improves the possibility of healing an injury, eliminating the need for surgery.

Physical therapy saves consumers with low back pain an average of $2,700 if started within 14 days after an injury. Prevent or recover from a sports injury. PT/OTs can design appropriate exercises specific to your sport.

Merry Christmas From Mickel Plastic Surgery

BY NATALIE TODD, LICENSED AESTHETICIAN

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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 and I can tell you without hesitation that one of the benefits of being associated with a board certified plastic surgeon is the quality and consistency of the nonsurgical services we offer. From laser treatments to skincare, all of our “spa” services are backed up by science and clinical experience. Dr. Mickel has never believed in buying every new device on the market – only the ones that fill a need and that really work.

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 – We introduced HydraFacial to this area several years ago. It is basically microdermabrasion with water, so instead of sandblasting your face, it power washes it –

aggressively exfoliating your skin and cleaning out your pores. This is one of our most popular procedures and should be a regular part of your skin care routine.

Forma – This is an exciting new procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and smooth your skin. A favorite of Hollywood celebrities getting ready for the red carpet, it is a great addition to HydraFacial.

Morpheus8 – Morpheus is another new procedure – offered exclusively at Mickel Plastic Surgery - that uses radiofrequency energy to thicken and remodel the collagen layer. It goes deeper than Forma and is more aggressive at tightening 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, painless and effective.

Laser Hair Removal – We have been doing laser hair removal for 20 years and use the Lumenis Lightsheer diode laser, one of the most effective hair removal devices ever made.

While it is great for the bikini area, the upper lip or the armpits, laser hair removal is not just for women - just ask Dr. Mickel. He 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 literally hundreds of Fraxel laser treatments over the past eight 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. We borrowed this treatment from Hollywood too! It is a great addition to Fraxel or HydraFacial.

MiraDry – Tired of ruining your clothes with embarrassing armpit sweat? MiraDry is a new procedure that reduces armpit sweat and odor by 85% with one treatment. If you know someone who suffers from excessive sweating, MiraDry is a must.

CoolSculpting – The first and still the best treatment for non-surgical fat removal. These comfortable in-office treatments can reduce stubborn areas of unwanted fat – like love handles, muffin tops or lower abdominal fat.

ZO Skincare – We are the experts on all ZO skincare products. ZO is the new and improved Obagi. We’ll individualize your skincare program to help you incorporate Retin-A into your regimen, 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 free skin care consultation to discuss which of these treatments is right for you.

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Holiday Traditions Begin on Antique Alley Something Special From Traditions

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UCKY ARE THOSE WHOSE HOLIDAY wishlist contains something special from Traditions, the crown jewel of antiques dealers located on Trenton Street’s Antique Alley in West Monroe. Traditions’ owners, Melanie Liles and Pam Wood, are passionate about bringing the finest European antiques to north Louisiana and have recently returned from one of their legendary buying trips through the French, Belgian and English countrysides.

With an extensive and exceptional selection of antique tables, chairs, buffets, chandeliers, armoires, dressers, mirrors and tables, Traditions has incredible buys in their 6,000 square foot showroom that mix well in any decor. Decorative items like antique copper, pottery, Majolica, leather-bound volumes, Staffordshire dogs, paintings, rugs and more add finishing touches throughout your home.

For an immediately elevated interior this holiday season, Traditions offers glittering antique chandeliers and sconces that pair easily with gilded mirrors of all sizes. One recent

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customer installed a Traditions-sourced crystal chandelier in her foyer to dazzling effect.

Large crystal prisms reflect light throughout the space. French botanical prints and gilded sunburst mirrors also found at Traditions were added to the foyer’s stairwell walls, creating an opulent backdrop.

During the holidays, the dining table takes center stage for many family traditions.

Find country and formal tables from England, Belgium and France at Traditions in finishes as varied as mahogany and pine and in many sizes and shapes. Traditions’ country French and English farm tables are some of their most popular pieces and can be dressed up or down.

Says Melanie, “So many of our customers want a more casual lifestyle, and they are putting farm tables in their dining rooms.”

Gift giving takes on a special meaning with a thoughtful antique accessory or decorative item from Traditions. Traditions offers extraordinary English and French majolica, Japanese Imari, English flow blue china and

French porcelain. Their large selection of French confit jars and large pottery bowls would put a smile on any Francophile’s face on Christmas morning. English writing boxes, barley twist candlesticks, and Black Forest items, like European mounts, are all very popular. Stately Staffordshire dogs are perfect for the dog lover on your list and add whimsical bits of color to any built-in or bookcase. Leather bound books and Bibles add interest to any home. If you are looking for a special piece or a gift, please call Pam and Melanie.

With a new shipment on its way in January, Traditions’ extensive inventory, exceptional prices and the extraordinary care and service given to each transaction have made Traditions the destination of loyal customers, designers, decorators and dealers from all over Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. Come to Traditions today to find rare and exceptional pieces that will become the setting for your holiday traditions.

Keep Your Heart Healthy St. Francis Offers Heart Health Screenings

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EART DISEASE IS THE LEADING cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Take steps today to lower your risk of heart disease. To help prevent heart disease, you can: • Eat healthy • Get active • Stay at a healthy weight • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure • Drink alcohol only in moderation • Manage stress

Everyone is at risk for heart disease. But you are at higher risk for heart disease if you: • Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure • Smoke • Are overweight or obese • Don’t get enough physical activity • Don’t eat a healthy diet

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease. Your risk is higher if:

• You are a woman over age 55 • You are a man over age 45 • Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55 • Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound An ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is a noninvasive, painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the “aorta,” the main blood vessel leading away from the heart.

The aorta supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when an area of the aorta becomes very large or balloons out. Factors that can increase your risk of having this problem include smoking, high blood pressure, male gender and genetic factors.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is most often seen in males over age 60 who have one or more risk factors. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to break open or tear. This can be life-threatening.

Ankle Brachial Index The ankle-brachial index is the ratio of the blood pressure at the ankle to the blood pressure in the upper arm.

Compared to the arm, lower blood pressure in the leg suggests blocked arteries due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound The major goal of carotid artery ultrasound is to screen for blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries which are located on each side of the neck. A blockage or narrowing may increase the risk of having a stroke.

12-lead EKG An EKG can show how fast your heart is beating, whether the rhythm of your heartbeats is steady or irregular, and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses passing through each part of your heart. Twelve electrodes will be attached to the skin on your chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected by wires to a machine that records your heart’s electrical activity on graph paper or on a computer. After the test, the electrodes will be removed.

Body Mass Index This is a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. Obesity is now recognized as a major, independent risk factor for heart disease. If you’re overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off.

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Carlstedt’s Gives Back to the Community

Local Floral Wholesale Shop Partners with Local Schools and Organizations

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ARLSTEDT’S IS PROUD TO BE A part of the Northeast Louisiana community, not only supplying local florists and floral enthusiasts with flowers and supplies, but also partnering with local organizations and schools to be able to raise money. “We are always looking at ways to give back and we do so throughout the year,” said Alice Givens, owner. Just this past month, Carlstedt’s worked with the West Monroe High School Rebel Choir for their annual fundraiser, where the students sold poinsettias and garland, which is a major fundraiser for the organization. “This is something we have been doing for over 14 years,” said Alice.

“When we started, we never would have guessed we would be doing it for this long but it is amazing to look back and see the difference it has made and how we have been able to help a local school for over a decade!” Carlstedt’s also partnered with the Monroe Garden Study League, who sold paper whites, Christmas cacti, amaryllis and poinsettias. The group

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will use the money raised to continue their beautification efforts and projects throughout the city.

Carlstedt’s, an importer and wholesaler of fresh cut flowers, is located in the heart of midtown Monroe just off Tower Drive and is the place to find everything you need to make your home holiday ready when it comes to florals and greenery. Nothing says Christmas quite like a poinsettia and Carlstedt’s offers them in classic red, as well as white and pink, in a variety of sizes. Another favorite during the holiday season are Paper Whites, a perennial bulbous plant that flowers at Christmas.

The white flowers are borne in bunches and Carlstedt’s has the 6-inch variety. The potted Amaryllis is available in a variety of colors and is a great way to add dramatic color to your home during the holidays. Plus, they make great gifts for hostesses, co-workers, friends and more. Another potted plant available is the Christmas cactus, or the scientific name - Schlumbergera bridgessii. This is a very

popular houseplant and when they bloom, they produce colorful, tubular flowers.

Another popular flower during the holiday season is the Star of Bethlehem, a winter bulb belonging to the lily family. People always enjoy incorporating daisies, red and green carnations and red roses into arrangements for parties.

In addition to the plants, you can also get greenery and wreaths from Carlstedt’s as well.

They offer a variety of garland in a variety of sizes including mixed evergreens, cedar, douglas fir and pine. The fresh garland comes in 75 foot increments, perfect for decorating a large house or office, or splitting with a friend. You can also find ornamental red and green berries, that are great when incorporated into an arrangement or in a group on their own. Carlstedt’s also has a wide variety of containers, tabletop decor, ribbon, ornaments, artificial Christmas wreaths and garland. You can find all of the supplies you need as well, from oasis to wire to shears.

Enjoy the New Menu

Trio’s Restaurant is Making Strides to Mix Things Up

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RIOS DINING HAS MADE A NAME for itself in the Monroe community and it’s only getting better. Great new menu items have been added to their dinner, bar and brunch menus. They have revamped their entire look and ambiance creating a warm and inviting place for everyone to come enjoy their night or just to grab a few drinks.

Let the enthusiastic bartenders fix you a drink specifically customized for you. This fun and friendly atmosphere is great for dinner, hanging out or brunch on the weekends.

For about a year, Trio’s has been conceptualizing, tasting, and perfecting distinct lunch and dinner dishes for their new menu. While they plan to keep popular, top featured items—artichoke dip, Trio’s pasta, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes—the new items range into the eclectic. A few novelties to expect from their refashioned lunch and dinner menu includes amazing Woodard’s creamy lobster and crab stew, perfectly seared tuna nachos topped with fresh mango salsa,

fresh lobster tail, and Wagyu beef. These fresh new items will sure create a party on your taste buds, making you want to come back for more. Trio’s wide ranged menu caters to the most picky eaters to the adventurous food enthusiasts.

Coming in to watch a sport’s game?

The bar area is getting its own makeover.

Along with a revamping of their handcrafted concoctions (adding six more cocktails to the menu as well as primping their wine list), the bar is adding its own menu. Their upscale creations for bar patrons are sure to keep anyone around after halftime. Start with the Loaded Onion Rings, hand-cut and hand-battered onions, topped with jalapeño, bacon, and spicy in-house cheese sauce. If you are more of a potato person, order the Trio’s Favorite Fries, characterized by its slow roasted pork topping. On a lighter side, try the Chicken Skin & Fresh Thyme appetizer.

Sundays are also going to get a whole lot of TLC with a Prime Rib Roast entrée and a

selection of pastries, for the brunch enthusiast with a sweet tooth.

The holidays are upon us and that means parties. If you are needing your holiday event catered, Trio’s has you covered. Call in to schedule your event today! We also sell gift cards that would be perfect stocking stuffers and also make great teacher’s gifts.

A new year is almost upon us, and Trio’s Restaurant is already making strides to keep things interesting for 2020, but you don’t have to wait until January 1st to grub on their new creations. The new menus are available now, so gather your crew and enjoy yourselves at one of the best places in Monroe to meet and eat with friends.

Trio’s Restaurant 2219 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 318.387.3577

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B AY O U A R T I S T

Celebrating Relationships Through Art article by APRIL C L AR K H O NA KER photography by KEL LY M O O R E CLA R K

Megan Smith enjoys the idea of sharing joy and love with others through her work. She considers her pieces love letters – not in the traditional sense – but in that every piece has a little bit of her soul poured into the clay.

ove letters. These words call up images of swirling, handwritten script on paper and thoughts of true love and passion. Although they’ve now become virtually archaic, there was a time before the internet and cell phones when lovers used them to express their most heartfelt and intimate thoughts. In the last two years, ceramic artist Megan Smith has revived and broadened the idea of love letters with her art.

Last year, after preparing work for an exhibition at the Garrett House in Monroe, Louisiana, Megan had an epiphany. “I finally figured it out,” she said. “It was an ah-ha moment.”

As she reflected on all the work she had put in and what it all meant, she realized that while she was making things, she tended to be thinking of someone specific. To honor that realization, the resulting exhibition was called “Celebration” and was about celebrating her relationships with people.

But soon Megan realized there was even more to her process. Not only was she thinking of people while she worked, she was pouring love into her work. This realization came when she decided to make a special mug for her uncle to thank him for supporting her from the beginning.

He had bought some of her early pieces and assured her they were perfect, but she felt the need to make something “nice” for him. The mug she made included the words “love always,” and when she finished it, Megan thought, “This is a love letter.”

Since then, she has tended to think of her works as love letters, and she’s created them with those she’s closest to in mind. She’s created bowls with colorful pennant flags as love letters to her husband and said, “The love I feel for him is like a celebration—like a homemade party.” She’s also created love letters for her mother, grandmother, other family members, friends, students, and even herself. Although her love letters are not love letters in the traditional sense, they are all made with love. “Every piece is a little bit of my soul poured into dirt,” she said. “It’s like giving people love from a distance.” At the same time, there is a level of closeness that comes with each piece, especially the functional ones we use to hold coffee or our chicken noodle soup. “Mugs are one of the few things you touch with your mouth during the day,” Megan said. There’s intimacy in that.

Even though a customer may not know the story behind a piece, Megan said, “They can write their own story when they take it and use it.”

Megan loves to make things, and she loves the idea of sharing joy and love with others through her work. “It’s that idea of pouring love into a vessel,” she said, “and I like to see them go off to homes and live their lives.” In the process, she believes the piece comes to hold meaning for her and for the customer. “Loving people is one of the greatest things you can do,” she said, “and I get to do that through my art and my teaching.”

In addition to being an artist, Megan is currently in her fourth year as an instructor of art at the University of Louisiana in Monroe.

But before she was an artist and teacher, Megan

“It’s that idea of pouring love into a vessel, and I like to see them go off to homes and live their lives.”

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thought she would become a musician.

She always loved art but spent most of her formative years focusing on band and playing the flute and piccolo. “I just knew I was gonna be a musician,” she said. Even while she honed her music skills, she was making art from an early age, and her family was carefully paving the way for whatever creative endeavors she wished to pursue.

When she was very small and living in Ohio, her mom made sure they visited the Toledo Museum of Art every week.

Her parents also gave her art sets when she was little, and when she was in junior high, they gave Megan her first set of oil paints, which she used to copy Bob Ross’s paintings from TV. Megan’s grandparents were also creative types and excellent role models for her growing creativity. “I was always surrounded by people making things,” Megan said, “so I was always making things.” Even today, she finds herself inspired by the people around her and by her family lineage, which is full of makers.

Despite her strong love of music and dreams of being a musician, Megan found herself continually drawn to art. But for most of her childhood, it was just a natural part of her life. She hadn’t really considered it as something to seriously study, much less as a potential career. Then, in high school, she decided to take art as an elective, and that’s when her plans began to shift.

Recognizing her talent, the teacher recommended her for Advanced Placement (AP) art classes. Heeding the advice, Megan found her talents challenged by Kyle Clark, a teacher with an infectious passion for art who held his students to a college-level standard. It was his class that caused Megan to change course in college.

Initially, while in college at the University of North Texas, Megan decided to pursue drawing and painting, not ceramics. In fact, when she was required to take a 3-D elective and found herself in an introductory ceramics class, she struggled a lot. “I just could not do it,” she said. She even considered dropping the class, but her instructor, a graduate assistant named Garret Pendergrass, would not let her quit.

According to Megan, it took her a long, long time to grasp the basics of ceramics, but Garret was supportive and graded her on effort. When the course ended, Megan had no intentions of ever taking another ceramics course again, but she ended up not having a choice. When she needed an upper-level elective, the only course available was in ceramics.

Megan enrolled out of necessity, but much to her surprise, the instructor, another graduate assistant named Susan Kennedy, changed the way she felt about ceramics. “She completely made me fall in love with clay,” Megan said, “and I haven’t had my hands clean since.”

After falling in love with ceramics rather late in her undergraduate studies, she decided to earn a degree in drawing and painting, as well as in ceramics. It took longer for her to finish, but she has no regrets.

“I knew at that point ceramics was something I would do forever,” she said. When something is that important, Megan believes you should do what you can to make sure it’s always a part of your life.

After completing her bachelor’s degrees, she completed a postbaccalaureate mentorship under ceramicist Chris Gray at Collin College in Plano, Texas. During this time, she was churning out work rather quickly, and it was piling up in her parents’ home. As a result, her mom encouraged Megan to sign up for art fairs to liquidate some of her stock. Things were going well at the fairs, but Megan said

she eventually caught her mom taking things from the displays and sneaking them back in the boxes. “Once they were out in the world, she realized she couldn’t live without them,” Megan said. When confronted, her mom started buying the pieces, and Megan said, “She always overpaid me, so I forgave her.”

Now Megan’s mom has pieces from all 13 years of Megan’s career as a ceramicist displayed on open-air kitchen shelves.

This period of mentorship under Chris Gray was one of tremendous growth for Megan, and she decided to go on to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in studio art with a concentration in ceramics from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. During the first year and a half of her master’s studies, Megan focused on creating functional pottery, but as one might expect, graduate school eventually forced Megan to break out of her comfort zone. Soon she was exploring more sculptural work.

Finding success with it, she decided to create a sculptural installation piece for her thesis. Although she was very proud of it, after graduation, it just sat in boxes in the corners of her house collecting dust.

Inspired to create something useful again, Megan rediscovered her love for functional pottery when she started teaching at ULM. Without the pressure of grades and critiques, she enjoyed creating work that was both beautiful and functional. “I like to focus on that idea of being in love,” she said.

After just one semester of teaching as an adjunct, Megan was offered a full-time instructor position. Now she teaches all of the ceramics and art history courses at ULM. Given that she’s in her fourth year, Megan is nearing the day when she’ll see the graduation of the first ceramics student that she’s taught from beginning to end.

That student is Taylor Barrere. Megan said, “I knew the first time she sat at the wheel that she was going to be special.”

Because Megan takes teaching seriously, Taylor’s graduation will be a significant moment in her career as a ceramics instructor.

Because she has such a deep appreciation for the ceramics instructors who helped her along the way, she wants to be that instructor to her students. She wants to make them fall in love with ceramics the way she did, and she feels she’s succeeded with Taylor. “I know ceramics will always be a part of her life,” Megan said.

Megan describes herself as a very nurturing instructor. She tries to help her students be the artists they want to be. Not only does she support them in the classroom and the studio, but she also believes it’s important to give them opportunities to interact with other professional artists and their work. “If you’re gonna learn to make functional ceramics, you need to touch and use others’ work,” she said. In fact, she and a group of students recently traveled to the Texas Clay Festival in Gruene, Texas, to interact with 84 clay artists and their work. When they got back, Megan knew the trip had served its purpose when one of her students said, “I think I’m addicted. I need to touch more pots.” A bonus of the trip was that Megan was able to introduce her students to one of her own mentors, Susan Kennedy.

While Megan considers being an instructor her primary job, she continues to make work of her own. Doing so inevitably makes her a better mentor, but she also simply can’t stop. “The inclination to create has always been part of who I am,” she said. At this point in her life, she believes her desire to create also connects to her desire to be a mom. One day, she hopes to be a mom, but in the meantime, she said she’ll keep making art.

“I fell in love with clay again and I haven’t had my hands clean since.”

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Clay has proven to be the perfect medium for her. “I love all the things clay can do,” she said. “I love exploring and pushing it to the limits.” At the same time, Megan acknowledges that clay is a difficult medium to work with. “Any mistake will come back to haunt you,” she said, “but I take that as a challenge. I’m always looking for something exciting and new.” The nature of clay allows for an endless variety of forms, and there are infinite possibilities for colors as well. Megan especially loves color research and is constantly experimenting with different stains and bases. She recently created some beautiful, bright colors, and her first thought was, “What can I do with this new rainbow?” For Megan, getting the perfect color is difficult. “It’s like chasing something I’ll never capture completely,” she said. But she still loves it. “Because ceramics is so process oriented I’ve learned if you really want to do something great, you have to work hard at it. According to Megan, it’s like marriage in that way: 50-50 isn’t enough; it takes 100-100.

Like life, making ceramics is also full of surprises. An artist can plan and execute every step with care, but everything can change in the kiln. Even if the exact same, previously successful procedures are followed, the results may be different. “It’s like Christmas every time,” Megan said. But there are also times when the results are less than stellar. Things break and colors get botched. These moments can be disappointing, especially to students who haven’t yet learned this lesson, but like her own mentors, Megan tries to ensure that they don’t quit.

In fact, the most important lesson Megan tries to pass on to her students is that they have to work hard. “It’s the only way to get better,” she said, “and no one gets better sitting at home watching Netflix.” They also have to keep working hard, even when things go awry. Pieces will break, but something is always learned in the process, so all isn’t lost. “Your next piece will be better,” she said, and work can be its own reward, but no matter how hard you work at something, you have to be willing to accept losing it. “Just because you work hard doesn’t mean you’re not gonna fail,” She said. The same is true of love. “You can love someone deeply,” Megan said, “but that doesn’t mean you won’t lose them.”

Although life and making ceramics can be heartbreaking at times, they can be equally rewarding. The passion, commitment, and time involved in making ceramics are worth it—both on an artistic level and a human level. Megan said, “I know for sure it makes me more compassionate and more empathetic.” It also certainly teaches resilience. “You always have to be working if you want to be successful,” she said, “and I hope my students never stop when they leave.” One of the things Megan enjoys most about being an artist is seeing other people use her work—seeing a photo of her work on Instagram or seeing one of her mugs on the dash of a colleague’s car—but seeing students like Taylor succeed in sharing their work with the world is bound to spark a similar kind of joy.

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Sparkle More.

Shine Bright.

Louisiana Center for Women’s Health

BY DR. LESLIE COFFMAN

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OU LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND DON’T LIKE THE changes you see – visible signs of aging, sun spots and discoloration, dullness, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and loose skin. You may be considering a face lift to correct these problems.

With Halo, the latest state of the art laser technology, now there is a simpler, better option. Halo is a dual wavelength skin resurfacing laser that delivers amazing results. Developed by the leading laser manufacturer, Sciton, Halo is the most advanced device available.

We are currently the only medical practice in the area offering Halo. By combining two different lasers, Halo targets the superficial epidermis while the other laser targets the deeper dermis, allowing this hybrid to minimize the appearance of pore size, help correct sun damage, and reduce brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. The result is clear, glowing skin called the “Halo Glow.”

Halo can improve melasma, a common form of skin hyperpigmentation which can be very stubborn to treat. It’s especially effective in combination with BBL treatments. Acne scars also benefit from these treatments.

Halo can be used on all skin types to treat damage you can and can’t see, including darker skin. It can also be used on the neck, chest, arms, legs, and hands. The treatment is done in the office and is typically comfortable, taking less than 30 minutes.

Recovery time is just days, not weeks. For the first 24 hours, you should keep your skin protected. After that, you can resume normal activities. By the third or fourth day, your skin will peel to reveal the new renewed skin beneath. Even after your initial treatment, your skin’s tone and texture will continue to improve, as Halo triggers the “dermal regeneration phase.”

Everyone has unique skin and a customized Halo treatment can fit perfectly into your busy lifestyle. A light treatment creates smooth, vibrant skin that’s ready for makeup the very next day. Want to WOW them? A more intense treatment will give your skin a youthful glow with just a few days of downtime.

Halo dual hybrid laser has taken laser skin resurfacing technology to another level. Treatments can be as mild or aggressive as you prefer, and repeated as necessary. Best of all, your overall skin tone and texture can be dramatically improved. And people will notice.

Please call Louisiana Center for Women’s Health at 318-387-3113 to improve your skin or visit our website at www.louisianacenterforwomenshealth.com for information on all services we provide.

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Educating for Time and Eternity OCS Focuses on the Whole Child

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URN ON ANY EVENING NEWS program and you will likely find a story about education. Dropping test scores, failing test scores, poor reading and math performance, lack of good citizenship knowledge, college acceptance rates, and many other issues about the state of education fill our news cycles. What should a parent do? Is more technology the answer?

More accountability on test scores? More homework?

At Ouachita Christian School, we strive to create an academic environment that focuses on the whole child. Test scores are important to us. OCS averages a 25 on the ACT for the past eighteen years. We begin preparing for the ACT in third grade with the Aspire Test and ACT Academy. OCS believes that a great score on the ACT is the first step in preparing a child for college. But we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop at ACT scores. We want to educate our children for time and eternity.

OCS teachers are some of the finest in the state and eight of them have served

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as principals in other districts. Our multicurricular approaches to reading and math have allowed children to thrive in social studies, STEM opportunities. Our STEM room is fully stocked and used weekly by students. Our first-sixth grade participate in reading challenges based on historical fiction, fantasy literature and science for cross-curricular integration based on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest level. Students are taught all forms of writing; creative, technical and expository in all grades. Communication is imperative for our 21st century world.

As a Google school, our students are issued Chromebooks and access to all Google suite materials. Students are taught to create and innovate in school. Students are taught digital citizenship beginning in third grade.

Coding and robotics are part of daily life at OCS. Our art program is nationally and regionally recognized and students are given art education beginning in PreK at OCS. Our choir and band programs are thriving. OCS offers Piano I, II and III during school hours

beginning in middle school and beyond.

Students travel overseas each year to further their global experiences.

OCS athletics consistently perform at the highest levels in the LHSAA. OCS fields teams in football, soccer, baseball, basketball, track, cross-country,softball and golf beginning in elementary school. Christian coaches are held to the highest standards of teaching and behavior on and off the field. They strive to help build students into their highest potential spiritually as well as physically.

Most importantly, OCS is a Christian school that strives to plant seeds for eternity.

Our staff and curriculum is fully committed to a Biblical worldview. A relationship with Jesus is the most important thing we can foster. Come see OCS and take a tour! We would love to visit with you and show you our school!

The Paper Market is Holiday Headquarters Celebrate Christmas, New Years and More!

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HE PAPER MARKET IS THE LOCAL headquarters for all things holiday when it comes to gift wrap! From rolls of wrapping paper to ribbon and tissue paper to tags, they have everything you need to make sure all of your gifts are the perfect amount of festive. If you don’t want to bother with wrapping, you can grab a variety of gift bags in all sizes. They even have oversized reusable cloth Santa bags, perfect for bigger items on Christmas morning. You can even add a personalized touch to your gifts by ordering tags and stickers with your family’s name on it, saving you time. These can be ordered online or in store. And if you don’t want to mess with wrapping gifts at all, The Paper Market offers gift wrap services. You can drop off your gifts and pick them up, ready to go right under the tree!

If you are hosting a Christmas party, The Paper Market has plenty to choose from for Christmas decor. They have a variety of napkins, tableware and tablecloths to add the

perfect amount of Christmas cheer. You can also pick up accessories like photo props, headbands and sunglasses that are perfect for office get-togethers, school parties and tacky sweater parties. If you are hosting the Christmas dinner, you can get all the serving dishes and catering ware you need to ensure your party is successful…and you don’t have to do the dishes!

You can also find great gifts and stocking stuffers at The Paper Market. They have notepads, pens and desk pads by Taylor Elliott Designs as well as Kate Spade desk accessories, perfect for the trendy girl on your list. You can also order personalized items like water bottles, wine cups and pouches, giving your gift an extra special touch. Personalized stationary with names, monograms or initials are also a classic go-to gift option. The Paper Market also has school themed notepads, perfect for teacher gifts.

Everyone knows The Paper Market is the go-to place for balloons and the holiday

season is no different. You can get all color combinations for holiday parties. They also offer AirWalker balloons, character balloons that have the ability to float in place or roam about the room as if walking on air. With options like Santa and reindeer, these would be a great addition to Christmas morning!

Of course, after the Christmas festivities have passed, it is time to celebrate the New year! And The Paper Market has everything you need to ring in 2020. They offer party packs with hats and horns in a variety of sizes, from 10 people to 100 people. They also have tableware, balloons and photo props to decorate your party. You can grab headbands, glasses, noise makers and confetti to make sure the night ends in a bang!

The Paper Market is proud to be the local shop with everything you need to celebrate the special occasions in your life. They look forward to continuing to celebrate the holidays, parties and more in 2020!

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The Images of Christmas Forsythe Church of Christ

BY JOHN DOBBS, PREACHING MINISTER

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HAT IMAGES COME TO MIND when you think about Christmas?

Perhaps you think of fragrant trees sparkling with lights and ornaments? Or maybe the first image is of a jolly fellow in a red suit? Other memories may include family gatherings with holiday food and singing carols together. Some may have unhappy images of difficult times of struggle or pain.

Whatever image comes to mind when you think about Christmas, one image should always be present.

There are many artistic depictions of the nativity scene in paintings, movies, and even plastic yard art with lightbulbs inside. Even though most have some factual inaccuracies, the reminder is so important to our times.

The Bible says that angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

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he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This news was brought so much joy that the night sky filled with angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

The birth of Christ still brings joy to the hearts of those who believe in Him. It reminds us that God sees the ordinary and regards them highly. Mary and Joseph were ordinary people who became part of an extraordinary gift to the world.

The birth of Jesus reminds us that God keeps his promises, for the coming of Jesus was foretold by the prophets of long ago. Matthew 1:22 says, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”

The birth of Jesus reminds us that God knows what it’s like to be one of us, a human being. God knows what it is like to experience

joy, pain, hunger, weariness, tears, and smiles.

He knows what it is like to experience family and friendship. And He knows what it’s like to have enemies and false friends.

The birth of Jesus reminds us that God loves us deeply. He went to great lengths to express that love, not only in the birth of Jesus but also in his life and teachings. God’s love was demonstrated in the way that Jesus experienced the pain and suffering of the cross.

Following his death, Jesus was raised from the dead and is now alive. All of this was to save lost humanity from their sins, because He loves us.

Christian churches around the world will spend time contemplating the birth of Christ during this season. They will welcome your presence as they remember the most powerful image of Christmas … the baby in the manger who was the Savior of the world. We certainly welcome your presence at Forsythe Church of Christ in Monroe in the Christmas season and in every season.

Colon Cancer Survivor Appreciates Dr. Smith

West Monroe Native Finds Comfort and Reassurance at The Surgery Clinic of NELA

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AWN HARPER CREDITS DR. Patrick Smith, a surgeon at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, for saving her life.

In early October, Dawn, 44, visited a local walk-in clinic with what felt like severe constipation pains. She was sent to the emergency room where she underwent an X-ray and a CT scan of her abdomen. The emergency room physician contacted Dr. Smith, who identified a tumor in Dawn’s colon. She would need surgery to determine if the mass was malignant. Upon hearing of her impending surgery, Dawn was convinced she did not have cancer. “My immediate thought was, ‘I need to go home and take care of my six dogs.’ Dr. Smith let me go home for two hours, and he made me return to the hospital by 9 p.m. sharp,” she said with a smile.

Dr. Smith performed surgery on Dawn the following day and removed 14 inches of her colon. He later informed Dawn that she did have colon cancer.

Dawn had no other health issues, and her family did not have a history of cancer. Her immediate thought upon learning of her stage three colon cancer was, “I’m 44. How can I have cancer? I felt panic.”

“He is simply an awesome doctor. Doctors are usually rushed, but Dr. Smith was never in a hurry to leave my side. He was so patient. He answered all of my questions and even accepted my strange sense of humor. He knew I needed to laugh and joke to cope with all of this. When I woke up from surgery, I looked up at him and said, ‘You look 12.’ Without missing a beat, he quipped, I’m 35, thank you very much,’” she said with a laugh.

Dawn said she will always appreciate Dr. Smith. “He is extraordinarily kind and compassionate. Dr. Smith saved my life, and I will forever be grateful for that.”

The West Monroe native is also thankful to Kacie Brown, Dr. Smith’s nurse at the surgery clinic. “No matter how many times I call, or how strange and obscure my concerns might

be, Kacie always takes the time to answer them.

And if she doesn’t know, she immediately finds the answer.”

Dawn, a former attorney, started chemotherapy in November and donated her hair to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that funds childhood cancer research, offsets medical care costs, and donates wigs to children in need.

Symptoms of colon cancer typically do not arise until the disease is advanced. Historically, the recommended age for screening is age 50, however, colon cancer is increasing in younger populations. People with a family history of colon cancer, or who have other risk factors, should consider getting tested at a younger age. Those who experience any changes in bowel habits should notify a physician, regardless of age.

In addition to Dr. Smith, the clinic is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor and Dr. Bart Liles.

Contact the clinic today with any questions you have about colon cancer or other surgical needs.

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White Christmas Do It Safely

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RE YOU LOOKING FOR A WHITER SMILE? START WITH your dentist. He or she can help you sort through the information about ways to whiten your teeth. Your dentist can tell you about 3 approaches you might consider to whiten your teeth:

- whitening toothpastes

- home-use whiteners

- whitening in the dental office (also called “in-office”)

WHITENING TOOTHPASTES Whitening toothpastes remove stains on the surface of the tooth. Although some pastes may contain ingredients that seem to brighten your teeth, they are not bleaching the tooth or changing its actual color; rather, they are polishing the surface to remove external discoloration. Because these pastes rely on polishing for stain removal, it may take longer for you to see results than if you used a home-use or in-office approach.

HOME-USE WHITENERS Home-use whiteners come in strips or gels you paint on your teeth or put in a tray that you then put over your teeth. You can get home-use whiteners from your dentist or buy them over the counter. One benefit of using products from the dentist is that the trays will be custom fitted to your teeth to limit the contact that the gel has with your gums. This helps avoid gum irritation. These whiteners bleach or lighten the tooth enamel with a chemical called peroxide. The bleach provided by a dentist will be far more concentrated than what you will find on store shelves, and therefore will yield more beneficial results. In most cases, these whiteners are used for short periods for approximately 2-4 weeks.

IN-OFFICE WHITENING In-office whitening is performed by your dentist. He or she will apply a peroxide gel- stronger than the one used in at-home whiteners- to your teeth. Because the peroxide is stronger, you may get whiter teeth with this approach than with the others.

WHY WORK WITH MY DENTIST? Your dentist can be a good partner when you are thinking about whitening your teeth. First of all, he or she can help decide if whitening is right for you. If you have cavities or other dental disease, you dentist will need to treat those areas before you begin the whitening process. You should also be aware that whitening will not change the color of restorations, like veneers, crowns, or dental fillings. Whitening may come with side effects. Some people experience tooth sensitivity or their gums become irritated. Your dentist may be able to minimize these effects.

Dr. Jan T. Bagwell has over 30 years of experience and has welcomed her daughter, Dr. Jessica J. Johnston into her practice. They are North Louisiana’s only mother-daughter dental team. Their office located right next to Sterlington High School on 165 North offers patients complete general and cosmetic dental treatments. Their team is dedicated to using the newest technologies and techniques, as well as state-of-the-art equipment, to enhance your smile and make it as healthy and beautiful as possible. They offer regular hygiene checkups as well as general dentistry services like partials, dentures, extractions, and root canals.

They also offer cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, porcelain crowns, and implant restorations in order to improve the appearance of your teeth and make them more cosmetically pleasing.

Dr. Jan T. Bagwell and Dr. Jessica J. Johnston always work with compassion to make their patients feel as relaxed as possible and provide the best possible dental care. 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!

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Sticking to a Meal Plan During the Holidays

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OW DO YOU STICK TO YOUR DIABETES MEAL PLAN when everyone around you seems to be splurging? Here are 5 tips that can help:

HOLIDAY-PROOF YOUR PLAN

You may not be able to control what food you’re served, and you’re bound to see other people eating a lot of tempting treats. Meet the challenges armed with a plan:

• Eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual mealtime and eat a little less when dinner is served.

• Invited to a party? Offer to bring a healthy dish along.

• If you have a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal.

• Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. It will be harder to keep your blood sugar in control, and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.

• If you slip up, get right back to healthy eating with your next meal.

OUTSMART THE BUFFET

When you face a spread of delicious holiday food, make healthy choices easier:

• Have a small plate of the foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table.

• Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.

• Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full.

• Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do have an alcoholic drink, have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines.

Also plan to stay on top of your blood sugar. Check it more often during the holidays, and if you take medicine, ask your doctor if the amount needs to be adjusted.

FIT IN FAVORITES

No food is on the naughty list. Choose the dishes you really love and can’t get any other time of year, like Aunt Edna’s pumpkin pie. Slow down and savor a small serving, and make sure to count it in your meal plan.

KEEP MOVING

You’ve got a lot on your plate this time of year, and physical activity can get crowded out. But being active is your secret holiday weapon; it can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. Get moving with friends and family, such as taking a walk after a holiday meal.

GET YOUR ZZZ’S

Going out more and staying out later often means cutting back on sleep. Sleep loss can make it harder to control your blood sugar, and when you’re sleep deprived you’ll tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar food. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night to guard against mindless eating.

Most of all, remember what the season is about—celebrating and connecting with the people you care about. When you focus more on the fun, it’s easier to focus less on the food.

Source: cdc.gov WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 179

B AYOUKID Z

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Children article by Cindy G. Foust

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t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as I write this month’s column from the window of my Breckenridge cabin while the snow falls softly to the ground and I get ready to “stop by the woods on a snowy evening.” Just kidding, I don’t have a cabin in Breckenridge, I just have a house. In West Monroe. But if any of you have a cabin in Breckenridge and want to share it with this writer, I’d be happy to sip hot cocoa and dream about the days that I USED to snow ski. For now, however, I have been very busy and important this past week working on the column you have been waiting for to start your Christmas shopping extravaganza. So, get ready shoppers, I mean readers, help is on the way. Well, I hope so anyway, and while it’s true that I have been doing some extensive research so I can bring you the Top 10 Christmas Wish List for children (you know, since I write a column for kids, I need to stick with what I know), but gosh how times have changed. This exercise was actually a little harder than I thought it would be because like I said, things have really changed since I used to make my Christmas list. I actually found myself laughing out loud as I combed through website after website. Sadly, gone are the days when you and your siblings would race to the mailbox in anticipation of receiving the Sears or Penny’s Wish Book.

Oh how our hearts would pound as we raced back to the house with that catalog clutched to our chest and our brow furrowed with beads of perspiration (that, my readers, is how you do it if you want to sound like Robert Frost and his snowy evening self).

Hours would then be spent combing the

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pages of the Wish Books, making our list and checking it twice, hoping above all hope for the Barbie Dream House, the Light Brite or the Operation game. Anybody in their feels with me, yet? This list is definitely a departure from the days of old, but readers, I promised help would be on the way, so for better or for worse, the Christmas Calvary is here! Here. We. Go!

10) The Porpora Kids Indoor/Outdoor Princess Castle ($30) Wait, this is a castle?

This is actually a huge pink tent with twinkle lights running through it. Shoot, when I was growing up, if we had wanted a tent with twinkle lights for Christmas, our parents would have told us to put a blanket over two bar stools and share the flashlight.

Merry Christmas.

9) Educational Insights Artie 3000 The Coding Robot (62.99) I wish you could see my face right now. You know that emoji that stares blankly into space? Yeah, that‘s me. Are you telling me that we are making

toys that teach our children at age 6 to write computer can code using drag & drop, remote control, point & Click, Blockly, snap!, Python and JavaScript? I mean, why would I buy my child a toy that makes them smarter than me at age 6? For all you IT people out there, don’t judge, but the only coding we did when I was 6 was begging our parents to buy the Chex cereal so we could fight over the decoder ring!

8) Cardboard Tool Kit ($12.50) Okay, these people are the genius ones if you ask me. The pictures on their ad show some children cutting a cardboard box with a “safe-saw” and using “scrus” and a “scru driver” to piece their cardboard together. I’m telling you right now, you buy this one and I’ve got some land I would like to sell you in Idaho.

My parents might have entertained this one back in the day, except they would have just recycled the gift boxes and handed us a pair of scissors. Feliz Navidad.

7) Little Patients ($55) Okay, for all you doctors out there, if you have a child at age 8 who already know they want to be a doctor (insert eye roll here… most 8 year olds want to be Spiderman or Wonder Woman) this one might warrant a second look. This is actually a doll, male or female, with a big hole in their stomach and includes plush organs for them to shove back in the doll’s belly. “Hey, what did you get your kid for Christmas?” “Oh, you know, plush kidneys and a spleen. Can’t they just wait until they get to medical school to figure out where the intestines go? Asking for a friend.

6) DIY Bubblegum Kit ($16) Yes, parents, this one is very hot this Christmas and I can see why. Dentists are putting their weight behind it so our kids will have cavities and there probably won’t be one piece stuck in anyone’s hair. When I was a little girl, I went to sleep with a piece of gum in my mouth one night. I woke up with it strung from one ear to an other. After they “cut” it out, I looked like Edward Scissorhands had gotten a hold of my hair. Good times.

if your child needs a light to help them go to sleep, this writer has you covered.

3) It’s So Me! Paint Your Own Unicorn! ($11.69) Well, at least we are getting a little creative the further we get into the list. In my day, we thought we were Miss Godrocks if we got a black velvet paint by number kit, but hey, unicorns have feelings, too, so this one should be given consideration.

5) Walkie Chalk ($14) Wait. Are you telling me we have a toy so kids can stand up and use sidewalk chalk? The advertisement says it keeps them from getting dirty and they don’t have to bend down. Readers! That’s what’s wrong with our kids! They need to get dirty! They need to be outside! Jesus take the wheel and drive very fast…We are making sidewalk chalk a modern day convenience.

2) CuteTitos ($9.97) Readers, you are going to have to help me out with this one. These “animals” are advertised as “adorable, stuffed animals wrapped and hidden in a burrito ready to be unrolled and discovered!”

Wait. I’m buying my kid a doll wrapped in burrito? What.in.the.cat.hair? I’ve got to get on top of this and next year launch a doll wrapped in Cheeto Puffs. I’m going to make millions.

4) BESWORLDS 3D Dinosaur Night Light ($20) Now, hold the phones, we may have something here. This is a really cool night light that changes colors and has a remote control. In my day, if we had ask for a nightlight, our parents would have told us to leave the light on in the closet. But hey,

1) WowWee Buttheads Interactive Farting Figurines ($8.59) First, I’m not sure Cassie will let me use the word “farting” in this column, but on the outside chance she does, that’s the least of our problems. Are you telling me this is the best we can do for one of the hottest toys of 2019? These are predicted

to “sell out” quick so get them while they are hot. You will be relieved to know each figure has their own “signature farting sounds.”

I am relieved to know this is my last toy to feature. Praise the Lamb.

So, there you have it readers…10 of the hottest toys for your 2019 Christmas list to make your shopping easy and painless. The only pain I experienced was researching this column, but hey, it’s over for another year.

I can hardly wait to see what treasures we discover the next go around. In the meantime, I wish for you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you for tagging along for 7 years with me (next month is my 7-year anniversary and I can hardly wait to see what great trip I am gifted) and for sharing my passion for children and all things families.

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.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 181

Make it a Personal Christmas Sew Southern Embroidery Makes Gifts Special

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ERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! It is the happiest time of year where families come together, gifts are given and received, and the spirit of Christmas fills the air. A time to give thanks and enjoy the company of loved ones. This is not a time to worry about holiday shopping and what gifts to get each person in your life. Make it simple and give a gift that means something.

Fortunately, special gifts are what Sew Southern Embroidery in Rayville is all about.

Stroll through Sew Southern Embroidery and you will find a variety of items that can be personalized. They truly have something for everyone. “Embroidery is in our name, but it’s certainly not the only thing we do.” says Amy Gladney, owner. Sew Southern also offers custom etched cutting boards, personalized glassware, etched casserole dishes and insulated beverage holders, among other things.

While all of the items are personal,

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many of them are also very practical and reasonably priced. In particular, the etched casserole dishes. “There’s no guessing whose dish this is,” Gladney says laughingly. “This dish will make it home from someone else’s kitchen!”

In keeping with the personal touch, Gladney often spends time ‘brainstorming’ with her customers to learn what is important to both the giver and the gift recipient. “I hear many people say the hardest part of Christmas shopping is finding something for the person who ‘has everything’. That’s my job...to help others make Christmas personal.

Sew Southern even has a new website we are putting together for that purpose. makechristmaspersonal.com.” In addition to custom gifts Sew Southern also offers a number of unique baby items. Embroidered heirloom baby quilts, custom bibs and burp cloths and even etched ‘sippy cups.’

Sew Southern Embroidery is your local

stop for all your embroidery needs. Whether it’s your favorite team or your company logo Sew Southern can make it happen as well as creating unique, handmade gifts for all the special people in your life. They are ready to help you make Christmas personal again.

Stop by the store at 725 Louisa St. in Rayville, call and speak to Amy personally or simply visit their website at SewSouthernOnline. com.

Be sure to place your Christmas orders soon!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,” - James 1:17

Stay Warm and Cozy at Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats West Monroe Bakery Offers Seasonal Specials and Hot Coffee

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ISS KAY’S HAS ALL YOUR holiday essentials. Turkeys, hams, pies, oh my! Call us today to order your holiday meals or custom baked goodies. We offer a wide selection of catering and baking options to fit your budget and schedule. Our event schedule is filling up fast so call us at 582-5871 to book your dates and order your delicious, no-muss, no-fuss Christmas dinner.

We are open 11-3 on Mondays, 8-3 TuesdayThursday and 8-6 Friday and Saturday.

CHRISTMAS DINNER

We are taking orders now for Christmas dinner. No need to stress about cooking!

Our Miss Kay’s Set The Table package will provide a turkey or ham, dressing, two sides and two desserts to fill up your entire guest list with delicious eats and treats. Order the whole package or any item a la carte. Choose from sides like Miss Kay’s homemade mac & cheese, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, or broccoli rice casserole. Desserts

include pumpkin caramel cake, chocolate chocolate cake, apple pie, sweet potato pie, pecan and German chocolate pie.

HOLIDAY PARTIES

Looking for a cozy spot to host your work, school or family gathering? We are open for business! You can book our whole restaurant for your guests, giving you a private space for buffets, seated dinners, hors d’oeuvres, games, bands, and gift-giving. Our schedule is getting full so book us to host your party today!

CHRISTMAS FLAVORS

Taste pure nostalgia with our December specials. The Griswold Burger is our fresh, never frozen beef patty on a sourdough bun, topped with creamy cranberry pepper jelly, fried diced sweet potatoes and crunchy french fried onions. It’s the jolliest burger this side of the river! We’re serving up sweet potato pies, German chocolate pies and much more.

Try a scoop of gelato in flavors like Christmas Cookies, Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows, Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cider and the rosemary-infused Christmas Spirit. We have so many goodies that Santa Claus would be jealous!

PEACE AND GOOD WILL TO YOU!

This month marks 3 years of serving our community. Thank you all for your support and patronage. When we opened in December 2016, we had no idea all the love and good food we’d be sharing with you, our beloved friends, neighbors, and fellow Ouachita Parish citizens. As we thank you for accepting and believing in us, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to celebrate the one who gave us life, purpose and meaning. Jesus Christ is the gift humanity received more than 2,000 years ago, and He has blessed us beyond measure!

May God bless you this season and all the seasons that follow. He is the Way, the Truth and the Light. Merry Christmas, dear friends!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 183

Bon Appetit

With Le Griddle Authentic French Grills

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EW TO THE O’NEALGAS outdoor kitchen and cooking product line-up, we’re pleased to now offer Le Griddle French Grills. For the outdoor cook, it makes a great gift and offers a new cooking experience to share with family and friends.

The Le Griddle can run on either propane or natural gas and comes with the necessary pieces to convert your griddle. Cooking on a Le Griddle is good for your health and good for the planet.

Authentic cooking on a Le Griddle French grill offers many advantages over traditional barbequing. The risk of burning food through direct contact with flames is eliminated, as is the risk of causing a fire. Moreover, the Le Griddle French Grill reaches its optimum cooking temperature in less than 5 minutes. There’s no need to extinguish or remove embers or burnt charcoal after cooking. As a result, the final cleaning only takes around 2 minutes.

Food like meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables are prepared on a lightly oiled griddle to retain

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all the flavor and nutritional properties. Le Griddle is perfect for cooking any meal. In the morning, it’s ideal for cooking omelets, hash browns, pancakes, bacon or sausage.

For lunch and dinner, try whipping up a stirfry, fajitas, or sautéed meats and vegetables.

In a few words, cooking on a French grill means healthier eating, greater respect for the environment with reduced carbon emissions, and a faster and more natural way to cook.

Le Griddle French Grill Features:

• Healthy and tasty cooking

• 304 stainless steel cook-top

• High-powered H-shaped burners • Optimum heat distribution over the whole surface

• Heats up in five minutes

• Cleaning only takes 5 minutes

• Piezo ignition system

• Built-in or table top out of the box, and free-standing models

As a full-service propane company, O’Nealgas is one of the few propane businesses that not only sells propane and natural gas products, we also install gas products and guarantee “service after sale,” which means that our in-house specialists will be available to assist with product repairs and maintenance of any product you purchase from us.

Our team can assist with propane piping, retrofitting, propane openings, installations of new propane lines, and we repair damaged propane gas lines.

Visit the O’Nealgas showrooms at 703 North 5th St. in Monroe and 5170 Highway 80 in Haughton to see a Le Griddle French Grill for yourself. As with all of our products, we offer knowledgeable sales technicians, installation and service after the sale. To find other showrooms and learn about all of our premium gas products and propane services, visit www.Onealgas.com or call 800-259-5051.

Healthy Holiday Health Hacks St. Francis Urgent Care Shares How to Stay Healthy

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E ARE NOT EVEN GONNA’ LIE. We know the reality of the holidays in Monroe and South Louisiana. You start off warming up during football season with tailgating on the weekends and head in for the serious holiday kick off of Thanksgiving.

From there through New Years and beyond, it’s a non-stop eating and drinking festival all the way through Mardi Gras. As they say, you can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it. With that said, here are a few holiday health hacks to help you keep from losing your mind and gaining 20 pounds.

1. GET YOUR MIND RIGHT Before the holiday craziness starts, set a few mental goals and ground rules. Is your goal to drink less this season? Are you trying to limit yourself to one dessert at each party? Are you striving to keep up some semblance of exercise at least three times a week? Creating goals and reminding yourself why you want to stay on track is key to staying motivated when you feel overwhelmed.

2. CHEERS TO WATER! You probably try

to drink more water as it is. However, make hydrating even more of a priority during these busy holidays. It’s easy to forget when you’re out shopping, running errands and picking up your child’s Christmas party cookies she didn’t tell you she needed until last night. Carry a reusable water bottle to keep adequately hydrated. Hey, did you know that drinking two glasses of water before meals can help you from overeating? You’re welcome!

3. AT PARTIES, GO FOR THE GOOD STUFF FIRST When we say the “good stuff,” we mean the “healthy stuff.” Instead of making a beeline for the cheesy crabmeat au gratin dip, maybe reach for the fiber-rich fruit and veggies or some lean protein. If you finish your food and want something else, go ahead and grab your favorite holiday treat so you don’t feel deprived. If you’re going to indulge once or twice, enjoy it and don’t feel guilty.

4. SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND HEALTHY RECIPES Finally, there are a variety of healthy recipes online for that cut

calories and fat, and taste just as delicious (or at least almost as delicious) as your favorite dishes. Just changing a few ingredients can make a difference. You can try exchanging half of the white flour with whole-wheat flour or substituting half the fat with applesauce or avocado. Search for recipes and do a dry run before the holidays so you can test them out.

Remember, here in the Monroe area, if you do feel sick or experience a minor emergency, St. Francis Urgent Care has two convenient, walk-in clinics to treat you and your family. Our locations: Monroe (2020 Tower Dr.), and West Monroe (3424 Cypress St.) are open 7 days a week and no appointment is ever necessary. All clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. We’ll also be open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Christmas Day and New Years Eve/New Years Day. When minor illnesses or injuries occur, St. Francis Urgent Care provides a convenient, affordable alternative without appointments or long wait times. Minor conditions treated include: ear and eye infections, fever, allergies, minor cuts that may need stitches, possible broken bones and simple fractures, minor skin infections, severe sore throat, sprains and strains, and vomiting and diarrhea. For more information, visit www.stfrancisurgentcare.net.

Also, be sure to “Like” and “Follow” St. Francis Urgent Care on Facebook.

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“HE MAY NOT HAVE A SOUL,

but he has a voice and guitar skills.” Stacey Sheppard provides all the witty banter, from time to time referencing Jordan’s ginger status, when performing with husband Jordan Sheppard as Mama and the Outlaw. Sharing one mic, the couple perform as if alone, nobody watching what is a breath away from becoming an intimate moment. Killer vocal stylings snake between the couple and a busy audience at Brass Monkey occasionally taking pause between Stacey’s soulful resonance and Jordan’s growling vocal range.

They’ve come a long way since meeting in 2008 at a singing competition, getting married eight months later, and forming Roses and Revolvers (their first name as a duet that soon got misinterpreted as a Guns N’ Roses tribute band). “When I started dragging her on stage she started to fight it. We didn’t have any idea that it was going to happen,” says Jordan. A cowboy book at an estate sale provided their current title as a duo. “It was always a cover band,” clarifies Jordan. But last year, Jordan launched his first EP Sad, Slow, Drunk Country

Songs, a collection of ballads (with a couple of kickers), years in the making, which he cut at home, featuring Stacey on a few tracks. A bit has changed in a year. Jordan, Stacey, and a bunch of fellow “wood hippies” are now in the final stages of releasing a self-titled EP—The Cypress Knees—meant to usher in an audacious new stage of songwriting and musicianship.

Though Jordan grew up with people in his grandparent’s living room playing bluegrass, he didn’t know he was born into an influential music pedigree until eight years ago. He learned his grandparents, who played bluegrass gospel, toured a major circuit with some heavy hitters, distinctly the Sullivan Family (bluegrass gospel pioneers) and the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe. “He held me as a baby,” recalls Jordan. This happened backstage at the Ryman Auditorium (also known as Grand Ole Opry House) in Nashville, Tennessee—another momentous landmark in his family’s music history. “I wanted to play with my grandparents,” he says, choosing the fiddle as a “showoff thing,” typical of an eightyear-old.

a r t i c l e by Va n e l i s R i v e r a

PHOTOGR APH BY CHASTIT Y ESTIS

t eleven, he began songwriting, which required another instrument. A member of his church family, local singer/songwriter Amanda McDowell, suggested he switch to either piano or guitar. “I was already teased enough for being geeky and a redhead,” laughs Jordan, defending his choice of guitar over piano. Even then, he had to practice incognito. “My dad didn’t want me to be mediocre at two things,” he explains, so he was sneaking into his father’s room with a baby guitar book playing on his father’s guitar. After a few weeks of learning “Sweet Home Alabama,” he walked into the living room, played it for his father, and received a hardened “Get out of here” (but it wasn’t what he thought).

Jordan’s father was impressed with his quick guitar skills and, though annoyed at his audacity, gifted him the guitar.

Jordan’s grandparents were Pentecostal: “They don’t really care about long-haired, tattooed people.” But when Jordan showed an interest in rock and roll, his father, who has always been a rocker, gave him a classic rock compilation tape that would become his introduction to the genre’s riffcentric guitar style.

“I got a band to play gigs,” Jordan says, adding his appreciation for the musicians that complete The Cypress Knees: Walt Silmon (bass), Hayden McConkey (guitar), and Michael Young (drums). “Hayden’s a great solo artist. For instance, today in the studio he laid down his solo and he did it in the first take,” beams Jordan. Each musician sets the table with their own flare. McConkey plays “eighties hair metal stuff” while Silmon is a “Red Hot Chili Peppers guy.”

The band’s unique moniker, Silmon’s invention, refers to the group’s free-spirited lifestyle of kayaking “dirty swamps and bayous.” Also, “nobody really knows what purpose cypress knees serve and that’s kind of like us too. Good fer nothin’.” The band is still figuring out their sound, but they’re a “country band that desperately wants to be a rock band,” jokes Jordan. “I still resent being called a country singer. I’m thankful that I’m recognized as anything, but I don’t want to be compared to what is on country radio.” Jordan confesses he has spent years avoiding country as much as he could, though many of his songs seem to naturally lean in that direction. Musically he claims to be “a bit schizophrenic,” fluctuating from bluegrass to death metal: “I wanted to be Ozzy Osbourne so bad!”

His extensive palate, which currently includes Turnpike Troubadours, Tyler Childers, Led Zeppelin, and The Civil Wars, seeps as much into the music as his song concepts.

“I want to head bang to this song, talking about a country road,” he says, striving to challenge norms: “Why can’t we

do a blues breakdown in the middle of this country song?”

Mostly, he keeps his “weird songs” to himself, admitting he wants to someday soon (on the low) compose a bluesy, psychedelic folk record. “I have never done heroin before,” he warns, before revealing the story behind “Nobody Ever Goes Home,” a song about heroin acting as a level playing field regardless of a user’s race, age, or socioeconomic background. In the song, heroin is an attractive lady dressed in white. “It’s super weird, and that’s the whole point. It was another attempt to write a bluegrass song, but it came out like a Russian folk ballad.” He hasn’t reached a point of comfort with his racier singles, the ones that would make “the ladies at church” have something to say, but what he has released is still worth talking about.

Jordan claims to be writing more now than he ever has in his life. When Stacey joined The Cypress Knees, she began to take lead on a few songs, which opened the door for Jordan to write from uncharted territory. “I love the fact that now I get to write from a woman’s perspective, which is strange, but it is opening up doors for me. Writing things like my car broke down and oil fields gets old after a while.” The upcoming EP is bluesy and “very Louisiana,” says Jordan.

There’s also no denying it’s a rock and roll album. “Honest Woman,” about a double murder suicide, is Jordan’s “attempt at writing a bluegrass song,” but during the chorus—How could you do this to me—when the narrator is “losing his crap,” the song goes into a punk rock crescendo. “I never really This page: Image of Stacey and Jordan Sheppard by Chastity Estis. Opposite page: Image by Andrew Bailey

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If I were the sun and you were the moon,

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d make everyt hing stop and revolve around you.

PHOTOGR APH BY ANDRE W BAILE Y

know what I’m going to write about. I usually get a melody when I ride my motorcycle and a phrase will come that fits,” he says. Most of the time his songs are “oddball stuff,” but recently his focus has turned to writing songs for when Stacey takes the lead vocals or duets with him. “If I Were a Mountain” is a recent “happy” duet with a Janis Joplin sentiment that later gets “poppy.” The new project comprises approximately six songs that are meant to unveil The Cypress Knees as a “whole new band.”

“Jordan Sheppard sounds like he’s lived his lyrics,” writes JKLO Monroe. “That’s one reason you can feel what he’s singing.” But it’s not just Jordan’s exponential range that makes him a showstopper.

His attention to the emotionality of a song is what captivates, and when Stacey joins in, the union is cathartic. The duo has performed all over the south, and even opened for Brothers Osborne, Love & Theft, Whiskey Myers, 3 Doors Down, and Dwight Yoakam. “I love playing gigs and recording, and I’m having fun, but I would love to be a songwriter and that’s it. Hangout with my kids, go fishing, write songs, and send them to someone else to sing,” he says. Playing for fifteen years has taught him that growth can be slow paced. “I’ve understood that I’m always gonna have to perform,” reveals Jordan, admitting that while he’s not a people person, in front of a crowd he experiences reality warp. The music takes center stage, and he simply follows its lead. “It’s about the music. It’s like a drug, almost.”

“I don’t play an instrument ‘cuz I’m lazy,” Stacey lightly taunts the Brass Monkey patrons between songs. She claims to be an introvert, though there’s no hint of it onstage. Who could guess that in the past, Jordan would have to drag her into the spotlight until she became more comfortable. Now, the connection between their harmonies imparts the presence of an unbreakable bond. Mid-song, the couple exchange tender glances and smirks, lips inches away from each other.

It’s clear that whether on a festival stage or the intimate platform of a dive bar, performing as a duet or as a band, music is their intimate space, and one any audience would be lucky to get a glimpse into.

Follow The Cypress Knees on Facebook and Instagram (@ jordansheppardnthecypressknees) for booking information and for updates on their performance schedule.

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Give Santa A Helping Hand

Surprising Gifts at Cotton Port Antique Mall

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OR SOMETHING NEW OR SOMETHING OLD COTTON Port Antique Mall has it all. Cotton Port Antique Mall is located at 323 Trenton Street on Antique Alley in historic downtown West Monroe. Cotton Port Antique Mall is home to over 24 vendors who offer a wide selection of Christmas gift ideas for anyone on your list.

Because the inventory changes weekly you can shop often and always see new items on each visit. The vendors offer everything from antiques and collectibles to giftware. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re shopping for yourself, your family or your home, Cotton Port Antique Mall offers customers a variety of gifts.

To brighten up your home for the holidays, Cotton Port Antique Mall offers contemporary and vintage Christmas decorations, framed art and anything you need to make your holiday table shine. Choose from a large selection of china, stemware, sterling or silver plate flatware. Vintage table clothes with a traditional or whimsical theme will compliment any dining table. Whether completing a place setting or looking to mix and match your china or silver, Cotton Port Antique Mall has over 200 patterns in stock. Stemware can be found in crystal, festive holiday colors and can be purchased in sets or individually.

For the collector on your list you will find an extensive selection of vintage and contemporary Fire King, Corningware, Pyrex, enamel ware, spongeware, pottery and farmhouse collectibles. If you are looking for vinyl albums, old books, comics, Bibles or religious memorabilia Cotton Port Antique Mall has it all. You can also find one of this areas largest selection of crystal, depression era kitchenware, carnival glass, cut glass, milk glass and vintage soda bottles. If advertising pieces or vintage retail countertop display items are on your list, Cotton Port Antique will complete your holiday shopping needs.

For the lady on your holiday list, Cotton Port Antique Mall offers vintage estate and costume jewelry, perfume bottles and picture frames. Make the man in your life happy with one of a kind vintage fishing items, coins, knives, cufflinks, political memorabilia and automotive related gift ideas. Baby dolls, tea sets, Tonka trucks, Hot Wheels and board games will delight kids and collectors alike. Give Santa a helping hand and shop Cotton Port Antique Mall for one of a kind gifts this Christmas.

The owners of Cotton Port, Suzie and Ben Cooper, will help you make the perfect selection and keep your budget in check. The Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise, patience and superior customer service will make your holiday shopping experience one to remember. In business for 22 years, Suzie and Ben have made many Christmas mornings a joy for kids, adults as well as novice and advance collectors.

Shop Cotton Port Antique Mall Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 5PM or view our weekly highlighted items on Facebook and Instagram. For something new or something old Cotton Port Antique Mall has it all.

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The Benefits of Shopping Local Holidays on the Alley

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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 throughout the year:

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

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in your community.

You embrace what makes your community unique. Each local shop, restaurant, or boutique has it’s own personality, look and products unlike franchises. 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.

And 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!

Bontemps Pilates - CoCo’s Mercantile Commerce Street Market - Cotton Port Antique Mall - Eleven 26 Boutique - First Glimpse Ultrasound & Boutique - Hamilton House Inn Imperial Galleries - Just Peachy - Kayla’s Kitchen - Malcomb’s Woodcrafts & Treasures - Marty & Mark’s Jewelry & Watch Repair - Memory Lane Antiques - Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats - Pat’s Emporium - Potpourri de Tante Marie - Rialto Arts Center - Rusty Nails and Pearls Boutique Shoppes @ Cotton Port - The Mother Hen - The Nude Nomad - The Rustique Gator - The Spice & Tea Exchange of West Monroe - The Trenton House - The Vintage Market - Three Threads - Traditions - Trapp’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant - Vanguard

What is a QCD?

Justin Mailhes with Argent Advisors in Monroe Explains

Q

UESTION: DO YOU GIVE TO charities?

Question: Are you older than 70 ½ and currently taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRA? If you answered yes to the two above questions you might want to look at a QCDs, or Qualified Charitable Distributions. A QCD is an alternative way to give to a charity while lowering your taxable income. Basically, it allows people who are older than 70 ½ to direct their Required Minimum Distribution directly from their IRA to a charity.

QCDs have received renewed interest due to the higher standard deductions allowed for in the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It’s estimated that millions of tax payers who formally itemized will no longer do so, meaning from a tax standpoint, they will not be benefiting from charitable contributions. A QCD is a possible solution.

Normally any distribution from a traditional

IRA is taxable, however the QCD passes to the charity directly and is not included in income.

The charitable contribution is non-deductible, but once again many taxpayers will not be itemizing anyway. So, if your deductions fall below the standard deductions of $12,200 for single and $24,400 for married filing jointly then a QCD could be a good option.

There are also certain requirements that must be met for the distribution to qualify. The charities must be a 501(c)(3) organization to receive the QCD distribution, but some may still not be a qualifying charity. You should discuss QCDs with your CPA or financial advisor before making the distribution. They will be able to make sure the charities qualify and that a QCD would be good option for your situation.

For those with deductions above the standard limits there may still be reasons to consider a QCD. Please give us a call to talk about your options.

WHY CHOOSE ARGENT ADVISORS IN MONROE?

Our mission is to help establish, manage, and protect our clients’ financial plans, and we take that very seriously. The Argent Advisors team in Monroe has over 60 years of combined financial planning experience.

No matter where your objectives fall, we help our clients establish a definitive goaloriented plan for current needs and for the future. Argent Advisors in Monroe are fee-based Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). We agree on an annual management fee, and then we work for YOU. We make no money on account activity or the strategies selected. We have no proprietary products.

Our independent process assures you that we are acting in your best interest, not in ours! If you have any question about your financial planning needs, please contact our office.

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Monroe’s Newest Upscale Interior Shop Revival Design and Consign

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HAT IS A REVIVAL? REVIVAL is defined as an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again. When Clinton Whitney Downing began working on the revival of downtown Monroe and some of its historic buildings, he always had a passion for this former auto dealership of the 1920’s at 300 Walnut.

In 2009, Clinton was in a transition and revival of sorts of his life. He was on a journey of renewal and restoration. During that time, he drew up a plan to create a unique space in downtown Monroe. It would revive a historic space and give it a new life. He had always had his eye on the building that now inhabits Revival.

For a decade, Clinton held on to his vision of creating something unique for the Monroe area with hopes that one day this space would come available.

In 2017, developer Jason Thomas acquired

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the location for future development. When the two of them began working on other building restorations in downtown Monroe, the Wood street building for a future development. Over the past two years the space was envisioned for residential and other commercial development. When Clinton expressed his passion and desired development of the space this past January, the beginning of its transformation began.

The first phase of cosmetic renovations began in February of this year and was completed this fall. Large chandeliers and reproduction ceiling fans of the era replaced were added. A massive restoration of the original ornate tin ceiling took place to keep in intact. While it is far from its completion with 3 more phases to go, REVIVAL CONSIGN & DESIGN opened its doors on November 1st.

Revival is more than just an upscale interior design consignment shop. It is also

a concept that is working with local, regional and statewide artists to showcase their talents.

After several years of working with physically and developmentally disabled, Clinton has chosen to give creatives with such limitations a place to showcase their creative and artistic talents. Art, hand made jewelry and works will be housed there. It will be a space of inclusion to celebrate talents beyond those limitations.

Revival started out as an interior upscale shop and is looking to expand into the couture and luxury fashion in early 2020.

Later into next year, Revival will transform an outdoor space for a botanical and patio furniture gallery. Revival is open TuesdayFriday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4pm as well as Sundays in December from 12-5.

Come check out this incredible new addition to the revival of downtown Monroe.

Make Her Christmas Magical With a Gift of Beauty

BY JUDY WAGONER

C

HRISTMAS IS THE ONE DAY OF the year when you really need to pull out all of the stops and get it right. No one wants to be in the dog house for the festive season, and with so many amazing gifts to offer, there’s no excuse not to get it right. You may be surprised to learn that a new survey shows 84% of women and 75% of men want either gift certificates or gift cards. So, let us make it easy for you.

Why not give a gift certificate that keeps on giving? Non-surgical aesthetic treatments should be at the top of your Christmas wish list. Professional Laser Center has an array of services and procedures to help with your giftgiving.

Botox is one of our most requested services. Dr. Victor Zuckerman offers these injections, along with a variety of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. We will be adding a similar procedure, PDO Threads,” at the beginning of the year, to address wrinkles and crepy skin on the face and body. Another popular procedure

is the Vampire FaceLift, a non-surgical, form of facial rejuvenation using the patient’s own blood, or Platelet Rich Plasma. Included in our Vampire procedures are the O-Shot and P-Shot for sexual rejuvenation.

Almost a year ago, we began offering our clients Infrared Skin Tightening. It’s one of our most popular procedures now.

Infrared light penetrates deeply into the skin to promote collagen induction, tightening the skin immediately and then progressively over the next few months.

Dermapen Microneedling also induces the production of new collagen through the delivery of tiny needles into the skin.

We incorporate new technology that optimizes the procedure. AnteAGE MD serum, sold exclusively through physicians, is microneedled into the skin. AnteAGE® pioneered the science of reactivating the skin’s natural regenerative properties by utilizing Stem and Growth Factor Cytokines derived from human bone marrow, the most natural

and powerful option to restore youthful skin. It is also microneedled into the scalp to promote hair growth. AnteAGE MD also offers a complete skin care line.

Extracorporeal Shockwave or Soundwave Therapy was added to our practice just over a year ago and results have been overwhelming.

Soundwave can be used to improve the appearance of cellulite and to tighten and tone the skin. It’s also used in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, with an 85% success rate.

Intense Pulsed Light is hugely popular with our clients. Beautiful skin is the hallmark of youth and IPL can take years off the appearance of the skin by removing unsightly pigment. This non-invasive light system treats a variety of skin conditions, including brown spots, sun damage, facial spider veins and Rosacea.

Hormone Replacement Therapy has seen tremendous success over the last year.

Dr. Zuckerman is a Diplomat in the American Academy of Anti-Aging and is highly trained in Integrative Medicine, which includes BioIdentical Hormone Replacement. Restoring the hormones we made in our youth can be lifechanging.

Make this Christmas magical by giving her a beautiful gift certificate from Professional Laser Center. For more information about these services and more, visit our website www.professionallaser.com, or call 318-3619066. Merry Christmas to all!

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Trauma

BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

C

hildhood adversity is a broad term that refers to a wide range of circumstances or events that pose a serious threat to a child’s physical or psychological well-being. Research shows that such experiences can have serious consequences, especially when they occur early in life, are chronic and/or severe, or accumulate over time. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance NICOLE misuse in adulthood. Trauma is one possible outcome of exposure to adversity. Certain types of childhood adversity are especially likely to cause trauma reactions in children, such as the sudden loss of a family member, a

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natural disaster, a serious car accident, or a school shooting. The increased public understanding that childhood adversity, including ACEs, can cause trauma— and, in turn, have a lasting impact on children’s physical and mental health—presents an important opportunity to turn this awareness into action.

Nicole Lahr, LPC, a trained Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, works as an Adolescent and Child Counselor at Brentwood Hospital, Shreveport.

She received her MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, VA and has worked in the field of youth mental health services for ten years.

LAHR She recently presented to over 200 nurses, counselors, and social workers at the Children’s Coalition Ouachita Youth Summit, professional track.

Q: What is the most important thing parents

and youth need to know about trauma?

A: Trauma is a response by the nervous system in the body; not an actual event. 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one form of traumatic event in their lives.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) have a higher likelihood of leading to trauma depending on severity of the event, age of onset, previous trauma experiences, and longevity of the situation. Examples of common adverse childhood experiences include and are not limited to: victim of bullying, victim of physical or sexual abuse, witness to violence (verbal include), and neglect.

Q: Why is it important for parents to talk to their children about adverse childhood events (ACE’s)?

A: At times, younger children go through events in their lives that parents and adults may not classify as “traumatic.” In review, whether an adverse event is viewed as traumatic is up to the individual. Therefore, younger children may have a likelihood of experiencing surgical procedures, attacks by

an animal, and storms or repeated loud noises as adverse childhood events and parents are encouraged to talk to their children about their emotions throughout these situations.

Q: What are some common signs of childhood trauma?

A: These can vary based upon person, but a few common signs include; anxiety, darting eyes, trouble sleeping, guardedness, fidgeting, intense emotions, somatic complaints, and shutting down.

Q: What are short and long term results of unresolved trauma?

A: Short term results include trouble concentrating, which can impact school performance, isolating from family and friends, or avoiding certain triggers or places. Unresolved trauma can lead to mental health concerns and/or substance use in adulthood if left unresolved. Long term results include, 15 more times likely to attempt suicide, 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic, and 3 times more likely to use antidepressant medication.

“70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one form of traumatic event in their lives.”

Q: How do I find help for my child?

A: Trained professionals can work with your child to heal the effects of traumatic events. Parents are recommended to find a counselor that is trained and specializes in trauma therapy, including EMDR or TF-CBT. For children under 12, research shows nontraditional approaches including play and art therapy can help heal and lessen the memories or “events” for the child.

RESOURCES HELP KIDS COPE Help Kids Cope is a mobile app that helps parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout— whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting.

The mobile app is free and downloadable at the app store for both Apple and Android devices.

Jan Daniels, Youth Development Director at the Children’s Coalition, works with middle schools in northeast Louisiana to provide the suicide prevention program Signs of Suicide (SOS) and Child Sex Trafficking prevention (#NotaNumber). Call Jan at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition.org to learn more about how you can get these prevention programs at your child’s school.

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Give the Gift of Travel

Virtuoso Offers Options Around the World

BY AMIE SMITH

I

AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE A WORLD of resources, thanks in large part to my partnership with Virtuoso, an organization of the top travel agencies, travel providers, and destinations worldwide. Through Virtuoso, I am able to offer our clients the kind of exclusive amenities, upgrades, access, and experiences described on the following pages.

The depth of service I offer goes well beyond the status quo. Once I understand your individual interests and preferences, I put my industry knowledge and global Virtuoso connections to work. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, I can arrange it — down to the tiniest details. I’m here for you before, during, and after every trip, and look forward to customizing your next amazing travel experience.

HOTEL & RESORT BENEFITS From Argentina to Zambia, I have personal contacts at over 1,200 exceptional Virtuoso-preferred properties in over 100 countries. Through

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my exclusive Virtuoso arrangements, I’m able to offer our clients VIP treatment and complimentary extras.

· Preferred rates and availability

· Room upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability

· Value-added amenities (minimum of $100 value)

· Daily breakfast for two

· Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability

· Complimentary WiFi THIS HOLIDAY SEASON GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL Studies show that experiences bring people more happiness and excitement than do possessions. The holidays should be about gratitude for what we already have and recognition of what’s really important, like friends, family, and a big, beautiful world that’s just waiting for us to explore. So why not put this research into practice? Instead of buying the traveler in your

life more stuff this holiday season, give the gift of a travel experience instead. Travel gives us memories that last forever and enables your friends and family to grow through new sights, tastes, smells, and encounters. Plus, they won’t have to find space to store it.

WHY USE A VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR Of all your life priorities, your leisure time is one asset you can’t earn back.

People who spend their time wisely know that it pays dividends to collaborate with a seasoned industry professional when it comes to fulfilling travel dreams. Virtuoso travel advisors provide personal, completely customized service before, during, and after every trip. Whether you enjoy being involved in your vacation planning, or prefer that someone you trust takes the reins, Virtuoso advisors are uniquely vested in your RETURN on LIFE®. Contact Amie today to create a custom itinerary with value-added amenities and unique experiences for your next trip!

Louisiana Cuisine

Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant Will Continue to Impress Diners

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ESTLED ALONG THE PICTURESQUE

Ouachita River, Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant has been a beacon of southern hospitality and a source for savory dining for nearly four decades. Started in 1980, the restaurant arose from the vision of Frances Mason in a corrugated tin warehouse that was used for storing cotton bales over 100 years ago. Mason had the desire to transform the building into a thriving seafood restaurant, and today her vision lives on through her daughter, Jan Mason and business partners, Duane Humphries and Dennis Clack.

Many locals who have grown up in our region have fond memories of special occasions celebrated at the Warehouse No. 1.

Romantic dates, birthdays, rehearsal dinners and prom night meals have all been etched into our thoughts at the heavy wooden tables, inviting bar area and spacious, airy back porch with its relaxing river view. Warehouse

No. 1 Restaurant has endeared itself to us throughout time for many reasons, but now more than ever, what is most memorable at this establishment is the exquisite fare it offers.

For this holiday season, the Warehouse No. 1 would be the perfect spot to bring family in to enjoy a nice relaxing meal in a friendly environment. Also, if you’re looking for an easy gift, they offer holiday gift cards perfect for teacher’s and boss’s gifts, stocking stuffers and white elephant gifts.

Steaks and seafood remain popular dinner choices at the Warehouse No. 1. Steaks like the Peppercorn Filet, a filet mignon coated in cracked black peppercorns and topped with a velvety red wine reduction, and the hand-cut ribeye are grilled expertly each and every time. But true to tradition, seafood steals the spotlight. The Redfish Supreme is a standout that is not to be missed. Executive Chef Mac Casteel backed

his gorgeous, well-seasoned redfish filets and tops them generously with sautéed crawfish, jumbo shrimp, lump crabmeat, mushrooms and a creamy Dijon sauce that complements the various and tender Redfish.

Whatever you do, leave room for a sweet ending to your meal. From their delightfully rich and vanilla-infused Crème Brûlée to the fantastic bread pudding – the desserts are sinfully decadent.

It takes a special restaurant to remain relevant and successful in a small town, but it takes a truly impressive dining establishment to reach the iconic status that the Warehouse No. 1 has managed to achieve. Whether it’s the loyal patrons or dedicated staff, this restaurant has survived a flood and fire and each time come back better than before. With a new renovation and an enticing menu, Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant will continue to impress diners as long as the river runs.

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Pecan Season Is Back and So Is Double P Double P Farms Is Ready To Help Make Your Holidays

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OUBLE P FARM, IF YOU’VE BEEN around Monroe for long, you may recognize this name. Double P Farm has been serving quality pecans to our area for 25 years. Originally owned by the Pierce family (known best for the delicious Ray’s PeGe restaurants), the farm has been a staple for many locals in their holiday cooking and giftgiving.

After a two year hiatus, the farm is back and under new ownership. The Milams moved to West Monroe three years ago from Shreveport-Bossier. With generations of family in the area, they chose to carve their own piece of home in this community. Double P Farm presented a unique opportunity to provide meaningful service to the Monroe area and beyond while setting down roots. The Milams are excited to get to know the customers of Double P and breathe new life into the business.

When it comes to the holiday season, pecans are a staple for cooking and gift ideas.

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There are very few dishes that represent Southern tradition more perfectly than a slice of pecan pie. With it’s dark custard filling and crunchy, nutty topping, it is bound to have your guests or family members drooling. Pecans are great gifting ideas as well. We’re selling boxes of whole, cracked, halves, and pieces.

Sweet and buttery, pecans figure so prominently in many traditional Southern holiday recipes. They’re native to the deep south, where the long, warm growing season provides the perfect growing climate. And they’re the third-most-popular nut in the U.S. behind peanuts and almonds, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.

Here at Double P Farm, we love our pecans and are so proud of our carefully nurtured product that we can’t wait to get them to you this holiday season. Here’s to pecan season and a wonderful holiday season in the south!

Pecans are currently in production at the farm and ready to be purchased. Visit our website today to purchase or call or come by

and see us! Double P Farm invites you to drive up and take a look at the orchard for yourself.

We take great pride in our beautiful orchard and are excited to share its beauty with you.

The trees will take your breath away and the pecans will restore your holiday-ready soul. If you see us at the orchard, feel free to introduce yourself- Trae and Caitlin Milam (pictured) are ready to welcome you!

This is what a few of our great customers had to say: “No better place to get pecans. Plus, a gorgeous farm that is much worth a visit.”

- Priscilla W.

“Best in the south! Can’t wait to make my Granny’s famous pecan pie with Double P’s pecans.” - Micah T.

Seasonal Sweets at Butter Bakery Local Bakery Offers it All… Except Gluten!

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HE HOLIDAYS ARE SYNONYMOUS with festive decor, holiday cheer….and sweets, and Butter Bakery is the place to find all of the holiday sweets and eats! The one thing you won’t find at the downtown bakery - gluten! Everything they offer is gluten free, making it a favorite of patrons who have Celiac Disease or suffer from gluten intolerance. The quaint bakery is located in the Vantage Tower Building in downtown Monroe and owned by Adam and Charity Jones. Charity is the head baker and has perfected so many of their baked goods - from cookies, eclairs, brownies, muffins and more. And during the holiday season, Butter offers many seasonal goodies. They offer pies including pecan and pumpkin. You can grab a slice or mini-pie during the week at the bakery or place an order for a full-size pie that will be a perfect addition to the Christmas dinner spread. They also offer other seasonal favorites like fruitcake, gingerbread men and fudge. A local favorite is the Christmas tree petit fours, which are similar to the Little

Debbie Christmas tree cakes, but even better!

Butter has iced sugar cookies with holiday decorations available throughout the week.

These can also be ordered for parties or cookies for Santa.

Even if you have never been to Butter, you have surely seen their creative confections on social media. They post pictures of their weekly cakes with from German Chocolate Cake to chocolate and peanut butter cake piled high with Reeses cups to layers of Strawberries and Cream. During the holiday season, you can expect classic Red Velvet, Italian Cream and Cranberry White Chocolate. These cakes can be ordered ahead and picked up as well.

In addition to baked goods, Butter offers coffee, tea and other drinks as well. There are specialty seasonal drinks like Gingerbread Latte, Praline Pecan Latte and Peppermint Mocha Latte, all of which can be ordered hot or cold. Butter also offers lunch during the week.

You can find their weekly menu on Facebook and Instagram each Monday. They offer items

like Broccoli Cheese Soup, BLTs, Tomato Basil Soup, Chicken and Waffle Tacos, Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Baked Potatoes and more. If you can’t make it to downtown, you can always order through GrubHub and Waitr and have it delivered directly to you!

Treats from Butter Bakery are perfect for the holiday season. You can place your order for class parties, work parties and holiday get togethers. Butter will be open on Christmas Eve so you can pick up any specialty orders just in time for Old St. Nick to arrive!

Butter, A Louisiana Bakery 130 DeSiard Street Monore, LA 318.855.3774 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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How to Personalize Your Space Ashley Alford Brings Character and Personal Style

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AVE YOU EVER VISITED someone’s house for the first time and felt like you stumbled by accident into a dentist’s waiting room — nondescript furnishings, with barren walls. There’s one word to describe what’s missing: character.

But in all fairness, finding your personal style at home can be hard to do, “Personal style is so important,” says Alford. “Your room or outfit should really tell your story, and you never want to look like you walked out of the store like a mannequin, and you never want your home to look like the showroom of the furniture store.” Which is why you should never underestimate the power of color and art when it comes to making a bold statement. “Art is a great way to add personality,” advises Alford.

Art affects the mood of the space and here are some great ways to incorporate art into your area:

Are you a new mom that wants a special

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themed nursery? “How about a custom mural for the room ?” states Alford

Do you have a new restaurant wanting to make a bang of a first impression on all of your customers? Custom wallpaper is perfect to help create an ‘atmosphere’ and have your customers keep coming back.

Did you just move into a new house and need a little “pizzazz”? Custom fabric and art made for your space will definitely make your guests say “wow!”

Meet with Ashley and she can help to incorporate your own personal style into your own personal space. She has a gift for pulling style and expressing it into art.

Here are some of the things Ashley Alford specializes in and can bring to your home, office, parties and more.

MURALS: Childrens rooms Outdoor spaces

Daycare/Schools Restaurant/Storefronts ART: Custom Art Flamingo Art Custom Wallpaper, Fabric & Pillows PARTIES: Face Painting Paint Parties Henna Tattoo Wedding Party

Ashley Alford will be showing her new art collection “Flock & Fauna” a Flamingo inspired collection at this Month’s December Downtown Art Crawl on December 5th at the new Catalyst Gallery.

For more information please call 504.427.0741.

Looking For the Perfect Gift This Holiday Season Aron’s Pharmacy Gift And Grill Has Everything You Need

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OCATED AT THE CORNER OF North 18th and Roselawn Avenue in Monroe, Aron’s pharmacy has something for everyone on your holiday list this season.

You are sure to find just what you have been looking for at Aron’s. Aron’s has been the hometown pharmacy for many years, but we have so much more to offer than just medications and prescriptions. Grab a friend and stop in at Aron’s today for friendly, fast service!. Aron’s has gifts for everyone, young and old, for this holiday season. Aron’s Pharmacy Gift and Grill provides a personal experience to every customer, new and regular.

Aron’s has all different types and colors of ornaments for you to choose from, perfect for a small gift. Aron’s has beautiful Christmas garland that would look amazing on your mantle, stair railing, or around your front door. Aron’s also has many different themed trees, both fun and beautiful, perfect to get you into the holiday spirit.

Aron’s not only carries women’s items,

they also carry some great gift items for men. Aron’s has the best fishing and hunting ornaments, that would be great for the outdoorsmen in your life. Aron’s also has great grooming products for men’s beards, lips, and so much more. They also have the perfect items for the grill-masters, too.

If you have a football fan on your list, Aron’s has select merchandise of Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, University of Alabama, Ole Miss and University of Louisiana at Monroe gifts all year.

If you haven’t tried the Grill you should step back in time and plan a visit. Open to serve a delicious breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call in your order for pick-up or dine-in.

Aron’s Grill has handmade milkshakes, malts and old fashioned hamburgers. Grab a friend and stop in at Aron’s today for friendly, fast service.

While Aron’s is your one-stop-shop for everything Christmas, they are still doing

what they’ve done best for over 55 years and that is providing pharmacy service with care and compassion. They have a full-service pharmacy with free deliveries in the Twin Cities, and they accept medicare and all 3rd party insurance.

Here are what a few of our customers have to say:

Always & always awesome! Everyone is very welcoming and service is the best! My cheeseburger special is the best in Monroe & West Monroe! Loved Aron’s for a very long time! Also the very nice man who always delivers my medicine for me is a blessing!

- Penny G Love this hometown pharmacy. They know your name; they are always the nicest folks; you aren’t just a prescription, you’re a friend. You can tell this by the service they provide. - Ellen

LOVE all of the gifts you find at Aron’s!

They always have the cutest merchandise for each holiday. - Ali

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H O L H U

SUE SARTOR CUSTOM KAFTANS & TUNICS

This handloom ruby red floral silk kaftan is perfect for holiday parties. Accessorize with gorgeous black and gold artisanmade fan statement earrings.

I D A Y E S

Sparkle this holiday season in haute hues perfect for seasonal gatherings.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Model: Mayson Wagner MUAH: Meka Bennett HERRINGSTONES

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re green with envy over this darling dress with ruffled sleeves. Accessorize with these versatile Kendra Scott Abalone Shell statement earrings.

HERRINGSTONES

Own the night in this showstopping slip dress featuring twinkling allover sequins and stem-showing side slits.

Accessorize with Kendra Scott crystal statement earrings and metallic heels with transparent toe strap.

THE FASHION OF RUSTON

Sparkle at your holiday parties with this dress featuring a cape overlay that creates volume atop this glittering shift thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spun from a textured lurex for added glam. Accessorize with Kendra Scott stacked bangles with crystal accents, and a gorgeous Loren Hope bracelet with handset stones.

Assurance Financial is Lending the Way Mortgage Company Offers Variety of Loan Options

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SSURANCE FINANCIAL IS A proud partner of LSU athletics, which is a natural fit for the mortgage company.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Assurance Financial is currently licensed in 36 states with 20 locations across the United States. Just like the LSU Tigers, Assurance Financial and their team strives to excel in all they do. Assurance Financial was created to service the mortgage loan industry a little differently. They couple technology focused solutions with superior customer service to provide a seamless and enjoyable home loan experience that exceeds expectations. And just like the Tigers, the Assurance team works hard every day.

They may not be running drills or practicing passes, but they are working hard to ensure their borrowers get the best service and experience. Assurance Financial serves the people in our community by enabling them

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to buy the home of their dreams or meet their real estate financial goals. And you can even go online and apply for a mortgage in less time than halftime takes at an LSU game!

The Tigers are one of the top teams in the nation and Assurance Financial is one of the top mortgage loan companies by putting their customers’ needs first. Just a few advantages of doing business with Assurance include outstanding customer satisfaction ratings, a comprehensive approach to lending, a huge range of loans and versatile application process. “Another thing that sets us apart is the relationships we have with all of the people involved in the home buying process,” said Amanda Smith, a local lender with Assurance Financial. “From local title attorneys, appraisers, inspectors and more, we have great relationships with our local people and that makes the process even easier for our clients.” Assurance Financial

also has great relationships with their clients as well. “We educate our clients on the type of loans available, how to build their credit and more,” said Amanda.

Assurance offers a variety of home loan options including VA loans, FHA loans, Construction loans, Non-Qualified Loans, Modular home loans and Jumbo loans. And they can walk you through the process of figuring out what makes the most sense for you! “We have recently been experiencing a boom in refinancing, as well as first time home buyers. With interest rates so low, it is a great time for first time home buyers,” said Amanda. “Also, as we go into the new year, many people are ready to make changes and improvements to their home and we can help with that with our construction and renovation loan options.”

Center for Advanced Dental Implants

Oral Surgery Associates Have Experience and Knowledge in Dental Implants

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T ORAL SURGERY ASSOCIATES, Center for Advanced Dental Implants, we believe that education and experience are imperative to achieving highly predictable and successful results for our patients. All four of our surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, which is the only board recognized by the American Dental Association to provide assurance to the public that certified diplomates have the appropriate training, experience and knowledge in the practice of Oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Utilizing extensive training, knowledge and experience and the latest technology including 3-dimensional surgical navigation we provide the highest level of surgical expertise in dental implant treatment. Some of the benefits of dental implants are: • Look and feel completely natural, improving your appearance and confidence

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• Dental implants can easily last a lifetime with proper care • Are stable and secure for improved eating and speech • Help protect remaining teeth from shifting and becoming loose by filling in the gap left by missing teeth • Help maintain fullness of the facial tissues for a more youthful look • Can stimulate bone growth, helping prevent the unattractive “bite collapse” that denture wearers can suffer from • Are strong enough to support other dental appliances, making bridgework or dentures more secure and comfortable

With all of these benefits, it’s easy to understand why dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement.

At the Oral Surgery Associates, Center for Advanced Dental implant placement you can place your confidence and trust in us knowing

our surgeons must complete 4-6 years of advanced surgical training after dental school in an accredited hospital based residency program, Our surgeons have surgically placed, over 16,000 successful dental implants. The large volume of dental implants that we place allows us to provide preferred pricing on the highest quality implants available. In addition to dental implant surgery, we also specialize in wisdom tooth removal, advanced oral bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, oral and maxillofacial pathology, TMJ disorders and obstructive sleep apnea. If you are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for dental implants or any of the other services that Oral Surgery Associates provides, contact their office at 318-388-2621 or visit our website Oralsurgeryassociates.com. We have offices in Monroe and Ruston and our fully qualified surgeons are happy to discuss your surgical options with you.

A Pride and Passion for Duck Hunting Now Open - Limits Waterfowl Co.

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OUISIANA IS ARGUABLY ONE OF the best locations in the country for some in your face, hard-hitting duck hunting.

From the flooded hardwoods of the northern part of the state to the vastness of the grassy coastal marshes, ducks can be found virtually any and everywhere. The abundance of swampy backwaters and winding bayous attract ducks in numbers from early teal migrations in September until late-season mallards call flooded timber home in January.

Limits Waterfowl Co. began its business in 2017 as an E-commerce apparel line. Starting with a love for duck hunting, two hats and two shirts.

Originally from Columbia, LA, Keith Whitten and his wife Britanny, used their spare bedroom to make shipments and store the hats and shirts. They have a passion for the outdoors way of life; especially waterfowl hunting and as popularity grew they were finding themselves sending apparel to most of the U.S., as well as Canada.

Realizing the rapid growth of the business and demand for more, the Whittens made the decision to open a store front in Winnsboro, La. They need the space to grow and provide the community with more than hats and T-shirts.

They now offer clothing, waders, calls, gear and deer hunting equipment. Products for men, women and children.

They carry brands like Drake, Banded, Avery, RNT Calls, GHG, 6th Sense Fishing, Limits Waterfowl Co., Lifetime Decoys, Habit Apparel and Tanglefree. Located in the heart of Winnsboro right off Front Street, Limits Waterfowl Co. is the sole retailer of these brands for miles.

Next to Mel’s Diner and the soon to be Subway, Limits is in the perfect location for the avid hunter to stop by and grab what they need.

“There’s no other feeling in the world like a large flight of ducks dropping from the sky and we take pride in bringing a little of that experience to our customers through our

products.” -Keith Whitten, Owner.

Fishing is coming in the spring! For the holidays shop right, shop local. Gift cards are available for the hunter in your family.

Christmas give-aways and sales for the entire month of December! Stop by the store and let their helpful staff assist you in finding the best gifts this year!

Limits Waterfowl Co. 3639 Front St. Winnsboro, LA 71295 318-367-0376 keith@limitswaterfowlco.com www.limitswaterfowlco.com Instagram and Facebook @limitswaterfowlco

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Leadership Ouachita

Thirty-Two Graduate From Program

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HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH, THIRTY-TWO PARTICIPANTS graduated from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Council’s Leadership Ouachita program at a celebration reception at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. This was the Leadership program’s 31st graduating class.

The purpose of Leadership Ouachita is to develop and empower the emerging leaders of Northeast Louisiana to transform the region into a place recognized as one of the best places to live and do business.

Class members engage in a series of sessions focused on education and workforce development, economic development and infrastructure.

The program also provides insight on public decision making, practical and in-depth discussions on public issues pertinent to Ouachita Parish, an expanded knowledge and understanding of the community in which we live, and the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with growing and established leaders in a neutral environment. Since the class inception thirty-one years ago, over 800 people have graduated from the program.

The 2019 Leadership Ouachita graduates are Trey Albritton, CenturyLink; Judy Babb, Kelsey Clean; DJ Banks, Wells Fargo; Nicole Barfield, Louisiana Delta Community College; Brandy Bell, Coldwell Banker; Lauren Butler, Progressive Bank; Savanna Collazo, MOEbiz; Christina Davis, Louisiana Small Business Development Center; Mollie Edmiston, Origin Bank; Megan Edwards, Origin Bank; Lee Michael Estes, Homeland Bank; DJ Fortenberry, Louisiana Small Business Development Center; Doug Harvey, Drax; Chelsea Higginbotham, Business First Bank; Dakota Hill, Lazenby & Associates; Krystle Ivey, Specialty Management Services of Ouachita; Curt Kelly, City of Monroe; Richard Lamb, Drax; Adrianne Lovelady, Marion State Bank; Jasmyne McConnell, Cajun Title; Alex McMorris, Century Next Bank; Brady Middleton, Ascent Health; Rich Morrison, CenturyLink; Bret Munson, First South Farm Credit; Sean Nichols, Regions Bank; Renada Norman, Chase; Kersten Puechner, Pecanland Mall; Mickey Rodgers, Atmos Energy; JT Thomas, Pelican State Federal Credit Union; Mark White, Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office; Dody Whittington, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, and John Williams, Systems Driven Consultants

During the ceremony, Jeremy Harrell was named the 28th Annual James M. Shipp, Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader of the Year. This prestigious award is presented annually to a young man or woman in Ouachita Parish who has displayed outstanding leadership and service.

The award was named in honor of James M. Shipp, Jr. Jim was the IMC general manager that was tragically killed during the explosion at the IMC plant in Sterlington in 1991. He was a Monroe Chamber board member and an active leader in the community.

Brady Middleton, with Ascent Health, was given the Charlie Mac “Twice as Much” Award. Brady was selected by fellow classmates as the participant who displayed twice as much caring, giving and respect throughout the year. Previous winners were Stephanie Rivers, Staci Albritton, Christie Messinger, Andrew Osakue, Terry Blakeney, Jake Wilson, Donald Johnson, DeRon Talley and Kelli Green.

Sponsors for the 2019 program are: CenturyLink, St Francis Medical Center, Specialty Management Services of Ouachita, Tom and Sue Nicholson, Patty Stewart Photography, PPM, The Radio People, Stephens Media Group, Strauss Interest, and The News-Star.

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Remember.

Honor. Teach.

Kilpatrick’s Annual Wreaths Across America

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HAT BEGAN IN 1992 WITH A TRAILER LOAD OF wreaths, decorated by volunteers and laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery has now become a national organization - all focused on the mission to Remember - Honor - and Teach. 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 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

The goal is to ensure that those that honored our country with their sacrifice are remembered and recognized on this special day.

Each gravesite will be adorned with a wreath of remembrance and veterans will be verbally recognized.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home is hosting their annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens at 8729 Cypress Street in West Monroe. This year’s ceremony will take place Saturday, December 14th at 11 o’clock in the morning. This will be in conjunction with the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery’s event and will be open to the public. Please call the cemetery at 318.397.3766 to reserve a wreath.

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes is a third generation family owned and operated local company. Since 1927, they have served our community and strive to bring peace and comfort in times of grief. Kilpatrick Funeral Homes is proud to be the most preferred provider of funeral and cremation services in Northeast Louisiana, including Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston and Farmerville.

In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. From the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts, our veterans are devoted sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. They come from all backgrounds in life to place those lives on the line for our freedoms. There are millions of individual stories to tell. Get to know them by viewing the 4,760 recent posts made by our supporters or sponsor a wreath in honor of or in memory of an American hero.

REMEMBER the fallen; HONOR those who serve; TEACH our children the value of freedom.

We will never forget.

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Simply Lou

From a near death experience to a change of life, Lou Davenport talks about her struggle and now optimism for the future. Damn Near Died ... Epilogue. article by LOU DAV E NP ORT illustrations by ADAM DAV E N P ORT

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t’s hard for me to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and then Christmas will be here! I’m also staring right at age 67. I missed a couple of months of this year and I’m still trying to catch up, but that’s okay with me. I’m just glad I’m still here.

Life is a precious thing, y’all. Unlike past years, I’m feeling excited about the holidays.

Damn, as a matter of fact, I’m feeling excited about so many things! It’s just good to be alive. My life has really changed since they checked me into the hospital back in August “damn near dead.” I really believe if my kids had listened to me, I’d have died right there laying on my couch! I had no idea how sick I was, and I sure wasn’t thinking I was near death!

I was finally strong enough to be turned loose on September 6th,and I was mighty glad. The PT and OT staff at St. Francis had gotten me up and going, but I still had a lot more to do! So, St. Francis Home Health came to see me and they worked me over. It

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wasn’t long until I didn’t need a walker, even though I still walked like a really old broken down woman. Lots of work later, with their help, I’m still slow, but I can truly say, I am flying solo! Thank you Raul, Charlie, and Crystal!

As I write this, I’m on the patio of my new apartment, my “bachelorette pad.” I’m waiting for the train to come by. How I love trains! This one has gotten my imagination going, and I have been having a great time finding out more about it. I do know it’s the short line for the Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi Railroad, the “short line” just like in Monopoly. I’ve named it all kinds of names, “The Love Train,” “Freight Train,” “The Orient Express,” and “The Mystery Train.” This short line even has me wanting to paint again. Look out now!

It’s not the only thing that’s great about my new place, of course, as I’ve gotten to downsize. That is such a great experience and sure does lighten the load! I have new furniture, something I haven’t ghad in way

too many years. My daughter, Carolyn, did all the decorating. It’s so good looking, it could be featured in a magazine (hint, hint)!

It’s quiet out here and everyone I’ve met seems very nice. I’m situated right in the middle of where my two daughters live.

I just find myself in a great locations turn; right, I can go to Carolyn and Ty’s, turn left, I can go to Paige and Matt’s. Or go to the airport and catch a plane to go to Texas to see Adam! Walter is happy too in our new digs, and pretty soon my old senior citizen cat, Peanut, will also come join us. She doesn’t really care where she lives as long as she has food, water, and a good place to sleep. She’s nearly 11 years old, and I watched her being born. She was so small, hence her name, and I had to give her a bottle to help her make it.

She’s a real survivor, and purrs so loud she just about rattles the walls!

I have to brag on my kids... Carolyn, Ty, Paige, and Matt made this move possible.

Adam couldn’t be here since he’s eight hours away in Texas and had a big mural to do. Yeah, I was a little bit “miffed” at him, but I got over it. He would have been here if he could have. I think it was just an overwhelmingly emotional time for everyone, but we all stuck together, and everything’s fine. I wasn’t able to help as much as I wanted to. About all I could physically do was sit and pack boxes. I’m still not strong enough to lift much, but I am slowly getting the little things done to make this new place home. I am so thankful to just be here. I think I may have already said that, but oh, what a feeling it is! Haven’t been this happy in over 10 years, so I am not taking this second chance lightly.

During my recovery, Carolyn and Paige shared “custody” of me. I miss them, but it was time for life to get back to a “new normal,” and they have certainly kept me on the straight and narrow. I do think I am on probation! Carolyn schedules an activity for us to do once a week or more. She’s gotten me painting some and that is quite an accomplishment. Paige is determined to keep me on (slightly) good behavior too, but, I have no complaints. Bless them for taking me into their homes, in fact, I get all misty just thinking about how much they have done for me in the past few months.

I knew I had great kids, but now I know I must have done something right.

I had to go have a heart stress test since I had a heart attack. I passed everything on it, and since my results were so great, they told me I didn’t have to see them again for the next six months. I just love my doctor and his staff., and they are very reassuring.

So, that’s another thing I can be thankful

for. I actually went there all on my own, nobody had to accompany or babysit me!

God really has looked out for me, and I still can’t thank everyone enough who came to see me, sent me flowers and cards, and just everything! Two of my cousins, Cindy and Linda, brought me a gorgeous gift basket with the book, “Walter the Farting Dog” tucked in it. Guess what’s my new coffee table book?! Love is something we all need and I’ve learned this... don’t be shy! If you care about someone, say it, and say it with enthusiasm. Celebrate the little things too, like me and this train. If you can’t get excited about little things, how are you going to act when something BIG comes along?

Another cousin, Connie, says, “Everyday here on earth is just lagniappe.”

I like the sound of that. I am also looking forward to Thanksgiving with my big ole crazy family. Several of us have our own tales to tell about getting sick, going through treatments that were absolutely NO fun at all, and being oh, so thankful to come out still kickin’! I think we all have guardian angels watching over us; all our aunts, uncles, grandmothers, and cousins. They were all a pretty potent group when they were alive,

and pets. My aunt Mayvonne used to call it “wildin’ off,” and we’ve gotten pretty good at it over the years. I think it is safe to say we have all earned it.

What I wish for all of you during this holiday season is hugs, smiles, and so much love that it wraps around you like a big, warm overcoat. Whatever you do.... smile!

Fake it till you make it if you have to, but SMILE, and watch a train go by! These are the days of the endless summer

Celebrate the little things too, like me and this train. If you can’t get excited about little things, how are you going to act when something BIG comes along? and it comforts me to imagine them now all watching over us as our guardian angels.

Blessed can’t even begin to describe how I feel about all of them. I don’t know about any of you, but I know that my big ole fun bunch will be laughing, carrying on, and getting “loud and proud” while celebrating the upcoming holidays with all our kids

These are the days, the time now There is no past, there’s only future There’s only here, there’s only now These are the days now that we must savor And we must enjoy as we can These are the days that will last forever You’ve got to hold them in your heart

- Van Morrison

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The Gift of Giving

Spreading the Holiday Cheer to Families in Need

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ABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF Ouachita is a volunteer-driven organization. We welcome people from all walks of life to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with God and families in need. Though the vast majority have no construction experience or building skills, volunteers are involved in most phases of construction. By working side-byside with the family who will live in the house, our volunteers experience for themselves the joy created when a family is able to realize their dream of home ownership. Habitat volunteers contribute more than muscle. Creativity, strategy, and technical skills are among the many invaluable traits volunteers bring to the organization. With a minimal staff, Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita depends upon volunteer committees for support with projects like Family Selection, Family Support, Public Relations, Construction Skills Training, and Volunteer Services.

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Our Christian non-profit housing organization began serving the community by partnering with low-income families to provide affordable housing, as well as guiding families down the path of affordable homeownership.

Since that time, HFHO has built 49 homes for deserving families.

For this holiday season, giving a donation in someones name would be a great gift idea and is also a way to give back to your community and help the less fortunate families. This is the season of giving and those families in need would appreciate the help in any way, shape or form. Habitat For Humanity of Ouachita is currently seeking funding for the building our 50th home in Ouachita Parish. HFHO offers an affordable homeownership program that serves low income families with housing needs. These homes are built on a simple design with community volunteer labor and partner family “sweat equity” which allows homes to be built at a lower cost. Homes are sold to

partner families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans, typically over a period of twenty years. Habitat For Humanity of Ouachita invites you to join us as we work in partnership with God’s people in need, helping them to secure safe, affordable shelter and build our 50th home in Ouachita Parish.

Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita was recently approached by the Ruston affiliate, North Central Louisiana Habitat for Humanity concerning a merger of the two groups. The Ruston affiliate has been an all-volunteer group, now seeking to merge and benefit from a staff. Our name will be changing to Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln in Ouachita. Our office will remain in Monroe at 2816 Deborah Drive.

Feel free to reach out to Forrest Fife, Executive Director, with any questions concerning donations or volunteer opportunities at either Habitat Home currently under construction.

Countertops From a Flooring Company?

It Simply Doesn’t Add Up

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E A SMART BUYER! WHY purchase your countertops from a flooring company? Have your countertops installed by local professionals and get it done right and possibly cheaper from the start. Buying countertops from flooring companies simply doesn’t add up. A flooring company is simply going to sub-contract your business to a countertop fabricator and add an additional mark up to the final cost. When you buy directly from the countertop company like Twin City Granite you cut out the middleman. TCG helps you in the selection process to pinpoint your options for budgeting, selecting quality materials and achieving the desired outcome.

Twin City Granite assists our loyal customers throughout the entire process.

With hundreds of types of material, colors and styles to choose from, decisions can be overwhelming; so how do you make an informed decision? Visit Twin City Granite,

we specialize in installing kitchen counter tops, backsplashes, bathroom vanities, outdoor kitchens, shower benches, tub decks, and fireplace surrounds. If you can dream it, we can do it!

Twin City Granite has many different countertop edges to complete the look of the granite/marble/quartz that compliments each customer’s style. We also have an inventory of vanity and kitchen sinks to complete the look.

Twin City Granite is professional in every aspect and will work hard to ensure that every customer is satisfied and happy with our craftsmanship.

Visit our store front and showroom where customers can come see and feel the granite that they are choosing. An authorized dealer of PrestigeStone, Vicostone, Zodiac, Cambria, HanStone and Caesarstone, Twin City Granite will help you every step of the way. Owner Joe Gremillion and his team are considerate and friendly and will work closely with each and

every customer to ensure the best options for them.

Twin City Granite is a locally owned business located in the heart of Monroe, La. and proudly supports our loyal customer base, area schools and community events. Owner Joe Gremillion and his team are continually working on local projects and are proud of the jobs they have completely. Stop by their showroom at 300 N Stanley Ave in Monroe or give them a call at 318-654-7487 to get started on your dream home!

“Thank you for voting for Twin City Granite for •Best Countertops• for the 2019 Bayou Buzz Awards! We appreciate all of our past, present and future customers!” - Twin City Granite Be sure to follow us on Instagram @twincitygranitellc and Facebook at TwinCityGranite.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

-Joe Gremillion

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Keeping Your Traditions Alive

Let Tonore’s Help You With Your Entertaining Needs

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USSELL KICEY AND HIS WIFE, Julie, take tradition seriously. They understand the important role tradition plays in Northeast Louisiana, and when it comes to entertaining, Tonore’s Wine Cellar has set the standard for fine wines, liquors, and beers for more than 80 years.

When they purchased the store from the Tonore family in 2014, Russell knew they had big shoes to fill. Since taking ownership, the Kiceys have dedicated themselves to continuing to provide excellent service and an expertly curated collection of spirits and beverages. This holiday season, Tonore’s is pleased to bring the party to you and help you ensure that you and your guests are always happy. After all, the holidays are about abundance of food and drinks— especially the latter when the drinks come from Tonore’s Wine Cellar.

Monroe’s favorite liquor and wine spot

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has become so much more than just a spot for the perfect bottle to share. Russell can help you plan a unique and fun holiday party for you, your friends, family or co-workers.

Tonore’s now offers private wine tastings for small or large parties. This unique experience lets you expand your palate and try new wines that you may not try on your own.

Call Russell today to schedule your unique tasting, but hurry spots are filling fast.

The staff at Tonore’s are experts at putting together the ideal combination for any party, whether it’s time to put on the Ritz or wow your friends on a budget. Serving up delicious libations and lush snacks doesn’t have to break the bank. It also doesn’t mean you can’t have that something special under the tree, either.

For example, consider Tonore’s handselected Woodford Reserve Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. These

special 750 ml bottles can be engraved with your personal holiday message, making them an ideal gift for your friend or family members. Bottles are available by pre-order, though we only have so many, so you’ll need to get your bottle quick. The supply is limited and last year they sold out in 10 days!

Also, another way you can make a big impression with a gift is let Tonore’s build a custom gift basket for you. Russell makes it easy and simple to find that perfect gift for your boss, co-worker, friend, or family member. Baskets range in size depending on budget and what you want. Let Tonore’s Wine Cellar help you give the perfect gift.

Tonore’s Wine Cellar is your one-stopshop this holiday season.

Visit them today at 801 Louisville Avenue in Monroe or call 318.325.4100.

R&R Gems Going Out of Business Local Jewelry Store Closing December 24

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&R GEMS IS A FAMILY OWNED and operated jewelry store that prides itself on outstanding service to every person that enters their door, whether they are looking for “the” ring, a special piece of jewelry to commemorate an anniversary or a little something sparkly to put under the tree. From all things bridal, including engagement rings, wedding bands for both men and women and bridesmaids gifts to necklaces, rings and bracelets featuring unique gems and diamonds.

Led by Danny, Trish and Amy Ryals, R&R Gems opened in October 2014 and this year, they are closing their shop. They would like to thank each person who has visited or purchased jewelry and other items from them over the last five years. But the time has come for them to retire and enjoy their family. They invite you to come by and see their selection of fine jewelry and

unique sterling silver jewelry, at prices that will make your visit worthwhile. Christmas will be here before you know it and this is your last chance to purchase quality jewelry at low prices, with some items up to 80% off!

R&R Gems is the only local store that offers Lafonn jewelry, expertly crafted in platinum, yellow or rose gold bonded sterling silver with the finest simulated diamonds, labgrown gemstones and genuine gemstones.

This line is at an affordable price point and must be seen to appreciate. Also, there are more than just jewels for the ladies. R&R Gems carries ArmourLite watches, the first company to combine shatterproof glass construction with tritium illumination, making it perfect for first responders, hunters and outdoorsmen. There are over 400 watches to choose from including Seiko, Pulsar, Charles Hubert and more.

R&R Gems is conveniently located

on Forsythe Avenue in Monroe and open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm. Their going out of business sale only lasts through December 24th so hurry in! The Ryals would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to each person they have had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with over the past five years. It has been their pleasure to be able to provide beautiful jewelry to the community.

R&R Gems 2122 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 318-322-9800

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Christmas and Advent Season A Celebration of the Birth of Christ BY: PASTOR BILL CORNELIUS

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HAT IS THE ADVENT SEASON? The development of a season to prepare Christians for Christmas was first heard of in the 5th century (400 -499 AD) from the countries of Spain and Gaul.

In that time, certain days were set aside for fasting (going without food) in preparation for Christmas. The Christians would begin this time of fasting as early at St. Martin’s Day (November 11th). This Advent season was meant to be a time of reflection, repentance and preparation for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child.

ADVENT: A SEASON OF PREPARATION. The word, Advent, consists of two Latin words: ad - venire, “To come to.” Advent’s message is that God in Christ is coming to the world. This focus on Christ’s coming is three fold: past, present and future.

Past. God did come in Christ at that first Christmas. The Old Testament prophets’

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promises of the coming Messiah were fulfilled in the Babe in the manger, who came for no other reason than to live, die and rise to win forgiveness for mankind.

Present. God comes to us through the word made flesh, Jesus Christ, every time we read, mark and inwardly digest His word to comfort us with all that Jesus has done for us.

Future. Christ will return unpredictably at the end of the world on the last day. “He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead.”

Advent reminds the faithful of the sure promises of the sure coming of the Lord. The message of Advent then is “prepare.” The Lord is coming whether the world is ready or not. For those unprepared, His coming means judgment. For those ready for His coming, it means salvation.

HOW DOES ADVENT SUGGEST THAT WE PREPARE?

• Repentance - forsake the sins of the world for a godly way of life.

• Prayer - pray for the coming of Christ, for He shall save.

• Patience - His coming may be delayed.

Watch and wait, for His coming may be sudden.

WHAT IS THE LITURGICAL COLOR FOR ADVENT? Purple is the traditional color for the season of Advent. Purple was the most costly dye in ancient times and was therefore used by kings to indicate their royal status. Purple also signifies the repentance and patience of God’s people as they await the arrival of their Lord. In more recent times, many churches use royal blue, the color not only of royalty, but of hope, expectation, and heaven.

Give the Gift of Art this Holiday Season Three Threads Offers Local Art and More

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HREE THREADS IS A UNIQUE shop, located in the heart of downtown West Monroe. Not only do they have a variety of products like earrings, apothecary products and tea towels, it’s also the home to local artist, Sallie Bynum Anzelmo’s original artwork and glassware line. Sallie is the creative mind behind the Original Oyster© glass, as well as a host of other exclusive designs like the evil eye, ginger jar and bar scene series. These designs can be found on glassware, ornaments and in unique artwork.

Most days you can find Sallie and her elves working in the back of the shop, hand painting and shipping out their glassware line that is supplied to stores across the country. If you have a football fan on your list, be sure to check out the line of handprinted glassware for ULM, LA Tech, LSU and the New Orleans Saints. You can even request a customized set of glassware, which is the perfect personalized gift! And for the person

that has everything, art is always the answer.

You can find the perfect piece of local original art in a variety of sizes, fitting all budgets.

The shop also has plenty of gift options for everyone on your list. They carry a full line of products from Oxalis Apothecary, including mineral mist, sea salt scrub, toning mist, body oil and clay mask. If you’re looking for a good dry shampoo, Three Threads carries the Lulu Organics hair powder, perfect for the girl on the go. Bath bombs, bath soaks and face masks also make great stocking stuffers. You can find plant dyed tea towels, organic cotton kimonos and bandanas from local artisan, Heather Land. For the guys on your list, Three Threads has plenty to offer as well. For the wine and whiskey connoisseur, there’s locally made, hand carved wooden wine and whiskey bottle stoppers. There’s also a complete line of hand crafted cocktail mixers including tonic, hot toddy, Moscow mule and old fashioned.

You can stop in Three Threads and see everything they have to offer during one of their upcoming holiday events. They are hosting their Jingle & Mingle event during the Downtown Art Crawl on December 5th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sip specialty cocktails and enjoy the music while you shop the M Street Studio Earring Bar and customize your own pair of earrings for the perfect sparkle to wear to all of your holiday parties. Mark Lockridge will also be on hand with local woodwork.

Stop by the shop on December 7th during the Christmas on the River events. You can get all of your holiday shopping done and then enjoy the festive fireworks display above the Ouachita River. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift to put under the tree, or something for yourself, Three Threads is your one-stop-shop!

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B A N D O F B R O T H E R S PI LOT I N G T H E R E S TO R AT I O N O F M I L I TA RY A I RCR A F T AT T H E CH EN N AU LT M USEU M ar ticle by MARÃ&#x2030; BRENNAN and photos by BR AD ARENDER

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wo days before Air Force One touched down at Monroe Regional Airport the men who are normally hard at work restoring aircraft at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum (CAMM) hangar are busy installing American flags atop the cyclone fence along the road the President will soon be traveling.

Creating a patriotic welcome is nothing new for this band of brothers who’ve answered the call to restore and protect vintage military aircraft. Most of the planes this team is restoring have a direct connection to Monroe’s Selman Field, where the majority of World War II navigators were trained, or to General Chennault’s Flying Tigers; others are relics of later wars that get their due respect as well.

Says Chennault Museum’s CEO Nell Calloway, “We are very proud of our aircraft restoration team. Most of the men who work on the planes are veterans, and many worked on aircraft in the military.

Those who weren’t in the military feel they are serving those who did.

If they did not love this country and what it represents, they would not do it. There is a great comradeship among them, and many war stories are told. It is also a way they can honor the machines of war and teach future generations about the history of our country.”

For those who love aviation, a trip to the Chennault Museum’s hangar is not to be missed. The restoration volunteers are there on Tuesdays and Fridays during the week. Lately, their work has been concentrated on restoring an F-86 fighter jet, which is now covered in layers of primer, ready for paint. In its earlier days, the F-86 was simply aluminum, not painted at all. But time and the elements have done a number on this aging veteran.

Adds Calloway, “Our volunteers spend thousands of hours and dollars restoring our aircraft only to have to leave them outside and subject to the elements. These men work selflessly and volunteer time and energy to each restoration project. The sun is very hard on the paint, plus we are always subject to hail and storms. We asked TBA StudioTim Brandon Architecture to design an aircraft park that would get the airplanes onto concrete pads and also to design a covering for them.

We wanted to make it a visitor-friendly place that people would enjoy seeing and reading the history of the aircraft. Tim volunteered to help us out and designed the park. We then started working on grants and a capital campaign to raise the funds. Recently the museum received an EDA grant from the federal government for the project.”

Jim Glass, one of the volunteers at the hangar, relates the effort it takes to relocate these massive aircraft. For example, to retrieve the museum’s A-7 fighter plane, Charles Tullos and Jim did a reconnaissance mission to see how it would have to be moved. The state approved a

route and luckily the A-7’s wings folded to a height of 23’ 9”, which was just under the state’s maximum of 24 feet. The men received a Louisiana State Police escort from the B-Troop. Jim laughs, “When the first trooper showed up with a license plate that read, ‘B-52’ and the second one’s was B-57, we got super excited.” After the A-7 was loaded onto a low-boy trailer, the men started north traveling only on state and local highways.

The F-86 was found at an abandoned VFW Hall and was getting vandalized. The team had already been working on a MIG-15 (what North Koreans and the Chinese flew during the Korean War), and the F-86 was the United States’ answer to the MIG. “We had to take the wings and tail off of the F-86 to get it back to Monroe,” says Jim of the Herculean effort it took to retrieve the large fighter jet.

Glass is an Air Force-trained navigator for B-52s. Because of changes in the military, he became a part of the Air Force’s security forces in the Air Police, the infantry of the Air Force. After being stationed all over the world and installing the first security forces at Cheyenne Mountain and being a squadron commander of police in Vietnam, Glass became an instructor at Lackland. While in the reserves in the Army National Guard, he became a licensed pilot. “My mother said from the time I could walk, if there was an airplane, I had to climb on it or go look at it,” he smiles. “I even met my wife in flight training.

We were together 59 years and 9 days, when she passed a little over a year ago.”

Tom Shutt served in the Marine Corps, doing helicopter work in 1968-69. “I was an aviation structural mechanic, also known as a ‘tin bender,’” says Shutt, who’s experience comes in mighty handy when restoring these vintage aircraft. “I was retired and bored, and when they got the A-7, I thought, ‘Now that is something I can do.’ And I passed the test,” he laughs. “The test to work in the hangar is, ‘Do you know the difference between a hammer and a wrench?’ I have really enjoyed this work and am a firm believer in what we do at the Chennault Museum.

Shutt currently serves on the Museum’s Board of Directors.

Shutt describes one of his restoration highlights, “When we finished the A-7 restoration, the best part was meeting the pilot who had actually flown the plane we restored and others who flew the A-7 in general.” Sonny Kifer, who lives in Newellton, flew 18 combat missions off the Kitty Hawk in Vietnam in the A-7 at the CAMM. He and his wife checked his old log books and determined this particular plane was the one he flew based on the plane’s call number. What a reunion!

Judge John Harrison, a retired District Judge and member of Chennault’s Board of Directors, stops by to catch up in the hangar with the restoration team. According to the men, it helps to have good legal advice when acquiring approval for aircraft use from the military branches.

Says Judge Harrison, “We’ve gotten approvals and qualified quickly from the Air Force and Navy, but the Army has been a little slower for approvals.” He also explains that everything in the museum, from the planes to the individual displays inside the building, tells a unique and compelling story of patriotism and valor from a historical perspective.

Jim Gregory, a former Marine whose specialty was aviation electrical systems or avionics, is another Chennault restoration volunteer you’ll find at the hangar on any given Tuesday or Friday. Of the F-86, “I saw this one twenty years ago in Hazlehurst, MS, and we brought it to Monroe in 2017. The canopy had been busted out. We found a new canopy in California that cost us $1,500 plus shipping from a parts surplus company.” Gregory, who is also retired from the Monroe Police and Sheriff’s Departments, inquired with Nell about volunteering at the museum, and she asked if he liked to work on airplanes? It was obviously a match made in heaven. “I’ve had a lifelong interest in airplanes and being able to touch these and bring them back is a great part of volunteering here,” he adds.

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s the volunteers gather at the hangar and greet each Cranes, Donnie Plunk and the Mississippi governor were integral in getting other as they come in, Whitney Alger lets them know that plane lifted over a fence with highways blocked and back on the road to the status of their longtime buddy and fellow plane Monroe.” restorer, Jerry Smith, who helped the Chennault

Alger adds that a man from Jackson, who contacted the Mississippi Museum get started and gain its wings. Alger governor about permission to shut down traffic to move the plane, ended up encourages the others to check in on Smith after his donating money to the CAMM to help offset expenses. “Each one of these upcoming surgery. Alger explains that everything the planes has such a wonderful story behind them. People think we’re pretty,” group does stems from Jerry’s leadership. The hangar laughs Alger. “Every year lots of aircraft are lost to scrap.” where all the restorations projects are tackled was erected in 2011. Before

“And thousands more are sitting in some Arizona desert.,” adds Lloyd that, all the work was done under the sun and was subject to the elements.

Brown, who would drive by Litchfield Airpark as a teenager to see the B-29s.

Boisterous and supportive, Alger rallies his troops and inspires others to The runway was full of retired airplanes with covered windows and engines join in the restoration. “It’s gonna cost around $5,000 plus labor to paint the that could be ready to go with some air in the tires and some fuel in the tank.

F-86. I found the guy who can do it,” explains Alger. Money for restorations

The MIG came to the CAMM by way of Phoenix, says Alger. “The comes from the museum’s budget. Alger man we got it from kept the engine, but encourages those who’d like to help with we got the body of the plane. The really airplane restoration or the aviation park, interesting thing about this plane is that it to donate to the CAMM and designate was a Russian design, built by the Chinese their funds, if they wish. “The Air Force with a Polish MIG engine, and there are calls me at least three times a year to offer three languages in the cockpit.” me airplanes. There are three planes right Glenn Scioneaux, who describes now north of Little Rock that we could get himself as the rookie of the Chennault for the museum, an F-4 Phantom, an F-84 plane restoration volunteers, is a retired (which flew in Korea), and an F-4 Phantom Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. He II, which has a distinguished combat describes the new aviation park as shelters record. We’ve also located an F-4 in Baton for the restored planes with four bays on Rouge that we’d love to have to repair. The each side of the park. He points out that cost to take apart and transport the F-4 to the MIG and the F-86 were pitted against Monroe could be around $50,000.” each other in the Korean War. “To have

Alger describes his team of airplane these two planes in the aviation park next restoration volunteers as “MacGyvers” to one another will bring history to life for when it comes to working on planes and our visitors,” he says. Scioneaux got started finding inexpensive and safe ways to with the Chennault group after reading “We asked TBA Studio-Tim Brandon Architecture transport them back to Monroe. I got a articles about the airplane restoration to design an aircraft park that would get the quote of $29,000 to move the F-86 from and knew he was nearing retirement and Hazlehurst to Monroe. With this group of looking for something to do. airplanes onto concrete pads and also to design a men, it only cost us $2,000 to get it done.

On the docket to be refurbished covering for them. We wanted to make it a visitorLloyd Brown, our woodworking volunteer, after the team finishes the F-86 will be a friendly place that people would enjoy seeing and handcrafted custom cradles that we little blue plane, a Beech 18, which will be reading the history of the aircraft. Recently the covered in carpet for carrying planes back restored to look like the AT-7 planes used museum received an EDA grant from the federal on the low-boy trailer that keeps the bodies at Selman Field for navigator training government for the project.” ~ NELL CALLOWAY from getting damaged further. Barnhart during World War II. Says Scioneaux,

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“Airmen from all over the country came here to learn navigation. A lot of them met local girls and ended up staying in the area. Monroe has so many connections all over the country because of this.”

The green SNB-5 Model Beech 18 at the CAMM was converted to a M-18-R with a gun turret on top and a bomb bay by the volunteers at the CAMM hangar to look like the six planes General Chennault ordered for China. General Chiang Kai Shek gave the Beech 18 to General Chennault to use as his personal aircraft.

A big DC-3 slated for restoration was originally owned by United Airlines in the 1950s and ended up as a mosquito control plane in South Louisiana. In the military this plane was designated as a C-47 and carried cargo and paratroopers. This was a plane that flew over the treacherous Himalayas or “The Hump” as part of Chennault’s AVG supply route.

Of course, no trip to the CAMM would be complete without seeing the replica of the illustrious P-40, flown by Chennault’s AVG over the skies of China. The museum’s version is a three-quarter scale model, which was built from the ground up by an aviation enthusiast in Waco. The distinctive shark nose and teeth make the P-40 easily recognizable around the world.

For those interested in volunteering with the group, Tom Shutt adds, “It’s a low bar to join us, and there are no dues. You don’t have to know anything about planes, and there is always something to do.”

“We work like we’re not getting paid,” laughs Jim Gregory, who encourages anyone with an interest in aircraft, restoration and volunteering to come join them at the Chennault hangar. “Every aircraft is different, and it all makes me proud to be a part of. Everyone has a sweetheart, and the F-86 is my personal favorite.”

Adds Alger pointing to the wing of the F-86, “There is plenty of work to do. There are 58 bolts on each wing, and it takes 164 turns with a wrench to get a bolt in or out.”

On Alger’s wishlist? “Well, if we had money, we’d be dangerous, but it would be great to add a B-25 to the museum,” adds Alger.

If you’d like to donate to the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, please go online at chennaultmuseum.org or visit the museum at 701 Kansas Lane. For more information about volunteering to restore planes at the hangar, visit the hangar on Tuesdays and Fridays and join this group of volunteers dedicated to preserving our history, one plane at a time.

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A Venue for the Seasons A Historical Venue to Start Your Future

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REAMING OF A WHITE WINTER WEDDING BUT afraid of the weather? Park Manor is updating and expanding to bring only the best to the brides of Northeast Louisiana. This historical venue has all of the modern amenities and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150 acres of rolling hills and rustic woodlands await you and the one you want to spend the rest of your life with.

Elegant, beautiful, accessible and accommodating are the words that describe Park Manor. Perfect for any event or photo session. The property includes an amazing plantation home front with a brick walkway, a breath-taking bridal cottage and dressing room, and the brand new enclosed reception hall that is perfect for any season.

Any weather, any season. Park Manor strives to accommodate anything and everything. Their newly renovated and expanded reception hall can host your wedding guests if the weather does not permit an outdoor wedding. Beautiful and designed to be easily decorated, the new reception hall can accommodate your guests for the ceremony as well as the reception, if need be. It is large enough for food, dancing, tables and chairs, a fireplace and a large flat screen T.V. that is perfect for slide-shows. It comes complete with its own sound system and whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot or cold outside the hall has heating and air-conditioning.

Park Manor has designed the new reception hall to go with all wedding decor. A modern farm house look, with three windows at the center that were designed and built in the 1850s. These windows were installed as the focal point of this grand space and would make a beautiful background for a ceremony.

The plantation home itself was built in the 1860s. Its beauty and history make it the perfect location for a wedding. The front of the house is adorned with large white columns, a balcony and grand doorway and can be easily decorated to match each brides particular style. The brick pathway leads from the bridal cottage all the way to the front steps up to the house and one can simply envision themselves walking down the aisle.

Before the wedding, brides can get ready and enjoy the day in the private Bridal Cottage on the property. Decorated in a dreamy rustic vintage style, the bridal cottage is the perfect place for the bride and her bridesmaids to relax before the big event.

Schedule your appointment now to view for yourself the exciting new changes that Park Manor has accomplished. Tammy Warner would love for a chance to help you make your dream wedding a reality. Call her at 318.239.2146 or you can email her at tammy@parkmanorvenue.com.

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CAKE, A Modern Southern Bakery A Celebration. A Centerpiece. A Statement.

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MODERN SOUTHERN BAKERY, CAKE demands excellence from simplicity, the highest standards in design, and exceptional flavor. West Monroe native, chef, and owner Becky Thompson earned her degree in Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi after graduating from West Monroe High School (’02). Creative designs, impeccable flavor, and a desire for mastery then led to the French Pastry School in Chicago, Illinois where Becky studied under highly acclaimed chefs Jacquy Pfeiffer and Sebastien Canonne, M.O.F. After earning L’Art de la Patisserie, Becky found a home back south with Viking Range in Greenwood, Mississippi. Becky became, and still is, a chef instructor at the Viking Cooking School, where cooking classes demonstrate the highest techniques of modern cuisine with a Delta flair. Moonlighting as a custom baker, she provided locals with birthday cakes, specialty desserts, and hand decorated cookies and began to establish a reputation for excellence,

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skill, and creativity with pastry. After 12 years, Becky embraced the urge and opportunity to return home and launch her bakery, CAKE. The simple baking traditions of rural North Louisiana were hallmarks of Becky’s childhood - pralines, millionaires, fudge, and cookies were the earliest memories of family baking.

Marrying that simple foundation, an expertise in traditional French techniques, and a passion to exceed every customer’s expectations, CAKE provides her customers with big city style here at home. After all, “without CAKE, it’s just a meeting!”

“Our family loves CAKE! We look forward to a new CAKE creation every time we have a celebration. From birthday parties, holidays, showers, to weddings – CAKE is always part of our fun. Everything she makes is beautifully, creatively done and even more importantly… tastes delicious!” - KORIE ROBERTSON, Duck Dynasty, Best-Selling Author, The Duck Commander Family, Strong and Kind: Raising Kids of Character

“CAKE is, without a doubt, one of the

most creative cake and cookie companies I have ever used. She constantly amazes me with her abilities and knocks it out of the park every time. CAKE continues to exceed all my expectations!” - ELIZABETH HEISKELL, Today Show Food Contributor, Southern Living Contributor, Caterer, Best-Selling Cookbook Author “I accidentally stumbled upon the wonderful team at CAKE, and since then, I automatically know where I’m headed for any of my confectionery needs! Just a few reasons you should make the same decision: Do you need customized cookies to make your company or organization stand out to clients, employees, or the community? Choose CAKE. How about a perfect party cake with a replica character from the latest movie hit or star of yesteryear for your little one’s big birthday bash? Choose CAKE. Most importantly, how about something you dream up to include the most delicious peanut butter cream cheese mousse sammiched between gigantic multi-layered chocolate chip cookies for an EPIC wedding spectacular to feed hundreds? Choose CAKE. There’s no-one around more talented and with a passion for people through their product than the team at CAKE. Your guests, your clients, your family, and your taste buds will all think much more highly of you because of the team at CAKE!” - CHRIS BROWN, Businessman, Entrepreneur, Co-Owner of 2Dudes Brew & Que

Give the Gift of Relaxation with Spa Bella Local Spa Offers Personalized Products and Gift Certificates

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PA BELLA IS LOCATED IN THE heart of downtown West Monroe and has something for everyone this holiday season. They offer gift certificates for all of the services they offer, allowing you to give the gift of relaxation and pampering. They offer a variety of massage options including Swedish, therapeutic, deep tissue, medical and soothing stone. You can even relax in their infrared sauna prior to your massage, allowing your muscles to relax and get the most of your treatment. They also specialize in facials, including the Opti Resurfacing Treatment,a luxurious treatment that infuses oxygen, peptides and minerals that leave your skin lightened and brightened. This is just one of the options they offer.

Spa Bella offers all things when it comes to nails from manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel polish and more. Mitzi Waterman is a licensed nail technician that loves providing quality nail services in a private

setting with a safe and tranquil environment, where her clients feel comfortable and relaxed. Not only does Mitzi offer a relaxing environment, she also has some of the newest nail technology like their 100% soak-off soft gel extension system. These are a healthier version of acrylic nails that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t damage your nails and they feel more natural. And they are excited to offer spray tan services. In the middle of winter, Spa Bella can offer you that beautiful, natural glow and get your ready for all of the holiday parties!

Spa Bella carries the entire line of products from Bathhouse Soapery, a handmade soap, bath and beauty company that makes fresh cosmetics in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They offer soaps, soaking salts, bath bombs and scrubs, body butter, deodorant, shaving accessories, room and linen sprays and more. They offer seasonal holiday scents including Mulled Pomegranate, Spiced Cranberry, Cardamon

White Chocolate, Sleigh Queen, Peppermint, Orange Ginger Chiffon, Apple Mint Oatmeal and Pumpkin Butter. Another favorite product for winter is the lip balm and lip scrubs, leaving your lips soft and supple, ready for that moment under the mistletoe!

Spa Bella carries a room diffuser, as well as room spray and the oil line from Soular Therapy. They smell amazing and keep your home smelling fresh for 6 to 8 weeks, without having to worry about lighting candles. The diffuser also makes a great gift for someone that loves to have their home smelling fresh.

Stop by Spa Bella to get a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure and get ready for the holiday season. And while you are there, pick up a gift certificate or gift basket that anyone on your list will love to get under the tree this holiday season!

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Limits Waterfowl Co. Grand Opening

Limits Waterfowl Co. opened their doors in Winnsboro, Louisiana on Saturday, November 9th from 9am-3pm. Keith and Britanny Whitten, owners of the store, invited guests to shop, enter their names for door prizes and giveaways, and enjoy the food and drinks that were served. Their T-shirts, hats and hunting apparel were all on display for the event as family and friends made their selections. The store front is located on Front Street in the center of town and next to Melâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diner in the newly built shopping center. The Whittenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would like to thank everyone for the support in attending their grand opening.

On the BayouScene 1 Carri Nugent and Britanny Whitten 2 Dylan English and Ainsley Easterly 3 Keith and Britanny Whitten 4 Keith Whitten, Britanny Whitten, Gracie Whitten, Aiden Whitten, Cass Whitten, Jennifer whitten and Carri Nugent 5 Tucker, Drake and Jena Richman 6 Gracie, Aiden and Cass Whitten 7 Cass and Jennifer Whitten

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Spa Nouvelle & DermaMediq Open House

Spa Nouvelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and DermaMediqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open house was another success this year. Guests got to enjoy delicious sweet treats and wine while they mixed and mingled. Dermamediqs offered a face scanner that showed the problem areas on your face then they showed you the treatments necessary to fix them. They both offered special pricing for treatments and massages that were great for personal gifts or holiday gifts for loved ones.

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On the BayouScene 1 Lily and Virginia Barham 2 Sarah Perry and Mary Beth Dickerson 3 Kisha Davis and Reba Custer 4 Wendy Newsom, Mary Beth Dickerson and Drew Farr 5 Ashley Dupuis and Heidi Pelloquin 6 Madelynn Brooke Smith, Connie Hebert and Margaret Barker

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Holidays in Cedartown

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Holidays in CedarTown provided guests with three days of unique holiday shopping along with an opportunity to enjoy several special events. In its 30th year, the market opened with Take a Bunch to Lunch. The sold-out private shopping event featured lunch treats provided by area caterers and restaurants and exclusive early shopping. On Thursday evening Holidays After Hours offered guests festive after-hours shopping with live music, door prizes, complimentary appetizers and beverages. Jingles and Jammies on Saturday morning treated the little ones to a visit and breakfast with Santa along with Story Time with Mrs. Claus.

On the BayouScene

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1 Theresa Huckaby and Olivia Holland 2 Marsha Blankenship and Alisha Elkins 3 Mallory Patterson and Emily Pullen 4 Lauren Roebuck and Heather Boddie 5 Kady Beth Gould, Gina Dempsey and Shellie Buckman 6 Krista Nguyen amd Mellisa Durrett 7 Ashley Hughes, Melanie Peel and Anna Claire Peel 8 Staci Faulkner and Megan Faulkner 9 JW and Megan Perry 10 Robbie Shadoin, Sarah Duke and Angeline Shadoin 11 Kelly Smith and Holly Coyle 12 J odie Morphew and Olivia Stinson 13 Janis Smith and Emily Arnold 14 Erin Johnson and Samantha Lantrip 15 Amber Mandino and Baranda Clemons 16 Anna Dawling and Emily Miears 17 Ashlynn Frick and Lauren Derveloy 18 Christy Sorenson, Kayla Cok and Cameron Hughes

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Fertility and the Holidays

Positive Steps Offers Support During the Holiday Season

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T IS VERY HARD TO SING “FOR UNTO us a child is born” as a Christmas song, when deep down one is thinking about how that is not the case. Couples struggling with infertility often avoid parties or friends and family whom they think will pressure them about having a child, when there is already plenty of internal pressure.

Approximately one in three couples in their mid-30’s without children struggle with subfertility, and most have thought about the possibility before others raise it. Trying to suggest a couple follow a timeline you think is right (rather than one they or God sets for them) can seem presumptuous. I’ve heard several subfertile couples say the next time someone asks them about their fertility, they’ve said they will respond, “Since we’re talking medical issues, you look as though you’ve gained weight. What are you up to now?” Asking about fertility is that personal a question to those struggling with it.

There are far more polite responses to, “When are you having kids?” such as, “Why, is there a shortage,” “We’re planning a couple dozen more scrimmages before entering the playoffs,” “I traded my biological clock for an Apple watch,” “We’re ready if you’ll pay for them,” and “We’re still searching marshes for a reliable stork.” Being able to laugh helps wellness for many circumstances and medical conditions.

If you want a friend or family member to have children then simple, unconditional love is the best way to support them. They’ll talk about it when they are ready and your showing them the importance of family and connections can be a far greater call to action than words themselves.

If you are personally struggling with subfertility, don’t go through it alone. Get medical support and talk to others. Even a few words to friends can often connect you with someone who has been in a similar

situation and gotten through it. (However, people who’ve had a few drinks and forgotten contraception don’t count as experts on conception…) Also, whether the advice you’ve gotten is good, bad, or ugly, you can always turn to experts. It is unlikely that you will have circumstances we haven’t seen before—it is amazing how normal so many problems are for which couples think they are the only ones.

Regardless of whether you have the family you want, are exploring more, define it differently, or are reading this for a friend, we wish you a joyous 2019 and hope that 2020 is your best year yet!

Dr. J. Preston Parry and the Positive Steps Fertility team Please join us on Facebook every first Friday of the month for First Friday Fertility Live 12:00 PM CST.

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QuesTECH Stars on the Bayou

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This year, Stars on the Bayou was held on Saturday, November 2 at the HUB in downtown Monroe. This event is an annual fundraiser for QuesTECH Learning School located in Monroe.

The event is a regional talent show, featuring talent in three age categories and one special duet category. A panel of five judges awarded prize money of $1,000, $500, and $250 in each of the four categories. All of the contestants shined and put on a good show for everyone to enjoy. QuesTECH Learning speaks to the quest, the adventure and discovery that defines maximized individualized learning, while fully embracing technology in terms of learning systems, content, location and career path.

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On the BayouScene 1 Tiffany Weiss, Elizabeth Kennen and Emily Hart 2 Toni Hicks and Amelia Sims 3 Natale Matthews and Kate Matthews 4 Stephanie Pheonix and William Pheonix 5 Alex George and Matthew Thomas 6 Diana Marus, Wendy and Matt Fowler 7 Mary and Rick Dawson 8 Christina Randal and Josie Randal 9D otty Ferrington and Charles Patterson 10 Laura McManus and Angie Vanny McManus 11 Kaitlyn Austin, Victoria Stephens and Sherry Stephens 12 A deline Miller and David Miller 13 Ginger Bernette and Kim Sherrill 14 Anna Katherine Thompson and Donna Kay Thompson 15 Addie Mae Branson, Donna and Kevin Branson 16 Abrom and Molly McConnell 17 Edith Smith and Felicia Willhite 18 A ddie Day and Ashley Day

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Vintage Soul Ribbon Cutting Vintage Soul Boutique is Monroe’s newest women’s apparel boutique and held their official ribbon cutting on November 5th. The store is owned by Lauren Pauley and managed by Whitney Laffoon. Lauren relocated the store from Columbia and is excited to be a part of the Monroe community. The store is located at the corner of North 18th and Glenmar and offers a variety of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

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On the BayouScene 1 John Perry, Sue Nicholson and Sarita Daniel 2 Lauren Pauley and Whitney Laffoon 3 Kim Huggins, Bridgette Green and Lillie Rogers 4 Lauran Pauley and Kerri Taylor 5 Ashley Bryan, Phyllis Fuller and Debbie Hatten 6 John Perry, Vicky Stepherson and Sherri Shoemaker 7 Vintage Soul officially cuts their ribbon for their grand opening!

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Endowed Scholarship

Cindy and Dennis Rogers Established Scholarship in Social Work at the University of Louisiana Monroe

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N APPRECIATION FOR THE DEGREE WHICH LED TO A 43-YEAR career, the Cindy and Dennis Rogers Endowed Scholarship in Social Work has been established at the University of Louisiana Monroe.Cindy Rogers was the special guest at a recent press conference to announce the scholarship. Her husband Dennis died in May 2019. The scholarship was created with a $50,000 donation from the couple and a matching $10,000 gift from the ULM Foundation.

Cindy holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from ULM and Dennis was also an alumnus. Cindy is a member of the ULM Foundation Board of Directors and serves as vice chair of the development committee.

She is president of the Kitty DeGree Foundation, which recently provided $50,000 for a neuromuscular lab at ULM.

President Nick J. Bruno, Jr., Ph.D., thanked Cindy for their financial and personal investment in ULM.

“I offer my thanks to Cindy and Dennis for their contribution, but more importantly, their involvement with the university. Dennis was an amazingly kind man and loved ULM. Cindy is always there if I need her.

They understand the importance of this university and have given freely of their resources and time to help our students reach their goals,” Bruno said.

Cindy’s career started in social work and transitioned into leadership roles with St. Francis Medical Center and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health Systems in Baton Rouge. She said it all began at ULM and continued through the guidance of a professor who took a special interest in her, the late Eris J. Ginn.

A couple of years after she graduated and was working in mental health, Cindy was hired to develop a social services department at St. Francis. She was recommended for the job by Ginn. As she became interested in other roles, Cindy feared Ginn would disapprove of her moving from hands-on social work to administrative positions.

“I called him and said I was really interested in leadership,” Cindy said. “He told me social work isn’t just about holding people’s hands and helping them through. It’s about setting policy and the betterment of society. You have the opportunity to do that.”

Cindy said her husband’s name is on the scholarship because he was her greatest champion.

“Dennis was always very supportive of me. When I would be taking a class or trying to put a project together and I would be overwhelmed, he would say, ‘Stop. You’ve got this. You can do this,’” she said.

Susan Chappell, executive director of ULM Advancement, Foundation and Alumni Relations, praised Cindy for her untiring efforts on behalf of the foundation.

“I thank Cindy for her mentorship of myself, of our advancement team and her selfless giving of time and guidance through the direction and the introductions she’s made to so many wonderful people to help us in our role here at the university,” Chappell said.

Pamela Higgins Saulsberry, Ph.D., director of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Social Work Program coordinator in the College of Business and Social Sciences, said the Rogers’ scholarship would help secure the futures of social work majors at ULM.

“Because of the generosity of Cindy Rogers and her late husband Dennis, the ULM Social Work Program will now be able to connect students with the most important resource that they need to finish their education and that is monetary,” Saulsberry said.

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ULM’S TRIO Programs First-generation Students Recognized by ULM’s TRIO Programs

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HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA OF LOUISIANA Monroe TRIO Programs Student Support Services hosted an open house on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, for the Annual National First-Generation Celebration Day. The day recognizes the success of students, faculty and staff who are the first in their families to graduate from college.

A first-generation college student is one whose parent or legal guardian has not completed a bachelor’s degree, thus making them the first in their family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college/university.

Catherine Estis, Ph.D., TRIO executive director, and the TRIO staff know the challenges facing first-generation students.

TRIO Programs provides opportunities for academic development, helps students meet basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward completion of their bachelor’s degree.

According to Estis, “In fall 2018, approximately 20 percent of undergraduate students enrolled at ULM are fully eligible to participate in TRIO SSS.”

ULM faculty, staff and students were invited to tour the TRIO SSS office in Strauss 206 and learn about the services offered.

The event aimed to broaden the knowledge of TRIO Programs, increase the exposure of first-generation campus constituents and to reinforce the commitment of faculty and staff to support firstgeneration students. Attendees received an “I’m First” button to show their “first-gen” pride.

TRIO SSS is one of the eight TRIO Programs fully funded through the U.S. Department of Education to assist first-generation, income-eligible students to remain in good academic standing and graduate from college.

“ULM TRIO SSS strives to retain and matriculate students toward the successful completion of their baccalaureate degree by creating a model environment for student growth, retention, inclusion, and success,” said Estis.

To learn more about the TRIO-SSS program or to apply, visit www.ulm.edu/trio or stop by the SSS office in Strauss Hall room 206 or TRIO Programs located in Sandel Hall 351.

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cards. Don’t underestimate the amount of time it takes to address envelopes properly. If you can’t set aside enough time for taking care of the task in one sitting, it’s okay to do it in small increments. Don’t forget to check your address list for anything that may be missing – Did you make a new friend? Did someone recently have a change of address? Organize your list now to avoid complications later.

TIPS FOR AN ORGANIZED AND JOYFUL SEASON

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

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ith minimalism being the topic of much discussion these days, I could tell you that the trick to having the most organized and joyful Christmas season is to do less of everything, but I am not. Instead, I want to challenge you to focus on what Christmas really means to you. To me, Christmas is a time for making lasting memories with my family and friends, and that means lots of get-togethers, activities, parties, and much more. I want to make everyone around me happier than they were before, and I want to have fun while remembering and celebrating the true reason for the season. So, doing less just isn’t realistic, nor is it something that I want to do. It wouldn’t be ME, and therefore, I wouldn’t be enjoying Christmas if I decided to do less.

Now, it is your turn. What does Christmas truly mean to you? What are the best parts and worst parts of the season for you? Would it be more enjoyable or less enjoyable if you decided to do less?

Whatever you choose, one thing I know for sure is that you CAN have an organized and joyful Christmas instead of a stressful one.

The first thing to keep in mind when the holiday season begins is that preparation is key! Take the time to sit down and begin a “to-do” list! I suggest that you never underestimate the value of writing things down, especially during such a hectic time of year. You may want to keep this list with you during the first part of December as tasks pop in your head while you are on the go. Don’t forget that 238 DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

you can use the “note” app on your phone, too!

Your to-do list will surely include a lot of the items I discuss below. So grab a pen and notebook and let’s get this party started (pun intended): DECORATE – By the time you are reading this article, you may have already put up your tree, especially since the recent trend seems to be putting up a tree before Thanksgiving! But, you can still make some updates and changes to your existing decorating process. If you have not yet decorated, I suggest that before doing so, you take inventory of anything you might want or need. If you are like me, I tend to make slight changes to my holiday décor each year so that it is different and exciting for me as well as for family and friends who visit my home. Don’t be ashamed to peruse Instagram and Pinterest for new decorating ideas.

You may be surprised by how much more inspired you are during the shopping process.

HOLIDAY CARDS - If you send out cards and have not chosen (or even taken) the picture that will be used, that should be the very first thing on your to-do list for December. If you procrastinated a bit and have not yet taken a picture for your holiday cards, don’t fret. Peruse the photo app on your phone. I am sure that one of the adorable pictures you took of your kids playing in the cotton field or on the beach this summer will suffice. Sometimes the most candid of pictures turn out to be the best ones. Next, I suggest that you mark time off on your calendar to address and send out the

EVENTS – You may be giving AND attending holiday events this year, so I would begin organizing your calendar of events now so you will be sure to know when and where you need to make an appearance. Getting organized early ensures that you will not overbook yourself or miss an important event. As the invitations flow in, go ahead and RSVP immediately.

Don’t wait or you could forget entirely. We all know that RSVPs are few and far between, so why not be one of the few who actually follow the rules of etiquette.

Another great tip is to go ahead and choose a party-ready outfit for each event. Try it on and take a picture, complete with accessories and shoes, so you will be completely prepared and stress-free before each event. Keep all of this information in your notebook so it is easy to access, and you will have it ready.

GIFTS – You will most certainly be giving and receiving many gifts, so start a list and check it twice. (I couldn’t resist saying that!) Make a list of all the people you need to purchase a gift(s) for and also note if you’ve already decided what you’d like to purchase for them. I always suggest shopping with a list so you don’t overbuy or forget something. Also, search online to see who has the best deals before going shopping. You may find it cheaper to purchase some items from the comfort of your couch instead of having to face the crowds.

Finally, designate an out-of-the-way, away from prying eyes, spot in your home for storing the gifts until you are able to wrap them. With that in mind, I suggest that you set up or reorganize your wrapping station at this point, as well. Go ahead and take an inventory of what you need to add or repurchase (tape, bags, ribbon, etc.) to make the wrapping process easier. *Tip: If you are short on space and don’t have a designated wrapping station, I have been known to set up a 4 foot folding table in my clients’ homes and equipping it with all of the wrapping essentials.

NOSHING – This is actually my favorite part of the holidays! I LOVE good food, and there are always plenty of side dishes that I make a full meal from. My faves are fruit salad, sweet potato casserole, dressing with cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese.

Yum!

So, now is the time to begin planning your menu(s). Grocery shopping gets a bit amped up during the holidays when you are hosting

and attending numerous parties, so creating a game plan helps take the stress out of it. Create a shopping list, take inventory, and gather recipes to avoid wasting money and purchasing duplicates. Be sure to include items on the list for the occasional last minute visitor. I always have nuts, wine, and cheese on hand for such occasions. If you have last minute visitors frequently, you may want to buy (or make) a few casseroles to have on hand, too. *Tip: Take the time to check all of the appliances that you will be using for the holidays. Often, this is one of the only times of the year some of them will be used, so avoid disaster by making sure they are all in working order.

TRAVEL – The holidays always call for a bit of travel, whether it is near or far, so preparation is key to a smooth experience. Hopefully, you have already purchased plane tickets; otherwise, you may face sold out flights and/or high prices. Before departing, create a list of travel items you will need, complete with outfits and important documents. Keep in mind the many changes that airlines make to their rules and regulations – check online to make sure you aren’t forgetting something that could cause a hold up at the gate.

If you are traveling by car, it is a good idea to get a little tune- up before leaving on a long road trip. This is also a good time to get your car organized, especially if you will be travel-

ing with young children. I purchase back-ofthe -seat organizers to stuff colors, coloring books, card games, sticker books, etc. so they will be kept busy and the opportunity for “are we there yet” questions may be fewer and far between. Finally, if you are unfamiliar with the place you are going, don’t leave it completely up to your GPS to guide you. Map out your trip ahead of time.

Here are more tips to make this holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable: 1. Go ahead and sort through your child’s toys and clothing. The holiday is a perfect time to donate them to another child in need, and it will help make more room for this year’s gifts, as well.

2. Set aside a completely different area in your attic or storage room for holiday décor. I like to use clear containers so I can see what is inside, but I still label each container and bin, too.

3. Don’t underestimate the value of making a budget. Food, gifts, new décor, and everything else tends to add up quickly!

4. Prepare your guest bedroom by refreshing the sheets. Creating a goodie basket of oft-forgot items like shampoo and toothpaste is thoughtful, but it is also fun to include a sleeping mask and lavender lotion, and print out your Wi-Fi password.

5. Buy a few extra, non-specific gifts to have on hand for those who unexpectedly bring you a

gift. Some ideas are candles, wine, lotions, bath salts, and the like.

6. Simplify clean up by having a trash bag or can next to the area you will be unwrapping gifts. Don’t forget to save as many bags and ribbons as you can for next year.

7. Make the decorating process easier next year by putting up this year’s décor in an organized fashion. In short, COMPARTMENTALIZE! For instance, you can store like ornaments in cardboard boxes or small plastic containers.

8. If you are using battery-operated candles in your décor, I suggest that you remove the batteries before storing. That way, if the battery acid decides to leak out, it will not ruin your candle or other battery-operated items.

9. Coil strings of lights around empty wrapping paper rolls or in Ziploc bags.

10. Hang wreaths on nails in the attic and cover with a plastic bag to protect from dust.

11. Use ratchet straps to tie up your tree before storing.

Last, I would like to urge you to plan out fun activities for your family, such as baking cookies, making ornaments, making gifts, etc.

If you don’t schedule it ahead of time, you may miss the opportunity to make memories for your children. The holidays get hectic.

As I stated before, the key to creating a stress-free and organized holiday is by being prepared! Prepare now and save your sanity later. Happy Holidays!

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Antique Alley Open House In Downtown West Monroe, on Sunday November 3rd from 1:00pm-5:00pm, the certified merchants of Antique Alley held their annual Holiday Open House. Over 30 businesses stayed open on Sunday to host the event that was open to the public. Boutiques, food, antiques, furniture and decor can all be found on the alley, something for everyone. Guests were invited to stroll the streets while a live band played music.

Lights and Christmas decor were displayed in the shop windows and refreshments and treats were provided. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season and get started on that local holiday shopping.

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On the BayouScene 1 Mayor Staci Mitchell and Patti Fuller 2 Jenatte Stevenson and Carolyn Jackson 3 Veronica Lowry and Secilia Sullivan 4 Kennedy Cupples, Reneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cascio and Madison Guerriero 5 Beverly Caples, Pam McKaskle, Janet Rutledge and Tina Wilkes 6 Joyce Audirsch and Teresa White 7 Breanna Bass and Savannah Albritton 8 Jordan Payton, Alexa Harvey and Dara Harvey 9 L aura Dodds, Barbara Frazier and Brooke Smith 10 Kristy and Logan Mangrum 11 Susan Shields and Kerri Sue McBeth 12 C hristina Jackson and Pat Howard 13 Pam Hailey and Debbie Patrick 14 Monica Pittman and Sharon Johnston 15 Kay Ezell and Stacie Silman 16 Maggie Sandel, Nancy Sandel and Leslie Miletello 17 Maureen Crooks and Jessica Pollard 18 Karen Branham, Patty Fuller, Jordyn Cain, Emma Richardson and Dana Poole

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Louisiana Tech University

NASA Scientist To Lecture February 17th in Sigma Xi Series

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HE LOUISIANA TECH CHAPTER OF the Sigma Xi Research Honor Society will host NASA senior scientist Dr. Compton James Tucker III for a free, open-tothe-public lecture in University Hall Room 134 at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17th.

Tucker earned his BS degree in biological science in 1969, his MS in 1973, and his PhD in 1975, all from Colorado State.

As a postdoctoral fellow at NASA/ Goddard in 1975-76, Tucker consolidated two near-infrared bands and adding a second short-wave infrared band to the thematic mapper instruments on Landsat-4 and -5, each a low orbiting satellite. He was also responsible for making the first and second bands on the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer imager discrete, enabling normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measurements from polar-orbiting meteorological satellites starting in July 1981.

Since becoming a NASA employee in is an adjunct professor at the University of 1977, he has used satellite data for famine early Maryland, and is a consulting scholar at warning, desert locust control, the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archaeology and terrestrial primary production, deforestation and land cover Anthropology. He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union mapping to predict ecologicallycoupled disease outbreaks, to map and the American Association glacier extent, and to map climatic for the Advancement of Science.

He has been awarded NASA’s effects on global vegetation.

From 2002-12 he was active Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, the U.S. Geological Survey’s in NASA’s Space Archaeology Pecora Award, the National Air Program; he led a NASA team DR. COMPTON assisting archaeologists in and Space Museum Trophy, the JAMES TUCKER III Missouri Botanical Garden’s Henry mapping ancient sites with Shaw Medal, the Royal Danish ground penetrating radar and Geographical Society’s Galathea Medal, magnetometers in Turkey at the sites of Troy, in the Granicus River Valley, and at Gordion, the Swedish Society of Anthropology and Geography’s Vega Medal, and the Mongolian the home of King Midas.

Tucker has authored or co-authored Friendship Medal. Tucker has also received a Presidential Award for Meritorious Senior more than 190 journal articles that have been cited 60,000 times by Google Scholar, Professional Service.

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WINTER WONDER LAND Take a walk in this winter wonderland with festive apparel from area boutiques.

From cozy sweatshirts to fur coats, these looks are sure to sparkle this season.

MUAH by Meka Bennett Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Models: Kemper Baugh and Joshua Mitchell Directed by Taylor Bennett

DUSTY & CO. This denim duster is perfect for cooler temperatures. Layer it over a rust-colored long-sleeve V-neck and wrap up with dual scarves in leopard print and camel. Finish the look with midrise super skinny black pants and brown laser-cut booties.

THE NUDE NOMAD This rust-colored top features subtle gold trim and is paired with a comfy colorblock bomber jacket. This look is complete with distressed high-rise ankle jeans and brown snakeskin shoes with white soles.

Accessorize with a dainty gold necklace and hoop earrings.

SADIE C'S Bundle up, baby! This faux fur dalmation print faux fur coat is layered over a sequin romper.

Accessorize with stunning handmade black statement earrings and a sleek pointy-toe bootie crafted from supple leather.

HEMLINE MONROE Sparkle this season in this mist blue blouse with wrap front paired with this form-fitting faux leather skirt. Add a white faux fur coat with black stripes for a luxe look.

Accessorize with this Virgins Saints & Angels necklace, and these dress pumps with asymmetrical cut top.

SIMMONS' SPORTING GOODS Bring warmth to your wardrobe with this cozy corduroy long sleeve shirt with snap buttons.

Layer with this deliciously soft fleece jacket. Pair it with these distressed high-rise skinny jeans, and finish the look with camelcolored faux suede shoes.

Joshua is wearing a classic olive thatch button-down with a brushed fleece sweater vest. The look is complete with Ariat low rise boot cut jeans and hand-burnished leather Justin boots.

PATTON'S DOWNTOWN Kemper is wearing a mid-rise skinny leg black jean with a rust-colored blouse, layered with a comfy fuzzy knit cardigan. This look is styled with a mushroom colored hat with taupe ribbon and signature fire branded Charlie 1 Horse logo, and cut-out shortie booties.

MR P'S TEES This holiday season get comfy in this â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deer in a Hatâ&#x20AC;? design that features a deer that owner Brent Compton met up with in Texas a few years ago. Printed on the highest quality super soft light cocoa sweatshirt.

Unisex design.

VINTAGE SOUL Kemper looks stunning in this winter white sweater with fringe detailing, paired with a rust-colored corduroy skirt with button-front.

Accessorize with gold hoop earrings and lace-up overthe-knee boots.

RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS For a sophisticated look this holiday season, layer this brown and white button down with a St. Croix mock neck knit pullover. Complete the look with brown microsuede sport coat and pocket scarf.

Holiday Open House On Saturday, November 9th, several local businesses kicked off the shopping season with a Holiday Open House. Third Street in Garden District of Monroe was abuzz with shoppers visiting Woodstock, and checking out their wide selection of candles, holiday decor and more.

Just across the street at Palette House, customers enjoyed a variety of dips and snacks while they shopped for home decor, art and more. Just around the corner on Forsythe Avenue, the shopping center was abuzz. Haven was busy with people picking out gifts for women, men and babies alike. Next door, Legacy had their holiday serving pieces on display. Artistic Designs showcased their custom frame options from basic, decorative framing to museum quality, archival materials and techniques. Just down the road, The Muffin Tin was open as guests enjoyed refreshments and picked up items from Niven Morgan, Old World Christmas and more. Fantastic door prizes, discounted services and specials were available to patrons attending!

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On the BayouScene 1 Audrey Southern and Caroline Moeller 2 Pam Garvarino and Sherri Pearce 3 Lenece Laseter and Larry Cavalier 4 Michael-Ann Delcambre and Carol Hanks 5 Sarah Leary, Margaret Moses and Maddi Maxwell 6 Emily Rash and Brienne Shelby 7 Kelly Rutz and Annie Ajlani 8 Pam Hudson and Erin Horrell 9D eborah Pace and Lori Martin Bernard 10 Faye Ciraulo, Maya Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil, Marilyn Elliott Hobson, Tanner Wilson and Belle Cerda 11 Hayley Scott, Analise Kelly, Jennalee Byram, Sandy McMillian, Caroline Edge and Adrianna Liner 12 Caroline, Julia and Mary Katherine Crigler

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West Monroe High School Luncheon West Monroe High School’s former and retired teachers and staff gathered at the Edgewood Center on Wednesday, October 30th, to enjoy what has become a homecoming tradition on the Wednesday during homecoming week. This third year drew the largest crowd yet as former teachers and staff gathered to mix and mingle with former colleagues. They enjoyed fellowship, fun and delicious food from Iron Cactus. Colleagues, Nadine Miller, Loretta Ashbrook, and Laurie Watson, who passed away this last year were remembered and honored as well. All the attendees enjoyed “My Favorite WMHS Memory” as well as door prizes. And, all are looking forward to the event again next year!

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On the BayouScene 1 Pam Bennett, Frank Machen, Danny Pennington and Nancy Dever 2 Paul Smith, Paula Furlow and Charles Jackson 3 Andy and LaJo Long 4 Biddy Norris and Jean Halsell 5 Johnnie Queen and Kathy Young 6 Bob Halsell, Jean Halsell, Karen Hayward, Robin Remedies, and June Berry 7 Jan McGee, Nancy Dever and Shirley Fields 8 Johnnie Queen, Julia Sers, Lillian Griffin 9C arlean Tugwell, Carolyn Jackson, Kerri McBeth, Lisa Ware, Cody Lewis, Janis Brewster, LaHonda Littleton and Misti Wren 10 Kathy Gray, Liz Sanderson and Martha Pennington 11 Lisa Miller and Mary Bernard 12 Juanita Burk and JoAnn Calhoun 13 Mary Jo Miller and Diana Ganley 14 Lisa Miller, Mandy Green and Kathy Young 15 Rotena Russell and Betty Foster 16 Sandy Hill and Sherry Shelton 17 Shelby Ainsworth and Gene Ford

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Amazing Lash Studio Grand Opening

Monroe celebrated the grand opening of Amazing Lash Studio on Tower Drive on November 1st at 10:30am. The owners of Amazing Lash welcomed guests, thanked and introduced employees and spoke of their excitement to be a part of our community. Tours were given of the facility while guests were invited to enjoy small treats that were provided. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo and West Monroe Mayor Stacy Mitchell both attended the event and gave their congratulations on adding jobs to the area. Amazing Lash would like to thank the community for the continued support and thank everyone who attended the grand opening.

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On the BayouScene 1 Kristin Gullette and Kaleb Marble 2 Maira Turrubiartes, Ashley Hatfield and Jackie Bryan 3 Mike Walsworth and Sue Nicholson 4 Jay Mulhearn and Paige Hodnett 5 James Moore and Chris Holyfield 6 Hudson and Jonathan Lee 7 Kathy Gardner, Danielle Tolbird, Rick Greene, Ashley Able and Jennifer Harrison 8 Stephanie Sikes, Terri Nordan and Kasie Lee 9 Darrell Nordan, Emily Stansbury, Lila Strodes, Sue Nicholson and Jamie Mayo 10 Ron Bush, Donna Saterfiel, Charlie Saterfiel, Rusty Salsbury and Danny Garner 11 Heather Toms and Leslie Rawls 12 H eather Jones and Jessica Carrington 13 J oanna Festervan and Deedee Richard 14 B ill and Emily Stansbury 15 R ory Chance and Alisha Collins 16 A mazing Lash Staff

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The HUB Open House The HUB Music Hall opened itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doors to the public for a fun filled, free night for their very first Open House on Tuesday, October 15th. Doors opened at 5pm to encourage guests to stop by after work. Guests were invited to tour the new facility, and enjoy food served by Bayou Grill of Monroe and drinks in the Murphy Lounge before the show. The band Crawford & Power played live on stage for attendees. The HUB would like to thank everyone that helped them renovate this building into Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest music hall and came out to celebrate their first Open House.

On the BayouScene 1 Erica and Terri Hearn 2 Luna Rocha, Charlton McGowan and Clay McKaskle 3 Amanda Lyon and Ashley Meadows 4 Ashley and Friday Ellis 5 Emily Morris, Ashley Meadows and Jay Morris 6 Kyle Snellenberger, James Reneau And Jason Thomas 7 Beverly Lewis and Gwen Amelin 8 Brian Dronet and Jansen A. Nowell 9M atthew and Kelsi Dickerson and Emily and Zach Duchesne 10 Courtney Hegwood and Haliegh Tyndall 11 S arah, Theresa and Jason Thomas 12 Anthony Jacola, Jason Thomas and Michael Booker

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Trail Run & Walk At Chemin-aHaut State Park The 3rd Annual Chemin-a-Haut 4 Mile Trail Run and 1 Mile Walk took place on Saturday, October 19th. Growing every year, the event hosted a great turnout and Boy Scott Troop 323 sold and served lunch and snacks to the attendees.

The weather couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been better for the outdoor event. It was a great race for everyone and runners enjoyed trail running or walking along natural trails throughout the park. Both awards and participant medallions were handmade from cypress trees and handed to the runner after the race. Finally, the proceeds from this trail run and walk were re-invested in projects to benefit and raise awareness for the park and and for projects that create pride in Morehouse Parish.

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On the BayouScene 1 David and Lynn Waldrup 2 Lisa and Rob Hartmann 3 Kriste Bryan and Ginger Guice 4 Andrea Gladney and Vicki Carpenter 5 Carrie Tucker and Melinda Hendrix 6 Rick Parnell and Oscar Parnell 7 Heather Davis, Stephanie Gabell White, Latasha Haygood and Charlotte Patterson 8 Bill Baker, Scot Whiteman and Louisa Whiteman 9K ernan and Norman Banker 10 Rick Parnell and Paul Kitchens 11 Peyton and John Cox 12 E rica Blisett, Dalton Berry, Shellie Middlebrooks, Gabriel Johnson and Debra Hinson 13 Cynthia Mathes 14 Boy Scout Troop 323 15 Justin Underwood, Dawn Bailey, ZZ Wilson, Wendy Langley and Katie Parnell 16 K athryn Bagley, Kristin Bowman, Angel Crawford, Sharley Tuberville and Danyale Rushing

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City of Bastrop Holiday Open House On Sunday, November 11th holiday shoppers strolled the streets of Bastrop, Louisiana for their Holiday Open House event. Park Manor, Pearce Pharmacy, Downs & Daughters Events, The Market, The Flower Tree, Steve’s Jewelry, Arnett’s Jewelry, Antiques & Accents, Whit’s Pharmacy, and Nature’s Hideaway all opened their doors to the public to kick-off Christmas shopping. Each vendor showcase their latest merchandise and provided food and drinks to all that attended. The City of Bastrop would like to thank everyone who participated and wishes everyone Happy Holidays!

On the BayouScene 1 Kathy Vollmar, Tina Wolfe and Kelly Bennett 2 Krista Hall and Sheila Hall 3 Jane Hynum and Savannah Cooper 4 Alyssa McKenzie and Molly Nason 5 Meredith and Tim Comans 6 Sandy Perry and Brenda Lee 7 Any Barton, Laura Barton, Melanie Rawls and Michelle Crawford 8 Linda Dye, Ashley Jones, Jo Ann Gunter and Gidget Dement 9 T eresa Pearce, Steve Pearce, Wilma Pearce and Marsha Bohannan 10 Linda Davis and Belinda Oden 11 Jennifer Stephenson and Pauline Kinnaird 12 T ori Jenkins and Jenci Hall 13 Glenda Ham, Alexandra Davis and Angela Davis 14 Kim Nielsen and Jennifer Nugent 15 Ashley Millerin, Katie Jones, Teresa Pearce, Belinda Oden and Linda Davis 16 Andrea Hayes, Jasmine Wallace and Heather Ganey 17 Keri Middlebrooks, Susan Plonnigs and Kristi Mackenzie 18 Jaci Ward, Cathy McIntyre and Ila Ward

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Guaranty Bank Ribbon Cutting With its roots deep within the Northeast Louisiana community, Guaranty Bank has grown to be one of the top-rated banks in the state and has now opened its newest location at 1220 N 18th Street in Monroe. The public was invited to the new branch to meet the team of the new branch in person. The Open House was on October 29th from 4pm to 6pm and Guaranty Bank provided drinks and treats. They had live music at the event playing afterwards they acknowledged board members, branch members and others that helped bring the new branch into reality. The guests gathered outside the building on N. 18th for the ribbon cutting and photos. Guaranty Bank would like to thank everyone that attended and supported them at the Grand Opening.

On the BayouScene 1 Garrett and April Aymond 2 Doug Hughes and Meredith Miller 3 Amanda Taylor and Sue Nicholson 4 Joseph and Ashley Kutz 5 Mike Vining and Mayor Jamie Mayo 6 Mackenzie and Caroline Noren 7 Donna Faulkenberry, Wanda Bridges, Courtney and Mark Holyfield 8 Billy Haddad, Janet Durden and Brandon Sutherland 9M ichael Echols, Prentiss Wilks And Melody Olson 10 Shelly Harrell, Linda Green and Troy Richards 11 Shane Wooten and Kathy Patrick 12 Aaron Booth and Mark Sisk 13 Roger WIlliams and James Adcock 14 Leslie Trichell, Jennifer Russell, Analy Fernandez, and Melanie West 15 Heath Denison, Judy McCurdy and Forrest Fife 16 Jane Ellett and Caroline Christman

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Delhi’s Annual Christmas Open House

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The Merchants of Delhi hosted their 6th Annual Christmas Open House Sunday, November 17th from 1-5p.m. It was a funfilled day of shopping and sampling delicious sweets and savory treats. Door prizes and special incentives were also given to those who attended.

Vendors that participated included: New Attitude Hair Design, Boutique LaCour, The Mad Hatters Flower Shop, E.W. Thomson Drug, Philips Family Pharmacy and The Lil’ Boutique, Delhi HealthCenter, Tripp’s Workwear Outlet and The Mansion at Red Hill.

The merchants would like to thank everyone for coming out and hope to see you next year!

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On the BayouScene 1 McKenzie and Stella Gibson 2 Victoria Adams, Adrienne Perry and Peggy Johnson 3 Julia Gary and Shelia Carroll 4 Sherie McAlpin and Charlotte Noewell 5 Nancy Holloway, Robin Holloway and Ellie John 6 Suzanna Bembenick and Shari McEacharn 7 Ellie Carlson and Kristie Penic 8 Joanna Sartin, Darlene Sykes and April Diel 9R enee and Dianne Lashley 10 Linda Lipe and Evelyn O’Neal 11 Katie Schroeder and Alex Ogden 12 M ickey and Shelia Carroll 13 Frances Robinson, Sandy Nelson and Dee Rich 14 Emy Lou Anderson, Katie Long, Lauren Blakley, Stormy West, Glenda Cash and Emma Gloor 15 Carley Morgan, Cade Morgan, Caroline Marsh and Jacklyn Eakes 16 Keith Delaney and Missy Cater 17 Callie Harrell, Townes Harrell and Paula Dye 18 B arbara Knight, Alice Middleton, Kay Flickinger, Carol Fuller and Sue Ann Graeber

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4th Annual Pumpkin Fest

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Pumpkin Fest returned again for the fourth year and it was amazing! On Saturday, November 4th, the morning kicked off with performances from all the different classes at DBK Dance and Performing Arts, ranging from beginner dancers to advanced seniors. Proud parents surrounded the stage at Kiroli Park to watch their little ones show off their hard work.

There were also vendors set up including local boutiques, face painting, fun games and more.

Food vendors included Uptown Downtown Ruston, 318 Food Co., Delta Roux & Que and Miss Kayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweets & Eats. Foodies were able to taste entries in the chili cookout and football fans enjoyed watching LSU beat Alabama on the big screen.

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On the BayouScene 1 Jamie Gable 2 Anna Denny, Sydney Denny and Lisa Holt 3 April Haney and Megan Suggs 4 Brittany Liner and Tiffany Otwell 5 Brooke Vincent and Trina Coon 6 Cheri Jones and Gabbi Jones 7 Erica Ackel and Sada Marshall 8 Elyssa Kinard, Suzie Crowe and Misty Kinard 9 L aurence Burge and Megan Crews 10 Lindsey Morrow and Brooke Lilly 11 Nikki Tinnerello and Selah Storm 12 S am Ellerbe and Steven Chavez 13 Jennifer and Kerry Smith 14 Marion Wooten, Marjorie Buie and Millenny Walters 15 Sandra Naron, Amy Harris and Misty Fox 16 Savannah Hill and Jodi Beezley 17 Terry Carter and Miles Carter 18 V ictoria Sutherland and Donna Thomason

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Chennault Inaugural Gala The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum hosted their inaugural gala on Saturday, October 19th at The Hub in downtown Monroe.

The theme was “East Meets West” in recognition of General Claire L. Chennault, his Flying Tigers and the important chapter in the history of Chinese-American military cooperation.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of entertainment including a Chinese Dragon Dance performance, singing, martial arts and more. Doug Duffey concluded the music entertainment and patrons danced the night away. Thurman’s Food Factory provided delicious food from both east and west including spring rolls, egg rolls and fresh shrimp provided by the Louisiana Seafood Association.

All proceeds benefitted the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum and their mission to preserve, promote and honor aviation and military history.

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On the BayouScene 1 Vicky Krutzer and Billy Nungusser

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4 Tommy Shoemaker, Grant Rogers and Brent Upshaw

5 Wyche Ashcraft, Tom Shutt, Bill Mahan and Nick Van 6 Nell Calloway and Lala Funderburg

7 John Bruscato and Cassie Remington

8 Ashley Meadows, Caroline Smalling and Karen Gibbons 9 Joel Istre, Megan and Grace Deloach

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12 Isabelle Rocher and Megan Begay 13 Mary and Delia Simpson

14 Chris and Andi Holyfield and Thurman Dickey 15 Heather and Rick Guillot

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and Adrienne LaFrance-Wells

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9th Annual Grin n Bear It

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Richland Parish Hospital hosted their 9th Annual Grin n Bear It 5K & 10k Run and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 26th in Delhi, Louisiana. They had a fantastic race day, complete with amazing views of Poverty Point Lake. It was a cool morning as runners enjoyed a scenic run on a flat course around Poverty Point Lake and afterwards, they were invited to cooldown at the post-race party & awards ceremony.

All pre-registered runners received a Grin & Bear It T-shirt, race day packet & entry for door prizes. Family, friends and students came out to support and cheer on the runners as they came across the finish line. Richland Parish Hospital would like to thank their sponsors for all of their support and look forward to next years event.

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On the BayouScene 1 Donna Bodan and Debbie Gardner 2 Faye Kavanaugh, Leslie Stephens and Fletcher Hyacinth 3 Leshay Boyd and Ethan Lowery 4 Alisa McMurray, Kayla Hough and Beth Shoemaker 5 Jessica, Kade, Kaylee, Reid and Maddox Poland 6 Jacob and Monica Odom 7 Cynthia Davis and Jennifer Sandifer 8 Kristy Owens, Clayton Collier, Jude Long, Ann Robinson and Linda Jones 9 S heryl Lingfelt and Diane Southall 10 Charlotte Poland and Whitney Hutto 11 Milton Rivers and Jake Wyrick 12 J oey Hixon and Jacob Odom 13 Hannah Hernandez, Brandon Thomas and Haley Hampton 14 Joseph Green, Lisa Green and Megan Green Edwards 15 Kris Watson, Paul Crawford, Anna Watson, Jack Watson and Shelly Crawford 16 Theresa Carter, Linda Myles and Deanne Dean 17 Kyle Ernst, Penny Ernst, Teresa Gunter, Nicki Butler, John David Butler and Tristan Butler and Avery Butler

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G A L L E R Y of H O M E S 99 Steep Drive, Rayville

4200 Chauvin Lane, Monroe

932 Lonewa Lane, Monroe

New construction in Start! You don’t have to break the bank for this beauty. Home is complete with a gorgeous master suite, whirlpool tub, walk in shower, large closets, granite countertops along with many other beautiful details. 100% financing is available for qualified buyers and seller will pay up to $5000 in closing costs. The time has never been better to purchase a home! Call us for more details and interior photos. MLS# 190182 Anna Earl Romero, Cypress State Realty, 318-235-9130

Superior workmanship and attention to detail is evident throughout this entire home. Only the finest materials were used in the construction of this 4/4.5 home in Belle Pointe. 10 and 12’ ceilings, his/her bathrooms and closets, travertine/wood floors throughout, and top of the line stainless appliances. Sprinkler, in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen, a potters area with sink and an outdoor fireplace. MLS#189281 Kathy VanVeckhoven, 318.537.3701, or Mark Phelps, 318.237.5153, John Rea Realty

This stunning 7 bedroom, 4 bathroom (2 half bathrooms), 5,654 sqft home is situated on almost 20 acres with a pool, barn, pond and your very own baseball diamond! This exclusive opportunity will not last long. Updates include wood flooring, fixtures, and paint throughout. The home has new appliances in the kitchen. It rests in a private gated community in the Sterlington School Zone. Listing Agent must be present for all showings.

MLS#183314Elizabeth Freeman, John Rea Realty, 318-816-0588

1500 Spencer Avenue, Monroe

638 Zodie Sims Road, Calhoun

406 Steep Oak Drive, West Monroe

DREAMING OF A NEW HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? 1500 Spencer could by yours by Christmas if you act soon! Wonderful home in a perfect neighborhood with beautiful original wood flooring, tall ceilings, large backyard and patio area, large screened porch, circular driveway, a workshop and a doll house! Act quickly!

MLS#189281 Kathy VanVeckhoven, John Rea Realty, 318.537.3701

Picture yourself winding through the woods, making your way home to your secluded estate. Enjoying company out by the pool overlooking the stocked pond. Well built home, completely remodeled to suit both modern & traditional tastes. Split bedroom floor plan. Large master suite overlooks the pool & pond. Spacious master bath features two large walk-in closets w/built-in storage.

Over 7 acres to roam. MLS#189096 Mark Sisk, Re/Max Premier Realty, 318-801-4344

Huge price drop on this beautiful 4/2.5 home in the Claiborne Elementary school district! The open living area and formal dining room are perfect for hosting family and friends. The master suite features two walk-in closets, a jet tub and separate shower. The three other bedrooms are also equipped with large closets and beautiful windows. This property includes an in ground pool and spacious backyard. MLS# 190182 Anna Earl Romero, Cypress State Realty, 318-235-9130

705 Hollyhurst Ext., Bastrop

121 Estates, West Monroe

202 Chadwick, West Monroe

A grand estate fit for royalty! This timeless 4BR/3BA Acadian style home is tucked away on 1.2 acres of tree shaded grounds in Bastrop. There is a wood burning fireplace in the living room, a large kitchen and two dining rooms. This home also features a spacious master suite with his/her vanities and two walk-in closets. $263,000 MLS#189461 Mark Sisk, Re/Max Premier Realty, 318-801-4344

Beautiful, stunning and amazing are words that come to mind when you take a look at this house. Built in 2015 and in like new condition this house offers a split floor plan, wood and tile floors, great master suite, fireplace, large kitchen with lots of cabinets, covered back patio and sits on just over an acre. Get ready to pack your boxes because this house is move in ready and waiting for YOU! MLS#189639 Heather Guillot, Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4229

Beautiful house tucked away in a very convenient location.

This house features lots of extra space, formal dining room and breakfast area, large den\study, walk in attic space, open floor plan and much more. Get ready to enjoy the newly added back porch deck area just in time for the cooler weather. Roof is only a few years old and HVAC system in only a year old. So get ready to move right in and enjoy everything this house has to offer!

MLS#190164 Heather Guillot, Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4229

Walk On The Wild Side Avenue Shoes has these adorable cheetah print color block booties. It’s all in the detailing with these shoes and would match any casual look. Perfect for day and night, she’s guaranteed to love them.

Perfect PJs Haven has a variety of relaxing apparel like cardigans and wraps from Barefoot Dreams, as well pretty pajamas. These pair of button up PJs are perfect for the lady on your list that likes to relax but look good while doing so!

Smoke ‘Em if You Got ‘Em La Aurora Barrel Aged by Karl Malone cigar is available at Legends Cigar & Vape in Ruston. Malone’s signature cigar utilizes tobacco that has undergone barrel aging and has bold notes of wood, cinnamon, dried fruit and cream.

Neck The Halls Herringstone’s has a variety of Kendra Scott accessories, including this Vienna Lariat Necklace in Gold. This is a piece that brings the party everywhere it goes. Featuring crystal accents along a metallic chain, this gold long necklace can be worn multiple ways.

Bangle All The Way These Julie Vos bangle bracelets are perfect for stacking and can be dressed up for a fancy night out or worn as an everyday look.

Find these styles and more at Parterre in Monroe.

A Child Is Born This beautiful and ornate ornament depicting the birth in a manger is just one of the things Aron’s Pharmacy has when it comes to tree décor. These are perfect for teacher’s gifts or stocking stuffers.

Yuletide Yoga Woodstock carries pieces from Beyond Yoga activewear, with fabrics so soft you will want to wear them everywhere. You can find this long duster and more at the shop on Third Street in Monroe.

Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend This diamond cluster necklace is the fastest way to your girls heart this Christmas. Simple, beautiful and classic are the words to describe this gift from Dupont Jewelers in Monroe. This necklace is a perfect fit every time.

Sweet Sweater Ron Alexander Clothiers for Men carries the St. Croix line, including this contemporary fitting sweater, perfect for men of all ages. Get it gift wrapped in the store and have it under the tree ready for Christmas morning!

Merry Money Looking for practical gift? This Hobo card holder is cute and useful. Perfect for clutches or game day purses and they can be found at Sadie C’s in Rayville or West Monroe.

Gold Wonder Lust Rain Salon carries a variety of Oribe products, including this Gold Lust Collection featuring shampoo, conditioner and hair oil, all meant to reawaken hair to its glossiest, healthiest prime.

Colorful Christmas These paint by number books at Material Things are perfect for creative kids and adults alike. They feature vintage-inspired illustrations and custom, hand-mixed paint. Designs range from birds, floral, animals and even Frida!

Radiant Razzle SkinCeuticals’ sunscreen not only provides broad-spectrum sun protection from both burning and aging sun rays, but it also offers a universal tint that enhances your skin tone and boosts radiance. Find this and other SkinCeutical products at Spa Nouvelle.

Santa’s Chair Let Santa relax after a busy holiday season with a custom chair from Bassett at Sleepy Hollow Furniture in Monroe. You can customize the fabric and details, making it the perfect personalized present.

In the Eye of the Purse Holder For something special that is equally unique as it is beautiful, The Nude Nomad’s buffalo horn purse is the perfect present! It comes in a variety of styles and shapes for anyone who appreciates timeless accessories that make a statement.

On Your Mark.

Get Set. Glow.

Amazing Lash Studio knows a thing or two about makeup and how to remove it safely.

The perfect gift for the VSCO girl in your life. You can find this makeup cleanser and so much more at their new location off of Tower Drive.

Holiday Diva The Muffin Tin and the Trenton House carries many of the Tyler Candle Company products, including this gift box with a candle, laundry detergent and room spray in their signature scent, Diva. It smells divine and will make the perfect gift!

Beanie Baby This stylish beanie features a trendy animal print and is topped off with a fuzzy pom-pom.

Available at Hemline Monroe, its perfect for the trendy girl on your list.

A Man’s Candle Thurman’s is home to not only delicious food, but they also have options when it comes to gifts.

Crafted from amber beer bottles, bombers, or growlers, these soy wax candles are inspired by tasting notes of craft beer and ciders.

Pure Bliss These cotton pajamas from Sue Sartor Custom Kaftan and Tunics are exquisitely hand made with great love and care by master tailors and skilled artisans. Any lady would love to unwrap these this Christmas! You can find these and more at suesartor.com.

The Perfect Match These matches are great stocking stuffers or hostess gift. They would be a great addition to a bookshelf or mantle and are available at Fiesta Nutrition Center.

Heating Up Looking for something for the guy in your life?

Then you need to stop by Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop. They have these awesome Banded Northwind Nano Primaloft Casual Pullovers he is sure to love.

Sleigh Queen Spa Bella carries the Bathhouse Soapery products, including Sleigh Queen, fit for a queen with hints of vanilla, blackberry, magnolia, fig, orchids and amber. The foaming body scrub is perfect for making skin shine in the winter season!

Be A Blessing Material Things carries several Blessing Bowls like this one, that are the perfect meaningful gift. They are handcrafted from clay, handpainted, trimmed in 14k gold and tied with scripture. These treasures will be a blessing in the life of someone you love!

Feet First Vintage Soul Boutique has these multihued snakeskin Steve Madden platforms.

This fierce style is the perfect addition to any fashionista on your list!

VSCO Girl Girl Uptown Girl is your VSCO Girl Gift Headquarters with on trend items like this shell necklace, as well as Pure Vida bracelets, squishes, accessories and more. If you have a tween on your list, you will find something she will love!

Perfect Pelican Useful and decorative, this pelican cutting board is great for a white elephant gift, secret Santa or even as home decor. Find gifts like this on Antique Alley at Cotton Port Antique Mall in West Monroe.

The Perfect Gift Basket Tonore’s Wine Cellar in Monroe can put together a custom gift basket, perfect for the wine, whiskey or spirit connoisseur on your list.

Cap It Off This Carhartt baseball cap is perfect for the guy on your list. Not only is it adjustable, the neutral color will work with any outfit. Find it at Patton’s Western Wear.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside These fur gloves are fashionable and functional and available The Fashion of Ruston. The trendy lady on your list will love to slip these on her hands this holiday season.

A Cut Above Xikar Xi3 Spalted Tamarind Cutter is crafted from exotic wood from Southeast Asia, the Xi3 exhibits spectacular colors and black grain patterns that are truly unique. Found at Governor’s Cigar and Pipe, the Xi3 features a polished stainless steel body, high quality 440 stainless steel blades and equipped with Xikar’s lifetime warranty.

Joy & Cheer ’Tis the season for energizing the senses.

This thickening trio of Tea Tree Lemon Sage products works together to energize volume and revive lifeless locks with uplifting lemon, sage, cooling peppermint and natural tea tree extracts. Plus, as an added bonus, it includes a punchout, scented ornament to decorate the tree. Available at Rain Salon.

O’ Ornament Local artist Sallie Bynum Anzelmo features her local art at her studio and shop, Three Threads. Her designs can be found on hand painted ornaments, which is the perfectly unique gift.

For the Birds Mr. P’s Tees just introduced this Flying Mallard design on a super soft 3/4 length baseball raglan shirt. Sizes range from 6 months to Youth 12 so you can get one for all of the stylish kids on your list.

A Pearl For Your Girl This elastic bracelet made with fresh water pearls at Hollis & Company would be the perfect gift for the girl in your life. With the elastic band you are guaranteed a perfect fit and a loving smile.

Make It Personal This monogrammed coozie is adjustable to fit cans, bottles or flasks and can be personalized with initials and/or a small picture. Just stop by Sew Southern Embroidery in Rayville to meet with Amy and make your gifts come straight from the heart.

Merry and Bright SkinCeuticals’ Phloretin CF provides powerful antioxidant protection to normal, oily and combination skin types found at Spa Nouvelle.

Be Flawless These premium makeup brushes are best for blending powder, foundation, concealer, moisturizer and primer. Perfect for the makeup enthusiast in your family. You can find this 2 pack of professional brushes at Amazing Lash Studio in Monroe.

Christmas Cheers This 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon is found at Washington Wine and Spirits. The finest barrels are selected and tasted from the best aging warehouses.

Only those barrels deemed “exceptional” are then bottled individually, one by one.

Cheese Connoisseur If you have a foodie on your list, Fiesta Nutrition Center has the perfect gift. This vegan cheese kit has everything they need to make their own cheese and add to their culinary knowledge.

Lounging Around The Palette House in Monroe carries these PJ Salvage sets, that be worn as pajamas or loungewear.

Sporty stripes down the side seams detail soft, stretchy terry material patterned in big-cat spots make this set on trend.

Feet First Everyone loves a little pampering and Mickel Plastic Surgery has just the answer! These feet masks are perfect for softening feet during the winter months and make a great stocking stuffer!

Put Some Pep in Your Present Panola Pepper is near and dear to Woodstock’s owner, Claire Gordon, because the company is based out of her hometown, Lake Providence.

You can find gift boxes with the pepper company’s signature sauces and seasonings.

Arm Candy The best holiday treat is arm candy, and The Nude Nomad’s leather bracelets are no exception! These hand cut bracelets make perfect stocking stuffers! From crocodile to cowhide, choose from assorted colors and textures to mix and match to create a look that fits your personal style.

The Buzz Fiesta Nutrition Center has a variety of coffees including this bag from Methodical Coffee. Not only is it in a pretty package, but the coffee is delicious as well.

With hints of spice and caramel sweetness with a light, tangy acidity, the coffee lover on your list will love it!

Hats Off To Holidays Hats are all the rage this holiday season and this one from Herringstone’s is no exception. Crafted from supersoft wool, this hat features a stiff brim, a grosgrain ribbon band and animalprinted calf hair trim.

Moo-ey Christmas This cow print wristlet from Dusty & Company can be dressed up or down. They have a variety of bags in stock, great for gift giving.

Get Lit! The Paper Market in Monroe has these adorable cups in the shape of a Christmas light bulb. They would be great for holiday parties or stocking stuffers, for kids and adults alike!

Mr. Amazing At Rain Salon, you can shop men’s hair care gift sets for the young at heart and help him create incredible looks every day of the week with this do-it-all grooming trio. The holiday gift set includes Heavy Hitter, Clean Cut and Construction Paste from Paul Mitchell.

Show Your Skin ZO Skin Health, Inc. offers innovative skincare solutions that optimize skin health based on the latest advances in skin therapy technologies, unique delivery systems, bioengineered complexes and exclusive formulations. This set can be found at Anna Stephens Aesthetics in Monroe and Ruston.

Box It Up Secure his cigars in the durability of this Savoy humidor made with a heavy-duty design. Great for the cigar enthusiast in your life. Heirloom quality for your aficionado and found at Governor’s Cigar and Pipe in Monroe.

Sparkle and Shine She will surely sparkle and shine this holiday season when you give her this ring from R&R Gems. With 4.95 carat sapphires and .34 carat diamonds set in 18k white gold, the lady on your list will love to add this piece of jewelry to her collection!

A Gift that Gives Mr. P’s Tees partners with local organizations with their Shirt That Gives Back, and their current shirt features “Gabe” a therapeutic riding horse at the OWL Equine Center in Dubach.

20% percent of each tee sold will be donated back to help their equine program.

Give the Gift of Travel If you have someone on your list that has everything, give them the gift of travel. Call Amie Smith with Virtuoso Travel to book a trip from Argentina to Zambia. You can give the gift of memories that last forever!

Stylish and Seasonal Scarf Everyone loves a scarf and this one from Material Things is no different. It is the perfect mixture of plaid patterns and the trendy jet setter on your list will love it!

Make Her Blush Give your girl a gift that will make her heart skip a beat.

This blush stone ring with silver band from Sadie C’s brings a little shimmer and sparkle to any outfit. She’ll be sure to swoon over the beauty of this ring.

’Tis the Season To Relax No more catching cold feet in these cozy house slippers from The Fashion of Ruston. These are great for any lady on your list that likes to relax in style.

Warm and Toasty Sleepy Hollow Outdoor has a wide variety of fire pits that would be great for the person that loves to sit on the backporch. Whether they are watching the big game or visiting with friends and family, they will stay warm with this practical gift.

She’s A Stud Every girl wants jewelry for Christmas and Hollis & Company has these amazing sterling silver and garnet studs she would love. Great for grandmother, mom, wife or daughter. You can’t go wrong with these beautiful earrings.

Sweater Weather A Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater 1/4-Zip fleece pullover will keep your man looking nice and warm this Christmas. Find these sweaters at Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop.

They even come in camp, gray and brown so you can match his style.

Flamingo Flare Add some color to your gift giving with this amazing painting created

by Ashley Alford. She creates custom pieces like these and would love you help you make your Christmas gifts a little brighter. Give the gift of art this year.

Christmas Spirits True to it’s heritage, the unmistakable spice of 1792 Bourbon is met with notes of charred oak and fresh mint perfect for your whiskey connoisseurs in your life.

Available at Washington Wine and Spirits.

Making a Statement Sue Sartor Custom Kaftans and Tunics has some gorgeous accessories like these black and gold fan earrings, that are sure to turn heads this holiday season. Available at suesartor.com.

Creative Kid Keep little ones entertained in the car or on a rainy day with this adorable dino die-cut Artfolio.

This carrying case comes with 12 crayons and a drawing pad and can be found at The Mother Hen.

Shades from Santa Hemline Monroe carries many styles of KREWE sunglasses, including these Bolden style, with razor sharp lines and an 80’s inspired edge, making them popular for guys and girls.

Wrap It Up Barefoot Dreams is known for being über cozy and comfortable and this blanket is no different. Anyone will love to wrap up in it this holiday season. Available at Haven in Monroe.

Light and Love Undeniably warm, peaceful and pure, Bridge Water’s Sweet Grace candle illuminates with effortless beauty and a heart-warming aroma. Find this scent and more at The Lash Room in Monroe.

Holiday Hair Rain Salon has a variety of hair accessories that are perfect for gift giving and stocking stuffers. This leopard print scrunchie is great for the stylish lady on your list!

Delightfully Delicious A gift certificate from Warehouse No. 1 makes a great gift for anyone on your list. They will love dining on the fresh seafood like tuna, oysters and catfish in a beautiful atmosphere with great service.

Deer for a Dear Roebuck horns add something special to a room and would make a great gift. You can leave them solo or have them as a gallery wall. Traditions on Trenton has many different shapes and sizes to choose from.

Deck the Halls with Art Three Threads is home to local artist Sallie Bynum Anzelmo and her original art. You can find pieces like this in a variety of sizes for all budgets or even commission a custom piece.

Joyful Jewels These bracelets feature an array of different fun and encouraging sayings to help get you through the day. Find these and many more at Dusty and Company!

Pucker Up The Revive Lip Care device is an infrared light that promotes collagen induction around the lips and mouth area to remove fine lines and wrinkles.

Professional Laser Center in Monroe has this amazing device and more information on how to use it.

Steppin’ in Style This classic duck boot found at Patton’s Western Wear offers sleek outdoors styling! Crafted for any kind of weather, it’s water-resistant and perfect for the outdoorsman on your list.

Grill for the Guys For the guy that loves to cook, you can find this Le Griddle Tabletop Propane Gas Griddle at O’Neal Gas. He can enjoy the benefits of healthy French griddle cooking with easy cleanup.

Light the Night This set of Advent candles make the perfect gift this holiday season. From La Petite Abeille, the candles are made from the finest pure beeswax and finished with gold. Available at Material Things in Monroe.

Cozy Christmas You can find this cozy sweater and more at Vintage Soul, Monroe’s newest boutique. They have several options in trendy stripes, color blocking, animal print and more.

Sippin’ with Santa This Hydro Flasks from Fiesta Nutrition Center is the perfect gift to put under the tree this year for the VSCO girl on your list.

She can keep hydrated and be cool at the same time!

Sock it to Him If you have a sports fan on your list that also enjoys being stylish, Ron Alexander Clothiers for Men has the perfect gift. He can wear these ELL & Atty socks and sport his pride for the Saints or Tigers!

Grateful Gift Everyone loves a meaningful gift and this cutting board from Small Batch Customs is just that. You can bring in a family recipe and they will engrave the cutting board, giving it a special touch.

Delight of My Life Dupont Jewelers carries these drop necklaces with stones that give the curved necklace some sparkle as they suspend from a dainty gold chain. A very noticeable delight she’ll want to wear every day. Perfect for a low cut neckline or for layering you can’t go wrong gifting one or two of these.

The Cutting Edge Revival, Monroe’s newest home decor store, has these beautiful marble cutting boards with gold detailing. So pretty they serve not only as a cutting board but a serving tray.

The perfect gift for the known entertainer.

Baby got Jack This Jack Black grooming set for men can be found at The Muffin Tin and The Trenton House and is perfect for the manly man on your list. It has everything he needs for his beard but the razor!

Hats Off Limits Waterfowl Co. in Winnsboro is now open and carrying these top of the line, quality hats. A great gift for men, women and kids and would even make a good stocking stuffer. Many colors and designs to choose from.

Puff Daddy La Aurora ADN Dominicano is available at Legends Cigar & Vape. This cigar incorporates andullo tobacco with an earthy aroma. Find this and other great cigar and vaping products.

Pilots for Patients Awards Luncheon On November 2nd, Pilots for Patients held their Annual Awards Luncheon to honor 11 years of those that have gone above and beyond. Philip Thomas spoke about the organizations past and its amazing growth and all of their accomplishments.

Lunch was served as guest speakers shared stories of how this nonprofit organization has saved and changed lives. They had a hangar full of patients, companions, care givers, pilots, patrons, and volunteers that all came together for great food, fun, wonderful stories, and pilot awards. Pilots for Patients would also like to thank everyone that attended and supports the organization. They look forward to continuing to help our community in the upcoming years.

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On the BayouScene 1 Stacey Hutto, Ashley Morris and Katie Eskew 2 Don Imhoff, Andy Barham, Bruce Walker and Philip Thomas 3 Linda Myers and Richard Myers 4 Angie Robert and Foy Gadberry 5 Maribeth and Larry Holzer 6 Tenley Kennedy, Kelly Kennedy, Ashley Trosclair and Easton Snyder 7 Bill Griffing, Jerry Evans and Reba Evans 8 Brenda Brant, Charlie Adams, Mary Ellen Adams and Wayne Petrus 9 L uanne Maxwell, Sylvia Bartlett, Dona Davidson and Dianne Rosier 10 James McDonald and Annette Epps 11 Felicia Willhite and Kasen Breen 12 P arker Alexander and Maggie Northcott 13 Nanette Cohen and Mel Cohen 14 Tyrone Tucker and Sherry Adcock 15 Alex Matherne and Brian Eskew 16 Cindy and Mike Lemoine

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ARCO’s Annual Appreciation Luncheon ARCO’s Annual Friends and Employers Appreciation Luncheon was held on October 22, 2019. Sponsored by Vantage Health Plan, this event celebrated over 1,000 individuals and businesses who generously supported individuals with developmental disabilities and their families during the past year.

Guest speakers included John Balsamo of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Tina Holley, ARCO Supported Living Participant, Felicia Edmonds, Grandparent, Early Intervention/ ARCO Children’s Center. Entertainment was provided by the St. Francis Medical Center ESD Choir featuring James Wooten. The mission of ARCO is to envision a place where the community provides for all, including those with disabilities and they seek to empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families to have quality lives through instruction, support, and opportunity. ARCO proclaims the tenets that all persons are of equal value, all persons have the same basic needs, and all persons learn in uniquely different ways.

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1 Angellic Bellard, Jasper Queen, Jr. and Camille Miller 2 John and Anhie Wilson 3 Cheryl Farmer and Naomi Jackson 4 Dixie Bishop, Peggy Rogers and Tate Allen 5 Deborah Moore and Lashonya Kelly 6 Holly Moore and Rep. Bubba Chaney 7 John and Elicia Mugent 8 Steve Murray, Joel Murray and John Balsamo 9K ara Wrider and Andrew Hubenthal 10 Sydnee Hicks and Tracee Albert 11 Paul Stanley and Ashley White 12 Eselener McCoi and Jackie Brown 13 Lakescia Sims and Ta’Nashalla Knight 14 Joey King and Lori Gregory

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The Salvation Army Banquet The Salvation Army held a banquet on November 12th at the Monroe Civic Center.

Popular and entertaining national speaker, Dennis Swanberg, served as the guest speaker. It was the first banquet in a number of years for the non-profit organization and was held to inform the public and celebrate the many services they offer to Northeast Louisiana. Guests enjoyed food, fun and laughter all while helping the Salvation Army feed the homeless. Captain Jerry Casey, local Corp commander, leads the Army into its 93rd year in Monroe. The Army serves 13 northeast parishes and has provided thousands of individuals with humanitarian care in disasters and in normal daily living situations.

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On the BayouScene 1 Doretha Bennett, Beverly Lewis,Kinya Bennett and Gwen Amelin 2 Emma Larson Edge, Amanda Edge and Mike Walsworth 3 Mark Hunter and Amy Kline 4 Kathy Ray and Jerry Jarrard 5 Ken Fletcher and Karen 6 Harvey Perry and Carolyn, Kim lowery, Ricky and John Perry 7 Leon Darby and Lisa Darby 8 Christian and Catherine Creed 9 E than Estis and Aaron Patrick 10 Heather and Rick Guillot 11 Kayleigh and Justin Mailhes 12 Dennis Swanberg and Captain Jerry Casey 13 Major Melody Davis and Angela Thomson 14 Marc and Brandi Mashaw and Diana and Jay Russell 15 Stephen and Dawn James 16 Lauree Swanberg and Shirley Pilcher 17 Pat Regan, Jim Fannin and John Jones

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com November 9 - December 31 Freedom Trees The Freedom Christmas Trees are 5 lighted trees at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum set to honor the service of the men & women of the 5 branches of the US military. The trees will be lit on November 9th and stay lit until December 31st.

Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe Cost: Free Phone: 318-362-5540 November 22 – December 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 special events throughout the season.

Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive Hours: Tues-Sat from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Cost: Adults $7; Military/Senior $6; Child/Student (thru HS) $4 Phone: 318-387-5281 Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Light Park

Candy Cane Lane is a mile-long wooded drive decorated with over One Million Christmas lights. Candy Cane Lane will be open daily Nov. 22 - Dec. 31 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Venue: Candy Cane Lane 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $20 Family Vehicle / $40 Commercial Vehicle Phone: 318-801-2935 November 23 - December 22 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 5pm to 8pm, Sat 10AM to 8pm, Sun 1pm to 6pm Cost: $8 per person Phone: 318-361-9611 November 30 – December 31 Christmas Tree Stroll

Enjoy a variety of Christmas trees decorating by local businesses.

The Christmas Tree Stroll will be available for viewing from Nov. 30th to Dec. 31st. This year’s participants include The ULM Alumni Association, Chennault Aviation Museum, African American Museum, NELA Children’s Museum, and the Krewe of Janus.

Venue: Downtown Riverwalk 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: All Day Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-3254 December 2 City of West Monroe Annual Tree Lighting Event

Come and watch the City light up City Hall and Christmas trees decorated by local schools as they welcome the Christmas holiday season with hot cocoa and cookies.

There will be singing by school choirs, local pageant queens and fire and police vehicles to tour.

Venue: West Monroe City Hall 2305 N. 7th Street, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-397-6713 December 3 Holiday Brass

The Lagniappe Brass, featuring brass players from the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, ULM, Grambling University, and others will kick off the holiday season with a night of holiday-themed selections.

This will be a great concert to make your spirits bright.

Venue: Grace Episcopal Church 405 Glenmar Ave, Monroe

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Hours: 7:00 pm Cost: $15.00 Phone: 318-812-6761 December 5 December Downtown Gallery Crawl

Don't miss out on the December Downtown Gallery Crawl on December 5th.

Venue: Art Alley Downtown, Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: Free Downtown After Dark

Join Antique Alley for late night shopping. 10% Discount by showing your VIP Club Text. To Join the VIP Club - Text AAWM to 51660.

Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM Colt Ford Concert

Don't miss out on Colt Ford in concert on December 5th!

Venue: The HUB 201 Washington St., Monroe Hours: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Cost: $18-$40 December 5 – 7 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: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-387-5281 Lincoln Lights Up the Pines

Bring the entire family to enjoy the beauty of Lincoln Parish Park as well as the only drive-thru Christmas lights display here in Ruston. With tons of twinkling lights, lively holiday scenes, and festive Christmas decor,

everyone is sure to enjoy the holiday cheer of Lincoln Lights Up the Pines!

Don't miss this fun holiday attraction to be experienced from the comfort (and warmth) of your vehicle.

Venue: 211 Parish Park Rd Ruston, LA 71270 Hours: 5:30PM-10PM Cost: $10 per Vehicle, $15 per Bus Phone: 318-255-2031 December 5- 8 Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause

A letter written 100 years ago by a remarkable 8-year-old girl to the New York Sun inspired this whimsical play. Director Mark Watson with the Ruston Community Theatre adds to their 2019-2020 season with this lovely play at the Dixie Center for the Arts.

Venue: 212 N Vienna St Ruston, LA 71270 Hours: 7PM Cost: $14/$7 for Students and Children Phone: 318-255-1450 December 6 NCLAC's Holiday Art Market

Visit this open-air market with local art, live music, kid’s activities, door prizes, food trucks and much more! All of the artwork for sale is made by hand, with thought, affordably priced, and in one location.

Venue: 207 W Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA 71270 Hours: 2PM-9PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-255-1450 December 6 – 8 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. Handicap accessible with scooter rentals available on-site.

Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach, LA 71235 Hours: 9AM-5PM Friday, 11AM-9PM Saturday, 10AM-4PM Sunday Cost: $5 per vehicle Phone: (318) 680-1304

December 7 Christmas On the River 5K

Join Downtown West Monroe as they begin the Christmas on the River Festival. Race begins at 7:30am. Entry fee is $30 and includes a long sleeve runners T-shirt. The 5K loop runs through downtown West Monroe and along the River. Sponsored by CFWM Athletic Club.

Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Cost: $30 Pet Christmas with Santa

For the first time at the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, Santa will be present for photos with family pets. Please bring your wellbehaved fur, feather and scale babies to the Coke Museum, 2000 Riverside drive for a one-of-a-kind Christmas photograph. This event is free.

Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Cost: Free Phone: 318-387-5281 Annual Bawcomville Redneck Parade Parade like no other! You'll enjoy floats with fun-loving redneck themes and throws that range from beads to toys to other surprises!

Venue: S&J Farm and Feed 1505 Thomas Road, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM Cost: Free Phone: 318-388-5858 Christmas in DoMo

Come enjoy Christmas in DoMo, a classic event to celebrate the holidays with the whole family at the Origin Bank RiverMarket.

The community flocks downtown to enjoy live music, pictures with Santa Claus, and a little last-minute shopping. Vendors from across the area sell their gifts all day leading up to the Christmas fireworks display at 6 p.m. Activities for this event include the Little Miss Christmas in DoMo pageant, Christmas Pet Pageant, Kid's Talent Show, Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, Christmas Story time, Pearl Harbor Memorial, Ford Trucks, and a performance by Miss Louisiana 2019, Meagan Crews.

Venue: Downtown Riverwalk 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-807-1735

Christmas Pet Pageant

Dress your pet up in their holiday best and bring them out to strut their stuff. Join us at Christmas in DoMo for this exciting event. The pet pageant will start at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7th at the Origin Bank RiverMarket. There will be 2 categories: small breed & large breed. Register your pet by Nov. 22! To register, call Jessica Manes at 318-807-1735. Come show us your pet’s talents.

Venue: Downtown Riverwalk 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 10:30 AM Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-3254 Earth Oven Demonstration

A ranger-led cooking demonstration which offers a unique look at prehistoric cooking with an earth oven, showing how the Poverty Point people used heated earthen objects and specially-dug pits to prepare their food.

Venue: Poverty Point World Heritage Site 6859 Highway 577, Pioneer Cost: $4 Phone: 888-926-5492 Christmas in DoMo Kid's Talent Show Join the RiverMarket at Christmas in DoMo for their first annual Kid's Talent Show! Show them your unique talent. Age categories will be Kindergarten - 3rd and 4th through 7th with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Registration is $10.

Venue: RiverMarket 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 11:30 AM Cost: $10 Phone: 318-807-9985 Little Miss Christmas in DoMo Pageant

Start off your holiday festivities with the Little Miss Christmas in DoMo Pageant. There will be six different age divisions for girls 0 to 12 years old. Check in begins at 1 p.m. and the pageant starts at 2 p.m. Registration is $40 before November 22 and $50 for late registration after November 23. Age Divisions: •0-11 Month Baby Miss •12-23 Month - Toddler Miss •2-3 Years - Tiny Miss •4-6 Years - Sassy Miss •7-9 Years - Little Miss •10-12 Years - Pre-Teen Miss Venue: RiverMarket 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 2:00 PM Cost: $40 Phone: 318-807-9985

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita Christmas Parade

Come enjoy the holiday floats, bands, dancers, and more at the annual Christmas Parade. You might even see Santa!

Venue: Louisville Ave and Trenton Street, Monroe-West Monroe Hours: 3:30 PM Cost: Free Christmas Fireworks Get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the annual Christmas fireworks!

Venue: RiverMarket 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Phone: 318-807-9985 Christmas Gala - Twin City Ballet

For fifty years the dancers of Twin City Ballet have been entertaining thousands of school-aged children from area schools and this year will another exciting performance.

Under the direction of the talented Joe Istre, area children will enjoy a brand new TCB performance, The Santa Claus. As part of this iconic season, Twin City Ballet will present Act II of the Nutcracker on Gala night, a favorite of our beloved director, Linda Lavender Ford. Don't miss out on the annual Christmas Gala!

Venue: Jack Howard Theater 401 Lea Joyner Expy,, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Phone: 318-329-2225 Downtown River Jam Amdocs Downtown River Jam returns Dec. 7th. Come spread holiday cheer and enjoy the Christmas Fireworks while listening to The Cadillac Kings perform at the Skent N Dent Stage. This event is free to the public and located at the Downtown RiverWalk. Sponsored by Doe's Eat Place, Progressive Bank, Matt's Music, Azalea Estates, Skent N Dent, Choice Brands, Century Marketing Solutions, Amdocs, Northeast Louisiana Insurance, and Mitchell's Body and Frame. The Downtown River Jam is a project of the Downtown Monroe Alliance.

Venue: Downtown River Jam 515 N 3rd St, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Christmas in the Floats

Walk through the Twin Cities Krewe de Rivière floats, drink hot cocoa and meet Santa at Krewe de

Riviere's Christmas open house.Don't miss out on this fun event!

Venue: Krewe de Riviere's Den 500 Ouachita Avenue, Monroe Hours: 6:30 PM Christmas on the Farm

Join the city of Dubach for their second annual Christmas on the Farm event. From pony rides and petting zoos to games and bouncy houses, this free and family friendly event is certain to put anyone in the holiday spirit. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance all the way from the North Pole and the maze will be open for exploring. This is an event you won't want to miss out on, so bring your family and friends to enjoy Christmas on the Farm!

Venue: Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center, 1523 Hwy 563, Dubach Hours: 9AM-3PM Phone: (318) 777-3460 Rudolph's Reindeer Race Join Louisiana Tech for their 3rd annual Rudolph Reindeer Race.

This 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk is designed to bring joy to the children of the Ruston-Lincoln community.

The registration fee for this event is a donation of a children's toy or book of at least a $10 value.

Venue: 921 Tech Drive, Ruston Hours: 9:30AM-11:30AM Phone: 318-255-2031 December 7 – 8 Journey to Bethlehem 2019

Come walk through a Bethlehem scene free of charge and see the reenactment of the time in which Jesus was born.

Venue: Pecanland Mall 4700 Millhaven Road, Suite 2000, Monroe Hours: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-322-4635 December 8 Holiday in the Pines: Tour of Homes Save the Date for Pine Hills Advocacy Center Tour of Homes.

Four fabulous homes have been added to the list. Purchase tickets on the advocacy center’s website, drop by the center at 117 S. Trenton St. or watch for local businesses that will be selling tickets. Support Pine Hills and the work they do for children and adults in our five-parish area.

Venue: Pine Hills Advocacy Center 117 S. Trenton St, Ruston Hours: 1PM-5PM

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Cost: $20 Phone: 318-255-7273 December 12 Synthesis Opening Reception As our technology advances it is easy to believe that we have grown very far from our natural selves. Many people fear the state of our Post-Digital world, consumed by screens and overwhelmed by targeted advertisements and social media, as technology becomes more completely integrated into our everyday lives. The artists in this exhibition look past the blip of the digital screen and into the future - a future in which the boundaries between nature and technology blur completely. Featuring work by 26 artists from around the globe, this exhibition includes 3D printed sculpture, Virtual Reality, special effects animation, interactive smartphone filters, digital painting, and traditional media. Speakers will include Masur Museum of Art Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Lindsay Kearney, Artist and guest curator Hannah Schilsky, artist Breht O'Hearn, and artist Shavana Smiley.

Venue: Masur Museum of Art 1400 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Beer & Bards

Beer & Bards takes place on the 2nd Thursday of every month at Enochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish Cafe and Pub. It begins at roughly 7:00pm and lasts anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.

They ask for readers from all walks of life whether they be students, teachers, published authors, or just the casual connoisseur of short fiction and/or poetry from within the community, the state, or anywhere in the world. Anyone with questions or who wishes to read can reach Jack Heflin, ULM English Professor and Beer & Bards Host, by either sending a message on the Beer & Bards Facebook page or contacting him directly at heflin@ulm.edu.

Venue: Enoch's Irish Pub 507 Louisville Ave, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: 318-388-3662 December 14 Holiday Outdoor Movie

What could be better than watching one of your favorite

Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas lights?

The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone.

Venue: Alley Park 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe Hours: 5:30 PM Marc Broussard Concert Don't miss out on Marc Broussard in concert on December 14th. Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms. This gift has been a matter of common knowledge since 2002, when Broussard released his debut album, Momentary Setback, which he recorded and released independently at age 20.

David Grace is the opening act.

Venue: The HUB 201 Washington St., Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM The Sound of the Holidays

It's fun and excitement for all ages as the MSO is joined by the Monroe Symphony Chorus and the Monroe Symphony Youth Orchestra to celebrate the holidays. You won't have to go "over the river and through the woods" to have a great time; there will be plenty of moments to cheer the heart and warm the spirit as the MSO performs holiday classics, both new and old, in the spectacular concert event. Be sure to grab extra tickets for your family and friends!

Venue: North Monroe Baptist Church 210 Finks Hideaway Rd, Monroe Hours: 7:00PM Cost: $30 Phone: 318-812-6761 Ruston Christmas Parade Take part in this Christmas tradition. The annual Ruston Christmas Parade will roll through downtown Ruston with festive floats throwing candy and prizes for all!

Route begins at the Thomas Assembly Center and heads downtown by traveling on Alabama Avenue.

Venue: Downtown Ruston Hours: 10:30AM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-55-2031 December 18 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

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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: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-387-5281

First West Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration

Experience all the sights, sounds, and feelings of Christmas! Don't miss out on the First West Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration on December 20-22, 2019.

Venue: First West 500 Pine Street, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Phone: 318-322-5104

December 19 Haley Brooke at the Hub Don't miss out on Haley Brooke live in concert at the Hub on December 19. Haley began performing professionally at the end of 2013, and, since then, she has been blessed to work with some of the elites in the industry (Bernard Fowler of the Rolling Stones, audio engineer Chris Bell, producer Danny Sabre, guitarist Johan Carlberg, etc.) and has had the incredible opportunity to record in Los Angeles, CA and Stockholm, Sweden. She released her first single in October of 2017, her second in December of 2018, and is looking forward to dropping a full-length album soon.

Venue: The HUB 201 Washington St., Monroe Hours: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

December 21 Jingle Bell Run 10K and 5K This fun 10K and 5K that start at Forsythe Park in Monroe benefits the youth involved with the programs of Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing. Registration is available online at https:// runsignup.com/Race/LA/Monroe/ MonroeJingleBellRun Venue: Forsythe Park Riverside Drive & Forsythe Avenue, Monroe Hours: 8:00 a.m. (10K) and 8:30 a.m. (5K)Cost: 10 K-$30 and up depending on date of registration 5K-$20 and up depending on date of registrationPhone: 318-325-4634

December 20 The Polar Express Ballet See the Polar Express Ballet at the Monroe Civic Center on December 20th. Don't miss out on this performance by the Louisiana Delta Ballet Company.

Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway,Monroe Hours: 7:30 PM Cost: $25 Phone: 318-329-2225 December 20-22 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

Feel the Furs Visitors will discover what animals may have lived at Poverty Point World Heritage Site, and what their furs feel like. Learn what features the animals would have had to help them survive in and near the bayous of the area. The program is designed for children ages 6-12 under the picnic pavilion.

Venue: Poverty Point World Heritage Site 6859 Highway 577, Pioneer Hours: 11:00 AM Cost: $4 Phone: 888-926-5492 Holiday Outdoor Movie

What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas lights?

The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone!

Venue: Alley Park 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe Hours: 5:30 PM Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

Celebrate the first day of Winter with a bonfire, s'mores, and some stargazing out at Black Bayou Lake.

Black Bayou will have the telescopes set up and you can enjoy the shortest day of the year and the official start to winter.

Venue: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge 480 Richland Pl Drive, Monroe Hours: 6:00 Cost: Free Phone: 319-387-1114 December 31 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve on the Terrace

The Second Annual New Year’s Eve on the Terrace is a night you do not want to miss. Enjoy heavy d' oeuvres, live music and all you can drink beer, wine, and champagne.

Dress in your best formal wear. Presale tickets are $100 a couple or $75 for a single ticket. Prices at the door are $150 a couple and $100 for a single ticket. All proceeds go to the James P. Mayo Foundation in support of the active fight against hunger in Ouachita Parish!

Venue: Tower Place Terrace 1500 North 19th Street, Monroe Hours: 8:00 PM - 12:30 AM Cost: $75 December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Monday Movie Night

Join in a Lincoln Parish Library tradition of family movie night.

Venue: 910 North Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71270 Hours: 6PM-8PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-513-5510

honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods.

Venue: 220 E Mississippi Avenue, Ruston Hours: 9AM-1PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-957-1305 December 5-7, 9 Sanders Family Christmas – Dinner Theatre

Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to Connie Ray and Alan Bailey’s wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical “Smoke on the Mountain.”

It’s Dec. 24, 1941 and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders, of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and twenty-five Southern Gospel Christmas favorites.

Ticket includes entry to show, a full course meal, and complimentary beer and wine.

Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Lane, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Cost: $50 Phone: 318-323-6681

December 6-8, 14-15 SYAA's Hollywood Holiday 2: LaughIn Edition Join Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts as their SYAA stage is transformed into a big Hollywood soundstage ready to celebrate the holidays. In their seventh annual holiday cabaret, the SYAAers travel back to Hollywood and back in time to the late 60s and the days of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. Come “LaughIn” the holidays with SYAA, and they will show you how they do Christmas with a twist.

Venue: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Hours: Friday 7:00 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM, Sunday 3:00 PM Phone: 318-812-7922 December 7, 14, 21, 28 Ruston Farmers Market

Shop, eat, and support locals at the Ruston Farmers Market! Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2019 283

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