BayouLife Magazine June 2016 by BayouLife Magazine

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JUNE 2016

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24 / P. ALLEN SMITH Garden Tools 30 / BAYOU KIDZ Battling Bullies 36 / ASK ERIN The Organized Bride 54 / BAYOU EATS Crumbs Catering Redefines the Art of Culinary Creation 66 / A. ALDEN’S MEMO Wedding Gifts 101 74 / FISHING WITH KENNY More Than Meets the Eye

88 / BAYOU ARTIST Dan Sumner: All That Jazz 102 / ANDY TRAHAN A Triumph of the Spirit 114 / THE ART OF “I DO” Beautiful Bridal Baubles 124 / BAYOU ICON Monroe’s Flower Girl Vee Hollis 132 / DESTINATION WEDDINGS Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? 150 / BAYOU HOME The Mansion at Red Hill 162 / SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS Great Pieces to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe

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166 / BAYOU OUTDOORS Grandkid Anglers

BayouLife

CONSIDER MYSELF A

pretty lucky girl. I married a wonderful man, and with that, I inherited a great family. Last night our Livingston family expanded a little bit more, as I added another niece to my brood. Jon Michael Livingston and Anna Grace Greer tied the knot at the Bayou DeSiard Country Club in a wedding that was over-the-top gorgeous. It didn’t hurt that they had some of the cutest flower girls I’ve ever seen (I may be a proud mom). It tickles me to think what my mother-inlaw would have thought about all of these girls becoming Livingstons. I know she would have been beaming from ear-to-ear seeing Anna Grace and Jon Michael – she probably would have danced all night long celebrating. Weddings are just magical. It’s a time to celebrate with family and friends in a way that will never be duplicated for the rest of your life. Trent and I often talk about how we wish we could have a wedding every couple of years, just to get our family and friends all together in one place again. But, since that isn’t going to happen, I’ll just live out my wedding fantasies through the pages of BayouLife. And this month, we are all about weddings – well, and dads, too. Our BayouEats features two of our favorite culinary creatives, Jodie Morphew and Olivia Stinson of Crumbs Catering. I really wanted to eat the food right off the pages when Martin Meyers sent me these images. These ladies are doing wonderful things in Ruston, and we are excited to see what’s in store for them. Read about them on page 54. When you talk about weddings, especially wedding flowers, there is one woman whose name always sticks out, Vee Hollis. You may have heard of her

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185 Fax 318.855.4645 flower shop on Roselawn Avenue, Vee’s Flowers. She’s one of the top floral designers in our area, and you can read more about her on page 124. Although I no longer live in Delhi, I definitely am familiar with the town. And anyone who has traveled out to the Poverty Point Reservoir has probably seen the pink mansion on the hill. It’s had a bit of a transformation recently and is no longer a private residence but one of the most opulent bed and breakfast establishments in North Louisiana, The Mansion at Red Hill. You can find our BayouHome column on page 150. I’m making a full circle, as I come back around to our bridal jewelry shoot this month. As a Rayville girl, I was able to watch Lindsey Clark Lowe grow up and when she and Taylor Bennett announced their new business venture, Fine Folks, this month I immediately wanted to be a part of it. I reached out to the duo and asked them to art direct and create all of the floral bouquets and wreath for the shoot. Everything was stunning. Our model, my niece, Anna Grace Livingston, is a beauty, and I was so thankful to work with Meka Reliford and Kelly Moore Clark on another wonderful set. See it on page 114. To all the wonderful dad’s out there, Happy Father’s Day. I love you Jack Green and Trent Livingston! Happy reading!

Cassie

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM PUBLISHER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com EDITOR Maré Brennan mare@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Moffett melanie@bayoulifemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gaeb Cardinale gaeb@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Toni Navarro toni@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Amanda Singley amanda@bayoulifemag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maré Brennan Dan Chason Tim Cotita Kenny Covington Lou Davenport Dr. David Finley Cindy Gist Foust Greg Harveston Linda Holyfield Janine Hopkins Barbara Leader

Paul Lipe Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Kay Rector Delia Simpson P. Allen Smith Karen Snowdy Beatrice A. Tatem Analeise Thomas Phil Trahan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Scarlett Holland Martin G. Meyers ON THE COVER Anna Grace Livingston models bridal baubles from Hollis & Company Jewelers, page 114 cover photography by Kelly Moore Clark BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 13,000 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($20) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag. com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts or other materials. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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Summer Brews, Make Me Feel Fine New Seasonal Sippers

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT, SPECIALTY, AND IMPORT MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

IGHT, CRISP, REFRESHING, sessionable. These are some of the words that can be used to describe the newest seasonal offerings from our favorite breweries. Here are just a few of the heat-beating libations we have to look forward to this summer. Abita Harvest Blueberry Wheat This crisp wheat beer has the aroma and flavor of fresh Louisiana blueberries. It’s brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and hopped with German Perle hops, then the juice from local blueberries is added to complement the toasty malt flavor. All of Abita’s Harvest Series brews are made with the finest Louisiana-grown ingredients. ABV: 4.4% Abita Seersucker Summer Pils Abita Seersucker Summer Pils is a traditional pilsner with a full bodied malt flavor, hop bitterness and a light golden color. It is made with pilsner and carapils malts, hopped with German Tradition and Spalt hops. This Pils pairs well with seasonal summer favorites like grilled chicken, salmon or garden salads. It also is a refreshing choice with spicier dishes, Mexican food and most Asian cuisines. Try it with a mild white Vermont cheddar, Havarti or Monterey Jack cheese. ABV: 4.8% Bell’s Oberon Ale Bell’s Oberon is a wheat ale fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast, mixing a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas. The addition of wheat malt lends a smooth mouthfeel, making it a classic summer beer. It’s citrus notes make it the perfect 8 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

accompaniment for light, summery seafood dishes, such as grilled fish with lemon or shrimp skewers. ABV: 5.8% Blue Moon Belgian Style Table Pilsner When Keith Villa, founder of Blue Moon Brewing Company, travels to Belgium, he always looks forward to enjoying classic Belgian Table beers. Traditionally, these loweralcohol beers are brewed to accompany a meal and an evening with great friends. Blue Moon Brewing Company created a twist on this style by making this Belgian Table Pils a more flavorful, yet balanced pilsner. Belgian Table Pils is a sessionable Belgian-style pilsner brewed with mandarin orange peel and two row Moravian barley for a balanced, refreshing summertime beer. It pairs wonderfully with such fare as fish tacos, chicken stir-fry with tangerines and mandarin sorbet. ABV: 4.2% Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy Synonymous with summer, Leinie’s take on the original Munich tavern tradition is a traditional weiss beer brewed with refreshing natural lemonade flavor. In 2012, Summer Shandy won a Silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in the Fruit Wheat Beer category. It pairs well with BBQ chicken, fruit salads, watermelon and freshly caught, grilled fish. ABV: 4.2% Sam Adams Summer Ale Crisp and tangy with refreshing lemon peel and a hint of pepper from rare Grains of Paradise, Summer Ale is a classic. Golden, hazy and thirst quenching, this American wheat ale balances bright citrus, Noble hops

and spice for a lively brew that’s perfect on any summer day. Enjoy a Summer Ale with a Caesar salad or along side a basket of fried clams or shrimp. ABV: 5.3% Sam Adams Porch Rocker Tart and refreshing, this unique summer quencher is a twist on the Bavarian Radler, named for cyclists that originated this drink. Traditionally a mixture of beer and lemonade, for this take Sam Adams combined the crispness of a golden Helles lager with a blend of lemons to create a fresh squeezed tangy taste perfect for the long yet fleeting days of summer. Porch Rocker is perfect for cooling down something spicy. ABV: 4.5% Pro tip: If you are headed to a cook out or other summer gathering, pick up a Sam Adams or Blue Moon Summer Variety Pack. There are always a couple of limited selection brews in these packs that you will not find available in 6 packs. This year, Blue Moon’s will feature Belgian White, White IPA, Summer Honey Wheat and Belgian Table Pils. In the Sam Adams pack, you will find Summer Ale, Boston Lager, Whitewater IPA, Belgion Session, Got to Gose and Heaven or Helles. Got to Gose and Heaven or Helles are both brand new and are exclusive to the Summer Variety Pack. Come see us to sample all of these beers, as well as many more at the DoMo Brewfest on June 4th, held at the Downtown River Market. Also, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/choicebrands to keep up with events, new product releases and more!

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Hopkins Dermatology The Next Level

R. JANINE HOPKINS, A BOARD CERTIFIED Dermatologist and Laser Specialist, has invited Dr. E. Shane French, Board Certified Gynecologist from New Orleans, to join her in bringing a new dimension to Hopkins Dermatology. Dr. Shane French’s focus will be on women and men’s antiaging treatments and procedures. Biodentical Hormone Therapy, such as long acting hormone pellets, as well as the vaginal laser, IntimaLase* and Incontilase* will be included in her treatments.

the second half of our life affect the body in many ways – fatigue, body fat, depression, sleeplessness, hot flashes, mood swings and decreased libido. By not addressing the symptoms, and left untreated, your life style can be drastically compromised. As a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Tufts University Medical School with twenty three years of practice, Dr. Shane French brings a fresh insight into the second half of the lives of women and men.

What is IntimaLase* ? This is a unique YAG laser therapy for incisionless, noninvasive photothermal tightening of the vaginal canal which helps with vaginal dryness. There is no virtually no pain and no downtime. As women naturally age, the structure of the vagina changes, becoming dryer and less flexible. The Fotona SmoothXS laser treatment stimulates production of new collagen, restoring tone and structure to the vagina.

ANOTHER LEVEL Take your body to another level with SculpSure and our Personal Fitness Consultant. Hopkins Dermatology introduces the latest technology for non-invasive body contouring. SculpSure is the FDA-approved laser for reducing localized areas of unwanted body fat with a safe and effective 25 minute procedure. Along with offering SculpSure to her patients, Dr. Janine Hopkins has invited fitness expert, Rico Boyer, to join her team as the personal fitness consultant and coach for patients desiring to achieve optimal long term results in physical fitness. Body contouring through the science of SculpSure is available exclusively at Hopkins Dermatology and a one-on-one personal fitness expert in nutrition and fitness are the perfect team to achieve optimal results through lifestyle changes. We are dedicated to combining the science of lasers, nutrition and fitness to achieve optimal results for our patients.

What is IncontiLase*? This non-invasive laser therapy for the treatment of mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence is based on non-ablative photothermal stimulation of collagen neogenesis, shrinking and tightening of vaginal mucosa tissue and collagen-rich endopelvic fascia, and subsequently creating greater support to the bladder. This procedure is for women who experience urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing or laughing. Preliminary clinical studies show that it is an efficient, easy-to-perform and completely safe procedure. In addition to laser treatments, Dr. French will be addressing the need for hormone replacement and adjustment in both women and men. Because each person is unique, Dr. French tailors each patient’s hormone therapy on blood hormone levels. Managing the hormonal fluctuations that take place during menopause can be quite a challenge. Reaching an appropriate balance with the help of your doctor is key to your health and well-being. Hormones in 10 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Contact our office for a consultation Dr. E. Shane French Board Certified Gynecologist Phone: 318-325-0600 Join us in welcoming Dr. Shane French on June 9th. Kindly call to inquire.

The Gift of Better Hearing Give Dad a Gift He Could Really Use From Audibel the Hearing Center

VERY FATHER’S DAY, FAMILY members attempt a very difficult task — finding a gift for Dad. What do you get someone who enjoys the simplest pleasures of life? Many families play safe and give Dad a new necktie or sleeve of golf balls. Yet that gift combination only works for so many years. If you’re looking to change up this year’s Father’s Day gift and get Dad something he could really use, consider the gift of better hearing. Hearing loss is not an attractive condition to start experiencing for most Dads, yet its impact is very relevant to their everyday enjoyment of leisurely activities. Can you imagine Dad not being able to hear the sounds of his favorite sporting competition or the peaceful noises of nature in his outdoor activities? By giving Dad a first step towards better hearing, you are showing him that you care and are looking out for his ability to continue to enjoy his favorite activities. Who wouldn’t be complimented by that gift? Whether it’s Dad, another family member or even yourself, Audibel can help anyone with their hearing loss. At Audibel, we offer complimentary hearing screenings and consultations. If a hearing loss is detected, further testing may be recommended which may have a minimal charge. Also, regardless of the screening results, there is no obligation to commit to a hearing aid. Simply having Dad aware of present hearing capabilities is a great start. Last month, we started to take a look at the process of getting hearing aids, starting

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with the hearing consultation. This month, we will take a look at the hearing evaluation. The hearing evaluation or screening will identify the extent of any hearing loss that may exist. Many adults have not had a hearing evaluation since elementary school and may not even remember the experience. Today’s hearing exams are thorough and designed to identify and diagnose even mild hearing loss. After gathering a health history, the hearing specialist will conduct an ear exam with an otoscope to check for obstructions, infections or other medical conditions that might affect hearing. If there is no medical reason for hearing loss, the hearing specialist will perform a series of tests including an audiogram, to discover the cause of any hearing problem. This audiometric evaluation is performed to measure any hearing loss and to what degree it may exist. You’ll wear a set of headphones and indicate whether you hear a variety of sounds at different frequencies and levels of loudness. For those who have not experienced difficulty hearing in the past, or been examined for hearing problems, it can be difficult to know what to ask during and after a hearing evaluation. The following list of questions may be helpful in gathering information and getting clear answers from an audiologist or hearing specialist. • What kind of hearing loss do I have? • Is it medically treatable? • S hould I see a medical specialist for my condition? • W hat are the results of my hearing

evaluation? What’s my hearing threshold? • A re there specific frequencies or types of sound I have more trouble with than others? • Will I receive a copy of my audiogram and other test results? • What are my treatment options? • Is there anything I can do on my own to hear better? • Can I prevent further hearing loss? The results are shared by the hearing professional to discuss how hearing loss may be impacting your abilities as well as possible recommendations for a hearing solution. Next month, we will take a look at what you can expect should you decide to purchase any hearing aids. We encourage everyone to be alert for signs of hearing loss in themselves or loved ones and to take the necessary steps to avoid further loss in the future. To make an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please contact our office. ABOUT US Audibel The Hearing Center is Northeast Louisiana’s Audibel dispenser. Cherry Phillips “The Hearing Lady” has been serving this area for over 27 years. We offer free hearing screenings, free second opinions, extended warranties and repairs on all makes and brands of hearing aids. You can find out more by visiting our website www.AudibelMonroe.com and you can see more and like us on Facebook.com/ AudibelMonroe.

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What’s Your Vision of Beauty? Haik Humble Eye Center Wants You to Imagine the Possibilities

AIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER offers advanced cosmetic and medical aesthetic services to our practice offerings. Our services are provided in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere utilizing the latest technology and highly qualified professionals to deliver great results. Our goal is to help you achieve healthier and younger-looking skin. We’ve focused our advanced technology on treatments for improving skin’s health and appearance, as well as cosmetic procedures for the eyes and surrounding area. Whatever your vision of beauty, Haik Humble Eye Center makes it remarkably affordable. PHOTOFACIALS Most people seeking skin rejuvenation to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance or to correct certain skin issues will be ideal candidates for photofacials. Photofacial treatment uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to remove skin imperfections and stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production, thus creating healthier and smoother skin. The gentle, non-ablative treatments use broad spectrum light to treat the face, chest, neck and hands—virtually anywhere that sun damage shows. The process is ideal for anyone with active lifestyles because the procedure requires no downtime and has a low risk of side effects. Photofacials can improve the signs of sun damage, rosacea, and brown spots on the face, hands and body. It has also been used to reduce the appearance of mild acne scars, dark circles around the eyes and fine lines around the eyes and mouth. At Haik Humble Eye Center, we utilize the Lumenis M22 laser

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for IPL Photofacial treatments, which is the gold standard platform for cosmetic skin treatments. PATIENT SATISFACTION Photofacials have a very high measure of patient satisfaction. Patients are very pleased with treatment results because the process treats the full face, neck, chest or hands, rather than addressing a single isolated area or imperfection. With a series of treatments, IPL technology can help restore a more youthful appearance with no downtime or a prolonged recovery necessary after other types of treatments. Several appealing qualities of IPL Photofacials which result in very high levels of patient satisfaction: • IPL treatments are quick, gentle and noninvasive. There is no interruption of routine activities. • By helping to remove the age spots (suninduced freckles) and broken capillaries, the result is overall more even, luminous, younger looking skin. • Patients can see dramatic results within a very short time. WHAT TO EXPECT Each pulse of the laser lasts less than one second and may produce a slight tingling feeling. In particularly sensitive areas, such as the upper lip, it may feel like a quick pinch. After the treatment, a moisturizer is applied with sunscreen. If there is any mild swelling, a cold pack may be applied for five or ten minutes. Commonly, patients can reapply foundation or concealer immediately after treatment.

Each treatment session takes about 20 to 45 minutes to perform, depending on the size and location of the targeted area. Usually four to six treatment sessions are recommended to produce optimal results. After the photofacial treatment, patients can return to work and other regular activities the same day. The skin may appear slightly flushed and capillaries may appear more visible, but these changes are often unnoticeable to others. It is important to protect the skin from sun exposure for the first few months after treatment to promote proper healing and long-term results. EXCELLENT RESULTS Most people will experience a disappearance or significant reduction in skin irregularities after a series of treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart, although results depend on the type and severity of the condition being treated. Sun spots and other forms of sun damage tend to darken after treatment and then shed from the skin after one to two weeks. People with rosacea often notice a decrease in redness and a return to a more normal skin tone within a week after treatment. Those with spider veins may experience a full or partial fading of affected vessels after 10 to 14 days. Achieving smoother, more beautiful skin is now easier and more comfortable than ever before. The professionals at Haik Humble Eye Center will develop a customized treatment plan in order to achieve the desired results for each patient’s individual condition. Call us today at (318) 325-2610 to schedule a FREE consultation.

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Glenwood Medical Group Quality Medical Providers You Expect. Compassionate Care You Deserve. CARDIOLOGY P.Thomas Causey, Jr., MD, FACC Dr. Causey, a fellow of the American Board of Cardiology and board certified in cardiovascular disease, specializes in clinical consultative cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and preventive cardiology. He also serves as medical director of Glenwood’s Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. PH: 318-338-3525 CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY Harry Donias, MD Dr. Donias’ services include mitral valve, tricuspid valve and aortic valve repair or replacement, on and off pump coronary artery bypass, proximal aortic and arch pathology, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, lung and esophageal cancer, aneurysms, peripheral revascularization and carotid stenosis, as well as minimally invasive and endovascular techniques. PH: 318-329-3475 EAR, NOSE AND THROAT Brent Metts, MD, PhD Dr. Metts, one of the few surgeons in the nation who is fellowship trained in minimally invasive and endoscopic assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgeries, provides treatment for sinus disease, thyroid disease, hearing loss, throat and voice problems, sleep apnea, tonsillitis and ear infections. He also performs minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty. PH: 318-329-8458 FAMILY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE Roland Ponarski, MD Dr. Ponarski specializes in diabetes, 16 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

hypertension and high cholesterol. In addition, he offers routine physical exams and CDL license exams. PH: 318-329-8485 FOOT AND ANKLE David Gardner, DPM Dr. Gardner specializes in bunions, hammertoes, flat foot, Achilles tendonitis, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, heel pain, neuromas, corns, calluses, warts, deformities, geriatric conditions, diabetic foot conditions and sports injuries of the lower legs and feet. PH: 318-322-5506 GENERAL SURGERY AND WOUND CARE Russell T. Lolley, MD Dr. Lolley is the Medical Director of Glenwood’s Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center. He performs transcutaneous oxygen monitoring, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, wound debridement, specialty wound dressing and skin grafts, compression therapies and diabetic foot care, as well as general surgeries. PH: 318-329-8445 INTERNAL MEDICINE Alyce Adams, MD Dr. Adams is a certified Diabetes Educator who specializes in diabetes, hypertension and preventive cardiology. She also offers EKGs, stress tests and echocardiograms. PH: 318-322-0458 NEUROLOGY Cresha Davis, MD Dr. Davis specializes in sleep, neurologic and movement disorders, epilepsy, migraines and chronic headache disorders, stroke,

dementia and neuromuscular diseases. PH: 318-807-4611 Jenny Guerre, MD Dr. Guerre is board certified in neurology and specializes in Myasthenia gravis, muscle disorders, spasticity, neuropathy, neurologic disorders, epilepsy, movement disorders, migraines and chronic headache disorders, stroke and dementia. PH: 318-807-4611 PSYCHIATRY Michael B. Wright, MD Dr. Wright specializes in psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for adolescents and adults. His services include psychopharmacology and medication management, outpatient consultations, crisis management, acute psychiatric emergency management and referral and consultations for psychiatric problems related to medical illness. PH: 318-329-4419 PULMONARY MEDICINE Ronald Hammett, MD Dr. Hammett specializes in critical care medicine, internal medicine and pulmonology. His services include treatment of disease and infection of the respiratory tract including cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema and chest infections. PH: 318-329-8479 UROLOGY Edward Rutland, M.D. Dr. Edward Rutland is a board certified urology specialist and is one of the only CONTINUED ON PAGE 139

Bloom Where Ever You Are Living Life with Purpose and Meaning BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

EOPLE AND FLOWERS HAVE A LOT OF SIMILARITIES. People, like flowers, start as seedlings and develop under various conditions and circumstances. They are exposed to the wonders and adversities of life. Like flowers, people are all shapes, sizes and hues with distinct characteristics, different personalities and unique attributes. People, like flowers, can be radiant, vibrant and brilliant and when nurtured properly will grow into their own beauty. How do you describe your personality and attributes? Are you the person you want to be.” If asked to describe your purpose in life, what would you say? Are you living your life in full bloom? Living life in full bloom means living with passion, hope, joy and vision. It means living a life in a manner you deem worth living; your ideal life. It means going for the “gusto”; setting goals and achieving them. Living life full bloom means living with purpose and on purpose. Sometimes in life we have to make the best of circumstances and situations. Living life full bloom means exploring your personal attributes and maintaining a positive attitude when facing challenging situations. It means celebrating your gifts, talents and creativity. Living full bloom means taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way while sharing the privileges life has offered you with those less fortunate. Living in full bloom means knowing you deserve to live life to the fullest. Recently, I was assigned a case in a juvenile detention center. I met with an adolescent girl described as smart, determined, insightful and articulate. I was assured I would enjoy working with the youth. I went to the detention center with great anticipation. My expectations of the conversation between us was superseded. The youth talked openly and candidly about self, her perception of her situation and the circumstances she had endured over the years. I was impressed by her poise, candor and the civility in which she spoke. When I asked the youth “who are you” and “what do you want to become in the future” she quickly talked about going to college . When I asked her to apply the same question to her life, she stated, “I do not know who I will become 18 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

in the future, because I do not know who I am in the present. Look at me. I am in jail. This is not me, but this is where I am now. I don’t know me at this time. If I don’t know me now, how can I know me in the future; I want to know me, and hopefully someday I will. Life is a journey. All we know is where we have been”. I saw in this youth the potential to improve her plight in life, and yet her fear of failing to obtain the future she wants due to her present circumstance. Her disclosure resulted in our talking about being physically incarcerated while being mentally free. Because she is physically imprisoned does not mean her mind is imprisoned. She was reminded to be encouraged about her dreams for a future with promise; a future unlike her present situation. We looked at ways to capture her current situation and how to make good of it. Despite being in a dire situation, she was reminded of her ability to bloom wherever she is currently planted. In life, as with this adolescent, we may encounter situations we must tolerate in order to bloom fully. Ways to live fully: consider how you can flourish, live in kindness and gratitude, provide your self with daily affirmations… practice positive self-talk, emphasize your strengths and recognize your potential, maintain a free and open mind to think things through beyond current situations, counteract the challenges of life with meaningful rewards, be intentional when focusing on self, we all have good qualities…celebrate yours, be proud of who you are becoming, stop second-guessing past decisions, know your truth and remember the truth is less important then the way you perceive it, be mindful life is a journey not a destination …know where you want to go and always strive to live your best life. Like a blooming flower, be resilient, be exuberant and bloom where ever you are. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming, contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC. 1900 North 18 th Street, Suite 414, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com

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Marsala Beverage

Marsala Beverage is Proud to Offer Louisiana-Based Product

T TURNS OUT LOUISIANA’S FERTILE soil can be used for more than just edible crops—it’s also good for developing homegrown vodka. The Louisiana Delta produces some of the most fertile soil in the country. Local LSU alum Joel Brannan decided to use the area’s resources to develop Magnolia Vodka. Utilizing Louisiana resources was a nobrainer for Brannan. After putting himself through college by bartending in Tigerland, Brannan graduated in 2012 and pursued oil and gas in Baton Rouge. He says after doing that for a while, he sat down and thought about the future and what he enjoyed most. The combination of his strong science background and bartending brought him to the liquor industry. Magnolia Vodka is gluten free and made with 100 percent Louisiana corn. In addition to their product being cultivated from some of the most fertile soil in the country, it is safe for people with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or ones looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle. From Shreveport to New Orleans, Magnolia Vodka has approximately 30 distribution locations. Marsala Beverage is one of the distributors that is proud to offer Magnolia to their vendors. Tyler Flemister, VP of Marketing for Marsala states, “Marsala Beverage is committed to providing Northeast Louisiana with the best quality products. Saying that, we are thrilled to form a partnership with Joel and his company. Magnolia Vodka is a gluten-free, ultra-premium product that uses corn from the fields of Tensas Parish. We look forward to seeing Magnolia Vodka become a great

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success in Northeast Louisiana.” Brannan himself is impressed with the progress that the company has made in such a short time. “We’ve been doing tastings all over Louisiana, and we’ve gotten a lot of smiles and a lot of good results as far as taste tests,” Brannan says. Currently, all of the corn Brannan uses comes from farms around Tensas Parish, and the vodka is distilled and bottled in Florida. Brannan does much of the work cracking and fermenting the nutrient-rich corn to go in the vodka. He also serves as the owner, marketing manager and sales representative. Along with using locally sourced ingredients, Brannan says being gluten free is an added bonus. “With more people moving toward a gluten-free diet nowadays, we don’t want to give anyone a reason not to enjoy our ultrapremium vodka,” Brannan says. With the company being established along that delta, the folks at Magnolia Vodka utilize their resources to provide the smoothest ultra premium vodka in the South. Distilled six times, the pure product is derived from some of the healthiest corn providing for an elite fermenting process. “Meeting the expectations of a Southerner’s palate was our goal in the beginning, and we believe we have exceeded that,” says Brannan of his product. Louisiana has always been famous for bringing flavor to the table. For centuries this has been true with our foods and now vodka. Enjoy!

DELTA LEMON COCKTAIL • 3 muddled mint leaves • 2 oz. lemonade • 3 oz. Magnolia Vodka • 1/2 oz. Sprite • 1 orange slice dropped in. LEMON BASIL MAGNOLIA MARTINI • 1/2 oz. lemon juice • 1/2 oz. St. Germain or simple syrup • 3 oz. Magnolia • 2 muddled mint leaves garnish with lemon peel ROOF TOP LEMONADE • 2 oz. Magnolia Vodka • 3 oz. fresh squeezed lemonade • Cucumber slices • Lemon wedges, for garnish Directions Shake vodka and lemonade. Toss with cucumber slices. Pour into a Collins glass and garnish with lemon wedges. MONROE MULE • 1 1/2 oz. Magnolia Vodka • 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice • 1/4 oz. simple syrup • ginger beer • Lime wedges, for garnish Directions Lightly shake vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add ginger beer and shake. Serve in a copper mug and garnish with lime wedge.

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Caples and Robinson Orthodontics Get Your Amazing Smile Faster Than Ever Before

T CAPLES AND ROBINSON ORTHODONTICS, WE strive to offer our patients the latest in orthodontic technology, with an emphasis on patient comfort and treatment acceleration. Patients can enjoy comfortable procedures along with aesthetically pleasing treatment options, like Clarity Advanced ceramic brackets and Invisalign aligners. Combining our newest innovation, AcceleDent, with these options can decrease treatment time from traditional orthodontic methods. Clarity Ceramic Braces give you the confidence you need to have an amazing smile, both during treatment and after. The translucent material blends with your teeth and will resist discoloration throughout your treatment. And with its small, lowprofile design, Clarity Ceramic Braces are virtually unnoticeable, making them perfect for patients of any age who are looking for the confidence to smile on any occasion. These durable brackets are constructed using a fine-grained ceramic material through an injection molding process. These small, dome-shaped brackets optimize patient comfort by allowing as little soft tissue contact as possible. Invisalign treatment takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a series of custom-made aligners created for you and only you. Invisalign treatment won’t interfere with your daily life, and you’ll start to see results in as little as a few months. As you might imagine, a large portion of our patients in Invisalign treatment are adults. In many instances, Invisalign has opened the door for patients who desire orthodontic treatment, but are reluctant to wear traditional braces, to achieve the smile that they have always desired. In addition to correcting aesthetic issues in many adults, we treat an ever-increasing number of cases in conjunction with other dentists and dental specialists in a multi-disciplinary manner to enable the dentists and specialists to deliver optimal care that could not be achieved in the absence of orthodontic tooth movement. The newest innovation we offer, AcceleDent, is an instrument that can decrease treatment time by up to 50% and can also

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improve general comfort during orthodontic treatment. This non-surgical method has been approved by the FDA and has been adopted by professionals across the nation to expedite realignment. The AcceleDent orthodontic system works in tandem with other orthodontic treatments by utilizing vibrations by making your teeth move at a faster rate. The device applies SoftPulse Technology similar to an electric toothbrush. The stimulation increases blood flow to the gums creating a cellular response allowing for faster, more gentle tooth movement. Mechanical stimulation (vibration) of the bone has been studied since the mid-1980s to heal bone fractures and to treat osteoporosis. Best results can be obtained by gently biting down on the personalized mouthpiece for just 20 minutes per day during your leisure time, making it an easy and convenient way to quicken alignment. By accelerating the orthodontic treatment process, you achieve faster, more comfortable results. People often decide against orthodontic treatment because of the length of treatment time, but the AcceleDent system can now cut treatment up to 50%! Combining the AcceleDent system with traditional braces or Invisalign aligners can create one of the best treatment options offered in today’s orthodontics. The first treatment accelerator of its kind, AcceleDent at Caples and Robinson Orthodontics is the only treatment accelerator currently offered in northeast Louisiana. AcceleDent is currently offering a $100 rebate through the month of June. Call to schedule your free consultation today! Start your journey to a straight smile with Dr. Caples and Dr. Robinson, the only Board Certified Orthodontists in Northeast Louisiana and are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. With five convenient locations, Caples and Robinson Orthodontics is here to serve you.

P. Allen Smith Garden Tools

hen you think of shopping for your garden, you usually envision a cartload of perennial shrubs, leafy vegetables and bright summer annuals. There is a certain excitement that follows when buying beautiful plants for your garden, but then you get home and have to till, dig, stake and water. These are jobs that can be taxing—unless you have the proper garden tools to get the jobs done! If you plan ahead and pick up a few garden tool essentials at the nursery, it can make a world of difference when planting. You wouldn’t use a hammer to install a screw, would you? Just like tools in the garage, garden tools have specialized uses. Using the wrong tools or low quality tools can make a simple garden task last hours, and not produce the end results you were looking for. Good, sturdy tools can last a lifetime and make your time in the garden that much more enjoyable. So, before you begin your next garden project—or if you are new to gardening—you might want to assess your tool collection and beef up your garden arsenal. There are a multitude of tools out there to make your landscape chores a breeze. Here are a few of my favorites. Trowel This tool is perfect for scooping, digging and mixing. Dig a good-sized hole for plants and transfer fresh, nutrient-rich soil to cover the roots. Think of a trowel as an extension of your hand in the garden. Sharp Shooter This is great when you need to dig a deep, narrow hole or trench, and it works even in rocky soil. Use a sharp shooter to create deeper, more precise holes in the garden. The long handle gives more leverage and control than a trowel or large shovel. 24 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Watering Wand This extension of the garden hose is a great way to more precisely apply water once your plants are in place. A watering wand evenly distributes the water as to not damage the plant, or waste water. It has great reach, so it also saves a lot of energy you would expend stretching or crouching to get those hardto-reach spots in the yard. Hand Pruners This tool, also known as secateurs, is small but mighty. All gardeners need a sharp pair of hand pruners when working in the garden. They come in handy when managing the size of unruly plants in a flowerbed, harvesting fruits and veggies, and cutting fresh flowers. You can trim everything from perennials to medium-sized shrubs, like roses, azaleas and hydrangeas. Keep in mind that shears generally won’t cut through anything that’s over .75 inches in diameter. Keep them sharp and well-oiled, and they can last for years. Staking and Twine Some plants need a little help staying upright. It’s a good idea to have some staking and twine on hand just in case a plant needs support. For climbing plants, this is an absolute necessity, and you can use them to create an aesthetic design element in the garden. Loppers These are great for pruning hard-to-reach limbs or anything thicker than a pencil. The longer the handle, the more leverage you can get, which is helpful when making larger cuts. Keep your loppers sharp and well-oiled and you’ll be able to trim branches up to 3 inches in diameter, which should handle most pruning jobs around the garden. Pruning Saw Tackle big jobs like tree branches with a pruning saw with raker teeth. This kind of saw is great for cutting thick, green wood. The rakers pull out the sawdust to prevent jamming so you can saw with speed. Be careful not to ding the blades on your saw, you’ll want to keep it razor sharp.

Loppers and secateurs

Wheel barrow, rakes, garden spade, and pitchfork

Twine and steel stakes

P Allen Smith Rose Candle

photos by Jane Colclasure

Shovel If you are planning a big landscaping project like building a raised bed, terracing or planting a tree, you’ll need a sturdy shovel. Look for one that has a generous ledge to support your foot when you push the shovel into the ground. Be sure the handle is metal and not plastic or wooden, so you can comfortably put all your force into it without fear of it snapping in the middle of a job. Soil Knife I love the design of the Deluxe Stainless Steel Soil Knife by AM Leonard. This little tool can get a ton of work done in the garden. Its 3-in-1 design allows it to dig, cut and saw. It’s designed with a rubber grip handle and wide guard, so you don’t cut yourself. I use it to dig and cut through rocky soils with lots of roots. It has a serrated side to help saw through rough terrain, and a tapered blade on the other side that comes in handy when dividing plants. Gloves Don’t forget to protect your hands while they do all the dirty work. A solid pair of well-made leather gloves can go a long way to prevent scratches, injury and aches and pains that go along with garden work. If you are planning to get deep in the weeds it may be a good idea to have a pair of gloves with wrist and arm coverage handy. Protection Don’t forget to stay safe in the garden. In addition to a good pair of work gloves, you’ll need eye protection, ear protection and sun protection. Especially when you are using any device with a motor, like a lawn mower or weed eater, you need to wear protective glasses to keep dirt and debris from flying into your eyes. Earplugs come in handy when operating loud machines, like leaf blowers or power sprayers. The loud noise they generate can permanently damage your hearing. You’ve heard a million times by now to wear sunscreen, but I’ll say it again. Wear sunscreen. And while you’re at it get some sunglasses and a nice, wide-brimmed, breathable garden hat. You’ll be safe and stylish! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Fitzco Marine Construction Introducing the Owners of Fitzco Marine Construction and River Marine Works

ITZCO MARINE GROUP HAS BEEN PROVIDING marine services for the waterfront of the U.S. for over 37 years. In conjunction with River Marine Works, we offer Pile Driving (Steel, Fiberglass and Wood) and Floating Docks for all of your marine needs. Mike Fitzpatrick, owner/founder of Fitzco has spent all his life on and around the water and started in business in 1979 at the age of 19. Having been instilled with values and principles from the beginning, he truly operates his business by the Golden Rule. Joe Terracina, owner/founder of River Marine Works was born and raised in northern Louisiana and shares the same philosophy and general business practices, especially when it comes to the treatment of our customers. At Fitzco, we do many things differently… For A Reason. We believe that your dock should secure your boat, not the other way around. Over the years, we have developed equipment and processes specific to improving our finished product while increasing efficiency. This has led to unmatched ability and quality in the maritime construction industry in the areas of pile driving (we can even drill and install piles in bed rock), bulk heading, floating and fixed structures and underwater recovery of sunken vessels. With us, it’s about design it and building it correctly….once. If it’s already been built and is not performing, we will redesign it and rebuild it correctly….once. If you choose us for your next project on the water, whether it’s replacing pilings, installing a bulk head, building a new floating or fixed pier or an elaborate custom boat house, prepare to be impressed. We have partnered with Joe Terracina of River Marine Works on the Ouachita and Red Rivers, as well as local lakes, in northern Louisiana to bring you unsurpassed local customer service and

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quality for all your marine construction needs. River Marine Works offers Jet Dock, a unique option for getting your boat or jet ski out of the water which attaches to our floating or fixed structures. • Drive-on docking/Slide off launching • Lifetime Limited Warranty • Remarkably durable • Won’t rust, rot, corrode or splinter • Non-polluting • Maintenance-free • Static lift docks do not require electricity • Excellent resale value • Modular Flexibility • Drive-on designs for any quantity, type and combination of craft up to 50’ in length • Easily reconfigured to meet future docking needs It’s simple, Fitzco and River Marine Works want you to enjoy more time on the water! Contact us today by calling Mike Fitzpatrick (318-584-7003) or Joe Terracina (318-665-0190 or 318-614-2406). 323 Moon Lake Road, Monroe, LA 71203 P.O. Box 466, Shell Knob, MO 65747 • 417-858-BOAT (2628) 212 Flat River Road, Bossier City, LA 71112 • 318-584-7003 Fitzco Marine Construction • AirHoist Boatlift Systems Century Maritime • MariTow U.S. “Serving the waterfront of the U.S. since 1979”

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

River Oaks PTO Scholarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Luncheon The annual River Oaks PTO Scholarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Luncheon was held at noon on May 4, 2016. The event took place at Bayou DeSiard Country Club, where families of the honorees were invited to honor these exceptional students and their achievements. To qualify for the award, students must have maintained no less than a B on his or her report card for the year. Seniors that had a 3.0 GPA and above were invited to the luncheon.

On the BayouScene

1 2 3 4

Michael Hollman and Dr. Christine Berry E ddie, Marina and Tucker Raborn K evin, Sandy and Meera Patel A nnie Shively, Malinn Vogt, Elize Roberson, Saksham Saharan and Dr. Shweta Saharan 5K atie Meredith, Reagan Meredith, Renee Meredith, Donna and Robbie Meredith 6 Jake, Brent and Tracie Bryant 7 Joan, Brian and Mattie Jacobs 8 Joe, Melinda and Claire Tannehill 9 Emily, Tracy, Allison and Garrett Austin 10 M acey, Christie, Rusty and Justin Walters 11 Shalanda, Eliza and Erik Stanley 12 Melissa, Lilly and John Saye 13 Klaci, Jimmy and Deirdre Simmons 14 R yan, Melissa and Sydney Ball 15 Megan, Chris, Nikki and Lance Fuller 16 Stacye Mange and Olivia Armand 17 W endy Alexander, Peggy Casamento, Jack, Samuel and Brent Alexander

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WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

B AYOUKID Z

BATTLING BULLIES Comforting Your Child in a Tough Situation article by Cindy G. Foust

hen I got the text message that this m o n t h was the bridal issue for our BayouLife readers, I simply stared at my phone. Then I carried my tired self to my office to stare at my computer. Crickets. Followed by long, glassy-eyed stares out the window. And then more crickets. I guess I could have tried to find out what the latest flower girl bouquets should look like or what tuxedo you should rent for your ring bearer, but who wants to read about that? So I began to research my options...you know for summer topics. I just couldn’t bring myself to write about how to get over your fear of water skiing (I need to know the answer to this, because I don’t want Jaws eating my legs in the Ouachita River, either) or a toenail polish DIY tutorial so you will have great summer toes. I then considered devoting my column on ways to avoid bed bugs when traveling, but well, I decided that would be about as interesting as watching potatoes boil. Crickets again. Does anyone want to know what’s in my purse? I read an article about that the other day, but I’m scared I would need a Tetanus shot if I started going through my purse, so that’s no good. So, as I sometimes have to do when I get writer’s block, I got out the antiquated legal pad and pencil and started scribbling about recent life’s experiences. Don’t laugh. We all have them. I know most people don’t use them to inspire a monthly column, but we all have daily experiences we could write about, especially if we are parents and still have children at home. As I evaluated some of my notes, I realized I had overlooked a certain incident of significance. Okay, so it doesn’t have anything to do with summer travel plans, but it was somewhat of a family crisis at my house. As I sit in my office this afternoon, I can’t help but think that this is probably something that has happened in most BayouLife homes, so it will probably strike a nerve with many parents. Several weeks ago, my family and I were leaving the ballpark after watching my son play a baseball game. My little girl, who is now 30 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

11, had been playing with friends during the game (as she has cut her teeth at the ballpark and by now, is totally over it.) As it goes most days, she and I had met my husband at the ballpark, so the two of us raced to our car, because it was still so cold. The moment our doors shut, my sweet little girl burst into tears. And these weren’t those “girly” tears, you know, kind of dramatic or fake, but instead were the kind where your whole body shakes and you are crying uncontrollably. What in the world? I mean, did someone forget to put cheese on her fries? It will suffice to say that when your baby girl is so visibly upset, you have no choice, but to, well, join the party. So there we were, crying in the parking lot at the high school, she’s buckled over nearly dry heaving and I’m just rubbing her back. And crying with her. When she finally came to her senses and got herself together enough to tell me what had happened (I fully expected the story to include she had been arrested or perhaps she had been expelled from school), through gasping sobs she said, “So-in-So (name withheld to protect the guilty) has been making fun of me and telling me I had big ears, and they were so big I looked like a Smurf.” I know readers, this is supposed to be the climax of the story, and well, like you, I was expecting something newsworthy enough to be on Fox News. She went on, “And So-in-So likes to make fun of me in front of a bunch of people and then make fun of the little boy at school who writes me love notes (say what? When did that start?) and tell everyone that I am not a good dancer.” Okay, let’s back up to the Smurf comment, I wanted to ask her if she was blue and had white hair, and since she didn’t how in the ding dong could she be compared to a Smurf? But my parenting antenna went up and I realized, there was more to this story than a Smurf comparison. My child, whom we do everything we can to protect, was deeply hurt by words. Now, when I was a little girl, and I was made fun of, which unfortunately was a frequent occurance as I was rather unfortunate looking, and at nearly six feet tall in the sixth grade, I had feet the length of water skis, my parents would CONTINUED ON PAGE 137

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

More Than Stationery Sue Paperie Offers Unique Services for Brides

UE PAPERIE IS HOME TO ALL things paper, but specializes in a variety of options for the both the modern and traditional bride. Rachel Lilly Davison, along with Candee Anderson, opened the adorable shop just over a year ago, after struggling to find a local option for her own wedding, and Sue Paperie has been helping local brides ever since. Not only does the shop carry unique lines such as Crane, William Arthur, Vera Wang, Haute Papier, Kleinfeld, Bella Figura, Anna Griffin, Rosanne Beck, OddBalls and Stacy Claire Boyd, Sue Paperie offers a unique service as well. “We know that a wedding is such an important day, so we don’t want brides to feel like they are making a quick decision or rushed in the middle of a busy store, so we have a private space just for them,” said Rachel. The bridal loft is reserved for brides to come in and choose their products for their wedding. Brides can schedule appointments for the bridal loft, which allows them time and one-onone advice on deciding on Save the Dates, invitations and stationery. “We offer a one stop shop for everything a bride would need,” said Rachel. “From Save the Date cards, invitations, coordinating stationery, response cards and gift enclosures, we offer it all!” In addition to stationery, Sue Paperie offers monogrammed and personalized options for dinner and cocktail napkins, towels, koozies, coasters, styrofoam and frost flex cups and a variety of party favors. In addition to invitations and paper

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products, Sue Paperie offers items that will add a personalized touch to the entire wedding process. Brides often like to ask their bridal party to be a part of their big day in a special way and Sue Paperie offers unique cards asking “Will you be my Maid of Honor?” or “Will you be my Bridesmaid?” Plus, you can grab a lovely gift for those wedding party attendants to say ‘thank you’ for standing beside you. For the girls, there are coordinating sets of notebooks, cards, cups and bags from designers like Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Spade. There are gifts for guys, too, like leather journals and personalized shaving bags. In order to keep the bride organized and on task throughout the wedding process, Sue Paperie has the perfect planner from Kate Spade. In the perfect shade of wedding blue, this 3-ring binder has pockets to store contracts, pictures and more. To remember the special day, brides can choose from a selection of decorative marriage certificate by Haute Papier. Adding another personalized element to the experience, Sue Paperie often works with Paperglaze Calligraphy and helps brides find a unique look for all of their printed products. In addition, the shop has their own in-house graphic designer to help brides create their one of a kind look. This year, Sue Paperie is announcing their bridal reward program. When a bride selects Sue Paperie to create and print their wedding announcements, invitations, save the dates, etc., the bride will receive 20% off all custom orders after their wedding.

That means they can use Sue Paperie for the rest of their life events – baby showers, thank you notes, stationery. “We love the relationship we build with our clients, and we look forward to working with them for years to come!” said Rachel. And if you aren’t a bride yourself, but have plenty of weddings to attend, Sue Paperie has options for the perfect gift. “We have tons of items that you could get the couple with their monogram or new last name,” said Rachel. “We have a variety of options for luggage and bags that would a great gift to send them on their honeymoon!” Another great gift idea is the “Wedding Blue Book: The Definitive Guide to Wedding Correspondence Etiquette” by Crane, which offers guidance and rules relating to traditional correspondence and guidance for implementing a more contemporary style when addressing envelopes. Even though they have only been open a year, Sue Paperie is quickly becoming a hit with not only their options for brides, but all of their unique lines of invitations for all occasions, personalized stationery, notes, greeting cards, gifts and more. Sue Paperie is open in the heart of downtown Ruston at 112 W. Park Avenue. Their hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Voss and Hampton

he beginning of 2016 was celebrated by the exchanging of marriage vows for Whitney Hampton and Zach Voss. The two were wed on January 9th, 2016 at 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church of West Monroe. Their college pastor, Matt Slate, from The Bridge Community Church officiated the sweet and intimate ceremony. The reception was held at Bayou DeSiard Country Club in Monroe. Parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. David Hampton of Monroe and Mr. and Mrs. David Roach of West Monroe, LA. Parents of the groom are Mrs. Jane Voss and the late Mr. William Voss of Houma, Louisiana. Whitney and Zach are both graduates of Louisiana Tech University, where they met. Whitney received her B.S. in Family and Child Studies and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University. Zach received both his B.S in Kinesiology and Health Promotion and M.S. in Kinesiology and Sports

Performance from LA Tech. The couple now lives in Houma, LA. Whitney attends school and works at Nicholls State, and Zach is the Health and Sports Performance Specialist at Terrebonne General Medical Center. The bride wore a beautiful and elegant gown designed by Kenneth Winston. The ivory, lace dress was embellished with beading, which added a subtle, yet glamorous sparkle. The beading also lined the elegant deep V of the open back of the dress. The bride carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas, ivory Vendella roses, white stock, white orchids and dusty miller at the base of the arrangement. The theme of the wedding was elegant-glam. The tone of the ceremony and reception was set with soft white candlelight, silver mercury glass and a touch of sequins. The church was filled with live worship music before and during the ceremony by Quincie McConathy, Caroline Doughty, and Annie Carlisle. Attending the bride as

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maids of honor were Lauren Hampton, the bride’s sister, and Martha Jane O’Neal. The bride’s matron of honor was Taylor Branch. Bridesmaids were Ashlea Nelson, Christina Matheus, Hayley Gaston, Marissa Munn, Becca Dupuy and Taylor Guillot. All of the girls wore strapless, charcoal grey dresses that were detailed with lace at the hips to resemble a subtle peplum style. Their bouquets consisted of ivory Vendella roses, white orchids, metallic silver dusty miller leaves, and metallic silver lily grass loops at the base. Serving as the best man was Jared Day, and groomsmen were Spencer Voss, Taylor Voss, Eric Lawrence, Hayden Slack, and the late Noah Riche. Ushers were the bride’s stepbrothers, Will Roach and Riley Dunn, as well as the groom’s roommates and teammates from Louisiana Tech, John Hinton, Josh Cuthbert, Adam Hymel and Chandler Spence. The reception at Bayou DeSiard Country Club was filled with eating, dancing and

merriment! The food was provided by Bayou DeSiard. BluePrint, a band from Baton Rouge, played a balanced mix of classic and current dance music that had wedding guests dancing all night long. The floral arrangements were created by Lauren Roebuck Designs. Both the bride’s and groom’s cakes were catered by Kacee’s Sugar and Spice. The bride’s cake featured a tiered, sequined look with layers of chocolate, strawberry and buttercream cake. The groom’s cake was a classic red velvet cake with cream cheese icing, which resembled weighted plates. Party favors were Voss water bottles, which accurately celebrated the couple’s new last name! A rehearsal dinner was held at Restaurant Cotton on Friday night before the ceremony and was hosted by the groom’s mother. The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia for a week after the wedding and returned to their home in Houma, Louisiana. Photography by Angela Groce at Unveiled Radiance Photography.

Taylor and Simmons S

helley Kristen Simmons of Choudrant, Louisiana and Mark Keith Taylor, Jr. of Ruston, Louisiana were wedded as one on March 26th, 2016 at the Davison Tree Farm in Choudrant. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Reagan Colvin, the groom’s cousin. The bride is the daughter of Scott and Debbie Simmons, of Choudrant. She is the granddaughter of Dorothy Mae Simmons and the late J.B. Simmons, of Dubach and Larry and Mary Baker, of Choudrant. She is the great-grand-daughter of Kathleen Baker and the late Davis Baker of Choudrant. The groom is the son of Mr. Mark Keith Taylor of Ruston, and Mrs. Laurie Ann Hall, of Spotsylvania, Virginia. He is the grandson of the late Edward Ray and Clara Taylor, of Dubach; Charlene McIllveene, of Bumpass, Virginia, and the late Don Pendergrass of Dubach. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her

father, the bride wore a stunning trumpet style Allure gown made of satin and lace that exuded great elegance and complexity. With a pattern of plunging neckline, long bell sleeves and sheer back; the fitted bodice shaped the body’s curves just right. The skirt fit and flared down to a beautiful chapel train which was very captivating as it was embellished with lace all over, purchased from Glitz Nashville Formal Wear in Nashville, TN. The bride carried a loosely gathered bouquet of blue thistle, cream and purple anemone, green mist, pink and lavender larkspur, billy balls, cream solidago, ranunculus and assorted natural greenery all bound with ivory satin ribbon. The bouquet was embellished with long sheer ribbon streamers in assorted pastel colors. The ceremony was located in the depths of a pine tree farm, surrounded by huge pines canopying over and whispers of wildlife all around. Lacey Cooper served as the

matron of honor. Krista Howard served as Maid of Honor. The Bridesmaids included Mackenzie Simmons, Jamie Owens, Robin Posey, Brittney Taylor, Katie Reed, Jessica Oliver and Caty Simmons. The bridesmaids wore a dove grey, high-neck, floor length, custom gown by Natalie Deayala, accompanied by a eucalyptus flower crown. The flower girl was Scarlett Mae Cooper. Serving the groom as the best man was his brother, Dustin Taylor. The groomsmen were Timothy Alsup, Landon Pender, Alex Burt, Wes Barmore, Josh Colvin, Dustin Serpas, Jared Riser and Jacob Simmons. The groomsmen wore an Allure suit in a Slate Blue color with dove grey accents. Serving as the ring bearers were Tobey Cooper, Inman Cooper, Levi Owens and Sutton Simmons. Music for the ceremony was provided by Chad Thomas (guitarist), Danny Nelson (guitarist) and Karlie Stuckey (vocals.)

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Ruston Country Club. Organization and coordination was done by Jenny Crume, entertainment was provided by the “Wedding Band,” the bride’s father’s band, catering was done by Linda Peevy, and all flowers were done by Holly Allen at “2 Crazy Girls” of Ruston. Videography was done by Kio’s Photography, and all photography was done by Savannah Kate Photography. Special thanks to Brittany Dye and Alison Alexander, make-up artists, and Brooke Smith and Tiffany Soto, hairstylists from the Capelli Salon in Ruston. Shelley and Mark would like to thank everyone involved, especially their families that put unlimited time and effort into making it the most perfect day. They are also thankful for the ones who came and celebrated their new life together. Love to you all from the Mr. and Mrs.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

The Organized Bride by Erin Sharplin Love

o you know that the average wedding takes approximately 240 hours to plan? That is A LOT of time! And, if you are like me, time is something that there is never enough of, so using it wisely is of the utmost importance. That’s why a bride should be as organized as possible during the planning process. After all, planning a wedding is quite a big task that can become overwhelming quickly. If you want to complete the process free of stress and full of happiness, follow the guidelines in this article. It is full of ideas on how to become an organized bride. #1 - Start Planning As Soon As Possible! Popular wedding venues book up early, so choosing a date and booking both the ceremony and reception venue should be the first two things you do, followed by booking a wedding coordinator, if you so choose. The next item to check off your list should be booking the photographer and so on down the list of wedding vendors. #2 – Begin Creating a Vision Board. This vision board will become the most important piece of your plan; it will help you make every decision that will

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arise during the planning process. If you prefer a binder over a “board,” use that instead. The vision board (binder) is the place that you will put everything wedding related. Peruse Pinterest for décor you love, cakes that make your mouth water, dresses that make you swoon, and flowers that make you smile. Once you’ve exhausted all media for ideas, take a step back and see what the common theme of your board is. You should be able to set your wedding colors, theme, time of day and destination simply based on your vision board. #3 – Create a Second Binder or Folder to House Everything Wedding Related. When you make a wedding arrangement, you want to make sure you have everything that you may need in one central location. You should put all contracts, menus, business cards, payment receipts, contact information, correspondence, etc. into this binder and have it with you at all times up until, and throughout, the wedding day. #4 – Make “To Do” Lists! There are so many details that go into planning a wedding, so to-do lists are mandatory to keep you sane and in control. Speaking of lists, one of the first lists that you need

to make is the guest list! I cannot emphasize enough how long it takes to get a completed guest list that has correct, full-name spellings and correct addresses. It is one of the most daunting tasks in the wedding planning process and many of my clients underestimate the amount of time and attention it takes. #5 – Create a Budget Spreadsheet. Once you have set your budget, an excel spreadsheet is mandatory if you want to stay on track. Wedding expenses can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t pay close attention. You’ll be surprised at how quickly things add up! Plus, you will be able to keep up with deposits paid and when final payments are due with one quick glance at the spreadsheet. No surprises! With a little organization, those 240 wedding planning hours will fly by, and you will be able to enjoy your wedding day stress free! You will be a beautiful bride. Love, Erin.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

University of Louisiana Monroe

ULM’s Spring 2016 Graduation Ceremony One of Largest in School History

24 STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA Monroe’s spring 2016 graduating class earned degrees on Saturday, May 14, in ULM’s Fant-Ewing Coliseum. The university takes pride in its graduating classes, and this year is no exception. It was one of the largest graduating classes in the history of ULM. Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, representing the 5th District of Louisiana, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Abraham focused his speech around attitude and sacrifice. Abraham recounted the story of a 13-year-old patient named Mary during his third year on pediatric service. Despite struggling with cystic fibrosis, Abraham recalled that every day before the medical team would leave, Mary would greet them with a smile and a hug. He encouraged the graduating class to live their life with the right kind of attitude. “So when life hits you head on, remember Mary,” Abraham said. “She was able to present us with happiness and show us how to live life when faced with adversity.” Abraham also spoke around the theme of sacrifice, offering special recognition of first responders and military personnel and veterans. “I can’t tell you how important it is that we thank and support our men and women in uniform not only in the military, but in law enforcement, our firemen, our first responders—those that run toward the danger, run toward the fire, run into a burning building, run toward the bullet when we run away from it.” In a final message to the graduates, Abraham offered some personal advice. “Use [your diploma] for what it’s for…to bring positive, constructive change to the world. We expect you to be practical, principled problem solvers. We want you clear and concise in your direction, we want you bold and strong in your commitment, and we want you resolute in your conviction.” ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno gave special recognition to students who have interesting or inspiring graduation stories. “All of our students are special, but some made it to this point from very interesting roads, and I’d like to share those with you,” said Bruno. 40 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Among those recognized were Mary Cox and Angela Hedrick Dempsey. Recently, Mary Cox used the training she received at ULM to help save a man’s life on board an airplane. Her desire to serve others is further evidenced in her work at a local homeless shelter, where she has connected many people with resources to improve their lives. In Mary’s words, “she is learning to serve here so that she can be better equipped to serve the world.” And that’s just what she will do this fall. In August, Mary will be taking her skills to the world as she travels to 11 different countries over 11 months to serve others and transform lives. Ultimately, Mary wants to come back to the Monroe/West Monroe area to continue her life of service. Angela Dempsey Hedrick’s higher education journey has been one of persistence and dedication. After only completing school through the 7th grade, Angela was able to go on to obtain her GED over a decade later, and it was then that she decided to pursue prenursing at a community college in Alabama. Her academic pursuits were halted when she was forced to return to Monroe to take care of her mother who was ill. She would often pass by ULM’s campus and say to herself, “I would really love to go there.” In 2011, she decided that she wanted to finish what she started at the community college in Alabama. She applied to ULM, was accepted, and on May 14 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, Management and Marketing. Angela walked the same stage as her daughter, Ashley Nicole Hurst, who also graduated with a bachelor’s in Health Studies, Management and Marketing. Bruno also recognized all military personnel and veterans, student athletes from various sports, and those who earned their degree within three years. The University of Louisiana Monroe would like to formally congratulate all of the 2016 graduates, and wish them good luck in all of their future endeavors! For the complete list of spring 2016 graduates and a video of the commencement ceremony, please visit www.ulm.edu/commencement.

Changing Your Perception of Bankers A Chat with Origin Bank’s Billy Haddad and Matt West

WHEN YOU THINK OF A BANKER, WHAT DO YOU envision? Guys in suits counting money or filling out loan applications, perhaps? What you probably do not see in your mind are people who love to serve and dole out kindness and good deeds for a living. But that’s exactly what Billy Haddad and Matt West, business development bankers with Origin Bank, do every day. We sat down with Billy and Matt to find out about their jobs with the bank and how they change the public’s perception of bankers. What does an average day on the job look like? Matt: I’m not sure if there is ever an “average” day, so to speak. In a nutshell, it would consist of prospecting/calling on new businesses, relationship building and uncovering the needs of existing clients, which could look different for each client. We also work with co-workers to gain knowledge of existing customers to further the bank’s relationship and to offer support for any new leads they may have. We oversee the sponsorship budget and work with the recipients to try to gain their business in addition to ensuring dollars are well spent with regard to our advertising/marketing budget. A large part of what we do as business development bankers is to serve our community by attending as many local events as possible, such as ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, ULM events, luncheons and non-profit fundraising events, and to organize and participate in Project Enrich, Origin’s employee volunteer program that gives full time employees up to 20 hours per year to volunteer with charitable organizations in the communities we serve. We do our best to always prove that we are who we say we are as a company and to walk the walk, not just talk about it. Origin Bank is known for talking about the importance of relationships. Can you explain what that means and how it affects what you do for the bank? Billy: We do not consider our clients customers; we consider them friends. So to us, the meaning of “relationship” is how you treat and work with a friend. We are trusted advisers in a sense and are there to assist in times of need, times of joy, times of trouble or times of success. We love to serve! We deliver peaches in June, Christmas gifts in December, we organize ice cream socials and hamburger cookouts

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for our customers’ employees, give various event tickets away to our friends and prospects and offer free food at our ULM tailgate tent. From a banking perspective, we are there to take care of any financial issues that may arise. We pride ourselves on over-the-top customer service. Our goal is to be part of a family. Matt: The relationship is everything. It means that we get to know our clients, so that we can truly understand who they are and where they want to go. We experience it with them on the field, not from the sideline. There is a mutual respect and trust that comes along with having a relationship that allows for more than just a banking transaction between two parties. What are some of your favorite memories of working for Origin Bank? Billy: I have many heartwarming stories to tell from my years of working for Origin Bank. One of the most rewarding things about my job is working with great people every day and the inspiration and drive we all have to grow our company. Also, I really enjoy that Origin allows me to participate in our Random Acts of Kindness program, which gives me the discretion to hand out an unexpected gift to anyone in need, distress or in trouble. For example, in the grocery line at Walmart one day, I met a lady with two young children and a small basket of groceries whose house had flooded. I, on behalf of Origin Bank, paid for her groceries. It was nothing big, but to her it was worth a million dollars that day. Another time, I met a man at a filling station who was trying to fill his tank with gas, but his card did not work. I bought his gas. I came to find out that he was on the way to pick up his wife from cancer treatment. These are wonderful stories that remind me about the importance of being at the right place at the right time, and how God puts people in your path. These acts of kindness certainly help those in need. But WOW! It does so much more for me. It changes your life and makes you really appreciate what our organization can and will do for a community of people. Any last thoughts? Matt: God has given everyone unique gifts and talents. I know that mine is serving others. I am so thankful to have a job that allows me to use these gifts to not only help others but also my company.

Marrakech Expressed

ith wanderlust as his guide, designer Gregory Hudgins, inspired by a dreamy destination wedding in exotic Marrakech, creates an equally exhilarating bouquet for an adventurous bride. Ginger, bird of paradise, begonia, Ming fern, salad, Israeli ruscus, palm and ti leaves come together for a bouquet as unique as the bride and her chosen destination. photo by Martin Graham Meyers | arrangement by Gregory Hudgins

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Sweet Southern

he scene is set. Imagine a sweet bride in a spring ceremony in an old southern garden under towering live oaks. Accomplished party planner and floral designer, Gregory Hudgins turns up the volume and scent in this adorable bouquet by gathering rosemary, flowering thyme, small heirloom tea roses, cut roses in ivory with pink edges, dusty miller and magnolia.

photo by Martin Graham Meyers arrangement by Gregory Hudgins

DOWNTOWN GALLERY CRAWL Mark Your Calendar For Thursday, June 2nd

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s flood waters recede and the beautiful folks of northeast Louisiana begin to recover their “normal” lives, artists help to remind us that new life and new art enrich us all! The first Thursday of every even-numbered month sees the streets of downtown Monroe and West Monroe bustling with happy people, enjoying live music, good food and fine art. Thursday, June 2, will be no different. Seven of the eight member galleries, all members of the Downtown Arts Alliance, will be open for neighbors to mingle, reveling in the talents of their artist-friends! The whole family will enjoy the evening, which runs from 5-9 pm. Artists will be on hand to discuss their art with all who’d like to learn more. A special treat at this Crawl is a limited-edition print commemorating the flood, designed by Austin Bantel with assistance from Kelsea McCrary, which will be available at all the galleries. Totally free (unless you choose to buy some art!), this evening features a special concert as part of the New Music on the Bayou festival, which runs from June 1-4 in various locations from Black Bayou Lake to Ruston. The June 2 concert will feature numerous musical artists from throughout the US and beyond, presenting original compositions at the Palace Gallery on DeSiard Street. The Palace also presents painter Jon Edelhuber, whose personal iconography is a way of shorthand recording of his relationships with the people he loves, both during life and after. Each canvas has its own narrative densely packed with symbolism, color, line and form. Born in Arkansas, Edelhuber currently lives and paints in Nashville, along with his family. On Art Alley in Monroe, the UPSTAIRS gallery (curator Emily Caldwell) features a group of Ruston artists known as the Women’s Art Group (WAG!). The title of the show is “More Than Words.” All these artists are expressing, through their art, the connection 48 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

3 and communication that’s possible through two- and three-dimensional visual work. “Sometimes the eye can understand emotional and sensory relationships that are difficult to put into words,” says one of the artists. Rick Sikes, curator of the Big Room Gallery, next door to UPSTAIRS, is proud to present two Louisiana Tech artists, both of whom are graduating with Master of Fine Arts degrees this month. Whitney Trisler and Tess Stickney will wow visitors with their talents—and regular attendees know that they can always expect good food and drink at the Big Room. ARENDER studio + gallery (on Monroe’s Art Alley) is proud to present Emma Case Melville in a solo showing titled “Humble Clay.” With architectural influences that allow her to explore spatial relationships between the pieces themselves and how they are displayed, Emma shows her process through the completion of her matte-glazed pieces. The driving forces behind this body of work, while primarily functional, are elements of design such as the patterns and repetitions she seeks to highlight. Melville says, “There’s a lot of humility in clay--you try to control it, but as soon as you think you’ve developed some degree of mastery and you let your ego get the better of you, clay will always find a way to humble you.” Come hear directly from the potter that shapes the clay, with an artist talk at 6:30 pm during the Downtown Gallery Crawl. Sugar Gallery welcomes the return of Scott Stone. Scott brings to Sugar his scenic photographs on canvas and metal as well as his decorated guitars. Leah Reitzell will debut her “Joyful Spirits” collection, a series of highly textured, figurative paintings with lots of summer color. Melanie Douthit’s mixed-media “Bayou” series includes birds, florals and abstracts, while Mary Thompson, inspired by her love for nature, will offer animals, landscapes and still-life oil paintings. Also, Sugar

regular Burg Ransom will display his nature photography while Stacey Medaries will have her always-imaginative pieces available. On the West Monroe (Antique Alley) side of the river, the River Gallery features Debra Heard, one of the Ouachita River Art Gallery’s co-op members. Born in Farmington, New Mexico, and growing up in Natchez, she eventually ended up attending ULM, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and teaching certificate. Heard then worked for years in various arts and design jobs, including teaching art in grades k-12. She still teaches art and works in her art studio, expressing herself through pencil drawing and oil painting. Her goal is “to bring beauty into everything I paint and draw.” The River Gallery, Louisiana’s oldest and largest art co-op, includes up to thirty artists of all kinds; guests are welcomed with good food and live music. Rumo’s Gallery, also on Antique Alley, is the newest gallery showing art during this Downtown Gallery Crawl. The curator is Austin Bantel; owners of the gallery are Morgan and Russell Moore. Music, food and drink are always a part of the evening at this “happening” place. Garrett House, by the river in Monroe, is presently undergoing renovation so will be closed for this Crawl only. Curated by Brooke Foy, Garrett House is going to be even better than before! The artists of the Downtown Arts Alliance, as well as their appreciative public, sincerely thank the always-generous DAA sponsors, especially Presenting Sponsor Louisiana Pain Care, and including Bancorp South, Creed and Creed Law Firm, Fiesta Nutrition Center, Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Sir Speedy, the News-Star, KEDM Public Radio, DeltaStyle, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Restaurant Cotton, Rawls DeSigns, Cross Keys Bank, Lavalle Salomon Law Office, Warehouse Restaurant, Antique Alley Merchants’ Association, Choice Brands and Marsala Beverage.

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Class of 2016

Neville High School Presents 2015-16 Valedictorians and Salutatorian

HE FOLLOWING WORDS FROM THESE ACCOMPLISHED valedictorians are excerpted from their Valedictory Addresses at the 2016 Commencement Exercises, inspired by the letters TIGERS: “T is for Tenacity. The first of many vocabulary words in Mrs. Tucker’s class. Tenacity is defined as the quality of being persistent. An essential part of persistence is refusing to give up. Neville has challenged us all—whether it be a Monday Rogers’ test, a faster speed in a swim meet, or community service on a Saturday morning. Tenacity and courage go hand in hand. This year in Mrs. Sandifer’s class, we studied To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper Lee wrote, “Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” The fact that we have finally made it shows that we have real courage…” – Emily Coenen “I is for Inspire! I dare to pose the question: What inspires you? I have realized that I have been shaped and molded by the stories of the people who I have encountered along the way. The story of my mother’s determination to triumph over extreme adversity, and the story of my grandmother’s caring and loving attitude are among these. Like all stories, theirs are not perfect; however, it teaches me what to do when life hands me lemons and not the freshly squeezed glass of lemonade from Raising Canes. They inspire me… Don’t leave this world without first leaving a legacy behind that will inspire someone else never to give up or give into life’s struggles, because there are millions of more stories waiting to be heard.” – Angel Dixon “G is for Grace Under Pressure. In a situation where much is required, a courageous person retains his or her sense of style and manner, not just responding haphazardly and carelessly to the immediate demands. In our four years at this wonderful institution, we have battled stress and won… time and time again. What’s interesting most to me is, this constant endurance has become instinct. So I think it’s safe to assume that grace under pressure comes naturally to Neville Students… As graduates, we face uncertainties in both the near and distant future. However, let us view uncertainty as another 50 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

word for opportunity…another opportunity to display grace under pressure.” – Chika Ifediora “E is for Excellence. ‘Excellentia Omnibus- excellence in all things.’ This standard is an old one, and my family members who attended Neville are living proof of that. In 1959, my grandfather was band captain; in 1960 my grandmother was valedictorian; and in 1985 my father was valedictorian. As a member of the class of 2016, I believe that we have done an outstanding job of living up to the standard of excellence that has been maintained at Neville for the last 85 years… After tonight, we will have to… recommit ourselves to excellence by building relationships, working hard and working smart…Neville has taught us to be nothing less than the best, in everything we pursue.” – Mary Snellings Inabnett “R is for Responsibility. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” For the past four years, we have made the choice to earn a high school diploma, and with that choice we have been given many different responsibilities…Through our teachers, administration, coaches, parents and community, we have been given the opportunity to achieve excellence, and we have been given a great education. As we move forward to the next chapter of our lives, it is our responsibility to go out into the world to make the most of that opportunity.” – Kayleigh Keyes “S is for Student. For the past 14 years, all of us have been students in the traditional classroom setting. We’ve been reading our APUSH (Advanced Placement U. S. History) textbooks, making flashcards for a vocabulary quiz, and trying not to fail the next chemistry test thrown our way. No matter what we do in the future, we will still be students… the world is your classroom…With knowledge, we can start to change the world… I hope all of you will keep learning, gain power and show this world what kind of people come from Neville High School. As Mr. Rogers tells us so often, “Go forth and learn! ” – Sallie Sherman

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Better Living Market The Home of Healthy Fare and Ware

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HEN WE BEGAN OUR ADVENTURE AT BETTER Living Market, I was as green as summer grass with knowledge about retail. However, as I talked to many people, and read and read and read some more, I began to use my past knowledge of experiences, jobs and interactions to my new environment, and it all started making sense. I wanted the market to tell a story about “Better Living” – a story of choices, health and lifestyle. As we focus on living better, our choices become more deliberate and goal oriented toward long-term health and fitness. It is never too late to begin the healthful journey for taking care of ourselves. At Better Living Market, we want you to feel welcomed as you write your own story in the healthful journey experience. As the first months after opening quickly flew by, I began realizing that our market is much more than just brick and mortar. It is a part of something bigger than itself, and in that lies truly living a healthy happy lifestyle for all. At the market, we are striving for excellence. We are educating ourselves daily to provide the best knowledge, products and customer service for you. Our goal is to reach out to customers and inspire our community to adopt and live a healthy lifestyle. We believe that wellness should be the natural state of your body, and we’ve made it our primary duty to help you achieve optimal health. Will you join us on the road to Better Living?” – Kim Belue, Owner, Better Living Market Better Living Market is not your typical, old school health food store. Offering much more than what one would expect, the market aims to sell a lifestyle that incorporates all areas of health and whole body wellness. Located in the heart of downtown Ruston, at the corner of Alabama and Monroe street, Better Living Market is the premier spot for natural foods, herbs and supplements, vitamins and organic produce; while also housing a large selection of appliances, essential oils, grass-fed beef, craft beers, local honey and more! The store incorporates online ordering with curb side service for those too busy to stop inside, truly making this a one of a kind shopping experience.

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When renovating Better Living Market, the store worked towards repurposing and recycling materials to add character and preserve the past. The health and beauty cabinets were built from wood that were formerly doors from the original Green Clinic building at the Vienna Street in Ruston. Windows that housed the original office of the Ole Wheat Barn Store were transformed to table displays and an old air conditioning vent became a backroom storage. But one of the most original repurposed projects can be found outside. When the Better Living Market sign was delivered from Rapid Signs, they managed to turn the wooden crate into an herb garden for residents to use at no cost. The Market utilizes the hashtag #Rustonbetterliving – a sign showing that the business not only cares about the community, but also, strives to make it better. Owned and operated by Ruston local, Kim Belue, together the whole team is committed to shopping small, supporting local and providing you with all of your health needs right here in our own backyard. Reaching out to the community is one of the market’s key goals. Recently supporting the efforts of the Ride Your Bike to Work Week, the store aims to help incorporate updated biking infrastructure throughout North Louisiana. Also, sponsoring the Ruston Farmer’s Market new home and renovation cost, Better Living Market is helping by continuously improving the lives of the residents in all areas. On top of providing an excellent avenue for high quality vitamins, herbs and supplements, the staff includes various department experts and two in house nutritionists that can help you plan a customized diet for you and your family. The store is regularly providing samples of products, live demos and hosting industry leaders to talk about all areas of whole body wellness. Located at 301 N. Monroe St. in Ruston, Better Living Market is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Available by phone (318) 254-0761. Visit them on the web at www.Betterlivingmarket.com to stay up to date with healthy lifestyle tips, great recipes and more!

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C R U M B S C AT E R I N G ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

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ff Highway 33 in Ruston, Louisiana, under the orange awning lies Crumbs Catering, the culinary brainchild of Jodie Morphew and Olivia Stinson. The young business owners have always enjoyed feeding friends and family, watching the joy on their faces consuming dishes they made from scratch. The twosome emphasizes a personal touch in every handmade item or dish and promises to handle all the details of your event. Accommodating people’s tastes and infusing the customer’s personality in each detail sets Crumbs apart from a traditional bakery. Given the creative liberty, Olivia and Jodie ponder and prepare the mood, style and ambience each customer envisions, and at times, create a vision when one is open to the possibilities. Answering Ruston’s need for a one-stop shop for bakery needs and savory foods, Crumbs continues to grow and evolve to suit the expanded tastes and unique requests of its customers. Olivia’s love of cooking and baking was fostered by the matriarchs in her family. It began in her great-grandmother’s kitchen where she would frequently make chocolate chip cookies. Olivia’s mother, Cindy, cooked every night at about the same time where the family would all meet around the dinner table. Olivia was shown a respect for the meal and the time taken to create it. In college, she would purchase magazines with how-tos for Halloween treats and Christmas goodies. In 2011, she began working at a local bakery and fell in love with the customer interaction and decorating cakes. Jodie claims the bakery is where Olivia “honed her decorating skills.” She later took a job at Cotton as a dessert chef, a position she wouldn’t leave until Crumbs was already six months along. As a child, Jodie had always imagined a career in real estate or being a cook on TV. During Olivia’s bakery stint, Jodie took a different path to culinary school in Pittsburgh. After graduating from Louisiana Tech in Speech Communication, she had that dreaded “What do I do now” question, and her answer came from her husband who had just gotten a job in Pennsylvania. So she applied to the Art Institute and stayed in Pittsburgh for two years. Then the couple decided they missed home and returned to Louisiana. Though they were classmates at Cedar Creek School, Olivia and Jodie hadn’t seen each other in some time. And oddly, it had been Jodie who had suggested Olivia for Cotton, as she was the sous chef at Nonna at the same time. Both were working long hours and commuting to Monroe, and they both longed for something more family-oriented, where they would have entire creative control. And after some orchestrating by their intertwined families, a conversation at a mutual friend’s wedding turned into business cards with the name Crumbs Catering, suggested by Olivia. The friends of fifteen years work well together because of their united vision for Crumbs. Though neither lady admits being businessminded, they share the same creative aesthetic, stressing flavors and ambience. Jodie insists, “You eat with your eyes first,” and they get how each other thinks and respects different ideas to incorporate into each event. Since both Olivia and Jodie are parents first, they respect each other’s time and family commitments. Being business owners allows them the liberty of planning their work schedules around their lives. Serving customers since 2014, the ladies just recently moved into the building marked by the orange awning in January of 2016. Having previously worked out of their homes, they got so busy that they didn’t have anywhere to cook. Jodie’s dad called saying they had gotten the building the same night Jodie’s daughter, Heidi, was born. The official ribbon cutting will be Thursday, May 26, and the grand opening party will follow that night. Also, the first week of June, the ladies will be joining their former boss, Cory Bahr at Atlanta Food & Wine, a three day festival that acts as one large Louisiana dinner party. Select Louisiana chefs are invited, and this year Crumbs will be in charge of the desserts.

Owners Jodie Morphew and Olivia Stinson Unlike other catering companies with fixed menus for events, Crumbs strives to customize by customer. The ladies encourage their customers to let them build a menu for their guests. Previous events personalized by Crumbs include: showers, weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, charity events, sorority and fraternity events, and political fundraisers. What sets Crumbs apart are the unique offerings and creations, not your typical wedding or party food. Panini bars, dessert bars, fajita bars and beignet bars are just a sample. Being on the cutting edge of trendy, the ladies have noticed a shift away from traditional buffet line receptions, with brides leaning more toward hors d’oeuvre stations and comfort foods. And while wedding cake requests may still look somewhat traditional, the crazy bursts of flavors and variety are hidden behind the icing. Grooms are also evolving, opting for pie bars in lieu of traditional groom cakes. On the first meeting with an event customer, Crumbs provides a general catering packet with past events. After discussing the style, flowers, and/or theme, most people want an opinion. Brides especially want to feel special. One couple requested a coffee/hot chocolate bar, a smores bar and passed hors d’oeuvres (think mini bacon wedge salads, mini beef Wellingtons, crab salad on cucumbers, jalapeño poppers, and mini sliders) for their reception. Admitting “Pinterest has taken over the wedding world,” the ladies have answered the call, claiming no budget or event is too big or too small. And Crumbs offers it all, including wedding/party rentals: serving pieces, decor, chalkboards, chandeliers, tablecloths and glassware. Holiday preparations have also expanded for Crumbs, where customers can get their entire Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter meals for their families, even presented on your own dishes, if you so desire. Last year, some Thanksgiving dishes included: dressing, green bean casserole, spinach casserole, chocolate pecan pie, pumpkin pie, spinach madeline, everything except the turkey. And all dishes are

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made with fresh ingredients bought locally to elevate your holiday meal experience. This past Easter, the requests were more dessert heavy: coconut pie, lemon pound cake with a pastel glaze, and carrot cake. Their recipes are family recipes, the ladies recognizing that with holiday menus, people want traditional foods. Jodie insists, “It’s how it’s been for hundreds of years, and it’s how the food should be made.” And even aside from holidays, Crumbs has casseroles on hand, ready to serve and takes daily orders for cakes, cookies, petit fours, and they’re willing to work last minute. The ladies also deliver to “cater to Ruston’s needs.” Their biggest event to date was a political fundraiser in Squire Creek in July of 2015. The ladies called this their “big break,” having done small parties here and there before. With a garden party theme and an inside and outside setting, the ladies served passed hors d’oeuvres, handled table settings and drinks and were allowed to create the vision. Some offerings included: red, white and blue Jones sodas, fried peach pies made with Ruston peaches, Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail shooters, muffaletta dip and gumbo dip made with andouille sausage and shrimp and served with toasted french bread. The 150 guests were surprised at how young the creators were, and as 56 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

of now, it’s just the twosome at Crumbs. For events they will bring in additional staff, and eventually will have to expand, but Olivia and Jodie are involved in each decision and detail. While Jodie and Olivia’s mothers had always been friends, they are highly responsible for the twosome. Knowing Olivia wanted to do cakes, and Jodie wanted to do savory foods, the mothers schemed to match them. And it worked. And their families continue to be involved, providing support financially, emotionally and even pitching in to help cook, wash dishes and asssemble sandwiches. Olivia’s parents, Skip and Denise Stinston, and Jodie’s parents, Greg and Cindy Bimle, the siblings of both ladies, and Jodie’s husband Reece aid in any way they can making it a family business. With an average of 5-7 events per week, including weekend events, going through email requests, planning for the week, and grocery shopping, the ladies make it happen. They make weekly deliveries to Gibson’s Natural Grocery in Ruston on Tuesdays. All offerings are all natural, oraganic, gluten-free and dairy free. Some favorites include the gluten-free enchiladas, organic stuffed bell peppers, Paleo lasagna, and chicken salad. Dietary restrictions are always welcome and can be extended to orders of cakes, cookies, casseroles

and even entire events. At home, Jodie is a wife to Reece and a mother to nine-month-old Heidi. She does cook at home, because she prefers a “happy husband.” Olivia’s home life is another twosome, she and five-year-old son, Dawson. The business affords the women the time to devote to their primary jobs as mothers. Both women are balancing home life and work life and soaking up every bit of success in both. They pride themselves on good food and their united vision and ask people to just “give us a chance; let us impress you.” While taste and quality ingredients are paramount in Crumbs’ success, personal service keeps customers coming back. Jodie claims everyone in Ruston has her cell number. The ladies are especially appreciative of the first customers who take a chance on them when no one knew who they were. And the ladies say it’s an honor to serve continuing customers who trust them with life’s events. Jodie and Olivia bring a fresh, new perspective on catering, consistently defining what’s trendy in North Louisiana. Never sacrificing elegance and bending to the modern trends of casual, Crumbs continues to excel in the art of culinary creation.

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K&K’s Giving Tree

K&K Bridal Registries Include a Welcome Gift Package Filled with Everything You Need to Make Your Registry a Breeze

HERE’S A LOT TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU DECIDE to create a registry. Here at K&K’s Giving Tree, we offer wonderful BRIDAL and BABY Registry programs full of amazing benefits for both our Registrants as well as our Local Customers who purchase from our registries.

Completion Discount Registrants receive a 25% discount on unlimited purchases for up to six months after the date of your event, to be used on all of your remaining Registry items, as well as any other items on our site!

Personal Service ~ Customers When you are purchasing a gift from a Registry, K&K provides Complimentary Gift Wrap as well as Complimentary Delivery to the Shower! When purchasing online, all you have to do is select “Free in-store pick-up” as your shipping method and simply leave instructions for K&K in the Note box at the very end of the checkout page to deliver for you. AND… if you join our Local Loyalty Program, you get 15% off your registry purchase as well as all your other purchases, all year round! Then when life is crazy and you’re short on time… have us put together the perfect gift for you. Just call with your budget, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Welcome Gift Package Our gift to you! As an added bonus, our bridal registrants receive a care package filled with everything you need to make your registry a breeze, including an amazing wedding planner, registry guides and checklists, detailed information and look-books for our top registry lines, and much more!

Personal Service ~ Registrants You can count on K&K’s Giving Tree for friendly, personalized assistance every step of the way. Our Registry Specialists are here to help with everything you need. Walk-ins are always welcome, and you can also create your registry from the comfort of your own home at www.kkgivingtree.com But for that little something extra, you can schedule an appointment to meet with one of our registry specialists at our storefront and get extra perks! Easy Breezy Registries We make it easy and convenient for you to create and manage your Registry with 24/7 access online for you and your guests. Updating your Registry information and adding or removing items to and from your Registry is simple and stress-free!

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K&K June Reminder Father’s Day is June 19th, and we’ve got you covered! Our custom embossed items from White Wing are the perfect gift. Be sure to check out our other great Father’s Day gift ideas online at www.kkgivingtree.com LOCAL LOYALTY PROGRAM We Ship World Wide but REWARD our locals... Locals receive 15% off store-wide, year-round. You must complete and maintain all three steps to qualify: • Complete a Customer Account online at www.kkgivingtree.com (your customer profile must include your local address) • Subscribe to our Newsletter at www.kkgivingtree.com • Follow/Like us on Social Media: www.facebook.com/kkgivingtree www.instagram.com/kkgivingtree www.pinterest.com/kkgivingtree www.twitter.com/kkgivingtree

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Eddleman Dental Welcomes Dr. Mary Kathryn Crigler

THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN dentistry and superb customer service, our office continues to proudly serve all of our existing patients as well as welcoming many new patients each month. In order to maintain the same high level of quality our patients have come to expect, we are excited to announce the addition of our newest dentist, Dr. Mary Kathryn Crigler. Originally from Lake Providence, Dr. Crigler has practiced dentistry in the Monroe area since 2011. We are honored to add a special dentist who exemplifies our high professional standards and strives to not only meet, but surpass our patients’ restorative needs. Dr. Mary Kathryn Crigler is dedicated to improving her patients’ smiles through conservative, high quality dentistry, creating a positive impact on their overall appearance and self-confidence. She puts her heart into everything she does. Believing the saying “You’re never fully dressed without a smile,” Dr. Crigler loves that dentistry is the perfect combination of two of her favorite things - art and science. She is passionate about health, beauty and overall well-being. By utilizing cuttingedge dental technologies available and regularly attending continuing education courses across the country, she excels at bringing her patients’ dental goals to life in a relaxed setting. Dr. Crigler enjoys treating patients of all ages and takes pride in creating and maintaining their beautiful smiles and oral health. Dr. Crigler earned her Bachelor of 60 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Science degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans in 2011. She is an active member of the Northeast Louisiana Dental Association, where she currently serves as Vice-President, the Louisiana Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. She has also served as a clinical instructor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Dental Hygiene. Dr. Mary Kathryn Crigler and her husband, David, live in Monroe with their three daughters, Camille, Julia and Caroline, and they are active members of Grace Episcopal Church. Dr. Crigler enjoys being with her family and friends, playing tennis, traveling, art, reading, running and being outdoors with her little girls. Our practice focuses on comprehensive care for the entire family. All of our dentists, Dr. Lane Eddleman, Dr. Emily Little Cassis, and Dr. Mary Kathryn Crigler believe in prevention, saving your natural teeth, maintaining optimal oral health and offering the latest restorative and replacement options. All of our dentists are thoroughly experienced in all aspects of general/family dentistry with a special interest in children, implant and cosmetic dentistry. They stay ahead of the curve in continuing education on the latest and most predictable dental techniques to offer our patients a wide range of treatment options. We now offer 3 Dimensional

X-rays, a CT Scan, which decreases radiation exposure compared to traditional full mouth series and improves diagnostic quality and ability. If you are nervous about going to the dentist, remember we offer IV Sedation in addition to other methods to help you relax and enjoy your visit. Sedation options are chosen by the patient and the doctor depending on which best suits their individual needs. Our office is proud of the high level of services we provide to patients in addition to the relationships created over time. Whether you are seeing Dr. Eddleman, Dr. Cassis or Dr. Crigler, a visit to our office will be a positive and rewarding experience. Providing prompt, gentle treatment with personalized attention, our doctors and staff do their utmost to put our patients at ease and address any concerns they may have in a friendly, unhurried manner. We welcome your inquiries and discussions of proposed treatment and care prior to performing any procedures. Whether you are an existing patient of record or looking for a new dentist – WE CAN HELP YOU! We are currently seeing patients Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For excellence and compassion in dentistry, call today to schedule your appointment!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

I REMEMBER article by PAUL LIPE I REMEMBER the time my wife, Linda and I visited our daughter, Mary Linda, at her apartment in Jackson, Mississippi. Mary Linda was in her first year of medical school and was so excited, because she had just received her stethoscope and a blood-pressure measuring apparatus. Anxious to try out these new devices, she hooked me up and checked my blood pressure. Then she did the same for her mother, but this time, she was not able to get a reading. After a second failure, and a third, she looked at her mother and said, “Mom, I know you’re not dead!” To confirm this diagnosis, she persisted until she succeeded in finding a blood pressure reading! I do not know what the problem was, but it was not due to any lack of learning skills in our daughter. In fact, she excelled in her efforts as a student, taking top academic honors in her high school class at Delhi High School, graduating with the highest honors at Belhaven University, and completing med school as an honor student. Unfortunately for me, that pretty much shoots holes in the theory that “It’s all in the genes,” doesn’t it? ‘Cause no one ever accused her of getting her smarts from her Dad. To her credit, this set-back, as well as subsequent challenges, did not deter our daughter in her pursuit of a career in medicine. Nor did she use such as an excuse to pursue an easier path. She was convinced that God was calling her down this route, and she was determined to stay the course. 62 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Not all of us are as resolute when obstacles confront and perplex us. Sometimes it seems easier to throw in the towel than it is to stay the course. For instance, how many of our dreams have been abandoned, because the path to the pursuit of those dreams had some hills or potholes that made the going tough? We need to learn that if something is worth having, it is worth striving to attain. It was Jesus Who warned that the one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is not suited for God’s kingdom (Luke 9:62). Some wise person observed, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” The person with strong character and strong faith will persevere, until he overcomes whatever obstacle stands in his path. But this is not so easy, is it? I confess that on occasion I get so frustrated with computers, especially the one in my cell phone, that I am tempted to long for the Stone Age! If I were not so frugal (my family and friends call me “tight”), there are times when, in my consternation, I would throw that cotton-pickin’ phone in the lake behind our house! Do these advancements in technology drive you bananas, too? I thought so. However, what would we do without them? They are here to stay – and we NEED them in order to survive, so we would be wise to try to adjust a little bit and not just decide that we’ll never be able to adapt to these new-fangled aggravations. Mary Linda was not familiar with those new devices, but she persisted and mastered them

so that they became effective tools for her work. What was a momentary frustration has become a blessing. A different trait that characterizes our daughter, and another one that she did not inherit from me, is the practice of tackling the difficult tasks upfront. Most of us probably delay those hard jobs ‘til later, because they are HARD to do, and by nature, we prefer that which is easier - not my little girl. When she enrolled in college, she discovered that she was required to take at least one science course. Science had not been one of her favorites in high school, so she decided to take Biology her first semester and then put science behind her forever. To her great surprise and delight, she enjoyed the course immensely. And her professor was outstanding in his field and was a Godly man, as well. The outcome was that she wound up majoring in biology and chemistry and in pursuing a medical career instead of some other vocation. Just imagine how different things would have been had she put off the difficult until her senior year! May we all learn that, when we fail at some worthwhile effort or when some obstacle stands in our way, it is to our benefit to persist in that endeavor. And may we all have the wisdom to give those hard assignments top priority. Isn’t it amazing how those kinds of attitudes seem to be blessed by the One Who directs our steps? It worked for our daughter, and it will work for you.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Tennis players in NELA closed out the Seafood Circuit in style as the Crawfish Classic went off without a hitch April 22-24 at the MAC. All eyes now turn to the Peach Festival in Ruston, mercifully played under the lights June 24-26 at Louisiana Tech. Register online at https://rustonlincolnhamber. chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/6832 Favorite daughter Frances Altick continues to impress, now as a newly minted NCAA Division I All-American and national seed in the Division I Championships scheduled for Tulsa, OK. More on Frances and her Vanderbilt teammates in July. Sadly, NELA Tennis lost a true friend and advocate during May. Mark W. Taylor sustained an ultimately fatal head injury on the Mixed Doubles court while competing in the league he co-founded in 2007. The hearts and prayers of NELAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis Community remain with Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family.

Cindy Shaw and Jenny Henry

Deborah Giger

Jeff Anzalone

Shannon Glover, Brenda Hilburn, Catherine Hardy and Karen Oliver

Sara Taylor, Kindra Neitz, Christy Bolton and Myka Sims

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WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

A. ALDEN’S MEMO Wedding Gifts 101

Before my wedding last year, I had never put much thought into wedding gifts. After all, when your parents are buying the family gift for the couple, no thought is needed at all. Now that John and I are invited to weddings separately from our parents, a gift is required. It can be difficult to know what to buy and

ACQUAINTANCE

$30-$50 Even though you may not be close friends, you still should give something thoughtful. Kitchen registry items, a picture frame or cookbook would be appropriate.

Dallas and Atlanta based fashion sales representative for Reeves & Company, Analeise Thomas, gives us an exclusive look into her European honeymoon last fall.

how much to spend. This depends not only on the couple’s personality but your relationship to them. From personal experience, choose something from the couple’s registry- registry choices are carefully thought-out and the bride and groom are hopeful they will receive them. In my opinion, the only time it

CO-WORKER

is acceptable to stray from the registry items is if you are extremely close to the either the bride or groom and you know with certainty they will be thrilled to receive your gift. Keep reading for gift-giving etiquette at every price point and the gifts a stylish wedding guest would give.

CLOSE FRIEND

FAMILY

$150-$250 If you are able, bless the couple with a luxurious gift that will remind them of you whenever they use it or see it.

$50-$60 Oftentimes you know a coworker like you would a dear friend. Choose something fun and exciting that speaks to their personality.

$100-$150 Don’t feel like you need to buy complete table settings if you’re wanting to give them a piece of their china or crystal. Every salad plate adds up one at a time!

“Cravings” by Chrissy Teigen ($30)

Williams-Sonoma vintage etched glassware ($52-$60)

Royal Copenhagen salad plate ($125 available at Muffin Tin)

Lacefield velvet pillow ($225 available at Material Things)

Williams-Sonoma marble double condiment bowl ($33)

Pottery Barn Monogrammable Throw ($59)

Target Rattan bar cart ($130)

Harman Kardon “Onyx Studio 2” bluetooth speaker ($250)

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BAYOUBUZZWORTHY DOG-GONE GOOD STORY A local pair of friends has received national attention from their yearbook photos at Good Hope Middle School. But, they aren’t just any regular friends. Seph and Presley Ware have a special relationship. Presley is a goldendoodle and serves as Seph’s service dog. Seph has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is a genetic disorder in which muscles get progressively weaker. If he drops something, or falls or loses his balance at school, Presley comes to his aid. Since Presley is as much as a part of the student body as Seph, the staff decided to include the dog in the yearbook. The story was covered on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX News and many other news affiliates across the country. JGS RAMS GO TO BEAUTIFUL LENGTHS

To us, it’s hair. To women battling cancer, it’s hope. Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School students, Graycee Hill, Forrest Sherman, Georgia Kate Clay and Melain Maclin along with JGS parent Missy McKenzie and former JGS student, Lillian Edens (not pictured), donated their 8” ponytails to Pantene Beautiful Lengths on Wednesday, May 11th in the school gymnasium in front of the entire school assembly. Pantene Beautiful Lengths has partnered with the American Cancer Society to make and distribute real-hair wigs to women in need. More than 800,000 ponytails have been donated to date! Thank you, Kelly Southern, owner of Southern Salon, for donating your time to such a worthy cause!

QUOTA CLUB OF MONROE

The Quota Club of Monroe recently provided goodie bags for children who were affected by the recent flooding in our area. The children of Clara Hall Elementary School were surprised with gifts from the Club. Quota International is a non-profit organization empowering women, children, the deaf, hard-ofhearing and speech-impaired in local communities around the world. Quota’s motto, “We Share,” empowers members to develop friendships, encourage others and promote international understanding.

SIP N’ SEE

On Tuesday May 11, the Junior League of Monroe hosted a Sip n’ See at Material Things in Monroe. Material Things was one of the locations that sold the most Charity Shopping Passes in November, part of the Junior League’s fall fundraiser. Members of the league and the community mixed and mingled as they shopped the new summer merchandise and enjoyed wine and cheese from Vieux Carré Market.

WOMEN’S WHY’S

Ovation Women’s Wellness sponsored the Women’s Whys? seminar on May 5th at St. Francis Community Health Center on Tower Drive. Speakers at the seminar included Dr. Randy Hall, Dr. Robert Harris, Dr. Philip Ley and Annie Jopling, WHNP. They provided their knowledge and education on what happens beyond the childbearing years and answered questions about women’s health. Ovation Women’s Wellness provided refreshments and door prizes to those in attendance. For more information, you can visit ovationwomen.com or stop by their clinic at 1401 N. 18th St. Monroe.

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WOODSTOCK TURNS FIVE!

Woodstock Furniture Revival celebrated their fifth birthday from May 20-21st. Owners Chelsie and Patrick Summerville along with their daughter, Anniston, welcomed guests with special discounts and prizes. Located at 1806 North 3rd Street in Monroe, Woodstock is a local hot spot for gifts of any kind. Find them on Facebook and Instagram to stay on top of deals and new merchandise.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

KaCee’s Sugar and Spice Morgan Garrison Offers Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cake

HE DETAILS ARE ALL STARTING to make sense. You have set a date, chosen a venue, hired a photographer, met with your florist, and now comes the time to hire the baker who will make the most important cake in your life. This process can be simple and painless, if you keep a few tips in mind. Research is Essential. Know the bakers in your area. Start researching their work and reviews on the Internet. Look them up on Facebook and Instagram. Testimonials from their previous brides are your go-to answers to whether or not this baker is going to be the right fit for you and your fiancé. Make an Appointment. The most effective way to know that you are comfortable with your baker is to set up a consultation to talk face-to-face with him or her. This will let you get to know just what style he or she has and what services his or her bakery offers. Don’t just settle for the first person you meet. Meet with a couple of different people to be sure you are getting the cake you have always dreamed of. What’s Your Style? Your cake should be compatible with not only your personal style, but the style of your venue, the season, your wedding gown, the flower arrangements, décor and the menu. I always advise my brides to have examples of cake styles that are their favorites, so I can get an idea of the bride’s likes. If you like ten different cakes, save their pictures, keep them with you and present them at your consultation. Your 70 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

baker will then help you navigate through which designs are best suited for your special day. How to Know How Much Cake to Order. Always have an approximate number of guests being invited to your wedding before meeting with your baker. This will tell him or her just how large your cake will need to be. If you are wanting a large cake, but only have 50-100 guests, ask your baker if they offer faux cake tiers. This will give you the height for creating a show stopping cake, but you will not be stuck with loads of cake at the end of your reception. The Fun Part, TASTING! Always, always, always, ask your baker to provide samples of flavors available. These days, most wedding cakes aren’t just classic white cake with buttercream icing. Most bakers will allow you to have multiple flavors throughout the tiers of the cake, and it doesn’t stop there. You can also add in a tasty filling that compliments your choices of cake flavors. The Cake for the Man of Your Dreams. If you are from the South, you know it is a southern tradition for the groom to have his own cake at the reception. Now for years, the groom’s cake was always a two or three tiered square chocolate cake with chocolate dipped strawberries and gobs of chocolate buttercream. Now ladies, let’s remember that there are not many details of this wedding that cater to this special guy, so why make his cake ordinary. Take the groom’s cake to the next level. Have this cake be a special a representation of this man. Think about his

hobbies, interests, favorite sports teams or his favorite dessert. Let that be the answer to the design for his cake. Is your groom not a cake eater? Then have your baker make his favorite dessert as a “groom’s dessert” instead of “groom’s cake.” Whether it’s his Grannie’s favorite pineapple upside down cake, Aunt Fannie’s carrot cake, or just plain ole OREOs, give the man what he likes. It’s his day, too! Let Them Eat Cake You have walked down the aisle, said “I do,” and have had your first dance. Now is the time to cut the cake. One of the most common mistakes at a wedding is waiting too long to cut the cake. People are ready to dive in, so why wait? This will leave you with less cake left over and leave your guests with smiles on their faces. The Frozen Anniversary. Tradition says that the couple is supposed to celebrate their one-year anniversary by indulging in the top tier of their wedding cake, saved for the special day. If packaging and planning are done correctly, this can be very fun and not near as dreaded as it seems. Alert your caterer ahead of time to make them aware that you are saving your top tier. They can package it in a box for you to take home and store in your freezer for 365 days. Just remember to wrap the box with plastic wrap and foil, and it will seem freshly baked on your one year anniversary. KaCee’s Sugar and Spice – Designer Cakes and Catering is located in Ruston, Louisiana. Give them a call at 318.255.6771 or email kaceesruston@ hotmail.com.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

HATE SPEECH

Meredith’s Musings I Hate Gay People |

By Meredith McKinnie

It’s not a sentiment. It’s a statement. Thankfully it’s one I haven’t heard in person in quite some time. Sure, randomly we encounter an ignorant post or condemnation, but verbally, in my face, not for years. So that day, when he made that statement, I was stunned. The place or the person is irrelevant, but it was made publicly, with a sizable audience, and within an instant everyone was looking to me to respond. And I froze. I felt an instant weight of responsibility. I knew that how I handled this moment could determine the likelihood of it happening again; it could determine the state of mind of the homosexual in the corner who was pretending not to be hurt. It felt heavy and uncomfortable and a moment I hadn’t prepared for. But I should have. After a few moments, I shut it down. The Meredith in me that is so angered by ignorance and hate speech and cruelty for the sake of sport or humor at the expense of others, she exploded on the inside. But I simply asked him, “Why?” I let the anger subside and challenged this spokesman to 72 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

defend his assertion. And I was curious why. “Why do you care so much, enough to hate? What is it about this lifestyle that angers you if it doesn’t involve you? Whether you like or agree with the behavior, you’re not involved, or so you say, so what raises these people to a caliber deserving of hatred? Why do homosexuals scare you so much?” He switched from asserting his opinion to now defending it, though weakly, because the truth is, he didn’t know why. Perhaps it was the environment in which he was raised, perhaps it was what he was taught, perhaps it was his default based on some previous interaction. Perhaps it was a common sentiment he assumed was shared among the group, but it wasn’t. I could see fear on some faces. I could see anger on others. No one likes those uncomfortable situations; we freeze instead of speak. But it should never be tolerated or ignored or allowed to continue. Hate speech against any group is still hate, and whether or not you identify with the group or disagree, if you stay silent, you’re allowing hatred to

perpetuate. You might as well have said it yourself. And while I said my peace, and the conversation quickly shifted, he didn’t hear me. He knew what he said was controversial; that’s why he said it. It wasn’t about him anymore. It was about not tolerating bigotry in any form. It’s about shutting down hate, especially for something one doesn’t understand. As a straight person, I don’t know the feelings of a homosexual, or what that implies, or how they’re treated, or the scrutiny that comes along with it, at least not firsthand. How can we hate that? Is it easier to say we hate it than to try and understand? When did it become easier to hate than to empathize? When did it become easier to attack than to listen? When did we stop seeing others as diverse human beings and solely as labels or representatives of a certain culture? It’s ignorance, and it should no longer be rewarded, or praised, or given silent nods of approval. And the act of hate deserves more than silence. Humanity is the one universal similarity we all share. We are all humans trying to make our way in a flawed world of other flawed humans. The word humanity has two definitions. The first is “the condition of being human; human nature.” And our nature is flawed. The second is “the quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence.” I say we choose the second; to be kind, to be understanding, to be accepting of those different from ourselves. And while he has a right to say whatever he wants, I also have a right to respond. And when I hear hate, I refuse to stay silent.

Fishing With Kenny MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE article by Kenny Covingon

s fishermen we all have a habit of looking for the “perfect spot.” No matter if we are looking for our next throw or our next area to fish, we are always looking at what we can see to determine each situation’s potential. As long as we can see it, we tend to find value and reason to fish it. Once while working on a fishing article with outdoor writer Chris Ginn after I had thoroughly fished a cypress stump, he made the comment that he didn’t like fishing stumps. When I asked him why, he replied, “They just don’t look as good as a nice big cypress tree.” To which I replied, “Under the water, a cypress tree and a cypress stump look just the same.” As anglers, we are very quick to use our visual skills when it comes to figuring out the fish catching puzzle, but often times it is the things that we can’t see that produce the best. In our fishing waters, we have an abundance of visual cover, such as cypress trees, boat docks, grass lines and other bank related features. These are a fisherman’s eye candy. Everyone sees them and usually that means everyone also fishes them. While it is agreed these examples of bass habitat are prime features on any body of water, often times it is what is underneath the surface that makes such areas even better than they actually are. It could be a small creek channel curving its way through a cypress tree flat. It might 74 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

be an old log road that cuts through the middle of a cove. It may be something as simple as a subtle depth change or even a change in bottom contour. In bass fishing, little things can mean a lot. Once while fishing a team tournament, my partner and I won the event fishing an area crowded with other tournament anglers. We didn’t have a secret lure nor were we able to get away from the other fishermen. We figured out the fish were not relating to the cypress trees but more to the root systems out away from the actual trees. We caught fish all day fishing behind other boats. They were so busy focusing on fishing the actual trees they never discovered what was going on around them. Areas that have grass can be similar. Always look for isolated clumps of grass separate from the main grass area. Often times these small grass clumps will also grow around a large stump or pieces of wood making it an even better bass magnet. When trying to fish a 500 yard stretch of milfoil or coontail the possibilities of where the fish might be can get overwhelming. By identifying smaller areas you have made your search just that much easier. Grass lines will usually identify a depth change or bottom contour change, so use this to your advantage. Fish the contour lines of the grass just as you would fishing a land point. These type areas easily stand out. While they may not seem to be that significant, to the fish they mean a lot. Fish the deeper outer edges just as you would

a creek channel. Allow the grass to show you what is underneath the water, and fish it accordingly. The possibilities are endless as long as you allow yourself to see beyond what your eyes take in. Surely you have heard the stories about the person who simply throws out in the middle of nowhere to stretch his line with a long cast and he catches a lunker bass. While to the casual observer that is considered a “luck cast,” there was a reason that bass, especially one of the larger variety, was out there. Large bass, like large deer, are rarely somewhere out of coincidence. Take a minute to fish the area more thoroughly. Watch your depthfinder as you move around. Maybe there was a cluster of stumps on a high spot. Maybe there was a small sandbar. These type of places hide in plain sight. It’s simply a case of where the inobvious escape us. Become open minded about the bodies of water you fish and you will find more fish catching opportunities. The most unforgettable fishing days you’ll ever have will happen, when you find a school of bass that no one has located or fished for. That‘s bass fishing at its finest. Just remember there’s always more than meets the eye! With the summer months being upon us, please take extra precautions when out on the water. Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Enjoy the gifts of Mother Nature, and make sure you catch one for me! See you next month.

Oliver and Taylor

hristin Lee Taylor and William Stuart Oliver, both of Monroe, were joined in Holy Matrimony on April 30, 2016 at the Bayou DeSiard Country Club Courtyard in Monroe, Louisiana. Reverend Chad D. Brooks officiated the intimate ceremony. Parents of the couple are Dr. and Mrs. Randolph Hill Taylor, Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Maloy Warner, and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Oliver, III, all of Monroe. The bride is the granddaughter of Mrs. Nell Rice Law and the late Mr. John William Law, both of Florien, LA, and Mrs. Marcelena Hill Taylor and the late Mr. Ralph Russell Taylor, Jr., both of Monroe. The groom is the grandson of the late Mrs. Betty Moore Stowers of Sherman, TX, Mrs. William B. Stowers and the late Mr. William B. Stowers of Dallas, TX, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Travis Oliver, Jr. of Monroe. Escorted by her father, Dr. Randolph Hill Taylor, the bride wore a custom Monique Lhuillier

gown made with scores of oyster Chantilly lace. It featured a trumpet hemline, a graceful sweetheart neckline, and an exquisite beaded band at the waist. Additional lace was added to make delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves, which the bride removed for the reception. A chapel length ivory tulle veil topped the beautiful dress. Its barely-there pencil trim gracefully transitioned into scalloped, featherweight French lace at her fingertips. The bride carried a bouquet of blush peonies hand-tied with double-faced ivory satin. The bouquet was accented with an antique diamond and sapphire pin borrowed from the groom’s mother. Serving as maid of honor was the bride’s sister, Julia Aleece Taylor of Monroe, LA. Her brothers, Eric Law Taylor of Baton Rouge, LA, Garrett Kincaid Taylor of Monroe, LA, and Grant Thomas Taylor of Monroe, LA also served as attendants. Lane Randolph Taylor, brother of the bride, served as the ring bearer.

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The groom was attended by his brothers Travis Oliver, IV of Monroe and John Cole Oliver of Merritt Island, FL. The groom’s nieces, Sally Elizabeth Oliver and Caroline Swann Oliver of Merritt Island, FL, served as flower girls. Christi Bennett Jones, friend of the bride, served as scripture reader. Ann Marie Young served as program attendant. Music for the ceremony was provided by John Petzet, soloist, Jay Petit, pianist, Charles DiGiulian, violinist, and Shelby McCarty, trumpeter. Gregory Hudgins designed the flowers for both the ceremony and reception. Every lovely detail was expertly captured by Mary Dawson of Dawson Photography. Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Bayou DeSiard Country Club’s Main Clubhouse. After feasting on the Club’s delicious food and Thurman’s Food Factory’s decadent wedding cakes, the couple and their guests danced the night away to the sounds of Flashback 5. Christin

and Stuart departed the party under a canopy of shimmering sparklers that led the way down to Bayou DeSiard, where a boat was waiting to whisk them away. The bride is a graduate of Ouachita Christian School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge. She is currently employed in the Glenwood Regional Medical Center Cardiovascular ICU in West Monroe, as well as the University Health Conway ICU in Monroe. The groom is a graduate of River Oaks School and holds Bachelors degrees in both economics and history from Texas Christian University, as well as an MBA from Louisiana State University. He is currently employed with InterMountain Management, LLC in Monroe. The couple will make their home in Monroe.

Burgess and Delgado

udith Jeannine Delgado and Darren Robert Burgess exchanged vows at Saint Paschal’s Church, West Monroe, LA on New Year’s Eve December 31, 2015. The bride was presented by her father Juan Jose Delgado of Caracas, Venezuela, accompanied by her sister Paola Delgado, and in spirit, her mother, the late Ines Judith Delgado. Parents of the groom were Shirley and Robert Burgess of West Monroe, LA. The bride is a graduate of Colegio del Ave Maria, Caracas Venezuela, and employed as a Relationship Banker of Capital One Bank, West Monroe. The groom is a graduate of West Monroe High School and Northeast Louisiana University,

Monroe and employed as Director of the West Monroe Convention Center. The bridge wore a beautiful dress by Marisa Bridal of Orlando. Sister of the bride Paola Delgado served as maid of honor, with bridesmaids Ashley Howard Nelson, Nicole Clemons, Tracy Alexander, Margaret Dickey, Sara Hatten, Meredith Burgess, junior bridesmaid and daughter, Hannah Record and flower girl Lainy Kepper. The groom was accompanied by an assortment of well dressed characters including best man, Bryan Babb, and groomsmen Stan Karr, Brad Shows, David Dickey, Jim Festervan, John Briley, Dennis

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Lemoine, Tommy Gardner, junior groomsman Cash Alexander and Ring Bearer John David Dickey. Leave the gun; take the cannoli! A lavish Italian and Latin infused reception followed at the West Monroe Convention Center catered by the newly appointed Executive Chef Anthony Miletello. Authentic Latin dishes served were Paella, Shrimp Ceviche, and Pan de jamón, as well as traditional Italian offerings like chicken parmesan, Italian wedding meatball soup, an array of imported cured meats, via family connections and fresh cannolis courtesy of Tummy Yummy Creations. Sound yummy? Fuhgeddaboudit.

The theme was a winter wonderland with music and entertainment provided by friends of the couple Mallory and Chad Hays. The towering cake was provided by Tummy Yummy and enjoyed by guests as they danced and rang in the New Year with a Venezuelan tradition of eating twelve grapes, one for each month of the year, during the last twelve seconds of the year in order to bring good fortune in the year to come. Events were all captured by MojoFlowerChick Photography. The newlyweds honeymooned in the Caribbean, and will continue to reside in West Monroe.

Alexander and Pennington

ristin Pennington and Clay Alexander exchanged marriage vows at The Barn on Pipes Road in Ruston, LA on April 16, 2016. Dr. Wilton Wall officiated their wedding ceremony. The bride is a graduate of Louisiana Delta Community College with an Associate of Nursing. She is employed at Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, LA as a Registered Nurse in Labor and Delivery. The groom is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelors of Administrative Business. He is employed at Gladiator Energy Services in Arcadia, LA. The bride and groom met on Halloween of 2009. After introducing themselves and talking briefly they went on with their busy lives; He was attending and playing baseball at Tech while

she was attending ULM. It wasn’t until four years later that they met again and Kristin, who didn’t believe in love at first sight, knew instantly that Clay was the man meant to be in her life. Their relationship grew fast and strong, and they both realized they had found the person God intended just for each other. Engaged in 2014 and ready to plan a life together with a lot of the same hobbies and interests, whether it be hunting, fishing or anything outdoors. Kristin says, “It is the best feeling to have a best friend and partner to do life with ,and we are so excited to see where God takes our journey next.” The day of the ceremony the bride and groom exchanged letters that they had written to each other. Kristin started writing her letter a few weeks before the wedding, and Clay wrote his the day of saying, “What better

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than being in the actual moment to write how you truly feel.” Clay also gifted his bride a pearl bracelet on the wedding day that coordinated perfectly with his mother’s pearl necklace. Kristin’s favorite piece of jewelry she wore was her Nanny’s pearl earrings that were given to her in 1959 by her Papa when they were 15 year old. It meant so much, knowing she was carrying around so much history, especially after seeing her grandparents still sitting hand-in-hand on the front row, as she exchanged her own marriage vows. She also carried a handkerchief with blue stitching that belonged to her greatgreat-grandmother. Another sentimental piece of the day was the arched backdrop for the wedding ceremony, which was built by the groom. Attending the bride as matron of honor was Hannah Ridings, followed by her bridesmaids

Brandi Crymes, Mollea Foust, Rebecca Acosta, Kelli Alexander, Hope Underwood and Alison Alexander. Serving as the best man was Hank Alexander; groomsmen were Jordan Alford, Justin Wade, Stetson Perkins, Hunter Pickett, Casey Jones and Daniel Pennington. A reception inside The Barn at Pipes Road followed the wedding ceremony. Guests were treated to a buffet catered by Thurman’s, who also baked and designed the bride and groom’s cakes. The groom’s parents, Jodie and Hank Alexander, hosted the rehearsal dinner at Restaurant Cotton the Friday before the wedding. After a honeymoon to the French Polynesia Islands, Tahiti and Bora Bora, the couple will make their home in Downsville, LA.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Southern Road Trip Cedar Creek Celebration 2016

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OUTHERN ROAD TRIP” WAS the theme for Celebration 2016, Cedar Creek School’s annual spring fundraiser. Attendees were greeted by event co-chairs Alice and Kerry Byrnes and Lomax Napper as they entered the Ruston Civic Center on April 23rd. The Road Trip inspired decor was cheerful and relaxed of course the attire was casual! The sold-out crowd enjoyed live music provided by the Hands On Band throughout the evening. Cedar Creek parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni and friends enjoyed beverages from the Flora-Bama Tavern while they visited the Southern Saturday Night Cook-Off to sample appetizers prepared by our Celebration cook-off teams. The delicacies included everything from chicken wings to red beans and rice, and the competition was fierce. Congratulations to The Redneck Ring of Fire cook-off team for bringing home the King of the Road award for the second year in a row. Kerry Byrnes, event co-chair and a member of an opposing cook-off team, expressed his gratitude and shared that the cook-off was a great way to participate and that it added excitement to the event. Patrons perused the Cruisin’ the Coast silent auction that offered an array of packages donated by area merchants and supporters of the school. With over 70 packages to choose from, spanning from spa packages to cowboy boots and weekend romantic retreats to honey-do packages, there was truly something for everyone.

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Attendees took a tour of the South that included food stations, featuring BBQ from Texas, meat pies from Louisiana, etouffee and fried catfish from Mississippi, shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes from Alabama and fried peach pies from Georgia. Guests traveled from state to state savoring all the culinary delights of a true Southern Road Trip. Andrew Yepson, Head of School, presented an update on the success of The Creek Campaign, announcing that The Hood Academic Center is fully funded. Yepson expressed his gratitude to the Hood family and the many other generous donors who made the Hood Academic Center a reality. The Academic Center was officially dedicated on May 13, 2016, and classes will begin in the building this fall. Dinner was followed by the Big Easy live auction that included class projects, a beach vacation and a hunting trip to name just a few. Auctioneer Ben Dance rallied the crowd, as bidding went through the roof on four suite tickets with a private flight to a Saints game and went even higher on a road trip inspired class project. Alice Byrnes and Lomax Napper, event cochairs, and Cedar Creek alumna Heather Boddie assisted with the live auction and were extremely pleased and grateful for the generosity of the guests. At the close of the live auction, guests had the opportunity to “Raise the Paddle” to support a campus facelift that will update the façade and interior of the elementary building. Dance masterfully

worked the crowd as they generously raised paddles in support of Cedar Creek School. Celebration 2016 concluded with a drawing for the Road Trip Raffle package that included a Vahan diamond and gold bracelet along with a Yeti 30 Hopper cooler. The grand finale of the evening was a drawing for one year of Cedar Creek tuition. Andrew Yepson expressed his appreciation for the generosity of the Cedar Creek community, “It is truly overwhelming to see the support that our families and friends show for this annual event. I am extremely excited about the enthusiasm that continues to be shown for The Creek Campaign and renovation projects.” Funds raised through sponsorships, silent and live auctions, and donations are dedicated to The Creek Campaign. The entire Cedar Creek community appreciates the generous support of our sponsors, merchants, parents, grandparents, alumni and friends who made Southern Road Trip an overwhelming success! Thank you! To learn more about Cedar Creek School and The Creek Campaign, please visit our website www.cedarcreekschool.org or contact Cedar Creek School at 318.255.7707.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Hays and Barthel

n Saturday, February 27, 2016, Miss Abigail Frances Barthel, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Farris Barthel, Jr., became the bride of William Hunter Hays. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stephen Hays of Start, Louisiana. Performing the double ring ceremony was Mr. Hunter Fife. The wedding was held at five o’clock in the evening at Trio Plantation in Rayville, Louisiana, which is the home of the bride’s maternal grandfather, Francis Victor Jordan II. Trio Plantation was founded in 1841 by Dr. Harrison Jordan, the bride’s great, great, great, great grandfather. He built the Trio House in 1869 as a wedding present for his son, Dr. William Thomas Jordan, and his fiancée, Miss Frances Elizabeth Harrison. There have been eight generations of the Jordan family to live at Trio Plantation. As a tribute to the bride’s belated parents, Abby wanted

a memorial tree to honor them. Two swans representing each of her parents were placed in front of the memorial tree and pictures of them adorned the tree. Large custom made candelabras which were made especially for the bride’s parents’ wedding in 1979 were hung from the trees. Over 300 strands of crystals as well as lighted greenery were hung from the massive old trees. Gold chiavari chairs were placed facing the Front Gallery of the old plantation home. The front double doors of the house held a large cross covered in antique moss. Xuan Lu’s String Quartet was seated on the front gallery and played musical timepieces as guests arrived. The bride’s wedding gown was custom made by designer Martina Liana. She wore her maternal grandmother’s, Mary Sue Gryder Jordan, antique emerald necklace, earrings and ring and wore an English six

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pence in her emerald green Manolo Blahnik heels. She carried a bouquet of Red Heart garden roses, Sumatra lillies, and lavender which was gathered and tied with a suit tie belonging to Abby’s deceased father, Bill Barthel, as a reminder that he indeed was escorting his daughter to her groom. Before Abby walked out of the double doors, she paused in quiet tribute in front of her mother’s wedding gown which was on display on the antique piano in the hall. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Barthel Morton, matron of honor and sister of the bride, wore an elegant full length sapphire blue halter gown designed by Dessy Designs. The bridemaids were: Jessica Chace, Lauren Grady, Lauren Bordelon, Cara Barthel, Meagan Venus, Alizabeth Guillot, AnnaGrace Guillot, and nieces of the bride, Carson Wilkie and Ella Wilkie. They wore emerald green

Dessy gowns, each with a unique style. They carried lavender bouquets. The three flower girls were nieces of the bride and groom: Sadie Morton, Mattie Hays and Katy Grace Hays. The groom wore a designer tux with a white coat and black bow tie. Wearing black tuxedos were his best man, Ryan Romero, and his groomsmen: Christopher Hays and Matthew Hays, brothers of the groom, Tyler Starks, Christopher McDuffie, Michael Liles and Joey Johnson. The ring bearers were Caden Hays and Liam Keels. The Plantation Bell tolled as the couple was announced husband and wife. As the couple processed, the bride surprised her groom as well as their guests by having the string quartet play the song, “Another One Bites the Dust.” The Great Room featured the delectable creations by Chef Pat Nolan. The guests enjoyed a true

Southern cuisine, which included such dishes as crab claws, shrimp and grits, red fish beignets, fried green tomatoes and beef brochette. The bride’s delectable five tiered wedding cake was designed by Tuleta Sasser. It was a beautiful creation of a wedding dress, complete with tuxedo buttons streaming down the back. The cake sat upon a white silk rose pavéd cloth that cascaded as though the skirt of a wedding dress. Covered in white roses and surrounded by gold embossed English Demitasse Tea lights, the effect was spectacular. The groom had a special request of miniature homemade pecan pies to be the focal point on the Groom’s table which was in the Trophy Room. Pictures of the groom on his hunting excursions around the South adorned the table. Abby and Hunter entered the elaborately decorated reception tent that housed three crystal chandeliers that hung above the black and white dance floor. Massive gold and crystal candelabras with a floral arrangement were placed on each table that was draped with a white cloth and an antique gold overlay. “This Magic Moment” by the Drifters was the song Abby and Hunter chose for their first dance. The bride chose to dance with her grandfather for the Father and Daughter dance and surprised him by playing “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” which was her grandparents’ signature song. Hunter danced with his mother to the Lady Antebellum song, “Never Alone.” In true Southern Phi Mu tradition, Abby was surrounded by her sorority sisters and serenaded with a song. Abby’s mother, Liz, was also a member of Phi Mu and this tradition was done at her wedding reception thirty-seven years ago at Trio Plantation. A special touch by the bride was a Coffee Bar, offering an assortment of coffees with specialty flavors. Miniature bottles of champagne featuring a gold stamp etched with Trio Plantation were gifts to the couples’ guests. The napkins, wine glasses, Styrofoam cups and stamps were made by Riverport Creative Group, LLC. Photographers, Catherine Guidry, and videographer, Houston Bass of Honest Productions captured the events throughout this special day. The couple would like to give a special thank you to the wedding coordinator, Kelly Taylor. As the couple left the reception, the guests lit heart shaped sparklers and were mesmerized by the fireworks extravaganza! They spent their honeymoon at a resort in Jamaica Ochos Rios. Abby and Hunter grew up together as friends. Years later, Hunter surprised Abby by asking her on a date. Five years later, he surprised her again on bended knee with a marriage proposal. Residing in Start, Louisiana, the bride is a therapist and counselor at The Wellspring in Monroe, and Hunter is a successful certified pipeline welding inspector.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

BayouTrends

Color me bad this summer with hot hues of orange, yellow and red. From your wardrobe to home décor, these items are available at area retailers.

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1. BALDWIN JEWELERS 2. HOUSE OF CARPETS AND LIGHTING 3. K-SERA 4. THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY AND GIFTS 5.LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING 6. HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER 7. BEEHIVE 8. MAGNOLIA MARIEE 9. MATERIAL THINGS 10. HOUSE OF CARPETS AND LIGHTING 11. K&K’S GIVING TREE 12. M.D. MINERALS 13. THE STORK’S NEST 14. THE FASHION POST 15. RANDY SMITH JEWELERS 16. PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY 17. THE PAPER MARKET 18. THE MUFFIN TIN 19. THE PARLOR HOUSE 20. SUE PAPERIE 21. HOLLIS & COMPANY 22. THE PATIO PLACE 23. WALSWORTH & COMPANY 24. FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE 25. BETTER LIVING MARKET 26. SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE 27. THE TOGGERY 86 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

D A

all that jazz Bayou Artist Dan Sumner talks to BayouLife about his musical career and his new adventure with Louisiana Soul Revival. By Kay Stothart Rector Photographs by Brad Arender

“I wasn’t a traditional music student, but I had a lot of music in me.”

oft-spoken and reflective, Daniel Sumner is a talented, classically trained jazz guitarist, at home at Fort Sumner, his Garden District music studio in Monroe. A Benedetto guitar leans against the wall near his chair. He gestures toward the grand piano that sits in the middle of the studio. “That’s my sailboat,” he chuckles. “Courtesy of Hurricane Katrina.” For Sumner and his family, the route to Monroe, Louisiana was a circuitous one. Originally from Indianapolis, Sumner was introduced to music at an early age. His mother played the guitar, as did his first grade teacher. Distant relatives include J.D. Sumner, a member of Elvis Presley’s band. He developed his musical talent and interests while attending a Jesuit prep school in Indianapolis, playing piano, cello and guitar. He was eventually awarded a music scholarship to Capital University, a small liberal arts college in Columbus, Ohio. While at Capital, Sumner honed his skills under the tutelage of Stan Smith, and fell in love with jazz. During his college years, he toured with different bands around the United States while completing his undergraduate degree. After graduating from Capital University, he received a scholarship to study at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he earned a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies. “The musicians at NEC were the cream of the crop,” Sumner says of New England Conservatory. “It was a wonderful experience, being around fantastic musicians all the time.” Sumner left Boston to go to Europe on his first extended professional tour, playing in Germany, France and England with the pit orchestra for Jesus Christ Superstar. When that job ended, he and his wife moved to New Orleans, where she enrolled as a law student at Tulane University. While in New Orleans, Dan served as the Music Director at Lusher Charter School, running the school’s widely celebrated jazz band. Many of his Lusher jazz band students went on to become professional musicians--among them, Joey Peebles, drummer for Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. “They’re all doing phenomenally well. I’m really proud of them. And I get to play with them from time to time, too.” Of his time in the Big Easy, Dan recalls fondly: “It was a dream situation, really. I would wake up every morning, go to school and work with the most talented young musicians in New Orleans, and then go play gigs at night.” His gigs always varied, which kept his musical life interesting. He was what he describes as a “gun for hire,” lending his talent as a guitarist to different bands and artists as needed. It was in New Orleans that Sumner first began collaborating with Louis Romanos, an immensely talented drummer and composer. In 1996, the duo formed Permagrin, a band with an acid jazz sound, combining jazz, soul and funk. As Permagrin, they wrote and recorded three albums and played extensively throughout New Orleans and in other cities in the U.S., performing at the SXSW music conference, the NOW music festival, and the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. Permagrin was nominated for a Gambit award and for Best Electronic Band

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in New Orleans in the 2005 Big Easy Awards. The Louis Romanos Quartet, consisting of Romanos on drums, Sumner on guitar, Alex Noppe on trumpet and Luca Lombardi on acoustic bass, was also founded in New Orleans. New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, was the Sumner’s home for 13 years, until that fateful day in August of 2005. When Hurricane Katrina hit, people in New Orleans scattered. The Sumners left with very little other than the clothes on their backs, the kids, the dog and one guitar. They evacuated first to Meridian, Mississippi and then to Bloomington, Indiana where they had family. When they were finally allowed back into their New Orleans neighborhood weeks later, they found total devastation. Their house had taken in 8 feet of water, and they lost everything they owned, including Dan’s restored 27 foot sailboat. With no place to sail near their new home in Indiana, Sumner used the insurance funds to buy a grand piano instead. Dan was offered a position as a teaching assistant at Indiana University, and the family stayed there for four years. He continued recording and playing gigs with other musicians while in Indiana. As part of a classical guitar duo with B.G. McPike, Sumner won 1st prize at the International Classic Guitar Ensemble Festival at the University of Texas at Brownsville. In the fall of 2009, Sumner became a member of the faculty at University of Louisiana Monroe, teaching music education and guitar. In addition to teaching, Sumner continues his association with Louis Romanos, touring the Southeast and Northwest United States, Hawaii and Europe during semester breaks as a member of the Louis Romanos Quartet. LRQ released its debut album, Take Me There, in 2015. Sumner has also been responsible for bringing talented musicians like Romanos and Stan Smith to perform in Monroe.

eaching, co-writing and producing for young musicians remain rewarding aspects of Sumner’s career. He attributes his own success in part to those teachers who saw potential in him. “When I was a young musician, Stan Smith was one of those people who helped me and had a tremendous influence on my career. I wasn’t a traditional music student, but I had a lot of music in me. Stan saw that, and he took a chance on me.” Of teaching, Sumner says “Music education, from my perspective, is about the individual realizing his or her potential. It’s about helping students figure out who they are through an art form, as opposed to just fitting a peg into a proverbial hole.” When he is not playing, arranging or lecturing, Sumner spends hours in the studio with talented young area artists like Kailey Fox and Hal Mayfield, both wonderful musicians and star students. “My goal for students,” explains Sumner, “is not to turn them into me or even turn them into guitar players, but to help them have positive experiences with music, and to realize their dreams and their potential through music.” Realizing dreams is something that Dan Sumner knows a little something about. He does what he loves, and does it extremely well. As a sponsored Benedetto artist, Sumner plays

a one-of-kind, custom 16-B archtop jazz guitar, handmade by master craftsman Bob Benedetto. “An incredible instrument,” Sumner says, pointing out that Benedetto means “blessed” in Italian. At the start of 2015, another blessing was still on the horizon for Sumner, in the form of Louisiana Soul Revival.

here are pivotal moments in an artist’s life, chance encounters that alter the trajectory of a career. For Dan Sumner, one of those moments occurred on April 17, 2015. “I was playing at Bella Stanza, in downtown Monroe, with Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. There was a guy there on the piano named Doug Duffey. I caught part of his solo act before we went on, and the crowd loved him. The band then did a song called “On Your Way Down” by Allen Toussaint, with

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Doug leading vocals. We started the number, and after just a few notes, Doug turned around and looked at me. There was an immediate connection,” says Sumner, an undeniable synchrony in their music. The two artists would not meet again face to face until months later, but that experience stayed on Sumner’s mind. Soon after that, on the road with the Louis Romanos Quartet, he played a gig in Sun Valley, Idaho, where LRQ was part of a larger group of musicians doing a fundraiser for the Sun Valley Opera Company. It was a really big ensemble, complete with horns and singers, playing a show with a Motown feel to a sold out crowd of about 5,000 people. They did two sets, and the first set went pretty well. Just before the second set, someone asked if they could “turn it up.” So they did. And, as Sumner recalls, “the second set was just incredible. The audience really came alive, dancing and having

a great time. That left an indelible impression on me. I was deeply affected by it, and I remember thinking, ‘people want to hear funky, soulful music.’” Funky, soulful music is what Louisiana Soul Revival is all about. What started as a feeling very quickly coalesced into reality. Sumner, along with drummer Adam Ryland and bass player Ben Ford, met with Doug Duffey in Sumner’s studio. The initial idea was to create a band that only did music from Louisiana. Front man Doug Duffey, inductee of the National Blues Hall of Fame and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, described it as a “cultural project, aimed at reviving the songs of other Louisiana artists.” They decided on a list of ten songs for the band to do, including Doug’s original “New Orleans Rain.” The potential in their collaboration was evident right away. They worked diligently over the next few weeks, adding talent and narrowing

the song list to a short five piece set. Once Sumner completed the arrangements, they had a party at the studio and, with their guests as a live audience, filmed a music video that instantly became a YouTube sensation, garnering over 25,000 views within just five days. That first video led to invitations to play Pig Fest, a private music festival in Tallulah, and the 2015 Northeast Louisiana Music Awards. As the featured act at the NELA Music Awards, the newly formed group performed “Nothing Takes the Place of You” by Toussaint McCall, the highest charting song ever written by a Monroe native. As they closed out the show with this tune, McCall joined them onstage, to the delight of the audience. “It was a great night,” says Sumner. Other gigs then followed, until Doug left in December of 2015 for a previously booked solo tour of Europe. Before he left, Doug played Sumner and Ryland demos of some unreleased songs he had written—some of them dating back to the early 1970’s. “Dan and Adam were flipping out. I was just looking at them like they were crazy,” recalls Duffey. “I had written some of this stuff when I was in my 20’s.” “We were blown away,” Sumner says of their reaction to music from Duffey’s personal archives. With this new discovery, the band changed its focus. Sumner and the other band leaders chose nine of Duffey’s original songs, and Sumner went to work on the arrangements. Within a few weeks, Louisiana Soul Revival featuring Doug Duffey recorded their self-titled debut CD at Fort Sumner, with Mike Healy Productions engineering the sound. Some of the keyboard parts were arranged and recorded by Duffey while he was in Switzerland. The recording was released locally on February 20, 2016, with a release party at Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom, where Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo appeared, pronouncing it “Louisiana Soul Revival featuring Doug Duffey Day.” International release was May 20, 2016, coinciding with a performance at the Bob Dylan tribute show at Enoch’s Irish Pub. The next day, LSR headlined the 1st Annual Louisiana Food and Music Festival in downtown Monroe. A few days after that, they hit the road for a brief tour of the Midwest, playing clubs and festivals. This summer promises to be a busy one as this musical phenomenon gains fans and momentum. Louisiana Soul Revival featuring Doug Duffey returns home to Monroe in time for a show at Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom on June 11th, where they will debut a couple of songs written by Duffey. And, says Sumner, “Don’t be surprised to hear some Prince at our next show. We were all fans.” A diverse bunch of artists, LSR members range in age from early 20s to mid-60s. “We have a great, positive group with amazing energy and a sound that is powerful and uplifting,” says Doug Duffey. “Doug is the star,” quips Sumner, “and I’m the arranger.” Regardless of their roles, these talented musicians are all excited to be a part of this dynamic group. In addition to Duffey and Sumner, members of Louisiana Soul Revival include drummer Adam Ryland, Ben Ford on bass, Cody Holder on baritone saxophone, Johnathan Patterson on trombone, Mason Howard on alto saxophone, Bert Windham on trumpet, Tony Cortellini on organ, and vocalists Betsy Lowe and Naomi Holder. Although he misses his adopted city of New Orleans, Sumner says “I’ve always been inspired by the talent that is here in the Monroe area. Doug Duffey is an example of this. He is a world class musical talent.” The future looks bright for this North Louisiana sensation, and Sumner is anxious to see where this new road takes him. “We’re going to take it as far as we can take it,” says Duffey. “Making records, doing concerts. Just playing our music.” Louisiana Soul Revival featuring Doug Duffey is available on iTunes. Booking information is available on the band’s Facebook page. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Bella Bridesmaids Love. Family. Friends. Fun!

ELLA BRIDESMAIDS LOVES A WEDDING! WE HAVE THE largest collection of bridesmaid dresses from the world’s leading designers in our Bella Showrooms. With hundreds of dresses to choose from, your personal Bella stylist is ready for anything. Whether you’re getting married in a grand ballroom or having a hoedown on the family farm, we have you covered. At Bella Bridesmaids, we recognize that every bride has her own vision, and each bridesmaid is unique. We’ll give you personal attention to help you find the right dress for your girls and your day-and ship your dresses anywhere in the Continental United States. So come on in to our showroom in Shreveport, we would love to help play a part in your wedding and make it everything you have ever dreamed. Summer Promotions going on now! Upcoming Trunk Shows: June 2-4 Jenny Yoo In a time where tradition is emphasized, weddings, as a result, have become more intimate, holding a special meaning for both the couple and those who care for them. Jenny Yoo has created a special line of bridesmaid and wedding dresses that evolve with the footsteps of today’s changing times. June 23-25 LulaKate LulaKate believes in love, happiness and lots of color. It’s not about following the trend, but establishing the new classic. It’s about dressing your best friends in something happy. It’s about being surrounded by love and friendship on your wedding day. It’s about finding the perfect bridesmaid dress. Live Life, Love Lula. July 14-16 Monique Lhuillier Monique Lhuillier designs capture the essence of sophisticated luxury by provoking femininity, allure and glamour that have made her renowned in the world of design. Monique appreciates that luxury can be whimsical and playful, allowing the brand to become a destination for women who understand the art of fashion. July 21-23 Amsale Inspired to create elegant and understated dresses for women like her, Amsale Aberra began custom-making wedding gowns in her New York City loft that fused pure, archetypal silhouettes with couture craftsmanship and sumptuous textiles. July 28-30 Ceremony by Joanna August After a tireless search for bridesmaid dresses for her own 2008 wedding that would reflect her BFF’s individual taste and style as well as her own, Joanna decided the best course of action was to design them herself. And just like that- bridal was no longer boring! Five years after launching, Joanna continues to push the envelope of bridal fashion. August 11-13 Adrianna Papell Adrianna Papell offers an exquisite sense of style, superlative fit and quality craftsmanship. Their collections are infused with an elegance and flair, featuring designs with beautiful beading, sequins and sparkles, that empower women of all ages and silhouettes to feel and look their best.

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The Artist’s Approach Smile Design at Its Best BY DAVID FINLEY, D.D.S

BEFORE

AFTER

N ARTIST MUST BE ABLE TO IMAGINE AND visualize his finished work of art in his mind as it will appear on its canvas. A dentist must also be able to do the same thing to design and create as beautiful a smile as possible for his patient. The dentist’s ultimate cosmetic objective is to create a beautiful smile, not just beautiful teeth. However, creating a beautiful smile requires the evaluation and analysis of the smile, lips and gingival tissues in addition to the teeth. Successful creation of a beautiful smile requires artistic skills as well as technical skills. Artistic skills involve training the eye to see the smile’s unseen or overlooked aspects and improving them to make the smile appear even better. Cosmetic dentists artistically analyze the relationships of the teeth, gums, lips and facial tones of the patient. From this analysis, they are able to create balance and symmetry between the structures that make up the smile. TREATMENT OPTIONS People with stained or dull teeth will benefit from professional whitening. In-office and supervised at home whitening systems are available. People with chipped, cracked or worn teeth can consider either veneers or bonding. Long-lasting veneers are ultra-thin, specially-made laminates that are bonded to the teeth. Bonding is a process in which enamel-like material is applied to a tooth’s surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened and then polished for an improved smile. Veneers are stronger and have a longer life than bonding. Crowns and bridges are best for correcting major functional or structural problems with individual teeth, missing teeth or general bite dysfunction. Implants are being used to successfully replace teeth for people in all age groups - with esthetic and predictable results. The latest porcelain technology allows us to replace missing teeth or crown teeth in a way so that no one can tell the replacements are not real. Whatever your individual problem, a qualified experienced dentist can select the right cosmetic treatment to enhance your smile.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Thurman’s Food Factory Much More Than Dessert

OR OVER 40 YEARS,THURMAN DICKEY HAS CREATED culinary dreams and delicious desserts, becoming a staple on the catering scene in Northeast Louisiana. While his work can be seen on display at a wedding on any given weekend in the Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston area, he has been known to travel to Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas to cater events. His shop on Stubbs Avenue in Monroe is known for the plate lunch specials Monday through Friday and for having casseroles and frozen dishes readily available to pick up for a sick friend, housewarming or just a Wednesday night supper. However, Thurman and his staff are known for their cakes! Their classic tiered white bridal cake is a staple at many wedding receptions. They offer classic favorite flavors like white, chocolate and yellow, as well as specialty flavors like Italian Crème, Red Velvet, German Chocolate and Lemon Torte. Their round wedding cakes can serve a small party of 15 to a large reception for 500. With half a decade of experience, Thurman’s has plenty of classic cakes to choose from but can create a design your bring in as well. They have the ability to do special designs with icing, spray designs and 3-D cakes. Round and sheet birthday cakes are available as well, whether you are looking to serve four or a hundred. And if you want to sample some of the delicious desserts, but don’t have a party on the books, you can always swing by the shop and pick up a sheet cake off the table that Thurman’s has readily available. Often you can find sweet flavors like Neiman Marcus, Earthquake, Fudge Factory, Heavenly Hash and more. On a daily basis, there are fresh cookies, breads and pastries, like cupcakes, pralines and petit fours to choose from. If you are looking for more of a savory treat, there are always those delicious cheese straws! Thurman’s is much more than dessert. With their extensive catering menu, they can take care of your wedding reception from beginning to end. They offer some Louisiana staples like boudin balls, shrimp dip, meat pies, marinated crab claws, jambalaya, oysters and even a roasted pig for an added flair. It isn’t a party without a dip and there are plenty to choose from at Thurman’s – crab, spinach artichoke, cheese, grits and corn, B.L.T, blackeye pea, spinach, Vidalia onion and seven layered Mexican dip. For the main course, you can choose from ham, beef tenderloin, ribs, brisket, turkey, Swedish meatballs, ribs, catfish and more. They also have traditional party platters with vegetables, cheeses, fruit, meat and sandwiches. Whether you are looking for catering for your wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower, Thurman’s will make it a memorable event. There is no party too large or too small that Thurman’s can’t handle!

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Advance Care Planning

The Most Important Conversation That Most People Never Have BY TIM COTITA RN, BSN, MSHCE REGIONAL ETHICIST, ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER AND OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS HOSPITAL

LOSE YOUR EYES AND VISUALIZE WHAT YOU IMAGINE a good death would be. Where are you? Who is there with you? Loved ones, friends, your pets? Is music playing? What does the view look like? The ocean, mountains or your own yard? Open your eyes. Did you envision spending your last days in a small hospital room, surrounded by beeping machines, undergoing numerous tests and examinations with strangers coming in frequently? Probably not, yet that is the situation most Americans experience at their own death. But this experience isn’t always inevitable. You can decide how you want your last days to be. For those expressing their wishes about health care decisions at the end of life, advance care planning, including advance directives, is essential. Advance directives are written instructions that are intended to reflect your wishes for health care and to guide medical decision-making in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. This is a result of an important conversation you have with your loved ones and physicians. Advance directives typically result from advance care planning and often take the form of a living will, which defines the medical treatment that patients prefer if they are incapacitated, or designation of a person as a medical power of attorney. In spite of efforts to promote advance care planning, studies find that only 18-36 percent of Americans have completed an advance directive. It is important to plan ahead, write down your choices and share these decisions with loved ones and physicians. Advance planning for health care helps people to determine their own futures, often with the support of loved ones. These are your decisions, regardless of what you choose for your care. These decisions are based on your personal values, preferences and discussions with loved ones. If you are in an accident or have an illness that leaves you unable to talk, who will speak for you? Tell your family, friends and physicians what your wishes are about medical treatments. Advance care planning includes: • Getting information on the types of life-sustaining treatments that are available. • Deciding the treatments you would or would not want if you are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. • Sharing your personal values with your loved ones. • Completing and writing down advance directives, like the types of treatment you would or would not want should you be unable to speak for yourself. Dialog about the end of life is difficult but important. Decisions about end-of-life care are based on your personal values and beliefs. Because it is impossible to foresee every type of circumstance, it is essential to think in general about what is important to you. Conversations that focus on your wishes and beliefs will relieve loved ones and physicians of the need to guess. Those who have made advance care decisions should review them regularly to assure that they reflect your current wishes and values. Learn more about Advance Care Planning by contacting Linda Carter, Senior Services Manager, St. Francis Medical Center at (318) 966-4577 or linda.carter@fmolhs.com. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

Golson’s Gas, Grills, Logs and Lights

Your Outdoor Kitchen Questions Answered by the Experts What would be the best grill or outdoor heating solution for my patio? Nothing enlightens better than asking an expert, and more so when you have a sea of options that all look great, and a good sum of money at stake. This is because you usually don’t just want the best grill or the best outdoor kitchen accessory, you want to know which is the most suitable grill for your home among the best grills in the market. Six hours of reading about gas grill features like temperature control, high heat, smoking, burners, and all such factors to consider will never be a match for 40 years in the patio and hearth industry. If you could ask a 40-year expert for free, would you? This is what Golson’s Gas, Grills, Logs and Lights encourages its store visitors to

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do. Ask and keep asking until they’re sure of their choice. What’s the best grill for your patio? According to Golson’s staff, the answer is quite easy if you can define for them the following: • Your needs • Your wants • Your budget Then, they’ll help you define your options among brands like AOG, DCS, RCS, Fire Magic, Saber and Holland, the industry’s finest manufacturers. Golson’s has a proficient knowledge of each single item they sell. Billy Golson founded Golsons’ local store in 1975, selling and servicing gas appliances in the West Monroe, Louisiana region, which it still

does today. Today, Golson’s is a certified dealer and reseller of a wide selection of best-inclass outdoor kitchen components from grills, refrigerators, gas and wood burning fire places, heating and cooling systems, to kitchen accessories. According to its founder, “Complete customer care defines best the company’s operating philosophy.” You also hear the same from its customers, “They are very knowledgeable about their products. We are building an outdoor kitchen, and they have made everything very easy for us!” You can visit Golson’s local store at West Monroe, which is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They also have an online store that ships to any part of the US, golsonsonline.com.

Breast Augmentation Your Questions Answered

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

She was a black haired beauty with big dark eyes, and points all her own sittin’ way up high . . . Bob Seger, Night Moves

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 a thousand. 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. Since the FDA moratorium on silicone

implants was lifted in November of 2006, roughly 95% of the breast augmentations I perform are with silicone implants. They have either a smooth or a textured surface, have either a round or a teardrop shape, and can be placed either above or below the chest wall muscle. Each of these options has its pros and cons. I use all 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 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. The surgical significance of pre-existing breast or chest wall asymmetry is that it often leads to some degree of

asymmetry (usually minor) post-operatively and the patient needs to understand this beforehand. A large part of the initial consultation is spent discussing desired breast size. 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, while France maintains an International Bureau of Weights and Measures to ensure uniformity in meters, grams and minutes, there is no committee of jaunty and erudite Frenchmen, who carry out measurement-related research to ensure uniformity of cup-size. So a “C” cup at Sears-Roebuck may be a “D” cup at Victoria’s Secret, and there is no such thing as a “D minus, minus” or a “C plus.” Moreover, 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! So choosing the appropriate implant size is a bit more complicated than simply looking at pictures on the Internet and picking a number. It requires thoughtful discussion and assessment of many variables. I try to CONTINUED ON PAGE 148

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Jesus the Good Shepherd School Wrapping Up a Great Year at JGS

ESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD School recently held its seventh annual May Day Celebration on the school grounds in front of an enormous crowd of parents, grandparents, friends and family members. The celebration was in honor of the graduating sixth graders, as well as to celebrate another successful school year and a record breaking trip raffle fundraiser. This year’s May Day theme was Disney’s “The Wonderful World of JGS” with an individual performance by each grade. Everyone enjoyed the class performances and the drawing for the annual Trip Raffle. A huge “THANK YOU” to Jodi Pipes, Aimee Anthony, Beth Swanner, their team of parent volunteers and our wonderful JGS teachers, who did an amazing job of organizing, choreographing and making sure everyone had an opportunity to shine. We would also like to thank the chair of the

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Annual JGS Trip Raffle, Amy Taylor, and her team of parents for organizing a recordbreaking Travel Raffle. Fr. Keith Garvin pulled the winning raffle tickets during the May Day celebration. The winner of the $8,000 raffle package was Gary Rials, followed by our 2nd place $1,000 winner Stacy Embanato and lastly the 3rd place $500 winner Rebecca Leaumont. Congratulations to these lucky winners and thank you to all those who participated in the travel raffle fundraiser. Without the support of our students, faculty, parents, grandparents, friends and family, we would not be able to accomplish and exceed our fundraising goals. The May Day celebration culminated with our graduating sixth graders wrapping a traditional May Pole; a symbol of passage from JGS on to middle school. The sixth graders performed their own rendition of

Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” in honor of May Day chair, Mrs. Jodi Pipes. We thank Kelly Hill for all of her hard work with the sixth grade class in preparing them for this wonderful tribute to a very special teacher. The evening was a wonderful commemoration of not only the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of our sixth graders, but also the end of another successful school year at JGS. Thank you to all who attended and supported our raffle fundraiser! JGS is truly blessed with a wonderful community! Congratulations to all of our Sixth Grade Graduates: Margaret Barham, Collier Barham, Lauren Bratton, Mary Elizabeth Bryant, Amber Cross, Logan Foote, Hayes Gill, Nathan Gremillion, Clinton Hanchey, Hayden Hicks, Parker Hill, Graycee Hill, William Kielwasser, Tayler Koecher, Kaia Kudlas, Cade Maclin, Rosemary Manning, Thomas Marsala, James Mayronne, Tyler Melna, Jose Mercado, Avery Montgomery, Eli Moore, Luke Moses, Anna Kate Petrus, Paul Pham, Emery Pipes, Gracie Poche, Matthew Purvis, Caroline Reed, Jack Reeves, Luke Shaw, Margaret Ann Sherman, Grace Tannehill, Gunter Tannehill, Elise Tramontana, Vince Vereen, John Minor Wade and Helen Watson.

House of Carpets and Lighting Well Worth the Drive!

ELLO! ALL OF US AT HOUSE OF Carpets and Lighting in Shreveport are excited to showcase our products to Northeast and North Central Louisiana, and hope you will make the short drive to see us. We promise you will not be disappointed! Remodeling your home? Building a new home? Looking to update a couple of areas in your home? House of Carpets and Lighting has what it takes to make your home look its best. We carry quality flooring, from beautiful hardwood to durable ceramic and porcelain tile, to plush carpet, and so much more! We also have a huge selection of backsplash and tumbled stone. House of Carpets and Lighting is the only Shaw Design Center in the area, and we have other top name brands as well. When it comes to lighting, House of Carpets and Lighting combines quality and

selection. We offer a wide range of lighting products that provide the perfect blend of beauty and utility. From beautiful crystal chandeliers, to decorative kitchen and bedroom lighting, to under-counter and LED lighting, you will find the perfect lights for your taste, style and budget! Whether you are looking to update your entire house, or just one room, we’ve got you covered! Let us make your home the gem of your street with the perfect exterior lighting solution to highlight the beauty of your home. From subtle lighting accents to landscape lighting and gas lanterns, House of Carpets and Lighting can help you enhance your home’s exterior to match the level of style and beauty of the interior. Accessories are the “cherry on top,” and you will find plenty of treasures at House of Carpets and Lighting. Artwork, lamps, home accessories, mirrors, accent furniture and

vanities – everything to update your beautiful home. However, what sets apart House of Carpets and Lighting is our customer service. Family-owned and operated, House of Carpets and Lighting’s staff is knowledgeable about all of our products. In addition, our design team can guide you when it comes to selecting the best look for your home. We look forward to serving you! We can’t wait for you to visit our showroom at 4344 Youree Drive. Take the Market Street exit off I-20. Market St. becomes Youree Drive, so you will be here in no time! Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. House of Carpets and Lighting— Well Worth the Drive!

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ANDY TRAHAN

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article by Maré Brennan photography by Martin Graham Meters

othing is going to stop Andy Trahan from being the best he can be – day in, day out. Sure he could have rolled over and let life happen to him a long time ago – like the fateful Valentine’s Day in 2013, when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. But when you have a community like Andy’s Team behind you and a mission to help others, God has another path. “I was raised in a spiritual family, but since my diagnosis, I feel like I’ve become more spiritual. I’m not afraid to talk about it, especially with those who are newly diagnosed with cancer.” A recent phone call to Andy found this incredible man doing the rather mundane task of house painting. Already this particular morning, he’s played a round a tennis with his favorite tennis pro and biggest advocate, his dad, Phil Trahan. “My dad is big on getting the most information about my disease and doing research on new and best treatments. I would dare say that he knows more than general oncologists know about my specific disease, ALK or positive, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, which is caused by a gene mutation, not smoking. My dad is always doing the hard work of digging and finding out more information about lung cancer.” From day one, Andy’s dad Phil looked at the diagnosis as a problem to be solved and has made it his mission to learn everything he could about ALK, seeking out the foremost authorities on this rare cancer and advocating for more research. It was Phil who found Andy’s doctor in Denver, Colorado, a specialist in ALK and the leader of Andy’s extended medical team. Explains the young father of three, “After I got diagnosed, I had a few difficult times in the beginning. But fairly quickly, I changed the way I thought about things, about life. I started thinking more about other people who were experiencing the same thing as me,

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mentoring them in the process, helping them get through the phases that I had been through and advocating for more lung cancer research and to stop the stigma of our disease.” “Before I got lung cancer, I used to think you had to smoke to get it,” explains Andy. But as he and so many have learned, you can do all the right things – exercise, eat right, live clean and wholesomely – but sometimes our bodies betray us, for whatever reason – like a gene mutation, for example. Shortly after Andy’s diagnosis and initially as a way to keep people informed about the Trahan’s cancer journey, a Facebook page was set up called Andy’s Team, uniting family, friends and community around the Trahan family. In the process, the account is both a living record, as well as a tool to teach about the realities of lung cancer, and serves as a way to end the stigma of having lung cancer as a non-smoker. Andy’s Team also acts as an outreach for Trahan, where those who have been recently diagnosed can find Andy and often private message him for more information and advice. Miracles happen every day and after a few cancer setbacks, Andy was able to get in on the tail end of a gene therapy trial that had been going on for quite a while, and now that treatment, a drug called Alecensa which is manufactured by Genentech, has been approved by the FDA and become part of the treatment protocol used around the country. Explains Andy, “These pills do a good job of suffocating cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.” 104 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

dvocacy for more research funding and ending the fallacy that lung cancer only happens to those who smoke has been a logical progression for Andy, his wife Leslie and his parents. Leslie, a teacher and naturally gifted and compelling communicator on the subject of lung cancer, has been a featured speaker at lung cancer symposiums across the country. On a local level, Leslie and Andy were featured speakers at the Cancer Foundation League’s annual Gala, where our community comes together to raise funds for those affected by cancer locally. When they spoke about their personal journey with cancer, the crowd was motivated even more to do their part for local patients and their families. “We travel a lot,” said Andy, “We just came back from Washington, D.C., where Leslie and I attended a summit geared toward survivors, caregivers and doctors. It specifically dealt with lung cancer that involves gene mutations like mine. This trip we learned more about how clinical trials work.” Last year, Leslie and Andy made that same trek to D.C. for the Lungevity Hope Summit on Capitol Hill, where Leslie spoke in order to raise awareness of the plight of non-smokers who are dealt the hand of cancer due to a gene abnormality. “In addition, we had the opportunity to speak personally with Representatives and Senators’ staff members,

advocating for the need for more federal funding for lung cancer research and treatment.” In addition, thanks in large part to the lobbying efforts of Andy, Leslie, his parents and hundreds of other patients and caregivers, there is now a Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus on Capitol Hill. Our own district’s Representative Ralph Abraham was one of the first members to sign on. Statistics are something the Trahans are well-versed in. Did you know that for every death from breast cancer, approximately $25,000 is added to its research budget? However, for every lung cancer death, only $1400 is added to its research budget. More startling is that fact that lung cancer kills more people each year that the next four cancers combined. “Obviously,” states Andy, “The funding is not keeping up with the need.” On November 1, 2015, opening day of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Andy and Leslie hit the ground running, taking flight to Indianapolis to address the Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event at Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical, one of the major players in cancer medication research. Leslie gave a presentation there to “shine the light” on lung cancer through awareness, education and advocacy. This battleship in the funding more research is beginning to turn, thanks in large part to the efforts of Andy and many other patients who politely but firmly draw the public’s attention to an inequity that must end. Shine a Light is an awareness initiative of the Lung Cancer Alliance. “With the initial diagnosis, I was angry at God and felt sorry for myself. It didn’t take long for me to realize I couldn’t just sit here and worry. Worrying does me no good. Then I kicked it into high gear. I am not gonna lose.” According to Andy, the new research in the ALK field is yielding a whole new type of therapy centered on immunology. In this exciting new wave of cancer fighting, immunology trains the body’s own immune system to fight cancer and recognize it as a foreign object to be destroyed. Says Andy, “New and better ways to attack lung cancer are being developed all the time, and there are ways to make pills work better and longer. This gives me a lot of hope that one day this will be cured.” Trahan’s active lifestyle has never waned, running and playing tennis competitively are in his DNA. In general, maintaining his healthy lifestyle by staying active and in shape has given him the best chance to beat this disease and win. “I’ve never even considered giving up,” says the 36 year old dad of three, “I have too much to live for.” In the words of his dad, “Attaboy!” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

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The Patio Place Spotlights Breezesta 20 Vibrant Colors and Every One is “Green”

REEZESTA IS PART OF THE environmental solution. Breezesta furniture is transformed from recycled plastic bottles into colorful furniture. Made in the USA, the recycled materials are processed and converted into sturdy poly lumber at their Pennsylvania plant. The result is a safe and maintenance-free material that’s fade resistant, eco-friendly, and tough enough to enhance a customer’s outdoor living experience for years to come. Breezesta is what environmentalists call a “full circle” product, it can be recycled again and again. There’s a Breezesta Poly Outdoor Furniture color-and style-that’s a perfect complement to every home design. The customer has a choice of 20 rich, vivid and vibrant colors to choose from. For the most style conscious customers Breezesta gives them the ability to “mix and match” among

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the 20 colors by creating exclusive color combinations. There are three easy steps when ordering custom multi-color items: • Select your item • Choose your frame color • Choose your seat/back slats color Mix and match to a favorite sports team, college or high school colors! Breezesta is built to last! Each piece carries a Residential Lifetime Warranty against cracking, splintering, chipping, peeling, rotting and insect infestation. The recycled product has a unique wood-like surface that is created during the extrusion process. This helps to conceal minor scratches. Other great qualities include: • Durable, maintenance-free poly lumber • Sturdy mortise and tenon construction

• Color-matched hardware • Guaranteed against twisting • Specially-formulated Ultra-Violet stabilizers • Solid color pigments run through the product • Mold and mildew resistant • Stands up to rain, wind and salt spray There are several collections included in the Breezesta line, all offering a number of different styles to choose from. Breezesta also offers a selection of cushions in Sunbrella fabrics. Breezesta is the perfect outdoor furniture choice!

A Peach of My Heart The Place to Bring Your Kids on June 24-25!

OUNGSTERS CAN BEGIN THE fun on Friday and go for the big catch at the Lincoln Parish Park Kid’s Fishing Tournament sponsored by The IDEA Place, La Capitol Federal Credit Union and Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. There will be prizes and refreshments. The tournament is open to children age 12 and under. They need to bring their own fishing pole; bait is provided. There’s no entry fee or pre-registration; just show up! After the “A Peach of My Heart” Parade sponsored by PetStar Animal Care Saturday morning, Dinosaurs will be in Downtown Ruston! Bring your kids to pet and interact with them at the Civic Center between 9 and 11 a.m. or at Railroad Park from 4 to 9 p.m. By request, the BMX & Skateboard Show is returning this year. Visitors may bring their helmets to participate in demos. There will also be a mini ramp for the little daredevils. There will be shows on both Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday at 10 a.m. outside the Civic Center, enjoy Squaredancing by the Trinity Twirlers. There will be plenty to keep the little ones happy in the Kids Zone, sponsored by Manpower Temporary Services on Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be filled with lots of activities with The IDEA Place, North Central LA Arts Council (NCLAC), LSU Ag Center/4-H, Lincoln Parish Library, and Junior Auxiliary. There will also be a juggler, sponsored by State Senator Mike Walsworth, a hula hooper, sponsored by Thornburg Monuments, and a stilt walker, sponsored by RE/MAX Results Realty. Taking the place of the traditional peach eating contest, in honor of being hailed the Guinness World Record holder for Largest Peach Cobbler, Hampton Inn will sponsor a peach cobbler eating contest. Contestants should pre-register. Not only will the winner

receive an official Cobbler Gobbler Eating Championship Belt, $1,000 is at stake! How much can you eat? The contest will take place at Railroad Park on Saturday at 7 p.m. Champ and LA Tech football players want to meet you in Railroad Park Saturday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m. Chat and take photos with the Bulldogs. Admission is charged for ages 7 through adult. Friday, $10, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, $10, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. A weekend Pass is available for $15. The above mentioned and concerts are included in Admission. Pets other than service dogs are not allowed at the festival. Find more information on www. LouisianaPeachFestival.org and connect on Facebook.com/LouisianaPeachFestival, Twitter @LaPeachFest and Instagram @ LaPeachFest.

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Unique Venue in Downtown Monroe Available for Weddings, Receptions and Special Events

OCATED IN THE HEART OF Downtown Monroe on DeSiard Street, The Palace Building is a unique venue perfect for parties, business meetings, corporate events, concerts and wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Palace was originally built in 1924 and operated as a department store for more than 50 years. It was a significant part of life in downtown Monroe, bringing people from all over Northeast Louisiana to shop its six floors for everything from men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparel to wedding gifts; shoes and jewelry to housewares. In September of 2009, The Portico Church bought the historic Palace with plans for the building to serve as a resource to the community and bring life back to downtown Monroe. With a desire to

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join with the others already working to revitalize the area, Portico Church works with the arts community, local businesses and those living downtown. Portico Church gathers for worship and teaching on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. at The Palace, as well as in small groups a few other days during the week in homes throughout Monroe and West Monroe. The Palace is host to a variety of community events, including art shows, family-friendly events and concerts, in addition to serving as home to The Portico Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly gatherings and other events. The Palace is currently host to Downtown Cinema and is a member of the Downtown Art Alliance, showing exhibits during the Downtown Art Crawls. The Palace holds up to 200 people for

a ceremony, 150 for a stand up cocktail reception and 120 for a sit down reception. There are chairs and tables available to use, as well as audio and visual equipment. There is a small kitchen space as well. In addition to being a unique, historical venue conveniently located, The Palace is affordable! Current rental rates are $500 per day and $250 for a half day. An audiovisual technician is also available to help with sound and lights for $25 per hour. To get more information on The Palace, call 318-884-0599 or visit thepalacemonroe.com. facebook.com/ ThePalaceMonroe

P&S Surgical Hospital Ranks Among the Nation’s Best Hospital Receives Awards for Patient Care

&S SURGICAL HOSPITAL IS among the nation’s two percent of hospitals to receive both the Patient Safety Excellence™ and Outstanding Patient Experience™ Awards from Healthgrades® in 2016. “We work diligently to produce the best surgical outcomes—both in quality and in safety—for our patients,” said P&S Surgical Hospital CEO Linda S. Holyfield. “I am so appreciative of our physicians as well as our entire staff who ensure our hospital delivers excellent healthcare to northeast Louisiana.” The Patient Safety Excellence Award™ honors hospitals that prevent serious, potentially preventable complications during hospital stays. This distinction places P&S Surgical Hospital among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for “excellent” performance as evaluated by Healthgrades.

P&S Surgical Hospital is the only hospital in north Louisiana to receive the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ four years in a row (20132016). Healthgrades 2016 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipients provided safety for patients in the Medicare population, as measured by objective outcomes (risk-adjusted patient safety indicator rates) for 13 patient safety indicators defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The data for the 2016 award was collected between 2012-2014. In addition to performing well in the 13 Patient Safety Indicators, P&S Surgical Hospital reports an infection rate of only 0.15 percent. The national average is approximately 2.33 percent, as reported by Physician Hospitals of America. Regarding the 2016 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, Healthgrades evaluated

3,858 hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, covering admissions from April 2014 – March 2015. To be recognized by Healthgrades, hospitals must meet eligibility requirements for consideration, which in addition to number of survey responses, includes clinical performance thresholds. Nationally, 2,965 hospitals met those requirements with 448 hospitals outperforming their peers, based on their patients’ responses in order to achieve this distinction. The top 15 percent of this group—or 448 hospitals—achieved the award. P&S Surgical Hospital classified in the top 5 percent. P&S Surgical Hospital is a joint venture among physician specialists and St. Francis Medical Center.

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Fine folks. By Lindsey + Taylor

A Passion for Faith, Family and Creating Beautiful Things

I! I’M LINDSEY LOWE, AN ever-changing wife, ever-growing mother and ever-learning wedding/ event stylist. I am inspired by all things unique, natural and wild. I am passionate about building relationships with clients and working with them to bring their vision to life. Using my eye for details, I have developed a knack for organizing events of all sizes, both small and large, covering all the bases from theme concepts, environment styling and staffing. More recently, I’ve delved into styling photoshoots and hosting floral pop-up shops. I strive to find love in the everyday and want that to resonate in your wedding or event. Hey there! I’m Taylor Bennett. While I was born and raised right here in north Louisiana, I ventured off for a few years, not realizing I am a Louisiana boy at heart. I set a goal to work for a fancy creative company in Brooklyn, New York and set off to see it happen by moving

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to Oklahoma. Twice. While it’s a far cry from NYC, I discovered it was a perfect fit for me, full of the experiences and opportunities that grew me as a creative professional - stretching my creative muscles while working for one of the most innovative churches in the Midwest, developing my creative style while serving as Visual Manager for a national, high-end home + furniture company, and growing my organizational skills while planning more events that I can count! After traveling all over, I finally realized that there is no place like North Louisiana. It’s home. I couldn’t be more excited to be put down roots in my hometown and collaborate with other Louisiana-lovin’ folks. Together we are Lindsey + Taylor of Fine folks. We are two southern curators that have a passion for faith, family and creating beautiful things. We could tell you stories of growing up in the same small town, all the crazy

projects we’ve collaborated on over the years or the time we attempted our first wedding bouquet… but we will spare you the details. Fine folks. is two friends who love making events come to life, whether it’s a fancy soirée, a backyard shindig, a classy southern wedding or whatever else you can dream up! We have a passion for creating beautiful and unique events. Inspired by art, nature and Louisiana’s rich culture, we try to craft each event to the individualized style of our clients. Fine folks. provides the modern day bride and groom with a unique, stylish yet cost effective service in the areas of wedding styling and florals. We would love to design some florals for you, curate your next event, or even just grab coffee and have some good conversation. Photos courtesy of Kelly Moore Photograephy and Steven Meyers Photography.

Shop Unique, Celebrate Dad

Give Him the Perfect Gift this Father’s Day

ADS WEAR MANY DIFFERENT HATS. THEY ARE OUR

financial advisors, our coaches, our “get me out of jail, please” phone calls and our best friends. It’s hard to define exactly what a dad is, and it can be even harder to find him the perfect gift. Dads are not cut and dry, so why should their gifts be? At Vieux Carré Market, we understand the important roles dads have in our lives. With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s important to make this year a special one. We are a one-of-akind store and deli offering endless creative options. Mix it up for dad this year and stir in something out of the ordinary. Our expansive wine and liquor selection is filled with rare specialty bottlings and unique boutique creations. We’ve got you covered with the most diverse selection of wine and spirits in Northeast Louisiana. Our staff will make sure your gift is something rare and not typically found in the area. Fire up the grille and your dad’s taste buds with the area’s finest meats and seafood. Our gourmet deli is stocked with Wagyu ground beef and steaks and 100% certified Black Angus filets and ribeyes. If he prefers the sizzle of surf to turf, our selection of seafood is sure to make a statement at your Father’s Day dinner.

This year, stop by the place that has the most diverse selection of items in town and give a gift as unique as dad. Whether it’s gourmet food and wine or even cooking supplies, you are sure to find a memorable gift that will keep dad smiling for years to come. From local to regional, you’ll find the perfect Father’s Day gift at Vieux Carré Market! Let dad dine and unwind, and we’ll do all the cooking! Visit our restaurant for lunch or dinner, and treat your dad to one of our signature dishes that are made fresh daily. Our menu is packed with a wide variety of tasty options. From classic favorites to dishes inspired by New Orleans flavors, there’s no shortage of delicious selections. This year, surround dad with lots of love, family and unique flare at Vieux Carré Market. Happy Father’s Day from Vieux Carré Market

Lunch Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner Hours: Thursday – Saturday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

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Atolas Concierge

Let Us Give You The Gift of Time

BY GREG HARVESTON

OST PEOPLE TEND TO SPEND THEIR DAYS JUGGLING

both home and work responsibilities. Afterwards they try to cram whatever leftover things need to be done into lunch breaks and the weekend. For most of us, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. In reality, who can afford to take time off work just so they can finish their responsibilities? Maybe you just can’t do as much as you once could due to age or illness. Possibly you’re a small business that doesn’t need a full time assistant, but could occasionally use some help. Atolas Concierge Service, can help do what has to be done, giving you some peace of mind and the extra time you need to do the things that you enjoy, like spending more time with family, friends, or engaging in other activities. Atolas can pick up your groceries while you work and deliver them to your home or office. Maybe you need your dog walked, so it’s not stuck inside while you’re at work. Are you going on vacation? We’ll pick up those last minute items you need before you leave, check on your house while you’re away, pick up your mail, water your plants. We can arrange to even have a meal from your favorite restaurant waiting when you get home, so that you don’t worry about cooking or leaving again. If you’re a senior or recovering from an injury and don’t have children or family nearby, maybe you need out-of-reach light bulbs changed, groceries delivered, or just need someone to drop by to take out garbage, replace an air filter or just make sure you’re doing okay. Maybe you’re the child of elderly parents and can’t be there often and would like to make sure minor tasks are being taken care of on a regular basis. Atolas Concierge Service is the first of its kind in the area. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from an overwhelming to-do list. We offer an affordable hourly rate, one-hour minimum. For those needing services more frequently, we offer a “Concierge Account,” pre-purchased time of three or more hours, which can be used by the quarter hour. For more information call 547-9469 or visit www.atolas.com.

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West Monroe Convention Center

Specializing in Weddings and Special Events

EDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS OF ANY SIZE CAN be accommodated by the West Monroe Convention Center, owned and operated by the City of West Monroe. Serving the public for over 35 years, the Convention Center offers a versatile banquet hall suitable for weddings, receptions, and parties from 100 to 1000 guests. Our hall can be subdivided to accommodate both your wedding and reception with ease. No need to lead your guests from one location to another when our facility can provide rehearsal dinner plans, formal wedding arrangements and lavish reception parties all in one convenient location. On staff Event Coordinators are available to assist with menu planning and dĂŠcor to suit any budget. In house catering staff is also available to offer popular regional cuisine or customizable themed event menus. Executive Chef Anthony Miletello brings skills of the trade from his Harvard University Culinary Sciences studies and French Quarter Five-Star Restaurant experience to offer our customers and a unique, quality experience, unlike any facility of this kind in our region. In addition to the main Conference Halls, the Convention Center offers smaller dining rooms for more intimate Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, or even the occasional Bachelorette Party. Theme parties are always welcome, and we offer in-house bar services to insure your party gets as lively as you want it to be. We also cater outside the facility and can come to your location in the area and provide catering, servers, bartenders, tables, linens, chairs and more. Coming this summer, we are excited to offer online event floor plan design and guest registration. With this great tool, clients will be able create their own layout or approve our in-house design online or with their smartphones. The software will also allow clients to arrange seating charts for events requiring RSVPs or track registrations. This new tool will even allow clients to see their 2D floorplan design rendered in 3D. These features and more we hope will allow brides and decorators more detailed information to plan the event of their dreams. Call for appointment today to speak with one of our Event Coordinators whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll assist you with menu planning, event planning and work within your budget.

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The Art of

“I Do” A

nna Grace Livingston models beautiful bridal baubles from our area’s finest jewelers. Special thanks to our Fine Folks, Lindsey Lowe and Taylor Bennett for art directing this shoot at the gorgeous Layton Castle. Not only did they show up on set with these stunning handmade bouquets and wreath, they also stepped in and assisted our amazing photographer, Kelly Moore Clark! We couldn’t have been more excited to work with such a talented team.

Hair and makeup by Meka Reliford. Tahitian Pearl necklace by Ray Griffiths available at Hollis & Company Jewelers. Dress from Bella Bridesmaids

RANDY SMITH JEWELERS

Estate pearl bracelets with an 18k silver and diamond clasp. Estate engagement ring with 2.5 karat European cut diamond in platinum. 1.5 - 3 karat round cut diamond eternity bands. Estate pearl necklace with 18k estate pearl earrings. Dress from Bella Bridesmaids.

BALDWIN JEWELERS

Art Deco crystal pendant with diamonds set in 14 karat white gold with a filigree chain. 14 karat white gold 3.00 carat pavĂŠ diamond bangle bracelet featuring 154 round diamonds. 14 karat yellow gold 1.00 carat diamond bangle bracelet with 19 old European diamonds accented by white gold. Two tone gold and platinum filigree bangle bracelet featuring 16 old European diamonds having a total weight of 1.50 carats. Platinum Art Deco 2.00 carat old European diamond ring accented by French cut sapphires. Platinum ring featuring a 3.09 carat cushion cut diamond accented by round diamonds. 14 karat white gold antique reproduction earrings featuring round diamonds.

Jewel short-sleeve off-the-shoulder wedding dress from Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal

HOLLIS & COMPANY JEWELERS

Diamond Bib necklace by Sethi Couture. Edwardian and Art Deco diamond earrings and bracelets. Diamond ring by Christopher Designs. Sweetheart trumpet wedding dress with beaded sash from Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

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I Do Weddings by Leigh Benefits of Hiring a Wedding Planner

WELVE HOURS…THAT IS about the time it takes to complete a full wedding day. Twelve hours to change your life, to fulfill every dream you ever had as a child. Twelve hours to see every small detail that was thoughtfully planned out and imagined. A wedding day is a special day that most girls have eagerly anticipated since childhood. Many little girls start planning their fairytale at a very young age. Some have carefully pasted magazine clippings into a wedding scrapbook, some have spent hours pinning wedding pins on Pinterest, and some just lie in bed at night and dream of the spectacular way the moment will look when they finally say “I do.” Too many times that excitement is let down by the unnecessary anxiety that comes with planning a wedding. Most people can picture exactly what they want for their special day, but are challenged with overwhelming stress when they realize all that comes with making their dreams a

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reality. A wedding should be a time when the bride and groom, along with their families, can celebrate the joining together of their individual lives, without the stress of having to make sure everything is picture perfect. Facts to Consider When Deciding on Using a Wedding Planner: Keeping Peace in the Family: Reality is that sometimes families don’t always agree on wedding decisions. A wedding planner can be the mediator between families to take the unnecessary stress off of the bride and groom. Managing Contracts/Vendors: Many times when choosing a vendor, the bride, groom and their families can become overwhelmed with decisions. A planner can help narrow down the choices and communicate with the vendors, so the bride and groom can enjoy the months leading up

to their wedding without having to oversee the multitude of vendors needed to make their day special. Maintaining the Budget: Most parents want nothing more than to give their children the wedding of their dreams. However, there is always a realistic budget that comes with that reality. A wedding planner can help bring the bride and groom’s vision to life while holding accountable the issued budget. Bringing the Vision to Life: Sometimes the picture a bride and groom have dreamt up becomes rather difficult to make a reality. A wedding planner can ensure that the bride and groom’s vision is displayed in every way possible on the most spectacular day of their lives.

Kim Wilhite Photography

Wedding Season is Fast Approaching

S THE WEDDING SEASON approaches, excitement is brewing in the home studio of Kim Wilhite Photography, located in West Monroe. While Louisiana’s wedding season is pretty much all year long because of our luke warm winters, there is still a sense of the beloved spring and summer wedding season that is fast approaching. Lenses are being cleaned and prepped, paperwork is getting in order and the calendar is quickly being filled with engagement and bridal sessions. Weddings are the main focus for Kim Wilhite, who is the lead photographer and owner of Kim Wilhite Photography, established in 2012. “Being a wedding photographer is so much more than just picking up a camera and clicking a button. Getting

to know my brides and grooms, and making a friendly connection in the process is very important...be prepared, I will be your friend on Facebook and comment on your honeymoon pictures!” Kim believes giving her clients what they want based on their personalities is the best way to showcase their true love story through the journey of engagement sessions, bridals sessions and their wedding day. “I spend a lot of time with my brides before the actual wedding day. When I arrive to the bridal suite, I already know the day will start easy, because I have built a genuine relationship with the bride and groom.” Kim admits that photography was not her first creative outlet. She dabbled in being a self-taught, amateur graphic designer with more of a passion to learn

the process rather than designing. She also loves making travel plans, sometimes more than the actual traveling, and making to do lists. “Last year I had an amazing opportunity to photograph a lovely couple exchanging their wedding vows in St. Lucia...can you image the excitement I had with making those travel plans and marking it off my to do list!” Booking a wedding with Kim Wilhite Photography will be more than just marking off an item on your wedding to do list. You will be beginning a personalized photographic journey that will start with an inquiry and end with amazing documented moments. To learn more about working with Kim Wilhite Photography as your wedding photographer, email info@kimwilhite.com.

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Congratulations St. Frederick Seniors Class of 2016 Raises The ACT Bar

N THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016, seniors, family and friends celebrated St. Frederick’s 2016 graduation at which time the seniors were honored for their special achievements in high school. Members of the St. Frederick Class of 1966 participated in the graduation ceremonies. This year’s graduating class of 2016 has earned $1,988,000 and counting in scholarships. This is above and beyond TOPS! Over 50% of the St. Frederick senior class qualified for the Scholars Banquet. This year’s graduating class has an average of 31 college credit hours. In addition, the class’s average ACT score is 25.5, with the top 50% scoring 29 or higher, the top 40% scoring 30 or higher and the top 10% scoring 32.3 or higher. This year’s valedictorian is Diana Mai

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Pham (top photo-left). Pham received the St. Vincent DePaul award for community service, totaling over 400 hours of community service. She is the daughter of Lisa and Tim Pham. She plans to attend Tulane University and major in Biology. St. Frederick’s two salutatorians are Robert Austin Clark and Elaine Patrice Ezell. Clark (top photo-center) is the son of Jennifer and Nolan Clark. He plans to attend Louisiana State University. He was recognized as a National Merit Scholar Commended student. Ezell (top photo-right) is the Daughter of Carol and Jerry Ezell. She received the Bishop Duca medal for leadership, scholarship and character in serving others as a living example of Jesus Christ. Ezell plans to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in Kinesiology. St. Frederick is a college preparatory

school, open to non-Catholic students with a student body comprised of 50% Catholic and 50% non-Catholic students. We at St. Frederick High School are dedicated to developing each student’s fullest potential...intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. Our mission is to nurture our students to be living examples of Jesus Christ in an atmosphere of academic excellence. SFHS prepares its students for the rigors of the next level of education and for a lifetime of learning. If you, as parents, are interested in providing your son or daughter with a college preparatory education, please contact Shere May, Director of Admissions, at 318-323-9636.

Celebrate Everything!

From “Yes!” to “I Do,” The Paper Market Has It All

HE PAPER MARKET HAS ALWAYS been known as the place to get everything you need for any type of party, holiday or occasion. Recently, the locally owned shop has expanded their wedding selection, offering everything from save the date to showers and bachelorette party to the big event itself. An exciting new feature The Paper Market has introduced is their website – www.papermarketmonroe.com, where customers can select and design their own invitations, programs, menu cards, place cards, thank you cards, enclosure cards, address labels, gift tags and stickers. “This is a great way to shop from the comfort of your home, on your own schedule, have a wider selection and still support a local business,” said Amy Robinson, owner of The Paper Market. Customers can still come into the store and select what they want, but the website offers a quicker turnaround, shipping

to your home in just three days. There is a plethora of options to choose from including die cut shapes, different fonts and colors and the ability of uploading a photo to use. “We are really excited because we can now offer customers exactly what they are looking for in a speedy, convenient way,” said Robinson. While there are so many options on the website for stationery-type items, there are even more items in the store. One trend in Save the Date photos is the large letter and number balloons, which The Paper Market carries in both gold and silver. They also have the larger-than-life latex balloons that add a fun flair to photos. There are plenty of decoration supplies for bridal showers, including solid color disposable cups, napkins and tablecloths, as well as cutlery and punch cups. If you are looking for a more personalized touch, you can order custom or monogrammed styrofoam cups and napkins.

For the last fling before the ring, there are themed tablecloths, napkins and wearables such as tiaras and sashes for the bride perfect for a bachelorette party. There is also a wide selection of décor and serving pieces for the rehearsal dinner or wedding itself. You can be on trend with chalkboard arrows telling your guests which direction to go, galvanized tubs for drinks and burlap accessories. Plus, they have those last minute items that you need to grab the week of the wedding – guestbooks, pens and cake knives. While The Paper Market has expanded their wedding selection, they still have everything you need for birthday and themed parties, baby showers, holidays, balloons for any occasion and gift wrap. Stop by their convenient location in the Northgate Shopping Center on Forsythe Avenue in Monroe to get whatever you need to celebrate everything!

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Sage Events & Design

Specializing in Weddings and Special Events

RANSPLANTED TO THE NORTHEAST LOUISANA Delta, Adrienne Sage Steele has taken “route” as Sage Events and Design, growing an event management business specializing in weddings and special events. Born, raised and educated in New Orleans, her “Big Easy” cultural upbringing and hospitality experiences are sprinkled into every event. At the age of 19 Adrienne began working for John Robert Powers Performing Arts Academy as a High Fashion Modeling Runway Instructor and Audition Coordinator. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Orleans, (with a concentration in Event Planning), she was also employed as the Banquet Manager of Mike Ditka’s restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. With the first class to graduate UNO post Katrina, Adrienne continued working for John Robert Powers as the Marketing and Promotions Director. There, she acquired many public relations and communication skills. Seeking a new challenge, she took the position as the Event Coordinator for the prestigious English Turn Golf and Country Club. Weddings, dinners, corporate events, fundraisers, showers and parties are just a few of the numerous events Adrienne coordinated. Here she learned, practiced and produced a diverse portfolio of tasks to include food and beverage planning; outside vendor coordination; dignitary and event protocols; and detailing/revising budgets and schedules as each event required. A year later she became the Head Golf Tournament Director. In business now for over 5 years, she loves the independence and the label of small business owner. As a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, she is determined to grow her business by attending the latest industry events and keeping up with the latest trends. Sage Events and Design offers planning/coordinating/ directing services, linen rentals, invitations, décor and pew rentals. As the property manager of Our Lady of Peace Meditation Chapel (Columbia, Louisiana) she promotes and produces small, boutique weddings and events. This venue boasts architecture and art dating back to the 15th century. In 2017, she plans to unveil her own event venue, Gentilly House and Gardens, a late 1890’s Victorian style home in the Historic Downtown Columbia area. Arrange a consultation at her Trenton Street office, Downtown West Monroe, inside of Something Special II Antiques and Fine Gifts. Be sure to visit her website www.sageeventsanddesign.com and find Sage Events and Design on Facebook. HAPPY PLANNING! Photos by: Kim Wilhite Photography, Lauren Meredith Cook Photography and Desirae Gooding Photography.

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The Parlor House

Salon Ties Modern Style to a Timeless Craft.

HE PARLOR HOUSE HAS BEEN OPEN SINCE MARCH 2015 and has created quite the buzz in the styling world in Northeast Louisiana. They include a group of individuals that are well-trained, highly educated and extremely personable. They take pleasure in transforming their clients’ look, or simply enhancing a current look. One of the things The Parlor House takes pride in is listening to their clients, a skill that is truly invaluable. The team is led by owner and stylist Katie Anzalone, who has six years experience in the hair industry and specializes in color that is hard to achieve. In addition to The Parlor House, Katie spends her time as a guest artist in New Orleans twice a month at the Niki Walker Salon. “She is kind of my hair idol, so it is exciting to work along side Niki,” said Katie. “Plus, I have the opportunity to go to lots of classes and workshops under her and continue to learn.” Katie has also worked in New Orleans Fashion Week and has plans to join New York Fashion Week this September. “We are really excited about the year we have had and the growth we are experiencing,” said Katie. “We think we offer something that isn’t readily available. We pride ourselves on offering our guests upscale services in an artistic and comfortable atmosphere.” Chelsea Branch is a stylist as well as spray tan specialist. She is a full service stylist and offers men’s and women’s cuts, color services with a special flare for men’s cuts and event styling. Chelsea has also completed the Phase II for the Paul Mitchell School. Jenny Howse is another new addition to the team. Jenny is a stylist with 15 years experience. She recently took a small break to spend time with her family but is back and a perfect addition to The Parlor House. Clients often call on the help of The Parlor House when it comes to preparing for a wedding, big event or special occasion. And that’s where Brittany Dye shines. She is on hand as a freelance makeup artist, making clients feel glamorous. The Parlor House has recently expanded to offer clients a full spa service menu by adding two estheticians. Heather Terrall offers Cavitation liposuction, microcurrent facial and body lift services while Madeleine Fox offers eyelash extensions, facials, full body waxing and make up applications. Soon, The Parlor House will complete their spa services by offering massage therapy. Lesley Boyd and Madison Moore complete the team as apprentices, studying under the stylists, as they learn and hone their craft. In addition to their top of the line services, they also offer quality products. The Parlor House is a Paul Mitchell salon, and their products include high performance ingredients, innovation and a commitment to remaining cruelty free. They also use Fake Bake, which is a patented self-tanning formula that works with every skin tone and every skin type, because it works by enhancing the skin’s own pigments. Fake Bake not only gives you the perfect bronze glow any time of the year, but also deeply moisturizes and protects your skin without clogging your pores or irritating sensitive skin. In the skincare department, the estheticians use Dermalogica and Image Skincare products, ensuring clients walk away with healthy and glowing skin. The Parlor House offers convenient online booking for all of their services, allowing clients to schedule appointments at their leisure. To be a part of the buzz, check out parlorhousemonroe.com or find them on Facebook or Instagram. Photography by Seth Albritton. Makeup by Brittany Dye. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

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flower girl article by BARBARA LEADER photographs by BRAD ARENDER

n the back room of a flower shop on Roselawn Avenue in Monroe, three ladies are carefully gathering up tiny roses and greenery and cleaning up from a long day’s work. They’ve spent hours preparing for a weekend wedding. Banquet tables in the front lobby hold the fruits of their labor – nearly 20 clear containers with 4 lemons in the bottom of each. But that’s only the beginning. Each container will eventually have a bouquet of flowers, tied together and carefully leaned slightly to the side, to create a unique table decoration indicative of a style that comes from a local artist who creates magic with flowers. The shop, Vee’s Flowers, got its start in a garage with a floral order for a wedding in 1995. At the time, Vyvian Allyne Marshall Hollis was a divorced single mother reentering the workforce and a bit unsure about the world of business. Before her children were born, Vee was in advertising, but she felt returning to that world wouldn’t be a possibility. “It was all computerized, and I didn’t know so much about computers, but I knew flowers,” she said. “It was just by the grace of God that I got started. I knew I had a talent, and I knew I had a lot of friends and connections. Vee now calls the leap of faith that it took to open her own business “very scary.” Vee grew up around flowers, watching her mother, Joy Marshall, working in their garage to create arrangements and bouquets for church services, weddings and special occasions. Vee carried buckets and ladders and watched her mother design her arrangements. “So, I said, ‘Let me try this,’ and I liked it,” she said. “In my business most people are happy to give flowers and happy to receive flowers.” But, she approached it from a different point of view than her mom. All of her mother’s floral work was as a volunteer, so she didn’t charge for her work. “I saw how hard she worked,” she said. “And I said, ‘I’m not going to work that hard for free.” Today, Vee’s Flowers, in Monroe is known for its unique artistic arrangements and for Vee’s flair for design. Weddings Are Changing Weddings are still a substantial part of her business, but Vee says much has changed since she began. Brides are more likely to take an active role in the floral design decisions. Many have strong ideas about what they want and some reference designs they found on the website Pinterest. Vee spends time with each bride, getting to know her and her style. “I try to get the basic information -- when and where the wedding will be and the image that the bride wants to see on that day,” she said. “I try to determine how formal or funky she wants to be and if she’s a glitzy girl or a bohemian type.” And sometimes Vee finds herself functioning as a mediator between mothers and daughters with differing opinions of what the wedding should look like. “Sometimes the mother comes in with them, and she thinks the wedding is going to be all white flowers and greenery and then the bride says, ‘No, Mother, you know I want purple and chartreuse,” she said laughing.

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“I try to keep them focused on the fact that it’s a wedding – a religious service and a celebration of the union of God bringing the couple together.” She guides brides toward seasonal flowers for their arrangements and suggests classic and traditional floral designs for the ceremony. “Many brides come in with a very specific budget set for flowers,” she said. “And that’s a good way to start. If they are really set on a budget, I tell them what they absolutely have to have and then we can fluff up the rest to what it needs to be.” The bride usually pays for the groom’s boutonniere, her attendants’ flowers and the decorations. Tradition suggests that the groom’s family pays for the bride’s bouquet, the mother’s and grandmother’s flowers and the groomsmen’s boutonnieres. “But many brides are pretty timid to talk to their mother-in-law to-be about that,” she said with a smile. A Wedding Vee Won’t Do Vee will find herself in a very different role for a July wedding. She won’t be the florist; she’ll be the mother of the bride at her daughter Allie’s wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “All I do is sign contracts and write checks,” she said. “It’s going to be fun, but it’s going to be hard in that I’ve lost control in a situation where I’m usually directing people 126 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

what to do.” In Vee’s business one of her unique touches is the use of lots of greenery and unusual elements found in nature, like sticks and twigs and unusual roots. “I love arrangements that are completely greenery,” she said. “I’ve requested that the florist for Allie’s wedding use a lot of greenery, but I know that will be difficult because there’s not that much greenery available up there. “ “It will be fine. It will be just fine,” sounding a little like she‘s convincing herself. “And I’ll be rested.” Meanwhile, business will continue for Vee’s Flowers back in Monroe. “I’ve got to pay the bills,” she laughed. “But I told them, ‘don’t take any big projects from the end of June through July, because I’ll be in Wyoming. Growing Her Business Vee’s mom and her dad, Ben, were a big part of her business until about 4 years ago when health conditions prevented them from continuing to work. “My mom didn’t arrange flowers in the shop, but it was good for her to be there, so I could pick her brain about mechanics-- how to get something to work,” Vee said. “My dad was a retired banker, and he helped me with thinking through things and making business decisions. He kept a ledger sheet, all in pencil. I looked at it just recently. He kept what we billed out every month since 1995.”

But occasionally, her dad’s business sense and Vee’s vision for her business were at odds with each other. “Daddy was like, ‘Do more; do more,” she said “And Mother would say; ‘now Ben, these are creative people. They can’t just produce like an assembly line.” To maintain her high quality and respect her staff’s ability to produce, throughout her career, Vee has often stopped taking orders on special occasions. “I’d say, ‘We can’t physically do it. I’d have a walk-out.” “The hardest part of the business is the money,” she said. “I like to collect it, but I hate to charge it.” Vee graduated from Louisiana State University in Fine Arts and developed her floral skills by watching her mother and other ladies in the community, the Monroe Garden Study League and her church, Covenant Presbyterian. Learning And Developing Her Style “They taught me the love and passion for flowers. Dot Breard taught me the basics of design. Georgie Touchstone loved the yard flowers. With Carol McDonald, I learned to love interesting containers, and Mother taught me the appropriateness for the event.” Another of Vee’s mentors is Gail Thompson, the former owner of Lane Wilson Flowers and a kindergarten classmate of her mom’s. Thompson is in her late 80’s now, but she still arranges flowers in Vee’s shop.

esting roots and sticks. Sometimes you pick it up and keep it for a while and then end up tossing it, but I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback for our use of unusual things.” We make our arrangements, when we get the order. We don’t make them ahead of time or mass produce. I like to personalize them. “ And that personal touch extends from weddings to funerals. “I have a friend whose daughter got married in November. The grandmother was my sixth-grade teacher, and I wanted it to be extra special for her because she was dying of cancer. I just knew she always loved me and appreciated me since sixth- grade. I wanted that one to be extra special for her. But when the wedding came, she was too sick to attend, but I guess she saw the pictures. She loved garden flowers. “ Vee says that her spiritual belief system gets her through the more difficult emotional challenges of preparing flowers for funerals. “Mostly a funeral is a celebration of life,” she said. “I try to make it really personalized. When people come in and talk to me while I’m doing funeral work, I don’t like it, because I’m having my alone time with the deceased and their spirit.”

To develop confidence, Vee attended continuing education classes at the University of Louisiana Monroe early in her career and still goes to workshops locally and out of town. In her business, Vee has developed her own style. “I like more of a traditional classic look – loose and airy and looking like they’ve just been picked,” she said. “We also love to do contemporary – that’s really challenging.” She prefers to create her own designs, using found items, seasonal flowers and lots of greenery. “I usually start with the greenery,” she said. “Many of the girls start with the flowers first, but I think the greenery is like a blank canvas. I start with the greenery, I try to use at least three different kinds in each arrangement, and then I work in the flowers and the design.”

She says her work has evolved over the years in addition to following current design trends. “I used to think it had to be perfect, and now I know that it doesn’t,” she said. “It’s the overall impact that the arrangement makes. And sometimes the stems might cross and that’s not a good thing in flower arranging, but you have to know the rules, and then you can break them.” Dumpster Diving For Treasures “I love to use the freshest flowers that I can get along with something out of the yard,” she said. There’s no limit to where she will source her supplies including “dumpster diving.” “I find it in my yard and other people’s trash piles. I like things right out of nature that you might see on a little trail or a hike – inter-

The Scent Of Success Her floral design work is in demand for special occasions like weddings, births, birthdays, proms, homecomings and corporate openings by customers across northeastern Louisiana and western Mississippi. She also receives orders from a floral vendor online. If you ask Vee how long it took for her to realize that she was running a very successful floral business, she’ll give you a quizzical look and say, “Did I make it? I still don’t believe it. I have to say what we have is because of my parent’s help, faithful and loyal customers, talented staff and lots of prayer. But I still worry that one day another florist will move in just down the street. I think I’ll always be nervous about that. ” But regardless of competition, Vee’s Flowers will always be distinctive because of her unique style, high standards and her passion for her work. “My favorite flowers are anything in season,” she said. “I like blue hyacinths in the spring, red roses at Christmas, lilies in spring and fruit and berries in the fall.” “I love that flowers are pretty hardy. You think of where they are grown and then they’re shipped all this way and they’re still beautiful. I know that man grows them and harvests them, but God made a great creation when he added flowers to our world. That’s why I don’t like blue carnations. God didn’t make blue carnations.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

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NELA Dental Offers IV Sedation Relax, Unwind and Enjoy the Dentist It’s time to enjoy the dentist. NELA Dental believes everyone deserves a healthy smile. For far too long, fear and anxiety have kept people from receiving oral care. NELA Dental offers a solution; Intravenous Conscious Sedation (aka “IV sedation”). IV Sedation is procedure in which anti-anxiety medication is administered into the blood system during dental treatment to help patients feel calm and relaxed. NELA Dental is one of the few certified dental practices in the area to offer IV Sedation. I’ll go next week...I promise. A lot of people avoid the dentist due to fear and anxiety. Often times, an otherwise simple solution to a dental problem turns into a serious issue, because a patient simply didn’t go to the dentist. IV and other forms of sedation offered at NELA Dental can

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help eliminate anxiety and save you from a laundry list of problems.

help a patient become more comfortable, no matter their level of fear.

Funny you should mention that... Different from your traditional “laughing gas” option, IV Sedation is administered intravenously. This can be done using a topical anesthetic to make sure patients don’t feel a thing. IV Sedation works very quickly and dosage levels can be adjusted. While some patients do fall asleep, most stay awake during procedures. A patient using IV Sedation will often times have very little memory of a procedure.

Time is of the essence.. Whether it’s root canal therapy or a routine procedure like a cleaning, IV 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.

What exactly are you giving me? IV Sedation is not a painkiller, its antianxiety medication to help a patient feel completely relaxed. The level of sedation is based on an individual’s need and is customizable. This means NELA Dental can

Is this right for me? What may be right for one patient may not be right for another. NELA Dental offers a variety of sedation methods. Don’t let fear stand in your way of a great smile any longer, contact NELA Dental and get started today on that smile you’ve always wanted!

Stop Into Material Things Today Home Décor to Fit Your Style

ELL,THE MONTH OF JUNE is proving to bring a lot of changes for me, both personally and professionally. My older son is about to move to Geneva, Switzerland for a year and a half to finish his PhD in Physics, and my younger son just graduated from ULM as the top honored graduate in the Business Management program. LOVE those boys! On the professional level, my wonderful business partner and best friend of seven years has decided she is ready to retire. Peggy will still be in and out of the shop during the week helping and consulting on different projects. I’m going to miss all of the fun and laughs that we have enjoyed every day! But, this retirement is well deserved! It’s going to be hard to write this article as “I” and not “we.” I love you, Peg, and wish all the best

for you! Here at the shop, I am going to continue with the same level of customer service that we have always maintained over the past seven years. I will still be offering the most professional custom window treatments, bedding and pillows, as well as a wide variety of drapery hardware and installation. As always, I’ll have a nice blend of vintage, antique and new home décor. I believe that mantra consistently makes for the most interesting homes. You are all familiar with the great companies that Material Things has to offer. For instance, Lili Alessandra Bedding, Soicher Marin Art, Aidan Gray Decor, Currey and Co. Lighting, Uttermost Décor and The MT Company Custom Furniture, just to mention a few. But, I hope to find

some exciting new things when I go to market this summer! As I travel on this new path in my life, I hope to continue to see all of my past customers and to meet many new ones in the future. Stop by to pick up a quick gift or talk about an upcoming decorating project, and as always, see what’s new in the shop. I will continue with the same hours of operation, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. -3 p.m. I’m excited about my family and my business future! I hope to see you soon!

– Joyce

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3B Outdoor Equipment The Equipment You Need and the Service You Deserve

VERYONE KNOWS THAT DADS wtake pride in their yard, and 3B Outdoor Equipment has everything to make any dad happy this Father’s Day. They offer the equipment you need and the service you deserve and can help you find the perfect gift for your dad. They are the only eXmark dealer in Monroe, with an extensive line of top of the line mowers. From walk behinds to stand ons, zero turn to propane, eXmark is ideal for the man that is serious about his yard. If your dad is looking to do some yard maintenance or upkeep, Echo has a variety of chain saws, edgers, blowers and trimmers. For the past 30 years, Echo has been a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of professional-grade hand-held outdoor power equipment. They continue to produce hand-held landscaping

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equipment for both the commercial and residential homeowner markets. Echo prides itself on setting the industry standard with its dedication to new technology, quality products and its strong distribution infrastructure. Another line 3B Outdoor Equipment offers is RedMax brand commercial land care products that includes trimmers, brushcutters, hand-held and backpack blowers, stick-edgers, short and long reach hedge trimmers, Maxtreme™ split boom trimmer, top handle and rear handle chain saws, pole chain saws and an exclusive 4-in1 tool, the Reciprocator™. 3B Outdoor Equipment carries several top of the line products, as well as services equipment. Their service department prides itself on not only performing quality work, but doing so quickly. Not only does 3B

service products, but they have an extensive parts department. They carry parts for all of the products that they sell, as well as numerous other brands. A gift certificate to 3B Outdoor Equipment would make the perfect Father’s Day gift for any dad that has a garage full of yard equipment. Now that summer is here, KYSEK Ice Chests are the perfect staple for the lake, beach and pool. These ice chests are dedicated to maximizing frigid temperatures and are the cutting edge of cold. With six different sizes, ranging from 25 liters to 150 liters, they are perfect for any outdoorsy dad. Not only does this line of ice chests feature heavyhauler wheels, a cutting board lid and certified bear resistant, they are made in Louisiana! 3B Outdoor Equipment has over 50 years combined experience in the parts, sales and service departments. 3B Outdoor is conveniently located on Ferrand Street, right off Hwy 165 North in Monroe. Owners, Matt Bridges and Andrew Brown are proud to serve northeast Louisiana with any of their outdoor equipment needs and provide any service required!

The Future of Real Estate Investing

Bill Roark and Ken Fletcher Team Up to Talk Money and Real Estate

K, LET’S QUELL THE RUMOR that could come by Bill and Ken having their pictures side by side! YES, they are friends, but NO, they are not forming a partnership or a new company. NO, Ken is not a realtor and has NO desire to become one! And NO, Bill is not a financial advisor and has no desire to become one! YES, they have known each other for 40 years. Yes, Bill helped Ken in tangible ways in the early part of his career in financial services. (Yes, Ken says, “that makes Bill very, very old!”) And YES, They have respected each other’s success in related fields for almost 40 years! And YES, they constantly wonder how they got to this age - this fast! Bill’s passion is real estate - a product that he can touch and feel. Ken’s passion is building sound financial and estate plans for his clients - a “product” that cannot be touched but can be felt – and the feeling is

usually - PEACE - knowing that all is well if they live long or die soon. There’s enough passion between these two to float a boat! If you know them or attend their seminar, you will almost be able to reach out and touch it (the passion), and YES, you will feel it! Neither of them contemplates retirement ... Ken says, “How could I? It took me almost 30 years to find this niche, and now that my team and I are so effective at creating legacy LifePlans, it would feel irresponsible to stop. At 67 or 68, maybe an intense 3-day work week, but this is too much fun to stop!” Bill is equally adamant about his love and enjoyment of helping his clients experience the “investment you can touch.” Ken believes that some people need to sell their real estate but are scared of the tax implications while some should add real estate to their diversified plan, but are not

sure how to accomplish it. Bottom line, he says, “Whatever you do, the money needs to stay in your family and not fall through the cracks to the government!” You’ll see both of their passions at work: Bill will share specific ways to invest in real estate, and Ken will share tangible ways to make sure you do it efficiently. We believe you will be pleasantly surprised and encouraged by attending this 60-minute discussion on money and real estate. Join us at either location or time, enjoy some light hors d’oeuvres, learn and prepare to win YOUR money game!

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Destination Weddings I S A D E ST I N AT I O N W E D D I N G R I G H T F O R Y O U ? A R T I C L E BY K A R E N S N OW DY

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loved ones may not be able to come. However, if your attendees can afford the expense of travel, it can serve two purposes: attending the wedding and vacationing at the same time! The most popular destination wedding locations abroad by far statistically have been Mexico (Cancun/Rivera Maya/Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos), Jamaica (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios), and the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), largely due to the number of all-inclusive resorts located in these areas. All-inclusive resorts generally include accommodations, food and drink (yes, even alcohol), and the use of non-motorized water sports for a set price per person. A good

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travel planner can negotiate the lowest price by using their buying power and relationships with resorts. Some other perks of using a travel planner is free room upgrades, resort credits and cocktail receptions. Planners who specialize in destination weddings know the ins and outs of every good resort (and the bad ones too!). Time it right! Just because it is sunny and warm where you are doesn’t exactly mean it will be sunny and warm at the location you have chosen. Do some research! Don’t start planning without knowing what kind of weather conditions you may encounter. Take into account hurricane season. For instance, if you plan on going to the Caribbean during

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very wedding is a destination. When you have family and friends dispersed around the country, it only makes sense to choose somewhere in the middle or somewhere different all together. It most cases, it is quite intimate. However, it can be a much larger event depending on the couple’s wants and expectations. Distance should not be intimidating though. With a good planner, planning from afar can be easier than you think…or at least, it should be! There are many factors that come into play when planning a destination wedding. The bride may have a dream of being married on a beach with a gorgeous sunset in the background, or perhaps the couple sees themselves being married at a destination that is full of history and culture. While a destination wedding can fulfill fantasies and dreams, truth is, it’s not for everyone. They are cheaper than weddings at home (most of the time!), because the attendees have to pay for their own accommodations and most (if not all) of the food and drink. Because of the expense involved, that means some of your

A good planner will know where to find introductory deals for newly opened and recently renovated resorts. A good planner will also take away the stress and headache involved in organizing and maintaining guest’s accommodations at the couple’s chosen resort.

hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), you absolutely need trip insurance. That is when travel insurance can make a difference in a ruined destination wedding or honeymoon and a ruined bank account when you return. Travel planners should be available to you free of charge. If you encounter a planner wanting to charge service fees for planning, keep looking. Travel planners are paid by resorts and vendors we work with to bring in clients. While your destination wedding planner will not be on site for you like an on-site coordinator would be, they should have a policy of being able to get in touch with you should any problems arise. If a problem should arise, the couple should not be the one stressing about it. Your planner should have relationships with resorts and vendors that will allow any problems to be able to handled in a timely fashion with the problem being resolved to the couple’s satisfaction. Your planner should also be able to help you with any of the legalities involved in getting married at a particular destination. Getting married in one country may not mean anything legally back at home. Some countries have residency requirements and requirements for obtaining marriage licenses. Your planner will also weed through the fine print for you, so you don’t have to! I was reading about a destination wedding couple who incurred thousands of dollars in charges due to not reading the fine print. The couple decided to use a photographer, makeup artist and decorator, who were not on the preferred vendor list. This and any other details you may not think about until it is too late, will be taken care of by your planner. An experienced planner will not leave any stone unturned and will keep the bride and groom focused on how great the experience will be instead of all of the details that must happen before their special day arrives! Recent trends have led travel planners to believe other areas in the Caribbean like St. Kits, Antigua and St. Lucia will become even more popular, moving couples away from the typical all-inclusive resorts that have been popular in the past. This is largely due to couples wanting to make their special day a reflection of themselves – unique and memorable. Here in the States, destination weddings by beach or mountainside have been popular in the past. Yes, couples are still getting married on the beach, but couples are thinking even more outside the box and making their ceremony an absolute reflection of the couple’s personality. I’ve seen pictures of the most beautiful and enchanting weddings lately with themes featuring 1920s Gatsby, whimsical settings in botanical gardens, and fairytale weddings. So you see, destination weddings can really show your personal side, making your wedding day beautiful, enchanting and memorable for not only you, but everyone involved. In 2016, there are no rules. Unlike weddings of the past, couples continue to move away from the church setting…not because of lack of spirituality, but for an expression of oneself. Karen Snowdy is a AM Resorts Certified Travel Planner and Elite Travel Destination Wedding Specialist. She be happy to answer any of your questions regarding destination weddings and honeymoons. She can be reached at karen@ elitetravelgroup.com or by phone 318-381-4965.

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Madeline Grace Photography Capturing the Passion of Your Perfect Day

S A PICTURE REALLY WORTH A thousand words? To the person who has the memories… definitely. A single picture can bring up memories of pain, suffering, hope, love, joy. It can bring up memories from your senses like scents, sounds and heartbeats. Looking at a single image can shoot you back to a time, where life was easier, happier, full of love, laughter and, most importantly in my book, passion. One of my favorite moments in my photography journey is meeting another person who has found their love. It is so sweet to see your passion and eyes light up when you talk about your love and future wedding. This is why I ask you to meet me in person, especially if you are up for a cup of coffee. I love sharing the laughter during your session, feeling the passion during your wedding, seeing the tears of joy when you walk down the aisle and hearing the words

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of love and hope. This is why I am a wedding photographer. Once we have a consultation, you will walk away feeling confident and refreshed. You will have a list of preferred vendors as well as an understanding of what you really want, and how to get it. The consultation is huge for me, because I get to know you as a person, not just another wedding on my calendar. This is also a great chance for you to decide if I am a good investment. Wedding photography is not cheap, and you want to make sure you are hiring the right person for the job. After we book your wedding, we will plan everything from your engagement and bridal sessions to any prints and products you may want to give as gifts (or keep for yourself). We can even discuss design options for your save-the-dates and invitations. You are unique and beautiful, and your wedding

should reflect your personality. To start our consultation, here is a little bit about me. I fell in love with my soulmate and married him in June of 2011. Grant and I reside in Monroe with our two “fur-babies,” Zoey Jane and Klaus Kol. My two addictions (outside of photography) are Jesus and coffee. I am “that” person who grew up with a camera in her hands and always wants to continue growing. I am native to northeast Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana Tech University. I love to travel and experience different cultures, and I cannot wait for my next big adventure. If you think you want to continue this consultation by telling me more about yourself and sip some coffee with me, email me at Madeline@ MadelineGracePhotography.com. I cannot wait to meet you and start planning your perfect day!

Your Bridal Registry Headquarters The Muffin Tin and Trenton House

OR THE FINEST SELECTION OF everything bridal, look no further than the Muffin Tin and Trenton House. From glassware, to serving pieces they have a vast array of luxurious items and ones that fit your everyday needs. The Muffin Tin and Trenton House hold the largest selection in the area of fine china with styles to fit the liking of any bride. Skyros Designs features exquisite European products for the table, home and bath. The beautiful and detailed embossing throughout the line is simply… irresistible. Classified as casual dinnerware, but elegant enough for the most formal setting, this is what makes Skyros a favorite among our brides. Among Skyros’ earliest and most treasured designs, Isabella offers a timeless sophistication. Available in your choice

of an octagonal or round shaped dinner plates, this style allows you to create your own stunning table setting by layering shapes and color. Vietri offers fine, exclusively Italian ceramic dinnerware and décor for the home and garden, decorating and dining, handmade and hand painted in Italy. Inspired by an overlapping wooden mold used for centuries to form cheeses throughout Italy and crafted of durable Italian stoneware, the Lastra collection is classic and versatile and will be used for years to come. At Juliska it’s all about the ideal match. Finding the perfect balance between tradition and modernity to create a home filled with pieces to fit your lifestyle. From setting the table to stocking the bar, they

have exactly what you need to create a happy and sophisticated home. Juliska’s prolific Berry and Thread collection embraces the historic motifs of their Bohemian glassware. Its mix of various shapes, decorative compositions and colors were designed for you to layer in as you like to create your own story. Appropriate for both casual and formal entertaining, Berry and Thread has been a popular collection for almost a decade. Stop by The Muffin Tin or Trenton House to browse through their extensive collections of china, cookware and pieces for entertaining. The helpful and knowledgeable staff is always on-hand to assist you in finding the items that best fit you!

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Copeland Electrical Contractors Benefits of Standby Generators

OMEBUYERS GENERALLY FILTER OPTIONS AND upgrades through the same lens: Items are either needs or wants. They want the whirlpool tub, but they need a washer and dryer. Recently, manufacturers of backup generators have seen a surge in interest for their products based on this same concept: Homeowners see backup power as a need for when the utility is down. Smaller units can provide supplementary emergency power for general lighting, a refrigerator or an air-conditioning unit alone, but large units can run multiple AC units and provide power for other household or business needs, such as appliances or even sump pumps when flooding occurs. Used mainly by businesses, health providers, retirement communities and homes, power generators have been around for many years. The old units were loud, large and expensive, but improvements over the past 10 years have made them viable for residential use. Many units operate as low as 68 decibels and require minimal homeowner involvement. Generators are versatile for all use, whether in the home or in business. People that live in areas that are prone to inclement weather can benefit from having a small backup generator. Homes that house people with medical issues, residency in rural areas or camps are good candidates for generators as well. The evolving need for information that is stored electronically is a vital component in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily operations and being without power for as little as 24 hours can be extremely costly. Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offices and hospitals that demand a contiguous power source are also primary candidates for generators. They are essential in retirement communities and nursing homes, whose residents depend on them for their needs. Whether your needs are large or small, Copeland Electric can find the right generator to fit your lifestyle or business. You never know when you might need one, but the peace of mind that they offer is worth making the call. For more information, contact Copeland Electric today at 318-322-9865.

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BATTLING BULLIES Continued from Page 30 simply tell me that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Or that “people who are talking about you are giving someone else a rest.” What I really wish they would have said was “go back to the playground and tell So-in-So (name again withheld) to kiss your road running rear-end.” Can I say that in this column? But of course they didn’t, but then again, I don’t ever remember having a crying spasm in front of them like my child did. As a parent, and I am sure many of you have faced similar circumstances, your mind begins to race ahead of your thoughts as you battle this internal conflict. Do I drive to So-inSo’s house? Do I call their mother? Do I go all Hand that Rocks the Cradle on them and show up on the playground (scariest movie EVER.) Of course not, after all, I don’t want to end up on Nancy Grace, either. Instead, I let my little girl get her cry out and just rubbed her back until we got home. And then I waited...waited

on her to get her bath...and pondered what I would say. I’m no clinical expert, but I have to believe that this is the age where harsh and unkind words may start to affect a person’s self esteem or their confidence. A Smurf comment may seem pretty harmless to me, but to my child, the comparison was obviously very distressing. I’m sure different parents handle these situations different ways, and I’m no expert, but I want my child to see the twofold message of this story. When I laid down with my daughter a little later, I did the best damage control that I knew how (Scott is pacing outside her room with a pensive look), and did what most parents do best; they use their own life’s experiences to try and diffuse the crisis. I didn’t want to tell her that my nickname was “goose” because I had a long neck (a name that I still abhor) and I turned out okay. Or that the people who used to make fun of me are now in

jail. No, that didn’t seem appropriate either. Rather, I assured her that her ears were not big and she did not look like a Smurf or even a resemblance to a Smurf. I might have thrown in that people who are making fun of others are usually battling self-esteem issues themselves, and their demeaning words have little to do with her and more to do with them and their insecurities. I also used it as a perfect example of how it feels to be made fun of, and let it serve as a reminder that you would never want to make anyone feel like you’ve been made to feel. I’m still not sure how much of my pep talk sunk in, and quite frankly, I don’t expect this to be the last time we have this conversation. What I do hope is that Scott and I are successful in building her self-confidence to a point that she will overlook harsh words but, yet, be sensitive to the damage her words can cause to others. Okay, so the DIY toenail tutorial might have been easier, because nothing about parenting is easy, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting. Stay with me, readers. We are going to get these kids raised yet.

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Coburn’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom DXV By American Standard

HROUGHOUT TIME, PEOPLE HAVE designed things that they need with looks they can’t live without. DXV delivers timeless design in time for today. DXV is a brand by American Standard that delivers Style and Substance from a range of Design Influences spanning over 150 years. DXV converges the most Influential Design Movements, curating them into an exclusive offering today. These Design movements consists of: • The Classic Era where timeless luxury and fine craftsmanship merge. • The Golden Era where subtlety and simplicity are discovered. • The Modern Era consists of playful and stoic pieces. • The Contemporary Movement has imagination moving forward. Merging the highest level of performance

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with designs that refuse to let you blink, DXV is made for you, to outlast you. An exclusive spectrum of timely statements, DXV represents Eras of craftsmanship that has never gone out of style. DXV reimagines notable triumphs of Design from the Classic to the Contemporary. DXV by American Standard is sold exclusively through select plumbing design showrooms and is available at Coburn Supply Company. They provide innovative products for the kitchen and bath, residential and commercial plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical, builder/contractor and waterworks projects. When you visit a Coburn’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom, you’ll find inspiration at every turn, from time-tested classics to all

the hot new styles, shapes and features. They are ready to show you products that you won’t find in the big-box stores, from some of the best manufacturers of kitchen and bath fixtures, appliances, lighting, hardware, cabinetry and accessories in the business. Visit their website for a list of the manufacturers they work with and find a full description of the products they carry. Coburn’s product specialists are ready to answer your questions and share their experience with the building process, to help guide your selections. So, if you’re building a new home, updating, remodeling or just want a single replacement faucet, great ideas start at a Coburn’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom. Visit Coburn’s soon… and see what’s new.

Glenwood Medical Group Continued From Page 16

robotically trained urologists in Northeast Louisiana. His services include the evaluation and treatment of bladder, kidney and prostate cancer, kidney stones, male and female urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, vasectomy and erectile dysfunction. PH: 318-329-8517 PRIMARY CARE CLINICS wGLENWOOD FAMILY CARE CLINIC Rita Zuber, NP Ellen Gentile, NP Pediatric, adult and geriatric care including minor illness and emergencies, sports physicals, vaccinations, specialist referrals, medication management and DOT/CDL physicals. PH: 318-644-2573 GLENWOOD INTERNAL MEDICINE AND PEDIATRICS Billy G. Branch, MD Internal medicine, pediatrics, KidMed vaccinations, chronic disease management and diagnosis along with family minor illness and emergency care. PH: 318-665-0170 GLENWOOD MEDICINE CLINIC Janet Morvant, FNP Christene Wooden, ANP

Chronic disease management, diabetes and minor illness as well as medical testing for CDL license exams, diabetic nail care, in-house labs and EKG. PH: 318-388-1400 GLENWOOD STAT CARE Daniel Trejo, MD Lynne Talley, NP Ann Gray, FNP Kim Kornegay, NP Pediatric, adult and geriatric care for minor illness and emergency including in-office labs, X-rays and EKGs. Primary care includes chronic disease and medication management, physicals and wellness exams, Kidmed vaccinations and skin condition treatment. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Walkins welcome. PH: 318-396-3800 Glenwood Medical Group administrative offices are located at 503 McMillan Road, in Glenwood Regional Medical Center, West Monroe. For more information, call (318) 329-4200 or visit www.glenwoodmedicalgroup.com.

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Free Birds Boutique on Antique Alley The South’s Summer Style

UMMER IN LOUISIANA CAN BE unbearably hot. The extreme heat makes iced tea and swimming pools a necessity. So get ready for vacations, barbeques, shopping, outdoor concerts, trips to the lake and pool parties, because with the heat comes the fun! So how does one stay fashionable when it’s a million degrees outside? Free Birds Boutique has a few tips to do just that! • Loose fitting clothes are an easy way to stay cool this summer. Try a flowy maxi dress. • Keep it cool with sneakers and shorts. These is really popular right now, and Free Birds has an awesome selection. • Adding jewelry to a simple outfit is a good way to step up your look without making it too hot.

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• S leeveless Z Supply tanks and dresses make it easy to beat the heat. • Layer without getting hot by tying a Boho Jane plaid around your waist or simply rolling up the sleeves. Whatever your style, whether it’s simply sophisticated or punk rock, Free Birds Boutique provides unique pieces for any look this summer. The definition of trend is to veer in a new direction. With a personality all its own, this funky shop on the corner offers a fresh take on fashion and a revamp on the way we shop. Leslie King has mastered the idea of boutique shopping and loves being a small local business. Free Birds has such a cozy atmosphere it feels like you’re going over to your best friend’s house to thumb through her closet. So, set aside a Saturday this summer to stop by the little outlet and

let it change the way you shop. They’ll keep the A.C. on for you. When minding the heat, Free Birds’ patterned shorts, band tanks, cotton racerback maxis and phenomenal assortment of summer shoes supply the best options for keeping it cool. It’s time to pull out your summer closet, and see what’s missing! Find them on Antique Alley in West Monroe or online at shopfreebirdsboutique.com and instagram @freebirds_boutique! TEXT FBB TO 51660 for 10% off your total purchase!

Buie Photography: Photos for Life Lifestyle Wedding Photography

I! WE ARE CARA BETH AND Brent Buie of Buie Photography, and we would love to be a part of your special day! Together, we have ten years of experience in the wedding industry and have photographed weddings from Ruston, Louisiana, to Dallas, Texas, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In our spare time, we are equally at home in the bleachers on game day, in the dusty backrooms of antique stores, planting a garden in the spring or herding our menagerie of animals around between meals. However, photography has always been our passion, and it ultimately became our great devotion. Cara and I are lifestyle photographers who prefer to capture the intimate and entertaining moments of your wedding day as they naturally occur. We go beyond the

standard posed portraits of the wedding party and family. Our style is journalistic and captures everything from the laughs brought on by a whispered secret to a spry octogenarian cutting loose on the dance floor. We believe that natural light produces the best pictures and allows us to capture your truest self, and we can accommodate your photography desires in any venue. For us, there is something truly special about timeless, classic photography that helps to preserve the important moments in a new familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history for generations to come. Building a wedding package to suit your individual needs is one of our specialties and unique requests are no problem. We truly enjoy working with you over the course of your journey - and on

the day itself - to ensure that you receive the highest quality experience possible. Our goal is to make you comfortable, make you laugh and help you relax, confident in the knowledge that your memories are in the right hands. We genuinely take pleasure in meeting new couples, new friends, and we cannot wait to meet with YOU! In addition to our wedding packages, we also offer options for your bridal and engagement sessions. For more information, please visit our website at www.Buie.Photos, or you can email us at Brent@Buie.Photos or CaraBeth@Buie.Photos. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Simply Lou To All The Cats I’ve Loved Before article and illustration by Lou Davenport

ats. I can’t think of many times in my life that there hasn’t been a cat around. I don’t go deliberately to get a cat, yet they find ME! When I was about four years old I found two white kittens that I believe someone left in our yard. I begged to keep them and so Blue Eyes and Green Eyes became residents. (I wasn’t very good at original names for pets back then). Lo and behold, those two had one kitten, and I named it Spot Head. They stayed around for a while, then wandered away as cats do. A cast of characters came and went around the “Williams Home for Wayward Cats.” There was James, Lionel, Anita, and many others. Things were okay until my dad came home from work and found Anita having kittens on our living room couch. Not good, very not good. I had to find Anita and her babies new quarters ASAP! Up in Aberdeen, MS, we acquired Elvis. Since Aberdeen was so close to Memphis we got all their TV channels. When Elvis died, we were at Ground Zero for all the reports. My daughter, Carolyn, was about four and must have been deeply affected by Elvis’s death because she named that little

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kitten, Elvis. He was a great cat, and we had him several years. (Side bar about those Memphis TV channels. When Jerry Lee Lewis was near death in a Memphis hospital, they gave a daily report on what “stars” came to see him each day! I kid you not! And thankfully, “The Killer” is still around!) Next came, Kitty Boy. He was a real “lady’s man” and stayed beat up. A friend of Larry’s from work had a farm and offered to take Kitty Boy to be his barn cat. About a month passed and I heard some meowing at the front door. There was KITTY BOY! He had returned! I know it was at least 7 or 8 miles from our house to that barn! Larry just said, “Well, if he likes us that much, I guess he can stay.” When we moved to Vicksburg, I had three little Davenports and a “cat in a box” loaded. Not a mile down the highway, Kitty Boy got out! I feared he would freak out, and there would be blood shed! But, he stretched out and acted like he had ridden in a car every day of his life! Once in Vicksburg, he continued to be the “lady’s man” and lived a long, fruitful life!

We ended up having a cat menagerie in Vicksburg. They came, and they went. There were several memorable ones though. Marvin, Judy, Loretta, and the infamous Earl. Bless Earl’s heart. He was one of my favorites. He liked to get up in my van though, in the motor. On my way to work one day, I turned the key and heard an awful noise. And, somehow I knew what had happened. Sure enough, Earl lay lifeless on the concrete. I knew I didn’t have any time to bury him, so I got him in the shade and went on to work, thoroughly shaken that I had killed my cat! A few hours later, Adam called and said, “Something is wrong with Earl!” I said, “He’s NOT DEAD?” I guess he had been knocked out! The kids got him to the vet and he ended up having a broken leg. Not having a crate, I asked Larry to make a box. Oh, he made a box all right. It was HUGE! It looked like a casket sitting “in state” in the living room! Earl recovered but got up in the van again several months later. This time, he lost his leg. Oh, it didn’t slow him down one bit! There were kittens running around all over the subdivision that looked like him! Once this little mama cat ran in the house straight to my closet, had kittens and straight up DIED! She had three babies and all I knew to do was....go to the vet. Our vet was a likable but gruff, “manly man” kind of guy. I think he really hated cats. He told me “They’ll probably die, but you can try!” He handed me a book, a bottle and a can of kitten formula. I thought, oh hell no,

MY BABIES are going to LIVE! I was going to show HIM! I made them a warm bed, got them to take the bottle and they made it!! I learned how to be a real cat mama because you have to take care of their bodily functions just like the real mamas do. They grew into the prettiest cats! And, that vet and Larry were shocked. I was so proud of my babies, but once was enough. I don’t think I want to raise another litter! After several years, most of our cats died or moved on. Larry passed away. My daughter brought me a cat. I took one look at that silly ol’ cat, and I had to keep him. I named him Charles, and he was my constant companion. But, Charles had feline leukemia, and I had to eventually let him go. I was a crying, snotty fool at the vet’s office. He had loved to play in the ivy in the back yard, so that is where Paige and I buried him. I eventually sold my house, packed up and moved to Monroe. I didn’t have a cat! Well, Albert the serial killer found me. He just showed up in the carport and never left. He killed all the baby birds he could find. And, he was a grouch. But, he was welcomed on in. I ended up taking him along when I got remarried, and he liked hunting down there! Something must have gotten him out in all those woods for he just disappeared. Paige lived in a house with a doggie

door and one night, a lovely yellow cat came strolling in like she owned the place. Paige had three dogs then and this new kid was not going to fit in! So, you know where she ended up. ME! I named her Alice and she was one tough cookie! Soon I could tell I had taken in an unwed teenage mother! Paige and I birthed those babies, and they were beautiful. The last one was so tiny I named her Peanut. I had to end up bottle feeding her. Then, a feral mama cat had about 10 black and white kittens outside our house. She wouldn’t let me get near her or those babies. But, a fox found them and killed all of them but one. It shook me up so bad, I just grabbed that last kitten that had somehow survived and brought him inside. He is Otis Lee and he is a spoiled brat. So, as my story goes, my marriage broke up, and I packed up again. I brought Otis Lee with me and by my thought processes at the time (they were NOT normal), I left my sweet Peanut behind, thinking that it was the only home she had ever known. I was back over there in a week’s time “cat napping” her! What in the world was I thinking? She and Otis Lee now run my house. They let me live here. I love the little house I live in but what I didn’t know was I had just landed at the Kit Kat Klub! Cats everywhere! I’ve helped to

feed them, and the cast of characters is always changing. I have fed Paul Newman, John Wayne, Betty Davis (who ended up being a boy) Mooney, Grumpus and many more. I figure if I feed you, you have to have a name! I prefer people names, too! Sitting on my deck one day with visiting kitties, one decided to have kittens right under my feet! Why me? WHY? Last year, it was raining cats, and I kept hearing a kitten. In the middle of a big row of lirope, I found it. A black and white kitten, crying loudly! I scooped him up and brought him in, dried him off. I could tell he was about five weeks old, so I got him to eat. He turned into a dandy of a kitten, and I can see why his mama left him out in the rain!! He is bad! I named him Bo Bo, and it fits him well. He is a man of the world, or so he thinks. He has become a teenager and discovered the ladies. For the past week, he doesn’t want to come in any more. He just stands outside and sneers at me! Yes, I call him not so nice names, too! He even takes his chicks up in the attic! I guess he thinks he has a penthouse! SO....maybe the curse has been broken, and cats will not find me anymore. Bo Bo dumped me! I think I am...insulted.

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Caroline Thomas & Ross White February 27, 2016, Rosemary Beach, Florida P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D E A R W E S L E YA N N

n February 27, 2016, Caroline Whitney Thomas and Ross Edwards White were united in marriage in Rosemary Beach, FL. Caroline is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey H. Thomas of Natchitoches and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Peterson of Port Orchard, WA. Ross is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Riley White of Monroe. The weekend began on Thursday with a “Welcome Party” at Tortuga Cottage, Rosemary Beach. Guests enjoyed a large array of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails throughout the porches and gardens of the lovely beach home. The kick off to a fabulous wedding weekend was hosted by Carol and Rich Peterson, the bride’s mother and step-father. On Friday, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at Café Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach. Following the rehearsal dinner, the couple continued the celebration with close friends and family at a “Post Toast” affair at Acme Ice House in Seacrest. On Saturday, February 27, 2016 the double ring wedding ceremony was held at the Rosemary Beach Town Hall at five o’clock in the evening with The Honorable Glen Gremillion, a long-time friend of the bride’s family, officiating the ceremony. Serving the bride as matron of honor was Dr. Caroline Jarrell Matt, of New Orleans. Serving the bride as maid of honor was Miss 144 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Jenna Marie White, sister of the groom of Monroe. The bride’s attendants were Mrs. Emily Fontenette of Baton Rouge, Mrs. Rosemary Maxwell, of Tyler, TX and Miss Sarah Williams of New Orleans. The bride wore an ivory and cashmere bridal gown featuring Chantilly lace with touches of French Alençon lace and shimmer delicately placed throughout. A beautiful shear bateau neck with delicate cap sleeve and illusion back completed her elegant gown. Serving Ross as best man was his father, Mr. James Riley White, of Monroe. The groomsmen were Mr. Bill Miller and Mr. Mitchell Lansing of Baton Rouge, Mr. Michael John Sampognaro of Lafayette and Dr. Vincent Herlevic of Shreveport. As the couple were united and exited the Town Hall, bells rang out. As the guests exited, each was offered a flute of champagne then joined the bride, groom and wedding party in a parade led by a quintet of brass and wind instruments to the reception on The Western Green. On the Western Green was an extravagant white tent beautifully draped and accented with crystal chandeliers and tables decorated with exquisite arrangements of peonies, roses, parrot tulips, hydrangeas and orchids in white and blush tones with mixed greenery accompanied by ambient light from mixed

candles. The guests enjoyed the incredible beach side setting for dinner and dancing. The bride’s cake was a four layer confection of alternating layers of vanilla almond and strawberry flavors iced with white butter cream and a cascade of sugar peonies in white and blush. The groom’s cake was a special “Red, White, and Blue Dog” creation of red velvet with cream cheese filling. Both cakes were served with heirloom sterling silver serving pieces that had once belonged to the bride’s great grandmother from Germany. An intimate group of family and friends danced the night away to the amazing talent of the ten-member Atlanta Groove Factory, of Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to the traditional bride and groom’s first dance, father-daughter dance, and mother-son dance, a highlight of the evening was the performance of “Sweet Caroline” by the Atlanta Groove Factory in honor of the bride. The couple left the evening through a sea of bubbles by rickshaw to a private beach carriage house. The next morning the newlyweds departed to honeymoon at Las Ventanas al Pairiso in Los Cabo, Mexico. The new Mr. and Mrs. White reside in New Orleans, Louisiana where Caroline is an attorney with The Murray Law Firm and Ross is a Director with Americans for Prosperity – Louisiana.

A First Look

Cinco de Mayo Celebration St. Frederick High School Warrior Foundation supporters gathered for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta held at the gorgeous bayou-side home of Brenda and Charles Marsala. Guests enjoyed tangy margaritas and beverages provided by Marsala Beverage and delicious South of the Border foods from Iron Cactus that kept partygoers saying, “Olé!”

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On the BayouScene 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Camille Barham and Adriane Hebert Dr. Rey and Ginny Yatco Karen Oliver and Jan Daniels A my Norris and Babs Oakley J ackie Guerrierro, Carrie Genusa and Debbie Herrington Kym and Tommy Marsala C hristina Marsala, Leslie Trahan, Brenda Marsala, Mandy Pruitt and Catherine Stuckey 8C harlyn Leehy, Catherine Coon, Lynná Caple and Tracy Norman

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New Music on the Bayou Festival Set for June 1st Through 4th Composers from around the U.S. and beyond are coming to the Monroe/Ruston area from June 1st through June 4th to have their music performed at the New Music on the Bayou Festival. Monroe concert venues will include the Masur Museum of Art, The Palace and the Biedenharn Recital Hall of the University of Louisiana Monroe. Ruston venues will include Louisiana Tech’s F. Jay Taylor Visual Arts Center, as well as the Dixie Center for the Arts. Daytime sessions will be filled with rehearsals (open to the community) allowing performers and composers to exchange artistic ideas, as they prepare the selected compositions for afternoon/evening concerts. Earlier this year, Festival coordinators issued a “call for scores,” which received over 100 submissions from composers around the globe. Forty-five of those pieces, which include combinations for instruments and voice, were accepted. Composers, from

distances as far as Italy and as close as Bossier City, will be available for discussion with community members following each concert. There will be a short performance of nature-inspired music at the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, June 4 at noon. This event is meant to recognize the uniqueness of the area and to highlight the “nature theme” of the Festival. A $500

composition prize sponsored by Friends of Black Bayou will be awarded to the piece that best demonstrates the connection between music and the natural world. The last two concerts will be followed by receptions offering audiences the opportunity to meet the composers and performers. The final concert at the Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston is a ticketed event and will include the announcement of the composition award winners. All other events are open and free to the public. The New Music on the Bayou Festival has been made possible in part by contributions from the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Ecoutez Press, the Monroe Symphony League, and your 24 local State Farm agents. More information about the Festival can be found at newmusiconthebayou.com including a complete schedule and list of participants.

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Mickel Plastic Surgery Continued From Page 99 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 twenty-five years of breast implant surgery, re-operation simply to change implant size has occurred in only 1-2% of my patients. Overall, complications from breast augmentation are few. In my experience, the infection rate and the risk of a hematoma (blood collection) around the implant are both less than 1%. The risk of a scar tissue capsule around the implant or of implant rupture is around 5%. Most patients can return to work within a week, and can return to full unrestricted activity in three weeks. I do all of my breast augmentations at P & S Surgical Hospital, where the same excellent surgical crew has helped me for years. This allows compulsive consistency in every aspect of the operation, reducing risks and increasing the predictability of results. If you have been considering breast augmentation, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 for an initial evaluation and a thorough discussion of the procedure, the recovery and the risks. I also encourage you to visit www.mickelplasticsurgery.com and browse the before and after gallery. Then decide for yourself. Just one hour of surgery can have a positive impact for years to come.

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Chefs to Watch Local Chef Cory Bahr of Restaurant Cotton to Contribute Louisiana Cookin’ magazine has partnered with nine chefs across the state of Louisiana for a new digital initiative that will help its readers see Louisiana and its food culture through the eyes of Louisiana chefs: www.chefstowatch.com. The website’s regular contributors are Mike Gulotta of MoPho, Lisa White of Willa Jean, and Alex Harrel of Angeline in New Orleans; Jeffrey Hansell of Oxlot 9 and Nealy and Keith Frentz of Lola in Covington, Louisiana; Cory Bahr of Restaurant Cotton in Monroe, Louisiana; Ryan Andre of City Pork in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Jeremy Connor of Cellar Salt and Humble Fish, in Lafayette, Louisiana. “We are extremely excited about the talent we’ve brought together in support of this digital project,” said Eric Hoffman, President & COO of Louisiana Cookin’s parent company, Hoffman Media, LLC. “We can offer our readers something no one else can: a direct connection to the chefs who are making Louisiana one of the most dynamic food regions in the country.” The Chefs to Watch digital project is an outgrowth of Louisiana Cookin’s “Chef to Watch” recognition that has been given annually to five or six Louisiana chefs since 2002. The new website will provide past and current “Chef to Watch” honorees a voice and a platform to share their unparalleled knowledge of Louisiana food and culture. Each day, readers can expect to see a new recipe, a story about a forgotten restaurant, an inside look at a farm or fishery or a story about Louisiana foodways past that will resonate with Louisiana’s present.

Louisiana Tech University Louisiana Tech representatives selected to attend National Security Forum Dr. Stan Napper, vice president for research and development, and Dr. Jeremey Mhire, associate professor of political science and director of the Waggonner Center for Civic Engagement and Public Policy, represented Louisiana Tech University at the 63rd annual National Security Forum (NSF) held last week at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. Napper and Mhire received and accepted personal invitations from the Secretary of the Air Force to attend the exclusive event where approximately 160 civilian leaders in business, education and government from all over the U.S. met with senior military leaders to explore current and future national security issues facing our nation. The NSF, which began in 1954 as an expansion of the Civilian Outreach Seminars held from 1947 through 1949, provides opportunities for an open and candid exchange of ideas among these guests, senior military and civilian leaders, and Air War College students. “We are meeting with members of the Air Force command structure, military leaders from our national partners around the world, civilians

from large and small businesses, and community leaders from all over the United States,” said Napper during the event. “We are learning how our future military leaders are prepared to make difficult and strategic decisions. “The theme for this year’s Forum is Competition, Conflict and Constraints, all of which were addressed candidly by Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Deborah James, in the opening session of the Forum.” The Air War College (AWC) is the senior professional development school in the Air Force officer education system as a part of Air University. AWC educates selected senior officers to lead at the strategic level in the employment of air and space forces. The AWC curriculum focuses on coalition warfighting and national security issues, with emphasis on the effective employment of aerospace forces in joint and combined combat operations. “This opportunity has proven invaluable,” said Mhire. “It is both stimulating and insightful to attend seminars in which the future leaders of the armed services discuss and debate issues of foreign policy, national security and military strategy. The

Air War College model is truly impressive.” Local ties to the AWC include General Robin Rand, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base. Rand had previously been the commander of the Air Education and Training Command, which oversees the Air War College. Air University is a major component of Air Education and Training Command and the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. Air University’s eight colleges and schools provide the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education, including degree granting and professional continuing education for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers. For more information on Air University and Air War College, visit www.au.af.mil.

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The Mansion at

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A Wedding Venue Like No Other • article by Maré Brennan photography by Martin Graham Meyers

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riginally built in 2002 as a grand estate and private retreat by Silicon Valley technology innovator and entrepreneur turned sweet potato mogul, Lev Dawson and his wife Anne, the Mansion at Red Hill in Delhi is now a world-class, luxury bed and breakfast hotel to rival those you might find in Europe. When the property came up for sale in the spring of 2015, Janie and Frank Earl Maxwell, Jr. decided that northeast Louisiana should have a opulent bed and breakfast experience not unlike the ones they had shared on extensive travels through Europe and England. Enlisting the expertise of Eva and Seth Dawson, daughter-in-law and son of the original owners, the home has become a destination for quiet stays far from the madding crowd as well as a luxurious venue for weddings and parties of all kinds since it opened in March of this year. Driving out toward Delhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reservoir, Poverty Point Lake, a sweeping vista to your left affords views of the four-story home sited on a natural ridge and surrounded by farmland called Red Hill because of the clay content in the soil. The winding drive up to the Mansion at Red Hill takes you through large gates which affirm you have arrived. A bridge over tranquil ponds stocked with bass and bream leads directly to the bed and breakfast, which stands like a luxe beacon amid a sea of rich agricultural land. The 7,000 square foot bed and breakfast is resplendent with the looks and details of an antebellum princess with all the technology and appointments one has come to expect from modern luxury living. Designed by noted Vicksburg architect Skip Tuminello, who is no stranger to life among some the greatest examples of pre-Civil War era plantation homes, and built by luxury home contractor Robert Stone, The Mansion at Red Hill leaves no detail undone. Twelve massive columns stand guard along the perimeter of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s verandas. Golden oak hardwood floors throughout the first floor were installed by Dupuy Flooring and are inlaid with strips

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of oak stained a darker cherry to delineate rooms and create architectural detail and structure. Custom cabinetry designed by Sandy Sartor and built by Key Millwork is found throughout the home and provides incredible amounts of storage. Anne Dawson was responsible for over ninety percent of the interiors, selecting gorgeous silk rugs, exquisite wallpaper and opulent drapery and fixtures throughout the home. The elegant Foyer, a photographer’s favored spot for bridal portraits, features a rotunda with a spiraling staircase that leads the eye upward toward a towering rotunda painted to mimic the blue of the sky. Eyebrow arched openings lead guests from the entrance into either the dining room and salon. Ceiling heights range from fourteen to sixteen feet on the first floor adding to the generous volume of the space and call for an extravagant four layers of crown molding. Comfortable vintage furnishings create a warm environment for guests. WIFI is conveniently available throughout the property, making the B&B perfect for business travel as well. Businessmen and women from as far as Corpus Christi and Crawford, Texas have learned firsthand about the benefits of staying with the Mansion at Red Hill when conducting business in northeast Louisiana.

ranquility is at your fingertips upon entering the grounds of Mansion at Red Hill. Other than the resplendent Honeymoon Suite, each of the guest rooms are known by their wall color, for example, the Blue Room and the Lavender Room. All rooms are known for their comfort and privacy. Solid wood doors and private en suite bathrooms keep the outside world at bay. The Mansion uses sumptuous bedding by Comphy Co. Several upstairs rooms feature private balconies or access to the upstairs veranda. A butler’s pantry just beyond the kitchen downstairs offers a round the clock coffee station for guests. As proprietor of the Mansion at Red Hill, Eva Dawson’s love and respect of the property is evident. The Mansion at Red Hill’s B&B guests are in for a treat! Vivacious and worldly, Eva, a West Coast native, acts as a personal concierge and chef, providing homecooked, gourmet breakfast, like an fresh omelet with baked heirloom tomato topped with artisan-made parmesan along with made-from-scratch biscuits or muffins in the mornings and fruit, dessert or snacks in the evenings. Served on traditional Blue Willow WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

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place settings, each homemade breakfast is an homage to Old World grace. “We get to know our visitors and have breakfast ready for them whenever they would like it,” says Eva. Many guests like to take coffee or tea in the library in the afternoon. In addition, Eva is the go-to person to contact when you are planning your wedding or next party, as she can help you plan your event at the Mansion on Red Hill to perfection. “Seeing is believing, but you gotta come see me,” smiles Eva as she encourages those considering a destination event to make the trip to the Mansion on Red Hill to visualize what could be. 156 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

airytale weddings come to life when the Mansion on Red Hill is the venue. Brides can arrive by carriage, drawn by the B&B’s grey mare Percheron, named Millie. A multitude of areas throughout the property would be ideal settings for nuptials and intimate gatherings. Many brides have chosen the veranda as the backdrop for their marriage vows. When a recent wedding at the Mansion at Red Hill was threatened with rain, Eva and her team made plans to move the ceremony inside to the Grand Salon. But when at the last minute the clouds parted, they

sprang into action, placing white chairs at the ready for guests to enjoy the ceremony which took place on the front steps leading to the front door of the Mansion. The Mansion at Red Hill is dedicated to ensuring that brides, grooms and their guests have the very best experience possible, and that means going the extra mile. Brides and their wedding party are able to use the Honeymoon Suite for dressing, while the groom and groomsmen are able to use the rooms upstairs for changing. For an extra fee, the whole house can be rented for parties or weddings, providing an authentic experience of staying in the home during the event. The Honeymoon Suite, alluring in design, features an en suite bathroom with a sunken, Roman-style tub, an oversized, glass and tile shower, and ample mirror and counters for preparing for the bride’s big day. A brick courtyard with a raised bed parterre is filled with clipped boxwood and colorful impatiens. The tiny white blooms on mature ligustrum fill the air with sweet scent while doves coo soothingly adding to the ambience. Weddings can be catered in house or brides can enlist their own caterers. The state of the art kitchen is a culinary dream with Viking range, warming drawers and ample counterspace covered in African granite. With so many options, creating a dream wedding or event, like a bridesmaid’s luncheon, prom, club meeting or shower, that is uniquely yours is no problem. Nearby attractions, such as the challenging Black Bear Golf Course, Poverty Point Reservoir and the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Poverty Point, where ancient native Americans built mysterious mounds and earthworks, provide guests to the Delhi area with ample opportunities to explore the beauty of northeast Louisiana. For those who like to dip a line in the water, the Mansion at Red Hill has tackle that guests may use to try their luck fishing the well-stocked ponds on the grounds. With over 85 acres to explore, guests can see all manor of northeast Louisiana flora and fauna. Says Eva with surprise, “We even had a flock of pelicans come through in January this year!” The bed and breakfast can be booked online through online travel agencies or through bnb.com or booking.com. To reserve the Mansion at Red Hill for your upcoming wedding or party, contact Eva Dawson at eva@mansionatredhill.com or call her at 318.878.5155 or 318.282.6959. Says Dawson of her incredible bed and breakfast experience and event venue, “I offer what no one else offers.” Come stay on the grounds or plan your next event amid the lush surrounding at The Mansion at Red Hill. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JUNE 2016

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Personalized to perfection, these great wedding gift ideas from area retailers are sure be a hit with the future Mr. and Mrs! 1. LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING 2. FREE BIRDS BOUITQUE 3. SUE PAPERIE 4. MATERIAL THINGS 5. BEEHIVE 6. PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY 7. THE PAPER MARKET 8. HOLLIS & COMPANY 9. WALSWORTH & COMPANY

10. K&K’S GIVING TREE 11. THE MUFFIN TIN 12. THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY

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Will You Be My

These great gifts for your bridal party from area retailers will make the it easy to find the perfect gift for your girls!

1. BEEHIVE 2. BALDWIN JEWELERS 3. FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE 4. K&K’S GIVING TREE 5. K-SERA BOUTIQUE 6. THE MUFFIN TIN 7. HOLLIS & COMPANY 8. WALSWORTH & COMPANY 9. SUE PAPERIE 10. PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY

11. THE PAPER MARKET 12. LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING 13. RANDY SMITH JEWELERS 14. MATERIAL THINGS 15. HOPKINS DERMATOLOGY

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FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE

For a fresh and funky style, these essentials are sure to keep you cool this summer. Pair a distressed denim shirt with a band tee. Layer the striped shirt for nights or change the look with this great maxi.

SUMMERSTYLE photos by Martin Graham Meyers

essenti al s

We love this color palette for summer. This gorgeous coral, ruffled top is paired with a white distressed jean. Or change this look up by wearing the mint maxi or floral romper. This tassel necklace complements all these looks.

BEEHIVE

Denim shorts are summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential element. Pair these shorts with this great embellished tank or mix it up with the bralette and flowy, lace-up top. Add a gladiator sandal and horn necklace to complete the looks.

K-SERA BOUTIQUE

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Get the blues this summer – in a good way. From a denim tunic dress to this stylish romper. These looks combine the season’s hottest hue.

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Grandkid Anglers BY DAN CHASON

Early in my parenting days, I was much like most young men. I was new at being a dad and embraced each moment watching my two children grow. My biggest obstacle was time. I worked a full time job like most do until 1992, when I started a radio show and then a television show. My schedule became demanding, which pulled me away from a daily routine and my kids with long hours and a full load. It did not change my desire to be with my kids, but making a living and providing can make for a long week. For 12 years, I worked full time while hosting, producing and building my second career. An 80 hour work week was typical for me. I was fortunate to include my son, Andy, in my work which made for a unique relationship. He started filming my show at age 8 and was producing the show by age 12. Today, he makes his living in production and owns his own business as well in the video industry. My daughter, Danielle and I have always been close. Our relationship is fairly typical, and she is a daddy’s girl through and through. When she was young, the relationship was easier as boys had not appeared on her radar. When she became a young teenager, that relationship altered somewhat, but we remained and still are very close. The one thing my kids and I share is a love of 166 JUNE 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

the outdoors. We seem to always gravitate towards fishing, hunting and outdoor related activities whenever we get the chance to be together. That love brought Danielle and I even closer together when her husband, Chad Powell a Marine, was killed in Iraq in 2005. One of the first things we did together after all of the turmoil of his death was to go deer hunting. She killed her first buck which is a moment I will always cherish. One of my happiest memories was the birth of my first grandson, Elijah. Elijah recently turned 14 and is an exceptional young man. He is the epitome of his dad and has a love for shooting along with a gift for playing the guitar and, of course, video games. I haven’t spent a lot of time with him outdoors as he has not embraced it as “his thing.” That is a part of maturing and growing up, and my goal is to never push too hard on things a kid just isn’t into at the moment. Danielle has remarried to a great guy, Casey Barton, who is a hunting and fishing machine. She has three boys, Elijah, Chance and Mason. Andy and his wife, Shawnee (who is expecting another child) and their son, Cooper all came to the house recently for a fishing trip. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a time outdoors more than I enjoyed this day. Danielle has fished all of her life. When she married Casey, it became an activity that they enjoy as a family, particularly when building a new home on Bayou DeSiard. I was amazed at her ability and quite frankly, took pride in knowing that those skills had some genetics involved. I have seen other folks fish and it doesn’t take long to figure out if someone is proficient or not. Not only was she proficient, I couldn’t help but grin with pride as she showed her sons how to cast, rig the lines and how to identify and take a fish off the hook. Elijah took to it as if he had fished every day. I had set them up on our lake where the big bream were starting to bed up and the action was fast. I cannot stress enough this point: If you are taking young kids fishing, do your homework and scouting. Nothing is worse than to take a kid fishing, and then strike out or get them bored. Out of these three kids, Chance seemed to have the most ambition to win. He stayed with it even when he wasn’t being successful. Second point: If one young angler isn’t catching anything, figure out what is wrong with their rig and fix it. His problem wasn’t his ability. It was his line size, and his cork was too large to detect bites. After giving him one of my rigs, he started catching fish immediately. Third point: It is not your trip. It is their trip. I could have easily stood there and caught them cast after cast. Fishing is not a spectator sport. Kids get bored quickly. Fourth point: Bring lots of snacks and beverages. Danielle and Casey brought chips, Gatorade and water for the boys which really kept them busy – especially for 2 1/2 year old Mason. When getting a really young kid involved, create a game and keep them busy. My game with Mason was to “help Pop wind this one in as he is too big for me and I need help.” It made me remember my dad, and how he would put on a show. He would start screaming “Help me, Help me” and hand a young child a rod. The trick worked with Mason as he would run down the bank willing to assist anyone who had a bite. Point five: Let them do it. I watched my son, Andy, with Cooper who wanted to catch one “by himself.” To watch the patience of my kid teaching his son to fish is a memory I will never forget. Andy rigged up Cooper’s “Snoopy Rod” and let Cooper do it alone. That is hard to do as a parent, but these kids will never learn if we do it all for them. At the end of the day, we had gone through over 150 crickets and had caught more than I can count. What couldn’t be counted was the memories made and the lessons learned. From the oldest grandchild to the grown kids that were there, we all took home smiles and laughs that can only be made on a lake bank. I encourage you to share activities with your family in the great outdoors. You will make memories that will last a life time. 1) Dan Chason and Cooper Chason 2) Danielle and Mason Barton 3) Elijah Powell 4) Chance Crowe 5) Cooper and Andy Chason 6) Cooper Chason 7) Cooper and Dan Chason

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JGS May Day Celebration

On May 6th, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School celebrated its 7th annual May Day with an enormous assembly of parents, grandparents, friends and family. This year’s May Day theme was Disney’s “The Wonderful World of JGS.” May Day is celebrated each year with the wrapping of a traditional May Pole by the graduating sixth grade class, signifying their passage from JGS on to Middle School. The evening was filled with wonderful performances from each grade at JGS, and was an entertaining conclusion to a very successful year.

On the BayouScene 1 Lori Bratton and Alecia Traxler 2 Christie, Everly and Michael Echols 3 J ulie LeBell and James Earl Simpson 4 Graham Gault and Alan Brockman 5 Arthur Richert and Billye Shaw 6 Kelly and Carson Rutz with Kristy Rizzo 7 Cindy Waters, Jennifer Riley and Fran Turpin 8V an Ditta, Jay Johnson, Mechelle Rugg and Zack Derouen 9 Betsy Garrett and Larkin Morris 10 J ennifer Cain, Miranda Hemrick and Sara Taylor 11 H illary Sirmon, Therese Nagem and Jaclyn Hall 12 H eath and Lauren Davis with Ashley West 13 T ommy Hayes, Lane Eddleman and Justin Tarver 14 Caroline Christman and Meredith Thompson 15 A nna Grace Norman, Mary Howell Coon and John Mitchell McDuffie 16 Allison Franzen and Cesar Camacho 17 Jenny Pankey and Kim Verhagen

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Hemline Food Truck Roundup On April 21, Hemline hosted a food trunk roundup to bring awareness to the US Soldiers Foundation and local food trucks. Like many days in April and March, there was some rain, but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop the fun and awareness. There was live music by Gray Risinger and Toby Traylor along with beverages from Marsala Beverage and Choice Brands. During the event, there was a live interview with KNOE, which unknowingly reached a wounded veteran from the Vietnam War that needed assistance from the recent flooding. Hemline was able to provide the foundation with enough money to help the veteran with the emergency assistance he needed. What a great event that shows that we live in a caring community!

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On the BayouScene 1 Natalie Sutor and Leslie Culp 2 Josh Culp and Shane Bridges 3A drienne Robinson and Kaleb Hanson 4 J oel Myers and Aleta Eley 5 S tephanie Jordan and Gray Risinger 6 Brian Green and Joe Worley 7 Katie Folds and Christina Kinnard 8 J ohn and Christy Francis 9 Kelli Keyes and Max Campbell 10 Brittany Ramsey, Carol-Anne Barnes and Nicole Harris 11 Mason Ryan and Rebecca Robinson

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Blend of the Bayou On May 1st, the Men Who Cook, Mix and Brew took over the beautiful Island Drive home of Sue and Dr. Walter Sartor for the annual Blend of the Bayou celebration, which benefits the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. More than one hundred grill masters, cooks, drink mixers and brew masters donned their aprons for the event, serving up locally-brewed beers, specialty cocktails and more than a few delicious morsels. The Sartor familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driveway became a wellcurated art gallery, featuring works from area artists. Local favorite Mason Granade and his band were on hand to provide entertainment for the 19th Annual Blend of the Bayou celebration.

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On the BayouScene 1 Judy Bullock and Lyndsey Ewing 2 Vickie Depew and Lori Marion 3 E rica Ryan and Amanda Wooten 4 Chelsea Vincent and Rebecca Johnston 5 Delisa McGuire and Dana Mullins 6 David, Thurman and Ken Dickey 7 Shane Bridges and Debbie Cuthbert 8 Emily Morris and Leigh Moses 9 Rebecca Leaumont and Caroline Brockman 10 S am and Barbara Franton with Alise and Mac Oliver 11 G arret and Patricia Cameron, Nichole Amman and Frank Elkins 12 S imran Emaus with Dave and Emma Loyless 13 R obert and Emily Lane with Chelsea, Anniston and Patrick Summerville 14 Lane and Andre Eddleman with Allison Jones 15 Christie Jones, Aleta Eley and Jennifer Lord 16 Cannon, Mike and Joellen Lee 17 Hardeman and Misty Cordell

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Garden District Block Party

On Friday, April 22 Governor’s Cigar and Pipe partnered with area businesses for the Garden District Block Party. Usually held in front of Governor’s, this season’s event took place in the former Coca Cola Warehouse downtown. The event was fun for the whole family and included a bouncer for the kids. With food and beverage trucks outside, vendors and live music inside, everyone had a ball. 10% of the proceeds were donated to local charities. Marsala Beverage provided drinks as guests enjoyed cigars, cotton candy, coffee, beignets and more.

On the BayouScene 1 Taylor Bennett and Lindsey Lowe 2 Ashley and Friday Ellis 3D oug, Susan and Madyson Sevier 4P arker, Mila, Erin and Danny Rachal 5D J, Jounethan and Tosha Davis 6 Kaitlin Graves and Elisha McNeal 7 Mary Bruzeau and Collins Bové 8 T aryn Davidson and Lindsey Sivils 9 Austin Bantel, Libby Gifford and Gaeb Cardinale 10 Alicia Thomas, Brad McGilton and Will Copeland 11 Kelly Kvaternik, Sarah Johnson and Jason Davis 12 Carol Anne Barnes and Grisham Lenard

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Night of Champions The University of Louisiana Monroe Athletic Foundation held its Night of Champions event on Thursday evening at the home of Deanie and Tom Baker. The event featured nearly 150 guests, and thanks to both silent and live auction items, more than $105,000 was raised and will go toward summer school scholarships for ULM’s student-athletes. “This event is so important, because it allows us the opportunity to give our student-athletes a chance attend summer school and be one step closer to obtaining their college degree,” said Megan Jefcoat, interim executive director for the ULM Athletic Foundation.

On the BayouScene

1 Luke and Julia Letlow with Denise and Dr. Eric Panni 2 Celina and Brian Wickstrom with Bill Graves 3H T Garner and Irene Richardson 4 Todd and Laura Dooley 5 Don and Caroline Scott 6 Sammie Vining and Keith Richard 7 Loura Barr and Carole Kilpatrick 8 Roy Arthur and Stewart Cathey 9 Kay Kellogg Katz and Joe Domingos 10 Leazel and Scott McDonald 11 Josh Brooks and Brian Moreau 12 K im Hummel with Mitchell and Megan Jefcoat 13 D aniel Freeman, Matt Snider and Michael Gerard 14 G uy Campbell and Tex Kilpatrick 15 L inda and Dr. Nick Bruno 16 Joe and Melinda Tannehill with Todd Burgess 17 Debbie Luffey and Terri Arthur

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Fashion Fusion Fashion Fusion 2016 was held in the Monroe Civic Center arena this year on April 23. The theme for this year’s event was “Cirque du Chic,” and the runway show did not disappoint. Models from area boutiques appeared with the Debbie Bourg dancers for a spectacular performance. Sponsored by AOSS Medical Supply, LLC, the participating boutiques showcased spring fashion as the girls (and guys) walked and danced the runway. Kelsey Bourg Tanner choreographed the entire show, which benefitted the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana.

On the BayouScene 1 Jordan Baugh, Sherry Baugh and Missy Oubre 2 Dwayne Ludley and Jackie Kitchingham 3A manda, Emily, Macy and Mallory Debnam 4 Misti Cordell and Hannah Livingston 5 Roberta Walker and Kristin Stewart 6 Sarah Williams and Ashley Ellingston 7 Kemper Baugh, Kelly and Tommy Block 8 Lynn Clark with Lawrence and Debbie Bourg 9 Nikki and Kylah Heckard 10 Nonna and John Howell with Brenda Coronada 11 Camille Tatum and Sadie Robertson 12 D r. Mark Ross Clark and Lynn Clark 13 B randi and Anna Grace Mashaw, Leslie and Josh Culp 14 R honda Stratton, Michelle Hawthorne, Dr. Butch Stratton and Tyler Hawthorne 15 Racheé Greer, Mary Kate Gilley and Therese Nagem 16 K elsey and Jason Tanner 17 Chantel Dickson and Debbie Herrington 18 Allison Ford, Brent and Lissy Compton

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Relay for Life Ouachita Parish

Relay For Life of Ouachita Parish took place on April 15th 2016 at The Ike Hamilton Expo Center. This year’s theme was Western and we were “Giving Cancer the Boot.” Relay for Life is the largest fundraiser benefiting The American Cancer Society, patient services and Cancer Research. Many people joined the event, despite the rain, to help raise awareness and much needed funds. The night began with the survivor lap. Throughout the night, there were fun activities for all ages, music by Jack Rabbit Slims, and Luminaria Ceremony, which was led by Mason Howard, bagpipe player.

On the BayouScene

1 Andrea Zuber, Jan Mercer and Kim Neal 2 S andra Lawson, Mary Alice, Ginger and Matthew Nolan 3M ichele Taylor and Maggie Acree 4 L auren Littleton, Kasie Castle and Angie Richardson 5 Ashley Doughty and Victoria Lindsey 6 Amber Coleman and Leigh Anne George 7M eredith Darnell, Sophie Taylor, Abby Doolittle and Shala Bankston 8 Jully Deboice and Trisha Benson 9 Charlie Kelley and Jennifer Riley 10 T erry Johnson, Leslie and Matthew Slaughter, Chelsea Higgonbotham and Misty Smith 11 C alyn Lamanno and Sherri Lammano 12 N ick Gasbard and Kristie Cobb 13 D arrius Jackson, Shelby Augestine, Jordan Williams and Jasmine Anderson 14 S ara Kate Powers, Katy Wheeler, Colleen Wheeler, Crystal Mathes and Allison Keyes 15 Kristina Peters, Bridgette Hall and Terri Tyson 16 Linda O’Neal, Amanda Massey and Jada West 17 Jessica Siddon and Megan LeBeouf 18 M adison Jost, Dr. Daniel Steffins and Kim Hartzog

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Bell’s Beer Launch Party

Fans of craft beer gathered at The Pickle Barrel for the Northeast Louisiana launch of Bell’s Beer. The brewery, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is currently rated number six out of the top 50 craft breweries in the country. Available on tap were Oberon, Oatsmobile, Two Hearted Ale and Third Coast Old Ale, a very special barley wine brought in just for the launch. The Choice Brands crew was on hand with swag for the beer enthusiasts in the crowd. Guests sipped and savored the delectable brews and compared notes, each picking their new favorites. Luckily, it was two for one burger night at The Pickle Barrel, so there was plenty of grub to soak up the extra suds!

On the BayouScene

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1 Camille Pearce, Byron Burchell and Puneet Sharma 2 Aaron Head and Thai Nguyen 3 Patrick Pierce and Rachel Marsala 4 Simran Emaus and Julia Taylor 5 Jake Owens and Jess Brodnax 6 Sandra and Ken Gremillion 7 Luke McHan and Laura Crawford 8 Long Ly and Osvaleo Rivera 9 Jamie Sibley and Carlos Young 10 Cara Jordan and Joe Summerscales 11 Deborah Guillory and Melissa Whitmore 12 A dam McConnell and Kurt McEnry 13 Paul Gullette and Jeff Burchfield 14 Jay and Heather Yates 15 S kyler Whitmore and Morgan Guillory 16 Alex Andugar and Delia Simpson 17 Moira O’Connor and Brad Tyler 10

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Cedar Creek Celebration 2016

Cedar Creek friends and family took a “Southern Road Trip” recently that included a culinary tour of some of the best food the South has to offer. Celebration 2016, the school’s annual fundraiser, featured the cook-off teams offering appetizers such as chicken wings, red beans and rice, and pork sliders. Next, party-goers dined on delicious dishes from Crumbs, Portico, Ponchatoulas, BBQ West and Campatori Catering as they traveled on the Southern Road Trip. The silent auction that featured dozens of packages was followed by a live auction. The annual “Raise the Paddle” opportunity was next, all of which were generously supported by the Cedar Creek family. Funds raised from Celebration 2016 are being used to continue the capital projects and renovations at the school.

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On the BayouScene 1 Abby and Aubrey Simpkins 2 Carol and Troy Harrison 3C assandra and Greg Huneycutt 4 Cory and Jennie Dawsey 5 Derek and Heather Busby 6 Eric and Amanda Sutherland 7 Laundi William, Kim Klug and Laurie Robbins 8 L ue Napper, Deanna and Jay McCallum 9 Melissa Reffel and Heather Lee 10 J.V. and Bridget Jones 11 Kevin and Carole Witten 12 Kaite and Jason Albritton 13 Shawn and Craig Moss 14 Mitch Spillers and Scott Walker 15 Melanie and Joe Peel 16 Jackie and Chris Miller 17 Jill Gaudet, Jennifer Farrar and Sarah Walsworth 18 Kristi and Kendall Puckett

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RAIN BEAUTY AND BODY AZURE POOLS AND SPAS

THE PAPER MARKET

LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING BALDWIN JEWELERS

3B OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY AND GIFTS

THE MUFFIN TIN K&K’S GIVING TREE

BETTER LIVING MARKET MATERIAL THINGS

HOLLIS & COMPANY GOLSON’S GAS, GRILLS, LOGS & LIGHTS

THE PATIO PLACE

GOVERNORS

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SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE

BEEHIVE

HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER

GOVERNORS

COBURN’S

MADELINE GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY HOPKINS DERMATOLOGY

THE PARLOR HOUSE

RANDY SMITH JEWELERS PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY

VIEUX CARRE MARKET

WALSWORTH & COMPANY

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Warriors Wear It Well Style Show The 12th Annual Warriors Wear It Well Style Show: Way Down South was held in the Monroe Civic Center on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. The show featured fashions by River Outfitters/River Belles, Hemline, Squires Formal Wear, Dillard’s, Kin Mar’s Boutique, The Camouflage Shoppe, J&H Boots and Jeans, Eleven 26 Boutique, Simmons Sporting Goods, Pelican District, Jos. A. Bank, Free Birds Boutique, Fit Right Active, HerringStone’s and Express and worn by the St. Frederick High School Class of 2016. The show included a walk showcasing the seniors with their family members who where alumni or current students.

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On the BayouScene 1 2 3 4

Robin Webb and Evelyn Johnson D avid Craig and Elaine Parker C aroline Brown and Sandy Dansby D r. Kevin Williams, Kathryn Williams, Ann Breard and Brandon Breard 5B etty Haber, Janet and Mike Kraft, John and Mary Kraft, Carol and Dr. Jerry Ezell 6 Julie Weaver and Karen Stinson 7N eal Brown and Dr. Bob Webber 8 Abby Perkins and Lauren Hanemann 9W eston Swanner, Campbell Creed and Robert White 10 Landon Williams, Cattar Kennedy, Allison Cattar and Amey Crousillac 11 Lindsey Robbins, Tara Trahern and Wess Magee 12 K ristina Toups, Peggy Sullivan, Selvia Neitz, Della Neitz, Ricky Sullivan and Nancy Justice 13 Gabby Trejo, Bailey Barham and Teri Jenkins 14 Caitlin Middleton and Barrie Brennan 15 Nolan Clark and Danny Ellender 16 AJ and Glenda Nolan 17 Michael and Marya Hand 18 Sandy Wylie and Joanne Caldwell 19 Sandy Dansby and Dee Ledbetter 20 Robin Lapietra and Susan Clansen 21 Lucy Shackleford and Amy McGee 22 Kelly Rutz and Ashley West

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Antique Alley Spring Open House On Sunday, May 1st, the rain stopped, the sun came out and Antique Alley in West Monroe held it’s Spring Open House. It was a beautiful day for friends and families to shop, have a glass of lemonade, and listen to music while walking down the strip. Snacks and refreshments were provided by some of the shops and the food truck, Wayne VS the Winnebago, served up some good eats on the streets. The Open House was also the premier of Miss Kay’s Bakery Food Truck. With live music by the Grassfire Bluegrass Band and over 30 unique shops, the historic Antique Alley’s Spring Open House was the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

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On the BayouScene 1 Aimee Kane and Cathy Whatley 2 Rebecca Johnston and Chelsea Vincent 3 J anie Keen and Sherron Accardo 4 Jaxon Smith, Angel and Jesse Williams 5 Jordann and Cristy Fuller 6 Dana Ford and Mary Jo Waller 7 Jamie Johnson and Tonya Hamilton 8C arolyn Stansbury and JoAnn Kidd 9 Lindsay Adams and Ashley Gates 10 Jennifer and Dianne Anders 11 Ashley Edmiston and Christian Stapleton 12 Mary Chapman and Waylon Singley 13 M echille Berryhill, Nancy Hemphill and Graycee Breithaupt 14 M elanie Liles, Linda Smith, Charlotte Page and Jackie Gaddis 15 L orraine Kenly, Janet Henley, Lathan Kenly and Laura Anderson 16 Lisa Halley, Hannah Griffin and Wilma Powers 17 Heather and Mark Smith 18 Tara Trahern and Bethany Lewis 15

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Patient Appreciation Day

On Friday, May 13, Arrow Dental held its third annual Patient Appreciation Day. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event was held at the ULM Baseball field as the Warhawks took on the Trojans from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Arrow had the first base patio available and offered free admission to the game for their patients, as well as free hot dogs and treats. Dr. William Johnston and his staff host this day once a year to show appreciation to all of their patients for supporting their practice and being a part of the Arrow Dental Center family.

On the BayouScene 1 Derek Daniels and Hank Moore 2 Becky and Mike Ham 3 J essica Kirkland and Jennifer Rhea 4 J ennifer and Ashtyn Williams, Frank and Ryan Marsala 5A my, Joshua and Scott Stewart and Tanya White 6 Jana McQuillin and Debbie Counts 7 Calvin and Shirley Johnson 8 Nancy Farley and Toby Butler 9 Jonathan Kirkland, Jim Smith and John White 10 Dr. William Johnston and Jennifer Rhea 11 T errie Robinson, Tanya White, Amy Stewart and Dawn McGuire 12 Connie Thompson and Amanda Strange

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

June 1-July 5 53st Annual Juried Competition at the Masur Museum The Masur Museum of Art’s Annual Juried Competition showcases contemporary artists throughout the United States of America working in any medium. Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: www.masurmuseum.org June 2 Downtown Gallery Crawl Time: 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Presented by the Downtown Arts Alliance, eleven art galleries in downtown Monroe and West Monroe are open all evening for the public to enjoy great art, food, drink and music. Original art is for sale, tax free. Admission is free. Venue: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-503-5125 First Thursday Downtown Time: 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. On the first Thursday of every month, join Antique Alley for extended shopping hours. Enjoy sips, nibbles and store specials during extended shopping hours at participating merchants Venue: Antique Alley Admission Cost: Free Web: www.antiquealleyshops.org June 4 My Mini Masur Drop In Activity Time: 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Bring your kids and let the creativity flow at the Masur Museum as they create an art project. This event is free of charge, and children will leave with a unique art project. Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: www.masurmuseum.org BrewFest Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The Downtown Monroe Alli-

ance presents the second annual BrewFest! Come down to the River Walk and sample over 150 different beers from Choice Brands, Marsala Beverage, Glazer’s Distributors, International Wine & Spirits, the Fort Miro Brewmasters, Ouachita Brewing Co., Flying Tiger Brewery, and Cotton Port Brewing. Venue: Downtown Riverwalk Admission Cost: $50 Email: domo.events@ci.monroe. la.us Phone: 318-812-0450 Web: www.downtownmonroe.org/ content/domo-brewfest June 10-12 Ronald McDonald House Big Bass Tournament Fishermen, mark your calendar for this year’s Ronald McDonald Big Bass Fishing Tournament. Hourly Payout and Prizes! Big Bass and the first bass that weighs 6 pounds of the tournament receives $10,000 cash! Net proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Register online or you may also register at The Honey Hole, Toledo Tackle, or at The Ronald McDonald House. Venue: Lazarre Park Admission Cost: 1-day registration $85, 2-day registration $150, McDonald’s Challenge $170 Phone: 318-387-7933 Web: www.rmhc-nela.org/ourevents/big-bass/ June 10-11, 17-18 The Flop A spiritual successor to Neil Simon’s hit Oscar and Felix, this laugh out loud hit follows the four poker playing friends Roy, Vinnie, Speed and Murray as they deal with life away from the more famous duo. Written by Matt Wilkins, this show explores all the highs and lows of having crazy friends and even crazier experiences with those friends. From card games to pranks to strange folks from a strange land, this comedy will have you ready to go straight home and call up some buddies for a night out.

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Venue: Strauss Theatre Center Admission Cost: Tickets $45/person includes complimentary wine and beer Phone: 318-323-6681 Web: www.strausstheatrecenter. com June 11 Louisiana State Games: Disc Golf Time: Competition starts at 7:30 a.m. daily. Join in on the fun at the Louisiana State Games Disc Golf event! Venue: Lazarre Park Admission Cost: $35 per athlete Web: www.louisianastategames. com June 18 Downtown Summer Art Festival Time: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Downtown ArtFest is a one-day celebration of the arts in the streets of Downtown West Monroe. The area between Antique Alley and the river will be filled with artist booths, live bands and performers. The festival also features free children’s crafts and activities and delicious food. Venue: Antique Alley Admission Cost: Free Email: brooke@arrowpublicart.com Phone: 318-512-2131 Web: www.antiquealleyshops.org June 21 Masur Museum Curator’s Tour Time: 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Join Masur Museum of Art and learn about their exhibitions first hand from Ben Hickey, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: www.masurmuseum.org June 23-25 Miss Louisiana Pageant Time: 7:30 p.m. Come support your favorite contestants at the 53rd Miss Louisiana Pageant. The contestants will dazzle you while they compete

in interview, talent, swimsuit and evening gown. A special variety show on Friday night will light up the audience and is the perfect lead into the crowning on Saturday. Venue: Monroe Civic Center’s W.L. Jack Howard Theatre Address: 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary Web: www.misslouisiana.org June 25 Downtown Cinema presents: Jumangi Time: Begins at dark-7:30 pm Join the fun in Downtown at the showing of “Jumangi” presented by Downtown Cinema. Downtown Cinema is a free outdoor movie event that showcases family friendly movies once a month during the spring and summer. Admission to the movie is free and Downtown Cinema also provides free popcorn and water. Guests only need to bring their own seating! Venue: Palace Park Address: 220 DeSiard Street in Monroe Admission Cost: Free Visit www.monroe-westmonroe. org for information about events in Ouachita Parish and visit www. rustonlincoln.com for events in Lincoln Parish.