BayouLife Magazine July 2021

BLcontents 130

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178 16 / PASTY HEAVEN

Indulge your rustic summer craving with these free-form, French cake-pies. Whether you opt for savory or sweet fillings, you can’t go wrong with these no-hassle stunners.

JULY 2021

32 / 2DUDES BREW & QUE

58

50 / FROM EGYPT WITH LOVE

In 1975, Sue and her late husband, Dr. Rifat Nawas, applied for an immigration visa and soon after began their life in the United States.

From Cairo, Egypt to Monroe represented much more than 6,700 miles to Sue.

82 / TREEHOUSE INSPIRATION

40 / FAVORITE FLATS

92 / BAYOU ARTIST

42 / LAVENDER FIELDS

Long hailed for supplying aromatic bliss, this old-world herb is far from being old-fashioned.

In fact, the use of lavender is becoming increasingly versatile.

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Wes Wesselhoeft’s life is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. His parents taught him pride in his country, and even when separated from American soil, he found his way back home and dedicated his life to protecting the place he holds dear.

APRIL 2018

When it comes to local food establishments like 2Dudes Brew & Que, there is so much more beyond the menu. From a food truck beginning, this local smokehouse continues to evolve and overcome.

Our feet have been wildly anticipating sandal season, and so have area boutiques. From funky and fun to classic flats, don’t wait too long before getting a handful of one of our favorite summer staples.

130 / AMERICAN BOY

Treehouses are thrilling because they provide a vantage point naturally relegated to our feathered friends. It’s a view to be envied, a world apart from our grounded passageways.

Born to be a Blacksmith, Drew Goodson knew he was going to take up the trade long before he even had the tools or knowledge to do it.

116 / BAYOU HEALTH

Poor body image is an epidemic in our society and no one is immune to it. The ways we attempt to fix the problem are only making matters worse.

170 / BAYOU HOME

The true majesty of the Compton Farms, besides the rich land and its domesticated occupants, is the deep river blue modern barn house whose cupola and chicken weathervane tower their watchful eyes over the farmstead.

178 / AMERICAN WOMAN

Inspired by the Americana aesthetic, these looks are both classic and universal. Heritage pieces combine with bold prints for looks that are seasonally spectacular. Special thanks to the Jones family.

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BayouLife

UMMERTIME IS IN FULL

swing. Kids are playing outdoors, mosquitos are swarming, the smell of chlorine is in the air. It’s my favorite time of the year. I consider myself a patriotic gal, my birthday has always been celebrated on the 4th of July.

I love grilling with family, swimming in the pool and, of course, eating birthday cake. There’s no denying it, this month I will turn 40-something! I’ve always been a little big of an age-denier, but this year I am all about celebrating. I think after the year we’ve had, everyone wants something to be happy about. This is also the first year my girls will be playing travel ball, so I have a lot of warm days, concession stand visiting and cheering in my future. I’m so thankful to Coach Todd Newman and his group for taking on the Bayou Belles. I didn’t know until this year how intense, yet super fun softball could be. Of course, I have to mention our awesome league ball team, Louisiana Pain Care. Coach Hardy Gordon, Heath Davis, Jeff Tannehill and Stephen Hill did an amazing job with our girls. We couldn’t have asked for a greater group of coaches, parents and kiddos to spend the last few months with.

In this issue of BayouLife, you will find the list of winners from our 5th annual Bayou Buzz Awards. These local businesses exemplify the very best in our region. We are truly thankful for everyone who has suggested changes or offered ideas. This has been a great experience and we hope that our insert can serve as a reference all year long.

Have you ever thought what it would be like to grow up surrounded by family and friends, immersed in your own country’s culture and traditions, and

STOCK TANK POOL PAGE 172

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com then to leave all of that to come to a new country to begin an entirely new life?

Dr. Soheir “Sue” Nawas knows exactly what that is like. In 1975, she and her late husband, Dr. Rifat Nawas, applied for an immigration visa and soon after began their life in the United States. From Cairo, Egypt to Monroe, Louisiana represented much more than 6,700 miles to Sue. Leaving Egypt could not have been easy.

Leaving one’s home never is. Still, Sue – today a naturalized U.S. citizen -- says that all of the sacrifices have been worth it. Read her story on page 50.

Wes Wesselhoeft’s story is one of internment, exchange and allegiance.

His life is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. His parents taught him pride in his country, and even when separated from American soil, he found his way back home and dedicated his life to protecting the place he holds dear.

Find his story on page 130. These are just a few of the wonderful articles you’ll find in this month’s magazine.

I get to work with an incredible team every month. We work tirelessly to bring you timely articles, beautiful photography and great content. It’s always a pleasure to hear your feedback and suggestions.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Thank you for keeping it local.

Cassie

GENERAL MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn McAllister katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Kirstie Martin kirstie@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Chason Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Dr. David Finley Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Tami Helfin, LPC-S Paul Lipe

Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Moore Clark Andrew Bailey Taylor Bennett

ON THE COVER Wes Wesselhoeft Photography by Kelly Moore Clark BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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Mind Your Mind Finding Inner Peace

BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

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T IS JULY, THE MONTH DEDICATED TO RECOGNIZING and celebrating our nations independence, freedom and culture.

July is the second month of summer and the second half of the year.

It is known for its’ hot, sultry days and living up to the reputation of being the warmest month of the year. It is an early Sunday morning.

The sun is slowly rising and the heat has already made its’ presence known. I have chosen to write this article in the still of the morning as it is when my day is the calmest. I am alone sitting in my loft, my “go to” place for quietude, tranquility and serenity. I am away from all the things that make noise and distract me from focusing on the good of the moment. The intentional quiet I have created brings me to a state of peace affording my mind a chance to rest, to unload and to be free. It is an inner peace I relish as it helps me to revive, renew and recharge for what lies ahead. “I am at peace with myself and therefore I am at peace with the world”. This is a sentiment I would hear my father saying. As a child I was not sure what this meant nor was I aware of the power of these words. Years later I find myself silently repeating this in my head as a reminder there will be much I cannot control about the world around me, but I can control my own internal world and how I feel about it. I frequently share this sentiment with those experiencing the highs and lows of life. It is a cue to let go and find peace and calm wherever they are. There are times when we all need to stop, take care of our minds, and savor the peace that exist within our lives.

Peace of mind is a state of mental and emotional balance free of worries, fears or stress. In this state, the mind is quiet and you experience a sense of inner peace, tranquility, happiness and freedom.

In today’s world, full of uncertainty, heightened anxiety, political divisiveness, racism, violence, economic crisis, housing instability, unemployment and food insecurities finding the mental, spiritual and physical space for inner peace can be difficult. The crisis of 2020 has been compared to some of the worst catastrophes in our nation’s history. It has been stated, that the coronavirus an unprecedented life altering emergency will impact societies mental health long after the pandemic is gone. Although, we are told things will never be the same let us not forget even before the coronavirus pandemic, life for many felt unpredictable, stressful and out of control. Leaving many to

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question their state of inner peace and mental health. Mental strength and inner peace go hand in hand. Mentally strong people are confident that they can handle whatever life offers them at any given moment regardless of outside circumstances. Our mind, spirit and soul deserve to feel peace as does the mind, spirit and souls of the people we encounter. Over time inner peace leads to external peace; by creating peace in your inner world you bring it into your external world and into the lives of others. When we are at peace we help those around us to be at peace. Suggested ways to bring more peace of mind into your life. The mind is amazing; be mindful of your mind and what it needs.

Know you deserve peace and recognize what disrupts your peace of mind. Give your mind a break so you don’t break. Strive to achieve peace of mind in all areas of life. Avoid the things that take up too much of your mental space and energy and replace them with an experience of inner peace. Acknowledge your sense of awe. For example, take in fresh air while walking in your favorite place in nature. Allow for the time to be in the company of someone you love and enjoy. Read a favorite book or magazine while lying in warm sand at the beach.

Engage in mini mindfulness exercises throughout the day. JUST STOP take a breath and rest mentally. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and sleep well. Allow yourself to forget about your work and your day-to day life. Involve yourself in activities that take the mind away from its usual thoughts and concerns. Disconnect yourself from electronic devices and replace them with a daily practice of meditation. Search for positive news stories versus listening to negative news. Be mindful peaceful moments are not as rare as you may think.

Inner peace may seem to be a lofty goal or may seem unobtainable, but it is a state of being that is attainable for all of us. As we ease into the world out of various places and spaces and back into a forever changed life just in time to capture summer, my hope for us all is that we can get some peace of mind back. Here’s to your experiencing the peace of mind you deserve in your life and being a powerful influence for peace in the lives of those you love.

For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “Blacktop Wasteland” by S. A. Cosby REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“A mistake is a lesson, unless you make the same mistake twice.”

Cosby’s crime novel is an adrenaline-pumping, high-speed thriller that keeps readers gripping their seats with one hand while furiously turning pages with the other. The action starts in the first few pages and never lets up. Beauregard “Bug” Montagne has a reputation as a heist getaway driver, but he left his criminal life behind fifteen years ago. Now he is a family man with his own automotive shop, trying to live by the advice of his better angels. When financial times get tough, he reluctantly considers returning to the life he once owned, assuring himself and his family that this time will be the last.

Cosby writes action with the warp speed and accuracy of a summer blockbuster hit. But whereas many of those movies lack significant character development and timely themes, Cosby manages to achieve both. He writes complex characters, who are not stationed in simply good or bad corners, but rather straddle both. His themes of loss, lineage, and broken systems resonate with the experience of many Americans living on the edge of poverty or even the

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cusp of prosperity, not quite sure where they fit or if they even belong. Bug is trying to decide who he is, and whether he can escape who he’s meant to be. His father’s legacy as a man who chose a life of crime over his family haunts Bug, and he is determined to break the cycle. But when he sees the impact of his past on his own son, he fears trying to be different may not quite be enough.

Bug is the criminal readers root for, doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. Blacktop Wasteland is escapism, in the purest form. Riding shotgun alongside Bug during a heist is not a safe place to be, but Cosby places each reader in the front seat for the thrill ride. Cosby also explores the generational aspect of poverty, and how it intersects with identity. The characters don’t deny who they are, and they aren’t necessarily proud of what they do. They just don’t foresee any other viable option. As a black man, Bug acknowledges the limitations, insisting “when you’re a black man in America, you live with the weight of people’s low expectations on your back every day.” He is trying to defy the stereotype yet forced into playing by the rules of a system he resents. Cosby’s novel is the literary summer hit you never saw coming.

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “We Run the Tides” by Vendela Vida REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“We are thirteen, almost fourteen, and these streets of Sea Cliff are ours. We walk these streets to our school perched high over the Pacific and we run these streets to the beaches, which are cold, windswept, full of fishermen and freaks. We know these wide streets and how they slope, how they curve toward the shore, and we know their houses.”

This novel took me immediately back to middle school, when I didn’t understand my body or my mind or the shifting expectations of a young woman coming of age. Thirteen-year-old Eulabee feels on top of her middle school world. Alongside her friend Maria Fabiola, the most beautiful girl in school, Eulabee is adjusting to the freedom of being a young woman and the responsibility of the adult problems that come with that freedom. When Maria Fabiola mysteriously disappears, Eulabee’s world is rocked as she becomes the outcast who doubts the severity of Maria Fabiola’s disappearance. Eulabee fumbles through the angst of a teen crush, the awkwardness of her first physical encounter with a boy, and the onset of shame from a cruel group of peers. The roller coaster of emotions is unsettling and familiar and brings back the uncertainty

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of adolescence, how serious it all seems in the moment and how ridiculous it all is in hindsight.

Vendela Vida writes with a seamless wit and direct tone. She captures the discomfort of everyday interactions, forcing readers to wince alongside the characters’ misfortunes. The book is engaging and unpredictable, and one you recommend to a friend without a disclaimer - assured the reader will find her own connection. I swam frantically through this novel as if I was traversing the tidal wives depicted in the book. Vida paints a portrait of San Francisco before the onslaught of tech capitalism priced many locals out of the city. Eulabee’s struggle with adolescence is akin to the city’s struggle with change, not sure where it will land or how to move forward without losing itself or if it has any control at all. Eulabee is the smart teenager we all think we should have been, while making the same mistakes we would probably make again. While on the surface a book about middle school girls may not sound appealing, this one is much more than a coming-of-age story. Vida threads emotional turmoil, town suspense, and identity struggles in a story of the perplexing reality of a privileged youth.

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumni: Darris Waren

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ARRIS WAREN BELIEVES IN GOD, PEOPLE, AND THE value of community. A graduate of West Monroe High School, Darris saw the benefit of staying local. As a member of the Rebel Band, Darris played the trombone and served as drum major leading the band on the field. He cultivated a passion not only for music, but for leadership and helping others. Darris is now actively involved in many local organizations like The Miss Louisiana Organization, using his talents to give back and serve others. His tenure at ULM provided the educational foundation to make the biggest impact.

While in college, Darris worked full time at Central Bank and led music at Fair Park Baptist Church in West Monroe. Juggling a 40-hour work week and 15-18 hours of classes was no easy feat, but Darris thrives on being busy. His work and volunteer schedule left little time for oncampus activities, but Darris did enjoy attending ULM football games and activities at the Baptist Student Union. He majored in Business Management and initially envisioned running a large Fortune 500 corporation one day or a career in politics. His ULM professors varied in personality and teaching styles, but each interaction helped lay the foundation for future success outside of the classroom.

Darris graduated with a bachelor’s in Business management in 1995 and continued working at Central Bank. Beginning in the collections department, Darris later became Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. After 14 years in the banking world, Fair Park Baptist Church, Darris’ home church, came calling. The church was growing rapidly, and Darris became the Minister of Worship. He now serves as Associate Pastor. Darris believes “As a Christian, we have a responsibility, an obligation to serve our fellow man. Serving others gives me great joy.

I have been blessed beyond measure with opportunities to serve. God has been so good to me.” Darris loves ministering to people in times of crisis and joy. He finds fulfillment in giving back on a spiritual and personal level.

Darris’ service mentality extends beyond the church pews. For the last 15 years, he has served on the Ouachita Parish Public Library Board, initially approached for his business and financial background.

Darris has also worked backstage building sets for Linda Lavender Ford and the Twin City Ballet Company for over 30 years. He was asked by a friend, Steve Teel to help work backstage for the Christmas ballet one year and the rest is history. Darris’ primary local focus is the Miss Louisiana Organization, to which he has dedicated the last 35 years. It began when his grandmother’s friends asked if he would like

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to work backstage. In college, Darris joined the Monroe Jaycees who sponsored the pageant. He has worked in production and operations and was Executive Director for a number of years. Darris now is the Vice President of the Board. As his own political ambitions mellowed over the years, Darris found fulfillment in supporting the campaigns of friends and candidates he believes in such as Sheriff Jay Russell and school board members Shere May and Tommy Comeaux.

Darris met his wife Kayle through a mutual church family friend, and the two married in 1999. Kayle graduated from ULM in Elementary Education and teaches kindergarten at Kiroli Elementary. The couple has two daughters. Grace is currently a ULM student in Elementary Education, and Emma attends West Monroe High School and is an active member of the Rebel Raiders, Twin City Ballet Company and Linda Lavender School of Dance. The Miss Louisiana Pageant is also a family affair. Kayle is a backstage hostess; Grace runs the organization’s social media; and Emma is a Miss Louisiana dancer. The family involvement has allowed the Warens to meet people from all over the country that they now consider personal friends. “This organization has meant so much to our family.”

As a ULM alumnus and active member of the Northeast Louisiana community, Darris is invigorated by the growth on the ULM campus.

The partnership that the Miss Louisiana Organization has formed with ULM makes Darris proud. This is an opportunity for us to bring the most intelligent and talented young people from across the state to Monroe to see that the Best is on the Bayou, and our hope is that they will attend ULM and later raise a family in our community. He is grateful for the support of President Ron Berry, Lisa Miller, Dr. Valerie Fields and Dr. Derle Long for their partnership and friendship. Darris is excited by the new directions for athletics and academics and is encouraged by the work in the VAPA program. He sees ULM’s impact on this community and is proud to be a small part of its continued success.

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.

B A Y O U E AT S

Pastry Heaven

Indulge your rustic summer craving with these free-form, French cake-pies. Whether you opt for savory or sweet fillings, you can’t go wrong with these no-hassle stunners. The flaky, crispy crust over the tender filling is sure to become an unexpected showstopper.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Styling by Taylor Bennett

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R I P E T O M AT O GALETTE W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter 1/4 cup cold water 8 oz ricotta cheese crumbled 2 oz cream cheese softened 1/2 cup romano, cheese 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon scallion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil Zest of 1 large lemon 1-2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced Freshly ground black pepper Olive oil Salt

DIRECTIONS:

To make the pie dough, whisk together the flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.Cut the butter into 1/2 into the flour mixture with fingers or a pastry blender. Sprinkle in cold water and work the dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough.Preheat the oven to 400° F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta and cream cheese until well combined. Add the Romano cheese, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, scallion, parsley, basil and lemon zest.

Cut tomatoes and season with salt. Set them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and allow them to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Top with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Roll out the dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Fold dough in half, transfer to the prepared sheet pan, and unfold. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the center leaving space on the edge for folding. Layer the tomatoes on top. Fold the edges of the galette (crust) to contain the filling, leaving the center uncovered.

Mix together one egg yolk and a splash of water and brush over the exposed crust. Bake in oven for 3540 minutes until crust is deeply golden and tomatoes are tender.

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B A Y O U E AT S

BLACKBERRY GALETTE W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : 1 9-inch refrigerated pie crust Sprig of mint (to garnish) Filling: 2 full cups blackberries 3 Tablespoons coarse sugar Zest from ½ small lemon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-3 Tablespoons flour Dough topping: 1 egg 1 teaspoon coarse sugar Almonds (if desired) Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl combine 2 cups of blackberries with sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice from 1/2 small lemon, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of flour.

Add additional flour if the mixture is very wet.

Gently unfold and lay out pie crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until room temperature.

Pour the blackberry mixture in the center of the unfolded pie crust leaving a 2-inch border. Fold up the uncovered border over the edge of the fruit and pinch into pleats. Whisk egg and, using a pastry brush, brush the egg onto the crust and sprinkle with sugar. (If you’d like, add almonds and on top as well).

Bake until juices are bubbling and the crust is golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven, let sit for 5-10 minutes. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a pinch of fresh herbs.

Recipe from platingsandpairings.com

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B A Y O U E AT S

SI M PL E T I P

Use a pre-made, refrigerated pie crust for a quick dough substitution

FRESH PEACH GALETTE W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : Crust: 1 1/4 cup flour 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick butter, cut into small (1/2-inch) cubes, Chilled in freezer for 30 minutes 4 to 6 Tbsp ice water Filling: 2 large, firm peaches pitted, sliced into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices 3 Tbsp sugar 1 Tbsp flour 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon butter 1 egg A sprinkling of coarse sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

In a food processor, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter, and pulse until the butter is the size of peas in the mixture.

Slowly add the ice water until the dough just begins to clump.

Remove from processor and knead into a disk. Sprinkle flour on all sides, wrap with plastic, and place into the refrigerator to chill for an hour. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the peach slices in a bowl and toss with flour and sugar (you can add a little brown sugar if desired). Sprinkle vanilla extract over the peaches.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and set aside. On a lightly floured, clean, smooth surface, roll out the dough to about a 12-inch diameter. Gently lift up the rolled out dough and place it on a rimmed baking sheet.

Arrange the peach slices in an overlapping pattern in a single layer in the center of the dough, forming about a 7 or 8-inch circle.

Top with a pat of butter. Fold the outer edges of the dough round over the filling, by about 2-inches all the way around, in an accordion fashion.

Use a pastry brush to coat the exposed dough with an egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.

Place in the oven and bake at 425°F about 15-20 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet, over a rack, about 15 minutes.

Recipe adapted from simplyrecipes.com

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Stay Cool This Summer With Some Refreshing Cocktails

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UMMER HAS COME TO NORTH LOUISIANA AND WE couldn’t think of a better way to cool off than with incredible cocktails. We’re going to tell you what you need and how to make four amazing drinks that will help you to chill out in the summer heat.

Will put a full ingredients list at the end of the article.

We’ll start off with a classic Singapore Sling. This is a type of single serving punch that is tart, refreshing, and delicious. It’s fruit forward, herbaceous, and strong. Perfect for sitting by the pool.This is a super easy cocktail where you combine all ingredients in a shaker, and shake until chilled, strain, and top with club soda then garnish.

We suggest using Greenhouse Artisan Gin, which is perfect for this cocktail. This gin is bright and opulent with classic gin flavors layered with passionfruit and citrus.

Next up we have a twist on the traditional daiquiri with the Hemingway Daiquiri. This more spirit forward version highlights how fresh grapefruit and lime play with the rum. The maraschino liqueur helps cut the citrus bite, but keeps it spirit forward. Due to not adding the sugar of a traditional daiquiri, this keeps it stronger and more bitter, but trust us it is still super refreshing. Named after Ernest Hemingway, this daiquiri was intended to help with the diabetes he developed from drinking too many normal ones while writing in Havana. We suggest using Papa’s Pilar Blonde which is made in Key West, Florida in conjunction with the Hemingway Society. Could there be a better rum for his namesake daiquiri, and did we mention that this is also super easy as well? Just add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

Pina Coladas are a summer classic, but we wanted to give you yet another twist on a classic with the Painkiller. Rich and fruity, this cocktail is creamy and a little spicier than a normal Pina Colada with the garnish of nutmeg. We suggest using Pusser’s Rum for the balance achieved from dark rum and this one is a great value. This one also keeps it simple, add all ingredients to the shaker and shake until cold.

Strain into a hurricane glass over crushed ice and garnish with grated nutmeg and a pineapple wedge. It will definitely kill the pain of the Louisiana heat.

Finally, we have a Louisiana classic. The Hurricane was invented at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans and has remained a staple since the

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1940s. The Hurricane is a high proof, fruity cocktail perfect for parties.

Fresh ingredients and quality grenadine are key to making this drink.

There isn’t a better cocktail for Louisiana summer than the classic Hurricane. This one, just like the rest, is easy as can be. Shake all ingredients and strain into a Hurricane glass, garnish with an orange wheel and cherry. Like it strong? Add a dark rum float on top for extra kick.

These cocktails are so incredibly delicious and easy to make. They are perfect for summer entertaining whether by the grill or the pool.

These rich and fruity cocktails will leave you refreshed and ready for another.

SINGAPORE SLING ¾ oz. Greenhouse Artisan Gin ¼ oz. Benedictine ¼ oz. Grand Marnier ¼ oz. Cherry Rocher

1 oz. pineapple Juice ½ oz. fresh lime Juice 2 dash Angostura Bitters Top with Fever Tree Club Soda

Add all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a highball glass over ice, top with club soda. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

HEMINGWAY DAIQUIRI 2 oz. Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum ½ oz. Lazzaroni Maraschino Liqueur

¾ oz. fresh lime juice ½ oz. fresh grapefruit juice Garnish with a lime wheel

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

PAINKILLER 2 oz. Pusser’s Rum 4 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. fresh orange juice

1 oz. cream of coconut Garnish with grated nutmeg and A pineapple wedge

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into hurricane glass over crushed ice. Garnish with grated nutmeg and a pineapple wedge.

BAYOUOUTDOORS

BEATING THE HEAT ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

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ne of the most challenging things about fishing in the south is the fluid draining, overbearing and dangerous heat of the summer. Some anglers opt to start night fishing and others limit outdoor activity to mornings and evenings to beat the heat. There are some things to note and hopefully these tips can help you be more successful this summer when you go afield.

Your body loses cooling and heat in two main parts: Your head and your feet. When you are standing on a boat deck and that radiating heat is coming up through your feet, you deplete electrolytes and can become suspect to heat exhaustion and even worse, heat stroke. Your body is being subjected to high temperatures through your head and also from below. The first most important step is to hydrate. Hydrate with water, not carbonated drinks before, during and after subjecting yourself to the elements.

After hydration, covering your head with a cover that allows air to circulate is paramount.

A breathable, light hat or cap is a must.

Another product that aids in cooling is called a Cool Wrap. This device becomes cool when saturated with water and keeps not only your head cooler, but can be used on your neck and face. This is a life saver for me and I don’t go fishing without it.

Another issue is your clothing. Long sleeves and light pants or shorts that allow air circulation are a must. If your clothes are sticking to you, it may be time to shop for breathable clothing made for the heat.

The other consideration is your footwear. Going barefoot is a mistake as you have no insulator against the heat beating down on the boat. This is not the weather for the popular Crocks. Plastic or rubber retains heat. Use footwear that sheds heat and allows it to dissipate which will keep your feet cooler.

You are surrounded by water. Water is your friend when it comes to addressing heat. Don’t be afraid to dip that cap or hat in the water and cool down your head. In the heat of the day, this is probably the second most effective way to cool down. Regular hydrating is the most important. I keep an old beach towel in my boat for one thing: soaking it in water and standing on it. That wet towel not only keeps my deck cool, it keeps my feet from overheating.

Signs of heat exhaustion begin with a feeling of weakness or dizziness. Don’t ignore these signs. Hydrate and retreat to the shade

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and cool off before continuing. This is important even if you are tournament fishing as nothing is more critical in the hot summer.

Now to the best part. The heat of summer not only affects you, it affects the fish. This time of year, it is very important to monitor the water temperature. Fish do not have eyelids so there are two areas that they will populate to avoid the heat and direct sunlight. They will suspend in the thermocline or they will bury up in and around structure for the shade. Watching the barometer is key as on a rising barometer (after a rain) they will bury up tighter to the cover. Looking for bait fish is another key in locating game fish such as bass or crappie.

Fish will follow the bait and feed. Find the bait and you will find the fish.

I’ve said it many times before and I will say it again. There is not a better lure for bass in the hot summer than a Wobblehead. This lure shines in the heat and the hotter it is the better it works.

My favorite set up is a Zoom Bruised Banana trick worm threaded on a red Wobblehead. This color mimics the common water snake that is prevalent in local waters and bass love to eat them. My second favorite color is the Creme brand natural colored worm. Of course the old black with a red tail or red with a red tail always works.

For crappie, the summertime is when I rely heavily on brush tops. The greener the brush the better as the green vegetation draws the bait fish. The best colors in area lakes for me is a natural shad color such as Bobby Garland’s blue thunder.

I also like the joker style Bobby Garland or Strike King jigs in pink or white with a chartreuse tail. To increase action, I add a road runner style jig head to give me more flash.

The other way to enjoy a hot summer fishing trip is to find a good clump of shallow Cypress trees and find some active bream or chinquapin. Area lakes that are the best are Cheniere, Black Bayou Lake, D’Arbonne and the Ouachita River in Felsenthal. These lakes offer acres of shade with an abundance of Cypress trees to escape the heat. If you don’t believe me, get on the lake about noon and check the water temperature in open water. Move from there to a Cypress grove and check your water temperature again. You will not only see a remarkable difference in water temperature but you will feel the difference in ambient temperature which will keep you cooler.

The summertime is not the time to put the boat under the shed.

You can find fish but it is so important to fish smart. No fish of any size is worth overheating and stressing your body to the point of heat exhaustion or stroke. Remember to cover up with light, breathable clothes, hydrate well and often and you too can enjoy summertime fishing. Your health is the most important thing to consider. Fish smart, fish hard, but most of all, be prepared for some very challenging temperatures and understand that they can be life threatening. Catch a bunch and but remember to save some for tomorrow.

The Buzz About NELA Dental NELA Dental Has Convenient Locations in Monroe & Farmerville

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ELA DENTAL OFFERS PATIENTS A WIDE VARIETY OF services. Their highly-trained dentists and staff provide topnotch patient care in Famerville and Monroe. Their reputation for patient care and devotion exceeds industry standards, and is unmatched in the area. From routine cleanings and root canals, to dental implants to the latest in cosmetic dentistry, NELA Dental is your premiere practice for all of your dental needs.

SEDATION OPTIONS TO EASE FEARS

Whether it’s root canal therapy or a routine procedure like a cleaning, IV and oral sedation is an option. Often times, sedation allows patients to have multiple procedures completed in one visit. Thus, cutting down cost and the number of visits to the dentist.

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, is delivered through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. IV sedation is an anti-anxiety medication, and the level of sedation can be adjusted to suit your needs. You will most likely sleep throughout the entire procedure.

Oral sedation can be administered to patients who may have some anxieties about IV sedation to reduce their fear and make them more comfortable. There are a variety of single or incremental doses used to help medicate a patient during a dental procedure. These oral medications can help to reduce memory of the sights and smells of the dental office to avoid any discomfort. The sedation allows a more complicated procedure to finish faster and more comfortably for a patient.

TEETH IN A DAY

Now with Teeth in a Day, you can get your dental implants completed in just one day! NELA Dental is your home for this One & Done, dental implant services. In fact, it is one of the few dental practices offering this procedure in the state of Louisiana.

NELA Dental always strives to utilize the best in advancing technologies. Through the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D printing, dental implants can be placed, and long-term temporary teeth can be printed and placed in one day. This process allows for more chewing ability and much less pain while healing. It also allows you to test drive your teeth so you get the teeth you want.

SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANTS & IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURES

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or a bridge. A proper dental implant coupled 28 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

with a replacement tooth or bridge will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. For those with missing or decaying teeth, dental implants can improve your smile not only cosmetically but structurally as well.

Implants provide a stable and durable base for restoration so you can start to enjoy all of your favorite foods again.

An implant-retained denture is a denture attached to implants inserted into the jaw. This is different from a regular denture which rests on the gums. Denture wearers often find their dentures can be held in place with dental implants for added comfort and stability. Some patients even experience improved speech; a welcomed benefit for many. Implantretained dentures may provide patients with more confidence. Another major benefit of implant-retained dentures is the ability to enjoy foods previously considered off limits. However, there are some limitations on certain foods. Your dentist can explain these eating “do’s and don’ts” during your appointment.

CERTIFIED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

We are proud to offer personal care that is customized to fit our individual patient needs. Dental implant cases are unique and all require special attention. At NELA Dental, we are proud to offer expert care to those seeking to strengthen their smiles through dental implants.

Dr. Vance Costello is the only practicing dentist in North Louisiana with the ABOI/ID board certification, and one of only four ABOI/ID Diplomates in all of Louisiana. Certification by the ABOI/ID attests to the fact that a dentist has demonstrated knowledge, ability, and proficiency in implant dentistry through a rigorous examination process. The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry Diplomate (ABOI/ ID) designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Costello worked tremendously hard for nearly a decade to achieve this prestigious designation.

In addition to this accreditation, Dr. Costello has completed the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s Comprehensive MaxiCourse and is Fellow of the AAID. Also, he’s an instructor with Advanced Implant Educators (AIE) and Implant Know-How.

Dental implant know-how also extends to NELA Dental’s Dr. Daniel Raymond. Raymond has completed an implant fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA). As a member of the IDIA, Raymond continues to build his continuing education portfolio as he works alongside industry experts to learn about the latest practices and techniques in order to provide his patients top-level results.

Cancer and Men

Comprehensive Wellness Exams for Men by St. Francis Medical Group

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ID YOU KNOW THAT MEN HAVE HIGHER RATES OF getting and dying from cancer than women? You can’t control some risk factors, like getting older. But you can control many others. In fact, there are things you can do every day to avoid getting cancer including making healthy choices and getting the screening tests that are right for you.

HEALTHY CHOICES • Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to lower your cancer risk.

Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. If you don’t smoke, make sure you stay away from other people’s smoke.

• The link between smoking and cancer is well-known. But you may be surprised by other things that can lead to cancer.

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources like a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp can cause skin cancer, the most common cancer.

• Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting five kinds of cancer, including liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

• About 40% of all cancers are associated with overweight and obesity.

SCREENING FOR PROSTATE, COLORECTAL AND LUNG CANCER

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. All screening tests have benefits and harms. Screening is recommended when the benefits outweigh the harms and should be discussed with your primary care provider.

PROSTATE CANCER All men are at risk for prostate cancer. Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 2 to 3 men will die from prostate cancer.

The most common risk factor for prostate cancer is age. The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer.

You are at increased risk for getting or dying from prostate cancer if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.

African American Men • Are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.

• Are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than other men.

• Get prostate cancer at a younger age, tend to have more advanced disease when it is found, and tend to have a more severe type of prostate cancer than other men.

Family History (Genetic Risk Factors)

For some men, genetic factors may put them at higher risk of prostate cancer. You may have an increased risk of getting a type of prostate cancer 30 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

caused by genetic changes that are inherited if— • You have more than one first-degree relative (father, son, or brother) who had prostate cancer, including relatives in three generations on your mother’s or father’s side of the family.

• You were diagnosed with prostate cancer when you were 55 years old or younger.

• You were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and other members of your family have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer.

COLORECTAL CANCER Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.

When Should I Begin to Get Screened?

Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested at an earlier age, or more often than other people, if— • You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.

• You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

• You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your primary care doctor about when to begin screening, which screening test is right for you and how often to get tested.

LUNG CANCER Lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan is recommended for people who are 50 to 80 years old and are current or former heavy smokers.

• Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and • Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and • Are between 50 and 80 years old.

Consult with your primary care provider during your comprehensive wellness exam about the cancer screenings listed above. It is recommended that healthcare decisions be made with guidance from your primary care provider. Schedule your comprehensive wellness exam today by calling (318) 966-8600 or your physician’s office.

Source: cdc.gov

BAYOU EATS

2Dudes

When it comes to local food establishments like 2Dudes Brew & Que, there is so much more beyond the menu. From a food truck beginning, this local smokehouse continues to evolve and overcome.

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YOUR INTERACTION WITH PEOPLE HAS TO BE A CERTAIN WAY ALL THE TIME. ANYONE CAN HAVE GOOD FOOD. WE WANT TO CREATE MEMORABLE MOMENTS.” ~ KEVO MEREDITH

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K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

he ambiance at 2Dudes Brew & Que is not too far from what one would expect from a modern barbeque joint. The smokey smell of meat and sauce permeates the air.

Sports memorabilia decorate the walls. An American flag proudly overlooks a banner that reads “Hometown Heroes” in all caps. It feels familiar because it’s all-American, just the kind of setting to celebrate the summer. In many ways, it serves exactly what you’d want from a smokehouse and more, but when it comes to local food establishments like 2Dudes, there is so much more beyond the menu.

Owner Kevo Meredith may not have his story written down for all to read, but if you look closely around the restaurant—displayed on the walls, published on the menu, and lazing around the front office—you’ll notice that he intentionally shares with employees and customers the parts of himself that matter most.

Kevo grew up on the south side of Monroe. He had an arduous upbringing with unkind parents. In spite of this hard past, he credits his grandmother for raising him to be a faith-based man with a strong work ethic. He admits, “There’s not a day in my life that doesn’t go by that I don’t think, ‘I wonder if she’s proud me?’” Before his food ventures began, he worked as a crane operator and instructor. Always interested in owning a bar and grill, he volunteered to cook a brisket for a company cookout to test his skills. “It was terrible,” he laughs. With a drive greater than his pride, he kept trying to improve his brisket skills. Keeping at it once every two weeks, the cut of meat inched its way to peak tenderness.

THE O.T. SAMMICH

This delectable sandwich combines 2 layers of any smoked meat and 2 layers of their signature mac and cheese stuffed between Texas toast.

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Eventually, he started getting requests to cook a brisket for family meals and even weddings. “When a large group of people asks you to cook for them, you know that’s a good thing.” He spent the rest of those early years perfecting his skills while a vision brewed inside.

Around age thirty-five, he began telling his wife, Mary Willis Meredith, that they should bite the bullet and start a food truck.

Each time he brought it up, they somehow agreed that the time wasn’t right. “I mean, you’re making six figures a year. You don’t worry about health insurance. You’d have the company truck every two years. Why would you take a risk on something that is so uncertain?” He had to admit to himself that he’d become complacent. He recalls thinking, “I’ve just quit trying.” The “kind of embarrassing” push he needed came in the form of a quote he found on Pinterest: “If you keep doing what you are doing, you’re building someone else’s dream. But, if you take a leap of faith, you can work to build your own.” On Tuesday, October 2015, he went into work, and without telling his wife, turned in his notice.

“Of course, the first couple of days were kind of tough because she wanted to kill me,” he reveals with a wry smile.

Kevo’s first step toward a future catering business was purchasing a utility truck and converting it into a food truck.

“That was February [2016]. And, then March—the flood…we lost everything.” Considering that insurance did not cover all damages and his recent departure from a stable career, Kevo regards that agonizing experience as an immeasurable uphill battle. “I know that sounds crazy, but it was so emotionally overwhelming to me,” he reveals. Thankfully, his wife’s employment kept them afloat, and by the summer, they finally got their “feet underneath” the food truck. With catering going well and high praise from customers, his end result was closer in mind. He was encouraged to talk to Michael Echols who was interested in developing downtown Monroe.

The business opened in December 2018 but barely reached its second year of business before COVID-19 hit. Though they made to-go orders during quarantine, production value fell, and they decided to close. “It was the four-year anniversary of the flood... which I thought was weird, yeah,” Kevo laments. Fortunately, we were all developed a craving for our favorite local restaurants while the state was closed, and two months after quarantine ended, people rushed to get a fill of a little bit of “que” and a lot of brew.

“We were shocked,” he explains.

Finally getting a steady handle on the business, Kevo began to shape the culture of his restaurant.

“Have you ever been to a restaurant FOOD where you walked in the door and Eight house-made everybody just stares at you and barbecue combos to turns away?” That’s ninety percent choose from plus a of restaurants, he believes. Taking plethora of side dishes a page from Cheers, a show on his and desserts. Kid’s recent binge-list, he trained staff to menu items. greet everybody that walks in as if they are regulars. “It’s a very easy culture,” he argues. “It’s energetic.

It’s everybody helping everybody.”

It’s best not to wait too long to eat lunch or dinner at 2Dudes PRICE because their best sellers—brisket, ribs, and pork belly—often run Entrées starting at $10 out. “That’s something people and desserts starting at get agitated about,” admits Kevo, $6. Affordable options though that’s the price of fresh family dining.

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BAYOU EATS

TOP SHELF BANANA PUDDING

This banana pudding is made like traditional banana pudding...only better...it’s made with Biscoff cookie butter cookies.

barbecue, “We don’t freeze anything. We’ve always said freezers are for ice.” With about eight barbecue combos to choose from, all you have to do is select your meats (smoked brisket, pulled pork, ham, meatloaf, chicken, sausage, or ribs), sides (potato salad, beefy baked beans, coleslaw, side salad, corn nuggets, “sidewinder” fries, pork rinds, and “tin roof” fries), and barbecue sauces. The Kevo sauce is his own creation, a jalapeno vinegar sauce, the recipe of which he keeps to himself. Some of the other 2Dudes meals are a bit more artistic, like the Smoked BBQ Meatloaf: smoked ground beef topped with a BBQ glaze, stuffed with cheddar cheese, and served with two sides and bread. “My wife told me that

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nobody’s gonna eat barbecue meatloaf,” smirks Kevo, after revealing that it’s his second best-selling dish. So every time a customer orders the meatloaf, he turns to his wife and gives her a wink.

Kevo can’t tease his other half too much, because all the sides and desserts were her doing. In fact, Kevo admits that before opening he was so focused on perfecting the meats that he had forgotten they needed accompaniment.

Thankfully, his wife helped him avoid a bind by developing the sides and “signature sides”—“best creamed corn ever,” 4 cheese mac & cheese, twice baked potato casserole, and a baked potato. On the menu, the desserts fall under the header “Things You Order After The Meal.”

The designated dessert is the Top Shelf Banana Pudding, made all the better with the addition of Biscoff cookies, an idea Kevo suggested after tasting the Belgian import on a Delta flight. “It was like it was a no-brainer. The minute I tasted it, I just knew.” Another dessert taking advantage of the buttery confection is the Tableside S’mores, “Just as you read it...Chocolatey, ooey goodness, served with marshmallows, and Biscoff cookies.” Once in a while, the restaurant will add a dessert special like Cheesecake Banana Pudding or Bread Pudding with a rum sauce made from E Leon Jimenes Rum, sold by Legends Cigar and Vape in Ruston. So they use that in the sauce and drench it, and it’s really good.

The dining experience at 2Dudes is complete only when a very special English Bulldog can be seen at the front, open office. Dude came into Kevo’s life at a cataclysmic time, when he strongly considered quitting and selling the business. During the turmoil, he decided to purchase a puppy from a customer whose dog had a litter. When Dude turned two weeks old, Kevo met him and held him. “I know it sounds crazy, but by two weeks old, he absolutely, without a doubt, changed my life,” he says. Even then, there were times he’d wake up with the feeling that he built a business in vain, but then “this four-legged creature” would pitter-patter toward him with a look on his face that made Kevo want to be half the man Dude believed him to be. Life has thrown Kevo and Mary some unimaginable trials, from immeasurable loss to recuperating from major surgeries, and though the healing process has come in waves, Kevo credits Dude with reminding him to toughen up: “We’re gonna struggle, but I refuse to quit.”

“Your interaction with people has to be a certain way all the time,” says Kevo regarding his approach to service.

“Anybody can have good food,” which is why 2Dudes Brew and Que never allows service to take a backseat, aiming to create memorable moments that begin with a greeting from staff and end with a slobbery farewell from Dude, unless of course, he’s playing with a chew toy or sleeping.

2Dudes Brew & Que is located 436 Desiard St, Monroe, LA 71201 and is open Sunday-Monday and Wednesday-Thursday between 11AM to 9PM, and Friday-Saturday between 11AM to 10PM. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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B AY O U S T Y L E

Favorite Flats

Our feet have been wildly anticipating sandal season, and so have area boutiques. From funky and fun to classic flats, don’t wait too long before getting a handful of one of our favorite summer staples.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Styling by Taylor Bennett

Top to Bottom: Black slide from Dusty & Company, Flip-flop from Cara’s, Thick criss-cross slide from Blue Line Boutique, Bow-studded clear jelly from HerringStone’s, White leather flat from Hemline Monroe

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B AY O U B A S I C S

Lavender Fields

Long hailed for supplying aromatic bliss, this old-world herb is far from being old-fashioned. In fact, the use of lavender is becoming increasingly versatile. We’re turning to the craft of drying flowers to introduce the calming energy of lavender into your life.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Styling by Taylor Bennett

L AV E N D E R TEA COOKIES W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 T ablespoon finely ground Earl Grey tea (from 3 tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea) ½ teaspoon culinary-grade lavender, finely ground ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 large egg 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a mixer, add sugar and butter on medium speed and beat until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add egg and vanilla. Next, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, making sure to scrape the bowl.

Use a cookie dough scoop to portion the cookie dough into balls. Place the cookies at least 3 inches apart on sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the tops of the dough balls with the remaining 2 Tablespoons of sugar for garnish before baking.

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still gooey. Cool them on a wire rack.

Adapted from hummingbirdhigh.com

HOW TO STORE D R I E D L AV E N D E R After the lavender has finished drying, one option is to leave the flower buds intact on the long stem, ideal for displaying dried bouquets or to use in dry floral arrangements. Otherwise, snip or strip the flower bud portion off of the stem and store it in an airtight glass container for maximum freshness, flavor, and aroma. Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry location.

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B AY O U B A S I C S

HOW TO MAKE L AV E N D E R T E A If using an electric teapot, boil water to a temperature of 208 degrees. Put 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender tea in the water and steep for five minutes. Strain lavender buds and pour into tea cup of choice.

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Prepared for Anything Cedar Creek’s Class of 2021 is Ready to Serve, Learn, and Lead

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YEAR THAT BEGAN WITH MASKS AND SOCIAL distancing ended in hugs and handshakes May 14th as Cedar Creek’s 50th graduating class celebrated a most unusual high school experience. Like so many others across the country, their academic year began with the lingering uncertainties of COVID-19. When Cedar Creek decided to re-open its campus full-time last August (with strict health and safety protocols in place), the goal was to provide some normalcy and routine for students after months of virtual learning at home last spring.

“Even with the challenges, opening our campus for students every day in grades PK-12 made a tremendous difference,” Head of School Andrew Yepson said. “We found that Cedar Creek’s caring teachers, daily routines, and overall school climate helped our kids cope with the stress of the pandemic and learn resiliency as well.”

Cedar Creek’s newest alumni are now looking forward to college (the top 25% of the class scored a 30 or above on the ACT) and all of the new experiences that freshman year and university life will bring. They credit Cedar Creek—especially in trying times—with equipping them for what is ahead.

“Because of the excellent education I received at Cedar Creek, I am prepared to face whatever the next chapter of my life may hold,” Valedictorian Cameron McCarthy of Ruston said. McCarthy, a National Merit Commended Student, plans to attend Louisiana Tech University majoring in Cyber Engineering. He credits Cedar Creek’s variety of academic and social experiences with laying the foundation for his own success. “Cedar Creek has incredible teachers who really get to understand their students and know how to help them when they are struggling,” he said. “I also ran cross country for six years, and I loved it. Being with the team through every win and loss made us a family. There were many practices on long, hot days, and learning to persevere through those made me stronger as a person.”

Salutatorian Catherine Doyal Hunt of Monroe echoed McCarthy’s praise of the school’s faculty and learning opportunities, particularly Cedar Creek’s Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

“I consider the dedicated faculty and staff to be the most valuable aspect of my educational experience. I received personal attention and excellent support at Cedar Creek,” she said. “Challenging myself in Dual Enrollment and AP courses, especially in science, made me realize that pursuing a career in the healthcare field would build on my skills and interests.”

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Hunt plans to attend the University of Louisiana-Monroe and major in Speech-Language Pathology. She said she expects that her relationship with Cedar Creek will be lifelong. “Though I am fully prepared to step onto a college campus and succeed, I know I will always have my Cedar Creek support system ready to assist along the way,” she said.

New graduate Lauren Ensminger of Ruston is headed for the Louisiana Tech University Honors College in September. A nursing major who hopes one day to become a nurse practitioner, Ensminger said Cedar Creek helped foster her heart for serving others. “Every club and organization at Cedar Creek has a way to participate in community service,” she said. “The school provides practical opportunities for students to serve and makes it easy for us to get involved.” Ensminger, who attended Cedar Creek from kindergarten through senior year, said the value of the experience was in the school’s holistic approach to education. “Not only do I have the practical knowledge, but I have also been taught the social skills and leadership qualities one needs to succeed in the professional world,” she said. As she plans the next phase of her academic journey, Ensminger said this about being part of the Cedar Creek family: “No other school could have prepared me for life after high school like Cedar Creek.”

Now enrolling in grades PK-12 for the 2021-22 school year! Visit www.cedarcreekschool.org/apply for more information. The first day of school is August 19th.

Cedar Creek is a private college preparatory school for grades PK-12 located in Ruston. Recognized for its accelerated academic programs and supportive learning environment, Cedar Creek offers STEM education, the arts, foreign language, history, psychology, extracurricular clubs, service organizations, and competitive LHSAA athletics. Experienced faculty provide student-centered instruction designed for 21st-century learners.

Advanced Honors/Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, and Louisiana Tech University Dual Enrollment courses offer options for academically gifted students. Cedar Creek Cougars consistently excel in the National Merit Scholarship Program and on standardized exams such as the ACT and SAT. Graduating seniors earned nearly $4.5 million in scholarship offers in 2021. The school has been accredited by the State of Louisiana, Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS), and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

Cedar Creek practices an open, non-discriminatory admissions policy.

Fishing With Kenny FISHING THE SWIMMING TOADS article by K E NNY COVI NGTON

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eing a tournament angler who spends the majority of his time fishing shallow water, I am always looking for a new idea, lure, presentation or whatever I can develop to make fishing the skinny water more productive. Over the past several years the hollow bodied frog has become one of the more popular lures and methods to fishing shallow cover and rightfully so, it’s a big bass lure and technique.

When they talk about frog fishing in fishing circles, rarely do they talk about the swimming toads.

To clarify what I am talking about as a swimming toad, I will refer to the three types I consistently use: a Zoom Horny Toad, the Stanley Ribbit as well as the Stanly Top Toad.

While each one appears to do the same job, make no mistake, each one is different, has a different job and has its own time and place to shine. It’s important to understand the circumstances and situations that give each one its own identity and once you do, rest assure you will catch more bass.

I first started throwing the Zoom Horny Toad not long after it was introduced in the mid-2000’s. Now, almost 20 years later, I am still learning about the lure and gaining a better understanding to the how’s and why’s of its effectiveness. First of all, I have to stress, this is not just a “shallow water fish it around grass” lure. I have caught a lot of bass around Cypress trees, rip-rap banks, boat docks, sparse grass areas and open water flats. The

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Horny Toad may just well be the ultimate search bait to help you find fish but it can also win you a tournament or produce the fish of a lifetime.

As far as when the best time to throw the Horny Toad, I usually keep one rigged from March through October. It is an excellent choice when fishing on highly pressured lakes, clearer water scenarios, and when a noisier presentation such as a buzzbait is too much and the fish are short striking the lure. I don’t get fancy with colors; I throw either black or white but I always start out throwing black regardless of the body of water I am on.

The Stanley Ribbit was introduced not long after the Horny Toad and is basically a four-wheel drive upgrade. I have found the Stanley Ribbit to be more specific in its effectiveness as it doesn’t have the year-round appeal of the Horny Toad and seems to work better in thicker cover, matted grass and more off colored water. The loud gurgling sound of the Ribbit allows the angler draw bass out of heavier cover where the more subtle sounding Horny Toad isn’t as effective.

I have had my best results on the Ribbit in the early summer, right after the bass have spawned and more surprisingly, in the late fall. Also of note, a few friends of mine have told me it is an excellent choice for night fishing. When fishing areas where a Buzzbait or other horizontal presentation isn’t able to get through the thicker grassy areas, you are in a potentially good Ribbit situation. As far as colors go, I have found the Smokin’ Shad and Watermelon/Red/Pearl to be best choices.

I started using the Stanley Top Toad a few years ago and I must admit of the three swimming frogs I use; the Top Toad produces a better-quality fish on average than the other two choices. While I am still experimenting with the lure’s effectiveness, I do believe the hottest part of the summer is when it is at its best. The Top Toad is especially effective when fishing matted grass such as coon tail, milfoil or hydrilla and is especially deadly around bream beds and pepper grass. I use black 90% of the time and occasionally I will use the watermelon/red/pearl in clearer water situations.

One of the best parts of this particular technique is regardless of which lure you choose; you can use the same rod/reel set up.

I prefer a 7’0 medium heavy frog road teamed with a high speed 7:1 gear ratio reel, spooled up with 50 lb. braided line. This is the same set up I use for all of my frog fishing, no matter if I am using the hollow bellied Spro frogs or the

swimming version like we are talking about in this article. I have tried longer rods and while they do move more line, they are too bulky.

Shorter rods don’t allow for the needed casting distance.

Here are a few more tips that will help you become a better swimming toad fisherman:

MAKE LONG CASTS. The long rod and braided line will make this much easier, the important thing to remember is this is a power technique used to cover a lot of water.

However, I believe the longer cast is one of the keys to catching bigger fish. The lure is further from the boat so the fish don’t get the sense of a human presence.

USE A DOUBLE FROG HOOK. The Berkley Fusion Weighted Frog Hook has been the best thing that ever happened to fishing the swimming toad. I prefer the 1/8 once 4/0 version and I use this same hook on all of my toads. This hook is durable, stays extremely sharp and has an excellent hook up ratio.

REEL ‘EM TIL YOU FEEL ‘EM. One of the hardest things to do in any topwater fishing, especially when fishing the swimming toad, is to allow the fish time to get the lure. A lot of the strikes with this technique are violent so being able to give the fish an extra split second to get the bait into its mouth is critical to a good catch ratio. I try to get more focused watching the strike than I am reacting to it. With this mindset you will find it much easier to delay the hookset until you feel the fish.

BE PATIENT. Often times when fishing swimming toads, there will be periods of time when you don’t get bit. These lures require persistence and patience so don’t get in too big of a hurry to change lures. If you are in an area that you believe has the potential for this technique to shine, make sure you give it a fair shake. I can’t tell you how many times I have went an hour or more without a strike and then, just as I was about to give up on the toad, I would catch one of my biggest fish of the day. Patience is a virtue.

Well, it looks like we have run out of time and space for another month. I sure hope we were able to share some information with you that will make your next trip to the lake even more enjoyable. Now that we are in the heat of the summer, please make sure you take extra precautions while on the water. Drink plenty of water and remember, you can never wear too much sunscreen. Take care and catch one for me!

See you next month!

bayou profile

From Egypt with Love Have you ever thought what it would be like to grow up surrounded by family and friends, immersed in your own country’s culture and traditions, and then to leave all of that to come to a new country to begin an entirely new life? Dr. Soheir “Sue” Nawas knows exactly what that is like. In 1975, she and her late husband, Dr. Rifat Nawas, applied for an immigration visa and soon after began their life in the United States. From Cairo, Egypt to Monroe, Louisiana represented much more than 6,700 miles to Sue. Leaving Egypt could not have been easy. Leaving one’s home never is. Still, Sue – today a naturalized U.S. citizen -- says that all of the sacrifices have been worth it.

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K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

ue believes that all members of her immediate family were born and reared in Cairo. Her father, Atef Morcey, was 26 when he married her mother, Heckmat Aley, who was 16 at the time.

According to the culture, their marriage was an arranged one. They made a good marriage and were blessed with 6 children, 4 girls and 2 boys. Sue was the 5th child born to them. Her youngest sister is 10 years younger. Her oldest brother was a Colonel in the Armed Forces, her other brother was a physician (internist), one sister was a pediatrician, one was an accountant, and one was, like their mother, a stay-at-home mother and wife.

Sue’s father and his older brother were orphaned when her dad was 8 and his brother was 10. An older ½ brother in Cairo reared her father and his brother.

Both parents did their best to provide a good home and education for their children. The army had a small school for boys and their families that covered 1st through 11th grades.

Her father earned a degree in Literature and Education in Cairo and taught Arabic and literature for a number of years. Later he opened Morcey Printing & Publishing, his own company where he printed and published books for the Ministry of Education and private books written by local authors. His hard work was an example to all of his children.

Ironically, Sue’s father always dreamed of becoming a physician. A favorite nephew was a physician, and Sue’s father was very proud of him and his education. Sue believes that is why their father encouraged his children to consider medicine as a career. Because of his encouragement, Sue grew up believing that one day she would be a doctor. That goal never changed.

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G ro w ing up in C a iro

Sue grew up in one of the world’s most interesting cosmopolitan cities and cultures. She remembers moving twice during her childhood. “We had a great, fun childhood in Cairo,” Sue remembers. “We grew up listening to music, going to the movies, and just hanging out with cousins and neighborhood kids socializing with each other.”

Nearly every weekend, there would be family gatherings either at Sue’s home, or at the home of one of her aunts and uncles. There were no jobs as such in Egypt at that time for children, unless they were extremely poor.

Most children did not work until they were around 17 years old. One of Sue’s favorite times were those spent at the beach in Alexandria with her parents and siblings. (Today, when given the opportunity, Sue can still be found seaside!)

Sue had two favorite holidays while growing up in Egypt. The first was EID, a three-day celebration marking the end of fasting. On the first holy day, the children were given new clothes, new shoes, got their hair done, and were given money from their parents and grandparents. During the celebrations, a special cake similar to a wedding cake was made and shared. The second was Sham El-Nessim, a celebration that traces back to 2700 BC (making it Egypt’s oldest celebration) which celebrated the beginning of spring.

As with EID, there were special activities and trips then, too. “We would go to public bars and feast in restaurants,” Sue remembers. “During these days you could smell the sweet aroma of gardenia in the air, and street vendors would make necklaces and bracelets from aromatic flowers similar to sweet olive.”

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MARRIED ON THE NILE Sue met her husband Rifat in the pathology lab at medical school. The two dated for two and a half years, were engaged six months, and then married after finishing six years of medical school. The ceremony and reception were held on the 22nd floor of the Bourg AlGazerah Hotel overlooking the Nile River in Cairo.

ue went to a private school for girls only until 6th grade. Although the U.S. has testing at different levels, the Egyptian method is different. There everyone is tested in the 3rd grade. If a student scores high enough, he may skip the 4th grade.

Sue was able to skip and move immediately to the 5th grade.

After she finished her 6th year, Sue went to a public school where her father believed she would get the best college preparation. As part of the transition from private to public, Sue took another exam on which she scored high enough to skip to the 8th grade. “Courses in Egypt are a lot more rigorous than they are here in the U.S.,” Sue recalls. “Science and mathematics are more difficult there. Another area of difference is the language requirement. In Egypt a student must take 2 foreign languages. English is introduced in the 6th grade, and then later we could choose our second. Most chose French.”

Sue sat for a college entrance examination (equivalent to the ACT) when she completed 12th grade. That score, plus successfully completing certain courses, determined which colleges she could attend. Sue was accepted into Cairo University Medical Center (the oldest and most prestigious medical school in Egypt) for a 6-year program.

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A M e di c a l Educ at i o n a n d L o v e Int e r s e c t

Sue’s medical education included rotating in an internship in medicine and surgery at University Hospital in Cairo for a year. She did not like OBGYN or general surgery, so she selected pediatrics for her career. During her 4th year in medical school, Sue met Rifat in the pathology lab. They were in a group of 15. “He was a very handsome, polite, and funny guy to be around,” she remembers. “That is what attracted me to him.”

Women weren’t allowed a lot of freedom in Cairo compared to the freedoms that women in the U.S. enjoy. Sue explains, “In Egypt rules and laws are much stricter. Democracy is prevalent in the U.S., but Egypt is mostly a police state.” Because of the family and cultural traditions, when Rifat asked her out, Sue hesitated. To go out with him without a chaperone was a real departure from the norm. Still, she decided to go.

They dated for 2 ½ years, were engaged for 6 months, and then married in Cairo after finishing 6 years of medical school. The ceremony and reception were held on the 22nd floor of the Bourg AlGazerah Hotel overlooking the Nile River in Cairo. There were 125 people attending including both families and friends.

After the wedding, the two went everywhere together completing their medical education. They were in Libya and

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England for a time and Sue worked in maternal and early childhood health and did a 2-year pediatric rotation. Both of her children were born in Libya. Their work also brought Sue into contact with American families working and living abroad with Aramco Oil Company. She worked with outpatients as a Maternal Child Health physician for Aramco for a year and a half. The director there was from Texas and encouraged Rifat and Sue to move to the U.S. for specialization. Later, while Rifat and Sue were attending a medical conference in Cheraz, Iran, Dr. Alton Oschner also encouraged them to come to the U.S. and complete their specializations.

Path to United States Citizenship

Both Rifat and Sue had always known (as is known throughout the world of medicine) that medicine in the U.S. was more advanced than in any other country. The hospital training, specialization, and overall medical training that they could get in the U.S. would be a major benefit to their medical careers. After securing their training positions at Oschner’s Foundation Hospital in New Orleans in 1975, they began taking the steps necessary to begin a new life in America.

After initially applying for a work visa, the two were advised to switch to an immigration visa. Although Sue was a little reluctant to make that kind of commitment, Rifat – the more adventurous of the two – convinced her to go for it.

With a green card in hand (and the responsibility of paying taxes though unable to vote), they began their residency programs – Rifat in orthopaedics and Sue in pathology. Three years later, they took the civics exam and sat for interviews with the immigration judge, accompanied by 4 staffers who served as character witnesses. Later they swore allegiance before the American flag, the flag of their new homeland. “We officially became Naturalized U.S. Citizens in 1982, and we believe that it was the best decision we ever made,” Sue says.

Lif e in A m e r i c a

Sue, as all working mothers, learned quickly how difficult it can be to juggle careers and children. Over the years as their family grew, Sue depended on two nannies who lived with them while they were in England and Saudi Arabia. Once she came to New Orleans, there was an older neighbor who helped take care of the children. After the family moved to Monroe, Minnie Goldsmith spent 34 years keeping the Nawas house in order while Sue worked 3 days a week. Initially, there were two children – Naz, an attorney in the Mandeville/ NOLA area, and Wally, an ophthalmologist practicing in Bossier City. Today there are 6 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren to fill Sue’s life.

Throughout their 43-year marriage, Rifat and Sue were a team. He was her mentor, especially later on in her career. “The three biggest career challenges for me were being a female, being a foreigner, and having to work even harder than my husband to prove to myself, my colleagues, and my bosses that a foreign graduate female physician can be equally as smart or smarter,” Sue says. “He always encouraged me to do my best and let everything fall where it may.”

Sue’s career has been a distinguished one. She was the only Foreign Chief Resident in pathology appointed at Oschner NOLA, and then at LSU-Conway in Monroe she held positions including Chief of Staff and member of the executive committee, professor of Clinical Pathology, and director of Clinical and Anatomical Pathology.

R e f l e c t ing o n B e c o ming a U . S . Cit i z e n

To date, Sue has visited 36 states including both Alaska and Hawaii. She hopes to visit the outer banks of North Carolina one day. As for travel abroad, her favorites countries to visit are Italy and Spain, but Switzerland remains on her travel bucket list. Without a doubt, however, America is her home.

PARTNERS IN LIFE “The three biggest career challenges for me were being a female, being a foreigner, and having to work even harder than my husband to prove to myself, my colleagues, and my bosses that a foreign graduate female physician can be equally as smart or smarter,” Sue says. “Rifat always encouraged me to do my best and let everything fall where it may.”

When asked recently to describe the differences between life here and life in Egypt, she was forthcoming in her appreciation for the freedoms enjoyed here. “People don’t realize the value of the freedoms that they have in the United States,” Sue explained. “The freedom to vote, to criticize your government and your elected state and national representatives, to worship or not, the freedom to carry a rifle – these are wonderful freedoms that we didn’t have in Egypt.”

Sue is impressed with women’s freedoms here in particular. “Women have the freedom to decide their own destiny, to date, to choose her husband, and even to ask for divorce if the marriage fails,” Sue said.

“Women can choose any profession they want, and are allowed to have control over themselves without a guardian!”

Although there are indications that democracy in Egypt is improving some, Sue says that progress is slow. She loves America, loves being a U.S. citizen, and loves that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all have good lives here.

What troubles Sue is the way native-born American citizens complain. “People complain about a lack of this or lack of that in commodities and food,” she says. “They need to go and live over there for a year and then they would realize what a heaven they have in the USA!”

Today Sue has only a few regrets. For one, she wishes that Rifat, her parents, and her siblings were still living and could enjoy the life she has now. She also regrets not getting to spend more time with her children and their families. “Life is short,” Sue says. “We should spend as much time as we can with family.”

But there is one thing that she will never regret --- her decision to become an U.S. Citizen. America has been good to her, and she and her family have been good for America.

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New Vision Learning Academy Reverend Andrew J. Mansfield, Founder: From a Vision to Identified Success

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EW VISION LEARNING ACADEMY IS AN INDEPENDENT, public charter school, located in Monroe, LA. On September 6, 1998, Reverend Mansfield’s vision came to fruition and New Vision Learning Academy opened as the first Type II Charter School in North Louisiana. As a Type II charter school, though able to serve students from all areas of the State of Louisiana without any residency restrictions, the students are primarily from the Monroe area and surrounding parishes. While New Vision Learning Academy is approved to serve students in PK-12, we currently enroll students in PK-6.

New Vision Learning Academy impacts the personal growth and educational development of children and families through a comprehensive, academically sound educational program in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade; thereby producing intellectually able, technologically competent, morally stable, psychologically and physically healthy, capable, and contributing citizens and excellent scholars of the next century. New Vision Learning Academy strives to increase the meaningful involvement of parents and the community in the process of educating children and provides service, outreach support and partnerships that will strengthen families and the community. New Vision Learning Academy has molded its own, unique development model, where each child is treated with high regard by every member of the school staff, and the child’s individual strengths, needs, and interests are given priority. The various needs of the whole child: physical, intellectual, psychological, emotional, and sociological development are addressed.

Our educational program focuses on personal development, core-curriculum subjects and modern technology, use of hands-on learning experiences and experiments, and opportunities for the students to explore and learn thorough elective studies. In addition, we offer continuous academic enrichment via After School, Saturday Academy and Summer Enrichment for students, their families, and the community. Students attend enrichment classes and labs such as:

• STEM Lab

• Math Lab

• Reading Lab

• Technology Lab

• Physical Education and Nutrition

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• Music • Spanish • DEAR (Drop Everything and Read)

Students’ independent reading and mathematics practice are monitored using Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math Programs respectively. Our E-learning programs, inclusive of Study Island (standards-based assessment, instruction, and test preparation program), Reading Eggs (reading and phonics program), and MathSeeds (core math and problem solving program), support the essential foundations of Reading and Mathematics through fun, highly interactive and rewarding lessons. As a result, New Vision Learning Academy’s students have maintained great performance on the LEAP, and earned multiple Exemplary Achievement ratings over the past years. For several years, The Louisiana Department of Education has recognized New Vision Learning Academy as a High Performing School.

We have earned the School of Distinction as a National BETA Club (National Honor Society) member. BETA Club promotes the ideals of academic achievement, character, and service and leadership among our students. Our BETA Club members, over the years, have won first place in several categories on the State Level and as a result, have been afforded the opportunity to compete on the National level.

Come and join the Trojan family! We invite you to read the testimonials of some of our former trojan students and community leaders to see the advantages of New Vision Learning Academy.

New Vision Learning Academy is currently enrolling for the 2021 – 2022 school year for grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

A completed application must contain the following: original birth certificate, updated state of Louisiana Immunization record, original social security card. In addition, student registering for grades 1-6 must present a copy of their most recent report card. For more information, please contact Ms. Tamekia Moten at 318-338-9997. Please apply at 507 Swayze Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201.

B A Y O U C O C K TA I L

Watermelon Paloma We’ve taken the most popular tequilabased cocktail in Mexico and given it a summer make-over by adding the signature fruit of heat-packed months.

With just a touch of sweet and a little bit of spice, this fizzy kick is the refresher you didn’t know you needed.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Styling by Taylor Bennett

W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : 2-3 cups cubed watermelon 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila Juice from 1/2 lime 3-4 ounces sparkling or regular Rosè wine, chilled 1/4 cup sparkling water for topping Chili Lime Salt: 1/4 cup flaky sea salt 2 teaspoons Tajin or 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 pinch granulated sugar Zest from 1 lime DIRECTIONS: Combine chili lime salt ingredients on a shallow plate. Rim your glasses in salt. Blend 2 cups cubed watermelon in a blender and strain through a sieve. Add 1/4 cup watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice and Rosé to cocktail glass. Stir to combine and top with a splash of sparkling water.

Adapted from halfbakedharvest.com

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RELAXED SUMMER materials, textures and colors of nature provide the strongest inspiration for the design of our homes.

These things never fail us. They are the backbone of our lives and the beauty of our surroundings. Embrace the simplicity.

Whether it is the rustic wings of native grasses or the sunshine yellow of the lemon trees, summer ushers in the simplest of things.

Keep your surfaces clean and let your story remain uncluttered.

There is a visual connection to the outdoors with well placed windows and openings. Even if the heat of this month permits you from going outside, your vista of the outdoors can be a feast. Take a moment to relish in this connection without actually having to open the door. Unobstructed views are certainly the best.

The feeling of simple, worn, heavy hardware is unmatched.

Embrace the worn finishes of vintage and antique imperfections.

No need to polish or shine when you can add to their history.

Repurposed objects can be magical.

images from PATINA FARMS

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FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041

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Celebrating In the Heart of Your Home Make Memories with Your Children this July 4th article by Cindy G. Foust

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appy July readers as I report in from my back porch, listening to birds chirping and you guessed it, donkey watching. Just kidding, I’m reporting in, but I’m sitting at my kitchen table because it feels like it is 120 degrees outside and we are in Arizona. That only means one thing… summer is finally here… and it came in with a bang. And it came in just in time to celebrate National Bikini Day on July 5th. I’ll tell you right now, I am absolutely not participating in this national and treasured holiday, because, well, my bikini doesn’t fit and hasn’t since 1995. Or before. I really don’t think I have ever been a bikini person…maybe that one time in college when I succumbed to peer pressure. No, I’ve always been a one-piece swimsuit kind of gal.

Well, except that one other time when I wore a “tank-ini” and the “shorts” part of my beach ensemble came off after I shot through the waterpark tunnel at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

It was, as my family likes to remember, one of my finest Edith Bunker moments. And traumatized my son (now 23 and still in therapy over it) because he shot out of the tunnel right next to me. Except his swim trunks stayed on. I had to wait, however, for the lifeguard to retrieve mine from the “skimmer” or wherever swimsuit bottoms go when they come off. He was most apologetic, you know, like Disney World deliberately causes their guests to lose their bottoms and graciously said “Don’t worry, mam… this happens all the time.” Yeah. Right. So that promptly ended any twopiece of anything swimsuit ideas I had all the way to this swimsuit season.

But is this column really about my swimsuit choices? Nah, I’ll leave that for the beautiful models we use every month and I’ll move right to this month’s hot, right off the press topic… getting into the kitchen with your children to celebrate July 4th. If you are a grandparent, don’t stop reading and flip to the next page because I am talking to you, too!

I don’t think I write nearly enough in this column on the value of teaching our kids to cook and what a joy it is for me, now, that my son is the resident Bobby Flay. I love watching him get creative; I love taking his calls when he wants to know if he should use peppers or onions; and should he use butter or cooking oil. Butter, son, always butter.

Anyway, there is no better time than now, when the kids are all home for the summer, and probably a little bored, to dive into the kitchen or gather around the island to start the culinary juices flowing. There are so many elementary ways to start this process, so don’t make this harder than it has to be.

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For example, you can start with Rice Krispie treats, and use red, white and blue food coloring in your marshmallow mixture. It might take three batches, but they are super simple to make and the kids can help with most every stage of the process.

They will be proud when their tray of patriotic squares are served as dessert!

Another cool idea is using two of your jelly roll pans (I do have friends who I would have to describe what a jelly roll pan is, so if you are that friend, just email me… I’ll direct you to them in the store) and mix up two bowls of Jell-O. And, you guessed it, use cherry or strawberry and blue raspberry. Pour into your pans and let them “set” in the fridge. The fun part will be cutting them into squares or blocks and mixing in your glass bowl. It literally looks like a stained glass dessert and kids love it. I might also throw some sliced strawberries and blueberries in the mix because a little fruit never hurt anyone, right?

Next, I am obsessed with all things charcuterie right now, and this would be a fun adventure if you have the kids in the grocery store with you, right? Because anytime you have your kids with you in ANY store, it’s fun, right? But let them help you decide on fruits for your tray, which might include cutting your watermelon with a “star” cookie cutter. There are so many options with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, cheeses, crackers and pre-made desserts. I think you might be surprised how much fun it is to involve them in the process. You only need a large tray and a “little” patience when putting it all together.

So what do you say, readers? Think you can make it happen for a great start in the kitchen with your kiddos? Don’t forget how simple and easy it is to decorate sugar cookies, make cupcakes or dip pretzels into colored candy chocolate. In other words, you don’t have to go all Bobby Flay and grill pineapple or make loaded baked beans.

As I typically try to encourage you, just make it fun and involve everyone in the process. I know there might be times where it would be easier to move than clean up the mess, but it’s so worth it hear and see the excitement from your children. I always say our best memories start in our kitchens, so get to it readers, making those memories and starting or continuing traditions from the heart of your home.

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.

SWEET P OTATO V I N E This vigorous, trailing plant has gorgeous chartreuse foliage and is perfect for hanging baskets and used in planters and beds. While these plants are related to the sweet potatoes we love to eat, this plant is more commonly grown for their attractiveness.

Photograph by TAYLOR BENNETT

H O W T O P L A N T: The plants grows best in moist, well-drained soil. It can grow in beds as an annual groundcover, large containers, window boxes or hanging baskets. Don’t worry about fertilizing, it will continue to grow all season long.

T E M P E R AT U R E : The vine grows practically anywhere. It can survive in full sun or full shade, but can also struggle during hot summer climates in full sun. It is a vigorous grower and survives pruning whenever it seems to get out of bounds.

Lambda Sigma Chi Gives Back

Local Sorority Celebrates White Rose Formal Presentation and Highlights Philanthropic Efforts

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AMBDA SIGMA CHI IS A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SORORITY founded in 1932. Over the years, Lambda has grown and continues to grow as a service and social organization. This year, Lambda members included 109 young ladies and 15 brother sponsors from Neville High School and St. Fredrick High School.

President Elizabeth Harris led the organization in many endeavors including organizing educational meetings, attending church, and planning service and social activities for the year. This past year provided its own set of challenges throughout the pandemic as the group could not meet monthly for meetings or church attendance as they have in the past years. The head officers and junior members had to adapt and find new ways to offer service to the local community.

They started the year off with providing thank you cards to local healthcare workers at various facilities.

The most important goal of Lambda each year is to give back to our community by both volunteering and providing monetary donations. Under the leadership of Chaplain Camille Taylor, Lambda members volunteered to help clean up Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo and downtown Monroe. Members also organized supply drives including canned foods for Food Bank, pet supplies for local animal shelter and school supplies for local school children in need.

A yearly joyful experience is attending Dixie Diehard baseball games as a buddy for the players. Raising the standard of service that the organization will provide in years to come are those individual members who stood out with the most community service hours for their respective class, and those members are junior Addie Bagwell, sophomore Hannah Smith, freshman Gabby Sumrall and brother sponsor Brennan Surles.

Lambda also has a legacy of giving back to the community financially. This would not be possible without the collective effort of the members and our annual sweet potato fundraiser. This year the members were able to raise over $16,000 to donate to the local community. Financial donations went to local organizations including ARCO, the Cancer Foundation League, the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, the Desiard Street Shelter, the Food Bank, the Grace Place, the Jeremy Barnhill Foundation, the John Clarke Foundation, Life Choices, MedCamps of Northeast Louisiana, the Methodist Children’s Home, Pilots for Patients, the Red Cross, River

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Cities Humane Society, the Salvation Army, Shelby’s Wish, the St. Francis Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Two Penny Missions, Wellspring, and YoungLife, among others.

In May, Lambda held its annual White Rose Formal presentation and dance at the Ouachita Grand Plaza for family and friends. Mayor Friday Ellis and Mrs. Ashley Ellis were the Masters of Ceremonies.

The theme for the night was “An Enchanted Evening,” and guests were greeted by beautiful magnolia leaves, white roses and a lovely spring floral wall artfully arranged by the talented Heather Rogers.

Junior members presented were: President: Elizabeth Harris, Vice President: Hanlon Parker, Chaplain: Camille Taylor, Treasurer: Katie Burch, Recording Secretary: Ella Wimberly, Corresponding Secretary: Anna Belle Bolton, Parliamentarian: Remy Larsen, Historian: Caroline Garrett, Sergeant-at-arms: Caroline Moak and Anna Kate Petrus, Head Pledge Advisor: Anna Belle Slusher, Pledge Advisors: Gracie Poche, Addie Nickelson, Mya Holloway, Madelyn Hodge, Graycee Hill and Custodians: Margaret Ann Sherman and Grace Tannehill.

Addie Bagwell, Margaret Barham, Claire Booth, Kam Buttita, Logan Foote, Sarah Glover, Lela Hansen, Brooke Jason, Madelyn Jones, Kaia Kudlas, Ellie Loftin, Ashton Oswalt, Emery Pipes, Maddie Stewart, Sadie Summerscales, Amelia Thomas, Kaleigh Womack, Sara Zambie.

Members were escorted by brother sponsors: Daniel Breard, Connor Breen, Will Campbell, Davis Dansby, Lake Grant, Cameron King, Patrick King, Marc Peters, Carter Rogers, Walt Sartor, Austin Slusher, Brennan Surles and Brayden Terra.

The White Rose Court is voted on by the members and recognizes members for their commitment to the sorority. Members of the 2021 Court were Elizabeth Harris, Queen, Camille Taylor, Maid of Honor, Katie Burch, Caroline Garrett, Hanlon Parker, and Annabelle Slusher, Maids.

We are very proud of this outstanding group and know they will go on to continue to service the local community! Thank you to the community for supporting Lambda and our endeavors.

Photos provided by Jasnsen Nowell Photography.

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HAPPY JULY 2 AMERICA!

Historical Impressions

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

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n July 2, 1776, the Thirteen Colonies claimed their independence from England and declared themselves a new nation. Each year on July 4th Americans celebrate this historic event. No, I did not make a typo. America claimed its independence on July 2nd.

The initial conflicts of the Revolutionary War broke out at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. At the time, however, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain. The Colonies did not want to be free of the British Crown, they just wanted representation in the British Parliament so they could have some say in their own affairs.

“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry that started the conflicts. British troops were sent to forestall any movement toward rebellion and repeated attempts by the Colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.

By the middle of 1776 many more colonists began desiring independence and the Colonies convened a Continental Congress that summer in Philadelphia. On June 7th at a Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) meeting, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: “Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

Lee’s resolution produced heated debate. On June 11th, consideration of the resolution was postponed by a vote of seven colonies to five, with New York abstaining.

The Congress did decide, however, to appoint a Committee of Five to draft a statement that presented the colonies’ case for independence. The Committee members were John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin

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of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.

Jefferson was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer and he was mostly responsible for the original draft document.

On July 1, 1776 the Continental Congress reconvened. On July 2nd, even as the Committee continued it’s work on the Declaration, the Continental Congress voted in favor of the Lee Resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote.

New York initially abstained but later voted in favor. The July 2nd vote by Congress was the Colonies’ formal break from Great Britain and the establishment date of our new Nation. On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2nd “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

The Committee’s process of revision to the Declaration continued on through July 2nd and 3rd and into the late afternoon of July 4th, when the Declaration was officially adopted. Of the thirteen former Colonies, nine voted in favor of the Declaration, two - Pennsylvania and South Carolina - voted no, Delaware was undecided and New York abstained. The official document was not signed until August 2nd. As President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence “with a great flourish” so England’s “King George can read that without spectacles!”

On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. The citizens of the new republic did not consider the July 2nd vote in Congress, they only knew the Declaration had been made public on July 4th. Accordingly, Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence

on July 4, 1777. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4th of July began that same day. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

John Adams believed that July 2nd, not July 4th, was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest.

In June 1826 Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C. to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was gravely ill and this would be the last letter he ever wrote. In his letter, Jefferson speaks of the Declaration:

“May it be to the world, what I believe it will be … the signal of arousing men to burst the chains … and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. …For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

- Thomas Jefferson June 24, 1826 Monticello

Whether fate or Divine intervention, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826; the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday. In 1870, Congress made July 4th a federal holiday. Since that date, Independence Day has been our Nation’s most important national holiday and a symbol of American patriotism.

Meredith’s Musings UNCLE B article by ME RE DI TH MC K IN N I E

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y dear friend and I met in the halls at school. We were both teaching, and he wandered into my office one day between classes. We connected because we were both single, appreciate the therapy of a good belly laugh, thrive on snarky comebacks, and have the same no-nonsense tolerance for idiocracy, except, of course, when we resort to tomfoolery. Then all bets are off. We just enjoy each other’s company.

And over the years, we have foraged a lifetime friendship, one of those my dad says I’ll be able to count on one hand when I’m old and gray. I value his opinion, and I believe he values mine, and we respect each other’s differences. In each other we recognize a kindred spirit, and who couldn’t use more of those?

This friend put the stamp of approval on my husband shortly after our first date, was present for the births of both our daughters, and has become as close with my husband as he still is with me. All of this gives me comfort and makes me feel safe in this friendship, as if no matter how our lives shift, we will still find space for one another. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more selective with my friendships. Some contacts are convenient, or only serve us for a short season. We can’t stay intimately connected to every person who crosses our path, but when someone means something more, it is imperative to nurture the relationship. Without investment and commitment, even beautiful things fade.

Who would have ever thought that a pause in day-to-day life, an elongated break from the workplace we share, the closing of our beloved restaurants where we’ve clinked glasses, the onslaught of a global pandemic would have brought us closer than ever before? But that’s exactly what happened.

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Even when you share space with someone every day, the familiarity of that space and how one acts in it can keep you from truly seeing someone. My friend and I had begun to rely on passing each other in the halls, exchanging brief pleasantries in exchange for meaningful conversations. With life surging forward at full speed, the necessary pauses to genuinely listen to someone’s reply to “How are you doing?” begin to shorten. So, with in-person contact discouraged, he and I began chatting more on the phone, hours at a time.

He became a part of our family, frequently listening in to the chaos of a house with two toddlers during mealtimes or observing our evenings on the porch via FaceTime. My twoyear-old inquires, “Is that Uncle?” anytime I’m on the phone. Who else would I be talking to?

He eats breakfast with us and knows my go-to during quarantine is eggs and toast.

We often set the iPad on the middle of the table and he will catch the kids feeding the remainder of their meals to the dog. He sees my daughter frolicking half naked in the backyard, as her natural state is her preferred preference. He will sometimes bark at her to get away from the mud puddle because he knows we’re not paying attention. The sound of her name in a high-pitch tone echoing through the phone always snaps her to attention for a split second before she remembers he can’t actually catch her. But he’s always there. He is a consistent presence throughout the day, and it would be hard to imagine quarantine life without him. We joke when he does return for house visits it will be as if the Wizard of Oz stepped from behind the curtain, finally revealing himself as more than just a towering voice.

A stickler for rules and CDC regulations, my friend was hesitant to leave his house.

Having four mouths to feed, grocery store runs

were a means of survival, so I would call him for his list. We always chuckled comparing our lists. Ours consisted of lamb for meatballs, pureed baby food for our infant, and fresh shrimp to liven up a Wednesday evening.

His list included hot pockets, and plain white bread, and Marie Calendar’s frozen dinners, the quintessential bachelor stock. He would rib me for making elaborate dinners when I should have been making my groceries last, and I would poke fun at the simplicity of his choices. We’ve learned so much more about each other in the last few months. I know when he eats his meals, and that he consumes those meals standing up at the counter. I can tell when his dogs are chasing a poor squirrel in the backyard as static erupts through the phone as he surges from his seat. I’ve learned he is somewhat of a bird expert, often sitting in his backyard with binoculars to try and catch his beloved indigo bunting. He knows exactly when to call on my morning walks to maximize my availability as one of the girls is relaxing in the jogger.

This momentary distance, this pause in both of our schedules, has brought us closer.

Uncle B is a permanent fixture in our home, though during Covid a virtual presence. I love watching my daughter walk around the yard with the phone showing her uncle piles of acorns and her favorite mud puddle. She tells him her secrets in a whisper, and we laugh about the little things she thinks are her own later in the evening. This time has made me grateful for the opportunity to nurture the relationships that matter most to me, especially this one. I’ve learned that changes of circumstances are what we make them. And I’m glad my family has expanded by one and that we’ve chosen to walk through this time together, yet apart. Kindred spirits are hard to come by.

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White Claw® Hard Seltzer Made Pure®

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UMMER IS HERE AND SO IS THIS SUMMER’S MOST sought-after drink that embraces the healthy lifestyle and a balanced life. White Claw Hard Seltzer brings the simplicity that is seltzer water, along with a spike of alcohol and a hint of natural fruit flavor, to create a refreshing low-calorie, gluten-free seltzer drink with no artificial ingredients. Crafted with simple and pure sparkling water, it’s a brandnew kind of alcoholic refreshment that is more relevant than ever given today’s healthier lifestyles and choices. White Claw Hard Seltzer makes it possible for health-conscious drinkers to enjoy a convenient and refreshing alcoholic beverage they can feel good about. At 100 calories, White Claw Hard Seltzer is all-natural, low carb and gluten-free. Each refreshing flavor of White Claw is naturally sweetened with a touch of pure cane sugar and free of artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, or crystalline fructose.

Who exactly are White Claw drinkers? What’s driving this shift in consumer behavior? They are both men and women. Some of them drink wine, spirits and light beer. Some are “lapsed” drinkers, meaning they had stopped drinking altogether. But the common thread, according to research, is that they’re “healthy lifestyle” consumers. Marketed as a “better for you” option for active, healthy types, most of the top hard seltzers are relatively low in calories — about the same as light beer — low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. Most, including White Claw, are even sold in skinny cans.

White Claw fits into the “work hard, play hard” mentality of many young professionals, there weren’t any good options for a light and refreshing gluten-free drink that wasn’t either too sweet or too alcoholic.

“Alcoholic beverages and healthy alternatives don’t always go hand-inhand but White Claw fuses convenience, refreshment and subtle flavor to deliver a drink that’s considerably lighter than a cocktail or beer,” said Sanjiv Gajiwala, vice president of marketing, White Claw Hard Seltzer.

“Serving as a step away from high-sugar sodas and mixers, White Claw is a shift into a lighter, all natural, better-for-you alcoholic beverage – defining a whole new category for those who want to enjoy life and have fun while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.” The 5% ABV White Claw Hard Seltzer is available in five minimally sweet flavors with zero aftertaste:

Natural Lime – Similar to the crispness of a vodka + soda, natural lime delivers the ultimate refreshment to quench your thirst on a hot summer day without the hassle of mixing your own drink.

Black Cherry – Just as black cherries thrive in sunlight, the premixed seltzer with all natural black cherry flavors comes in a convenient can that can be cracked open wherever the outdoors may take you.

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Ruby Grapefruit – The tart and tangy natural flavors packs a punch of antioxidants making White Claw a refreshing post-Yoga sip.

Mango - This hard seltzer is the perfect blend of seltzer water, their Brew Pure alcohol, and a splash of natural mango fruit concentrate. We hope you enjoy the mango flavor

Raspberry - A masterful blend of pure seltzer water, their proprietary BrewPure alcohol and a kiss of raspberry to bring together a refreshing and thirst quenching hit at your next family gathering.

Watermelon - Delight in the delicate taste of fresh Watermelon. This sweet and refreshing flavor is complemented by the pure refreshment of White Claw® Hard Seltzer.

Lemon - Only select varieties of lemon are carefully handpicked to create this classic. We use cold pressed zest from our lemons to release our juicy lemon aroma and taste — a fresh twist on your favorite flavor.

Tangerine - Experience all the joy of biting into a fresh Tangerine, with a smooth, clean tasting finish. This citrus flavor is bursting with the fruit’s fan favorite taste and natural sweetness.

Strawberry - White Claw® Strawberry balances the taste of fresh, ripe strawberries with just the right amount of sweetness. With a crisp, clean finish, this juicy flavor is both refreshing and sessionable.

Blackberry - Experience the crisp taste of ripe blackberries in this sessionable spin on White Claw®. This refreshing flavor strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness.

Pineapple - With an exceptionally clean finish and a refreshing hint of sweetness, White Claw® Pineapple is juicy, tropical and sessionable.

White Claw Hard Seltzer takes its inspiration from the legend of the White Claw wave - when three perfect crests come together to create a moment of pure refreshment. We set out to make something as pure, refreshing and natural as this. The result? White Claw Hard Seltzer. Made Pure.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees.

Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and nonalcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts.

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage, Twitter: @marsalabeverag1 and Instagram: @marsalabeverage

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T H E F E E L I N G O F R E L I E F T H A T W O R L D WA R I I WA S O V E R

United States. “God Bless America”

I REMEMBER something of the was our prayer and our expectation joy that we felt when the end came during that confrontation. to World War II. I was not yet 10 Throughout the course of our years old, but even at that young history, people of the United States age, there was an awareness that our have turned to God when menaced nation as a whole, and our soldiers by an enemy. I have been privileged in particular, had been going a number of times to visit our through some extremely difficult nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. and dangerous times. So, even as and have observed, in documents young as I was, there was a feeling and on monuments, how so many of of relief that this perilous war had our leaders sought God’s blessings ended, and had ended in victory for on America and acknowledged that the United States and our allies. those blessings did come. Perhaps,

I also recall how many in our as much as anything else, it has been country were willing to sacrifice to our reliance on God that has unified aid those brave men and women IS THERE ANY HOPE THAT WE us as a people. One thing that most who were risking their lives to CAN, OR WILL, RISE TO THE Americans have in common is the preserve our freedom and the CHALLENGES THAT FACE US? belief that there is a God and that freedom of the whole world. Much He is One who is able and willing was at stake in that conflict, and the to come to the aid of those who trust citizens of our nation were united in Him. Those who belonged to in this battle against oppression. the “greatest generation” gave their best effort in the defense of the This harmony, this perseverance in difficult times, this patriotism United States, but, at the same time, they were cognizant of their need have caused one commentator (Tom Brokaw) to call this “the greatest for the intervention of the Almighty if their struggles against evil were generation.” This generation was made up of those who had gone to be successful. Their united endeavor, combined with the favorable through the Great Depression and who were confronted by a serious involvement of the One to whom they directed their pleas for help, threat to their nation as well as to their loved ones. Having survived resulted in victory over their foes. the Depression, they were determined to confront the new challenge

Today, we as a nation are faced with dangers that are as perilous with a willingness to sacrifice and a commitment to victory. Their as were those which confronted that special generation. Is there any efforts resulted in a strong, united nation that strived as one people hope that we can, or will, rise to the challenges that face us? It is likely to combat the enemy. Brokaw pointed out that this generation of that those who wish us harm have the capacity to unleash on the Americans “fought not for fame or recognition, but because it was world a virus similar to the one that produced the Covid pandemic. ‘the right thing to do.’” He noted that some of the characteristics that They have recently demonstrated their ability to shut down vital bonded these men and women together and made them the “greatest elements of services that are essential to the functioning of our society. generation” were personal responsibility, humility, work ethic, and And they have nuclear potential that jeopardizes the survival of our perseverance in difficult times. civilization. A divided nation is ill-prepared to face such a foe.

A major factor in establishing and in maintaining this unity

So, as we celebrate our independence on July 4th, perhaps we was the way the nation turned to God for His blessing and help in would do well to seek the unity that was such a factor in the success confronting and resisting those forces that threatened our future. of the “greatest generation;” and as we do that, maybe we should also Symbolic of this dependence upon the Lord was a song written by Irvin seek the favor and blessings of the One who has long been the hope of Berlin during World War I, but made popular by Kate Smith during so many who have trusted Him in times of critical need. the World War II struggle as she became renown for regularly singing

Let our prayer be, “God bless America!”

“God Bless America,” giving hope and resolve to the citizens of the

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Build Your Body and Bones Don’t Let Osteoporosis Hold You Back

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ON TEMPS PILATES IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF downtown West Monroe and proud to be the only classical Pilates Studio in North Louisiana. They use the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning system of exercises invented by Joseph Pilates. This is a body-mind workout that uses various apparatus to create strength in the powerhouse muscles like the abs, glutes, back and thighs.

Additionally, the method helps lengthen your spine, resulting in a healthy spine, strong muscles and a body that moves well.

The most popular apparatus designed by Joseph Pilates is the Reformer, consisting of a carriage that moves back and forth along tracks within a frame. The resistance is provided by the exerciser’s body weight and by the set of springs attached to both the carriage and the platform. Bon Temps Pilates has a number of reformers that can be used for private one on one lessons, as well as a group lesson, for up to five participants. If someone hasn’t ever seen Pilates equipment and aren’t familiar with the Pilates method, the Reformer and other equipment may be intimidating. “Sometimes people think they have to get in shape before the even try Pilates, but the opposite is true,” said Marcia Donald, owner of Bon Temps Pilates. “Pilates can help people overcome injuries, and build their overall health.”

Not only can Pilates build core strength, connect your breathing with movement and even improve your mental health, it can also help your bones. “Pilates isn’t just for younger people,” explains Marcia.

“It is great to get people who may be older and looking to improve their movement and overall health.” In fact, Pilates is generally safe for older adults due to low-impact nature of the movement. It is a known fact that Osteoporosis is a disease that affects older people, specifically around 200 million women worldwide in particular. It causes bones to become weak and brittle, so brittle that a minor fall can cause a fracture. Even something as small as bending over incorrectly or coughing can cause a fracture when it comes to this disease. Often, osteoporosis related fractures occur in the hip, waist or spine. Your bones are living tissue that are constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of a new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone. Typically, there are no symptoms when it comes to the early stages of bone loss. However, once they begin to weaken, symptoms and signs may include back pain, loss of height over time, a bone that breaks much more easily than expected and/or a stooped posture.

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If you have osteoporosis, your doctor may have recommended Pilates to benefit your body. The main goal of an exercise program for osteoporosis is to strengthen your bones. Because of the resistance work involved in the Reformer as mentioned above, there are a number of benefits for osteoporosis. Using the bars and cables of the Reformer machine ensures that you will move your body through a full range of motion, something that you may not be able to do on your own, especially with osteoporosis. This is particularly beneficial because your posture may weaken as your bones become brittle.

Body control is a term often used in pilates and sometimes, that is a concept that people don’t truly understand. They believe if they are walking around and have the ability to control their body, they have body control. However, Pilates teaches you HOW to move your body and increase your range of motion. By participating in Pilates, you will learn how to spot issues when it comes to moving your body while maintaining proper form, which strengthens your whole body and improves your overall health. You simply cannot discuss pilates and osteoporosis without addressing the essential benefit of pilates increasing your core strength. While some people may think of abs or a six pack when they think of core strength, it is about much more than that. A strong core is the key to good back health. Pilates benefits your core directly as well as your back through exercises targeting your back muscles as well as stabilizing muscles that are all too often overlooked in regular core routines. Having the ability and the strength to stand upright begins with a good core, which is one of the focuses of Pilates.

When done correctly, Pilates can offer a great combination of resistance training for balance work and strength training, which is key to maintaining healthy bone density in osteoporosis. Pilates is great for these because it strengthens muscles and is low impact at the same time. Strengthening your muscles is important because it builds and retains your bone density. If you and your doctor have discussed your osteoporosis and how exercising can help your diagnosis, Pilates may be the answer. You can set up a consultation with one of the trained instructors at Bon Temps Pilates. No matter your age or skill level, they can help you build a better body, bones, mind and spirit!

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Vow of Elegance KATELYN TOLBERT AND BRADLEY MCALLISTER EXCHANGE VOWS AT THE FLOWERS CHAPEL AT THE LOUISIANA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME

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n March 27, 2021, Katelyn Tolbert and Bradley McAllister were FINALLY able to exchange vows and celebrate their special day with family and friends. The couple were engaged in December, 2019 and had planned to marry September 26, 2020. But with the world battling COVID-19, they decided to postpone their nuptials.

Katelyn is the daughter of Butch and Angela Tolbert. The bride’s maternal grandparents are Catherine Collier Beach and the late William Humble Beach. Her paternal grandparents are the late Evelyn Berry Tolbert Gunn and Raymond Edward Tolbert.

Bradley is the son of Robert and Karen McAllister. His maternal grandparents are Bobbie and Gracie Jennings and his paternal grandparents are Hattie and Richard McAllister.

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The wedding ceremony took place in the beautiful Flowers Chapel on the campus of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe. The stained glass windows were even more beautiful than usual as the late day sun shone through them. Pastor Brian McAllister, served as a groomsman to his brother as well as the officiant of the ceremony. Will Tolbert, brother to the bride, served as sound engineer for the ceremony.

The bride wore a natural colored Bellagio crepe on silk zibeline ballgown created by Australian designer Martina Liana. The gown featured long sleeves with intricate fabric covered buttons at the wrist and down the train beneath the keyhole back. The bride added her love of “bling” by incorporating an ornate belt designed by Paloma Blanca at the waist. Her chapel length veil, also designed by Martina Liana, encrusted with

heavily beaded handmade lace completed her wedding day look. The bride’s garter was created with lace from her mother’s wedding veil and adorned with two charms honoring both weddings: ABT 1981 and KTM 2021.

The bridal bouquet was a unique combination of dried and fresh elements.

Bunny tails, pampas grasses, with a sponge mushroom in the center complemented the Sweet Eskimo and Quicksand roses. Misty blue limonium and pink rice flowers gave the appearance of freshly picked wildflowers.

Katelyn wrapped her bouquet with one of her Papaw’s blue handkerchiefs to honor his memory. She was always his K-Baby.

The wedding party consisted of family, childhood friends and friends whose paths crossed during the couple’s college years.

Laura Taylor Wright served as the bride’s Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids were: Taylor

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Booth, Alison Bryant, Kacie Campbell, Victoria Dawson, Madeline Gebhardt, Cassie Lord, Katerina Milke, and Jordan Toepher. Niece of the groom, Madelyn McAllister, served as Jr. Bridesmaid. Kaitlyn and Gracelyn McAllister, nieces of the groom, served as flower girls.

The bridesmaids wore beautiful toasted sugar colored satin twill gowns designed by Alfred Sung. The simple jewel neckline and cutout open back added modern touches to the traditional silhouette. Each attendant carried a nosegay similar to the bride’s bouquet. The flower girls were beautiful in satin and tulle dresses that matched the color of the bridal gown.

The groom’s attendants wore navy suits with boutonnieres made of dried pink rosebuds and cream berries with a small piece of pampas grass.

Serving the groom as best man was Alex Barbee.

Groomsmen were: Nick Carroway, Jacob Johnson, Ethan Lewis, Daniel Shaw, Ben Strecker, Tyler Wagnon, Eric White, and David Wright. Drew McAllister, nephew of the groom, served as Jr. groomsman.

Immediately following the nuptials, guests were invited to join the couple at a local venue in downtown Monroe. The Blue Silk Bank from Memphis, TN had everyone dancing the night away. The bride’s delectable three-tiered wedding cake was decorated with an assortment of berries and made by Bake318. The groom took an unexpected approach by showing homage to his favorite team, the New Orleans Saints, and the cookies created by Bake318 were a touchdown.

A doughnut wall from BESTZ was enjoyed by everyone as the night continued.

Following the wedding day festivities, the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon on the island of St. Croix.

Special thanks to National Jewelry/Ruston, Lagniappe Jewelry/West Monroe, Elle James Boutique/Ridgeland, MS, Bella Bridesmaids, Jamie Brown McCarty/The Beauty Bar, Kelsie Brown, Kim Wilhite Photography/West Monroe, JPS/Gary Hollis, Creative Catering & More/Mitzi Shelton/West Monroe, Dansby’s Taylor Rental Center, Bake318, BESTZ Donuts/165 North, Sir Speedy, Carlstedt Co. and the many family and friends who made their day so special.

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B AY O U B A C K YA R D

Treehouse Inspiration Treehouses are thrilling because they provide a vantage point naturally relegated to our feathered friends. It’s a view to be envied, a world apart from our grounded passageways. Often associated with kids playing outdoors and clubhouses that hold fun-loving childhood assemblies and secret meetings, these elevated forts are more than just nostalgic landmarks. Whether built grand-scale or for simplicity and function, treetop buildings indisputably provide a private, magical space that fills us with awe at the majesty of nature and elicits within us a sense of possibility. Taking outdoor play to exciting heights, we hope that these treehouses inspire you to create your own, be it for the children in your life or, even better, to quell the desires of your inner child.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Article by Vanelis Rivera

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he family with a cool treehouse is usually the envy of all the neighborhood, probably because the notion of a house close to the sky romantically appeals to the child in all of us. Pam Finley’s backyard fortress is just an outstanding example.

Nuzzled among a cluster of pines, towers a gated platform holding a snug playhouse.

The wooded endeavor sprung from Finley’s desire to have a place for her grandchildren to play, that also had stairs allowing her to also enjoy the view with ease. She turned the project over to her two sons who came up with the design in consideration of the already existing layout of the soaring pines.

Eager to be included in the photoshoot, one of Finley’s grandson’s eagerly hurried below the deck of the impressively crafted 82 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

arrangement, where an additional play space was intricately fashioned. A makeshift spring bull, designed from a thirty-gallon plastic drum, is comically held up by multicolored bungee ropes. Two yellow swings hang from the backend of the deck as well as two trapeze-style swing bars and a plastic disc swing. A forest green slide protrudes from the edge of the front stairs, and at the top of the deck, a picnic bench serves as a reflective post. Nearby, a zip line extends to a thicket opposite the treehouse.

Though the exterior gadgets of this childlike wonder are exciting to behold, the clubhouse is perhaps the most charming element of the construction. Exterior wood shingles are reminiscent of a secluded wood shack.

Inside, the walls are covered with magnetic chalkboard paint. No doubt a hit with her

grandkids, evidenced by chalk drawings of houses and trees and a message left for guests in haphazardly arranged colored magnet letters: “Welcome to our treehouse.”

Backyard fun at grandma Finley’s is certainly more than just running around a playset (though, she has one available).

More than a treehouse, Finley’s gift to her grandchildren is an act of love that’s hard to match, and one that will stay in the property, overseeing mounds of innocent adventures for generations to come.

If you’re a child at heart, few things will revive your sense of wonder like overseeing the world from a different perspective and feeling like your own governor. Spending the day in the kind of heights that a treehouse affords easily makes you feel like the king or queen of all seasons.

B AY O U B A C K YA R D

Treehouse Inspiration

PEREGRINE TREEHOUSE AND ZIPLINE

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n Choudrant, Louisiana, a 712-foot zip line and support structure awaits children with disabilities at MedCamps, encouraging participants to experience and embrace zipping through thick treelines.

This is thanks to the partnership between the camp and Louisiana Tech’s third-year architecture students, part of the ARCH 335 class instructed by Tech faculty Robert Brooks and Brad Deal. At the launch pad, gingerbread-brown steel walls motion skyward. The deck facilitates safe loading for wheelchair-bound campers with a

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swing arm which allows campers to be safely hoisted up, placed into position, and transferred onto the zip line. After a thrilling flight, riders unload at the “treehouse,” an elevated perch overlooking a stream surrounded by thick and welcoming verdure. A floor hatch provides access to the ground below, a tempting escape for any adventurous campers.

Towering over the horizontal stretch is a 50-foot steel tower, its geometry resembling that of a feather, an ode to a fascinating fable that spearheaded the project. The tale goes, two peregrine falcons were gifted to a king who admired the birds for their speed, power, and grace.

Unfortunately, one of the falcons refused to fly. Experts tried to remedy this, but

after many unsuccessful attempts, the king was visited by a peasant who claimed she could get the falcon to fly. He allowed the attempt and was astonished to witness the second falcon fly high in the air. “How?” The king implored. “Simply by cutting the branch the bird was resting on.

Some souls,” she said, “need to be reminded they have wings.” According to Caleb Seney, Executive Director of MedCamps of Louisiana, each camper can be comparable to the peregrine that didn’t know it had wings. It always astonishes him when previously apprehensive campers warm up to the zip line. Though some of them need a few days on and off the launch before taking the zip of faith, once they finally do, the occasion is paramount.

In a matter of seconds, a child goes from being chair-bound to airborne, a small victory with great impact.

The LA Tech team only had ten weeks to design and construct the project, which included the installation of the zip line completed by Adventure Experiences based in Trinity, Texas.

The feat is commendable, especially considering that students were taking other classes at the same time. For some, the project’s impact extended beyond the class, and some students ended up working at the camp for that summer. Clearly, the length and scale of Peregrine Treehouse & Zip Line don’t end in 712 feet. Its reach is transcendent and a testimony to goodwill and service.

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Masur Museum and Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Monroe Offers Great Local Attractions

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HE TEMPERATURES ARE GOING up, but it is always cool at the Louisiana Purchase and Gardens and Zoo. You can beat the heat in the heart of Monroe at the Zooasis Splash Pad. It is just one of the many things to do at the zoo that can fill your whole day, all for a family friendly price. A visit to the zoo includes about 30 acres of mostly shaded paths past dozens of exotic animals from monkeys to birds, to lions with an additional 50 acres that can be seen from our Safari Boat Ride and our train ride (rides are an additional $3.00 each). Guests of all ages can then cool off in the Splash Pad (included in the cost of admission). We offer meals and refreshments at our Flaming Flamingo Café and souvenirs at the Wildside Gift Shop.

A family of six can experience the whole zoo and all the rides for $75.00. We are open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., but you’re going to want get there early because we offer you hours of fun.

And while you are out on the town, stop

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by the Masur Museum of Art at 1400 South Grand Street. The museum has much to offer for guests of all ages and general admission is ALWAYS FREE. Children will receive a special art-kit prize after completing our fun art scavenger hunt. All visitors can enjoy the current exhibitions on view, Leticia Huckaby: Parish and Lisa Qualls: Southern Portraits.

Huckaby’s exhibition draws heavily from her series “40 Acres... Gumbo Ya Ya,” which consists of images taken in rural Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas and framed in vintage embroidery hoops. Also featured are pieces from Huckaby’s “Shop Rags” series, and a multi-media quilt titled Mississippi Mud. the exhibition examines the landscape of the rural south, the realities and longings of a neglected culture, and the hopes and dreams passed on to future generations. Qualls’ exhibition features 22 of Lisa’s exquisite graphite portraits on white clay board recently donated by the artist to the Masur Museum’s permanent collection.

The Masur Museum also offers a very popular

Summer Art Camp for children. Two of the July camps still have spaces available and are open to children ages 5-8 and 9-12. Children will create several original works of art in a variety of media to take home with them. Call today to reserve your child’s space in these terrific art camps. You should also be on the lookout for our upcoming Free Children’s Drop-In Activities. Children of all ages can tour the museum and make a work of art related to the exhibition on view to take home with them.

The Masur Museum also regularly offers art classes for adults, including painting, drawing, book making, stained glass making, and more. Come see what the Masur Museum of Art has to offer!

Breast Augmentation Training and Experience Matter

TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, FACS, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

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VER 200,000 BREAST augmentations are performed annually

by American plastic surgeons. Since I opened my practice in Monroe in 1990, I have personally done well over 1500. It is by far the most common procedure that I perform, and it is certainly one of the most gratifying. There are very few surgical procedures that in the course of an hour can have such a profound and lasting impact on the way a woman feels about herself.

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. Most are done through a small incision in the fold beneath the breast or around the edge of the nipple.

Either approach results in a small scar that is well hidden.

About 95% of the breast augmentations I perform are with silicone implants. I use smooth implants that are round or disc shaped. All round implants take on a teardrop configuration when they are upright in your body. Implants can be placed either above or below the chest wall muscle. Each of these options has its pros

and cons. I use both of them when appropriate, as I try to tailor the operation to the patient’s desires and her anatomy.

At the initial consultation, considerable time is spent discussing the patient’s motivation for surgery and the result she hopes to obtain.

A series of breast and chest wall measurements are taken, and the breast tissue and overlying skin are evaluated so that I have a thorough understanding of the patient’s starting point.

Rib and chest wall asymmetries, differences in breast width, height, projection and shape, and differences in nipple level are all noted and discussed with the patient. I have never seen two breasts that are perfectly identical. Minor asymmetries are normal. As a patient once told me, “breasts are sisters, not twins.”

Much of the initial consultation is spent discussing desired breast size. While every woman knows that breasts basically come in two sizes – too large or too small - my job is to align the patient’s wishes with a result I can realistically deliver. Patients generally describe

their breasts in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, breast implants don’t even come in cup sizes; they come in volume sizes and base widths. So, a 300cc implant may make one woman a “B” cup and another a “D” depending on her chest wall width, the pliability of her skin, the amount of breast tissue she starts out with and where she buys her bra!

Choosing the appropriate implant size is more complicated than simply looking at pictures on the Internet and picking a number. It requires thoughtful discussion and assessment of many variables. I listen carefully and provide guidance and advice on implant size so the patient can be realistic about the surgical result. In the end, I rely mostly on the patient’s measurements and my clinical judgment. It pays off. In over thirty years of breast implant surgery, re-operation simply to change implant size has occurred in less than 1% of my patients. Overall, complications from breast augmentation are few. Most patients can return to work within a week and can return to full unrestricted activity in three weeks.

So if you have been considering breast augmentation, you don’t need to leave town to have it done. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 3882050 for an initial evaluation and a thorough discussion of the procedure, the recovery and the risks. I encourage you to visit www. mickelplasticsurgery.com, browse the before and after gallery, then decide for yourself. Thirty years of experience matters. Just one hour of surgery can have a positive impact for years to come.

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Dance Excellence Thirty-Eight Years and Counting

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ISSY CRAIN DANCE STUDIOS, now in is thirty-eighth season, was formed in 1984 when Director, Missy Crain discovered her teacher’s heart through performing as a classical ballet dancer. She immediately fell in love with teaching the art of dance and the thus the journey began! From the beginning, Missy Crain’s ideals were to teach the fundamentals of a dance education in a motivating and positive atmosphere.

The Missy Crain dance syllabus begins at age 3 and teaches coordination, proper dance terminology, grace, poise, and classroom structure. Each year the syllabus (first written in 1984) progresses with age, and soon there are amazing dancers whirling about with strength, elegance and confidence.

At Missy Crain Dance Studios classes are taught in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, pointe, and pas de deux.

Miss Missy feels strongly about providing a professional atmosphere, whether a student is 3 years old or twenty-one years old. The

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recitals are top-notch with a state-of-the-art production like no other! Some of the favorites include “Peter Pan,” “Cinderella,” “The Frozen Kingdom,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Mary Poppins,” and “Aladdin.” Your dancer will love being a special part of the 20212022 Recital Production and you will love the entertainment value!

Miss Missy is extremely proud of the Missy Crain Performing Company. Each year, an audition is held and dancers are chosen to be a part of this award-winning group that travels abroad to perform and compete. This past year in Mobile, Alabama this prestigious group received the High Pointe Award at the L.A.D.M. Convention and Competition.Go dancers! Winning is no stranger to this group, as previously they were awarded Teen and Senior National Champions for LADM in Anaheim, CA! Miss Missy is also very proud of our Louisiana Delta Ballet dancers. In 2004, she founded the 501(c)(3) company that is in

residence at all of her studio locations in Monroe, Ruston, Sterlington, and Calhoun.

Louisiana Delta Ballet is best known for the ever popular “Power & Grace,” telling the story of Easter according to the gospel of Luke through dance.

Is time commitment as issue? No worries!

MC Studios offers “just for fun” classes with flexible class schedules for working parents.

Visit our website at missycraindance.com and explore our boys hip-hop classes, after working hours classes, beginner pre-teen and teen classes, dance fitness classes, cheer prep classes, and just about anything in between.

Our entire faculty cares about each and every student. They love the privilege of seeing these young dancers blossom into amazing human beings while creating life-long friendships and a true passion for dance.

We cordially invite you to give us a try.

Visit missycraindance.com. to register for the 2021-2022 dance season! We have a place for you! Photos provided by Michelle Tripp.

Red Carpet Facial

Sublime Skin Contouring is Available at The Woman’s Clinic

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DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I do not consider virtual events to be a ton of fun. In my 50s, honestly, I would much rather have an in-person event that I can attend with friends and have a good time. I will say however, I ended up being invited to attend The Woman’s Clinic’s virtual cosmetics open house a couple months ago…they were giving away so many things! As luck may have it, I won a free Sublime Treatment! But wait…what is that exactly?

For that search, Google wasn’t exactly my friend. It told me that Sublime is a noninvasive, wrinkle reduction procedure used to tighten areas with mild skin laxity using bipolar radiofrequency resulting in a youthful appearance. Well…that sounds like something I want, but does it actually work? What are the results? How much does it usually cost if I need or want more treatments?

I called The Woman’s Clinic and was

transferred to Claire, the cosmetics nurse, to discuss and book my procedure and talk about future pricing. I learned over the phone call that this procedure has zero downtime, no medication needs, and is commonly known as a “Red Carpet Facial,” because people often have the procedure and then go straight to a social event. I am open to Botox but taking blood thinners leaves me with bruising that lasts almost as long as the actual Botox effects, so that is not a great option for me. I have also done chemical peels in the past, but as a working professional I don’t like the peeling effects on my face during work. As far as cost is concerned, they have packages of 3 that give you a savings versus doing individual treatments. The packages of three cost anywhere from $650 (saving you $250) up to $1,200 (saving you $450) depending on the size of the area. Also, you can use this treatment on areas of the body other than the face.

The day of my procedure, I left the office with no evidence that I had any procedures done on my face! No bruising, scabs, scarring, redness, or peeling. The visit lasted about forty-five minutes, but I also spent time buying ZO Skin Health products and talking about other cosmetic services they have to offer. I did not know they had so many! Did you know you can purchase your ZO from The Woman’s Clinic over the phone and pick it up from any one of the office locations?

For about two days after the procedure, I had some plumping throughout my face which later transitioned into tightening of the sagging skin and wrinkles, thanks to what Claire called collagen remodeling triggered by the treatment.

I will say…after my procedure all my friends and family asked what I had done.

The results were fantastic. I have already booked my next treatment!

Signed, No Regrets

For more information on Sublime and the chance to win free products, join The Woman’s Clinic for a Facebook live event at 7 PM, Thursday, July 15th. Or contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Claire.

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Destination Downtown An Adventure Benefiting ARCO

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RE YOU OBSESSED WITH ESCAPE ROOMS? HAVE YOU ever wanted to participate in The Amazing Race? Are you a SUPER SLEUTH? Or do you just want to have a good time with friends after being so fun-limited for the past year? If so, ARCO has the event for you!

DESTINATION DOWNTOWN An Adventure for ARCO, is an exciting event guaranteed to challenge the skills of the most avid clue finder. This unique and quirky scavenger hunt is unlike anything the Twin Cities has ever seen. It isn’t just about figuring out where you are going or retrieving an item once you arrive at said destination, it is also about deciphering clues that puzzle and challenge the physical abilities and mental acuities of an entire group, a Team, if you will, as they accumulate prize winning points. Yes, this adventure is a competitive team contest with PRIZES!

This adventurous late summer event brings team building to a new level – or it is a perfect way for friends to get together for something a little different. Each team will have a captain who will be given a “clue sheet” ahead of time so that team members can do a little (but not too much) forward sleuthing and on-line research. Planned for downtown Monroe, the clue route will include many fun stops all along the way.

Teams will race to be the first to solve the problems and arrive at the final destination to claim the winners’ prizes.

A WINNING EVENT! Beyond the prizes.

• As we emerge from the grips of COVID-19, this event brings an excellent opportunity to get reacquainted with the idea of having fun with friends and co-workers – together!

• This out-of-the-box fun brings teams from many interests together for a single event that addresses something of importance to the community at large – the well-being of those with developmental disabilities served by ARCO. As ARCO continues its mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities to live fully within their communities, this fund-raiser will assist with the day-to-day service needs and supports.

SEPTEMBER WILL COME QUICKLY.

Now is the perfect time to make this a part of your plans! To learn more about sponsoring this event or signing up as a team, please contact Deidra Adair at 318-372-4496 or dadair@arcomonroe.org. BayouLife Magazine is proud to sponsor An Adventure for ARCO.

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Prioritizing Check-Ups

Beckham Said “Dr. Smith Never Faltered”

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ANDA BECKHAM, 60, HAS always remained vigilant about her health. In 2020, her routine bloodwork was abnormal, so she underwent further tests, including a CT scan and a stool analysis. Both tests came back normal. It wasn’t until her colonoscopy that she learned she had colon cancer.

Wanda, of Choudrant, did not suffer from any colon cancer symptoms: persistent cramps, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, constipation, diarrhea, or bleeding. Nor did she have any family history of colon cancer.

Upon learning of her cancer, Wanda adopted a pragmatic approach.

“It was hard on my husband, but I just wanted to take care of it. I was referred to Dr. Patrick Smith at The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana. He was fabulous. He explained everything; he didn’t hem and haw,” she said. “Dr. Smith was right on his game, and he never faltered on anything. He said, ‘If you need anything, call, and we’ll get right back to

prioritize her health.

“If I could give people advice, it would be to face your fears and get the check-up. You won’t regret taking care of yourself. And if you find something, you can take care of it.”

WANDA BECKHAM

you.’ And that’s exactly what happened every time I had a question.”

Dr. Smith performed a robotic right hemicolectomy, a minimally invasive colon resection. The technique allows for smaller abdominal incisions, quicker recovery times, and decreased risk of short-term and long-term complications.

Wanda underwent three months of chemotherapy following her surgery. She didn’t allow the chemotherapy to slow her down. Wanda, who has been designing pageant clothing for years, made more than 3,000 masks for local hospitals and east coast hospitals throughout her chemotherapy treatment.

“A nurse in Rayville broke down when I handed the masks to her. That was during a time when masks were really hard to come by,” she said.

Wanda also continued to volunteer for the Ruston High School baseball team—cooking food and operating the concession stand. She remains busy, but she always takes time to

MORE ABOUT COLON CANCER:

Many people diagnosed with colon cancer do not experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do appear, they usually vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in the large intestine.

Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at the age of 50 and continue every three years. Your physician may recommend more frequent or earlier screenings if you have risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. While both men and women are at risk for colon cancer, certain factors—such as obesity, ethnicity, age, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes—increase the likelihood of having the disease.

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, also houses Dr. Walter Sartor and Dr. Bart Liles. Contact the clinic today with your questions about minimally invasive surgery or other medical needs, such as weight loss surgery or vein procedures. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/surgeryclinicofnela

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BAYOU ARTIST

Drew Goodson

Born to be a Blacksmith, Goodson knew he was going to take up the trade long before he even had the tools or knowledge to do it.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Article by Starla Gatson

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t wouldn’t be surprising if the image that popped into your head after reading the word “blacksmith” was of some big, burly man in a medieval-looking workspace, hammering away on an anvil. He’s probably making horseshoes or armor. And thanks to the common blacksmith trope used in most books, films, or television shows centered in the Middle Ages, the work these artisans do appears to be outdated and irrelevant.

The realities of blacksmithing that aren’t typically seen in popular culture are worth highlighting, especially for those who hope to gain a better understanding of the trade. First of all, the big, overlymuscular men seen wielding a hammer on a screen weren’t the only ones who dominated the trade; historically, women regularly owned blacksmith shops, forged metalware, and took on apprentices, too.

And contrary to what one may believe, blacksmithing in modern times isn’t so unheard of. According to NPR, between five and ten thousand Americans practice the trade today. Monroe native Drew Goodson is one of them.

BAYOU ARTIST

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oodson was born to be a blacksmith, and though it’s an unconventional dream for a child to pursue, he notes that he knew he was going to take up the trade long before he even had the tools or knowledge to do it. “I don’t remember waking up not wanting to do it,” he says. “Somehow, it’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do. It wasn’t a choice; it wasn’t, ‘Oh, hey, this is cool.’ It’s always been something I wanted to do for as long as I can remember.”

Though the desire to learn the skill always seemed to be present, he says hearing tales like The Sword in the Stone further ignited his passion. While other children dreamed of removing the sword from the rock and ruling the kingdom, another idea was taking root in Goodson’s mind: “I didn’t want to be the guy that held the cool sword and went and killed the dragon. I wanted to make the cool sword.”

So, the summer before he began high school, that’s exactly what Goodson set out to do. With a bit of innovation and about a hundred bucks in his pocket, the then 14-year-old got to work making his dream a reality.

“It doesn’t take that much to start, in all honesty,” he says as he thinks back to his humble beginnings, complete with an old aluminum grill with steel plates welded to it, a shop vac, and a hardware store anvil. After about a month of swinging the hammer, his creation was complete. While it wasn’t exactly Excalibur, the finished product, a knife, was something Goodson could be proud of.

Because he simply enjoyed learning the trade, Goodson didn’t set out to make blacksmithing his primary occupation. Besides, he explains, he was raised with the idea that he was to “go to college and get an office job” in the back of his mind. So, when he first began creating, his only real goal was to make cool things — that is, until Forged in Fire debuted on the History Channel.

The competition series premiered in 2015, and throughout the course of each episode, bladesmiths, or blacksmiths who specifically focus on crafting knives, swords, daggers, and other types of blades, competed for the chance to win a ten-thousand-dollar prize and the coveted title of “Forged in Fire Champion.” As the teenager watched each episode, Goodson’s blacksmithing goals began to shift. It was decided; not only was he going to make things just for the fun of it, but he was going to be on Forged in Fire.

Fast forward to the spring of 2018, when a new season of the show was set to premiere. As usual, Goodson was looking forward to the show, but not just so he could watch others do the trade he was so passionate about.

This season would be different, as Goodson was no longer anticipating Forged in Fire as a dedicated viewer, but instead as a contestant on the eighth episode of the season.

Though he was not eligible to compete on the show until his eighteenth birthday had passed, Goodson’s path to Forged in Fire began two years prior at Blade Show, the world’s largest blade convention. He was simply a 16-yearold attending the event with his father, unaware that the experience would ultimately be the catalyst for his time on the television show. While there, Goodson met a few judges from Forged in Fire and showed them some of his 94 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

“Don’t do what you love to impress somebody else.

Don’t create things for someone else, or you’ll lose that passion. If you want to make something, make it so that you are better for making it.”

work. Unbeknownst to Goodson, those interactions were just the beginning of a life-changing experience.

“I went back home, and the History Channel started following me on social media,” he recalls. “They watched me. It was really cool. They saw me progress, and a few months before I turned 18, they sent me some paperwork and said, ‘Hey, we want you on the show.’”

Goodson describes much of the show’s production process as a time to “hurry up and wait,” but once filming actually began, the experience was better than he’d imagined it would be. “Not only seeing the set and the judges and meeting all of them but actually doing my passion in front of all these cameras and excelling at it was a dream come true,” he says. Then, just when he thought things couldn’t get any better, they did. Before he knew it, the young bladesmith was no longer just a competitor on the show; he was a champion and the youngest in Forged in Fire history. “It’s what I had always wanted and I never thought I was going to get, and all of a sudden, I was there doing it.”

Naturally, with winning the show came life-changing perks, namely the monetary prize. “I was able to buy a car, I was able to eat good food, I was able to pay rent for the first time in a while. I needed the money more than I thought I did,” Goodson admits. Life as a champion started off on the right foot for the teen artisan, but as the old adage goes, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems;” it wouldn’t be long before he realized not every part of the victory was quite so sweet.

“It

kind of made me complacent,” he says. “I wasn’t wanting to work anymore. I quit the job that I was at that day, and like an idiot, I went and spent all the money, so then I had to work again.” Goodson had been hoping his newly-earned champion status would be enough to kickstart a full-time blacksmithing business, but there was too much supply and not enough demand to make it work and things didn’t pan out as he thought they would. “I was still making a few knives here and there. I was trying to get a bigger customer base, and that’s the thing that people don’t quite realize: the market is so saturated right now,” he explains. “It just wasn’t enough money.”

Blacksmithing was no longer enough to sustain him, so Goodson made the decision to step away from his craft. “At the time, I needed to change things up,” he says of his choice. “I needed to actually look at myself and say, ‘Oh, I need to work. I need to do something better than just bladesmith.’”

Goodson put down his hammer nearly two and a half years ago, only brandishing it to do community demonstrations from time to time. He works as a mechanic — a job that makes perfect sense for the man who has always loved working with his hands. But that doesn’t mean his days of bladesmithing are over forever. In fact, he’s itching to get back to his craft. “It’s a little bit depressing seeing something that you’ve put all this work into just wither away,” he says. “It’s sitting there. It’s waiting for me.” Once he goes back to his first love, however, Goodson has resolved to do things differently this time around.

He’s going back to his roots and getting back to the simple reason he started smithing in the first place: because he wanted to make cool things. “I don’t want it to be a business,” he says of his future bladesmithing endeavors. “I want to perfect it for myself. I don’t want to be trying to keep up with orders and what everybody else wants. I want to make something as good as I possibly can for myself because I want to better myself. Selling things like that, it didn’t help my passion.”

Goodson’s getting back to the heart behind his efforts, remembering why he was and still is so intrigued by the trade, as well. “I think it’s mostly being able to take something useless — a chunk of steel, an old file, a piece of round tube — taking it and forcing whatever that is into what I really want,” he muses when asked why he’s so drawn to blacksmithing. “It’s also a conversation between the material and myself.

It’s kind of listening to what the steel wants to do and kind of coercing it that way. It also just makes you feel powerful. You take this what seems like an invincible chunk, and you mold it like Play-Doh.” 96 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Before he knew it, the young bladesmith was no longer just a competitor on the show; he was a champion and the youngest in Forged in Fire history. “It’s what I had always wanted and I never thought I was going to get, and all of a sudden, I was there doing it.”

Since he plans to create for the sheer joy of it and won’t be burdened with keeping track of orders and promoting a business, Goodson will have plenty of time to make the things he wants to. He’s even already got a few projects lined up to get him back into bladesmithing, starting with a sword to honor the memory of his late father-in-law. “He had a passion for Japanese swords, so that’s kind of how I want to get back into it,” he explains.

The Forged in Fire champion’s bladesmithing hiatus seems to have put things into perspective for Goodson, reigniting a fire in him that dared to go out. As he gets back into the smithing game, he is determined to progress his skill by building things with meaning, a piece of advice he offers other creatives. “I don’t want to sound cliche or anything and say, ‘Pursue your passions!’ That’s a given,” he says before adding, “Don’t do what you love to impress somebody else. Don’t create things for someone else, or you’ll lose that passion. If you want to make something, make it so that you are better for making it.”

The twenty-something feels a tugging toward the timeless art form again, and it’s not a want to create; it’s a need. “I need to get back into it. I need to hone my skills, and I need to make things that have meaning.” And as Goodson gets back into the groove of creating, he will work toward a new goal: improving his passion project until it’s a masterpiece in his own eyes.

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Bayou Dental Group

Improve Your Appearance, Improve Your Life

BY DAVID D. FINLEY, DDS, FAACD, FAGD

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NY GOOD DENTIST IS INTERESTED IN SAVING ALL of your natural teeth. But natural teeth aren’t always attractive teeth. They can be crooked individually, out of alignment with each other, and discolored. That’s where I, as a cosmetic dentist, can help you get the smile of your dreams.

The latest technologies in cosmetic dentistry mean that you really can enjoy your life more fully and have the smile of your dreams. If your teeth are less-than-ideal and causing you pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, then now is the time to find a cosmetic dentist to help you solve your problems. We have seen patient after patient returned to a full and happy life no longer self-conscious about their smile, no longer hiding their mouth at any opportunity, no longer letting their teeth hold them back from the life they want to lead!

And now, you can join them!

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Here is what you will receive when you see a cosmetic dentist: ● Your Dream Smile – Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and seeing the most beautiful smile looking right back at you! ● Improved Self-Confidence – Flashing your gorgeous smile will make you feel incredible and more confident. ● Reduced Risk of Future Problems – With a small correction to your teeth now, you could save having to deal with far more serious problems in the future.

This is the time to sort out any issues that you might have, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant they may be. I take a patient’s smile very seriously and consider myself an intricate planner. I also involve the patient in the process every step of the way. On any given smile creation case, we’ll take photographs and then create a wax model to show exactly what your smile will look like after treatment.

As an added bonus, you should know that I’ve been creating smiles for more than 30 years and have taken hundreds of hours in continuing education. I take pride in my work in the office and with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where I am the 61st accredited Fellow. My office has won the annual smile competition at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry several years in a row with our restorative and cosmetic dental solutions.

TRUST A DENTIST WITH YOUR TEETH WHITENING

Many people are tempted to try do-it-yourself teeth whitening.

Professional teeth whitening will work faster and protect sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better than over-the-counter whitening products. Having an oral exam before you begin any whitening process is an important first step, as we want to make sure your tooth discoloration is not the result of a dental condition in need of treatment. We offer ZOOM! whitening and Professional Tray Whitening in our office.

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Summer Skin Must-Haves Upcoming Events and Specials

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S WE CONTINUE INTO THE summer months, the team at The Medical Spa wants to help keep you looking and feeling refreshed! In celebration of July 4th, we are offering hot savings during the first two weeks of July with a firecracker sale!

This month’s sale will run from July 1, 2021 – July 16, 2021.

SPECIALS WILL INCLUDE:

• OxyGeneo facials for $149

• Microneedling buy 2 get 1 free

• NuEra Tight sessions buy 3 get 1 free

• $50 off Juvederm syringes

• $10/unit Botox Don’t let these summer savings pass you by!

TREATMENT SPOTLIGHT If summer has your skin looking dull, dry, or dehydrated, the new OxyGeneo Hydrate facial can help refresh and replenish your skin! The Geneo Hydrate Oxypod is rich in antioxidants and vitamins containing

blue spirulina, niacinamide, and lactobionic acid. Blue spirulina is known for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Niacinamide is shown to improve the appearance of enlarged pores and improve uneven, dull skin tones. Lactobionic acid enhances firmness and hydration. The Hydrate serum used contains ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid. The combination of these ingredients coupled with the 3-in-1 process, exfoliation, oxygenation, and nourishment provides immediate longlasting results.

The Medical Spa offers four different Geneo facial options – Illuminate, Balance, Revive and Hydrate. The facial requires no downtime and provides an immediate replenishing glow for your complexion.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

A must-have that we recommend in any skincare routine is a broad-spectrum SPF. What is broad-spectrum SPF? SPF stands for sun

protection factor which is a measure of how well sunscreen protects against UV rays. There are two types of UV rays – UVA and UVB. UVA (ultraviolet A) is associated with aging. UVB (ultraviolet B) is associated with skin burning.

Using an SPF that is broad-spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreens can be classified by the way they work as well. A physical sunscreen deflects the UV rays, while a chemical sunscreen absorbs the rays.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to sunscreen is to apply it daily and use an SPF of at least 30-50. Damage caused

by UVA/UVB rays can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. If you are spending time and money on skincare products or treatments, you need to protect your investment.

Whether you’re wanting a physical or chemical sunscreen, we have many different options to choose from this summer at The Medical Spa. We offer tinted options, a matte finish, and even a skin brightening SPF. Contact us today about the retail lines offered at The Medical Spa, or drop-in, we’re located in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. This location offers complimentary valet parking, privacy, and easy access for clients.

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Rejuvenating Spaces with New Vision Revival Design & Consign

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S WE BEGIN ANOTHER SEASON and see our lives beginning to adjust to a new normalcy, we find ourselves looking to make changes in our lives and environments in which we work and live.

We have been quarantined in the clutter of our pre-pandemic existence and schedules.

We have discovered that we like a more simplistic lifestyle with less complications and clutter.

The past year and a half have given us more time to pause and prioritize our lives.

The things we once took for granted have now become enlightenment into our souls and surroundings. While we hunger for great style, we are more satisfied with the functionality and purpose of your spaces.

The major editing and removal of clutter takes a lot of thought and time. Holding on to old memories can cloud our judgment of letting things go. Just as with your closets, it also applies to your home design. If it has not

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been used in three years or more then chances are it never will see the light of day.

If you are holding on to it for the next generation, please don’t hold your breath.

They have become what I call the “disposable” generation. Many do not appreciate the finer things and will settle for furniture that requires an Allen wrench or zip ties to the fall of all things to balance it up.

With the rising cost on building materials and supplies, new construction and drastic renovations are at a standstill.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just shake up the space with an edit or reboot.

Getting a different perspective and creative eye can take your space from now to wow or from the past to class.

That is where I, Clinton Downing, come into play. Besides owning Revival Designs, I have been in the design business for 32 years.

I have tackled small projects to complete commercial and residential renovations and

constructions. Historical preservation of spaces is my favorite. I am the one who can come to your rescue.

From color and textile selections to simply rearranging the space and shifting pictures, my team and I can assist. An additional advantage with my customized services is that my showroom at Revival Design is a treasure trove of unusual additions for your interior looks to enhance your space.

Revival Design can also consign and assist you with the liquidation of any art, antiques, lighting, furniture, and accessories.

I can be contacted at 318-807-5214 or at the shop at 318-381-8191. Revival Design hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 am- 5:00 pm. Design services hours are by appointment. Give us a call and let us bring a new vision to any space.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Robert D. Marx, M.D., Your Hometown Urologist

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OYOU EVER FEEL A STRONG URGE to urinate even when your bladder isn’t full? You like millions of Americans may be suffering from overactive bladder.

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is defined as the overwhelming urge to urinate immediately and frequently followed by loss of urine prior to reaching a bathroom. Overactive bladder occurs in both men and women and according to the American Urological Association it affects more than 30 million Americans; the actual number may be even higher, as many individuals are too embarrassed to seek treatment. Even if you have never had an accident, urgency and urinary frequency can interfere with your work and social life.

Overactive Bladder is extremely common and often when individuals suffering from overactive bladder finally seek traditional an therapies, they are often left unhappy with the results. Here’s why: lifestyle changes and physical therapy can be ineffective,

medications often cause unpleasant side effects and patients often do not realize alternative treatment options are available.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering find the relief they need offering cutting edge Medtronic therapies.

Medtronic offers a proven therapy for treating Overactive Bladder.

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is delivered by the InterStimTM system, also called sacral neuromodulation (SNM), and is clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of OAB. Unlike conventional treatments, SNM works by gently stimulating the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles, lower urinary tract, anal sphincter, and bowel; which is thought to restore the bladder-brain communication pathway, resulting in significant improvements to their quality of life.

Unlike other treatments, SNM allows patients to experience therapy during a short

evaluation before committing to it. It is a minimally invasive procedure, 3 to 7 day assessment and helps determine likely longterm efficacy.

Medtronic therapies are potentially lifechanging options for any patient with OAB who has not responded well to first- and second-line treatments. More than 70% of patients with OAB who sought treatment were able to discontinue medications within 6 months, and 84% of OAB patients were satisfied with SNM therapy. Complications can occur with the evaluation. Patients should be instructed on operating the test device and given other precautions related to the evaluation as well as activity restrictions.

The time to gain your independence from your Overactive Bladder is now! Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. Don’t suffer from OAB in silence, schedule your appointment today!

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River Oaks School Now Enrolling

Local School Offers Pre-K Programs Through High School

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IVER OAKS ELEMENTARY HAS been, and continues to be, a one-of-akind place and experience for children to develop in a caring community that truly becomes family for both the kids and their immediate and extended families. Our Pre-K program provides a unique and comprehensive experience to prepare little ones for Kindergarten and beyond, with staff that holds credentials in Montessori, Yoga for Kids, and Elementary Education. Daily enrichments such as Spanish, art, music, library time, and physical education provide an extracurricular variety to help nurture interests beyond both traditional schoolwork and those readily available to children outside of school in the modern world.

New moms (and moms just not ready to let go yet) can take advantage of our ½ day and 3-day options for our Pre-K 3 class. After school care is available for Pre-K, as well as all other ages and classes in our elementary. Small class sizes allow our teachers and aides to give the personal care and attention each child needs at such a crucial age. River Oaks Elementary has

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always maintained one of the most talented and capable staff in the area who come to know each child and their families on a personal level that is difficult to attain in other school settings.

Our elementary students will have a new and unique option for athletics beginning in 2021-2022. River Oaks has led the charge in the formation of a new local youth sports league that will begin play this fall. The league will offer football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and track with goals of adding more activities as the league develops.

River Oaks’ coaches and parents sought to form an athletic organization for our kids that focuses on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship to grow their interest and highlight the benefits of athletics. Children need to have the ability to participate and grow from experience regardless of individual skill level, or even team abilities, and that is what River Oaks and its partner schools in this venture have set as the focus of this organization. If you are interested in more information on this in particular, please contact us and we will be glad

to share more details.

As a school committed to developing the total child, River Oaks has new and exciting opportunities for middle and upper school students. Beginning in grade seven, students will begin the study of Latin, a classical language that prepares students for success on the ACT, as well as success in future careers such as the medical and legal fields. Additionally, each middle school student will begin receiving lessons geared to prepare them for the ACT in each core subject area on a weekly basis. In our upper school, our students will be able to enroll in a new ACT preparatory class that is specifically geared toward teaching students the most critical testing techniques needed for the highest levels of success. At River Oaks, our desire is to see students achieve at the highest level, and as such, students will have the opportunity to earn Advanced Placement credit in several subjects, with new subjects being added to our Advanced Placement curriculum on a yearly basis.

In addition to offering the strongest curriculum in Northeast Louisiana, River Oaks students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with our academic advisor to identify college and career goals and craft a plan of study that maximizes that student’s potential for success. At River Oaks, we are committed to the success of our students. We believe that your child deserves the best education possible, and we would love to talk with you about how River Oaks can offer that to you and your student.

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

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UMMER IS HERE AND AS HOT AS IT is, you will surely find yourself at the pool, river or lake sometime soon. If you find that you are staring at imperfections when you slide your swimsuit on, we have the solution.

This could be the summer you redefine your body and your mind!

Louisiana Center for Women’s Health has always been interested in helping people with such problems, improving their lives and enhancing their self-esteem. Liposuction may be the right solution.

We have been performing liposuction for several decades. Starting in the 70’s we began using the original liposuction procedure which was invented and popularized by a gynecologist in France. Through the years liposuction technology has advanced and improved.

When VASER liposuction became available, it was obvious it was a significant advancement and improvement, so we purchased the state-of-the-art technology. We

are now using the second and latest generation of VASER technology. We have even trained surgeons from around the world on how to use this VASER. When new technologies for fat reduction become available, we evaluate the manufacturer’s claims. Many of these claims don’t stand up to scrutiny. Some offer the patient little more than wishful thinking. This is especially true of various external freezing, radio frequency, or energy sources, which are non-invasive, but work poorly or perhaps not at all. Because they are non-invasive, they sound great, but they rarely live up to their expectations. Our best advice is to be careful when choosing the right liposuction procedure.

The big difference with VASER compared to other liposuction methods, is the melting of fat prior to removal. The VASER procedure uses a two-step process, the first step essentially melts the fat using a thin ultrasound probe which is inserted under the skin and into the fat layer. This probe uses high frequency and

high energy sound to disrupt the fat cell wall, causing it to release its fat. The released fat is suctioned out of the body. It also probably kills the fat cell in the process, minimizing the future return of fat in this area.

The VASER is real liposuction. Fat is actually removed from the body. VASER does not depend on promises of ongoing fat loss over time, as some of the non-invasive devices promise.

The main differences between VASER and other conventional and non-conventional methods of liposuction are the following:

1.) T he VASER procedure is performed in the office, so there is no expensive hospitalization required.

2.) T he VASER administers its own local anesthesia, so you are awake during the procedure.

3.) T he VASER is a minimally invasive procedure. The incisions used for fat removal are less than 1/4”

4.) W ith VASER, healing is rapid and bruising is minimal.

5.) F inally, the VASER melts the fat prior to removal.

If you are interested in the VASER procedure, Louisiana Center for Women’s Health is the only clinic offering this procedure in this area. Please call us for an initial appointment and evaluation.

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T E N M I N U T E S TO O R G A N I Z E D

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by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

ne of the hardest parts of getting organized is starting! Many of my clients have no idea how to organize their homes. If they do happen to bite the bullet and jump into the organizing process, they are often derailed with uncertainty. Is this you? If so, don’t worry. All you need is a little push and extra guidance.

After you finish these ten-minute projects, don’t be surprised if you want to keep going. Getting organized is addictive!

The projects below should require only ten minutes or less to complete. After you finish each of these tasks, check them off.

The feeling of accomplishment will add to the motivation and momentum, so let’s get started. Choose one of the tasks below, grab a timer and go! You will be surprised at how much you can get done in such a short time.

Remove all dry cleaner plastic and wire hangers from every closet in your home. If you still want to cover some items of clothing, I suggest cotton covers, as they will still allow the garment to breathe and will keep out bugs and mites. If you do not have any on hand, use part of your ten minutes to place an order for some via Amazon or any other supercenter. Just remember to use a ten-minute challenge to place the covers on each piece of clothing.

Declutter your bedside tables. This includes cleaning and organizing the drawers as well as the top of the table. Make sure to add items that will enhance your bedtime routine, like hand lotion, water, a sleep mask, and a sound machine. Organizing is about creating a functional and beautiful space.

Eliminate all old, unused, and unneeded newspapers, magazines, and junk mail from your kitchen and living areas. Look for and toss all the following items: expired sales brochures, outdated catalogs, newspapers older than a day or two, magazines older than a few months, invitations to parties that have passed, and credit card offers. I can bet that most of your paper clutter is found in the kitchen or dining room, as

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these are the places with mostly flat countertops that are perfect for leaving the mail upon entering the home.

Reorganize the linen drawer in your kitchen. For some reason, this is one of the most disorganized drawers in most of my client’s homes. Not only do you frequent this drawer the most, but it is usually done in a hurry. For instance, when the lasagna is ready you want to remove it from the oven as fast as possible, or maybe you have a wet platter in your hands and you need to grab a drying cloth quickly. Here is a quick tip: try rolling your dish towels instead of folding them, and then stack one on top of the other. Not only are they easy to grab, but they are easier to see and look so much prettier.

Check your spices for expired or ruined items. I suggest completing this task once or twice a year. You never realize how quickly the area gets grimy until you begin pulling everything out. I can assure you that there will be salt or some other spice that has spilled and needs to be cleaned up. Remember that some spices stain, so you want to be sure to protect your paint job.

Purge your Tupperware! This is an easy task that is actually quite fun. It’s like a game of match! Toss any Tupperware that is stained or that does not have a matching piece. Place them inside of each other with lids on top of the whole stack, and they will look so much better in your drawer or cabinet.

Reorganize the junk drawer! Everyone has one and it is okay! Just make sure there is a rhyme or reason to it. It’s okay to have office supplies such as paper clips, rubber bands, pens, pencils, and paper, but pare down. You just need a few of these pieces in your junk drawer. Relegate the rest to your billpaying area or office. I also suggest keeping a small hammer, screwdriver, and tape measure in the junk drawer for quick projects. If you keep coupons in your junk drawer, I suggest using a small envelope to corral them. Make sure you put only current coupons into the envelope.

Sort your medicine cabinet. Toss any expired medication

into a bag and immediately place it in your car to be taken to your local pharmacy for proper recycling. Then put everything back in the cabinet in order of vitamins and supplements, stomach/indigestion, sinus, and pain relievers. Extra points if you can get them compartmentalized into their own labeled basket or bin.

Clean out your refrigerator.

This should be a monthly thing, so put this on your calendar at the beginning of every month. During your ten minutes, get rid of any expired or ruined items and put back anything that has moved from its original spot. I also enjoy compartmentalizing here with food safe bins! It makes such a difference in the way the refrigerator looks. Almost like you are opening the doors to your own little grocery store.

Sort out the mess under each sink one at a time unless you can tackle all of them in ten minutes. I suggest starting under the kitchen sink. A tip I always use in my client’s homes is decanting. I love to put dishwasher pods and powder in see-through containers. This makes it so much easier to use and to see when you need to refill. You can also maximize the space you have by stacking these containers.

Contain everyday toiletry items. For instance, make a bathroom caddy that holds

all the items you use on a daily basis. Set it next to your sink for ease of use. There are so many ways to make this a beautiful display.

Consider decanting some items into beautiful pump bottles or glass containers. Think outside of the box! You could also place everything on a beautiful silver or glass tray.

Clean out your purse! How often do you clean out your purse? I try to do it every Sunday as part of my Sunday routine, but I do it at least once a month. Remove old receipts, reorganize your wallet, remove extra change, throw away candy and gum wrappers, etc.

You could even take the time to switch purses and utilize your purse collection. I know you have one!

Streamline the living room. Make a specific spot for remote controls so they will stop going MIA. I love to use beautiful boxes or wooden bowls. They make great coffee table décor and you probably have one around the house somewhere. Put it to work.

Also, go through those cabinets next to the television. Most of the time I find games and puzzles in this area, so get rid of any games that are missing pieces or that you do not enjoy anymore. Place them back neatly and in an organized fashion. Fluff your pillows and your ten minutes should be up!

Create a “charging station.” Corral all chargers, iPads, iPhones, etc. and put

them in one general area for charging. Make sure the family is on board so they will know right where to go to dock their devices for the evening. When you have more time, purchase an organizer that is specific for this, or you could do that ahead of this task. Don’t forget to style the area with a plant or greenery of some sort.

Create a master grocery shopping list. This will save you SO much time in the future. All you need to do is create a list of the most frequently bought items, print them out and place them on or near the pantry or fridge. When you run out of something, check it off the list. When you need to grocery shop, grab your list! No thinking needed. I recommend laminating your shopping list so you can wipe and reuse as many times as you need.

So, I have given you fifteen quick and easy organizing tasks that should only take you ten minutes or less to complete. I can promise you that you will start to feel lighter, happier and more motivated as you complete each task. Where are you going to start?

Please share! erinlove@panachebyerin.com or @erinlovedesigns on Instagram.

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Camp Ch-Yo-Ca

Voted Best Summer Camp/Program in NELA

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AMP CH-YO-CA 2020 WAS A YEAR TO REMEMBER. We changed nearly every aspect of camp to provide a safe experience for campers and staff, yet for many it was their favorite summer yet. We condensed the schedule to allow campers to go home at night causing a fast track of relationships. For our outof-town campers, area friends opened their homes to house them.

Since masks were a priority, we incorporated them into our fun which created a greater sense of unity in the cabin groups. The new restrictions caused us to look at camp in a fresh way. In retrospect it was a perspective change we needed. We were able to cut out the extra and get back to the heart of Camp Ch-Yo-Ca which is providing a safe place for campers to grow in their relationships with others and with Christ.

We want to thank all the parents who weathered the endless emails. Thank you for trusting us with the safety of your children.

We want to thank the staff who had to endure a nose swab every two weeks for two months. Thank you for your flexibility and diligence in sticking to the ever-changing policies. Thank you to donors who believe in camp and came through right when we needed it.

Finally, thank you to the campers who showed up each day with a great attitude and an eagerness to learn and grow! Thank you for making the best of the masks, the excessive cleaning, and for accepting the changes in traditions we had to make for us to have camp. We are now in the middle of Camp 2021 with more new campers than ever. We have an average of 200 campers a week who have given a piece of their summer and chosen to disconnect from technology and their day-to-day life. This summer is more important than ever for campers to have meaningful face-to-face interactions.

The joy and honesty from campers we have seen has proven our staff is creating a safe environment for encouraging friendships.

From the swings, canoes, gym, fields, and playgrounds, it has been amazing seeing campers break out of their shells and find freedom.

We hope to see you next year! The best is yet to come!

- John Luke Robertson, Executive Director Camp Ch-Yo-Ca 2044 Brownlee Road, Calhoun Follow us on Instagram: @campchyoca Follow us on Facebook: @camp ch-yo-ca

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Protect Your Smile All Summer Long

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CHOOL IS OUT FOR THE SUMMER! THAT MEANS TRAVEL, family fun days, sports camps, and summer ball. Let’s enjoy our summer and avoid emergency dental trips!

According to the American Dental Association, it is estimated that 5 million teeth are knocked out each year. Dental injuries are the most common type of head injury sustained during sports participation.

Yearly, it is estimated that approximately 40% of dental injuries are sports related. Don’t let a summer of fastballs and cannon balls lead to a Christmas wish list of your two front teeth.

When preparing for sports events, mouthguards are essential for the summer. Less than 7% of athletes wear mouthguards, but wearing a mouthguard can help protect primary teeth (baby teeth) as well as adult teeth. Even though baby teeth will eventually be lost, damage to baby teeth can lead to irreversible damage in permanent teeth as well. A single damaged tooth can cost thousands of dollars to fix and possibly months of dental work to correct. As with cavities and other health issues, the best way to avoid a problem is to prevent it.

Not all mouthguards are created equal! Using a custom fitted mouthguard from your dentist is recommended. Custom mouth guards fit more comfortably and are also easier to speak and breathe with. A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A hard blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks as well as the teeth themselves. Show off your team spirit by having your mouthguard made with custom colors or blend in with the crowd and try a clear one! Let’s ensure that your teeth and you stick around for year-round family fun!

Dr. Jan T. Bagwell and Dr. Jessica Johnston are the only motherdaughter dental duo in Northeast Louisiana. Their practice is located off 165 North in Monroe, right next to Sterlington High School. They offer regular hygiene checkups as well as general dentistry such as dentures, partials, extraction, and root canals. Cosmetic dentistry is also offered that includes whitening trays, veneers, porcelain crowns, and implant restorations to improve the appearance of your smile.

Dr. Jan T. Bagwell and Dr. Jessica J. Johnston always work with compassion to make their patients feel as relaxed as possible and strive to give the best dental care. Make your appointment today and let us help you put your best smile forward!

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Get the Look You Want

Without Surgery at DermaMediQ in Monroe

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R. SOWMA-FAKHRE HAS BEEN PROVIDING state-of-the-art medically supervised beauty regimens at DermaMediQ. Dr. Sowma-Fakhre is Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine and Pediatrics. Morpheus8, Shiloutte InstaLift and BodyTite are just a few of the many procedures DermaMediQ offers to help you feel more confident in your skin. Morpheus8 by InMode and Silhouette Instalift is performed by Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and Bodytite is performed by Dr. Zachary Willis. Dr. Willis is a boardcertified general surgeon and one of the leading experts in liposuction and skin tightening. We are thrilled to perform these minimally invasive procedures at DermMediQ in Monroe.

MORPHEUS8 Have you struggled with sagging skin or loss of collagen?

Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive technology which remodels collagen while coagulating adipose tissue. With various configurations, Morpheus8 is a modular solution to deliver fractional treatments throughout the body, including the face and neck, as well as the abdomen which is beneficial for tightening loose skin with underlying fatty tissue. Fractionated RF energy is a scientifically proven method to reduce wrinkles and rebuild collagen and fat. It is minimally invasive, using a matrix of micro pins to renew deeper layers of the skin with almost no patient downtime. This effective treatment can stimulate the production of collagen in the underlying layers of the dermis and can be used on most body parts. Perfect for all skin types, Morpheus8 effectively remodels skin and tissue with minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

The Morpheus8 treatment is an outpatient procedure requiring no anesthesia nor intravenous sedation because patients do not feel any significant discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Sowma uses a customized treatment approach that allows her to provide patients with maximum results. Patients will notice an immediate improvement after the procedure but final results take up to six weeks.

INSTALIFT

Silhouette InstaLift uses absorbable micro-cones to instantly lift aging, mid-facial skin, including sagging cheeks and deeper folds in the skin. This procedure also activates your natural collagen production to boost volume over time for up to 2 years. That means you can achieve the look you want — without surgery or fillers.

What makes Silhouette InstaLift unique? It’s the only nonsurgical rejuvenating procedure that uses advanced Micro-Suspension Technology to offer immediate and lasting results. InstaLift is also the only absorbable suture that’s FDA-cleared for cosmetic facial procedures.

BODYTITE Bodytite is a minimally-invasive device for body contouring delivering results previously only achieved through excisional procedures. BodyTite is powered by directional RF resulting in three-dimensional tissue remodeling through fat coagulation and volumetric heating. The coagulation of fat using RF-induced heat results in radio-frequency assisted lipolysis WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JULY 2021 109

Making a House A Home Ivy & Stone Has Everything You Need

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HEN YOU STEP FOOT IN IVY AND STONE RUSTON, you see beautiful home decor with a neutral palette - creams, whites, natural, blacks, grays. They carry unique furniture, beautiful rugs, lighting, home decor, table place settings and more. And if you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, just ask! They can custom make many items to make one of a kind custom pieces perfect for your space. Their helpful staff can help with all of your interior design needs and consultations. Furniture and home decor aren’t all that Ivy & Stone Ruston has to offer. They also carry women and baby clothing that are on trend. You can complete the outfit with pieces from Virtue Jewelry, a complete line of earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

They also have unique children’s toys that your child will surely love.

There is certainly something for everyone at Ivy & Stone Ruston!

When it comes to moving into a new home or sprucing up a new space, Jessica Phillips and Staci Stucki at Ivy & Stone Ruston can help create your perfect dream space. Jessica Phillips has 7 years of experience with new construction design. She has a passion for remodels and new construction projects. She loves helping clients chose paint colors, light fixtures, flooring, tile etc. She has always had a love for decorating and making a house a home. Jessica and her husband are developing a new project which is a new residential area called The Oaks on Kentucky.

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Staci Stucki has a Bachelor of Arts from Weber State University in Fashion Merchandising and Technical Sales. She has worked for Nordstrom for nine years ending as as Cosmetic Visual Merchandising Manager for the North West region including Utah, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. She was also an owner for two family-owned businesses in Charleston, South Carolina and has worked as assistant interior designer for 3 years.

These two amazing woman have come together to help you create your dream home. They stick with you from start to finish. They start by making a Mood Board to get an idea of what the clients aesthetic is and plan out every detail down to the hardware and wallpaper.

If you are in the market to spruce up a new home or planning to remodel, Ivy & Stone Ruston is here to help you every step of the way, offering different packages for new construction and styling/ decorating project perfectly suited to your needs! Be sure to follow Ivy & Stone Ruston on Facebook and Instagram so you can keep up with future events and everything they have going on.

Ivy & Stone Ruston 2000 N. Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 318-242-1112

Pediatric Associates Welcomes New Doctor Local Doctor Returns to Her Hometown

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EDIATRIC ASSOCIATES IN MONROE IS PROUD TO welcome Dr. Taylor Shepherd. She is a native of West Monroe and excited to return to her hometown. Dr. Shepherd is the daughter of Keith and Tina Shepherd and she graduated from West Monroe High School in 2010. She went on to earn her degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe in Biology and obtained a Masters of Medical Science from Mississippi College. “I spent a year at Mississippi College and then decided I wanted to pursue medicine.” When it came to what specialty, Dr. Shepherd knew what direction she wanted to go in and you could say, it was in her blood. Her mother operates a local day care, Mini Scholars in West Monroe and Taylor spent many years around the children there. “That is truly what shaped my passion for children,” says Dr. Shepherd. “I saw how important it was to offer support and guidance to not only the child, but the entire family,” she said.

After attending medical school at LSU-Shreveport, Dr. Shepherd accepted a pediatric residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Her husband, Taylor Carter, is also a doctor and the pair participated in what is known as “couples matching,” where they were paired in the same location. They loved the idea of working and living at the beach and have enjoyed their time on the East Coast. However, Dr. Shepherd knows the importance of family and is excited to be closer to home. Her husband is a native of Shreveport, so

he will be returning to his North Louisiana roots, after he finishes his anesthesia residency in a year.

The opportunity to join Pediatric Associates was almost serendipitous. “I was in town on vacation, visiting with family,” said Dr. Shepherd. “My sister’s child is a patient of Pediatric Associates and she connected us. I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Stanley and Dr. Ricks and fell in love with their practice.” And the rest is history! Dr. Ricks and Dr. Stanley are very eager for Dr. Shepherd to join the practice that Dr. Bodron, Bulloch and Fichter began at Pediatric Associates, thereby carrying on the legacy of excellent pediatric health care established by our original partners many years ago.

“I am excited to be able to learn from both Dr. Ricks and Dr. Stanley,” said Dr. Shepherd. “Not only are they excellent providers, but the entire office from the staff to the nurses are extraordinary. I am excited about the opportunity to watch and help children in my hometown grow and develop, and continue to do so for years to come!” Not only is Dr. Shepherd looking to return to her roots to be closer to family, she is looking forward to returning to all the things North Louisiana has to offer. “I can’t wait to have King Cake and crawfish back in my life,” she laughs. “I also know that Northeast Louisiana is so community minded and I can’t wait to be involved. There are people in this community that have inspired and mentored me and I look forward to doing the same!”

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We Do It All

Achievers Home Improvements

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HILE SPENDING TIME AT HOME, YOU MAY HAVE realized it needs some work. Especially if you’re looking to increase your property value before selling, make your home more comfortable, or expanding to make room for a new bundle of joy. Whatever your reasoning, you may have considered a simple facelift or major remodeling in specific areas of your home.

Regardless of the size, we wanted to offer some advice to make your home improvements better.

If you’re updating your kitchen, keep functionality and character in mind when choosing a backsplash. Some materials are more resistant to heat and others may stain after a few food prep accidents. Be creative and choose to lay the tiles in a different style like herringbone or place them vertically rather than horizontally.

Tiny patterns are harder to clean and maintain the grout over time.

Choose your preference but keep in mind to make it widely appealing to others, so buyers won’t be turned off when you put it on the market in the future.

Updating the light fixtures in your home is a great option for a home update. Lighting is a simple upgrade that enables your aesthetic to show and is cheaper than most home updates. Use LED lighting throughout your home to reduce energy consumption. Recessed lighting is a great addition to any home since it adds an abundant source of light without large fixtures. Under-cabinet lighting can provide another light source for daily tasks. Smaller decorative lighting such as pendant lights can add zone-specific diffused lighting over areas like islands and sinks.

Wood flooring, while beautiful, are often expensive and require higher maintenance. Wood flooring alternatives, such as wood tile, vinyl, and laminate, have a different price point for material and installation costs, yet different styles and maintenance processes. Wood tile is costlier in terms of installation but may be relatively comparable to laminate flooring in materials cost. Tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring are easier to clean and repair compared to wood flooring. Depending on the quality of the product, you may have a suitable replacement for traditional wood flooring, without the concerns of damages from liquids and normal wear and tear.

Cabinets are costly to replace, however, you can hire a professional to paint the cabinets for a fresh look for less. You can prep, paint, and replace the hardware yourself for a fraction of the price. Other updates include a fresh wall color, updated windows fixtures, and door hardware.

Ultimately, the end goal is a home you love and want to spend time in with your family. When it comes to your remodeling needs, please feel free to contact us at the Achievers Home Improvement Showroom at 304 Downing Pines Rd in West Monroe or call us at 318325-0555. Check out our website, https://www.achieversinc.com, to see some of our ProVia doors and windows, kitchen, and bathroom projects, and more. Our consultations and estimates are always complimentary, and we look forward to helping you update your home.

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Hopkins Dermatology Celebrating 25 Years

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OPKINS DERMATOLOGY HAS BEEN A PART OF THE community for 25 years. Dr. Janine Hopkins, board-certified dermatologist and expert in her field started her solo practice in 1996 after completing a progressive residency program in the Department of Dermatology at LSU Medical School in New Orleans where she was trained in surgical, laser, cosmetic and general dermatology. She has grown her office in Monroe from a small clinic with 2 employees to a thriving, full-spectrum dermatology practice with now up to 20 employees, including her nurse practitioner, Anna Grace Livingston. Dr. Hopkins recently opened a second location in Southlake, Texas.

Hopkins Dermatology offers the best science-based, non-surgical treatment options in order for patients to achieve optimal skin health.

As part of a comprehensive, individualized anti-aging treatment plan, Dr. Hopkins combines unique facial treatments with minimum to nodowntime laser procedures. She also uses a combination of fillers and neurotoxins to restore shape, volume and symmetry to the face. When indicated, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is incorporated to prevent age-related skin changes that occur with hormone deficiency. In addition, skin cancer detection, prevention and treatment are paramount at both locations of Hopkins Dermatology.

“I enjoy developing long term relationships with my patients and providing them with the options and tools to achieve optimal skin health at all stages of their lives,” she says. “Restoring a healthy complexion can be very impactful for improving not only my patient’s appearance, but also their self-confidence.”

Dr. Hopkins’ approach to addressing her patients’ cosmetic concerns is based on what she refers to as “The Four Pillars of Ant-aging.” “To improve the health and appearance of the skin on the face, neck and body, I use a combination of advanced laser procedures for both skin tightening and rejuvenation,” said Dr. Hopkins. I also offer unique combination treatments by fusing the benefits of facials with laser procedures to treat acne, rosacea, melasma, sun-damage and aging at both the dermal and epidermal layer. In addition, I advise my patients on appropriate medicalgrade skin care to help protect their skin and maintain results from office procedures.” The second pillar in Dr. Hopkins’ anti-aging plan is her strategic and advanced placement of fillers, not merely to reduce the appearance aging, but to restore shape, volume and symmetry to areas of the face, jawline and neck. The third pillar is incorporating neurotoxins to relax expressions in order to prevent or reduce the appearance of etched lines and wrinkles. “Prejuvenation with in-office procedures has become a popular approach for my patients starting in their early to mid twenties to actually prevent rather than treat visible signs of aging,” said Dr. Hopkins.

Dr. Hopkins’ explains that her fourth pillar for anti-aging is to treat one of the most overlooked, but significant causes of age related skin changes, which is hormone deficiency. “By providing bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, I can protect my patients from accelerated collagen loss that occurs with menopause,” she said. “As a cosmetic dermatologist, it is imperative that I offer my patients treatment with bio-identical HRT to protect them from the negative effects that hormone deficiency has on their skin, hair, and overall health and well-being.”

From Dr. Hopkins perspective, “protecting our skin while actively preventing and treating the underlying causes of skin aging is vital to achieving optimal skin health and beauty,” she said. “My mission is to educate, guide and provide my patients with the best science-based treatment options to help them look and feel their best at each stage of life.”

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Harrison Lilly Voted Best Realtor BayouLife Readers and Community Vote for Their Favorite

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HE HARRISON LILLY TEAM IS A SPECIALIZED GROUP of Real Estate Professionals that believe in customer care, teamwork, kindness and high performance. The team includes, Robert Wilson, Chris Rux, Amanda Meza, Tausha Strawder, Melinda Winn, Carter Cascio, Sam Nelson, Michele Evans, Kim Masters, Josh Roberts, Georgiana Tarantino, Ramiro Gamez, Lisa Govan, Pamela Watson and Marty Bailey, in addition to our administration/nonlicensed team members Josh Williams, Jonathan Webster, Bella Mizell and Megan Orr. Their goal is to be the “team of choice” in Northeast Louisiana for the community and it seems like they have done just that as Harrison Lilly was chosen as the Best Real Estate agent in the 2021 Bayou Buzz awards. Their motto is “Real Estate that Changes Lives” and they are doing just that every day across our community.

“We believe that real estate can change lives, whether that is helping a local widow sell a home so she can move on or providing jobs that provide an income that can change lives, that’s our goal,” said Harrison. “We want to see everyone reach their personal goals, while helping our community.” Harrison grew up in Bastrop, Louisiana and has years of experience in the hospitality industry. In those years, he grew a deep connection to the community and strives to improve the community he has grown to love in a variety of projects. The Harrison

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Lilly team works together to give back, whether that is participating at local events like Woofstock 2021, benefiting PAWS, serving lunch at a local shelter or packing food boxes for the Food Bank. Harrison leads his team with the mentality that they are part of the bigger picture and the idea that real estate provides an opportunity.

Harrison and his team are grateful for their clients and use the Thanksgiving season to show them just how thankful they are. In the month of November, they hand deliver a pie to their clients. This past year, they delivered 450 pies and this year, they anticipate delivering over 1,000 pies! And while it may be July, the Harrison Lilly team is already thinking about Christmas! They are already coordinating with the North Pole and plan to visit local neighborhoods, handing out cookies and candy canes with Santa himself. Throughout the year, the Harrison Lilly team gives back to their clients by giving away $500 each month to a past client who posts a review of their experience with the team.

While this past year had its challenges for everyone, the Harrison Lilly Team is excited about new opportunity and growth. They are grateful to be a winner in the Bayou Buzz awards and look forward to giving back even more in the coming year!

The Hope Unit at Morehouse General Hospital Helping You Cope in a Healthy Manner

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OR MANY MATURE ADULTS, AGING CAN PRESENT LIFE challenges that often require assistance to overcome. To assist you and those you care about with these concerns, Morehouse General Hospital has transformed a wing on the first floor into a stateof-the-art geriatric psychiatric unit. The Hope Unit (Helping Older People Emotionally) provides individual and group mental health therapy based on the individual’s needs. Our program is designed for individuals 55 years and older who are experiencing emotional, cognitive, or behavioral changes and challenges. Symptoms may include loss of memory, mood irritations, anxiety, difficulty coping with losses and transitions, or behavioral conditions that interfere with care at home or in a long-term care setting.

We are here to help you cope with these challenges in a healthy manner. The HOPE unit can accommodate ten patients, all with all private rooms that were created with safety in mind. Each patient room has shatterproof mirrors and lowering platform beds. There are common areas and therapy rooms that the patients can utilize during their stay.

COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED

• Anxiety and Depression

• Grief and Loss

• Isolation and loneliness • Social withdrawal • Coping skills • Difficulty coping with changes in physical health • Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation

ADVANTAGES OF THE HOPE UNIT

• Combines individual and group therapies

• Utilizes 24-hour nursing staff, Board-certified Psychiatrists and Physicians to assure that all needs are met in a safe and supportive environment

• Monitors mood changes and initiates appropriate strategies as directed by the care team

• Provides structure and assistance to maintain a daily routine

• Helps to address issues that are faced daily

The HOPE unit, located at 323 West Walnut Bastrop, LA is available to help you or your loved ones. Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurance is accepted. Call today for a free, confidential assessment.

(318)283-3900

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Body Image

Isn’t About How You Look, but How You See B AYO U H E A LTH BY S HAN N O N DAH LU M

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ave you ever struggled to enjoy yourself because you were worried about how you looked? How many pool parties or evenings out have you dodged simply because you felt self conscious, or even ashamed, about your appearance?

Have you ever refused to take your shirt off at the beach because you hated how you looked in your swimsuit? Poor body image is an epidemic in our society and no one is immune to it. The ways we attempt to fix the problem are only making matters worse.

Both men and women experience pressure from society to look a certain way in order to gain approval. Generally speaking, a feminine body that is slender, curvy, pretty, and youthful is what earns approval from others. An attractive woman

is meek, naive, sexually innocent, and timid. Men receive the message that a masculine body is strong, invincible, and untouched by fearful or tearful emotions. A man who embodies the warrior or soldier archetype is the ultimate provider and protector. Society objectifies women as sex objects and men as success objects.

Because of these messages, both genders can become slaves to dieting and exercising as an attempt to shape-shift their bodies in an effort to earn love.

In order to create a more positive body image, you’re probably working on changing your body. Body image actually isn’t about your body, though; it’s a product of your imagination.

It truly has nothing to do with how you look, and everything to do with how you think and

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feel. Your eyeballs look and gather information, but your brain interprets that information to determine what you see.

Your perception of yourself has nothing to do with how you look, and everything to do with how you see yourself. Those are two very different things.

By continuing to try and change what you look like through punishing diets and exercise, you’re constantly proving to yourself that you’re unacceptable as you are. You see your own body as the enemy, and this keeps you stuck in a state of chronic stress. You receive the subconscious signal that there’s an enemy in your presence, trapping you in a state of heightened alert.

This results in elevated cortisol and insulin, which diminishes metabolic and digestive function,

interferes with natural appetite regulation, and diminishes your ability to feel pleasure. Living in a state of chronic stress causes you to disembody which means you’re living in your head, focusing on numbers (numbers on the scale, the measuring tape, calories consumed and burned) rather than relying on your body’s wisdom (which comes from feelings) to guide your needs.

Stress triggers your brain to search for anything threatening in your environment, which means you’re subconsciously tuned into finding negative things about yourself and not seeing the positive.

The stress of body hate leads to imbalanced dieting, deprivation, bingeing, over-exercise and other punishing behaviors and attitudes that enhance stress and negative body image.

Trying to “improve” how you look only makes you see yourself from an even more negative perspective. Rather than attempting to change how you look, improving your body image requires that you change how you see. Focusing on looks keeps you skimming across the surface while changing how you see requires you to go much deeper within yourself. Body image is an inside job, a constant process, and a lifelong journey.

The most important element in developing a positive body image is embodiment. When you don’t like the body you’re in, the most natural reaction is to leave it; to disembody. It’s a painful experience to live inside a body you hate, so you learn to live in your head and go numb to the feelings in your body. It’s vital to slowly step back inside your body by learning to nourish it and stay present with your feelings.

Treat your body as you would treat any other person you love.

Consciously choose to nourish it with loving actions rather than beat it into submission through punishment. Self love is not simply something you feel; it’s something you do. Loving actions lead to loving feelings.

Doing things with your body that make you feel good is another step in learning to stay present within it. Move your body in ways you enjoy. Be present with your meals and allow yourself to experience pleasure from the smell, flavor and texture of your food. Set aside moments to be consciously aware of your breath. Practice awareness during mundane tasks, like washing dishes and brushing your teeth.

Give yourself a foot rub or relax in a candlelit bath. Walk barefoot in the grass and notice the sensations under your feet and the warmth of the sun on your shoulders. Practicing embodiment is simply about doing anything that helps you stay present in the moment with awareness and acceptance of the sensations you’re feeling.

How you may be judging others can tell you a lot about how you also judge yourself. Notice when you criticize the appearance of someone else, because it says a lot more about your own perspective than it does about their looks. We’ve all been conditioned to withhold acceptance of people based on their appearance, and the only way to change this cycle is to work on changing your own habit of doing it.

Years ago, I became aware that I was instantly critical of strangers I’d come into contact with in public. I would immediately find something negative about their appearance, and I think it was a subconscious tool I used to help me feel better about myself. If I saw imperfection in others, it made me feel better about the many imperfections I saw in myself.

As soon as I was aware of this pattern, I made it a goal to change it by finding something beautiful in everyone I saw and even began silently sending them love. I’d sometimes even imagine that I was giving them a hug. I know it sounds weird, but it changed everything for me. By consciously looking for the positive in people and generating loving feelings toward them, my perspective changed and it became more natural to see and feel positivity and love toward myself, too. Try it.

Being attached to a sense of purpose is a powerful way to cultivate feelings of worthiness. I believe every human being has a purpose to fulfill, and changing your body through punishing diets and exercise

isn’t it. When you direct your energy into serving others in some way, the feeling of importance it creates is an enormous booster of self esteem.

Every small thing you do that makes a difference for someone else will enhance your perspective of yourself. Remember that perspective is created by what you think and feel, not by what you’re looking at. By feeling useful, successful and proud, you’ll see yourself in a positive way. Look for anything you can do to make someone else’s day just a bit better. By boosting others, you’re also boosting yourself.

Finally, having some sort of spiritual connection helps you maintain a more positive connection with your body. When you don’t have any sort of relationship with a higher power, you subconsciously feel pressured to BE that higher power. Perfectionism takes hold and you’ll never be able to measure up to the expectations you place on yourself.

Having a relationship with your spiritual self helps you realize you’re more than just your physical body, and not being perfect in body by society’s standards doesn’t detract from how acceptable and lovable you are as a human being.

Seeing your body as an enemy leads to self punishing behavior, exacerbates chronic stress, and perpetuates poor body image.

Deprivation and over-exercise in an attempt to look more acceptable further contributes to low self esteem. You can’t diet your way to positive body image. Experiencing pleasure, embodiment, purpose and spiritual connection not only help you experience your body in a positive way, but it also turns off the stress response, which enhances your metabolism and regulates your appetite. This is how, ultimately, changing how you see yourself changes how you look.

When you confidently accept who you are as a person, it will also carry over into confident acceptance of how your body looks in a bathing suit. Improving your body image isn’t about changing your body; it’s an inside job that requires you to shift your perspective by cultivating positive thoughts and feelings.

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”

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Best Chiropractor

Dr. G.G. Grant BayouBuzz Award Recipient

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R. G.G. GRANT IS EXCITED TO BE NAMED THE BEST Chiropractor in the 2021 Bayou Buzz Awards! Dr. Grant grew up in Ruston and graduated from Louisiana Tech in 2001. In 2005, he graduated from Parker University in Dallas, Texas with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Right after school, Dr. Grant began to work at Shell Chiropractic in Monroe. He is in his sixteenth year and practices along side Dr. Brent Bryant and Dr. Brud Boudreaux.

While Dr. Grant does see patients from all ages, from pediatric to later in life, most of the people that walk through the door are coming in as result of injury or affliction. “Most people who come to see me are hurting and in pain,” said Dr. Grant. “They are limited in their daily activities and my goal is to get them back to their normal routine, free of pain.” For the past 12 years, Dr. Grant has worked with ULM athletes, as well as student athletes from St. Fred’s, Neville, Ouachita and other local schools. “I am very passionate about educating younger athletes on how to stay healthy, whether they eventually play professionally or not,” said Dr. Grant. “I really like to educate people on their body and how to maintain their spinal health.”

One of the things that sets Dr. Grant apart is that he works well with the entire medical community as he works to get patients healthy. “I believe it is so important to work together to help patients,” said Dr. Grant. “I work with other doctors, orthopedic specialists and physicians, for the betterment and overall health of my patients. I am just another person helping a patient feel their best.” He prides himself on being honest with his patients and making recommendations to other physicians, doing whatever it takes for a patients’ health and wellbeing.

Dr. Grant resides in Monroe with his wife Heather. He has two boys and a little girl. Lake, 17, is a senior at Neville, Hunt, 15, is a sophomore at Neville and Griffyn, 6, is in first grade at JGS. In his spare time, Dr. Grant enjoys spending time with his family, duck hunting and playing golf.

Dr. G.G. Grant and Shell Chiropractic are conveniently located on Hwy 165 North in Monroe and are always accepting new patients.

The clinic also has two massage therapists on staff. Call today to set up an appointment with BayouLife’s Buzz Award’s Best Chiropractor in Northeast Louisiana!

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Education and Innovation

Partnership Connects Morehouse Parish Students with Robotics, STEM

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HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS’ SUMMER LEARNING CAMP is now available through funding provided by Louisiana GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance’s Field Outreach Services Division of the Louisiana Board of Regents.

The collaboration includes Morehouse Parish Schools, Louisiana Tech’s Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC), UTeachTech, the department of curriculum, instruction and leadership; and the National Science Foundation’s Noyce CyberTeach program.

In addition to the Louisiana GEAR UP-supported event, there will also be a middle school effort launched by the district. Through the partnership, approximately 128 students will be served during the sessions taking place June 6-24 and July 7-22 at Bastrop High School, Morehouse Magnet, Delta Elementary and Morehouse Elementary.

“This work matters because we’re providing our students the experience that most of them missed due to the pandemic, the opportunity to do hands-on, minds-on STEM activities that not only promote critical thinking but also helps build their communication skills, creativity, and collaboration among their peers,” said Maria Yabut, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) project director and district testing and accountability coordinator with Louisiana GEARUP.

Students who wanted to participate were able to apply and then choose which enrichments and month they wanted to attend.

Yabut said supplemental support to make this opportunity a reality for both middle and high school students was provided by the STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS) which is an initiative funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund, and the 21st CCLC through the Louisiana Department of Education.

“Kids in rural parishes almost never get these types of opportunities. We are thrilled to be part of bringing this work directly to them this summer,” said project director and UTeachTech master teacher, Glenn Larson.

Additional instructional leads for the robotics efforts will engage through service as Louisiana GEAR UP counselors and Noyce CyberTeach interns.

“Programs that allow the intersection of STEM educational opportunities for secondary and post-secondary students are incredibly valuable, and we are pleased to be part of this effort to facilitate such rich learning experiences,” said Dr. Laura Bostick, principal investigator for the CyberTeach effort.

To learn more about STEM educational activities, email scitec@ latech.edu.

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Customers Say It Best

Local HVAC Company Excels Where It Counts

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HEN RANDY GILLEY FOUNDED Gilley’s Heating & Cooling in 1978, his goals were to operate an HVAC service company based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and caring for customers, both residential and commercial. In doing so, Gilley’s has to stay on top of heating and cooling industry advancements and the technology that benefits customers with dependability and energy efficiency.

There are many components entailed in optimizing your HVAC’s operation, and Gilley’s takes the “Whole House” approach when evaluating which includes:

• Air Leakage

• Insulation in Walls/Ceiling

• Window Type

• Ductwork

• Performance

When one of these components functions poorly, it will affect the efficiency of your entire home or business system.

The value that Randy Gilley and his

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son Randall put on customer service and satisfaction shows in their 400+ Google Reviews yielding a 5-Star Rating, and here is a sampling from just the past month:

“Very pleased, very professional and handled my problem promptly and was very pleased to have a company like this available quickly.”

“What a wonderful technician! He was knowledgeable, thorough, professional & personable. I’ve had many experiences with Gilleys over 20 years & have been impressed with their entire staff.”

“Great service, helpful advice, professional demeanor. Gilley’s is reliable.”

“My technician was great. Fast repair, took time to explain the issue in an understandable manner. He was friendly and polite. I’m glad to have been his customer.”

“Helpful in explaining new equipment and unit information. All the guys were great!

Definitely recommend.”

“They are very knowledgeable and well trained. Very nice too. I’m glad we chose Gilley and

recommend them to our neighbors and friends.”

“Would recommend Gilley’s to all my family and friends. My system is cooling better and running less. So it will save on utility bills.”

“We are so pleased to hear our customers’ feedback, and appreciate their choosing Gilley’s to entrust us with their service and equipment needs,” states Randy Gilley.

Visit gilleysac.com for details on our 4-part Guarantee Program: Repairs Guarantee | Replacement Guarantee | Lowest Price Guarantee | Temperature Guarantee.

To further solidify customer confidence, Gilley’s has been designated as a recipient of the Lennox® Centurion Award. Only the top 5% of North American dealers have this award which recognizes dealers who “are community leaders… who embody the Lennox brand promise in their market,” and “set the standard for customer service and installation quality.”

Where Beauty Meets Wellness Optimize Your Wellness at BioVitality

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IOVITALITY WILL OPEN ITS DOORS August 2nd, becoming Northeast Louisiana’s premier IV Nutrient Infusion Center. BioVitality has one purpose in mind: To restore hope… and optimize the body’s innate ability to heal from within, through the delivery of functional or natural medicine.

BioVitality offers a wide range of services that treat diverse health and beauty conditions.

Our unique process centers on your individual history, needs, and desires. We offer IV nutrient infusions, IM injectables, the world’s top nutritional supplement brands, plus a plethora of aesthetic services, all in one beautiful, relaxing location.

Our IV Vitamin and Nutrient Bar is designed to provide our clients with cutting edge, customized vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and amino acid nutrients in a highly absorbable IV infusion.

We live in a time when obtaining the needed amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants are difficult with diet

alone. When we consume foods or supplements in pill or liquid form, they need to travel through our digestive system before they can start being utilized by our bodies. It’s estimated that as much as 50% of the population has issues with absorption in their digestive systems, meaning they never get the full benefits of the nutrients they take in.

When you send vitamins, minerals and hydration directly into the bloodstream, you bypass the digestive system altogether. There are no issues with substances being changed during metabolism or failing to be absorbed.

Your body gets 100% of the benefit of these powerful ingredients that are exactly the right recipe for you.

If you’re acutely or chronically ill, a high concentration of nutrients, delivered directly to the affected cells, can “jump-start” your system and get your body instantly on the road to healing.

Specific benefits of IV nutrient infusion therapy may include improved immune function, increased energy, more restorative

sleep, decreased stress and anxiety, enhanced mood, and overall enhancement of your wellbeing. It’s a powerful therapy for numerous health-related issues and medical conditions, including: asthma, athletic enhancement and recovery, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dehydration, Diabetes Type II, fatigue, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal problems, hypertension, infections, malnutrition, migraine headaches, viruses, multiple sclerosis, neurotoxins and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

BioVitality offers a variety of “signature” IV cocktails to choose from. Our medically trained staff can help you decide which treatment is right for you. Choose from IV drips, IM boost shots, or mega weight loss solutions. You can sit in our relaxing IV lounge chairs and read, text, or simply rest while being infused with vital nutrients. Most infusions take 30-45 minutes to administer.

With 18 years of experience in aesthetics, we can also guide and help you on your journey to look and feel more youthful. We offer Botox, Filler, PRP, Hormone Replacement, and Laser treatments. From the minute you walk in the door, your experience at BioVitality will be an exquisite and memorable one.

BioVitality is located in the beautiful Premier Plaza in Monroe. Our address is 1900 N. 18th Street, Suite 209. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318-361-9066.

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SIMPLY LOU BAND OF BROTHERS, AND A SISTAH article and illustration by LOU DAVE NPORT

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rom March of last year, up until the last few months, times were trying, to say the least. I was like most people, scared, quarantined, masked, and probably went through several gallons of hand sanitizer.

There were days I felt like I was in prison, and my only relief was to get in my car, go for a drive, and listen to music!

I felt so bad for our local musicians who were going through “trying times,” too.

Everything had to shut down to slow the spread of that wretched virus, and there was no place for them to perform. Many gave us FB Live performances, and Kirby Rambin and his band, “Dead Reckoning” gave bluegrass concerts in his front yard!

One of the first things I wanted to do, when it was safe to go out again, was to go hear some live music. About a month ago, I finally got to go, and haven’t stopped. It’s done my soul good!

Our area is blessed with so much talent, it’s almost unbelievable. We can’t say “there’s nothing to do in Monroe,” because that just isn’t true! On just about any given night,

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there’s somebody performing somewhere, and all that is required is that you get up and go. And they so deserve our support!

I decided to dedicate this column to our local musicians to thank them, but to also tell some of their backgrounds. All of their stories are different, but they all have one thing in common... they enjoy getting together and jamming. They’re a “brotherhood,” and will help each other out whenever called upon, and each felt that they learn from one another.

How cool is that?

Doug Duffey told me he felt like he was given a gift from God, and has used it. He’s been performing since he was a teenager, and his first band practiced in his aunt’s beauty shop. Although he and his latest band, BADD, play around here often, he takes off for Switzerland every year, and is quite well known internationally. Doug said he feels like he is a “gumbo, a mixture of many different styles” that he’s drawn from through the years.

Many of the musicians around here give him credit for his influence on them becoming musicians. Doug is also a visual artist as well.

What a treasure!

Bill Boles has been playing bass for many years, and has played with Kenny Bill Stinson and Doug Duffey. He’s also co founded or played with many bands and performers, too many to list! Bill says he’s very thankful for being able to play with many of the younger musicians that are around these parts now.

For the past three years, he’s been the bass player for The Josh Madden Band. He says he too learns from all the other musicians, and actually gave me the idea for the title of this column. (Thanks, Bill!)

Speaking of The Josh Madden Band, Josh himself is extremely versatile. Anything he and his band does is great, down to the tiniest little detail. I’ve seen he and his band play alone, but also his “Legends” show, where he takes on the persona of Van Morrison, and Jake from “The Blues Brothers.” He told me his greatest influence is Jerry Lee Lewis, and is always amazed by “The Killer,” when he watches YouTube videos of him. He wrote and directed “The Million Dollar Quartet,” that was performed at the Strauss Little Theatre, which included his band, Mason Howard as Johnny Cash, Scott Stone as Sam Phillips, Joel Jordan as Carl Perkins, and Asa Stone as Elvis.

One more thing about Josh, he’s also an award winning screenwriter.

Micheal Martinez, who is Josh Madden’s drummer, told me he “always had a love for the way drums sounded,” and decided he wanted to play the drums. Both his, and my friend and amazing drummer, Joel Stroud, from Vicksburg’s favorite and most influential drummer is Neal Peart of “Rush.”

Kevin, “The General” Patterson plays lead guitar for The Josh Madden Band. I’ve been listening to “The General” for years, starting when I lived in Ruston and Kevin played with Monty Russell. They still play together, by the way. Kevin told me he wanted to be an archaeologist when he was in college, but just gravitated to playing guitar. He’s also played with many bands around the area, and still thinks he “struggles,” but I’d have to say, he’s being modest. He sure can play that guitar, and plays it well!

Adam Ryland is a good friend of mine that I met while we were both teachers at River Oaks. He taught the drum line, and told me that he got his interest in playing the drums from his father, Ed Ryland, another talented musician. Even when he was little, his Mom would let him beat on pots and pans on the kitchen floor. Now, he’s the drummer for Doug Duffey’s BADD, but he sits in with other bands when they need a drummer.

I met Rachal Ann Graham when I went to enjoy the Dylan Jam at Enoch’s. She has the “voice of an angel,” and credits her mom with her success as a performer, since she sang to her when she was little. She’d then go sing those songs in a long hallway at church to hear the words echo, “as if the words took on

a life of their own.” She started taking private voice lessons, and within a year, won a young artist competition, and got to sing on Red River Radio. She earned a degree in classical music, and says she just truly loves to sing.

“Singing is pairing words with music. I always feel most powerful, and at home in my own skin when I’m singing on stage. It’s the best way I’ve ever been able to connect with myself and others.” Rachal is also a multi-faceted artist. She works with bleach, drawing mandalas onto tee shirts. Her next project is painting different colored inks on silk scarves.

Mason Howard is an amazing young fellow! His mom and grandparents sensed he had musical talent when he was very young. He told me there were always musical instruments around the house, and he was allowed to play around with them as much as he wanted. His aunt bought him a keyboard, and used animal stickers to teach him the notes.

He picked up a rented saxophone, and played “Amazing Grace” by ear. It turns out, Mason plays all kinds of different instruments. These days, you can catch him playing and singing solo with his guitar at many local clubs and restaurants. He’s very versatile as well, playing with “Dead Reckoning,” a blue grass group. He has a degree in Music Education, and taught music for several years. He now gives lessons to a few private students. He’s portrayed Johnny Cash in Josh Madden’s “Legends” show, and “The Million Dollar Quartet,” and also played saxophone during “The Blues Brothers” act of “Legends.” If you are lucky, you might catch him doing a FB Live!

You may have read the article about Josh Love in last month’s Bayou Life. I got to see him be Jimi Hendrix at the “Legends” show that took place at the Flying Tiger Brewery. I thought I’d traveled back in time, and was actually seeing and hearing Jimi Hendrix! He also plays jazz guitar, and you can find him performing all over the place. He also gives private guitar lessons, and his students love him!

Joel Jordan is one amazing performer. I call him “the master of disguise,” since I saw him as Elwood Blues in the “Legends” show and then, when he walked into Enoch’s for the Dylan Jam, I thought Bob Dylan himself had slipped in! But even without his “disguises,” who he credits with a great makeup artist and hair stylist, he’s just as great when he’s performing as himself.

There’s also the places we have around here where you can go to hear and see these, and other local musicians. Many thanks to Doyle, Yvette, Molly, and John Jeter for giving us Enoch’s, the best place to not only hear such a diverse variety of live music, but for all that really yummy food! (Oooh, that Guiness gravy!) Enoch’s has been in business for 40 years, and I can’t imagine Monroe without that shamrock neon sign out front, welcoming patrons into its great ambience. Doyle himself is a “walking encyclopedia” of musical knowledge, and I’m always learning something new, thanks to him! Doyle is also an incredible visual artist that makes prints, which is a very time consuming and tedious medium to work in.

There’s several other places that offer live entertainment, like The Flying Tiger Brewery, co-owned by James Simpson, who is also a talented musician. There’s also “The Hub,” located in downtown Monroe, and you can catch local talent performing at El Paso, Miro’s and Trapp’s.

So, I hope I’ve encouraged all of my readers to get out and enjoy some great live music, performed by these musicians, and all the other musicians I’ve left out! (If I didn’t have a word limit to this article, I could go on, and on, and on...) We are so blessed to have all this talent.

There’s always something to do right here in your own back yard!

Many thanks to Doug Duffey, Bill Boles, Michael Martinez, Josh Madden, Keith “The General” Patterson, Mason Howard, Rachal Ann Graham, and Adam Ryland for sharing their back stories with me! ENCORE!

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Lauren Roebuck Designs Making Your Dream a Reality

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UMMER IS HERE IN FULL FORCE AND WITH A NEW season comes new decor! Whether you are looking to freshen up with a pop of color or just get your home ready for the season, Lauren Roebuck Designs can help.

Lauren Roebuck Designs, one of Northeast Louisiana’s leading interior designers, is very knowledgeable when it comes to taking a space and making your vision become a reality. Lauren and her talented staff work with you through every step of the process to ensure that you leave with exactly what you had imagined.

Lauren and her knowledgeable staff are eager to help you transform your space into a welcoming retreat. They have a keen eye for design – creating luxe spaces with beautiful furnishings and décor and now carrying tufted upholstered beds, nightstands, recliners sectionals, lots of accent chairs and swivel rockers. Lauren Roebuck Designs has a plethora of furniture including gorgeous sofas, side and coffee tables - not to mention a great selection of pillows. Need some light in your life? LRD also carries unique lighting options that can easily update outdated fixtures or add interest to your room. This one stop shop not only offers furnishings and textiles, but with Lauren’s professional design background, they can quickly help elevate your next project from drab to fab.

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Shop Lauren’s new 6800 sq ft. area specifically for furniture, lighting, wall decor and beautiful rugs. All IN STOCK!

But fine furniture and luxurious lighting isn’t all the LRD is known for. When it comes to seasonal décor and floral arrangements, Lauren and her team can create unique pieces for every season. From custom arrangements designed specifically for your space to one-ofa-kind florals to celebrate a momentous occasion, they can do it all.

Lauren Roebuck Designs also carries great gift items for everyone on your list. From artisan creations to gorgeous photo frames, candles and more, her staff can help you find that perfect gift for your special someone. Plus, they can even deliver goodies, making gift giving even easier!

Stop in their new location or give them a call at 232-2032 to schedule a design consultation or place a custom floral design order.

They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to follow Lauren Roebuck Designs on Facebook and Instagram so you can see the latest trends and decor the local shop has to offer.

Facebook: Lauren Roebuck Designs Instagram: @lauren_roebuck_designs

Spa Bella Receives Bayou Buzz Recognition Local Spa Offers Award Winning Service

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RISTAN BERRY OFFICIALLY TOOK over Spa Bella almost two years ago, in August of 2019. She took a chance investing in an existing business and then the pandemic hit. After being forced to shut down for weeks, she wasn’t sure what the future held.

However, the future is bright for both Kristan and Spa Bella. They have seen an increase in clientele in recent months and are excited to announce that they are recognized in eight categories for the 2021 Bayou Buzz Awards!

Spa Bella was voted as the best place to get eyelash services in Northeast Louisiana. These services are provided by Kallie Bible, which is Kristan’s daughter. “I had the opportunity to bring my daughter on,” said Kristan. “Kallie received her education and training and immediately hit the ground running. I love not only owning a small business but being able to have my family work here makes it even more special.” When it comes to lashes, Spa Bella offers lash lifts and tints, a quick way to instantly add brightness to your face, making you seem more youthful and awake.

Spa Bella was recognized as a finalist in the other seven categories. The first is Day Spa and they are proud to offer a variety of services that you would expect at a day spa. They are a finalist in nail services as well, and offer basic manicures, spa manicures, gel manicures, basic pedicure, deluxe pedicures, deluxe spa pedicures. Additionally, they have a variety of nail enhancements like dip powder, nail art and more.

Not only does Kallie offer her award winning eyelash services, but she also offers waxing services and facials, both of which are recognized in the Bayou Buzz awards! Spa Bella offers waxing from head to toe including arms, back, bikini, Brazilian, face, legs and more.

For facials, Spa Bella is excited to incorporate their new skin care line - Osea. Some favorites include the Sea of Life facial, a personalized treatment that combines custom cleansing and a restorative mask with biodynamic CranialFacial Therapy. Organic algae extracts and natural botanical oils restore vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals directly to the skin. The

experts at Spa Bella can customize any facial treatment for your skin care needs.

Spa Bella is also recognized for their Eye Brow services, which includes brow wax shaping and permanent brow makeup. Another category is their spray tanning services. Even though it is summer, you may be someone that wants to stay out of the sun or doesn’t tan well so a spray tan from Spa Bella is perfect for you!

When you think of relaxing, the perfect massage comes to mind and Spa Bella along with their licensed massage therapist, Kylie Flowers, represent yet another Bayou Buzz category.

Options include swedish, therapeutic, deep tissue, medical, head and shoulders, soothing stone and pre-natal. With a basic goal of helping the body heal itself, as well as increasing health and promoting overall well-being, Spa Bella has some of the best massage options in town!

No matter the service you are looking for, Spa Bella has something for everyone. Make your appointment today and find out why they were so well represented in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards!

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Summer Shenanigans

The Children’s Shoppe Offers Seasonal Favorites

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T IS SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY. LONG DAYS are spent relaxing playing at the pool or beach or vacationing with the family. Do not worry--The Children’s Shoppe has all of your needs covered! We have swimsuits and swim trunks, cover-ups and rash guards, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhats and sandals. We also have pop-its, magnetic games, and sticker books plus many other games to occupy the little ones on the road trip.

July is the month we celebrate our nation’s independence.

Whether you are going to the lake, having a backyard picnic with family and friends, or having a hometown parade, we have the perfect outfit for any patriotic occasion. We also have a large assortment of outside games from the Strike Zone water slide, to The Queen of Heart’s Croquet Set, to the Boredom Busting Box. The Boredom Busting Box has over 45 games for countless hours of boredombusing fun! It is perfect for any occasion and it’s guaranteed to get the whole family up and outside!

Want to get a jump on school? It is never too early to start planning. We have matching backpacks, lunch boxes, and nap mats that are perfect for monogramming. You can also get ready for school with Usborne wipe-clean individual activity books or the activity pack that has 4 different wipe-clean books. We also have jumbo workbooks for preschool, kindergarten and first grade.

For over 21 years The Children’s Shoppe has offered a vast array of must-have gifts for babies, for birthday’s, special events, or just for play… with special emphasis on toys and books that are both developmental and fun. Timeless children’s fashion for girls and boys, with clothing for everyday and special occasions, including smocking and matching brother-sister outfits. We have a large selection of clothing from preemie to size 12 for boys and girls.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Children’s Shoppe 1826 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe 109 North Trenton Street, Suite A in Ruston

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First Monroe Go Day Local Church Gives Back

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IRST MONROE HOLDS CHURCH services each Sunday at their building in downtown Monroe, but they know their mission is about much more than that. So, four years ago they came up with the concept of “Go Day.” Twice a year, the church members gather on a Sunday, but not for your average church service. They come dressed in their work clothes, ready to serve and give back to the community. “We believe that our church is about more than just a building or just a service,” said Pastor James Doughty. “Our mission is to serve and that is what Go Day is all about.” And while some people think of mission trips taking place in places far away, First Monroe uses Go Day as an opportunity to do missions right here in their hometown.

“We knew that we wanted to make a difference in our own community so we looked for opportunities to do just that,” said Doughty. Church members reached out to the officials with the City of Monroe to inquire about any needs in the community. The group

identified two homes, as well as a need at the nearby Powell Street Community Center. “We learned that during the summer, there was an increase in the number of children that came to the community center,” explained Doughty.

“And while there is a basketball court and game room area, there isn’t anything for small children. So we planned on creating a reading room and play area for those children.”

On Sunday, May 23rd, members gathered at the church, got their assignments and disbursed throughout the community.

One group delivered meals to homebound members of the church, while another group delivered care packages to elderly residents of Frances Tower and Ouachita Grand Plaza.

Another group headed to a local house, where they updated their landscaping, did some exterior painting and repaired a wheelchair ramp that the resident needed to get in and out of their home. A second home got a complete exterior upgrade with repairs and painting.

At the community center, a group worked

to improve the landscaping at the entrance.

Inside the center, another group made over an unused room, adding bookshelves, rugs, chairs, toys and art supplies.

Many of the projects were made possible by local businesses like Harrison Paint, Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart, Custom Design Center, Nib & Flow Design, and Alpha-kidZ, as well as private donations to purchase materials. In just one day, the group was able to make a difference in the community, which directly aligns with their mission of loving God, reaching people and growing disciples.

First Monroe was founded in 1854 and has a long and rich history for the Gospel in our community, impacting countless people in our city and around the world. If you would like more information on First Monroe or to find out how you can be involved in the next Go Day which will be held in the fall, visit firstmonroe.com.

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A Name You Know and Can Trust Frank Nettles Automotive Serving the Twin Cities Since 1983

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HE TEAM AT FRANK NETTLES Automotive understands the importance of having a reliable vehicle and the anxiety that can come with impending auto repairs. A vehicle is one of the biggest investments we make and ensuring your vehicle is being cared for by a knowledgeable mechanic who will get you back on the road quickly and for a fair price is imperative.

The staff at Frank Nettles Automotive is thoroughly trained and ASE ( Automotive Service Excellence) certified to make your experience pain-free. Specializing in both foreign and domestic models, the team can assist with tune ups, brake service, fuel injection, electrical and air conditioning needs.

As a car owner, you’re probably use to the sounds your car makes, but what if you hear a strange new noise from your car? Is it safe to ignore that bang, clang, click or squeal?

Delaying a visit to the mechanic could make

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the problem worse—and more expensive to repair. Finding the right mechanic can save you a lot of headaches down the line, unfortunately, most people typically meet a mechanic once a problem already exists.

When searching for a mechanic, the team at Frank Nettles Automotive has a few tips to guide you through the process.

Get recommendations.

Ask for recommendations from friends and family.

The best way to find or get a referral on a mechanic is word of mouth.

Always perform preventative maintenance. The most effective way of protecting your investment is ensuring proper upkeep on your vehicle with routine tune ups. Don’t wait until there is a problem to meet your mechanic.

Take them for a test drive. Look for a mechanic before you need an urgent repair.

This gives you an opportunity to become familiar with the shop and the mechanics that

will be performing the work on your vehicle.

Ask questions. Ask as many questions as you need to feel secure with your auto shop.

Ask about credentials, experience, warranties, and customer service policies. Look for car repair shops that have Automotive Service Excellent (ASE) employees.

The bottom line is going to the mechanic shouldn’t be an anxiety-inducing experience and with the expert team at Frank Nettles Automotive, you and your car are in great hands.

Frank Nettles Automotive, ready and able to service all of your automotive needs. Located at 2009 Roselawn in Monroe, open Monday - Friday 8AM- 5PM. Reach us by phone at (318)-3237540.

Your Lounge Experience is Our Strength

Omertà Cigar Co. Offers a Superior Lounge Experience and an Unparalleled Selection

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NY CIGAR CONNOISSEUR CAN ATTEST, THE ACT OF smoking a cigar is an extensive multi-sensory experience, an art form if you will. Given the ideal environment, the act of smoking a cigar can provide moments of mindfulness, calm, and restoration. Cigar lounges were inherently created to provide a refuge for enthusiasts; for locals of Monroe, Omertà Cigar Co. takes center stage.

Beginning in Oklahoma City in 2015, Omertà Cigar Co. was founded by six cigar aficionados with a vision of providing other enthusiasts with a robust selection and superior lounge experience.

From that vision, the Omertà lifestyle emerged and has since spawned multiple cigar shops, a whiskey bar, and a cigar-friendly dive bar in the greater Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. In early 2021, the Omertà team expanded once more adding its first Louisiana location.

Continuing their mission of providing patrons with a one of a kind experience, the team at Omertà opened their doors in the former Governor’s lounge. Located in the historic garden district of downtown Monroe, Omertà Cigar Co. has embraced the classic 1910s exterior facade, all the while creating a modern-day oasis for members. Omertà’s location provides members an atmosphere that exudes a vintage ambiance that beckons visitors to sit and stay

awhile, creating a haven of sorts for cigar enthusiasts.

The Omertà lifestyle encourages community, solidarity, and appreciation for commonality among members. The team at Omertà supports the concept of community and encourages patrons to enjoy, unplugged. With the rising use of social media and technology, there is a substantial decrease in opportunities for connections, interactions, and the creation of shared experiences, cigar lounges, specifically Omertà aim to provide enthusiasts with this long forgotten practice.

The mantra at Omertà is “Your lounge experience is our strength,” a concept the team has readily embraced. In conjunction with providing a robust inventory, and a premier lounge environment, the team at Omertà frequently hosts events with exclusive product assortments so there is always something new to explore.

We invite you to stop in and experience the Omertà lifestyle.

Located at 1004 North 3rd Street in the historic Monroe garden district. Open Monday- Saturday 10-8 and Sunday 2- 8. Be sure to follow on social media and check-in frequently for the latest news and upcoming events. You can also shop online at http://www. purocigarhouse.com.

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ST ORY OF I N T E R N M E N T, E XC H A N G E A N D A L L E G I A N C E

AMERICAN BOY Wes Wesselhoeft’s life is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. His parents taught him pride in his country, and even when separated from American soil, he found his way back home and dedicated his life to protecting the place he holds dear

VIETNAM VETERAN Adolf “Wes” Wesselhoeft’s story began in America, though circumstances beyond his control provided Wes an intimate view of his country and the world. Born in 1936 Chicago to German immigrants, Adolf Wesselhoeft and Anna Charlotta Radtke, Wes was defined by his typical American neighborhood. An only child, Wes explored his surroundings on tricycles and bicycles and stayed closely acquainted with the other residents in the apartment building his parents managed. His father Adolf was originally a seaman from Hamburg, Germany. Curious about life in America, Adolf boarded one of the merchant ships for the States, originally landing in the Gulf region before making his way to New York.

Adolf had heard many Germans settling in the Chicago area, and to make a home in this unfamiliar place, he gravitated to The Windy City in search of familiar faces.

There Adolf met Anna Charlotta, originally from the area of Pommern, Germany along the Baltic Sea. She had come to America after her family was awarded visas. Along with managing the apartment building on Kenmore Avenue, Adolf served as a nightwatchman for the fancy jewelry shops in town. Wes doesn’t remember how much

his father slept, but considering his daytime and nighttime commitments, it couldn’t have been much. Wes fondly remembers the neighborhood near the beach. He describes his childhood before first grade as pleasant and safe. He realized the promise of American life early and couldn’t fathom the imminent complications because of his parents’ heritage and immigration status.

Wes began first grade in Chicago. He remembers walking to school, never fearing for his safety as the residents looked after one another, the village mentality in action.

Fascinated by airplanes, Wes even drew one next to his name in the school yearbook. He stood every morning in school and recited the Pledge of Allegiance with his class. In the afternoons, he frequented the corner drug store. Fond memories of Christmas displays in department stores resonate with Wes, along with zoo trips and train rides in the park. The family bought groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly, and Wes idolized Popeye the Sailor Man, no doubt a nod to his father’s nautical history. His mom Anna loved dancing and American music.

She would often copy lyrics to American songs in a notebook, perhaps a means of practicing the language. She kept a map of America on the wall and made sure Wes

A RT ICLE BY M ER EDI T H MCK I N N I E a nd P H O T O G R A P H Y BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU PROF I L E

THE AMERICAN DREAM

In 1958, after returning from Germany, Wes walked into the military recruiting station in Times Square. His fascination with planes had Wes’ heart set on joining the Air Force. His time served after that would take him around the globe before retiring in 1980.

knew all the states in the union. Wes’s parents never spoke their native German tongue in the home; they had become Americans and were raising an American son. Committed to manifesting the American dream, Wes and his parents dove into Americanized activities, hosting birthday celebrations and holiday festivities. Though it was the Depression era, Wes remembers life being full of happy times, a simple yet fulfilling existence.

That winter, when Wes was only six years old, his father was suddenly absent. Wes found out much later that his father had been interned at a prisoner of war camp in Wisconsin where he leveled forest for meager wages. That spring when his father returned, he brought huge packing trunks and insisted Wes and Anna pack what they wanted to keep. A few weeks prior during Adolf’s absence some very official looking men ransacked the Wesselhoeft’s apartment.

They dumped the contents of the drawers on the floor and searched through the closets. Anna was disturbed by the incident. Wes doesn’t really know how much his mother knew, but he could sense she was troubled during that time. After his return, his father stayed down the street in a beautiful house that to an outsider looked ideal and welcoming, but where the Germans were forced to remain away from their families. Later, along with armed guards, Adolf, Anna, and Wes were rounded up at night, put on a train with other German immigrants headed for Crystal City, Texas, 100 miles southwest of San Antonio. As the train traversed the track, Wes remembers the scenery started looking scarce, and the armed guards watched the German immigrants’ every move. Wes wasn’t afraid of men with guns because his father carried one as a night patroler. In his innocence, Wes thought the guards were there to protect them but did not know from what. He didn’t even know America was at war. He sensed these men and this situation was different. It was daylight

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when the train finally stopped in Crystal City.

Surrounded by an 8-foot barbed wire fence, the compound was littered with guard towers and more men with guns. Forced off the train, the travelers were loaded on flatbed trucks. Bungalows populated the area, and Wes and Anna stayed with another family while Adolf went in search of lodging for the family. Their new residence, like all the others, was only about 200 total square feet and had two beds, a wardrobe, an icebox, a table, and a couple of chairs. A bottle of milk was delivered every morning. The Wesselhoefts remained on the compound for a year, and Adolf worked alongside the volunteer fire department. Being from Chicago, Wes was unaccustomed to the scorpions, snakes, and large spiders in South Texas. Every month or so, Wes remembers his father moving out all the furniture and water-blasting the residence to rid the living space of critters.

After the compound filled up with Germans, the Japanese began to arrive. They were segregated in the encampment with the Germans having their own school separate from the Japanese school. Teachers were interned residents, and Wes, who finished the first grade in Chicago, was forced to repeat the grade again for the purpose of learning German. From March of 1943 to February of 1944, this compound was home to the Wesselhoefts, until again under the cover of night, the armed guards came to remove them.

Of the 800 or so Germans on site, more than half were rounded up with the Wesselhoefts, put on another train and eventually loaded onto a neutral Swedish ship headed for Lisbon, Portugal. Wes figured out his transport had to do with the war as he watched the destroyers circling the ship on the journey. Though it has never been confirmed in his studies of his experience, Wes believes he and the other Germans were traded for wounded American soldiers. The refugees immediately purchased warm clothes in preparation for

German winters that were unnecessary in South Texas. After a few days in Portugal, the Wesselhoefts were put back on a train and deposited into North Germany, a town called Saarbrucken. Adolf’s parents, Wes’ grandparents, lived on a farm in a Hamburg suburb, a retirement community of seafaring people. The area was covered in orchards with blossoming cherry, plum, pear, and apple trees. Wes grandparent’s home was only built for one couple, so it was tight living quarters during the war. The Germans did not recognize Wes’ completion of first grade on the compound and he was required to start over in Germany, making this his third time to attend first grade. The local store shelves were empty, as Hitler confiscated everything for the war effort. The Wesselhoefts bartered their fruit and beans from the garden. Though bartering was technically illegal, everyone was forced to break the law to survive. Wes would take the beans to the local bike shop for canning; then the goods were traded for other necessities.

Hamburg was consistently bombed on frequent raids throughout the war years. Wes heard planes flying overhead and witnessed men ejected from planes. In the daytime, the Americans bombers came, and at night, the planes were British. The constant bombardment of nearby Hamburg was just the way it was for the people in the suburbs. Wes would collect the chaff from American planes; he

learned how to be resourceful with what he found. The Wesselhoefts stayed on the outskirts of Hamburg until 1950, then relocated to Konstanz, a Swiss border town on the Rhine River untouched by the bombing raids. The German school system diverges when kids reach age 12. Exceptionally gifted students move onto Gymnasium, a curriculum dedicated to future doctors and lawyers and various other professions for the most intellectual learners. Wes remembers one other boy from his grammar school testing into Gymnasium with him. Wes chose to study modern languages and the sciences and was sent to the corresponding school. While Wes resided in Germany, he was still an American citizen, and the care packages that arrived from the States kept that reality at the forefront of his mind. The American Consulate told Wes when he finished school that as an American citizen, he could return to the States. So even with his elite education, Wes took a job digging ditches and carrying bricks to make quick money for passage back to America.

Wes landed in New York in 1958 with a small suitcase, his guitar, and $20. He stayed in a New York City hotel and was left with only $10. The room had one American radio, and Wes’s eyes lit up at the sight. Back in Germany, radio access was regulated, and Wes had mastered connecting and disconnecting his radio to listen to Elvis Presley, a comfort in the post-war years. The next day Wes walked

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AT WAR, AGAIN

In 1968, Wes was sent to Vietnam. His exposure to Agent Orange, used by the Americans to clear the dense vegetation in the area, resulted in three bouts with cancer. He lost his vision in his right eye and is legally blind, but that did not stop Wes from following his dream.

into the military recruiting station in Times Square. His fascination with planes had Wes’ heart set on joining the Air Force, but he was told the USAF wasn’t currently hiring. He filled out paperwork to join the Army and was sent to another station to deliver the papers.

After a confusing subway ride, and a lucky exit on the right street, Wes arrived at the new recruiting station, jumped in the Air Force line and quickly signed on for four years, crumbling the prior Army papers. He wanted to become a pilot and he wanted to go to Florida.

He thought the service was his best chance to do both.

Ironically, Wes was sent to San Antonio for basic training, only a hundred miles from Crystal City. He was then transferred to Kodak photography school in Denver. He wasn’t yet a pilot, but he was developing the pictures the pilots took in flight. Wes was then stationed in Japan working as a reconnaissance specialist at Yokota Air Force base. He developed pictures and made maps of China from the mission photographs. He joined the Flying Club in Japan and trained on Cessna airplanes, models 120 and 140. After two years, Wes still insisted he wanted to become a pilot, but was told the Air Force needed navigators. It seemed a step in the right direction and so Wes headed back to Texas, this time landing at Harlingen Air Force base. In Japan, Wes purchased a motorcycle and spent his leisure time soaking up the Japanese culture. It wasn’t completely foreign to him, having spent time with the Japanese back in Crystal City. At Harlingen, Wes was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.

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He applied again for pilot training but was told they needed people to work in electronic warfare. He was sent to Sacramento, California for training and finished as a distinguished graduate.

Wes hadn’t given up on pilot school or Florida, but in 1963, he was back to San Antonio for navigation and electronic warfare work. He flew all over the world for nuclear maintenance. In 1968, Wes was sent to Vietnam. His exposure to Agent Orange, used by the Americans to clear the dense vegetation in the area, resulted in three bouts with cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and more recently bladder cancer. He lost his vision completely in his right eye and is legally blind. For the past fifteen years, Wes has had the benefit of a seeing-eye dog. Blazer was his companion for seven years, and he now relies on Nealy, both black Labradors, and the breed suitable for Wes’s personality. The Agent Orange caused his spinal pressure to be four times the normal rate, and Wes has a control valve embedded in his skull. In 1969, Wes enrolled at the University of Missouri and completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in two years, graduating cum laude. He transferred to Wurtsmith Air Force base in Michigan and handled electronic warfare for B-52 bombers. During the Cold War, Wes and his fellow comrades helped keep the Russians in line, living in alert quarters, always near an airplane. In 1972, he was sent back to Vietnam for six months as a member of the 8th Air Force, the same unit that had bombed Hamburg years ago when he was a boy. Wes

retired from the military in 1980, and after the required one year off, immediately enrolled for civil service as an engineer, a position he held until 1991. He worked for the Department of Energy in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

His position as an engineer meant constantly moving up and down the Gulf Coast. He reconnected with his now-wife Shirley in 2002. The two had met previously at Harlingen Air Force base when they were both married to other people. Shirley and her then husband had given Wes a ride to church, and the two couples stayed in contact over the years. Shirley and her husband were stationed in Yokota, Japan after Wes had moved on. She found his name in a Yokota church directory and reached out to the Wesselhoefts. Wes was divorced by then, and Shirley was also single. Wes began calling Shirley regularly, and the more frequent phone calls turned into visits. Shirley and Wes married soon after.

In 2018, to mark the 75th anniversary of Wes’ internment at Crystal City, the couple set off to retrace his steps from decades before. They began with a Memorial Day celebration in Washington DC, then traveled to New York. They walked along Whitehall Street where Wes first enlisted in the Air Force, visited Governor’s Island, where his ship docked, and took a bus through Times Square. They visited the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio and wound their way toward Chicago. They walked along Kenmore Avenue where his parents managed the apartment building and where Wes biked as a child. They walked along the beach where Wes played and visited the house where his father was detained on Ellis Avenue. In May of 2019, the couple flew into Hamburg. They visited his grandparent’s old home and happened upon an apple festival, a nod to the orchards that nourished Wes as a child during the war. Within a few days of their return to the States, the Wesselhoefts were informed that Congressman Ralph Abraham would be telling Wes’s story on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. They had met the Congressman at a Chennault Museum event and shared Wes’s story. Wes and Shirley were seated on the House floor and listened intently to Dr. Abraham’s oration. The moving words and acknowledgment by Congressman Abraham in such a sacred space is one of tremendous pride and appreciation for the Wesselhoefts.

Wes Wesselhoeft’s life is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. His parents taught him pride in his country, and even when separated from American soil, he found his way back home and dedicated his life to protecting the place he holds dear.

The Wesselhoefts can be found most Saturday mornings at the Ruston Farmers Market where they sell the book Shirley wrote with Wes about his life. The book is called Wesselhoeft: Traded to the Enemy and provides more detail than this article will allow. Since his retirement, Wes has served as Grand Marshall of the Veteran’s Day Parade in Ruston. He was recognized by the 8th Air Force Command for his unique contributions to the unit. He attended a reunion of the 8th Air Force and met many of the men who flew over Hamburg years ago. In his 70s, Wes participated in tandem bicycle racing at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He was sponsored by the US Association of Blind Athletes, a division of the Olympic Committee. Wes has been featured at several speaking engagements, and he looks forward to continuing to tell his story. Veterans are the heartbeat of America, and sharing their stories reminds us all of the sacrifices made daily for our freedom.

For readers interested in purchasing Wesselhoeft: Traded to the Enemy or to book Wes for speaking engagements, Wes and Shirley can be contacted via the following: Book Title: Wesselhoeft: Traded to the Enemy Email: wes.shirley@hotmail.com Phone: 318-254-1166 Facebook: Wesselhoeft Traded to the Enemy WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JULY 2021 135

Expansion Is Underway

The Gardens at Georgia Tucker Phase II Opens This Fall

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

Many longtime residents have been part of this community since its opening in 2018, and they continue to enjoy each other’s company during activities, or just simply while visiting.

The open atrium area in the center of Phase I is the favorite gathering space that’s easily accessible from their apartments, and the onsite hair salon is probably the second most favorite place to be!

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

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events and activities can be viewed online at georgiatucker.com.

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

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

Once Phase II is completed, the complex will cover one entire city block, and will have

additional walkways and a peaceful courtyard for relaxing outdoors. Visitors and relatives are welcomed and encouraged to drop by for special companionship which is always appreciated.

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

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

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

Where Friends Meet Trio’s Dining in Monroe and Ruston

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OR OVER TWENTY YEARS, TRIO’S Dining on Forsythe Avenue in Monroe has provided guests with an exceptional dining experience offering sumptuous food, creative craft cocktails, relaxing ambience and an innovate menu. With the addition of the Ruston location, Trio’s has been able to expand their reach and provide the perfect recipe for an ideal destination for friends, family and even strangers to gather, meet and enjoy each other’s company.

Trio’s niche menu combines a special blend of Mediterranean and Southern meals.

Trio’s has something for the entire family: appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and desserts span the menu. Some of the most popular menu options include the Trio’s Hummus - a house-made hummus topped with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta cheese served with pita bread or vegetable crudite for a glutenfree option. If you’re a salad lover, you

don’t want to miss out on the Agean Shrimp Salad. This mouth-watering salad combines shredded lettuce topped with perfectly boiled Louisiana shrimp, eggs, purple onion and capers and tossed in the Trio’s house dressing.

Need a carb fix? The Trio’s Pasta is among the favorites on the menu. This sumptuous dish combines angel hair pasta, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, olives and bell peppers topped with Parmesan cheese. Sundays at Trio’s are the place to be. Try the steak and eggs and Banana Foster French toast, for the brunch enthusiast with a sweet tooth. Trio’s wide-range menu caters to the most picky eaters to the adventurous food enthusiasts.

While you’re at Trio’s make sure to try their new Specialty Cocktail list. They’ve added so many expertly crafted cocktails perfect for summer weather on the patio.

Both locations are prime spots to watch a game and hang out with friends. The Ruston location offers a beautiful patio equipped

with multiple TVs and fans to make your experience comfortable.

Hungry for the best but don’t want to dine in? Trio’s drive-thru, at the Monroe location, has everything you want when you want great food but are in a hurry or don’t want to get out. Call in and order your food and they will prepare and have it waiting for you when you arrive. Trio’s definitely tries to make your life fun, easy and convenient.

Trio’s is located at 2219 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe and 101 Pelican Boulevard in Ruston. Gather your crew and enjoy yourselves at one of the best places in Monroe and Ruston to meet and eat with friends.

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The Perfect Match

Harrison Paint Co. Is Your One-Stop Paint Shop

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AVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR a reason to add a little color to your life? Harrison Paint Co. can offer a little “primer” on why you should add color to your walls this season. Paint is one of the easiest and quickest ways to transform any space. Whether you want to turn your room into a serene sanctuary or a shade that will shine, the professionals at Harrison Paint will help direct you to the Benjamin Moore color best suited for your space.

Livability. Flexibility. Universality. These are just a few of the essentials that make a Benjamin Moore paint popular–and beloved.

No matter what your color preference is, Harrison Paint Co. has a match. While grey, beige, white and earth tones dominate bestseller lists, Benjamin Moore’s saturated hues pack a punch.

Looking for a beautiful warm tone?

Dorset Gold is a gorgeous, garden-fresh marigold paint that infuses any room with

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sumptuous color. Need a rich, deep color?

Kendall Charcoal is a luxurious paint that pops beautifully when combined with a crisp white room. As a versatile neutral, it also works well with most color schemes.

Crazy about pink? Proposal imbues sugar softness. This sweet, romantic shade of soft pink, evoking thoughts of bridal veils, rose petals and silk organza is a perfect way to add interest to any room.

Still unsure of what color to choose, contact the professionals at Harrison Paint Co. This one-stop-shop has been serving the ArkLaTex since 1950. As a minority-owned small business, Harrison Paint Co. can help with all of your paint, coatings, stain, stucco and sundries needs. They are proud to be a Graco Facility Trained Service Center with 2 certified repair technicians. Industry specific education and training is a priority as evidenced by the MPI Level 1 Architectural Coating Technologists and NACE Level

3 Certified Coating Inspector. You can purchase a color sample of any of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500+ paint colors at Harrison Paint Co. There’s no better way to find the perfect paint than by brushing it on before you buy.

With multiple locations to serve you, Harrison Paint is conveniently located at 1900 Cypress Street in West Monroe. They also have locations in Bossier City and Shreveport. For more information, call them at (318) 812-0932 or visit their website harrisonpaintco.com

Gleaux Girl Cosmetics Local Entrepreneur Creates Cosmetic Line

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UMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE SO THAT MEANS SHORTS, swimsuits and tanktops! But if you have spent that last year cooped up and your skin could use some color, Gleaux Girl is your answer.

Gleaux Girl offers an all natural sunless tanner that is locally made by Whitney Forsse. Whitney isn’t a scientist by trade but she is a nurse and a busy mom, so those two things carry their own set of credentials.

“Gleaux Girl came to be just like any other product or invention - to find a solution to a problem,” explains Whitney. “I wanted my skin to look healthy and glowing but I didn’t want to lay in a tanning bed or in the sun. I didn’t want to worry about damaging my skin while trying to get a tan.” Whitney tried different versions of sunless tanning options but ultimately, still wasn’t satisfied. Not only did they leave her feeling streaky with uneven color, they stunk…literally! “Anyone who has ever used self tanner knows that distinct smell that they have and it is not good!” Whitney laughs.

So Whitney got to work. She began researching common ingredients that were in self tanners already on the market. As a former nurse, she had the chemistry and science background. Paired with her insatiable thirst for knowledge and passion for research, Whitney had everything she needed to create a better product. She read labels and figured what each ingredient meant and what it did. She began formulating her own product and after playing with different ingredients and tweaking the percentages, she tested it out. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could do it,” said Whitney. “I put it on my forearm, and just like many busy moms, headed to Chick-Fil-A with my kids to grab lunch. While I was in line, I noticed it started to develop. I came home and tested it on my guiena pig subject, my husband, and it worked on him too. So I sent some samples to my friends and family and they loved it!”

Whitney planned on just creating enough product for herself but suddenly, her friends were requesting it and encouraging her to sell it.

Whitney still wasn’t quite sure how big this new venture could be and planned on selling enough just to cover her costs. However, she had a glow up! “At the time, my husband was working a pipeline job and we were all living in Corpus Christi, Texas,” said Whitney. Her orders were increasing and her businesses was growing exponentially. She was receiving orders from more than just friends and family. They were coming in daily via Facebook and she knew it was more than their current situation could handle. So, in December of 2020, Whitney, her husband and two kids packed up and moved back to their hometown of Pioneer.

Since then, Gleaux Girl has continued to grow. Not only is Gleaux Girl available online, but you can find it at local retail locations like Annor’s and J. Marie in Monroe and The Depot Marketplace in Delhi, just to name a few. Whitney has also expanded to include skin care products. Gleaux Girl Cosmetics includes Lift, an anti-aging and anti-cellulite cream, and Restore, a spray that includes Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and aloe vera that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.

Everyone who tries Gleaux Girl loves it so its no wonder it is the winner of the 2021 Bayou Buzz category in sunless tanning! It is a thick lotion so it goes on smoothly, allowing the product to distribute evenly, without being greasy. One thing you won’t notice is the smell! “Gleaux Girl is all natural and doesn’t have any synthetic ingredients in it,” said Whitney. “There is nothing fake in it so it doesn’t have that fake smell.”

Each application lasts around 4 to 5 days, depending on your skin and a bottle can last anywhere from three to six months. “I’m proud to have this product created right here in North Louisiana and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds,” said Whitney. “I want everyone to be gleauxing!”

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Hygiene

BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

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areas of healthcare including ICU, surgery, and ygiene is the practice of home health. She has been able to serve and maintaining health and work in many different states and received her preventing disease through licensing in many states. During her 22 years in cleanliness. Healthy hygiene nursing, she has been able to explore different practices can be a touchy types of nursing settings, including travel subject with your pre-teen and teen children. nursing and contract nursing.

As they grow, their bodies are maturing faster than their She is currently working as a Reproductive Health Instructor grooming practices. As parents, we want to offer support, while with The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana making it clear that personal hygiene is their responsibility. teaching a variety of health As they begin to experience topics to students in Northeast Louisiana. puberty or some of the changes that happen when their bodies change from a child to a young Q: What does it mean for my adult, these changes typically teen to have good hygiene?

A: Good hygiene is begin around the ages of 10 and 14. While some may start earlier achieved through a few simple PAIGE SMITH tasks. Washing hands often, and some begin later, everyone eventually will go through it! bathing with soap, properly brushing their teeth, wearing clean clothes, Forming these healthy habits are important for and using anti-perspirant daily are a few your teen’s physical, mental, and emotional examples. Teaching your child to take special health.

Paige Smith has a Bachelors of Arts in care in doing these things is the first step in Psychology and Sociology and a Bachelors of them learning to be responsible for their overall, general health.

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Q: How does my child going through puberty affect their hygiene practices?

Everybody goes through puberty at their own pace. Hormones, the body’s chemical signals, tells their body to begin changing.

Some people may experience a growth spurt sooner than others, while other teens may get a deeper voice later than others. Their bodies will go through puberty at the exact right time for them, and there is no way to speed it up or slow it down. It is important to know that their hygiene will begin to change as they begin to start puberty. As your child is going through puberty, it is important to understand some ways in which their bodies are changing.

Hormones may be causing their skin and scalp to become oily, producing acne and the appearance of greasy hair, and body hair in general. Their sweat glands are becoming more active and are now causing strong odors under their arms. Their feet and groin will also begin to have noticeable odors. With a little encouragement and guidance, your pre-teen and teen can navigate the hurdles of good hygiene practices.

Q: What can my teen do daily to practice good hygiene?

A: Teach your child the “head-to-toes” of hygiene. Hair should be washed with shampoo, massaging it into the scalp. Remember, this is where the oil is being produced, so clean hair begins with a clean scalp.

How often hair is washed is based on hair type and personal choice.

A gentle facial soap used daily can help with oily skin that is common for teens.

Encourage them never to pick at their skin, as the oils on their fingers can worsen a breakout, and possibly cause scarring. Oral care is an important part to good hygiene. Teeth, including the tongue, should be brushed after each meal, but at least twice daily. While it may not be realistic to think our teens are going to take a toothbrush to school, we can encourage them to drink water with their meals and rinse their mouth after eating. It is very important for them to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Bathing daily and after sports practices, with soap, is a must. This is the first step in preventing body odor. Don’t forget the feet and wash between the toes. Provide them with clean dry socks to keep in their athletic bag to change into after sports practice. Teach them to read the label and make sure they are using a deodorant with anti-perspirant to help stop the odor causing sweat. Clean clothes and undergarments, changed daily, are also part of practicing good hygiene.

“With a little encouragement and guidance, your preteen and teen can navigate the hurdles of good hygiene practices.”

Q: What are the effects of good hygiene practices?

A: Good hygiene practices lead to better mental and physical health.

Mentally, being odor free leads to greater social acceptance and higher self-confidence and self-esteem. Physical benefits include a lower risk of illnesses spread through bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Q: How will I know if my child is practicing good hygiene?

A: Good hygiene practices are easily identified through your teen’s appearance. Clean hair, skin, hands, teeth, and clothes are a good measure for how well they are following through. Good overall, general health is also an indicator of their personal hygiene habits. Good hygiene is a learned skill. Encouragement and support is the best way for these practices to become habits.

RESOURCES Amaze (https://amaze.org/) is a free

website dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families. They work to provide the ability to support children when they need it the most. There is information provided for parents, children, and educators to help improve the lives of children and families. AMAZE also strives to assist adults-parents, guardians, educators and other providers- to communicate effectively and honestly with their children and adolescents in their lives.

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 the abstinence-plus program Rights, Respect and Responsibility. Call Jan at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition.org to learn more about how you can get these programs at your child’s school.

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Friday Ellis

Voted Favorite Public Official

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HANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR VOTING FOR ME as your Bayou Buzz Best Public Official Award winner. I am humbled. It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Monroe. When I took office, I knew I would be working for the people, but I never expected I’d get to know so many of you. On Fridays, I go out and visit people who have called my office with issues or complaints to see what I can do to help solve problems. This is my favorite part of serving as mayor of Monroe.

When the citizens of Monroe elected me last July, they were voting for progress. And since I took office, my administration and I have hit the ground running.

One of the tasks I am most proud of is the City’s new brand.

Before, there were different logos floating around and if there’s one thing big business has taught us, it is that branding is important. Now, we have a brand that belongs to the people.

When I took office, we compiled and met with transition teams made up of community members who helped us find areas of focus that residents cared most about. Those areas are crime, economic development, infrastructure, workforce, healthcare, and quality of life. One thing we learned was that quality of life is directly related to all the other areas.

In October, I hired Chief Vic Zordan as our Chief of Police. Chief Zordan has decades of law enforcement experience; he was also a member of the DEA. He brings that experience to the streets of Monroe. The City has seen a reduction in violent crime month after month and MPD has initiated several community-centered programs, including the Citizens Academy and Monroe Police Aspiring Change.

We’ve been working to make Monroe a business-friendly city. That includes streamlining processes with new programs like MYGOV. com and 311. We are also “going fishing,” looking for new industry and businesses to bring to Monroe and the surrounding regions.

For Monroe to be successful, we must build, and support, a cultural economy as well.

A lot of time and attention has been spent on improving our infrastructure. We have several capital outlay projects that we are lobbying our legislators and governor to fight for and fund. We’re also looking forward to the $46 million dollar expansion for our water plant.

I am immensely proud Monroe is home to three colleges. In order to have a successful and productive workforce, we must have the institutions that train them and we have that in the City of Monroe.

We recently revealed 300 ULM/LDCC flags that are being installed across the city. This is a physical representation of the relationships my administration is committed to forging with both ULM and LDCC. But, there is so much more work to do. We’re working on bringing a marina to the Ouachita River, an addition that would designate us as a riverfront community. It’s another reason for people to visit and spend their dollars here.

I want to thank the City of Monroe employees for standing beside me and helping me wade through the last year.

And thank you so much to the citizens who took a chance on a cigar shop owner who had zero experience in politics. It’s you I work so hard for.

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More Than Skin Deep

Beauty & Skin Studio Offers a Spa Experience

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SELF-CARE IS GIVING THE WORLD THE BEST OF YOU instead of what’s left of you.”

Given the events of the last year, most everyone can attest to the benefits and importance of self-care. Whether it’s drawing a warm bath for yourself or enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, it is more important now than ever before to take time for yourself.

It is a proven fact, we are less capable of handling the stresses that come our way when we’re depleted, whether that be by physical or emotional exhaustion. We tend to be more resilient and prepared to handle the stresses of life when we feel our best both physically and emotionally. Pampering yourself helps to revitalize you both inside and out.

Brittany Dye and Brittney Sullivan, the team behind Beauty & Skin Studio, understood the need for self-care and after a step in faith, Beauty & Skin Studio began. Although they share a first name, Brittney Sullivan and Brittany Dye are essentially yin and yang, one quiet and reserved, whereas the other is outgoing and talkative. Their differences, however, combine to create a dynamic team, that bring out the best in one another.

Eager to create a place where people could feel comfortable and get the pampering they deserve, the team set out to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that allows clients the opportunity decompress and step away from the stresses of life for a minute.

From an outsider’s perspective, it would appear their business focuses on creating beauty from the outside, but according to them, more often than not, the work they do on the outside transforms the inside. The phrase “beauty is only skin deep” truly resonates within the studio. While their services are esthetic in nature, often they serve a greater purpose, by helping clients gain confidence and self esteem.

The team at Beauty & Skin Studio specializes in:

• Facials

• HydraSkin Facial • Microdermabrasion

• Spray Tans

• Lash Lift, Tint, and Extensions

• Brow Services

• Needleless Facial Filler

• Waxing services

• Make-up services

• Event and Special Occasion Make-Up

Here’s what their customers have to say about them:

“I had an incredible facial experience with Brittney. She is so great at what she does and has extensive knowledge in the skin care world to help guide you in your home care routine. I would 100% recommend and will definitely be seeing her again!” Tiffani T.

We all know it is impossible to pour from an empty cup, so take time, stop in to restore yourself. The team at Beauty & Skin Studio is located at 409 North 7th Street Suite #2 in West Monroe. Visit their website and schedule an appointment at beautyskinstudio.setmore. com.

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Bayou Buzzworthy Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center sponsored the 3rd annual Community Health and Wellness Expo (CHWE) on June 5th at the Monroe Civic Center. Participants were provided health and wellness education as well as health screenings in addition to yoga and Zumba classes. Healthy Blue was also on hand to offer and administer COVID-19 vaccinations as well!

On Monday June 14th, injury attorney Gordon McKernan and his new Monroe team hosted their grand opening of their new location located on 2700 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe. This exciting day was complete with local friends and delicious snow cones provided by Eskamoes Frozen Custard and more.

Buff City Soap has opened a new location right here in our very own Ruston, Louisiana. They make products that are free of harsh ingredients and full of nourishing plant-based goodness. Buff City Soap takes tremendous pride in handcrafting each product in their Soap Makery. Located on 1101 North Service Rd E in Ruston!

The Miss Louisiana Competition was recently held at the Monroe Civic Center’s W.L. Jack Howard Theater with 30 of our states most beautiful, talented and intelligent young ladies competing for over $60,000 and the coveted title of Miss Louisiana. Taking home the crown was Kinder native and recent University of Louisiana summa cum laude graduate, Julia Claire Williams, Miss Heart of Pilot.

2021 Winter Cup all-around champion Ella Kate Parker recently competed in the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championship. Her outstanding performance earned her place to stay on the Junior National Team.

Congrats, Ella Kate!

photo by Steven Palowsky

Clay Weems is the definition of persistance.

He recently qualified for the USGA/senior PGA major championship event. Nearly 3,000 players from around the world annually vie for a place in the championship, with 156 comprising the starting field, and only one emerging as champion. We’ll be cheering for Clay as he competes for the coveted Francis D. Ouimet Trophy on July 8-11th.

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Create Your Perfect Space Crafted by West Ouachita Cabinets

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F YOU’RE A FAN OF HGTV’S “HOME TOWN” WITH Ben and Erin Napier, then you know the popularity of custom cabinetry. From kitchens to bathrooms, mudrooms to showrooms, custom cabinets provide style and function for any space. When you choose custom cabinets, you have endless options for wood, style, finish, and hardware so that you can create cabinets that are ideally suited to your taste and specific space.

Custom cabinets are works-of-art made with an all wood box and are made-to-order by hand, compared to the man-made wood and assembly line manufacturing of stock and semi-custom cabinets.

Craftsmen add quality touches to custom cabinetry by fashioning drawer slides that are built to last and by fitting pieces together using dovetailed joints, dowels instead of short-lived glues and nails. There are also infinite alterations to fit your aesthetic and lifestyle. There’s no standard way of building cabinets. Color, stye, embellishments etc. are all endless. You have the power and creativity to choose the perfect aesthetic “look” you are looking for without any limitations.

Another plus is you can make the most of the space you have. If you need more storage, your maker can customize that specifically to your needs. By using a custom cabinet maker, you get to personally connect and let them get a feel of what you are trying to achieve. Many kitchens have less cabinetry than they technically have room for. This is because stock cabinets are made in certain sizes to fit the “average” kitchen. That would be great but kitchens come in all shapes and sizes and need different size, shape cabinetry to go with its unique space.

A perk of custom cabinets is that you can order any size you want.

Extra tall cabinetry or nifty little cabinets for snug spaces prevent any wasted areas, giving you all of the storage you need and then some.

Steve Sturdivant at West Ouachita Cabinets has years of experience and has even built cabinets for country music star Dylan Scott and his family. Steve is very passionate about creating his clients’ dream living space. When it comes to cabinets and storage, it can really change the whole aesthetic of a room and he takes great pride in himself and in his work.

If you are in the market for great custom cabinets, contact Steve and his team today at 318-235-7596 today and start creating your dream space in your home.

West Ouachita Cabinets 109 Jacki Drive West Monroe, La Find us on Facebook!

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MONTY RUSSELL At 57, Monty Russell has developed a signature look fitting for a guitarist who plays country, gospel, and bluegrass. He often elects to wearing denim on denim, a Stetson Open Road 10x Straw Cowboy Hat, and black boots to finish it off. As a spirited man and an even livelier musician, Monty has collected as many experiences on the road as he has gigging throughout Northeast Louisiana.

One of the songs Monty is currently working on has the line, “I could have been a doctor or a lawyer, but then he handed me this guitar.” That sentiment encompasses the role that music has played in his life. And, though he has toured expansively, at this point in his career he has learned that an affinity for one’s home is just as important as growing through travel.

VA N EL I S R I V ER A

ANDREW BAILEY

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is grandfather, a self-taught piano player, showed Monty the musical ropes when he was just eight years old. “He taught me how to take a flat top [guitar] and lay it out and he tuned it to an open G,” recalls Monty. “And he gave me a buck knife, and I moved that buck knife across the tops of the guitar making open chords.” The first time he played on stage was in Spencer, Louisiana at a jamboree that would take place every Saturday night. Monty stood right beside his grandfather, still a boy of eight, holding his guitar. From that point forward he began playing gospel quartets at church, with bluegrass and country bands, and eventually high school rock bands. But, when he got married and had kids, Monty decided to take a job as a police officer at the Ruston Police Department. Though he continued playing, it wasn’t as consistent as he would have liked. “When you work for the PD, they kind of frown on you playing bars and things where you mostly get paid, but I still played a lot of church, a lot of fairs, and festivals,” he explains. By the time he turned thirty, he had worked ten years as an officer and expended that fun, coming to the realization that his real passion was playing music. “So I started playing all the time.” He booked venues, toured festivals, and got radio play. “It was a really good period,” he says. At forty years old, Monty retired from the police department and continued with the concert business as a talent buyer at places like Rabb’s Steakhouse and festivals, in addition to touring. “Finding the balance of the right acts for venues was difficult,” he says. Though he consistently plays his original music during his sets, he has managed to balance that with the usual anticipated covers. His experiences playing for others has also enlightened him to the generational gap within genres like rock and roll. “It’s surprising to me how many people say ‘I want to rock, man.’ That might mean four different types of rock.” He laughs, adding, “That became a job, just trying to balance what made money versus still trying to throw artists that we really like too.”

While Monty draws inspiration from a few Americana greats, he names his grandfather Leon Russell as the most influential artist in his life. Though his grandfather had put his juke joint days behind him by the time Monty started to play with him, he was still flooded with stories of when Leon would play from six to ten o’clock on a Friday at a white country barn dance, and head to a Black juke joint at midnight and play until the sun came up.

“He just loved playing music and he was known around the region for being a musician.” Other home-grown idols for Monty include Kenny Bill Stinson, who played a range of roots music like blues, rock and roll, country, and rockabilly. “He’s only a little bit older, but he’d already been off and played, you know, around the world, and I saw him one time at Railroad Park, and I’m going like, holy cow, that guy’s from here, you know. He lives here and plays this world-class music. I scooped up any chance I could to play with him.”

Monty considers himself fortunate to frequently play with local musicians like General Keith Patterson. Even then, he doesn’t downplay sharing the stage with household names like Willie Nelson and Charlie Daniels. “I’ve played with so many great people, I take a lot away from them,” laughs Monty.

As a young musician, the guitarist believed success meant moving to Nashville or Los Angeles. He was itching to just “go somewhere.” He recalls that “back in the 90s, if you weren’t Garth Brooks, you weren’t making it.”

But, when he started traveling to Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas, he met guys “putting out some very artistic stuff,” and, in his book, “making a big living.” Friends of his have managed to sell about two to three thousand tickets a night in Texas. Some ventures to Nashville landed him in Billy Block’s Western Beat, a live concert-format radio show. There he started to fall in with the “Americana folks,” and Monty began to feel like he belonged.

“It was a good feeling to walk in or open a show for somebody like Dwight Yoakam,” he says. Once, he and General Patterson opened for the band Blues Traveler and were concerned the crowd wasn’t going to vibe with their set, even though the band had specifically requested them for the gig. “We went out there, rowdy, two-piece, and the next thing you know, John Popper is on stage with us, playing harmonica,” reveals Monty, adding, “And then, he’s calling us every time he comes to the South to be his opening act.” Things were coming together for Monty and around 2008 he started producing some 148 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

By the time he turned thirty, he had worked ten years as an officer and expended that fun, coming to the realization that his real passion was playing music. “So I started playing all the time.”

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records, for himself and other artists. Currently, he produces close to twenty artists. “They’re all younger than me.

Everybody’s younger than me now,” he chuckles.

Monty’s songwriting skills are notable. His dedication to the craft intensified a few years ago when he realized his writing had been growing “stale.”

As a result, he obtained a master’s degree in English from Louisiana Tech University. “There’s nothing like being forced to read a novel a week to inspire you,” he says. Normally, Monty gleans the material for his songs from conversations, so he jokingly warns people to be careful what they say around him. His collaborations with other artists has accelerated his productivity, to the point that he is able to write seven to eight songs with one of his peers before even heading to the studio.

Instinctively, Monty gravitates toward the distinct music of Louisiana and blends it with influences from Texas-based singer/songwriters like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. “You couldn’t define Gatemouth Brown,” says Monty. Brown was known for being a pluralistic artist that would incorporate big orchestra swing and blues songs in the same set. Thus far, Monty has released four albums including Fat Man (2018) and The Fool (2006) and has a few projects in the works, like a full gospel album once he

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has at least twelve original songs. As a grandfather to five grandbabies and another on the way, he hopes to dabble in a record of children’s lullabies. Keeping the attitude that time is on his side, Monty is also in the process of completing a musical he originally wrote as his Master’s thesis. “I’m just trying to catch up from the pandemic. We had a lot of production projects when the pandemic hit. We’re just

trying to catch up.”

“If I’m not playing music, I’m reading about music, and trying to teach.” He takes that attitude on the road, especially with the young guys. “They probably get sick of it.” He considers it important as a musician to understand what the music you play is built on. “It didn’t just happen. It happened from blues guys in the 20s. It happened from spirituals and juke joints, you know, and sides of the road. Truck parades in New Orleans,” he asserts. Considering himself part of a line of “musicologists” that relish digging up stories and visiting landmarks of music history, Monty doesn’t have starry eyes. Instead, he is grounded in the undercurrent of what makes American music thrive, and for him, that has always been close to the Delta among the winding bayous that saturate southern earth.

Follow Monty Russell on Facebook and listen to his music on his Youtube page and on Spotify

ULM Student Studies LA’s Diminishing Chenier Forests Nautica Jones Connecting Climate Change and Chenier Forests

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NIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE BIOLOGY MAJOR Nautica Jones loves Louisiana’s semi-tropical climate and its variety of ecosystems, from the marshes at the Gulf of Mexico to the pine-covered hills in the northern region of the state.

Jones’ interrelated interests in climate change and nature led her to write a research grant proposal to study one of Louisiana’s threatened terrains, the chenier forests. Cheniers (French, chene meaning oak, [shin’-yay]) are coastal live-oak forest communities that were historically expansive. These unique forested ecosystems are now reduced to remnant patches.

Jones’ “Reassessment of vegetation diversity in a relic Louisiana Chenier” was accepted by the Garden Club of America and funded with a $3,000 grant. Working with her research mentor, ULM Professor of Biology Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Ph.D., Jones is investigating the effects of climate change and invasive species on the remaining chenier forests of southern Louisiana.

Jones’ interest in the impact of climate change on plant communities came after witnessing the disproportionate effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in minority areas – before and after the devastating storms.

“Plant communities are our greatest allies in the climate crisis,” said Jones, “however, access to green spaces and the resources necessary for their management are not equitably distributed, forming a barrier to the equitable adaptation of all humans to climate change.” The cheniers

are also heritage sites for the Atakapa Native American people of Louisiana. Archaeological finds from the cheniers have been important in documenting the tribe’s history, according to Jones. Ecologically, these forests play a key role in preventing coastal erosion and act as barriers to hurricanes. Jones hopes that her research findings can help develop effective management plans to conserve the cheniers and contribute to the solution set for human climate change adaptation. “Nautica has been working in my lab for about a year now, and this project has been in development since then. We plan on using a combination of multispectral imagery obtained by UAVs, drones, and vegetation data collected onground for this project,” Bhattacharjee said.

Jones accepted an internship at the Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology. She is working on forest carbon sequestration.

Jones will use time-lapse digital photography to study how forests in the northeastern United States combat climate change. Jones’ internship opportunity is in line with the research Bhattacharjee’s lab is undertaking at ULM.

“I would like to compare data collected at the Harvard experimental forest with the data collected at the ULM carbon tower in Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area, as a part of a separate project. I hope that my work and presence in the scientific community will inspire children, especially girls, of color to pursue careers in avenues where they may not have been able to see themselves before,” said Jones.

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St. Francis Medical Center

Earns Initial Accreditation for Graduate Medical Education Program

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T. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER has earned initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for its new graduate medical education (GME) program to help attract, train and retain physicians in Northeast Louisiana.

ACGME is an independent organization that sets and monitors the professional educational standards for preparing physicians to deliver safe, high-quality medical care to all Americans. St. Francis received the initial accreditation to become a sponsoring institution for GME.

“Offering graduate medical education at St. Francis Medical Center is a significant milestone for both the hospital and Northeast Louisiana,” said Chief Medical Officer Thomas Gullatt, MD, who serves as the hospital’s designated institutional official to ACGME. “We appreciate the dedication of the team that has been working to ensure our program meets ACGME standards. We will focus on

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providing innovative training and experience for medical residents while continuing the provision of high-quality care for patients in our community.”

With ACGME accreditation, St. Francis can begin pursuing a 36-month internal medicine residency program. Once approved, St. Francis will participate in the National Resident Matching Program, also known as The Match. The Match is an independent organization that provides an orderly and fair mechanism for matching the preferences of applicants for U.S. residency positions with the preferences of residency program directors.

The pursuit of offering a GME program at St. Francis has been in partnership with the local medical school, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), whose mission is to prepare community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations.

Research shows that physicians tend to stay and practice medicine where they train,

which is why having a GME program is a critical opportunity to bring the brightest and most talented doctors to Monroe, Louisiana. The St. Francis GME Program will also positively impact the quality of life in the entire region through economic and workforce development and improved access to healthcare.

ABOUT ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER

St. Francis Medical Center is a not-forprofit 324-bed medical center in Monroe, Louisiana with more than 1,800 team members committed to caring for those we serve. With an acute-care hospital, freestanding outpatient center, 19 outpatient clinics and nearly 350 physician partners, St. Francis Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services for a variety of medical and surgical specialties.

St. Francis offers Northeast Louisiana’s only Level 3 NICU, Level 3 OB, and Level 2 PICU services. St. Francis Medical Center leads the region in heart and vascular services, critical care, and complex and minimally invasive surgical procedures. The hospital offers an Accredited Chest Pain Center and Centers of Excellence in the areas of obstetrics, bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive gynecology, and breast health. For more information visit stfran.com.

City of West Monroe

Received State Cleanest City Award on Friday, June 18th

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HE PUBLIC WAS invited to attend an awards presentation on Friday, June 18th at West Monroe City Hall as the City of West Monroe was presented with an award for being named a State Cleanest City Contest winner.

The City of West Monroe learned earlier in June it had been named the winner of the State Cleanest City Contest in its population category. The contest is sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation.

An awards presentation took place on Friday, June 18th at 11 a.m. at West Monroe City Hall. The public was invited to attend.

This is the first time the City of West Monroe has ever won the State Cleanest City Contest award. West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell credited the volunteer efforts of the West Monroe community as well as the hard work of the

City of West Monroe employees for helping West Monroe win this prestigious title.

“We have a beautiful community, but the City of West Monroe would not have won this title without the tireless efforts of City employees and community volunteers including the City’s Beautification Crew, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department, Code Enforcement and Keep West Monroe Beautiful,” said West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell.

“I hope this encourages all residents, businesses and visitors to continue to remain diligent about keeping our community clean and litter free. Together, we can take West Monroe to the next level!”

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Louisiana Main Street

Offers Main Street Restoration Grant Opportunity To West Monroe

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EST MONROE MAIN STREET is soliciting Main Street Restoration Grant applications from downtown commercial building and/or business owners.

The Louisiana Main Street program is able to offer grant awards for building rehabilitations in the West Monroe historic downtown district ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Grants are available for either interior or exterior rehabilitation and require a 50/50 match. The application deadline is Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Applications received from downtown West Monroe building owners and/or business owners will compete statewide for funding with other Main Street communities. To be eligible for Main Street Restoration Grant funds, a building must be located within the Cotton Port Historic District, be at least 50 years old, and be used for commercial purposes. In addition, the proposed work must be approved by the City of West Monroe Historic Preservation Commission and the Louisiana Main Street office, while also conforming to the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Construction estimates and sketches of the proposed changes are required.

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City of West Monroe Main Street Director Adrienne LaFrance-Wells hopes the grant opportunity will encourage property owners and merchants to make improvements to their historic buildings.

“When our downtown buildings are rehabilitated and utilized to their fullest potential, that means more commerce opportunities, jobs, and an overall enhanced downtown experience for our community.

This is just one more incentive provided by the Louisiana Main Street Program to help leverage our revitalization efforts in downtown.”

Applications and more information are available by contacting West Monroe Main Street Director, Adrienne LaFrance-Wells, by email at alafrance@westmonroe.la.gov or by phone at (318) 381-7246.

The Wellspring offers Play Therapy

Counseling and Family Development Center Works with Your Children

BY TAMI HELFIN, LPC-S, REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST

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S A PARENT, YOU MIGHT BE considering counseling for your child. Children experience a range of emotions and behaviors that at times may be overwhelming to them and to you. Children may act out these emotions resulting in aggression or the opposite, withdrawal. They may become fearful of things or situations that were not bothersome before. Play Therapy may be the right modality for your child.

Registered Play Therapists at Counseling & Family Development Center work to meet children where they are. Verbalizing feelings and thoughts can be difficult for children.

Within the trusting and accepting counseling relationship, therapists use various expressive techniques, including play therapy, to facilitate communication and understanding with young clients. Play is not only how younger children communicate, it is how they solve problems.

Often children come to counseling having exhausted their own problem-solving tools.

Play therapy builds on the natural way children communicate and interact with others and the world around them. Through play therapy, children learn to express feelings, modify behaviors, develop more effective problem-solving skills and experience alternative ways of relating. The effectiveness of play therapy has been demonstrated for children whose problems are related to usual life stressors such as divorce, grief, peer relationships, as well as the impact of trauma and abuse. Play therapy can also be used to address the uncertainty that children may face in post-pandemic situations. Through play therapy, problems can be safely confronted and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered and become lifelong strategies.

The play therapist may use toys, art supplies, card games, therapeutic board games, sand trays, music or movement as the tools in sessions. However, the primary strategy that the therapist employs while using these tools is a

strong alliance with the child which is critical to processing thoughts and feelings, healing and ultimately improving and changing behaviors.

The relationship between therapist and child is the glue. If the therapist actually builds that alliance with the child, there is a good chance he or she will be able to help the child with their struggles. Parents can also engage in the process with their child and learn to use similar techniques with them at home to help strengthen the bond and attachment between parent and child that is sometimes fractured due trauma, loss or other circumstances.

Play therapy is practiced widely throughout the country and can be utilized with children ages 3-12, and also for adolescents if the therapist is skilled in working with teens already. For more information about how your child might benefit from play therapy, call the Counseling & Family Development Center with The Wellspring at (318) 323-1505.

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COMPTON FARMS p h o to g r a p h y b y K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K a r t i c l e b y VA N E L I S R I V E R A

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road of packed earth and gravel met the wheels of my subcompact as I neared Compton Farms. The winding path, damp from the week’s downpour, was a turn from the paved side streets of the homely neighborhood generously tucked away from the wailing commotion of Arkansas Road. I knew I wasn’t lost because of a circular, hand-painted sign read “Compton Farms,” featuring a tractor rolling over grass. An Old Flatbed International K5 truck joined the area’s welcoming committee, artistically repainted with blush pink, forest green, and marigold yellow flora, and yellow and white Lantana and grasses from Sammy’s Plant World lined the cargo bed. A makeshift scarecrow named Chester Copperpot styling a straw hat, orange bandana, tornup jeans, and Compton Farms’ shirt leans on the driver’s door.

The whimsy extended down the road as wildflowers sprouted randomly, reminiscent of that Dolly Parton song, “Wildflowers don’t care where they grow…” But, the true majesty of the place, besides the rich land and its domesticated occupants, is the deep river blue modern barn house whose cupola and chicken weathervane tower their watchful eyes over the farmstead. The whole place feels like a dream, which is how it began.

“Heck,” informs Brent with a frank tone, “I spent my summers digging taters and shooting, you know, with my grandfather.” Aiming to pass along a healthy work ethic and appreciation for growing to their children, the Comptons decided to use some cleaned-off property to begin planting.

“It was pumpkins the first go around,” says Brent, later adding cantaloupes and watermelons. One row swiftly became twenty-eight, covering close to one hundred yards.

The boy quickly took a liking to the outdoors, working the land shirtless like his father, sporting rubber boots and shorts. Soon enough, they had enough yield to sell their pumpkins at the Monroe Farmers’ Market. “Kids loaded the pumpkins, they cut the pumpkins off the vine, they helped me load them in the trailer. They helped customers pick out a pumpkin. They’d tell them all about it,” beams Brent, proud to have taught his children life lessons through the process of growing and selling a product. Around that same time, Lissy’s father fell ill. The unimaginable loss forced them to evaluate what was truly important to them. “We got to thinking a lot harder about healthy living and sustainability

and not really being dependent on people and stuff,” says Brent, adding, “I could care less about ever being wealthy.

My opinion on being wealthy is teaching my kids how to be independent.” For the Compton family, this meant a departure from the concrete jungle to greener pastures.

The Comptons decided that they needed more property.

They started looking at twenty to forty acres, even looking as far as Choudrant. A lot of the prospective acreage was grossly underdeveloped, which dampened their spirits.

Even in the midst of second-guessing their resolve, in the back of their minds, they kept coming back to the land that Lissy’s parents owned. Naturally, Lissy’s mother acquiesced.

At that point, the Comptons weren’t rushing to act, but then the “damndemic,” as Brent calls it, hit. Being quarantined indoors drove him “up the wall,” so the pair decided that they should go ahead and “freakin rock” their plans. They got in touch with builders, received help from the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for a future pond, and jump started a deep water well. “I’ll never tap out of water, you know,” Brent laughs.

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n the midst of all that “riff-raff,” the couple started to educate themselves further. “We aren’t interested in the quickest, easiest thing to do. We just want to do what is best for the land. And the name of the game is regenerative farming,” says Lissy. Inspired by the book Dirt to Soil by farmer Gabe Brown, who Brent says is “one of the original gangsters of regenerative farming,” they took a trip to North Dakota to tour Brown’s Ranch.

There, they were able to see the difference in soils that had either been tilled or had synthetic fertilizer used on them. “Brent and I are not delusional. We did not grow up in farming families, and we realize we have a lot to learn about everything,” continues Lissy. Already convinced that she wanted to pursue no-till farming, use cover crops and compost, and have the animals use the land “just the way that God intended,” she made sure to keep a consistent quest for knowledge. They hired an advisor out of Texas named Theron Boudreau from Integrated Acres who encouraged Lissy to create a “wishlist” for the property. She listed everything from a growing area, pastures for future livestock, composting area, an orchard, beehive expanse, and a designated flower field.

Though the journey has been slow and arduous, Brent reveals that “Everything just kind of kept falling into place.” Some projects may still be pending, like the arrival of livestock, but what they have now is exactly what the family needed. “My kids love it,” says Brent.

By June 26, 2020, they commenced building the metal barn house constructed by Deryle Shipman with Shipman Building Services. Their plan was to build a potentially functional barn that they would live in for one or two years while they planned their “forever home,” says Lissy. For the Comptons, the moving process was also an opportunity to purge distracting clutter. “After living through Corona quarantine, I have the overwhelming desire to

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live very simply,” she adds. “I don’t want all the excess. And I just want us to be as sustainable as possible.” Lissy sketched the layout of the house herself. The first floor includes the kitchen, living room, barn alleyway, main bedroom, and the youngest child’s bedroom.

Meanwhile, the upstairs, a smaller space, consists of attic space and the older kids’ shared bedroom. “I want to make this place as basic as possible and just encourage our kids to run and play outside,” she says.

Walking through the contemporary and elegantly minimalist barn, it’s hard to imagine the crisp white walls ever being occupied by aloof equines, soiled hay, and eager flies. Everything fits the space. The kitchen, though small, makes use of the high, exposed ceiling. Open, wood shelves line the walls displaying art, plants, and only two dish sets. At their previous home, they had substantial cabinet space, and it wasn’t until the move that they realized how much “extra” they had—stuff that had found its way to the back of the cabinets, things they didn’t even like, and superfluous bowls of Tupperware that never got used. Now, extra nicknacks like baseball gloves, flashlights, and hats have their place in seagrass utility baskets placed in a five-shelf shelving unit that also showcases books and a minibar tray. Across from those funky orange shelves is a wood-top kitchen island illuminated by a five-light, Sputniklooking linear chandelier. The exposed kitchen faces the cozy living room. While sparingly decorated, the area still packs eccentricity thanks to a pair of vintage, burnt-orange floral swivel rocking chairs that belonged to Brent’s great grandmother and an olivegreen velvet sofa. Already unique in its spunky interior design, the first floor is made even more exceptional with the barn’s alleyway, marked on each end by garage doors that are usually left open on cooler months. At the moment, it serves as the family’s dining room and hallway. An aged wood table, handmade by Phillip Williams from Oak Ridge, seats eight and functions as the family’s “everything” table. “Look at it, arts and crafts,” says Lissy pointing to some silver glitter glue smudged at an edge. Closer to the firstfloor bedrooms is a mahogany piano, adorned at the top with deer 162 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

WAKING UP TO A COUNTRY SUNRISE Intermingling work and play, the Comptons take advantage of their lifestyle, playing games of catch and throw down the barn alleyway, chasing the free-range chickens out of their kitchen, and waking up to a calming sunrise. A lot was left behind to make farmstead living possible, but as the Comptons note, they have found far better things ahead.

WELCOMING COMMIT TEE - An Old Flatbed International K5 truck stands at the entrance, artistically repainted with blush pink, forest green, and marigold yellow flora, and yellow and white Lantana and grasses from Sammy’s Plant World lined the cargo bed. A makeshift scarecrow named Chester Copperpot styling a straw hat, orange bandana, torn-up jeans, and Compton Farms’ shirt leans on the driver’s door.

antlers, a fur throw, a large, orange abstract painting by Meredith Pardue, and a Crosley Coda Shelf System record player with the record Pancho & Lefty at the ready. “I’ve got old vinyls from my great grandparents,” says Brent, whose music fandom can be witnessed in the form of posters, mounted records, and the conga drums in the couple’s bedroom.

The main bedroom is easily Lissy’s favorite room, principally because of the striking mural she and her daughter Phoebe painted. The color scheme is predominantly purple because her father was a huge LSU fan.

Giant purple irises take the stage as bumblebees graze around in shades of lime green, indigo, and turquoise. Adding to the personal touches in the bedroom is an incredibly special piece adorning the bed—a white quilt with a fan pattern made from Lissy’s father’s multi-colored and patterned ties. The couple opted for an open closet as a strategy to keep laundry clutter at bay. “It makes you immediately trim out the fat,” says Lissy, though she admits to storing all her formals at her mother’s just in case her girls ever want to peruse her classic frocks. “Yeah, I couldn’t part with those,” Lissy laughs.

Though photographs will make Compton Farms seem isolated, it’s not quite that unreachable. It walks the line of town and country, and though dream-like, the project from conception to present is only possible because they didn’t just imagine it, they worked for it. Intermingling work and play, the Comptons take advantage of their lifestyle, playing games of catch and throw down the barn alleyway, chasing the free-range chickens out of their kitchen, and waking up to a calming sunrise. A lot was left behind to make farmstead living possible, but as the Comptons note, they have found far better things ahead.

Follow Compton Farms on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what they grow and upcoming workshops.

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The Center for Children and Families Serves through Advocacy, Counseling, Education and Prevention

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T THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN and Families, we believe in living out our core values of excellence and integrity. A great way to measure the success our Therapeutic Services division is having in the community comes directly from the wonderful families that we have the opportunity to serve through advocacy, counseling, education and prevention.

Our internal quality assurance team is constantly reaching out to families to ensure that we are adhering to our core values. Here is some feedback we have received in recent weeks about the work being done in the communities:

“Our therapist was all around wonderful and amazing with our children. They were given easy techniques to help cope with ADHD and focus on school work.”

“I swear our therapist is the best. I love that lady. She got on a level I couldn’t get on with my son. She got him to understand. He enjoys talking with her.”

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“Our therapist was the best! She went above and beyond for us. She helped me understand the trauma that my daughter had been through. She even came to my house at 9:00 p.m. to check on us.”

“She was very understanding and listened to my concerns. She gave us hope and encouragement. With her help, our family became stronger and appreciated each other a lot more.”

“Our therapist was awesome to work with. She helped our daughter improve her coping skills and boundaries. Our family has greatly improved our communication.”

“She is wonderful. She keeps me up to date and gives great suggestions. She’s been with us every step of the way.”

“He was awesome! Our therapist was very respectful and he listened. He helped us to not hold our feelings in, but to talk them out with each other. He showed us better ways to communicate.”

“She went above and beyond for my

family. She didn’t just see us a case. She got to know us as a family. I loved that about her.”

At The Center, our family therapists and counselors show up, they see value, and they offer hope. Hope that things can be better and that with work and goals, families can achieve the long-lasting change that will affect generations to come.

Our Therapeutic Services division provides in-home counseling to qualifying families completely free of out-of-pocket costs.

Families are typically with our therapists for an average of five months. Clients currently would need to be Medicaid eligible to receive our services.

If you know of a family that needs help during these difficult times, we would be honored to serve as the beacon of hope they need. To see if your family or someone you love qualifies for our services, please call us at 318.398.0945. More details can also be found at www.standforhope.org.

United Way NELA

Launches Ready4School, a School Uniform Drive

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NITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA IS launching Ready4School, a partnership with local libraries across four parishes to gather school uniforms for elementary school children.

Beginning on Monday, June 21st and ending on Friday, July 2nd, children’s gently used uniforms, new shoes, socks, belts, and backpacks are requested from the community and can be donated at the following locations:

• Chatham Library

• Jackson Parish Library

• Lincoln Parish Library

• Ollie Burns Memorial Library

• Ouachita Parish Library (Main Branch)

• Union Parish Library

• United Way NELA (Monroe & Ruston locations)

“We are thrilled to partner with local libraries to gather these essential items for our students,” said Jessica Hughes, United Way NELA VolunteerUNITED Manager. “At United Way, we work to ensure that children are successful in elementary school, and a big part of that is equipping their families with the resources they need to be ready for school next year.”

After drop offs are completed on July 2nd, United Way volunteers will sort the donated items and assist with delivery to area schools for the 2021-22 school year.

“United Way’s mission is to help every member of our community have an opportunity to thrive. We all benefit when a child has what they need to succeed in school. We have such a generous community, and I have no doubt that we can make a difference for these children and their families,” said Meghan Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at United Way NELA.

For more information about Ready4School, dial 211.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA United Way of Northeast Louisiana works with volunteers, donors, and other organizations locally to create lasting community change in the areas of Education, Income, and Health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana, visit unitedwaynela.org. United Way NELA 211 provides free and confidential information and referral services to all living within the parishes of Northeast Louisiana, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Services can be accessed by dialing 211 or texting a zip code to 898-211.

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “On Beauty” by Zadie Smith

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“The greatest lie ever told about love is that it sets you free.”

Howard is an untenured university professor in the midst of a mid-life crisis. The white patriarch of his mixed family, he struggles to understand who he is and where he belongs in this familial microcosm of his own creation. His wife Kiki, once a standout black bombshell, is now a hundred pounds heavier and emotionally wiser.

Once enamored by her husband who wowed her with his intellect, she now sees the smallness of a man struggling with his identity so late in the game when she is just now coming into her own. The story begins at the couple’s 30th anniversary party, where the elite of the college town have gathered to celebrate Howard and Kiki Berger, the twosome hanging on by a thread after Howard’s recently confessed indiscretion. After ten years at his current institution, Howard is still trying to prove himself to his colleagues and rededicate himself to his marriage.

The plot is intensified by the Berger’s three adult children: Jerome, Zora, and Levi. Jerome is recently back in the states after a summer sojourn in Britain where he stayed at the home of Howard’s professional nemesis, an uber-conservative fellow academic named Monty Kipps. Zora is a freshman at Wellington College, where Howard works, and is also struggling with who she is and how she feels. Levi, still in high school, cozies up to

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the street crowd, ashamed of his privileged background and determined to make it without the benefit of a higher education. The Bergers adore their children and appear more in love with the family they’ve created than with each other. The familiarity of a multi-decade relationship with constructed walls begins to seem empty when the children begin living more outside the home than under their thumbs. When Monty Kipps comes to Wellington College and threatens the liberal environment Howard thrives in, the two families find themselves both at odds and intrinsically intertwined. Smith explores the themes of fidelity, identity, betrayal, and self-awareness.

Zadie Smith is one of those cool, uber-intellectual authors whose construction of a mere sentence sends many accomplished authors swooning. She writes the way the best writers wish they could. Her novels blend compelling characters, subdivided plots, and social commentary seamlessly. She forces readers to engage, to think for themselves, about the story and more poignantly about life, and invest fully into each of her narratives.

While many of her stories are set in her native Britain, On Beauty is set in the northeastern United States, though one of the main characters hails from the UK. Zadie Smith is an accomplished writer, a darling among book critics, a modern woman and author intent on speaking about the lives rarely examined so vividly up close. On Beauty won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2006.

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90 Years

of Continuous Live Theatre in Monroe

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ROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AS A DRAMA CLUB READING Shakespeare to a thriving community theatre connecting people to the performing arts, Strauss Theatre Center has a rich history and a vibrant outlook on the future. Strauss Theatre Center has been one of the long-standing pillars of art in the Northeast Louisiana. Chartered in 1932 as “The Little Theatre of Monroe, Inc.,” live theatre in Ouachita Parish officially had a home. That July, the first play was performed called The Whole Town’s Talking at the Grant Street Theatre.

By 1949, the City of Monroe leased the old Red Cross Recreation Building at the closed Selman Field Air Force Navigation school to The Little Theatre for $1.00 per year; this was its first real home. In 1958, Director Ivan Utal dared to produce the theatre’s first musical called The Boy Friend. This was such a success that he again chose a musical the following year; this time, The Pajama Game. One member of the audience during The Pajama Game was Mr. Clifford Strauss, who, seeing the tremendous success of the show, offered to donate $50,000 through the Carolyn Rose Strauss Foundation for a new building if the theatre would match it. Match it they did and then some.

Construction was completed on April 13, 1961. Damn Yankees opened the season and starred Life Members Dr. George Brian as the Devil and James R. “Buddy” Henry as a singing ballplayer. The enterprising group secured uniforms from the REAL New York Yankees!

With a new address, the Little Theatre was ready to make history as the first community theatre in the country to secure the rights to produce the Broadway hit, Bye Bye Birdie. Lightning struck twice in 1988 when The Little Theatre was once again the first community theatre in the country to receive the rights to produce the smash off-Broadway hit, Steel Magnolias, because a local friend of the theatre knew the playwright, Natchitoches native Robert Harling.

Through hurricanes, floods, and now a pandemic, Strauss Theatre Center has persevered to continuously bring live theatre to Northeast Louisiana for 90 years. The ingenuity, passion, and talent of volunteers have proven to be the lifeblood that keeps the shows going. Strauss continues its strong journey because of the undying support of the community who believe in the importance and wonder of live theatre.

The upcoming 90th season will certainly be a memorable one.

Kicking off the season is Disaster!, a jukebox musical comedy that pays homage to the disaster flicks of the 1970s. Featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the ‘70s, audiences can expect to groove along to “Knock on Wood,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Sky High,” “I Am

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Woman,” and “Hot Stuff” while the larger-than-life guests aboard a floating casino try to survive multiple natural disasters and live to see another daybreak. Audition dates of July 10th and 11th have been set for anyone ready to put on their boogie shoes. Disaster! hits the stage September 16th-19th and 23rd-25th.

The classic comedic play, The Man Who Came to Dinner, will follow on November 4th-7th and 12th-13th. Sheridan Whiteside, theatre critic and radio personality, slips on the doorstep of the palatial Stanley home in the midwest. What follows is six weeks of recuperation complete with a mummy sarcophagus, penguins, love triangles, schemes, impersonators, and hijinks. The colorful characters and situations are sure to tickle your funny bone while you fall in love with all the eccentricities. Bed rest has never been less restful!

Nunsense, the hilarious musical farce, will sing its way to the stage January 13th-16th and 20th-22nd. A convent of nuns stages a fundraiser to enable them to bury the last four nuns of their order who died of botulism in an unfortunate convent cooking accident. The Little Sisters of Hoboken (well, what’s left of them) put on this riotous revue packed with hysterical show-stopping song and dance numbers.

March 17th-20th and 25th-26th will see Neil Simon’s genderswapped revision of The Odd Couple. Olive and her group of girlfriends are enjoying a game night in her messy and ill-equipped apartment when a freshly-dumped Florence arrives. Fearful of a suicide attempt, Olive invites her to move in as her roommate. Their VASTLY different personalities clash, testing their friendship to the limit. When Olive organizes a double date with the Costazuela brothers, their differences come to a head and sparks fly.

Finally, the season will close with Company, Stephen Sondheim’s game-changing musical. A sophisticated and honest look at modern adult relationships centers around Bobby as he questions his bachelorhood through a series of vignettes with his coupled friends and three love interests. This six-time Tony Award-winning musical features a brilliantly brisk and energetic score containing many of Sondheim’s best-known songs with performances on April 21st-24th and 28th-30th.

Strauss Theatre Center’s membership drive is in full swing. Strauss is offering a BRAND NEW Pick 3 membership for $90. This additional tier is perfect for new members to get their first taste of being a member of the theatre. Memberships for the 90th season can be purchased online at StraussTC.com or by calling 318-323-6681.

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B AY O U H O M E

Stock Tank Pool Dreams Brandi and Chris Thomas transformed their outdoor space into a beautiful sanctuary complete with a DIY stock tank pool. After a little research, the two dove into making an empty, unusable space a summertime retreat. On the next page, BayouLife talks to the couple about their inspiration.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark Styling by Brandi Thomas

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BEFORE

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B AY O U H O M E

S T O C K TA N K POOL HOW-TO Brandi and Chris Thomas decided to transform and empty space into a stock tank pool. BayouLife talks to the couple about their inspiration and steps toward creating the outdoor space.

BL: Where did your inspiration come from?

Brandi: Our friend told us we should put a stock tank in our backyard – which was something I was totally clueless about. I went down a full-fledge Instagram rabbit hole and became obsessed. That same day I went to Tractor Supply and bought a 6-foot stock tank.

BL: Is there a website that our readers can get information on this DIY project?

Brandi: The tutorial we used for the stock tank is stocktankpool.net/setup.

The tutorial we used for the heater is stocktankpool.net/propane-stock-tank-hottub.

BL: How did you build the wood surround?

Brandi: I didn’t want the metal from the tank visible and I wanted to elevate the pool with a contrasting surround. My ingenious husband used scrap wood left over from our deck build. But, we didn’t want to attach it straight to the tank in case we’d need to make repairs. Chris came up with the idea to take nylon from some 13-foot ratchet straps and screw that into the back of the wood and then attach the leftover strap to the inside of the deck so it’s hidden. We then painted the outside of the wood surround with black spray paint.

BL: How much did the project cost?

Brandi: The stock tank pool was $235 Above Ground Pool Pump: $150 Instant Water Heater: $350 (the largest one they make - you can get cheaper but this one heats the water faster) Chlorine tablets: $60 Filters 4-pack: $10 Hole saw: $25 10 ft. Cantilever Umbrella: $79 Pool Cover: $40 (we ordered an 8-foot cover and Chris cut it down and customized it by sewing in four pool noodles so it would float on top of the water).

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With the pool and accessories the total was $949.

The deck project was around $750 for wood and materials and covered a 16 ft x 8 ft. area.

BL: Is there any other information we should include?

Brandi: We love our stock tank pool. It’s so crazy how it has already fostered so much community and connection, and it has become such a great tool for hospitality. Everyone who has experienced it loves it, too. There are all kinds of different ways and ideas when it comes to installing stock tank pools. Do your research and find a path that works best for you and your lifestyle.

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B A Y O U E AT S

HERB INFUSED BREAD Looking for a delicious way to infuse herbs into your bread, but without all the work? This is a simple cheat for making an artisan-style bread but without all the work. Purchase a premade French baguette and cut into thin slices. Next, brush olive oil on top and tuck in fresh rosemary. Top with flake sea salt and bake until crispy. Pair with an oil and vinegar or pair with your favorite dip (we love it with artichoke dip).

Photograph by TAYLOR BENNETT

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AM E R I C A N WOM A N Inspired by the Americana aesthetic, these looks are both classic and universal.

Heritage pieces combine with bold prints for looks that are seasonally spectacular.

Photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK, MUAH by MEKA BENNETT and model KAYLA MURRY

BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE

Start your pool day off with a splash in this crimson two piece bikini. This swimsuit features a high neckline and full coverage bottoms. Be the star of the show with these silver star drop earrings.

MR. P’S TEES

Kick summer into high gear with this Mr. P’s Tees original. This design features Willie the Eagle on a super soft classic gray tank. Add a pair of denim frayed shorts or throw on over your favorite swimsuit.

CARA’S BOUTIQUE

A traditional summer staple, we adore these white high rise denim jeans with frayed hem. Pair with a navy gingham peplum top with ruffle sleeves. Complete the look with these white braided wedges, beaded heart-shaped earrings and hair band for a red haute look.

HERRINGSTONE’S

Beat the heat this summer in this crisp white cotton dress. The midi length is a perfect contrast to the open back accent. Accessorize with funky, hurricane inspired beaded earrings and clear Bamboo sandals. Top it off with a straw hat with flag-inspired details. (See full image on page 4.)

DUSTY & COMPANY

Take this look for a spin or for a poolside party. Our favorite Judy Blue high waist shorts take center stage when paired with a classic white top with frayed edges. Red, white and blue accessories and a wide brimmed Americana hat pull the look together.

HEMLINE MONROE

These high-waisted flouncy shorts feature a wide smocked waistband that accentuates your waistline and are paired with a matching smocked coral top with ties at the shoulder. The sandals are the ultimate pool slide that you will want to wear everywhere. Accessorize with Krewe sunglasses and gold accessories.

G A L L E R Y of H O M E S 395 Brimberry Road, Start

108 Fortune Drive, Monroe

416 Whispering Creek, W. Monroe

Beautiful home situated on 24.90 acres in Start. The interior of this home includes over 4, 340 heated square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Home features a spacious kitchen complete with breakfast nook. In addition, the home features an office, formal dining room, sun room and oversized laundry room. Outdoor features include a circle drive with extra parking area, concrete drive to the garage and shop with RV Storage, pond and a stunning brick patio. MLS #197786. Call Anna Earl Romero, Cypress State Realty, 318-728-4043 (office) or 318-235-9130 (mobile).

Great home on Bayou Desiard complete with with a pool, pier, shop and boathouse! This three bedroom, two bathroom home has been well maintained and is ready for your personal touches. Plenty of square footage at almost 2,200 heated square feet. Beautiful views of Bayou Desiard! MLS #197532. Call Mark Sisk with RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-805-4344.

This spectacular estate is tucked back in the woods featuring 29+/- Acres. This Home features 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths and 2 Half Baths. All Bedrooms have their own Bathroom, Large Loft. In ground Pool, Hot Tub, Pool house, with two Kitchens. Check out the Workshop/Storage/Garage! Separate Tool room, Boat Storage, Tractor/Lawn Mower Storage, Kitchen Set Up and Heated & A/C space with roll up door. The shop area is just over 4,000 Sq. Ft.!

MLS#195963. Contact THLT Realty, 318-667-8458

804 K Street, Monroe

1103 Avant Road, West Monroe

910 Italiana Place, West Monroe

Great spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 bath home in the Garden District of Monroe. Fenced backyard with pool, new pump & liner, covered brick patio and multiple decks and gazebo for entertaining. This home has been renovated and is ready for new owner! There is a new roof, 2 new air conditioning units, completely remodeled Master Bathroom, fresh paint and French drains installed. MLS #197747. Call Mark Sisk, RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-805-4344.

This well-maintained and move-in ready home has so much to offer. The 3 separate living areas each with their own fireplace are full of possibilities for use - game room, office, formal dining room, etc. The kitchen has see-through cabinets on one side to give visibility while entertaining guests. Grill and enjoy the outdoors on the large covered patio. Storage galore in the storage buildings with covered shed. You will love this house that you can make your next home. Call today to schedule your showing and let’s get your name on it before someone else does! MLS#197403. Contact Heather Guillot with Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4299

This 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath/2 half bath home is Luxury and a Must See! Italiana Place Subdivision is a gated community in West Monroe. The minute you open the door you will be carried away to a land far away, the opulent foyer to the grand hall leading to the main living/Dining/Kitchen area. A Cook’s Kitchen complete with a gourmet stove, double refrigerators, double dishwashers and warming drawer. Master Bedroom Suite features decorative Wood Paneled walls, his/her bathrooms/closets and attached laundry.

MLS#197670. Contact THLT Realty, 318-667-8458

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Louisiana Peach Festival The Louisiana Peach Festival, a homegrown music and arts festival held their 71st annual event in downtown Ruston on June 5th. The festival was created by local peach farmers as a way to promote their industry. Over the years, the Peach Festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lincoln Parish. The festival has seen many changes over the years, but through it all, the event has continued to be a source of excitement and pride in the community. The event has grown to include exhibits by local artists as well as the Dixie Gem Peach pageant. This year the Peach Art Market was relocated to Sexton Lot across from Railroad Park and dozens of vendors displayed local art, handmade goods from local artisans and makers.

Live performances by The Cypress Knees, Josh Love, Tipsey the Band and others had visitors dancing through the streets. Locals flocked to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors in what was surely a “sweet” day.

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1 Angela Leday and Ashley Carey 2 Anna Kate Stemmes and Hudson Brakefield 3 Armon Arciila and Logan Simmons 4 Maddie Parkman, Louis Adams, Latina Parkman,Larkin Flurry and Rob Adams 5 Scott and Luella Bates and Don and Margerat Bates 6 Patricia Willis and Chris Barr 7 Larry Bursey and Kaylee Simmons 8 Mallory Patterson and Rachel Britt 9 Jodi Wheelis, Ella Robillard and Hannah Ross 10 Alli Grace Maxwell, Stormy Maxwell and Emilly Pullin 11 Shelby Subset, Madeline Barr and Haily Minton 12 D avid Patton, Eathan Patton and Aubrie Dickson 13 Laronica Kennedy, Javonta Douglas and Marley 14 Samantha Taylor, Amanda Burch, Staci Stucki and Kelly Hogan

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Tom Scott, Jr. Scholarship The 7th annual Tom Scott, Jr. Scholarship Foundation reception was held, Thursday, April 29, at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. This year’s guests, the largest group ever, thoroughly enjoyed the delightful, intimate setting of the fireside room beautiful decorated with white hydrangeas, green dianthus and green hypericum. Tom H. Scott, Jr. began the foundation in 2014 at Louisiana Tech and ULM, and Delta Community College was added in 2015. Mr. Scott began the reception to meet the recipients of his scholarship as well as their families.

The event has evolved into an annual event that all recipients, their families, the foundation board members, and Delta, Tech, and ULM personnel look forward to as a perfect occasion to meet and socialize that otherwise would not be possible. Former Scott Scholarship recipients attend as well. Mr. Scott believes that any education is beneficial and certainly cannot be taken away from a person. Graduating seniors are honored at the reception and presented with a gift. To date, the Tom Scott, Jr. Scholarship Foundation has proudly had 32 graduates from Delta, Tech, and ULM and has awarded scholarships to 127 recipients.

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1 Carson and Emily Craig 2 Christi Conti and Rachel Blazier 3 Jessi and Holli Sanson 4 Jeffery Howe, John-Adam Lengefeld, Sadie Leporati, Melisa Amy, Misti Simons and Grayson McCarty 5 Jessi Sanson, Christi Conti, Katrina Dickens, Jeffery Howe, Addie Smith and Holland Ledet 6 Lisa Bradley and Susan Rowland 7 Mary Bernard, Jessi Sanson, Holli Sanson 8 Mary Bernard and Tom Scott 9 Karen Hudgins, Doug Hudgins, Madison Hudgins and Braeden Ferguson 10 Olivia Smith, Tina Smith, Addie Smith and Jeff Smith 11 Roxanne Smith, Yuki KC, Jared Blake and Holland Ledet 12 S hawn Gentle and Jeff Adams 13 Sadie and Joseph Leporati 14 Katrina Dickens and Jeffery Howe 15 Tina Smith, Anne Lockhart, Susan Chappell 16 Ty Hogg, Monty Hogg and Sonya Hogg

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Rogue Brewery Dare – Risk – Dream

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

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ARE. RISK. DREAM. THIS IS THE CREDO THAT ROGUE Brewery was founded on in 1988. Dare more than others think is wise. Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical. To that end, Rogue is continuously experimenting and innovating to craft world class ales, lagers, spirits, and more. Below are some of the seasonal and year-round offerings available locally.

DEAD GUY ALE 6.8% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), 40 IBU (International Bitterness Units) | STYLE: MAIBOCK-STYLE ALE

In the style of a German Maibock, using Rogue’s proprietary Pacman yeast, Dead Guy is deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich, hearty flavor.

Ingredients: 2-Row, C15 & Munich Malts; Perle & Sterling Hops; Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast.

Availability: Year-Round, Six Pack Cans and Select Draft

BATSQUATCH 6.7% ABV, 54 IBU | STYLE: HAZY IPA

For years, rumors have circled that deep in the woods on Mount St. Helens lives the fabled Batsquatch. While there are many tales of Batsquatch, they are all a bit hazy on the details, which makes the truth such a juicy mystery. So, what better way to honor the elusive legend than with a hazy IPA? Perfect for camping and potentially making a new friend. This juicy, cloudy IPA features intense tropical flavors and aromas.

Ingredients: 2-Row Malt, Flaked Wheat, Malted Wheat & Oats; Mosaic, El Dorado & Belma Hops; Imperial Juice Yeast & Free-Range Coastal Water.

Availability: Year-Round, Six Pack Cans and Select Draft COLOSSAL CLAUDE 8.2% ABV, 75 IBU | STYLES: IPA, IMPERIAL IPA

It’s been a few decades since a Colossal Claude sighting has been reported, but rumor has it the massive sea monster has been laying low off the coast of his favorite brewery. Word is that after years of terrifying sailors and feasting on salmon he acquired a taste for hops. So, Rogue brewed this Imperial IPA with a colossal dose of Cascade, Chinook, Citro and Strata hops in hope of coaxing Claude out for a pint.

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Chinook, Belma™, Eureka, Strata™, Imperial Juice yeast.

Availability: Year-Round, Six Pack Cans and Select Draft HAZELNUT BROWN NECTAR 5.6% ABV, 33 IBU | STYLE: BROWN ALE

From the hazelnut capital of the United States, this nutty twist on a European brown ale was originally crafted by Rogue Brewmaster John Maier’s good friend and avid homebrewer, Chris Studach. Hazelnut Brown Nectar offers a hazelnut aroma with rich nutty flavor and a smooth malty finish.

Ingredients: 2-Row, Munich, C15, C75, C120, Kiln Coffee, Brown Malts; Perle & Sterling Hops; Hazelnut Extract, Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast.

Availability: Year-Round, Six Pack Cans and Select Draft COMBAT WOMBAT 6.7% ABV, 49 IBU | STYLES: HAZY IPA, SOUR

This weird & wonderful fusion of hazy IPA and sour ale is brewed with grapefruit and blood orange, then dry-hopped with Australian hops.

Ingredients: 2-row & Acidulated Malts; Wheat, Oats, Lactose; Grapefruit, Blood Orange; Citra, BRU-1, Vic Secret & Galaxy Hops; Imperial Barbarian Yeast and Free-Range Coastal Water.

Availability: June-September (while supplies last), Four Pack Cans and Select Draft RASPBERRY TARTLANDIA 4.9% ABV, 9 IBU | STYLES - SOUR, GOSE Inspired by the culinary wonderland that is Portland, Oregon, Raspberry Tartlandia is an outrageously delicious combination of raspberry juiciness, sea salt and refreshing tartness. It’s a flavor-packed experience, just like visiting Portland, that’ll make you want to move there or thank your lucky stars that you already have.

Ingredients: Pilsner, Pale Wheat, Coriander, Hand-Harvested Yaquina Bay Sea Salt, Raspberry Concentrate, Marionberry Concentrate

Availability: July-August (while supplies last), Six Pack Cans and Select Draft

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Find us at facebook.com/choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

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BAYOUTRENDS

FABULOUS FABRIC

LAUREN ROEBUCK SLEEPY HOLLOW RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA

BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE

MATERIAL THINGS

THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE

REVIVAL DESIGN & CONSIGN

HEMLINE MONROE WASHINGTON WINE AND SPIRITS

DUSTY & COMPANY

HERRINGSTONE’S

CARA’S BOUTIQUE

SPA BELLA

SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART

MR. P’S TEES

IVY & STONE RUSTON

P AT R I O T I C P I C K S

Local retailers are celebrating the colors of freedom with an assortment of items that can be worn, displayed and collected!

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RUSTIQUE GATOR

What We Do

There is more than enough food in America to feed every man, woman and child, yet here in Northeast Louisiana, over 64,000 people struggle with hunger.

The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Northeast Louisiana, providing over 7.1 million meals to those facing hunger in 12 parishes. This impact is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, food donors and community distribution partners. At the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, we believe no one should go hungry.

Our Programs

Partner Agencies

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana distributes food to over 60 non-profit community partner agencies that operate local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger relief programs. These agencies are located in neighborhoods throughout 12 parishes in Northeast Louisiana and serve low income people in need of food assistance.

Senior Program

This program helps over 1,400 low-income senior citizens, aged 60 and older, stretch their food budgets by providing them with supplemental food each month.

Seniors living on fixed incomes often have to choose between covering the cost of life-saving medications and buying the food they need to stay healthy.

BackPack Program

The BackPack Program provides children with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other resources are not available. We currently provide Backpacks for 800 students every week at 20 Ouachita and Lincoln Parish schools.

Kid’s Cabinet

The Kid’s Cabinet School Pantry program distributes food right on school grounds—a readily accessible source of food assistance for low-income students and their families. Currently the program serves 3,000 children who attend 8 schools in Madison, East Carroll, and Union parishes.

How to Help Donate Money

For every $10 donated, we are able to provide 55 meals to those in need.

Your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of hungry people living in Northeast Louisiana. Donate by mail or on our website. Donate food, organize or participate in a food drive at your school, workplace, or civic club. Visit our website for a list of most needed items and tips for planning a successful food drive.

Donate Your Time

The Food Bank could not be successful without the many wonderful volunteers that pack food for our Senior and BackPack programs, assist with office work and help at events. Call our volunteer coordinator or visit our website to learn more.

Open a Community Feeding Program

If your church or non-profit agency would like to have a food pantry or a community meal program, we’d love to talk with you. We have information on our website that you can review to learn more, or please call 318-322-3567.

Attend One of Our Events

We have events throughout the year to help raise awareness and funds for our mission. Visit our website or Facebook page for a list of upcoming events.

FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY. FIGHTING HUNGER.

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Experience Counts Mako Robotic Joint Replacement is 10+ years strong

BY STEVEN ATCHISON, MD

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T HAS BEEN OVER 10 YEARS SINCE MY PARTNERS, AND I invested in Mako Robotic Joint replacement and in this time, I have put over 3500 Mako partial and total knees in patients across the ArkLa-Tex and beyond. In 2010, my partners and I at Specialists Hospital Shreveport and Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana decided to invest in a robot that was developed by Mako Surgical. MAKOplasty was commercially coined term for a robotic, arm assisted system for partial knee replacement. We were the first hospital in Louisiana, and I would be the first surgeon in Louisiana to perform a MAKOplasty partial knee replacement in July 2010. In 2013, Stryker Orthopedics acquired MAKOplasty and combined Stryker’s market-leading implants (US) with Mako’s proprietary robotic arm technology and began a partnership with orthopedic surgeons from around the world (including myself) to create the surgical application of Mako Total Knee Replacement. Having performed hundreds of Mako robotic partial knee replacements, I was excited and intrigued by the Mako Total Robotic Knee application and worked closely with Stryker Orthopedics to grow the application. In December of 2016, I was again, Louisiana’s first surgeon to perform the Mako Robotic Total Knee at Specialists Hospital Shreveport. Today, I am fortunate enough to train surgeons from around the world on this technology and Specialists Hospital Shreveport now has three robots that are utilized by myself and six of my partners for partial and total knee replacement, as well as total hip replacement.

Robotic technology has been utilized for years in orthopedics, primarily focusing on partial knee replacement and hip replacement and we now have the technology to perform robotic arm assisted knee replacement. As an orthopedic surgeon, precision and accuracy are key factors in a successful surgical outcome. Using the Mako Robotic arm assisted technology, the surgeon can better execute getting the implant in the pre-surgical plan position determined through an individualized CT (computed tomography) scan. Ideally, the more exact the implant is positioned, the better the function of the knee and the greater potential for the longevity of the implant… meaning the implant has the potential to last over a longer period. We have used numerous tools and instruments to ensure implant placement before, but none are as precise and clear as the technology offered with the Mako robotic arm assisted robot. Mako robotic total knee replacement offers my patients 198 JULY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

a customized approach to their total knee replacement and provides the technology to insure proper implant alignment and placement intra-operatively with real-time feedback. Do keep in mind… the robot does not perform the surgery, rather it is a trained surgeon’s tool to ensure accuracy and precision.

Any patient with osteoarthritis of the knee, that is significant enough to affect their daily activity level and function to warrant a knee replacement would be a candidate for Mako robotic total knee replacement. When a patient does come to see me and we have determined through x-ray and an evaluation that they are a candidate for knee replacement, and they assure me that they are ready for total knee replacement surgery, the next step is getting them scheduled.

We will order labs and some preadmissions testing that need to be completed about three weeks prior to their surgery. One of those tests will be a CT (computed tomography) scan that allows us to make an individualized surgical plan that is customized to each patient. Once we obtain the CT scan, we can feed information through the robot, as to indicate the size and location of the patient’s bone, determine the size of the implant to be utilized and exactly where on the patient’s bone we will place the implant.

In the last 10+ years, there have been some key advancements in total joint replacement: robotics, anesthesia protocols, pre- and postrehab protocols, surgeon experience and greater techniques and tools to educate our patients. Educating my patients prior to surgery is essential… they need to know what is expected of them and have a noticeably clear idea of what I am going to deliver. Inevitably, at some point my patients will hear me say, “You get out what you put into this surgery!” It is important that my patients know this before their surgery… I have the experience and techniques to give them a great knee, but the patient must remain focused and dedicate time to their recovery to have the absolute best outcome. Here’s to 10+ years and many more with Mako and all future advancements in robotic joint replacement.

Steven Atchison, MD is one of the Nation’s leaders in Stryker Mako Robotic Partial and Total Knee Replacement and the Direct Superior Hip Approach. To schedule an evaluation, please visit: orthopedicspecialistsla.com or call: 866.759.9679.

Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com Through July 30 Nicole Duet: Extracted Realities Exhibit

The Monroe Regional Airport, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and the Masur Museum of Art are proud to announce a new exhibition of work by New Orleans painter, Nicole Duet. Duet’s artwork explores the relationship and the inner narratives that unfold between liminal points of observation, perception, and experience. Her more recent work has been influenced by the limitations and rituals of daily life during quarantine. Her exhibition can be viewed in-person at the MLU airport from 7am-7pm daily, or online at https://masurmuseum.wixsite.com/ nicoleduet.

Venue: Monroe Regional Airport 5400 Operations Rd, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM July 3 Flying Heart Brewing & Pub Grand Opening Join the crew at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub for their Grand Opening party! They will have live performances by artists like Cal Presley Band, Josh Love, Schaefer Mueller, and Cowboy Mouth.

Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Hours: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm 4th of July Fireworks

Celebrate 4th of July with the city of Monroe and West Monroe as they shoot off fireworks this holiday.

Best viewed from either downtown Monroe or West Monroe, the fireworks will be shot from the Endom Bridge over the Ouachita River.

Venue: Endom Bridge 110 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: 9:00 pm July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Ruston Farmers Market

Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods.

Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM

Cost: Free Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave., Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305

July 5-26 Summer Arts Camp

NCLAC will be offering their annual Summer Art Camp both inperson and virtually this year. Kids get the chance to discover visual arts, music, and drama!

Sessions: In person- July 12th- July 16th. From home- July 5th- July 26th.

Cost: In person- $70 per session. From home- $40 per session.

Venue: The Presbyterian Church 212 N Bonner St. Ruston Phone: (318) 255-2542 July 5-11 AAU Baseball World Series

The AAU Baseball World Series will be held at the Sterlington Sports Complex July 5th-11th. This event will consist of a Skills Day which will provide players with evaluations from major league players/evaluators and a 5 game guarantee for everyone looking to play!

Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA-136, Sterlington July 9-11 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!

Hours: Friday & Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd., Dubach Phone- (318) 680-1304 July 10 Battle Weary Honoring Heroes

Two Warriors Meadery is excited to announce Battle Weary: Saluting our Heroes. This event will take place at Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. The event will start with a ride-in by the Combat Veterans Association, there will be speakers, food trucks and museum tours. If you would like to ride-in please meet

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at the Pecanland Mall at 9:45. Battle Weary: Saluting our Heroes is an event celebrating the life of a local veteran and supporting all veterans.

A special Meade honoring veteran John McCarter, who just passed away 58 days before his 100th birthday, was in production locally until a fire destroyed the batch. All proceeds from the event benefit Chennault Aviation & Military Museum and their veterans outreach programs as well as our local Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association who buys wheelchairs and wheelchair batteries for local veterans.

Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, 701 Kansas Lane Hours: 10 AM Cost: Free Phone: 318-362-5540

July 12-16 Faith Bible Institute Educational Session

Join Dr. Habermas, author of over 40 books, at Faith Bible Institute as he will teach a series of 4 nightly classes concerning the Resurrection of Jesus and the core of the Christian faith.

Venue: Faith Bible Institute 1133 LA-139, Monroe July 14 and July 28 Dog Days of Summer

Come enjoy extended shopping hours at downtown stores and a free concert from Shayliff in Railroad Park during LA Tech’s Summer Orientation sessions!

Hours: 6:30-10:00pm Cost: Free Venue: Railroad Park, 101 W Park Ave. Ruston Phone: 318-251-8647 July 17 Delta Fighting Championship

Spend your Saturday night at this thrilling event! Cheer on contestants as they compete at the Delta Fighting Championship. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the fight begins at 8:00 pm.

Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: 318-329-2225

Platforms and Polyester

The Hub is hosting this year's Platforms & Polyester 10! Enjoy a night filled with 70s music. Get on those platforms, bell bottoms and chunky chains. It’s time to dance the night away at Platforms and Polyester 10!

Venue: The Hub, 201 Washington St., Monroe Hours: 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm Cost: $40 for general admission July 21-28 DBB World Series Championship

Enjoy a week filled with baseball games as Discover Monroe-West Monroe hosts this year's DBB Inc. World Series Championship. All games will be held at the Sterlington Sports Complex and University Park at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

There will be 5 divisions: Junior Boys (age 13), Dixie Boys (age 14), 15U (age 15), Pre-Majors (age 15-17), and Dixie Majors (age 17-19).

Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex & ULM’s University Park July 30 Family Movie Night

It’s Family Movie Night in our front lot! Bring some blankets/ chairs... don't forget the kiddos!

Follow our social media for movie announcement. Gate opens at 7:45pm. Movie starts at dusk 8:15pmish) $5 per person. Tickets available at the gate. Popcorn and water available for $1 each.

Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Hours: 7:45pm Cost: $5 per person Phone: 318-361-9611