25 minute read
CHRISTMAS ROYALTY
Your Hometown Urologist
Dr. Robert Marx Specializes in Vasectomies
AS PEOPLE FIND THEMSELVES AT home for the holidays, this is the perfect opportunity to schedule your vasectomy. With minimal downtime, you can be back at home the same day and simply resting for two days. Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of met deductibles, and “Shelf Your Elf” this holiday season.
A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure.
THE VASECTOMY PROCEDURE IS NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE
Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding
AFTER THE VASECTOMY
After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well.
If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx.
Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.
CHRISTMAS ROYALTY
D
ecorating is a matter of attitude. Like personal style, you can’t go wrong as long as you are true to yourself. Such is the design compass that Catherine M. Tonore, CEO of Primary Health Services Center, has embraced in her French chateau-style house. With a personal style that she describes as “very formal,” her interior draws on deep resplendent hues, sparkling lights, and festive aromas. This elegance has also extended to her adornments for the happiest time of the year, making Christmas at the Tonores an extravagant nod to traditional aesthetics and fostering a spirit of merriment.
When the Tonores moved into their home three years ago, they had their work cut out for them. “I totally redid the whole house,” says Catherine. The many alterations included repainting the walls, glittering the ceilings with grand chandeliers (each accented with gold finish ceiling medallions), and redoing the kitchen cabinets which are characterized by wood appliques of her own design. Inspired by a traditional French aesthetic, Catherine has curated her space with antique wood furniture, a stunning collection of porcelain pieces, deep-toned Persian rugs, and even Scalamandré wallpaper (the same designer that Jackie Kennedy Onassis used in the White House).
Each room of the Tonore’s two-story home—which includes three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a dining room, parlor, living room, sunroom, patio, and courtyard—has a majestic feel to it and is fashioned around a color. On the first floor, the simplicity of the cream interior walls and cabinets balances with the rich red furnishings and hardwood floors. “I love jewel tones,” says Catherine, whose favorite color is undeniably red, a color radiating warmth. Catherine opted for emerald green when tailoring her sunroom to offset this powerful hue. “I always loved Gone with the Wind and they use that beautiful emerald color,” she says, referring to the famous green, curtain dress that Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) wears to visit Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) in jail. “I thought I really made a mistake,” admits Catherine, at the time, desiring to lean into her comfort color. “You have enough red,” her friends reminded her. Though she agreed, her decision to go green was solidified on a trip to Dallas where she eyed crystal chandeliers with green accents. Now, the cozy space is marked by velvet green curtains lined with gold fringe and matching furniture, all facing one of her favorite spaces to occupy—the patio and courtyard.
As a CEO, Catherine has a lot to meditate about, and the patio and courtyard—fully furnished, complete with an outdoor grill and kitchen, and decorated with accent tables and some of her prized porcelain vases—is just the space to commune with
something greater than herself. “It’s the Spirit,” she says, adding, “It’s asking God to give you the strength to do things that you need to do, and that is bigger than you can ever achieve yourself.” Comfortable, soothing, and relaxing, her time outside is made even more enjoyable when her bird family joins her. “They seem like they keep growing,” she laughs, referring to the community of sparrows chirping madly from one of the trees occupying the serene space surrounded by travertine stone on the walkways and flooring, stone urns with Christmas decor, lots of red twinkling lights, and even a New Orleans style lamp post. “The birds help soothe me. And I guess they listen to me,” she says, explaining that her outdoor time sometimes takes the form of taking several work calls.
Another source of communion for Catherine is her family, so the rooms on the second floor are reserved for her oldest grandchildren, Alex and Morgan. There, cool tones and shimmering fabrics brighten, providing a regal atmosphere. Sapphire blue emanates from plush pillows, bedding, and additional crystal chandeliers. Gold accents further emphasize this calming shade alongside wood-framed beds, bedside tables, and antique, upholstered armchairs. The primary bedroom, located on the first floor, follows a similar design, adding opulence by way of a canopied bed fit for royalty. Eggplant purple sheets, upholstery, and glimmering, thick curtains further provide this space with a monarchical vehemence.
“I love traditional things,” says Catherine, who enjoys beauty and elegance. “I really enjoy walking through my home and just admiring the things that I have collected throughout the years,”
Bottom right: Three Christmas trees are on display. The first tree graces the parlor and is a Valentino tree. The flocked red velvet makes for a stunning appearance and is complimented by the metallic gold from the lush poinsettia ornaments and limited edition collectible elves by Mark Roberts.
she says, making mention of the pieces that have been passed down to her, particularly by way of her mother. One of her favorite pieces of furniture can be found in the parlor and was inherited from her husband’s parents—a wide-seated plush armchair with quality, red floral upholstery. In the same space hangs her oldest piece of furniture which she found at an antique show. Hailing from Syracuse, New York is a tall, ornate wood-frame mirror from the mid-1800s. “It had the invoice and everything,” she says, mentioning that the paper was so old that it fell apart when touched.
Catherine’s penchant for pretty things is a year-round endeavor, and even more so during Christmas time which, for her, begins as soon as October ends. “I guess I brought Christmas into the neighborhood,” she laughs, referring to her vibrant decorations which took about a week to complete. Outfitting holiday cheer begins outdoors with Christmas ball garlands lining the Juliet balconies and entrance of her home, outlined with travertine and Bird of Paradise ironwork. Giant ornaments rest over stone urns, red string lights hang over ceramic potted evergreens, and gold and red bows accent ornate wreaths hang from the first-floor windows. “Christmas has always been in my heart,” she says, emphasizing that it is the spirit that brings the family together.
Above: Another source of communion for Catherine is her family, so the rooms on the second floor are reserved for her oldest grandchildren, Alex and Morgan. There, cool tones and shimmering fabrics brighten, providing a regal atmosphere. Sapphire blue emanates from plush pillows, bedding, and additional crystal chandeliers, poinsettia ornaments and limited edition collectible elves by Mark Roberts.
With the help of Kelly Taylor’s eye for design, the Tonore household is a stunning display of seasonal glam. Three Christmas trees are on display. The first tree graces the parlor and is a Valentino tree. The flocked red velvet makes for a stunning appearance and is complimented by the metallic gold from the lush poinsettia ornaments and limited edition collectible elves by Mark Roberts. The sunroom holds an even livelier tree specifically fashioned for her five-year-old grandson, Will. It is jampacked with joyful, lanky elves, nutcrackers, shiny lollipops, and a jovial elf tree stand. The main Christmas tree is the tallest, most heavily decorated, and towers adjacent to the fireplace which is lined with large gold and red poinsettias, decorated stockings, and Mr. and Mrs. Clause figurines. The dramatic tree topper of glittery, curly ribbon picks is to be expected, as the tree is a burst of red and gold ribbons, more poinsettias, and the occasional elf.
“We’re kind of running out of space,” says Catherine, whose Christmas cheer immediately grabs visitors as they walk into the foyer—lavish St. Nick figurines top large vases, a family of porcelain carolers huddles in the entryway of the dining room as well as the staircase quarter space landing, while a lavish garland lines the handrail. “I think decorations are more challenging to purchase now,” she says, commenting on the influences of modern tastes which often play with color palettes, keep to minimalist displays, and embrace colossal front yard inflatables. “You may have to shop early if you want to get anything unusual,” she adds, explaining that most of her holiday finds come from her trips to Dallas. Though she is true to her style in fashion and decor, she understands that the formal is not for everyone. Even then, to stand in any room of her home is to appreciate the splendor of sophistication.
Catherine’s dedication to designing an interior befitting the festive season comes from reverence for gathering family. “We share wonderful things,” she says, eagerly revealing that this year her family will be wearing Christmas pajamas chosen by her youngest grandson. Without a doubt, tradition is at the heart of the Tonore household and is meant to be passed down, starting with her children. “I hope they’ll carry the tradition on, and have plenty to share with each other.”
Leadership Ouachita
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 34 PARTICIPANTS graduated from the Monroe Chamber and Leadership Council’s 2022 Leadership Ouachita program at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. This was the Leadership program’s 34th 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-two years ago, over 850 people have graduated from the program.
During the ceremony, Amy Sawyer, with North Delta Title, was named the 32nd 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.
Past recipients of this prestigious award include: Brent Henley, Tom Nicholson, David Cattar, George Cummings, Harvey Hales, Ed Major, Debbie Sawyer, Mike Ryan, Bruce Hanks, Dr. David Uth, Terry Baugh, Jerry Daigle, Taylor Cagle, Jim Crotwell, Judge Wendell Manning, LJ Holland, Aimee Kane, Christian Creed, Stephen Harrison, Kevin Woods, Stewart Keyes, Michael Echols, Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos, Ashley West, Jeff Laudenheimer, James Moore, III, Matt West, Alberta Green, Jeremy Harrell, Damon Marsala and Alan Brockman.
Sponsors for the 2022 program are: Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe, Specialty Management Services of Ouachita, St Francis Medical Center, City of Monroe, First Horizon Bank, Progressive Bank, Strauss Interest, KTVE/KARD, Stephens Media Group, The Radio People.
HOME
for the holidays.
Amy Price Sawyer, Attorney Kirby O Price, Attorney
Whether it’s your first home, or your last, North Delta Title Company is sure to make your closing experience the best.
1100 N. 19th in Monroe | 318.387.1100 | NorthDeltaTitle.com
Holiday Orthopaedic Injuries
We Are Here to Provide the Help You Need
HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US. This special time of year brings together family and friends to make lasting memories. Unfortunately, the holidays also bring specific types of orthopaedic injuries.
One of the most frequent causes of holiday mishaps is the ladder. From the seemingly benign step stool to the large extension variety, the ladder throws even the most careful user. A fall from the last-minute rush to hang the mistletoe or the long stretch to reach the big baking pan can compromise a wrist or bones in the forearm. If the legs or feet become entangled, a serious ankle or knee injury can occur. With outdoor ladder use, falls from higher heights generate enough force for serious trauma. Additionally, if the mechanism on an extension ladder is not appropriately locked, the ladder can collapse and cause a significant crushing injury. The rule is always better safe than sorry. If a question exists regarding a fracture from a ladder mishap, do not hesitate to get an x-ray.
Related to ladders is the holiday pastime of hunting. Many a catastrophic fall has occurred, and faulty equipment can lead to injury, so always use caution. A critter who decides to make its home in the blind or stand may rattle or sting the unsuspecting hunter. Varied orthopaedic injuries can happen due to the presence of unwelcomed visitors. Winter ground cover turns the wrong step into a twisted ankle. A painful injury develops when the prize is finally found but lifting it into the truck undermines the back. Always be aware of good body mechanics even in the excitement of the moment! But traveling to and from the stand or blind in the side by side or ATV produces the most serious injuries. Everyone has heard a story of someone who has suffered great harm in one of these vehicles so use precautions and give the transportation the respect it deserves.
Respect leads to the final frequent holiday injury – respect the new toy! From hover boards to a Nine-Bot, to an old-fashioned trampoline, to an Inmotion, to a treadmill, to virtual reality goggles, to looking skyward at the drone, to Big Wheels, to Barbie cars – if Santa can bring it, the consumer can injure themselves. Nothing is worse than spending Christmas day with the new bicycle parked in the driveway and a crying child and parent in the ER. Don’t let the enthusiasm of the new (or the neighbor’s new) outweigh common sense and caution.
At the North Louisiana Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, never hesitate to bring us your holiday story because trust us, we have heard some holiday tales. We really want to wish you well this holiday season and do not want you to need our care, but should you find yourself on the unfortunate side of a holiday mishap, we are here to provide the help you need. Happy Holidays, and don’t forget to take care while carving!
Gardens of Somerset
5 Essential Benefits of Socialization for Seniors
WHETHER YOU ARE A “seasoned” citizen or taking care of an aging parent, socialization is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is essential for both mental and physical wellbeing. Many seniors find that as they age, their social circles begin to dwindle. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as retirement, loss of a spouse, or limited mobility.
The holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for seniors who live alone due to the increased focus on family gatherings and celebrations. They may feel left out or even forgotten. The hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, decorating, and parties can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel left out when everyone else seems to be busy with their own plans.
At the Gardens of Somerset, we understand the importance of socialization for seniors and offer a variety of ways for our residents to connect with others so that they can enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. It’s one of the many reasons why our community is such a great place to call home.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at five essential benefits of socialization for seniors:
1. Reduces Loneliness and Isolation
One of the most important benefits of socialization for seniors is that it helps to reduce loneliness and isolation. Loneliness can have a significant impact on mental health, causing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to physical health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.
2. Increases Life Satisfaction and Happiness
Seniors who are socially active tend to have a higher quality of life and are generally more satisfied with their lives than those who are not. They also report feeling happier overall. It’s no wonder that socialization is often referred to as the “elixir of life” for seniors. Many of our residents at the Gardens of Somerset say that socializing with their neighbors and friends is one of the best parts of living in our community.
3. Provides Mental Stimulation
Socializing can help to keep your mind sharp and provide mental stimulation. It has been shown to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Seniors who stay socially engaged are also less likely to experience a decline in cognitive function.
4. Lowers stress levels
Socializing can help to lower stress levels and improve coping skills. When you interact with others, your brain releases oxytocin, a hormone that has stress-reducing and antianxiety effects. It can also help to take your mind off of whatever is causing you stress.
5. Boosts immune system
Seniors who have an active social life tend to have a stronger immune system. Socialization has been shown to increase the production of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that helps fight off infections. Immune system function declines with age, so this is an important benefit of socialization for seniors.
Christmas at the Oaks
Saturday November 19th, Ivy & Stone and New Beginnings of Ruston hosted “Christmas at The Oaks.” A day full of exclusive specials, holiday drinks, live music, food and shopping. Just a few of the vendors present were Forever Linked, Traveling Chic Boutique and Rachel Huber.
On the BayouScene
1 Courtney Riley 2 Ragan Barnes and Julia Northbick 3 Frankie Antis and Jennifer Daniel 4 Alexis and Blake Bosely 5 Rory and Emory Beckham 6 Stacy Dotson and Jackson Dotson 7 Celeste Holley, Lucy Douglas and Jerrilyn Frasier 8 Emily Maples, Claire Sholar and Elise Burch 1
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State Representative Michael Echols
Fundraiser in Honor of Representative Michael Echols
MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY, FRIENDS and family joined State Representative Michael Echols Thursday, October 20th for a fundraiser in his honor. The event, which took place in The Exchange Room of Restaurant Cotton, recognized Echols for his support of Telehealth, growing primary care doctors and his overall support of healthcare in the Louisiana Legislature..
Echols was also honored in August 2022 in New Orleans by the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians (LAFP) and was presented the 2022 LAFP Legislative Champion Award at their annual meeting. “Much of my career has been spent in the healthcare industry,” Echols said. “Our doctors and healthcare professionals play a huge role in our state in a very challenging and changing business. Louisiana must maintain a friendly healthcare environment to recruit and retain the physicians of tomorrow.”
Representative Echols assumed office in January 2020 and represents District 14. He serves on the House of Representatives Republican Executive Committee, House Health and Welfare Committee, and the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. His professional experience includes serving as Director of Business Development for Vantage Health Plan.
GOLD SPONSORS
Dr. Ralph Abraham – Dr. James Altick – Dr. Raj Bhandari – Dr. Blaine Borders – Dr. Kyle Bruyninckx - Dr. Justin Haydel - Dr. Miles Hilbun – Dr. Hill Hinkle - Dr. Dan Holt – Joe Holyfield - Dr. Gary Jones – Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians - Dr. Lee Miller - Dr. Paul Murphy – Dr. Arthur Richert - Dr. Teresa Ross – Dr. Greg Sampognaro - Dr. Ross Smith – Dr. Andrew Waldo
SILVER SPONSORS
Dr. Joseph Barron - Dr. Blaine Borders - Dr. Daniel Cordas - Dr. Bonita Dyess – Exxon Mobile - Evans Oil Co. - Dr. Vince Forte - Dr. Sumatha Ghanta – Dr. Hardy Gordon - Dr. Lee Humble – Kilpatrick Funeral Home - Dr. Anti Maran - Dr. Stuart Melton – James Moore Jr. - Dr. Bob Raulerson – Randy Russell - Dr. Justin Tarver – Regina and Doug Wood
Creating Meaning and Forming Lasting Connections
We Build Families
BY J. PRESTON PARRY, MD, MPH
CHRISTMAS IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE holiday, with Thanksgiving a close second. Surveys show that other favorites vary a lot based on the age, gender, and other factors for whom you ask, but Christmas and Thanksgiving continue to top the list for everyone. What is it about these two that reach us so powerfully? Hope, family, events, and meaning bigger than oneself all contribute to why these two holidays resonate on a deeper level, though vacation and great food aren’t bad reasons either.
If these values are some of the most important that connect with us on a deeper level, what does it say for our society in a time where we are more alone? From declining church membership and shared events to greater political partisanship, Americans spend less time together, and when they do, it is often people who are very similar. Even our social media is becoming less communal and more competitive. Yuval Harari recently described Twitter as less like a town square, and more like a gladiator arena, where violence and brutality are rewarded.
I’m fortunate in that as a fertility specialist, I often see the reverse of that loneliness, and instead experience the best of what our world has to offer. While we celebrate Jesus’s birth this season, I actually get to see miraculous conceptions all the time. (A lot prayer and love coupled with a bit of technology seems to go a long way.) Renewed hope, love, and wonder— children can bring out the best in us (or at least when they aren’t pulling their brother’s hair for the seventeenth time.) My favorite day of the year isn’t Christmas or Thanksgiving— it is baby reunion day. This is when babies conceived through our clinic come back and we get to celebrate them. If you have never struggled with infertility, talk with someone who has about that amazing moment when they heard that first heartbeat or saw waving arms and wiggling legs on the ultrasound.
Being a parent isn’t for everyone. But we have to recognize that we are often at our best not just when we are connected to ourselves, but to others. I, and all of us at Positive Steps Fertility, hope that this season is a time of connection and meaning for you. We hope that you experience family, not as some unrealistic Norman Rockwell painting or traditional ideal, but that in all its messiness and reality, it is still a chance for renewal and purpose and joy. If you know a couple where biology isn’t letting them achieve their family on their own terms, we’d love to help. However, we should all also support them in the path they choose, even if we would want to go beyond granddogs for ourselves.
In short, we hope you feel the love of others in this season and for generations to come. Merry Christmas!
The Market On Julia:
A Local Gem
BORN AND RAISED IN RICHLAND Parish, Dawanna Sanders has created the White Gold Capital of the south, something else to brag about. She’s been a friendly smile with a giving heart in the community for nearly sixty years. The type who would do anything for anyone and enjoys making others happy. She’s raised her children alongside her husband Randy, owner of Traco Distributing, and now enjoys nothing more than spoiling her grandchildren. For many years, Dawanna has found pure joy in cooking for her family and always packing a bag of snacks for the ballpark so that no one is ever hungry. In the summer of 2022, she envisioned a “specialty market” that would bring an assortment of grab-and-go food options along with a full salad bar to serve the community. She quickly hit the ground running and found the perfect location nestled downtown in the heart of Rayville. A quaint little house in the Garden District that takes you back in time when you walk through the front door. From the original wood flooring, antique fireplace, buffalo plaid curtains, and the smell of fresh pecan muffins, you will feel right at Grandmother’s house as you step inside. She wears her apron daily, a symbol of homemaking, motherhood, nurturing, and servitude.
For many years, she and her husband Randy have offered nothing but the finest selection of wholesale food items from Traco in Bee Bayou, LA. Now, she is able to provide options that are packaged smaller than case size. Come in, grab a cup of coffee while you shop, and browse what all she has to offer. You will find spectacular items from local vendors such as Panola Pepper, All of Us Old Plantation Soups and Dips, Ole Homestead jelly, Cookie’s Creations jelly & marinara sauce, homemade jelly made by Wende’s Kitchen In The Bend, Parish rice, For the Luv of Chicken Salad, Porter’s boil in the bag peanuts, Gambino’s French bread, Italian olive salad, Fit Chef meals for healthier options, homemade pasta salad, potato salad, dips and so many more goodies. Don’t forget the BBQ sandwiches, boudin egg rolls, jambalaya, and signature crawfish Julie over bow tie pasta in the warmer most days. The Market can seat over twenty if you choose to fix your salad and dine in. Cooler weather brings more options for soup, gumbo, red beans and sausage, and chicken and dumplings. Can’t leave out the shrimp and grits, a true Southern favorite! To satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a cake ball or six-inch cake made by Babe’s Cakes. They are truly delicious! We’ve also stocked the shelves with pecan or peanut brittle by Taste and See Candy Company. So yummy! Aside from the main dining area, The Market offers a separate dining room for your private family lunch, business meeting, or party of your choice.
Since the opening of The Market in October 2022, there has been tremendous support from the community and The Sanders could not be more thankful. Come by and see Dawanna, she would love to chat with you and show you around! The Market is conveniently located in downtown Rayville on 828 Julia Street, next door to our sweet neighbors at Bayou Family Care, open 8-2 Monday through Friday. Remember, good food and good company are two of life’s simplest yet greatest pleasures!
