BayouLife Magazine March 2016 by BayouLife Magazine

BLcontents

MARCH 2016

18/ FISHING WITH KENNY When the Jig is Up (It’s Hard to Put Down) 28 / A. ALDEN’S MEMO Spring Style Muses 36 / BRADLEY BRIDGES Regional Artist Releases New Album 50 / ASK ERIN Easy Ways to Re-Style Your Home For Spring 56 / P. ALLEN SMITH Signs of Spring 70 / BAYOU ARTIST The Tao of Enoch Doyle Jeter

88 / IF YOU GIVE, YOU GET A Tribute to Johnny Huntsman 100/ BAYOU OUTDOORS The One That Didn’t Get Away 104 / SPRING ESSENTIALS Spring Into the Season with These Must-Haves 120 / BAYOU HOME Ranch Dressing: Designer Sherri Mowad Transforms a Ranch-style Home 142 / BOHO CHIC Luxe Hippy Looks From Area Boutiques 154 / BAYOU EATS Larry Cormier Keeps the Crawfish Coming 160 / RECYCLING RENAISSANCE Bayou State Recycling

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164 / SPRING SHOES Find Your Footing This Spring

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BayouLife

ARCH IS ALWAYS

one of my favorite months, but it is going to have to be a good one to top this February. I know I mentioned that the BayouLife Buccaneers would be riding down Louisville in this year’s Krewe of Janus parade. We put on our eye patches and battened down the hatches as we took sail through Monroe and West Monroe. We got to see so many of our friends and might have accidentally nailed a few people with a generous amount of beads…for that, we are truly sorry. We are definitely going to need to work on our aim before next year. After a successful North Louisiana Mardi Gras, Trent and I took Stella to visit our Hoychick friends in Houma. We had an amazing time and even though we missed our Cenac cousins this trip, we plan on going back again next year. The festivals continued in New Orleans the next day as we made our way to the Garden District with Lauren and Heath Davis. Well, we didn’t see Lauren and Lily until later because they were riding with the Krewe of Iris, but we got to play with Paige and Heath at the incredible home of Pam and Larry Pickett. Stella and Paige caught more stuffed animals than would fit in our car, and we had a blast with Michelle Aldridge and Robin Johnson. Not only that, we were completely surprised to run into my nephew Morgan Livingston and his precious wife, Ashleigh. We definitely let the good times roll. With Spring right around the corner, we decided to focus on boho chic clothing for this month’s fashion spread. We are so thankful to Ms. Kathy at Nature’s Hideaway in Bastrop for letting us use her grounds for our incredible luxe hippy shoot. Kayla Stites and Karlee Malone looked stunning – you would never know that it was pouring down rain and bitterly cold. Our guest photographer,

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185 Fax 318.855.4645

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Kelly Moore Clark, is one of the most über-talented people I know. The last time I worked with her was in 2005 when she shot my wedding, and she is still just as amazing as she was then. We were also happy to have Brandi Howard, Jaelynn Johnson and Meka Reliford at the shoot keeping us in order and making people beautiful. This month Tabby Soignier writes about her precious uncle Johnny Huntsman. We all know him, because he is the owner of the most delicious pizzeria around, Johnny’s Pizza. I might have Celiac now, but I can still taste a Sweep the Kitchen whenever Johnny’s is mentioned, and there might never be a more iconic pizza establishment around. Tabby takes us through Johnny’s life, from a yardmower and football player to entrepreneur and philanthropist. Read his story on page 88. Spring not only brings flowers and sunshine, but crawfish, too. And Larry Cormier has been cooking up these mudbugs for years. He’s a master at his craft, and there aren’t too many people that can deny him the title of King of Crawfish. This month’s BayouEats can be found on page 154. We’ve got a magazine packed full of interesting and timely local articles that we hope you enjoy reading. You can find us online at bayoulifemag.com and on Facebook and Instagram. Happy Spring,

Cassie

PUBLISHER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com EDITOR Maré Brennan mare@bayoulifemag.com STAFF WRITER Michael DeVault michael@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 INTERN Kesha Bowens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jen Bays Avis Maré Brennan Dan Chason Kenny Covington Lou Davenport Dr. David Finley Cindy Gist Foust Annie Jopling Harrison Holt Linda Holyfield Paul Lipe Erin Love

Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Mary Napoli Kay Rector LaRone Richardson Delia Simpson Ayme Smith P. Allen Smith Tabby Soignier Beatrice A. Tatem Analeise Thomas Judy Wagoner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Martin G. Meyers ON THE COVER BayouEats, featuring Cormier’s, page 154 cover photography by Martin G Meyers 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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Hop Into Spring Fresh Beers for a New Season

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

ABITA LOUISIANA SPICED ALE If there’s one season Louisianans look forward to all year, it’s crawfish boiling season. It’s just the way we live this time of year. The weather is mild, perfect for gathering outdoors to enjoy one of our tastiest regional delicacies. But the best part about the boil is the coming together of friends and family. While you can host a boil for just a few, it just wouldn’t be the same if we weren’t surrounded by our friends, family, and neighbors as we dig in and get messy with a pile of our favorite shellfish. And of course, in Louisiana, we like spice not just in our food, but in our lives and in our beer, too. With hints of cayenne, celery, paprika, lemon peel and bay leaves, this beer has all the savory elements of a crawfish boil. Hopped with Cascades for a citrus flavor, it is refreshing, crisp and slightly sweet with enough kick to keep the party going. Get the gang together around a big pot of crawfish, or just a six-pack of Abita Louisiana Spiced Ale, or both and let the good times roll. Grab it while you can, as it will only be available for a short time. For more information and to find Louisiana Spiced Ale near you, visit www.abita.com. ABITA STRAWBERRY HARVEST ALE Perennial favorite, Strawberry Harvest ale will be hitting the shelves in early March. Abita Strawberry Harvest is a lager brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. Real Louisiana strawberry juice is added after filtration resulting in a crisp lager with a sweet strawberry flavor, aroma and haze. It is wonderful with desserts or lighter fare, such as salads and pastas. Fresh cheeses such as Burrata, chèvre, Crescenza, mozzarella or Teleme pair well with Strawberry Harvest. For more information and to find Strawberry Harvest Ale near you, visit www.abita.com. BLUE MOON FIRST PEACH ALE With one foot in winter and the other in spring, we crafted this Belgian-inspired Brown Ale with the first peaches of the season and coriander. It has a tart taste balanced by caramel malts for the cooler days and peach notes for the warmer ones. The natural, tart, 8 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

peach taste of this beer will bring out the flavors of nutty dishes, and creamy desserts combined with peach, like peach pie. For more information and to find First Peach Ale near you, visit www. bluemoonbrewingcompany.com LEINENKUGEL’S BIG BUTT DOPPLEBOCK Big Butt Doppelbock™ is inspired by the Bavarian tradition with five varieties of malted barley. It has a smooth, rich flavor and deep, dark color that stands up to those last cold days before spring. Our beer gets its name from an icon of the Bock style, the goat, and while they’re known to butt heads over disputes, we still prefer to just talk it out over a beer. The malty backbone makes it a great pairing for roasted pork or wild game, glazed ham or plum tarts. For more information and to find Big Butt Dopplebock near you, visit www.leinie.com. SAMUEL ADAMS COLD SNAP Stirring from the haze of winter, this refreshing unfiltered White Ale awakens its smooth wheat with the bright snap of spring spices. From the subtle sweetness of orange peel and plum to the peppery bite of fresh ground coriander, the blend of spices creates just the right refreshing kick to signal that spring is on its way. For more information and to find Cold Snap near you, visit www. samueladams.com. SAMUEL ADAMS NITRO WHITE ALE Nitro beers are known for their captivating cascade and smooth creaminess. Yet, for many, nitro is solely linked to stout. We experimented with all sorts of styles and discovered that nitro truly can be the missing fifth beer ingredient. The first sip of our Nitro White Ale reveals a smooth velvety taste with a light wheat character and hints of orange while an undercurrent of peppery spice adds a bright finish to leave you wanting another sip. For more information and to find Nitro White Ale near you, visit www. samueladams.com.

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River Oaks School Mickel Holman Signs with Millsaps College

LL PARENTS KNOW THAT the school they choose for their children is an important decision for a multitude of reasons. River Oaks School not only offers academic rigor and a solid athletic program, but also offers the structure, support and values that shape students into leaders. “River Oaks School has been an amazing blessing to our family,” says Ulonda Holman, mother of senior Mickel Holman. “I have always been a proud parent, but River Oaks has allowed our son to become the man we knew he could be. For that, I am more than grateful.” River Oaks welcomed Mickel Holman into the senior class at a time when he needed a compassionate environment that encouraged success through discipline. Holman immediately found a home and was received into the Mustang family with open arms. A tremendous athlete when he arrived at River Oaks, Holman’s skills shined brightly and soon received the attention of several colleges. But it was not athletics alone that made it possible for Holman to receive a football scholarship to Millsaps College beginning in the fall of 2016. The exceptional curriculum at River Oaks prepared Holman academically for the next phase of his education. “Mickel has always excelled academically, but River Oaks has given him a greater understanding of how to apply the information he is being taught,” explains Ulonda Holman. “River Oaks has

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given him a drive to succeed in his studies that he did not have before. His classmates support each other and encourage each other to expand their minds…It is clear the teachers care about the students and are willing to give them the personal attention they need to be successful.” Holman acknowledges that the family atmosphere at River Oaks is a unique quality of the school. Headmaster Dr. Tom Middleton says that the teacher-studentparent connection is essential to the success of young Mustangs, and Holman’s family agrees. The warm welcome Holman received was genuine, and his family is grateful for the traditional values the school promotes. “The school really embraced him from day one with love and encouragement,” says Ulonda Holman. “He isn’t just a number here. He is an individual, and he has the confidence to think for himself and be the young man we knew God was calling him to be. It was truly a transformation. He is focused on reaching his goals, and the love and support he has been shown at River Oaks is responsible for that. It’s not just about grades or athletics. It’s about character. They treat each other like family, and they are there for each other like family. We made a real investment in Mickel’s education by sending him to River Oaks.” River Oaks celebrates Mickel’s accomplishments and knows the future is bright for this athletic scholar and his

classmates. Their years as Mustangs have prepared them for the challenges that lie ahead. The bright young lady Mustangs who cheer for Mickel on the sidelines also deserve recognition for their own accomplishments. River Oaks is proud of our Varsity Cheerleading Squad, who won the State Championship Cheerleading Competition this year. The Squad advanced to the National Competition in Orlando, Florida and represented River Oaks and Monroe well among countless other schools. River Oaks also offers opportunities for boys who are interested in developing their skills on the football field. On March 19, the Mustangs will host a Youth Football Camp that is open to all players from all schools. The non-contact camp is offered to boys ages 7-12 and all levels of experience. The camp will focus on speed and agility training with position skill stations, among other skills. All boys who attend will also get to meet current and former NFL players and participate in a 7 on 7 football tournament. Players interested in attending the camp are asked to preregister as spots are limited. For more information, check out River Oaks School website at romustangs.com.

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Orthopaedic Clinic Offers Extened-Hours North Louisiana Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, Leader in Orthopaedic Care for Over 60 Years

HE NORTH LOUISIANA ORTHOPAEDIC & SPORTS Medicine Clinic’s mission, which began in 1951, is to provide high-level orthopaedic care and treatment to residents of Northeast Louisiana and surrounding areas and to facilitate an optimal level of comfort and functioning for its citizens. The Orthopaedic Clinic is also proud to have progressed over the past 65 years as medical techniques have advanced. With three convenient locations including Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston, the Orthopaedic Clinic can offer you the same advanced services as a major metropolitan area, right here at home. Another reason that makes North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic successful is the broad range of physician specialty services offered. These specialty services include hand and foot reconstruction, sports medicine and spine surgery, along with standard hip and knee replacements. These physician services are complimented by other on-site and state-of-the-art services, such as MRI/imaging, and rehabilitation. This comprehensive approach to orthopaedic care would not be possible without our progressive team of physicians, therapists and professional staff dedicated to restoring you to the state of health and well-being that you deserve. North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic also conducts a daily injury clinic at its 1501 Louisville Avenue location in Monroe, LA. Staffed each day by an “on call” physician dedicated to the expedient treatment of patients having sustained an injury, this clinic has produced timely and superior results over the years for a variety of injury types. Northeast Louisiana boasts a wide variety and number of elementary, high school and college sports and spirit teams, and the Orthopaedic Clinic is proud to have been able to utilize its injury clinic to service this population for many years. However, whether it’s a sports related injury or simply an accident in daily life that has you sidelined, the physicians and staff of North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic conduct this daily injury clinic with one goal in mind: Getting you back in the game! Once again, North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic’s leadership, experience and expertise in the orthopaedic field was recently broadened by incorporating an extended-hours clinic. 12 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Since opening six months ago, this extended-hours clinic has offered immediate access to experienced orthopaedic physician assistants with backing from our experienced team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons. Extended hours of operation are from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and 8am-11am (Saturday) at our 1501 Louisville Avenue location in Monroe. Since injuries such as sprains, strains and fractures often don’t always happen at convenient times, you and your family now have the option of skipping the long wait at an emergency room or at a generalized urgent care clinic (where you would be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon). Instead, patients can now immediately receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for an orthopaedicrelated problem. By visiting the extended-hours clinic, patients will also benefit from having on-site access to a state-of-the-art facility and a full spectrum of resources and support to include casting, splinting and radiology. The Orthopaedic Clinic believes that providing high-quality care is not only about the medical advice and treatment dispensed, but more importantly about the relationships formed with patients. According to Dr. Daven Spires, one of North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic’s board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, “We want to provide to our patients the convenience of specialized orthopaedic care outside of normal business hours. Our goal is to save our patients significant time and expense by creating an alternative to emergency room and urgent care visits for acute orthopaedic problems.” However, because North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic wants to keep its care focused on orthopaedics, patients coming in with general cold symptoms or those needing vaccinations or physicals will be referred to a traditional urgent care clinic. For more information about this convenient, cost-efficient way to receive definitive orthopaedic assistance without an appointment and possibly even without a referral, please visit www. northlaortho.com, contact us at 318-323-8451, or simply stop by our 1501 Louisville Avenue location in the heart of Monroe, Louisiana. You will be greeted with a smile every time you walk through the door.

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Grief the Price We Pay for Having Loved The Power of Grief in Our Lives BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

HIS ARTICLE IS DEDICATED TO MY CLIENTS, FAMILY and friends who have shared with me their experiences of grief associated with death and dying, loss of children, parents, spouses and siblings and, in some instances, their own terminal illness. With each individual, the story of grief is different shaped by the circumstances, the nature of the loss and the perception of loss. In some cases the loved one was viewed as having gone too soon, while others described the death as a timely opportunity for their loved one to be at peace and free of pain and suffering. Ironically, a major inspiration in my writing this article is now part of the subject; my aunt, Willie Byrd Dillard Ford who recently passed. It is an article about a subject many of us choose to avoid and face when forced to consider. This is an article created in celebration of the lives of individuals who have taught me that I grieve because I have loved. This summer I had the memorable experience of accompanying my aunt, age 84, to the funeral of a family friend, age 90. It would be our first out of town trip in a while, and it would be our last. My Aunt was a quick witted, intellectually gifted woman who always had advice to give. So when the statement “Grief is the price we pay for having loved” was made at the funeral it came at no surprise while in the midst of weeping for her friend she stopped and said “Beatrice, that will make a good subject to write about in BayouLife Magazine.” On our drive back from the funeral, we talked about whether or not I should write about grief. Would people view it as a sad and negative article and be turned off or would it be regarded as a respectful acknowledgment of an aspect of life that inevitably occurs for us all? Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, noted author on death and dying, emphasized grief is both a universal and a personal experience. It is not a disorder, a disease, a sign of weakness or absence of faith. Grief occurs in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the ending of a close relationship, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, loss of independence through injury and disability. Each person expresses and experiences grief differently. Some people are outwardly emotional, while others internalize their emotions. 16 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

The emotional reaction to grief can include anger, guilt, anxiety, denial, anguish, sadness and despair. In essence, grief is powerful; it is strong, it is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity. It is nature’s way of healing a broken heart. Those who have suffered understand suffering and therefore are able to relate. If able, share your experience with grief. Listen to the person grieving. Be mindful of the words of comfort you choose. Sometimes we say what we need to say and hear and not what the person grieving needs to hear; honor the situation with your quiet presence. Be patient when grieving or when supporting those grieving, everyone grieves in their own way at their own rate. There is no one “right“ way to grieve. The only cure for grief is to grieve. Give yourself or the person grieving permission to “be in their grief“…allowing one to experience how they feel in the moment can be meaningful. Be mindful that after the grief subsides, the love remains. The reality is time heals some wounds; we can endure more than we think. Don’t fear, avoid or deny pain; let it hurt; it too will pass. While ending this article, I was reminded how short life is when a family member of a dying friend called me with only hours to live to convey they loved me, they were departing life peacefully and wanted me to be okay. My experiences with loss have made me question its timeliness, when is it the right time? I have been inspired by the poise, strength, courage, dignity, sometimes humor of these individuals and moved by the candor in which they share their feelings of peace, fear, acceptance, worry, sorrow, anger, hurt, pain, grief and love. I am grateful to these individuals they have taught me that with loss there is gain, and the grief experienced when loss occurs is the price we pay for love, to love and for having loved. 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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WHEN THE JIG IS UP (IT’S HARD TO PUT DOWN)

Arguably the greatest big bass bait ever created is the skirted jig. Early versions were made of living rubber and the fishermen were instructed to add a “trailer” to increase the lures effectiveness. After all these years, the initial concept of the lure is still the same and the jig, when fished properly, is still the #1 lure to beat. The living rubber jig first came to prominence after Californian Dave Gliebe won a national tournament on Toledo Bend in the late 1970s and In-Fisherman Magazine ran one of the first stories on the new

technique of “Flippin” and the lure of choice was the living rubber jig. Up until that time the jig was a West Coast-based lure and was made regionally by local lure manufacturers. In the In-Fisherman article, it was stated that “the jig is great at 55 degree water and below. However its full potential is still unknown. Preliminary testing shows that it may well be a lure for all seasons.” If they only knew how right they were. Jigs come in several shapes, sizes, colors and designs. There are hundreds of combinations to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to the beginning angler or even the seasoned fisherman for that matter. In this month’s article let’s see if we can make our jig choices and our fishing just a bit easier. There are football head jigs for dragging along the bottom, there are jigs made for flipping/pitching heavy cover, there are jigs made specifically for casting like you 18 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

would a plastic worm. The number one jig presentation for our area is for flipping and pitching heavy cover. First of all we need to look at the size of the jig. Do we need a ¼ ounce, 3/8th ounce, or maybe a ½ ounce version? Each size has their strengths. If I am fishing shallow water a ¼ ounce version may be all that I need. Or if I need a faster fall rate I might want to bump up to a 3/8 ounce version. There are a lot of different pieces to the jig fishing puzzle. From a confidence standpoint, I usually start with a ½ ounce version. So now we have picked out the size of jig we want, what about color? I believe I can catch bass anywhere in the United States using these three color choices: Black/blue, Texas Craw and a version of Green Pumpkin. I can go to any lake, with any water clarity, fish any depth and catch fish on one of those three colors. Probably more important than the jig color is the type of trailer attached to the jig. There are several variations of craw worms, chunks and creature baits, as well as a variety of colors to choose from. The most effective trailer would probably be a craw worm, but creature baits, such as the “Sweet Beavert” style of soft plastics, are gaining in popularity among tournament fishermen. I like to match my trailer, so it blends perfectly with my color choice of jig. If I am using a Black/blue jig, then I will match it with a black/blue colored trailer. I don’t want to contrast the streamline appearance of the lure. In most cases, the more universal the appearance, the better the result. Other popular color choices for jig trailers are Black/red flake, green pumpkin, as well as various shades of watermelon. When fishing clearer water lakes, I like to

use a smaller ¼ ounce jig in a more natural colors, such as black or green pumpkin teamed with a smaller creature bait trailer like a Reaction Innovations Smallie Beaver. Clearer water bass tend to feed by sight, so color can be more critical and a larger profile jig can be overwhelming. If I am fishing the Ouachita River tributaries my choice of jig will be a ½ ounce Texas Craw color with a large bulky trailer like a Strike King Rage Claw simply because of the darker water color. The idea is that in the dirtier water, the bigger offering pushes more water making it easier for the fish to locate. Does time of the year make a difference in the jig to choose? You bet it does. During the late winter and early spring, I usually prefer a bigger profile lure combination. The fish are getting active and preparing to spawn, so they are wanting to eat. I like to use lighter weighted jigs in the late summer and early fall because fish will suspend around vertical structures and this presentation seems to be more effective. During the winter months is when the smaller profile jigs such as a Strike King Bitsy Flip tend to excel. About the only time I shy away from using a jig is the post-spawn and early summer time. While these fish are usually shallow related they are more prone to move around than to set up on particular target areas making them easier to catch on more aggressive lures and techniques. It looks like we have run out of fish talking space for this month, but I do hope we were able to share some things that will put more fish in your livewell. As always, be careful on the water and catch one for me! —See you next month.

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2016 Hearing Innovation Expo Audibel Excited to Announce New Starkey Technology and Innovations

UDIBEL IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE Starkey Hearing Technologies 2016 Hearing Innovation Expo held some incredible surprises which will benefit our practice and our patients. From January 21-23, we joined over 3,200 customers from 40 different countries for the third bi-annual Hearing Innovation Expo in Las Vegas. The Expo offered inspiring speeches on innovation, marketing and philanthropy all centered around the theme “Lead with Impact.” Highlighted speakers included global business leaders and innovators, such as Silicon Valley-based marketing pioneer Satjiv S. Chahil — who has joined Starkey as their new global marketing and innovations advisor; The Idea Monkey author Mike Maddock; ABC’s Shark Tank’s Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban; former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; Academy Award® winner Ben Affleck; social and digital media guru Randi Zuckerberg; NBA® Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and more. “This year’s Expo was an incredible combination of innovative speakers and global leaders, and we are excited to have the opportunity to step into 2016 with our best foot forward and establish our practice as industry leaders in Northeast Louisiana,” Larry Collum said. “Achieving the best possible hearing ability for each of our patients is an important part of our mission, and the skills we picked up at Expo are going to help us perform better for our patients.” In addition to inspiring morning sessions with guest speakers, the Expo offered over 100 hours of content through in-depth breakout sessions held by industry experts, an interactive Solutions Hall where we learned about Starkey/Audibel programs, products and services, the Genius Bar where we were able to demo new Audibel products and the brand-new Innovations Center. At the Innovations Center, we were able to engage with and learn about new Starkey/Audibel innovations, including their brand-new Synergy platform and Acuity OS technology. The Synergy platform uses quad core twin compressor technology that enables enhanced speech audibility and listening enjoyment. Acuity OS technology enables binaural processing, classification and adaptation of sounds in parallel setting, a new standard for ear-to-ear communication and enabling the simultaneous processing of multiple sounds for the most ideal listening experiencing yet. “The new products coming this March are going to offer patients the most high-definition listening experience yet,” Larry Collum 20 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

said.” “Audibel’s new products feature some of the most advanced technology in the industry and with new products specifically for those with unilateral hearing loss. We will be able to offer more patients not only what they need but more importantly, what they want.” Available March 1, this spring, Audibel will be releasing the next generation of Made for iPhone® hearing aids, Halo™ 2; the first wireless Invisible-In-the-Canal hearing aid SoundLens® Synergy® and a completely new family of hearing aids — Muse™. All will feature a unique music prescription designed specifically for high-definition music reproduction, Starkey’s patent-pending Multiflex Tinnitus Technology and a greater variety in hearing aid sizes and aesthetics. Within the Muse family line, CROS systems will be available to offer better hearing with crisp audio, wireless capabilities and better ear-toear streaming to those with unilateral hearing loss. Another big announcement at this year’s Expo was the partnership with Bragi to create a new generation of hearables that offer superior audio capabilities with the desired comprehensive health and lifestyle features of today’s wearables. “Starkey and Bragi have a shared vision that hearing aids and hearables can empower people to communicate and enhance their abilities,” Bragi founder Nicolaj Hviid said in a press release on Wednesday, January 20. “The partnership between the two companies creates immense value for our respective customers. Bragi’s advanced integration of sensorics provides tremendous value to hearing aid consumers, while Starkey’s invaluable knowledge of advanced audio processing and psychoacoustics expands Bragi’s potential to enable people to utilize contextual computing audible interfaces.” About Starkey Hearing Technologies Starkey Hearing Technologies is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey Hearing Technologies currently employs more than 4,600 people, operates 21 facilities and conducts business in more than 100 markets worldwide. The company develops, manufactures and distributes hearing aids via three distinct brands – Audibel, NuEar and its original brand, Starkey. For more information, visit www.starkey. com.

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Glenwood Emergency Services The Best Emergency Care Is Closer Than You Think

T SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFETIME, IT IS VERY LIKELY that you will be faced with a medical emergency, such as an injury, life threatening illness, potential heart attack or stroke. During those crucial moments, the hospital you choose for emergency treatment is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s a broken bone, a deep cut that needs stitching or something more serious, we’re prepared to take care of your medical needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our board-certified emergency room doctors and nurses are always here to handle a medical crisis with timely, high-quality treatment. We know that all medical emergencies are stressful. Our staff is committed to easing your fears and concerns by providing frequent progress reports about your diagnosis, condition and treatment. Our state-of-the-art, 16-bed Emergency Department includes: • First accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in Northern Louisiana • Private patient triage area • Comfortable treatment rooms • Bedside registration • Fast-track for minor illnesses and injuries • InQuicker online minor emergency registration service • Advanced patient monitoring equipment • STEMI heart protocols “Seeing patient’s quickly is vital to providing optimal patient care,” said Matt Roberts, GRMC CEO. “We always strive to provide a high level of care, while addressing the growing problem of long emergency room waits. At Glenwood Regional Medical Center, your emergency is our emergency.” InQuicker® InQuicker® is a convenient online service that makes scheduling doctor and clinic appointments easier and helps reduce ER wait times. When patients use InQuicker®, they can conveniently make doctor’s office or clinic appointments at times that best fit their schedule. They can also see current estimated ER wait times and reserve a place in line to wait in the comfort of their home instead of the emergency waiting room. Real-time notifications via email and phone calls make waiting at home advantageous for busy families and individuals. InQuicker takes active lives into account and makes access for minor medical needs 22 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

faster and more efficient. Patients are assessed online by evaluating their medical symptoms to see if immediate care is necessary. Those who indicate a life or limb threatening medical condition are prompted to dial 911 or go immediately to the ER. To access InQuicker, visit www.grmc.com anytime and anywhere from a smart phone, tablet or computer. Fully Accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center When you’re having a heart attack, where you choose to go for treatment could be one of the most critical decisions of your life. Cycle IV accreditation is the highest rating a Chest Pain Care facility can earn. Glenwood earned it by demonstrating expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria. Glenwood is the first fully accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in Northern Louisiana. ER STEMI Protocols A STEMI is the most severe and common type of heart attack, in which a clot blocks the coronary artery and as a result, the heart muscle being supplied by the affected artery starts to die. Rapid percutaneous intervention (PCI), commonly referred to as angioplasty, is crucial to the survivability of a heart attack. Experts say the sooner that a patient is treated to relieve the blockage causing the STEMI, the better the outcome. Glenwood’s door to balloon time (measured from the time the patient enters the hospital, to the time the balloon is inflated in the coronary artery) for STEMI patients continues to be under the national benchmark with some less than 60 minutes. The Glenwood ER’s STEMI protocols ensures that patients with chest pain who need advanced care in a cardiac catheterization lab are taken care of as safely and quickly as possible. The STEMI service, along with Glenwood’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and Hybrid OR, is designed to save lives. For more information about Glenwood’s emergency services, visit www. grmc.com or call 877-726-WELL (9355).

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES Shorts For Spring

t wasn’t so long ago that writers were having a difficult time finding homes for collections, those amorphous, loosely connected compilations of poems, short stories, or essays. This difficulty wasn’t because of any lack of quality or substance in the writings. In fact, the past twenty years have ranked among the most productive for writers of shorter works. Instead, publishers were having a hard time selling these books to readers. How quickly things change when time becomes more precious, the attention readers can afford to give to a work is challenged by carpool, a soccer game or a few late nights at the office! Much like the beleaguered movie musical in the late 1990s, today the collection is staging a comeback, and it seems like it was just in time. As we move into spring and stare down those busy days rushing kids to and fro, trying to get that final bit of paperwork in before the end of the quarter or making sure everything is in order for that summer vacation, finding the time to read means we want to get lost--but only for a few minutes at a time. These few minutes is where the collection lives and breathes. So here are a few to carry you through to the summer. No matter your preferred genre, each of these books offers something for every reader. Head Off & Split By Nikky Finney For fans of contemporary poetry, Nikky Finney was a known quantity long before her breakout hit Head Off & Split landed in salons across the country. Part activist, part educator, part poet, her social commentary had been widely printed in academic journals and referenced in countless news and commentary pieces. Yet, it wasn’t until

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REVIEWS BY MICHAEL DEVAULT 2011’s book that she became a near-household name. Head Off & Split is a collection of poetry that is a study in contradictions. At once classic and modern, reserved and brash, and apolitical and partisan, Finney’s words bristle on the page. In the titular work, “Head Off & Split,” Finney evokes images of visiting a fishmonger, whose question “Head off and split?” underscored how quickly we discard things unwanted or unvalued in society. In “Dancing with Strom,” Finney reveals the often conflicted struggle African-Americans face in a post-segregationist America where matters of race remain largely unsettled and the wounds of the civil rights movement are still fresh. NPR called Finney’s work “provocative,” underscoring her importance as an emerging voice in contemporary poetry and social commentary. Head Off & Split earned Finney international acclaim and a National Book Award in 2011. Magic Hours: Essays on Creators and Creation By Tom Bissell Picture yourself in the tiny Upper Peninsula town of Escanada, MI. There’s the diner, a single screen movie theatre and a gas station. The people of the town are at once welcoming and wary of visitors, and probably with good reason. This is the last place one might expect to find Jeff Bridges filming a movie based on a little-known play. Such is the opening of Tom Bissell’s Magic Hours: Essays on Creators and Creation, first released in 2012. A journalist, social critic and writer of fiction, Bissell opened his collection with an account of Hollywood visiting his home town. From there, he meanders through the music business, into board rooms and through more

than a few oﬀ-the-wall conversations with writers, painters and poets. All the while, he leads the reader on a guided expedition through the space between creator and creation. An award-winning writer, Bissell is best known as a journalist and critic for Harpers, Slate, and The New Republic. His writing caries the heft of a seasoned journalist while finding a way to bring the whimsy of youth and a touch of millennial life to the mix. Dear Life: Stories By Alice Munro If Hemingway was the master of short fiction in his generation, today’s writers need look no further than Canadian writer Alice Munro, whose approachable short fiction is the eﬀortless kind of writing most authors can barely dream of. Nowhere is her talent more on display than in Dear Life, her 2012 collection. Munro’s characters come to life in “To Reach Japan,” and readers quickly relate to Peter and Katy as they embark on a journey. By the time the stories take on a harder tone in “Gravel,” readers aren’t sure what to expect. On the surface, the lives of these individuals seems mundane, even boring. But just beneath the surface is swimming a school of sharkish challenges, forever taunting the characters while readers are left staring through the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of what lurks beneath--and in the process, maybe gain a little bit of perspective on their own lives. A maestro long celebrated in literary circles, Munro’s reputation vaulted to the top in 2014, when the Royal Swedish Academy awarded her the Nobel Prize in Literature. As powerful as it is endearing, Dear Life: Stories marks a perfect primer for short fiction enthusiasts to get to know this amazing writer.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

A. ALDEN’S MEMO

SPRING STYLE MUSES Some mornings I wake up extremely inspired to create an interesting and unique look that expresses my current style mood. I mix and match my trendiest pieces with my classics or put together a head-to-toe look of mainly basics. Other mornings, however, I don’t feel inspired at all. That’s when I turn to ole faithful- Pinterest. If you’re not familiar with Pinterest, it’s basically the Internet’s gift to women (and some men) who need inspiration in all aspects of their lives or who

just want to scroll through amazing fashion and food pictures. I can browse the saved style images from my board “La Mode” and copy my favorite fashionista, blogger or celebrity’s outfit instantly. Celebrities and industry trendsetters are great for this reason- we are able to mold our own personal style from their inspiration. I’ve put together some of my current style muses for this upcoming Spring season and what I feel would be their must-haves, if I were styling them of course!

KENDALL JENNER

REESE WITHERSPOON

OLIVIA PALERMO

“STREET STYLE PRO”

“SOUTHERN LADY”

“FASHIONISTA”

SPRING ESSENTIALS

Nude leggings; off-the-shoulder crop top

Floral fit-and-flare dress; denim jacket

Blush suede skirt; Hermés neck scarf

Leather moto jacket; distressed ankle jeans

Lightweight trench; silk button-up blouse

MAKEUP MUST-HAVE

MAC matte lipstick in “Ruby Woo”

Chanel JOUES CONTRASTE blush in “Fandango”

NARS eyeshadow in “Corfu”

LipKit by Kylie lip stain in “True Brown K”

Urban Decay “Perversion” mascara

THE BAG

Sequin clutch

Monogrammed Gigi bag in a spring pastel

Moroccan beaded bucket bag

black studded cross-body

large tan leather tote

THE FRAGRANCE

Estée Lauder “Modern Muse La Rouge”

Jo Malone “Peony & Blush Suede”

Le Labo “Santal”

Creed “Aventus”

Tom Ford “Mandarino Di Amalfi”

THE SHOE

Open-toe heeled mules

Espadrilles

Stuart Weitzman “LOWLAND” over-the-knee boots

lace-up high-heeled sandals

Manolo Blahnik “BB” suede pump

RIHANNA

“ROCKER CHIC”

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY “CLASSIC ELEGANCE”

Dallas and Atlanta based fashion sales representative for Reeves & Company, Analeise Reeves Thomas, details the style characteristics of her current style muses.

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Marsala Beverage Company Bud Light Gets a Face Lift

UD LIGHT IS GETTING A NEW LOOK -- BUT THE nation’s largest brewer won’t be abandoning its familiar blue as part its most significant packaging overhaul in eight years. Indeed, blue is the dominant color in the new design, which includes several shades of the color and will hit the market this spring. The color red -- which has been present in some form since Bud Light debuted in 1982 -- has been eliminated. Also gone is the C-shaped, swoosh-like design element that has been on packaging in various forms for most of the past decade. Bud Light, America’s best-selling and most popular beer is getting a look that is aimed at showing the strengths of the beer rather than simply telling them. Set to debut in early 2016, Jones Knowles Ritchie’s design for the brand brings back the AB crest that has not been used since 2001. It also does away with the red in the packaging for a new and distinct look. Make no mistake, a redesign for such a massive brand is no easy task. The mega brewer reports that more than 20,000 Bud Lights are sold every minute — you heard right, minute. Not only that, but the new graphics will need to appear on beer trucks, signs at bars and stadiums, glassware and all the other Bud Light merchandise that is distributed throughout the country. It has been eight years since they had their last packaging refresh, and although Bud Light still dominates the competition, the new packaging will come at a prime time. The beer market is indeed saturated, so being noticeable, trustworthy and appealing to loyal customers as well as a wave of new buyers is key. Bud Light’s new packaging emphasizes the choice ingredients used in the brewing process, which, combined with the reappearance of the AB crest, means that they are utilizing their history and roots in order to stand out. Alexander Lambrecht, Bud Light vice president of marketing, mentions, “In 2016, we’ll put a more modern twist on Bud Light, from the way the brand looks to the way it acts. We’re proud to introduce our fresh new look, which pays homage to our most iconic packaging of the past, yet feels current and unique with its

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bolder logo and distinctive blue colorway. It’s a design that truly stands out from what’s become a sea of sameness in the light beer category.” Tosh Hall, creative director at Jones Knowles Ritchie, comments, “Consumers today want a brand with genuine brewing credentials. Bud Light is leaning into its heritage and unrivaled brewing expertise in a way that’s looking forward, not back. The result is a confident and contemporary expression of a brand consumers have known and loved for decades.” By “bringing back the brewer’s historic ‘AB’ crest” – which has not appeared on packaging since 2001 – the brand hopes to communicate its heritage and “genuine brewing credentials” to consumers. The new packaging is part of what Bud Light is calling a “larger brand evolution” as it moves away from its most recent ongoing campaign. Bud Light, the most popular beer in the entire country is a light-bodied lager with a fresh, clean and subtle hop aroma. Its delicate malt sweetness and crisp finish provide for the ultimate refreshment. Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hop varieties, both American-grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts and rice. Its superior drinkability and refreshing flavor makes it the world’s favorite light beer. Bud Light contains 4.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Bud Light is the official beer sponsor of the NFL and UFC. Marsala Beverage, LP is the area’s largest malt beverage, wine and non-alcoholic distributor. Our success is based on the fact that we never lose sight of delivering what is really important - quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers needs. Annually, we deliver over 2.8 million cases of beverages to more than 700 restaurants and retail accounts. Contact Marsala Beverage at 318-323-8871 or find them on the web at www.marsalabeverage.com

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

A Gathering of Gifts and Gardening Junior League of Monroe Presents Spring Market 2016

PRING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, AND FAST approaching is the Junior League of Monroe’s Spring Market. The 18th annual Spring Market is sponsored by Origin Bank. Friday, March 18, 2016, the Market opens at 8:30 a.m. with the classic event, “Shop ‘Til You Drop!,” sponsored by The Mulhearn Corporation, LLC. This exclusive event is $30.00 a ticket and features a champagne brunch catered by The Coffee Bean, with entertainment by Rod Allen Payne, and extended shopping until 5:00 p.m. General shopping is open to the public on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun!” Spring Market’s signature event, sponsored by Progressive Bank, kicks off at 6:00 Friday evening. It includes catering by Thurman’s Food Factory, entertainment by Mike McKenzie, door prizes, preferred shopping, and of course, everyone’s favorite, “Market-ritas.” Tickets for this event are $40. On Saturday, the Market is open for general shopping at 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. General shopping tickets are $6 in advance, and $8 at the door. Please note that no strollers are allowed during any Spring Market, due to space constraints and crowd control. The 3rd annual Breakfast with the Bunnies, sponsored by The Paper Market, is a special time for the whole family to enjoy. This event features a light breakfast, a visit from Peter Cottontail, story time, balloons, children’s activities and live bunnies and chicks. Albritton’s Photography will take adorable photos that feature your children with live bunnies. Portrait packages will be available for purchase. There will be two Breakfast with the Bunnies seating’s on Saturday, March 19. The first seating will be at 8:30 a.m. and the second seating at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available for $20 per family and includes one general shopping pass. The Junior League’s Provisional Member class of 2015-2016 is taking pride in hosting this event. Each year, the Junior League of Monroe features a raffle for Spring Market as a way to increase fundraising efforts. This year our raffle is brand new and exciting! ($10,000 Home Makeover) The Junior League of Monroe has partnered with Sleepy Hollow Furniture and HGTV to bring you a home makeover: Customized

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HGTV Line Furniture, accessories to complete the Home Makeover and personal Sleepy Hollow assistance. Tickets are only $20. Money raised by the Junior League of Monroe strictly stays in Ouachita Parish and supports various activities throughout the community! We encourage you to help support our local community by purchasing a ticket to be entered to win a home makeover! The winner will be announced towards the close of Market on Sunday, March 20! The Junior League of Monroe is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Since 1930, members have devoted countless volunteer hours to meet the needs of the people and organizations of our community. Spring Market serves as one of the major fundraisers for the Junior League of Monroe. • “Families Can’t Wait,” a program that provides a hospital- based primary prevention plan for at-risk mothers and has a positive impact on the health of infants. • “Tools and Literacy for Children (TLC)” is a community outreach program that addresses the overall needs of at-risk children and families and focuses on the physical, emotional, and educational needs of a selected area elementary school and students. • “Education Task Force” a committee committed to helping education in our community. We give grants to area teachers and help sponsor the area scholars banquet. • This only names a few of the outreach programs that are operated through the Junior League of Monroe, giving purpose to your purchase of a ticket. Tickets for all Spring Market activities can be purchased by a member or by visiting the League House, located at 2811 Cameron Street in Monroe, between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please join us and experience Spring Market’s Gathering of Gifts and Gardening at the Monroe Civic Center from March 1820, 2016. We look forward to seeing you at the Market!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Louisianne Life

Beautiful New Orleans-Inspired Home for Sale in Monroe

ONVENIENTLY LOCATED within one of Monroe’s most vibrant planned residential neighborhoods lies a jewel of a home that exudes Louisiana charm and effortless luxury. Inspired by New Orleans Creole cottages and Acadian French style, this spacious, four bedroom, 2 and a half bath home is located on a corner lot, bordered by Rosedown and Oak Alley, two distinctive avenues which take their names from equally distinguished antebellum homes in Louisiana. A round-a-bout with an ebullient sugar kettle water feature and colorful, mature plantings is visible from this amazing home’s front lawn. A generous brick-lined sidewalk leads to wide brick steps below the double front door with arched transom which is protected from weather by a copper awning. The home recently underwent an incredible renovation which included the most recent changes to the home like the new heart of pine flooring and a swoonworthy master bath complete with closets fit for Hollywood royalty. Just beyond the front door, the gracious foyer beckons guests to explore the home which was inspired by the homeowner’s international travels to locales as diverse as Israel, Russia and Mexico. In the foyer, the wide plank, heart of pine flooring provides continuity throughout the public spaces of the home. A local iron craftsman created the intricate stair railings that were designed by the homeowner herself. Deep crown moldings

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in crisp white help emphasize tall ceilings when paired with beautiful neutral toned walls. An arched opening from the foyer leads to the Great Room where comfortable living and ease pairs with traditional sensibility. Open concept, Louisianne-style means being able to cozy up with children, grandchildren and beloved pets next to the brick gas fireplace with a thick cypress mantel, enjoying family nights spent at the casual dining table while looking out onto your own private patio through floor to ceiling windows, and preparing meals in a state-of-the-art kitchen with an epicurean’s dream line-up of stainless steel appliances, including a gas range. A spacious, doubleheight island provides ample storage for any chef and a gathering place for get togethers with friends. The ceiling in the kitchen gets the texture treatment as it is covered in interesting, reclaimed beadboard. Island task lighting in the form of metal pendants and an abundance of recessed lights throughout the space allow for the just the right amount of light, no matter the occasion. The master suite features heart of pine flooring as well as a floor to ceiling pair of windows that looks out onto the extra large, New Orleans-style walled patio filled with lush greenery. Neutral paint paired with quilted linens and oversized pillows in fresh shades of cream and putty creates a restful retreat. The newly renovated en suite master bath features oversized tile flooring, a posh freestanding

soaking tub and a glass shower created with walls of Calcutta Gold marble. A crystal chandelier illuminates the tub. Custom vanities painted in a haute shade of grey add to the elegance of the space. The space leading to the homeowner’s custom closet is whimsically decorated with framed iconic shopping bags from Chanel, Tiffany and Co. and Hermes. The exquisitely appointed closet itself is dressed to the nines, from leopard carpet to a jewelry display cabinet and even a place to hang your fishing boots. The covered outdoor living space features plenty of room to gather and do a little grilling, even when the skies turn cloudy with rain. The outdoor room features all-weather fabric curtains which can provide shade from the sun and protection from the elements. Lush plantings and container gardens throughout patio remind guests of New Orleans’ walled gardens. One of the most beautiful things about this home is its proximity and walking distance to so many wonderful restaurants and businesses, from ice-cream shops to fun, designer boutiques. Frances Cox, realtor with John Rea Realty, is listing this exceptional property for $599,900. This home is located at 2100 Rosedown Drive in the heart of Monroe within Louisianne Subdivision. Should you wish to view this home, contact Frances at 318.791.9347 or your personal realtor.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

ARTICLE BY LARONE RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD ARENDER

REGIONAL ARTIST BRADLEY BRIDGES RELEASES NEW ALBUM

ot yet 30 years old, native son Bradley Bridges is an Air Force Reserves veteran, an assistant vice president at Cross Keys Bank in West Monroe, and an accomplished singer/songwriter with a newly published album. He’s also recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary with lovely wife Mary Elizabeth, a psychology professor at ULM. Although he can look back now and see “the where and the why” for all the twists and turns, the road leading to his present life of maturity, meaning and true purpose wasn’t always an easy one. What follows is an inspirational journey that began almost three decades ago in a small farming community in northeast Louisiana. The middle of three children, Bridges was dutifully fed biblical truths by loving parents and a Bible believing church while growing up in Rayville. As a teen and into his early 20s, in true prodigal son fashion, Bridges willfully spit out those truths, deciding instead that he was undecided, as far as organized religion was concerned. What resulted was a deep, spiritual hunger that vaulted Bridges on a quest which ultimately resulted in a faith hardwon and true. Not only does he now sit at the Master’s table, Bridges’ newly released album is an opportunity for listeners to likewise feast on a powerful message of overcoming, of redemption, of forgiveness and grace.

SET ME FREE

Released on February 14, 2016, Bridges’ new album, Set Me Free, is a five-star, fivetrack melodic gumbo that offers up generous portions of energetic, upbeat pop, Christian

rock (check out the powerful guitar solo in the title song), and soulful ballad. Bridges is a master at juxtaposing the edgy and the soft, the loud and the prayerful, the praise and the plea. And he does it in the seemingly effortless way in which a talented craftsman transforms any mere craft into art. Available now on Pandora and all social media platforms, more than one of Set Me Free’s tracks could eventually end up as favorites on Christian radio. The first track, “I Sing,” begins and ends as an energetic love song sandwiching a crescendo into worshipful praise. “I Believe” has a catchy beat, highlighting Bradley’s easily transitioning falsetto and imparting timeless truths concerning salvation, grace, acceptance and the newness of life that only Christians can claim. The title track, “Set Me Free,” is admittedly my favorite. Written in a haunting, minor key and infused with a subtle country vibe, this track is an earnest, melodic plea for freedom from selfish human desires. “Bleed” is a soft rock declaration of willingness to do the tough stuff in order to claim the prize worth winning. The last track, “Till I Die,” is a beautiful ballad pledging lifelong surrender to a worthy Savior. The album’s lyrics are meaningful, heartfelt and relevant. The title song, for example, was written one night after Bridges had read James 1:13-14. “That was such a convicting scripture to me,” shares Bridges. “We blame our sin on others, but it’s our own selfish desires that bring us down that path. At the end of the day, the buck stops with me. I choose that path; I choose to sin. My plea was that He set me free from me.”

THE JOURNEY

As alluded to previously, although raised a Christian, until his mid-20s, Bridges

resisted committing his life to God. “Don’t get me wrong,” he continues. “In my growing-up years, I was considered a ‘good guy,’ and people probably thought I was a Christian because I went to church all the time.” As he grew older, though, Bridges became resentful of all the rules in his life. “I felt I had enough rules between the ones at home, the rules at school, rules in general,” he relates. “I sure didn’t want all of the additional ‘do’s and don’ts’ that the church demanded.” So from his senior year of high school through two years of pre-pharmacy at ULM, his philosophy was to enjoy doing what felt right. It wasn’t a fulfilling existence, but it was exhausting, and Bridges says he began to slip academically, “due to a healthy night life and lots of Halo 2.” Bereft of any definite direction in his life, Bridges joined the Air Force Reserves, realizing it would reinforce the structure that had previously guided his life. During basic training, he turned to a life of prayer and attended church faithfully. The difference now, however, was that he chose to. No one was forcing him. “My motives weren’t completely pure, though,” Bridges acknowledges, with a smile. “Church was the rare place you could go where no TIs (technical instructors) were screaming at you. It was like calling a timeout in the middle of all the chaos.” Even though his reasons for attending church were admitted suspect, for the first time in his life, he was there because he wanted to be.

THE MUSIC

After basic training, Bridges drifted back into spiritual limbo. He returned to ULM, changed his major to business, but

earlier, before I had joined the Reserves, I’d picked up the guitar and took some lessons.” Feeling restless and searching for some kind of creative outlet, Bridges picked up his guitar and began writing songs in his down time. He had no plans or desires to share them with anyone, though. About this time, Bridges was introduced to singer/songwriter/producer Monty Russell from Ruston. Realizing a common interest, Bridges became an eager student of the craft and structure of songwriting. “Monty served as my mentor and producer,” he explains. They recorded Bridge’s country album Kill the Bottle, in Nashville, the summer of 2010. “It did well in my hometown, of course,” he grins, “but never made any widespread impact.” But he’d been bitten by the bug, and after graduation, decided to head to Nashville.

THE DISILLUSION

“In Nashville,” recalls Bridges, “I was completely, totally alone. I didn’t know a single soul.” And every single person there, it seemed, was chasing the same dream. “The competition in Nashville is almost inconceivable; everyone there is talented beyond belief. Everyone can write, and most are really good at it.” For about six or seven months, Bridges slogged it out, thrusting upon himself a selfimposed pressure that became suffocating, stifling the very creative process he had moved to Nashville to nurture. He returned home, dreams unfulfilled, feeling defeated and disillusioned.

THE QUEST

Depression set in. “I was completely broken at this point in my life,” recalls Bridges. “I put down my guitar, even considered burning it. I threw all my Kill the Bottle CDs in the dumpster. I quit taking phone calls and pretty much withdrew from my friends.” Searching for solid ground, something to hold on to, Bridges asked 38 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

himself, “Well is this it?” In his artist’s bio on bradleybridgesmusic.com, Bridges confides his thoughts at this dark time in his life: “…Is this all there is to life? Sun comes up and the sun goes down and it all starts over tomorrow?” Bridges’ quest for truth began with his Dad walking him through an in-depth Bible study beginning with Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament by Jesus. “I mean I asked every question I could think of,” relates Bridges, “‘Is Jesus the only way?’ And if He is, ‘why is He the only way?’” After intensive Bible study and an exhaustive list of questions definitively answered, Bridges found himself facing another roadblock – a feeling of total unworthiness. “My Dad, in his wisdom, pointed to the event of Paul on the road to Damascus,” he relates. “How Jesus met him on that road, admonished him, but ultimately forgave him for even killing Christians, how He used him for His purposes afterwards. I realized that if God could forgive him, He could forgive me for all the self-serving things I’d done, and the way I’d lived.” That night, Bridges knelt down beside his bed, and asked God to forgive him and take control of his life. His life hasn’t been the same since.

A LIFE OF MEANING

One evening about four months later, the phone rang. It was Neill Roshto, telling Bridges about First West adopting a small church in Fairbanks, and asking if he would be on their praise team. Bridges’ love for music blossomed once more. “I had put that part of my life behind me,” he says, “because in Nashville, music had almost become like a god to me.” With music in his life once more, but this time with a newfound perspective, Bridges eventually began putting pen to paper again, praying for God to take it and use it

where He would, but never really thinking of cutting another album. One day, Bridges shared the song “Set Me Free” with a trusted friend and encourager. “I played it for him from my iphone,” he says. “After listening, he told me he wanted to invest in getting it recorded.” The offer was a total surprise. Bridges continues, “I took that as God saying, ‘This is where I want you to go. Trust me; let’s walk this thing out together.’”

REACHING OTHERS

One of the ways Bridges is reaching people with his music is through House Concerts, where someone invites 15 or 20 people into their home to share good food, good friends and a good time. Detailed more fully in a video on his Facebook page, Bridges brings his acoustic guitar and shares original Christian music. A member of Christ Church in West Monroe, Bridges plans to work with other established artists in his church, such as Jeremy Lowe, in developing more original Christian artists. “There’s so much musical giftedness in this corner of the world,” says Bridges. “You don’t have to go to Nashville to spread the message of eternal love and hope and the true meaning of life. You can be that beacon of hope right here in northeast Louisiana.” Finally grounded and secure in what he believes, and in Whom he believes, Bridges says he hasn’t been the same since the night he surrendered his life. God’s hand in his life is no longer hidden. Always present before, but unacknowledged for too long, Bridges is now fully aware of His presence and leading. “There’s another way to live your life,” he smiles, “and it’s a lot better than the other way I did it.” For a listing of upcoming concerts, videos events and for booking, please visit www.bradleybridgesmusic.com

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Profile of a Cedar Creek Graduate Check Out What a Diploma From Cedar Creek Can Earn You

After the last anatomy quiz is taken, after the last pitch is thrown and the last musical is sung, what do you have when you graduate from Cedar Creek School? What comes from a Cedar Creek education? What does a Cedar Creek graduate look like? For starters, our comprehensive curriculum plays a large part in forming a graduate. From Pre-Kindergarten through the 12th grade, our highly trained teachers work as a cohesive team to ensure students are prepared for their post-secondary lives. For the great majority of our students, that translates to attending a four-year institution, and the overwhelming majority of those qualify for scholarships, based on their academic achievements and their extraordinary performance on nationally standardized tests. Since 2012, Cedar Creek students have earned nearly $17 million in scholarship offers. Their exceptional standardized test scores also contribute to acceptance into some of best universities in the nation. They’ve been accepted to such institutions as Harvard, Baylor, Penn, New York University, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Rice, Rhodes, Belmont and Duke University. It’s not all about academics, either. We encourage our students to look beyond the classroom for opportunities to grow. Students clock in countless hours of community service. The classes of 2013-2015 performed more than 3,480 hours of volunteer service. Cougars can also measure their successes in athletic and other extracurricular endeavors. Recent state championships in softball and baseball, 11 40 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

straight years of finishing first in the District Literary Rally, and a multitude of exceptional performances in regional theater by our students are just a few examples. Cedar Creek strives to mold students who: • embrace a strong work ethic, which means they are willing to do what is necessary to get the job done, employing few excuses to hinder progress • realize their God-given gifts and work diligently to ensure those gifts are used to the fullest extent • value a healthy lifestyle, embracing a range of interests such as the arts and athletics as well as academics • are well-spoken and articulate communicators

• a dapt easily to diverse environments and cultures • use the technological tools of today in a way that enhances the learning experience • are problem-solvers; that is, they approach problems critically and ask probing questions. They do not settle for the easy answers and demonstrate an ability to persevere in the face of difficulty • embrace the foundations of our country and value their rights, privileges and responsibilities • are collaborative, understanding that each brings different gifts to this world and accept and celebrate those gifts • recognize that there are always those who are less fortunate, and that we are called to seek them out and contribute to a greater good for all All of these characteristics don’t just form at school, though. Cedar Creek realizes it’s in a partnership with parents. We ensure that we have a meaningful and consistent level of communication with our Cedar Creek family to facilitate this partnership. Our faculty also realizes that no two students are alike and possess different learning styles. To facilitate those various styles, we work to present lessons in a variety of methods to both challenge and inspire students. Throughout their academic careers, students are motivated to cultivate a love of learning in a nurturing environment. What this dedication to learning equates to is a graduate who will not only survive but thrive in the postsecondary world. Cedar Creek School seeks to provide a superior college preparatory educational experience to students in North Central Louisiana based on the highest standards of academic excellence and personal conduct.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

History. Architecture. Home. Monroe Personified in This Historical Home

F YOU ARE ONE THAT APPRECIATES HISTORY AND treasures the past, then your home most likely reflects that. This Greek Revival home exudes a continuum of time that anyone can appreciate and recognize as true beauty. Realtors Elizabeth Clack and Jason Thomas of John Rea Realty have listed this rare home, at 1702 North 3rd St., in the Garden District for sale. This beautiful Louisiana Raised Cottage was built in 1858 on the corner of Cloverdale (now Calypso Street) and Jackson Street in Monroe, Louisiana. Andrew Augustus Gundy, or A.A. Gundy, rented a room in the house during his years in law school and later bought the home when he married Ellen Standifer. The two had three daughters and two sons together who all grew up in the home. Two of the sisters, Olive and Edith, were the last of the Gundy family to live in the house. In 1961, the government bought the property on which the house was built for $50,000 in order to construct Interstate-20. The two sisters relocated the house to the Garden District on a lot they bought from John Breard where it sits now. The house was precisely restored and preserved to its original state and has upheld its classic, historical beauty. The entire house is 3,378 square feet of living history. Elegant details gracefully rest throughout the 18th century home; such as leaded beveled glass doors with transoms; hardwood pine and cypress flooring; cypress doors, frames and mantles; and fireplaces. On its 0.37 acre lot, this home includes a large front porch with ceiling fans, a swing, a two car garage with storage room and a front door that expresses the beauty and details of the house. This cottage home offers three spacious bedrooms and three luxurious bathrooms. One of the original fireplaces resides in the master bedroom giving the room a more elegant feel while also making it feel cozy and comfortable. The master bedroom was originally used as the parlor and features high ceilings and large, elegantly framed windows, coinciding with the era in which the house was built. All three of the bedrooms have full bathrooms attached and the master bedroom has a walk-in closet that will take your breath away.

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The formal dining room is also adorned with one of the original fireplaces, a gorgeous chandelier and floor to ceiling windows with detailed framework. Hardwood floors continue through the formal dining room adding a warm tone to the room. There is an ample amount of natural light provided by the tall windows surrounding the room. The dining room is connected to the kitchen, making it easy to serve to friends and family. Upon entering the kitchen, one can almost imagine the smell of coffee being brewed in the mornings or a homemade casserole being cooked in the double oven. With floor to ceiling cabinet space, this kitchen has more than enough room to store all your cooking supplies leaving you ample counter space. Equipped with all the essential appliances, this kitchen was made for entertaining guests. An enormous grand hallway splits the house, connecting every room. With its swan detailed accent light and directional recessed lighting, this hallway is perfect for displaying artwork. An inner doorway separates the entryway adding more detail and depth. Creating a splash of artistic design, a stained glass door to the kitchen stands tall in the mid-section of the hallway. Nearby, the leaded beveled glass double doors open to the enchanting lawn. Toward the back of the house, you will find a large living area and the third bedroom, which are separated by a bathroom. The living room includes a fireplace, two ceiling fans, and enormous windows which overlook the private gardens and allow sunlight to flood through the room. A door in the third bedroom leads out to a small patio and down to the garden where you will find beautiful water fountains and statues with meandering brick pathways, all surrounded by wrought iron and privacy fences. Magnolia trees, vines and artistic statues embellish the garden giving it a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Historical Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; touch. Located in one of the most sought-after areas of Monroe, Louisiana, this home deserves a family that cherishes the past while looking forward to building their future. Contact Elizabeth (318-8160588) or Jason (318-884-4121) today to really experience everything this home has to offer. It truly is a living piece of history that you can make your own.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Cross Keys Bank New President and Chairmen Appointed

N JANUARY 12TH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Officer, Michael Vizard and the bank’s board of directors appointed Chief Credit Officer, Shane Bridges as the new bank president. With Shane’s new appointment, the position of CEO and President is now separated. Former Bank President, Michael Vizard will continue as CEO and as the newly elected Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of BSJ Bancshares, Inc., the bank’s holding company. Renowned designer, author and businesswoman, Rebecca Vizard has been elected to serve as holding company Chairman. Ben Watson will continue to serve as President. As president, Shane oversees all ongoing operations of the bank with the aid of Chief Operations Officer, Mandy Smart. He will also continue as CCO to supervise all market presidents and lending activities. As CEO, Michael is responsible for the overall management of the bank in attaining its earnings goals while serving the best interest of the bank’s customers, community and employees. As bank chairman, he presides over bank board meetings and reports to the bank’s holding company board. In 2002, Shane began working at Cross Keys Bank as a Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. He supervised the Rayville and Tallulah branches, as well as the investment and mortgage departments. He was promoted to Executive Vice President/ Chief Credit Officer in 2009 and began serving on the bank’s board of directors. A native of Richland Parish, Shane is a 1992 graduate cum laude of ULM with a BBA in finance and commercial banking. He is also a 1998 graduate of the Banking School of the South. Shane believes that Cross Keys Bank is a true example of what a community bank can

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and should be. He is honored to have played a role in its leadership since 2002 and looks forward to guiding the bank as President and Chief Credit Officer in all of our communities for years to come. “If you ask what makes us different from other banks, I would have to say our people,” Shane said. “They are a knowledgeable, committed and proven team that is given latitude to make day to day decisions. Together, we have and will continue to succeed in managing growth and profitability at a sustainable pace while delivering the best service available. When our customers succeed, we succeed.” Cross Keys Makes Donations to Three North Louisiana Charities Cross Keys Bank’s mortgage division accepted the “Charity Award$ Challenge” by partnering with the correspondent lending division (CLD) of Envoy Mortgage, LTD. to become an Ambassador to the North Louisiana communities we serve. Envoy Mortgage’s Correspondent Lending division created a challenge that gave approved lenders an opportunity to make donations to local charities. The CKB mortgage division rose to the challenge and earned $7500 to donate to charities of their choice by successfully achieving the company’s Bronze level requirement. The Cross Keys Bank mortgage division has continued to set records for the number and amount of loans originated. Beverly Joiner, Senior Vice President of Mortgage, led the Monroe department to another record year with staff members Tracey Robinson, Sharon O’Briant, Lindsey Shepherd and Brandi Sellers. The Bossier City department now has

two Mortgage Loan Officers, Tammy McKee and Debra Durr, to manage its fast-growing customer base. Together, both departments exceeded Envoy’s level requirement by providing efficient and accurate loan closings for clients. In Monroe, the mortgage department chose and presented donations to the Wellspring Alliance Family Justice Center in the amount of $3000, and the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum in the amount $1500. The donations were presented by Shane Bridges, Cross Keys President; Beverly Joiner, Senior Vice President of Mortgage; and members of her staff with Envoy representatives, Alissa Russell and Beverly Jordan, VP and Regional Account Manager. The Bossier City mortgage department chose to donate $3000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of North Louisiana. CKB Mortgage Officers, Tammy McKee and Debra Durr along with Envoy representative, Beverly Jordan presented the donation. About Cross Keys Bank Founded in 1902, Cross Keys Bank is a community bank in North Louisiana and is a wholly owned subsidiary of BSJ Bancshares, Inc., a single bank holding company with its corporate headquarters in St. Joseph, Louisiana. A bank with a long history of serving communities in North Louisiana, Cross Keys has nine offices across the I-20 corridor from Shreveport to Tallulah. Our financial products and services include eBanking, cash management services, mobile deposit, commercial lending, agri-business lending, insurance, investments, as well as mortgage and consumer lending. To learn more, visit crosskeysbank.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

springmakeover BayouLife Magazine teamed up with HerringStone’s and Rain the Salon and Day Spa to bring our lucky recipient, April Hale, the ultimate style makeover. Photography by Martin G Meyers This is what April said: My name is April Hale, and I would like to be submitted for the spring makeover contest! I am 41-years-old, a mother of four, and just this past May graduated from nursing school- these days my life consists of ball games and work, and I feel like I never have any time to take care of myself. I also am in desperate need of style tips. I always feel frumpy in whatever I wear and would love to find out what would work well with my body type. Thank you for considering me!

At HerringStone’s, owner Debbie Herrington, walked through the store with April pulling different items that would flatter her body. We fell in love with a camel trenchcoat – a staple for spring – that paired well with skinny jeans and tunics. Navy is huge this season and was a great color for April’s complexion. Finishing her looks were long beaded necklaces with tassels and two amazing pairs of shoes - a lace-up wedge and a bootie with fringe. If you’re in need of a style makeover, visit the stylists at HerringStone’s in Monroe and Lafayette.

April went into Rain the Salon and Day Spa eager for a total transformation. Holly McCready created a youthful look for April by shortening her fine hair to a sassy bob, which instantly created more body and movement. She then added color to create dimension and give her hair a natural-looking shine, like it had been kissed by the sun. Sarah Catherine Johnson walked April through steps on how to enhance her already gorgeous facial structure with contouring. Sarah applied browns and plums to draw out the bright browns in her eyes and a swipe of rosy lipstick to finish the look.

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BEFOR

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THERE MIGHT BE A PARADE K A Y

The other night my son found an article online, ranking each of the fifty states, from best to worst, in terms of “quality of life.” These rankings were determined using such criteria as crime and employment rates, median household income, environment and local attractions. As occurs far too often with such lists, Louisiana did not rank near the top. After talking it over, he and I decided a couple of things must be true: the author has never lived in our neck of the woods, and multiple perspectives exist from which one might view a population’s quality of life. During her lifetime, author and poet Maya Angelou, who hailed from Stamps, Arkansas, ventured to states from New York to California. She had some insightful ideas about what constitutes a person’s quality of life. In her bestselling essay collection, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now, Angelou defines “living well” as an “art which can be developed.” Living well, she writes, requires a “love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings…” Louisiana is not, I would argue, without its offerings. Lots of them are right here in our backyard. Art Crawls, plays, symphony performances and ballets happen several times a year. There are three universities within a 60 mile radius in North Louisiana, offering cultural opportunities and sporting events. Duck and deer hunting are abundant in this sportsman’s paradise. If fishing’s your thing, there are number of nearby lakes, and the guys at the Honey Hole Tackle Shop can tell you where the fish are biting and sell you the right lures so 48 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

R E C T O R

you can catch them. And cook them. Because, of course, the food. Restaurants like the Mohawk Tavern, Genusa’s and Warehouse No. 1 have not stayed in business for decades by serving mediocre fare. Award-winning chef and North Louisiana native Cory Bahr, who has “Chopped” his way to the top on national television, will feed you well and stop by your table to say hello if you dine with him in one of his Monroe eateries. Good food is plentiful here and, after all, what would life be without crawfish? My daughter brought a boyfriend home to Monroe once who wasn’t “from around here” and had never eaten crawfish. He wanted to try it, so we walked a few blocks down the street to Cormier’s, sat down at a picnic table and enjoyed live music and visited with friends and neighbors while eating way too much. As she explained to him, we don’t just eat these bottom feeding crustaceans, we make a party out of it. For an intentional blending of Louisiana art, food and music, mark your calendar for those Saturday nights when the North Delta Ramble takes over a barn that Alan West Brockman once likened to “Disney meets Faulkner,” illuminated and filled with Louisiana folks bent on having a good time. Local winery, Landry’s Vineyards, kicks off its outdoor concert season this month, and if you haven’t been there, you are missing quite a treat. In the rolling hills outside of West Monroe, friends hang out in lawn chairs, chat and sip locally bottled wine while a live band plays and children romp or enjoy a hayride through the vineyard. And, if

all of that doesn’t keep you from getting bored, there is, in almost every month of the year, a festival going on, complete with parades. Celebrations honor peaches in Ruston, catfish in Winnsboro, and Christmas in Natchitoches. I am lucky to have had a dear friend who shared Maya Angelou’s perspective about the quality of life. She was a talented, witty, gregarious and wise little woman who taught me much about the art of living well. She had traveled some in her seventy-plus years and spent time in far away, interesting places, but she preferred home and her life in Monroe. She loved and appreciated good and beautiful things—art, books, flowers, music, good food, dogs and most people—and had a unique ability to recognize and laugh at the absurdities of this life. Monroe is a more aesthetically pleasing place because of her eye for beauty and interior design. When she became sick and realized her time was short, she said goodbye to friends and headed north to spend her final days with family and, eventually, enter a hospice facility. Days before she left, I helped her pack her clothes. Along with her classic white blouses and signature penny loafers, she threw in a bright red tulle skirt and a feather boa. I was worried about her, so I hesitated, then asked, “Really? You think you’ll need that in Kansas?” She just winked at me and grinned. “You never know,” she said “when there might be a parade.” Life is short. Get out there and enjoy what we have going on all around us. Create your own quality of life. I think I smell crawfish cooking…

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Easy Ways to Re-Style Your Home for Spring

by Erin Sharplin Love

’m not sure about you, dear readers, but I am oh so ready for the clearer, brighter and longer days that spring brings with it! Unfortunately, these last few weeks of winter can often feel like the longest. To lessen the weariness of seemingly endless cold nights and gray days, you can use that lag time to plan how you will re-style your home, giving it new life for the warmer seasons ahead. By following a few of my tips below, you will infuse your home with a breath of fresh air, brighten it up with pops of color (spring isn’t all about pastel decor!), and give it a little pick-me-up — without spending a fortune:

Add Pops of Color

Spring is the perfect time to play with color! You can change the entire look and feel of a room by incorporating new pillows into the décor, but be sure they are varying in shape and size, too. Also, remember that all of your pillows don’t have to be a solid color. Mix and match patterns and prints as you would in an outfit. And, don’t leave your bedroom out! After all, it deserves a little love, too!

Move Your Furniture

How long has your furniture been in its current position? I suggest changing the placement of your furniture at least once a year. Yes, you will most likely have to revisit a previous 50 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

arrangement at some point, but by then, it will seem new again! For instance, you will save your floor from wear and tear by changing the flow of traffic, and you will be able to clean under each piece of furniture as you move it. An added bonus is the surge of inspiration that comes with a new and/or clean slate.

Bring the Outdoors In

The sky, earth, water and other outdoor elements make us feel refreshed and calm. Take advantage of spring’s new blooms and growing greenery by incorporating them into your home. As a professional organizer and home stylist, I think every room comes alive with the addition of a pretty floral arrangement, plant or bowl of fruit. You could also use shells, branches and rocks.

Restyle Your Bookshelves and Table Centerpieces

You can restyle your bookshelves by simply rearranging items you already have, or you can even consider trading décor pieces from other rooms to get the fresh new look you crave. I like to stack books and then top them with a pretty item, for instance. The idea is to break up the straight line of books on each shelf. For your table centerpieces, I suggest changing them to fit the upcoming holiday. For instance, check Pinterest for some St. Patty’s Day centerpieces, or you

could go ahead and decorate for Easter!

Declutter and Update Flat Surfaces

In other words, clear the clutter from your kitchen counter and bedside table to start. Replace the kitchen clutter with a pretty tray or basket that contains your most used items, such as salt and pepper shakers, your favorite cookbook, olive oil and cooking utensils. Your bedside table would look great with a tray that holds hand lotion, your current book selection, reading glasses and a carafe of water.

Warm the Area with a Rug

Like my first tip, adding a rug to an area will change the look and feel of a room immediately. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to take advantage of this tip, either! Switch rugs from one room to another or new rugs can be purchased fairly inexpensively from stores such as Target, Fred’s and Family Dollar. As with pillows, don’t feel as though you have to stick with a solid color. Look for different prints and textures that fit your style and aesthetic. The great part of following my tips for refreshing your home for spring is that you can get your spring cleaning done at the same time! As always, I’m here if you have any questions or need a bit more inspiration!

erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Origin Bank An Original Style of Banking

OU’VE SEEN THEM OUT IN THE COMMUNITY IN SUITS and dresses at fundraisers, or maybe dressed in their Project Enrich t-shirts as they assist with storm clean-up, or in groups as they box food for the Food Bank. They are helpful and communityfocused. They are Origin Bank employees, and they are a different breed of bankers. They are unique from within - from their elite financial talent, to their nonconformist philosophy, to their dyed-in-thewool culture of reimagining, evolving and innovating banking from the inside out. Origin Bank was founded as the Bank of Choudrant in 1912, became Community Trust Bank in 1987, and recently went through a name change and re-branding, complete with new logo, tagline and color palette. But the philosophy remains the same. The culture of the organization defines all they do, both inside their 41 banking centers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and out in the community. Core Purpose The bank’s core purpose is to enrich the lives of the people in the communities it serves. Many banks talk about community, but few can actually back it up. Commitment to communities is one of the bank’s core values, and it lives out that commitment not only through financial support and community leadership, but also through its volunteer program, Project Enrich, which gives employees up to twenty hours of paid time off per year to get involved and make a difference with causes and organizations they feel strongly about. In 2015, Origin Bank employees spent a total of 1,478 work hours volunteering in the community. The bank also gives to a variety of charitable causes and organizations, one of which is the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. In 2015, combined totals of employee donations and the bank’s charitable giving equaled just over $135,000, earning Origin the United Way’s Campaign Leaders Silver Award, the Circle of Honor award and the Live United award at the non-profit’s most recent Celebrating Excellence Banquet. Empowered Employees Origin Bank encourages its employees to think as entrepreneurs, as if they are owners of the bank, and to feel empowered, as their brand

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promise states, “to treat every customer like the only customer, every time.” They are encouraged to do everything they can to make people’s day, and they are rewarded in return. The bank understands that its employees need to feel a sense of satisfaction with their work and to believe they can make a difference in the world. The bank’s commitment is to always put its customers and people first. One unique way Origin does this is through its Dream Manager program, which is a benefit available to all employees. This program, based on the book The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly, assists employees in becoming the best version of themselves. Origin has a Dream Manager on staff who helps employees identify their dreams, assists them in developing an action plan to achieve those dreams, and provides the tools, encouragement and support needed to make their dreams a reality. The program does not simply focus on the employees’ jobs within the scope of the bank, but rather encourages them to think about their long term personal dreams that may include anything from purchasing their first home, to starting a retirement program, to losing weight. What it means to “Bank Original” Empowered employees are able to make decisions and create relationships with their customers. Origin Bank does not believe in onesize-fits-all banking. The Origin team understands that every person who walks through their doors is original, with a unique personality and individual financial needs. These bankers consider themselves trusted advisors, and believe in getting to know their customers on an individual basis, so they can build relationships with them and better understand how to assist them in achieving their financial goals, no matter what direction life takes them. Instead of trying to sell the same products and services to all customers, they embrace the everyday originality of every single person with whom they do business, creating a banking experience that positively impacts their customers and the world around them. For more information about Origin Bank, please visit www. originbankonline.com, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/ OriginBank, and follow them on Twitter @OriginBank and Instagram @ OriginBank.

Ouachita Council on Aging Kick Up Your Heels at the Shindig!

ON’T MISS OUACHITA COUNCIL ON AGING’S 8TH Annual “Shindig” fundraiser scheduled for Friday, March 18th, from 7 p.m. until midnight at MBH Farm, owned by Dr. Herschel and Mary Beth Harter in western Ouachita parish. This year’s Shindig is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Shirley Hoffmann Cagle, who faithfully served the Council for 35 years, helping to establish and expand the Meals on Wheels and other senior programs within the community. Shirley loved being part of the Shindig, taking on the role of “official greeter” to patrons as they entered the front door of the colorfully decorated barn. Lisa Spann and Company will entertain the crowd with dance music covering every genre from rhythm and blues to country to rock ‘n roll. Lisa is well known around town and surrounding areas and has a following of her own. Catering for the event will be provided by Catfish Charlie’s, offering a delicious spread of catfish, chicken, shrimp and all the trimmings! Shindig tickets are $60 for general admission, while a reserved table for 8 can be purchased for $600. By purchasing tickets to this event, you help support some 22 programs available for seniors in Ouachita Parish, including the Meals on Wheels Program and NonEmergency Transportation to Doctors’ offices and Dialysis, Heart and Cancer Centers. Back in 2008, the Board of Directors was looking for a way to pay off the remaining debt on the Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center and the Ouachita Council on Aging offices located on Ferrand Street in Monroe. The “Shindig” was thus born out of necessity to generate much needed revenue for retiring the building mortgage. After succeeding in “burning the note” in 2012, the Council now directs proceeds from the Shindig to the most vitally needed programs provided for our elderly. The fact that this event is one of the most anticipated in our region is just an extra bonus. Ouachita Council on Aging’s Executive Director, Lynda McGehee, reminds everyone to come prepared to participate in the Live Auction which will take place midway thru the evening. One

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item up for bid will be a Blue Dog print by the late artist George Rodrigue. This print is titled “Cat Tie” and is one of a limited number of prints produced. If your perfect vacation includes the beach and a hot tub, you’ll want to bid on a three-bedroom condo in Turquoise Place Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. Numerous Silent Auction items will also be on display to be claimed by the highest bidder. According to McGehee, this will be a night of “fun, food and fellowship”, with patrons dressing casually in cowboy boots, hats and jeans. The huge, gorgeous barn at MBH Farm is decorated in rustic style, with the resident Clydesdales getting ample attention from the crowd. Billy Justice, Marketing Director for Vantage Health Plan, says, “Vantage is proud to be the premier sponsor of this fundraising event for Ouachita Council on Aging. I’ve seen first-hand how the Council operates and how they utilize their funding. Federal and State dollars are insufficient to meet the need, thus local fundraising events, such as the Shindig, are necessary to fill the gaps.” “OCA was established in 1967 with only 80 persons being served by the Meals on Wheels Program. Currently, noon meals are provided, Monday thru Friday, to approximately 600 homebound seniors, age 60 and over. More than any other time in our history, we are depending on continued donations from our community,” said McGehee. “Fortunately, we live in an area that is known for its generosity and concern. Approximately 36% of our total budget is made up of contributions from local businesses and individuals. We are so very grateful for their support.” Tickets for the Shindig are now available at OCA offices located at 2407 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA, or call Lynda McGehee at (318) 387-0535. For information about the Ouachita Council on Aging and its services, visit their website at www.ouachitacoa.com or find them on facebook. If you cannot attend the Shindig, but would like to make a donation to OCA, go to the website and click on the “Make a Donation” button.

SIGNS OF SPRING

Double Take™ ‘Scarlet Storm’ Quince

hough the weather is often fickle this month, March typically signals the coming of spring, and with that we see the first signs of life coming back to the garden. March is an exciting time at Moss Mountain Farm as more than 300,000 daffodils emerge to greet the season along with our many visitors. Their blooms fill the view with breathtaking, vibrant color and offer cheerful inspiration for the spring planting season right around the corner. Daffodils are spring’s signature flower. They are one of the first to emerge — often through the snow — to signal that warm days are just ahead. I think daffodils make the best impact in large, sweeping clusters. There’s nothing more serene than gazing over a field of sunshine-colored daffodils on a crisp spring day. Daffodils like lots of sunshine and well-drained soil, so consider this when you pick the location in your garden. Plant daffodil bulbs in the late fall — at least two to four weeks before the first freeze. Choose large, firm bulbs for better blooms, and plant them at a depth of no more than three times the height of the bulb, and between three and six inches apart. In the late winter or early spring you’ll be delighted with the appearance of these showy yellow and white trumpet-like flowers. Take good care of them and they will come back year after year. Planting crocus is an easy way to add an early rainbow of color to your bleak, late winter landscape. These petite perennial bulbs come in purple, orange, blue, pink, white or yellow, and their bright colors help wake up bees and sleepy gardeners from their hibernation. The great thing about crocuses is that they spread and with proper care will come back year after year. Since their blooms are rather small — just two to four inches — these tiny cup-shaped flowers look fantastic clustered along the front of the flowerbed or blanketed across the lawn. Find a sunny or partially sunny, well-drained area and plant these 56 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

bulbs in the fall at least six to eight weeks before the first frost. Plant the bulbs pointy end up at least three to four inches deep and spaced the same distance apart. If you choose to let these flowers blanket the lawn, wait until the foliage dies before your first mow of the season. A spring garden isn’t complete without a smattering of tulips. These graceful perennials come in a variety of stunning colors and shapes. If you plant your tulip beds with a good mix of early, mid and late blooming varieties, you can enjoy flowers throughout the spring season. In warmer climates, such as zones 7 and 8, look for pre-chilled bulbs or refrigerate your bulbs for about 12 weeks before planting. Tulips need a substantial cold period before they emerge in spring. Aim to plant the bulbs in the fall, about six to eight weeks before the first hard frost, and when the soil is below 60 degrees. Tulips need to be planted at a depth of about eight inches and four to six inches apart. You’ll also want a nice spot with morning sun and afternoon shade in zones 7 and 8. Good drainage is essential to the wellbeing of your tulips. Water bulbs right after planting and then lightly once they begin to bloom. Excessively wet soil can cause the bulbs to rot and develop fungus. Once they blossom, don’t be afraid to snip a few and display them in your home. I love the look of a single tulip in a bud vase to really showcase the beauty of each individual flower. Spring flowering shrubs are a great way to pack a colorful punch in your garden. There are many shrubs that produce beautiful blooms once the frost begins to clear, and one of my all-time favorites is the quince variety Double Take™ ‘Scarlet Storm’ from Proven Winners®. This scarlet-red flowering shrub adds a burst of color with its double blooming, camellia-like flowers. This quince grows to a height of up to 5’ and a width of up to 4’ inches, so consider this when picking a

A Cut Forsythia branches for arrangements. Photo-Jane Colclasure. B Enjoy blooming shrubs and perennials indoors. Photo-Jane Colclasure. C Spirea vanhouttei “Rennaissance.” Photo-Jane Colclasure. D Crocus Photo-Hortus LTD E Hyacinth and a layer of sheet moss covering the bulbs Photo-Mark Fonville F Stems in glass bottles turned vases. Photo-Beth Hall spot for it in your garden. The size makes it a great statement toward the back of a flowerbed or lined along a fence or walkway in larger numbers. Plant Double Take™ ‘Scarlet Storm’ in a sunny or partially sunny spot and watch it bloom throughout the spring. The bold red flowers are fantastic cut and presented in vases throughout your home. Double Take™ ‘Scarlet Storm’ is thornless, so pruning isn’t the painful chore it is with other quinces. Tackle this task after the flowers have faded to achieve the size and shape you desire. Forsythia is a classic, early-flowering spring shrub that has become a gardening staple. It adds a bright yellow burst of color to any landscape, and with a little maintenance can achieve a beautiful weeping shape littered with tiny sunshine-hued flowers. These shrubs love sun, so stake out a sunny, well-drained spot with plenty of room in your garden. Forsythia buds form on old wood, so wait to do any pruning until flowers fade in the summer. Spring blooming spirea is one of the loveliest, easy to grow flowering shrubs available. I love the bridal wreath spirea (S. prunifolia)— one of the largest — for its romantic, cascading white blooms. I like to use these shrubs as hedges at the back of flower borders for a seasonal focal point and a green backdrop in summer. Spirea prefers lots of sun and welldrained soil to really blossom. It’s best to plant them in the spring or fall, and wait to prune until after they bloom. Any of these beautiful spring-blooming flowers and shrubs would be great to shake off your garden’s winter blues. Start preparing now to get your garden checklist in order, and with a little planning, your yard will be one of the first to announce the coming of spring with vibrant, invigorating blooms to greet the season year after year. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Meredith’s Musings Dear Women, Stop Apologizing |

was in a meeting of powerful women the other day, and I mean career powerful, educated in their respective fields for decades and clawed their way to the top women. Our meeting was about celebrating women and educating the next generation about success and leading by example. It was an honor to even be invited to the table. And because I was a newcomer to the group and anxious to hear these women and savor what they had to say, I sat back and didn’t lead the conversation as I often times do. It was relaxing in a way. The pressure was off, and I became a sponge. But in observations, I noticed a pattern, something I might have missed had I not been paying such close attention, and it disturbed me. They say we are most bothered by behavior in others when guilty of it ourselves. What I noticed during the discussion was that every response from someone that contradicted the opinion of another began with “I’m

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By Meredith McKinnie

sorry, but…” I wasn’t saying it that day, but I frequently do when I disagree with someone, even civilly, almost as if I’m ashamed of my opinion when I know I’m not. I’m often proud of my opinion; some would say too proud. So why do we, as women, do this so much? I see it all that time. I see it in my classroom. I see it with my girlfriends. I even hear it out of my own mouth in my daily chats with my best friend, someone I know won’t judge me. It surprised me that day because of the caliber of women I saw apologizing over and over. They shouldn’t have to, and I’m not even sure they realized they were. I don’t see men apologizing all the time when expressing themselves. They say what they think, and they’re praised for directness, and sometimes their simplicity, and often their “logic.” I don’t believe men are anymore logical than women. But there is definitely something to the confidence in which they speak their truths. We could say it’s the “patriarchal

OPINION

society,” (while some roll their eyes), and it could be. We could say it’s because men are raised to be leaders, and it could be. We could also say it’s the old adage of men speaking from logic while women speak from the heart. And that could be right too, though patronizing. While the source is debatable, the result is the same. When people apologize before speaking, I inherently doubt their belief in their statement, like they don’t trust themselves. Or they don’t trust how it will be received. It could be habit or a way of treading the waters, or perhaps a lack of confidence of being at some table or discussion. Either way, the “I’m sorrys” are a distraction, unnecessary words that lessen the force of our other words, getting in the way of us being heard. And that’s what we all want, to be heard, to be acknowledged, to matter. Women and minorities alike have fought for it for generations and still do every day. Little girls are taught to be polite, while boys are taught to be strong. I love that meme that pops up on Pinterest: “Well-behaved women rarely make history,” It praises the rebels, and it’s so true. But that’s what we’re taught, to be well-behaved, to be polite, to consider the feelings of others. And while that’s all well and good, we should make an effort to use our voice once we find it. Don’t cloud the room with apologies we don’t mean to try to get sympathy we don’t need. We’re educated in a country where we have opportunities not afforded to others. We’re lucky. But we’re not done. I heard on some talk show the other day that we should be raising our little boys like we raise our little girls, and raising our little girls like we raise our little boys. Some may scoff at the idea and the implication, but what if we taught our boys to be polite and our girls to be strong? What if our little girls didn’t hear us apologize every time we asserted an opinion? What if, by example, they learned to trust their gut, to speak firmly, to embrace their place at the table? What if they never felt they didn’t belong in the conversation? Apologies shouldn’t be the default. We should only say “I’m sorry” when we mean it; otherwise we cheapen the sentiment. And the little girls who imitate our every move and word, may they one day sit at the big table and never feel the need to apologize.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

ARRANGEMENTS OF THE MONTH

artfully composed

Designer Chris Allums masters the art of simplicity in this lovely Spring arrangement. To create this look, Allums uses an elegant gold urn and artfully arranges cut branches of a blooming Japanese magnolia, or saucer magnolia. Moss is used to cover the mechanics of the arrangement, resulting in a naturalistic and relatively simple to execute arrangement.

Arrangement by Chris Allums Photography by Martin Graham Meyers

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

in full spring

Designer Gregory Hudgins found inspiration for this Spring floral arrangement in delicate cherry blossoms, quiet Japanese gardens, moon gates, garden protectors and misty cool mornings. Hudgins found the Fontana blown glass vase in Himalayan pink with a salted matte finish at The Gingerbread House. Hudgins then crafted an arc using heavy guage wire and orchid stems with petals of white and kissed with the softest blush pink, referencing the 18th century Meissen Blanc de Chine porcelain ancestor figure.

Arrangement by Gregory Hudgins Photography by Martin Graham Meyers

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

I REMEMBER MY DAD – and with appreciation. He never went to college, never made a public speech, never wrote a letter to the editor and the only office he ever held was that of deacon in his church. But I remember him because I may have learned more important lessons from him than I did from all my teachers and professors during a long, arduous nineteen years of formal education. Let me share one of those lessons with you. I remember that when I was a young teenager, my dad said to me one day, “Son, you need to mow the lawn.” Those were not words my tender ears wanted to hear, so I said, “But, Daddy, I don’t want to.” The key lesson that has impacted my life and that I have sought to pass on to my offspring was contained in the words of his reply to me: “Son, you don’t have to want to; you just have to do it!” Now hopefully, and fortunately, many things in our lives that need to be done are tasks that we really enjoying doing – responsibilities that are a pleasure to handle. This is true relative to every facet of our lives – our jobs, at school, in the home, at church, everywhere. Life has any number of duties that bring us joy and fulfillment, so we want to do them! They provide us gratification and contentment. But there are other duties that are neither easy nor pleasurable, and our real character

is revealed by the way we deal with those things that are difficult, things that we really do not want to tackle but that, if we have any sense of responsibility, are things that we have to do. I am aware, of course, that it is natural NOT to want to engage in some challenging endeavors. Instead, our tendency is to shrink from difficult responsibilities. In fact, I am confident that there is not a single one of us who does not have a hesitant spirit when it comes to addressing those taxing responsibilities that are a part of life. But listen: saying “I don’t want to” does not make us a bad person. As evidence of this, think back to the Garden of Gethsemanae on the night when Jesus was betrayed and arrested. Prior to the arrest, Jesus prayed in agony, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” What is He saying; how are we to interpret His words? To put it in our colloquial tongue, I think He said, “Daddy, I don’t want to do this.” There was the unbelievable physical suffering, the being made sin for us, the alienation from His Father, the rejection by those He came to redeem – naturally He shrank in horror from it all. It is true that He did not want to do it. But He did do it – hear the rest of His prayer, “Nevertheless, not My will but Yours be done.” His commitment to His Father’s plan and His love for sinners impelled Him to do what He did not want to do. May we,

prompted by His example and moved by His love, determine to do those hard things, too. Because, tho’ not wanting to do His “hard” will is, in itself, not sinful, we do fail when we don’t undertake those difficult tasks. Furthermore, it is in doing the difficult that we grow, that we develop our spiritual muscles, and are able to bring joy to His heart. Besides, has it not been your experience that it is in doing these hard tasks that usually results in the most blessing and benefit to others. That which requires sacrifice on our part, often produces so much profit and good for those touched by our expressions of love. And does not doing these “I don’t want to” tasks result in our benefit, too? For instance, rarely is there an athlete who delights in running those end-of-practice wind sprints, but come game time, they produce dividends, don’t they? And is God not so good? Often as we strive to do those hard things, He comes along side and gives us, not only a willing heart for the task, but a pleasure in doing the job, ‘cause, you know something? Now I really do enjoy and WANT to mow my lawn!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

B AYOUKID Z

ANXIETY AS A PARENT The Various States of “Scaredom” article by Cindy G. Foust

appy 38 month anniversary to the BayouLife c o m m u n i t y. I’m sure it has become quite obvious that one of my favorite things to do is make fun of myself. I have no problem using my life as the “butt of the column” most of the time, but I got to tell you, until I put this column to paper, I myself had been struggling, and this time it was no joke. Until the words started flashing across my screen, and I began my research in an effort to diagnose myself (I am certain every medical professional in the universe hates the Internet), I was considering that I might actually need an intervention. It also occurred to me that until I poured my heart out in the words of this column, that I might even need one of you to stage an intervention for me. So what’s the struggle? Where do I start? I think I will start March 23, 1998, nearly 18 years ago. I, Cindy Foust, first time mom-to-be, waddled around like someone who had swallowed a Volkswagon Beetle, scared out of my “ever-loving mind” (thank you, Bitsy) thinking about having to deliver that same Volkswagon Beetle. At this particular juncture of my young adulthood, I had only had stitches one time, at the age of sixteen, and had to be held down by three parents, a nurse, a doctor, two orderlies and a sturdy set of arm restraints, to get four stitches in my knee. Get the picture? If not, does the phrase “scaredy-scaredy-scaredy cat” illustrate it for you? Okay, where was I? Oh yes, I was scared to death about the pain I knew was about to ensue upon my delicate (that’s the laugh of the day) frame. But, as Mother Nature does in fact manifest herself when the baby is ready, I did, in fact, have my first child on March 24, 1998. “Mild Scaredom” as we will label it was then replaced by another emotion, and we will call it “Insane Scaredom,” because now,

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I have this tiny living breathing baby (with jaundice) to take care of. What if I overdosed him on formula? What if I didn’t change his diaper enough and he got a rash? What if I didn’t hear him during the night, in my sleep deprived stupor? I’m telling you, fear once again ravaged my body. As the years began to pass and one milestone led to another, I found myself in a state of “Constant Scaredom.” I cried for a week when I left him at kindergarten. His teacher actually called me to say she could see me stalking him from my car while he was at recess, and that I needed to lay off the Nancy Grace because no one was going to kidnap him. What’s worse, my fears continued to mount daily, and compounded with the fear that he would be abducted, I began to worry that I would let a curse word slip out and he would repeat it at school. Or that he wouldn’t be able to write his name. I’m telling you, readers, fear simply replaced fear. Don’t get me wrong, these were happy days. But always on the fringe, lurking close by was the “Mature Scaredom” that I had morphed into, because my perpetual state of fright had simply been enhanced by Father Time. What if I couldn’t help him with his studies? What if he suffered from low self esteem because he hated his red hair, or his ears or his bucked teeth? What if he were riding with this 22-year old babysitter (who was also a registered nurse) and they had a car accident? What if he choked on a lifesaver? It occurred to me as I was sitting at his 8th grade graduation, literally biting my lip until it bled, that I might be reaching the stage of “Obsessive Scaredom.” Perhaps, I might need a counselor. Or medication. Or both. Because I’m sure as parents of pre-high school kids know, “Obsessive Scaredom” is only replaced by “Mild-Insane-Constant-Mature-Obsessive Scaredom.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 139

Well, football season is over and for me that is sad. I had predicted Carolina and New England in the Super Bowl, but that’s not what happened. Way to go, Peyton, a Louisiana boy winning the 50th Super Bowl and making some history! Should Peyton Manning’s season be over? I predict this is his last season, and I wanted him to go out big! Sorry, Cam, no dabbing (his touchdown dance) for you! What about those Super Bowl commercials? My favorite Super Bowl commercial was Hyundai featuring Kevin Hart. Kevin is so hilarious. On to the half-time show…Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Coldplay “killed” it, but my favorite was Bruno, because I like to boogie! Bruno Mars makes me think of a combined Michael Jackson and , James Brown. I am still holding out for the Saints to pull it out next year…I ‘ am still wearing my hats, shirts, shorts and even my PJs…so I am rolling with the Saints! Neither one of my teams went to the championship, but I will stay a die-hard fan. March is a busy time for me. My brother, Cam, will be 16 on March 14th. He is getting his driver’s permit. I thought he would be able to drive me to buy movies to add to Harry’s Video Store (I have 258 movies I’ve organized), but Mom informed me that he couldn’t drive me for 6 more months. I need a job anyway to pay for it! Hint hint, if anyone is hiring an 11 year old, let me know! It is also St. Patrick’s Day this month. I got that covered, because my eyes are green! 68 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Mom had her month of RED for the American Heart Association, and yes, I dressed up! Hope y’all had a great LOVE DAY and played some of my songs from my top ten love songs. I asked my Nonna (Sharon Styron) to be my Valentine! She said, “Yes…Sorry, Poppa, I got her 1st! Haha! Hope everyone had a good Valentine’s Day. Well, I didn’t make it to run the Mardi Gras in Eunice, but at least I got a Meche’s king cake (Bavarian cream). It was delicious! Well, I want to share that I have been having a bullying problem at school. Mom said that if someone will pick on you, it’s because they feel better about themselves making you look bad. I believe that, and she also says they have no social skills if they pick on someone. It’s sad to me when someone hurts someone else. I am happy with myself, and no one can change that ‘cause I am HARRY HOLT, and I’m kinda cool…Take That , BULLY!!! My good friend, Eva Edinger (Former Miss LA Tech and running for Miss LA 2016), told me that I should be myself and not listen to the bullies. She was bullied some, too, and look at her now…Gorgeous and so sweet!! A little on The Donald. He didn’t show up for Megyn Kelly’s debate on FOX, and that was a little dramatic. There needs to be apologies! Ted Cruz beat Trump by almost 3 points in the Iowa caucus. I am still pulling for Donald Trump all the way. March will be a busy month for politics, and I can’t wait to see what happens. I am hoping to share a little about basketball, too! See you next month!!

HARRY’S PERSPECTIVES ON NEW MOVIES

(something new to my column) Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice comes out March 25th and I am rating it a 9 on my scale of 1 to 10.

March 4th London Is Falling comes out. I think it will mimic San Andreas in 2012 and I rate it a 6.

Disney has Zootopia coming out March 4th too. I am rating this one a 5.

I will let you know if my ratings stay true after I see the movies!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Bayou Artist

Enoch Doyle Jeter is, perhaps, at the pinnacle of his artistic career. But in spite of his works garnering international attention and acclaim, Jeter still considers himself on the road to becoming an artist, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay with him if he never reaches the end of that road.

Article by Michael DeVault

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Photography by Brad Arender

Bayou Artist - Enoch Doyle Jeter

t’s August 16, 1969, and a family is driving across rural New York. Rain has fallen through the night, and in spite of more rain on the way, two cousins on the back seat of the car can hardly contain their excitement. With just a few more miles of country back roads to go, they’re getting their wish--a promised single day at Woodstock. “My aunt and uncle said to pick one day and they’d get us there, because they knew the back roads,” Enoch Doyle Jeter tells BayouLife. Without knowledge of those Catskill Mountains byways, getting anywhere near the festival site was almost impossible. Traffic backed up for miles in every direction. Adding to the misery of reaching the festival was the weather, uncooperatively windy, gray and wet. Jeter’s family lived just 17 miles from the site, and for months, they had been hearing about the festival, even before it moved from its namesake site in Woodstock, NY to Max Yasgur’s 600-acre dairy farm. “As it turns out, my uncle was a casual friend with Max Yasgur,” says Jeter, known to his friends and family by his middle name, Doyle. With a family connection and an intimate knowledge of the mountain roads, Jeter and his family were set for musical history. “We were there the day it rained,” says Jeter. Many of the bands playing were making their first

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American appearances, and there were more than a few debuts that week, too, so Jeter’s Woodstock experience helped shape his musical evolution, albeit ironically. “The only band we got to see was Canned Heat.” Within days, Jeter and his family relocated south, to near where his father’s Scots-Irish clan had settled. Just one week after a rainy day jamming to “I’m Her Man,” Jeter stepped into West Monroe High School. He was a junior with two years left before graduation. “It was a bit of a culture shock,” he says with a laugh that indicates both the wild transition and his affection for the region. In speaking of those early days in Louisiana, it’s clear how profound an effect the state had on his formation as a lover of music and as an artist. Culture shock aside, Jeter quickly found himself at home. “In saying that, I had teachers--especially my art teachers--and friends who are still lifelong friends.” Now 53, Jeter’s life and its multiple trajectories--there’s family, music, the pub that bears his name, education and art--are perfectly braided into a Celtic knot that, at first glimpse appears a chaotic jumble of twists and bends but, upon closer examination, reveals itself to be an ordered creation in which family development informs artistic development, musical interests open doors to professional growth, and the lines between

the influences converge to make the whole much greater than its parts. Jeter spent much of his childhood on New York’s Upper East Side. He was 11 when the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, sixteen at Woodstock, and he entered adulthood as an aspiring art teacher at Northeast Louisiana University. “All of this has been an influence in my artistic life,” Jeter confirms. If there’s a bit of “I’m along for the ride” in this story, that’s not by accident. Early on in his artistic pursuits, he was “forced to read” two books. The first book was Jackson Pollock’s Energy Made Visible, a seminal work on the nature of art, and Pollock’s book cemented in Jeter a lifelong love of the painter’s work. The second book, The Way of Chinese Painting: A Study of Taoism, set Jeter on a lifelong study of Taoism, the ancient Chinese philosophy of “the way,” a philosophical-bordering-on-religious system anchored by the belief that the way, or path, is set out and all individuals are doing is following that path. At any given point of the journey, an individual is simply “there,” and as such should enjoy their surroundings. The effect of the philosophy is a sense of journey without destination, and this idea of the way informs much of Jeter’s speaking about art. “If I said I was a success at becoming an artist, that would probably be a lie to

myself,” Jeter says. He goes on to explain that, while he has had some commercial success along the way--usually a commission or some other accomplishment that allows the family to take a trip or enjoy some special event--his development as a printmaker, as an artist, continues. There isn’t a destination at the end of the journey, a lesson he learned early on, when the art-teacher-in-waiting path he had defined for himself veered wildly off course. Shortly after entering NLU, Jeter fell in love with lithography--the ancient, yet immensely relevant, art of printmaking. With roots more than 1600 years ago in China, printmaking is one of the few artistic forms that has traversed the course of history and left its mark on artists in almost every medium. Piccasso, Warhol and Rembrandt were renowned printmakers. When it comes to Rembrandt, that’s Jeter’s benchmark. “When I’m doing more realistic lithographs, or etchings in particular, I’m always striving to do something even remotely as successful as Rembrandt,” Jeter says. The quality and clarity of the master’s work is haunting, and the works push Jeter all the more. “That’s always in the back of my mind. Try to be just as successful as Rembrandt at print making. You’ll never be able to beat what he did.” Modern lithography traces both its roots to the late 18th century, when artisans would etch designs, patterns and works onto a stone

slab using a complex series of steps. Artists began using lipid-heavy waxes and fats to draw scenes onto lithographic stones, and later metal plates. A mildly acidic solution is applied to the stone next, which causes the stone to absorb water. Only areas protected by the waxy designs repel the water, and when oil-based inks are applied, the design can be transferred. While studying lithography at NLU, art department head Ed Shutz began encouraging his young student to continue to develop his skills. Shutz was a printmaker who had studied at New Mexico Highlands University, under the tutelage of Elmer Schooley, one of the world’s preeminent printmakers. By the time Jeter was ready to graduate, Shutz had convinced him to relocate to New Mexico to continue honing his craft. It was an opportunity Jeter had no intention of squandering. Jeter’s way found him in a car, bouncing across Texas on the way to a new future in New Mexico, where he would study with Schooley and other renowned printmakers. “The minute I started drawing on a lithographic stone, that was it. I fell in love with it,” Jeter said. It’s a love that continues to develop and grow today. For fifteen years, Jeter has taught stone lithography in the art department at ULM. For the past three years, he’s been the program’s artist in residence

and, during his tenure there, he’s completed one of his best received and most widely disseminated series. Like so many other aspects of his life, this series sprouted from the fertile grounds of his love of music, and especially of his love of the Beatles. A few years ago, he met Jude Southernland Kessler, a writer who was in the midst of an epic series of novelized biographies of John Lennon. Kessler loved Jeter’s work, and she approached him about illustrating the chapters of her book. Jeter leapt at the chance. For almost three years, Jeter, Kessler and the book’s publishers collaborated on each illustration. The results are a series of prints highlighting the titles of songs from With the Beatles, the quartet’s second UK album. Jeter’s illustrations have been exhibited across America in solo shows at Penn State University, BeatleFest 2014, at the Morgan Gallery in Corrales, NM, and at the Meadows Museum of Art in Shreveport. Later this year, the American Grammy Museum will host the works in a one-man show as part of their international Beatles exposition. Such is life in the way of Jeter that a television broadcast and a road trip through the Catskills has influenced his course. These days, Jeter’s focus has shifted. Though he’s still making prints, another form of print making currently holds his interest. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Bayou Artist - Enoch Doyle Jeter

Bayou Artist Vitus Shell

He has begun again to work in monotype, in which pigments are applied directly to a nonporous, featureless plate. Until pressing, the image hovers on the plate. Unlike stone lithography, monotype typically produces a single print, with subsequent “ghost prints” becoming increasingly inferior. He’s also taken up painting again. It’s all part of the journey, the path, and he’s never quite sure where that path is going to take him. Last year, he entered semi-retirement from his namesake pub, Enoch’s Irish Pub and Café, one of the region’s signature venues for live music and a hub of the local arts scene. If art provided him a path, music the inspiration, then Enoch’s Pub provided him the means to accomplish it all. The pub has also proven a suitable centerpiece for building a life and family in the region, and today he’s proud that his son, John, has assumed the reins. It’s 74 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

not at all surprising that he’s attacked pub life, music, family, travel, the arts, and pretty much everything he’s encountered along the way with a zeal and vigor. He ascribes that enthusiasm for all things living to his Latin grandmother. “The blood that runs in me is very passionate, very lively and very aware of my surroundings,” he says. So maybe it’s not surprising that his most renowned artistic endeavors to date combine a deep love and understanding of the Beatles with an ancient tradition of pressing paper against stone. Hiding under an artist’s natural restlessness is a calm befitting his view of his travels. If there is any one aspect of his work and life that he’s willing to express amazement with, it’s his connection to the Beatles lore. “I’ve become a family member of this Beatles family worldwide, who now are familiar with my work because of this great

gift I was given by Jude Kessler, to illustrate her book,” he says. That’s just part of the picture, though. Dig deeper into this sea of layers, and you’ll quickly find nuances of family hidden within. There’s the gentle creep of life in Louisiana into the works, and his experiences permeate each plate he makes. “Sometimes you can see it, and sometimes you can’t,” he says. Then again, it’s all part of the Tao of Doyle. “Art is a reflection of the life around you. Again, though, you can define that a little bit closer to the point,” he says, pausing to reflect for a moment. “But why? What’s the need. Whatever happens around you influences you.”

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Goodbye Gluten Going Gluten-Free at Vieux Carré Market

IRED OF SETTLING FOR BLAND gluten-free options? Are you going gluten-free for the first time? For several years now, cutting out gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has helped countless people lose weight, treat celiac disease and maintain an all-around healthier diet. Vieux Carré Market offers several unique gluten-free options. Our delicious Wagyu burger, with all of your favorite burger dressings wrapped in steamed collards, provides a healthy alternative without sacrificing flavor. Our rice paper roll, with grilled avocado, sprouts, carrots and lemon oregano vinaigrette comes with a tasty homemade hummus. For the freshest seafood, Vieux Carré Market offers salmon, drum, tuna and many other options. In our meat section, we offer New

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York strip, ribeye, filet and a customer favorite, black and bleu sirloin. Looking for something even lighter? Vieux Carré Market offers tons of salad options with protein packed add-ons, such as chicken, fish, steak, pork and many others. Our market is also a great place to find countless gluten-free options, including handmade pastas, chips, sauces, syrups and many more certified gluten-free treats. If you’re looking for something sweet, our delicious gluten-free desserts can be special ordered. Our flourless chocolate cake, which we make from scratch, is filled with rich, moist, chocolatey goodness. Top it off with our house made glutenfree chocolate sauce and fresh berries for the perfect guilt free dessert. Our almond cake, made strictly with almond flour and

topped with almond slivers, combines a layer of toasted crunch with a moist center for the perfect bite. At Vieux Carré Market, we love to go above and beyond for our customers. We’ve developed many recipes from scratch, including a gluten-free roux, because our customers asked for it! We would love to help you with your glutenfree needs. Stop by or call Vieux Carré Market today! Lunch Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Dinner Hours: Thursday – Saturday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

BAYOUBUZZWORTHY THE DEAN OF FLOWERS

Love was definitely in the air in Farmerville over St. Valentine’s Day weekend. The entire community rallied behind Alan Futch and his staff at The Dean of Flowers, helping them set up shop and get ready for one of their biggest days of the year after a tragic fire engulfed their original building. Just across the street from the burned out shell, Dean of Flowers is set up in a great quonset hut, where they feverishly filled order after order of gorgeous floral bouquets and gifts. Noted Austin-based interior designer and area native Mark Ashby was on hand, side by side with Alan and crew, creating blousy bouquets of fragrant white roses and lending his enormous talents to help out his friends while he was in town.

CATFISH CHARLIE’S NORTH

Catfish Charlie’s, a locally owned favorite restaurant, has announced it will open a second location on Highway 165, across from Brookshire’s, called Catfish Charlie’s North. The new North location will feature many of Catfish Charlie’s award-winning items, including its popular “Thin and Crispy” recipe. Catfish Charlie’s North is scheduled to open in May of this year. Catfish Charlie’s flagship location is located at 2329 Louisville Avenue in Monroe. In addition to open seating, both locations will offer private dining, drive-thru, on-line ordering, delivery, as well as full-service catering.

A CHRISTMAS CONGRATULATIONS Even though it is nearly spring, Christmas is on the minds of the employees at the Monroe-West Monroe’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They plan and prepare for the annual Christmas on the River event year round and their hard work has paid off! Christmas on the River was recently awarded the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association Louey Award for Festival/Event of the Year! The LTPA honored and showcased individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Louisiana Tourism Industry at their Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon in January.

CHEERS TO COTTONPORT BREWING!

Cottonport Brewing has opened the Twin City’s first brewery and tap room. Owners William Cook and Troy DuGuay II hosted a soft opening with family and friends visiting and touring their facilities on Saturday, February 20. They feature a variety of craft beers and sodas and are located on Horseshoe Lake Road near Sterlington.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Warriors Wear It Well St. Frederick High School Presents “Way Down South” at Annual Style Show

HE 12TH ANNUAL “WARRIORS WEAR IT WELL” Style Show and Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 4 at the Monroe Civic Center featuring the graduating class of 2016. The theme this year is Way Down South. A buffet style lunch will be served from 11:00-11:45, followed by the style show at noon. The senior class will be modeling the latest fashions and trends from local businesses including HerringStone’s, The Camouflage Shoppe, J&H Boots and Jeans, Jos. A .Banks, Fit Right and more. The style show is a fun, family-friendly event that is the seniors’ last showcase before graduation. The show features not only the fashion aspect but includes an alumni walk to celebrate the tradition and continual support of the St. Frederick family. St. Frederick is a Catholic school with a diverse student body from many religious backgrounds, serving grades 7-12. The style show has always been an important fundraiser for the school, and this year is no different. Sponsorship opportunities are available for families and businesses. Each sponsor’s donation will help continue to provide the students of St. Frederick High School with an excellent Catholic Christian education. Sponsorships: Sapphire Sponsor for $1,500 includes three tables with 8 tickets per table plus lunch; Platinum Sponsor for $1,000 includes two tables with 8 tickets per table plus lunch; Gold Sponsor for $500 includes one table with eight tickets plus lunch; Silver Sponsor for $250 includes a shared table with 4 tickets plus lunch; and Bronze Sponsor for $125 includes a shared table with two tickets plus lunch. General Admission tickets are available for $25 each. To ensure sponsorship recognition in the event program and other media, please respond as soon as possible. For more information on sponsorships, tickets and tables, contact the school office at 323-9636 or Julie Weaver at 366-0867 or jweaver1521@ comcast.net. Make sure to mark your calendars now for the 12th Annual “Warriors Wear It Well Style Show: Way Down South.” 2016 MODELS Rachel Augurson William Barham Patrick Beene Blair Breard Cooper Breithaupt Alexander Brodtman Robert Brown Parker Christian Austin Clark John David Cooper Sarah Elizabeth Dansby Mary Amanda Dickerson Elaine Ezell Waddih Fakhre

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Ashley Gammage Blake Gladfelter Trey Gordon Danielle Hall Scarlett Hammond Brooks Hand Endia Johnson Lillian Kemp Triston LaFleur Taylor McCarty Dane Mellino Taitianna Minifield Ron Morris Natalie Myers John O’Leary Nolan Parker

Diana Pham Sachin Prem McKenna Sanderson Walker Stinson Tracy Stodghill Taylor Sullivan Emory Tonore Sydney Trezise Jack Turner Lydia Weaver Clay Williams Cole Wilson Clay Wood Arianna Worthy Seth Wylie

St. Frederick Enrolling Warriors To Enroll, Contact Shere May, Admissions Director

HAVE BEEN PRINCIPAL AT ST. Frederick for about six months, and I am still amazed at the learning, caring and safe environment on this campus. You have to greatly admire parents who are willing to make sacrifices and tough decisions, so their children can benefit from this environment. I am honored to be a member of the Warrior family and look forward to more families joining us at St. Frederick. – Dr. Bob Webber, Principal Information you may not know about St. Frederick: • 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. • St. Frederick senior classes have had over 50% of the class qualify for the Scholars Banquet.

• St. Frederick is the optimum size (overall 12:1 student/teacher ratio) where teachers know all of the students by name, adding to the family atmosphere of the school. • St. Frederick encourages community involvement through service opportunities, allowing the students the chance to work with various organizations in our area including nonprofit and charitable organizations. • St. Frederick offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, from sports to art, for students to participate and grow in their interests. • St. Frederick was the first school in North Louisiana to be integrated. • 52% of St. Frederick Seniors have an ACT score of 25 or higher. • St. Frederick is supported by a board of directors that strives to conduct

themselves in a professional manner that puts the needs of students first. • This year’s graduating class has an average of 31 college credit hours. • You can find tuition assistance information on the school website. • St. Frederick is a Christian school where students have the freedom to pray anywhere. If you would like to know more about enrolling at St. Frederick, please call Shere May, Admissions Director at 318.323.9636. St. Frederick is a Catholic school with a diversified student population of many different faiths.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

App-ly the Tech! Four technological advances to help you get ahold of your life!

by Michael DeVault

n the hit show The Big Bang Theory, many laughs come at the expense of Sheldon, the quirky genius who has a gadget for every application. There’s even a label on the label maker. Yet, if you’re one of those people who’ve never met a gadget or geegah they didn’t like, getting organized can mean finding the perfect app or tech to help you declutter your life. Whether you’re looking to organize drawers, keep track of your treasured possessions, or just bring a little sanity to the snakes hiding in plain sight under the desk, picking the perfect tool for your needs can be challenging. We’re here to help with three suggestions for products that, we think, will change the way you organize.

Quirky Plug Hub

Let’s face it. We live in a world of

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electronics, and until Nicola Tesla comes back to explain wireless power, those devices get their juice from a cable and a plug. When the Quirky Plug Hub first made its debut, the black box left some wondering if this wasn’t an answer to a problem that didn’t exist. Then, they saw the device under a desk and the four or five perfectly straight, untangled cables running down into it. Available on Amazon and at numerous retailers, the Quirky Plug Hub not only makes sense of your cables, it’s also a bit of a work of art in its own right. At $44.95, it may seem a bit pricy, but it’s definitely work the money.

Sortly

So where is it you put that extra handset to the new garage door opener--two years ago when you replaced it? And what of all those books on the shelves, as well? That empty hole means you loaned one out. But which one? Feed your inner Sheldon with Sortly,

an iPad and iPhone app that will help you keep track of all your possessions. Whether scanning QR and UPC codes or manually entering items one at a time, you’ll know where everything is at all times. That’s the kind of inventory control the big box retailers can only dream of. The app is free to try, but Sortly offers a premium version for $7.99.

Madesmart Interlocking Drawer Bins

Dividers are nothing new for silverware drawers, and some lucky individuals have already happened upon the obsessive joy of a divided sock drawer. Madesmart has introduced heavy duty drawer dividers for the rest of our lives, and best of all, they’re affordable. For just $9.99, you get eight interlocking bins, which you can combine in any number of expandable shapes and sizes, bringing order to everything from the loose change and paperclips in your desk to the nuts, bolts, screwdrivers and nails in the tool drawer. A must-have for any clutterphobe.

Facial Fillers Have We Gone Too Far?

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

“Give a small boy a hammer, and he will find that everything he encounters needs pounding.” Abraham Kaplan, American Philosopher

HE OTHER NIGHT I DREAMED I was from a planet where everyone had disproportionately full lips and round, ping-pong ball fullness in their cheeks. Then I woke up and realized it wasn’t a dream. Overuse of facial fillers – relying on them to do more than they were intended to do – not only is rampant in this “anything goes” era of aesthetic medicine, but it creates an unnecessarily alien appearance that you can spot from across the room, or the airport terminal or the aisle in the sanctuary. The most commonly used fillers are composed of natural substances found in the body – either hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero) or hydroxyapetite (Radiesse). They are used to fill wrinkles, creases or areas of volume deficiency. They do not take away extra skin.

Injectable fillers add volume, and in properly selected patients have been a significant advance in the treatment of facial aging. However, as patients approach 50 yrs of age, some of these issues are best addressed by surgical intervention, with periodic injection of small amounts of filler over the subsequent years to maintain the surgical correction. Older patients, especially those over 60 are always better served by having a facelift, a browlift or eyelid surgery. If you go to a non-plastic surgeon with typical changes of the aging face they generally don’t say, “Mrs. Jones, the best treatment for you is a facelift, a browlift or a blepharoplasty, but if you are not ready for surgery, or you have decided you will never have plastic surgery, we can give you a little bit of improvement with fillers. But the results are not as good as surgery so the decision to have fillers instead of surgery is an aesthetic compromise. And if we inject too much filler, you won’t look better, you’ll look altered.” The ethical practice of aesthetic medicine demands this

kind of honest exchange as part of the patient education process. And while it probably occurs sometimes, I see two or three patients a month who were told that fillers would solve their aging issues. They are unhappy because they spent a lot of money on fillers over the years with minimal improvement, only to face the prospect of spending a lot more on surgery to finally give them the result they wanted in the first place. If all you have is a hammer, everything is a nail. A board-certified Plastic surgeon has more than just a hammer in his toolbox. He provides the full spectrum of aesthetic services, from fillers and botox, to peels and laser treatments to cosmetic facial surgery. He has taken the face apart and put it back together again and he has intimate knowledge of facial anatomy and the progressive effects of the aging process on the skin, fat and muscle of the face. He understands that fillers are just one of many tools, and he won’t try to make them do more than they were meant to do. If you are considering facial fillers, or any type of aesthetic facial rejuvenation, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at (318) 388-2050 for an honest opinion on which procedure is right for you.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

SIMPLY LOU

T H E

S A C K

M A N

Illustration and article by Lou Davenport I often write about my big Southern family. There’s certainly a lot of “material” to tell and write about! I believe most Southerners are “story tellers,” and I sure love to share my “family stories.” All of mine are true, because “you just cannot make this stuff up!” I really love Southern names, too. In my family, we have some great ones! My aunts were Aunt Lucy (Lucy Jewell), Aunt Red (Ruby Lee,) Aunt Cye (Bonnie) and Aunt Mayvonne. Aunt Red is 99 years old. Aunt Mayvonne is 95. Both are still as “sharp as tacks” and full of “it.” My uncles were Uncle Jack, Uncle “Bunk” (Alon, not Alan, Franklin), Uncle “Punkin” (Chalmes Vernon), Uncle “Beeker” (J. B.), not one but TWO Uncle Earls! My Dad was named by the doctor who delivered him, Calvin Coolidge! (wonder who was President at the time?!) Everyone called him “Uncle Duke.” I have no idea where my grandparents came up with some of these names, but I am guessing that by the time my Dad came along, the 7th of 8 kids, they were just tired of naming kids. “Uncle Punkin” was the baby of the bunch, but I still haven’t the 82 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

slightest idea where they came up with “Chalmes Vernon.” My “Aunt Cye” only got ONE name, Bonnie. No middle name. She came by the name “Cye” because my grandmother said “she came through the house like a cyclone.” And, yes, I can see why she was compared to a cyclone! She truly was “somethin’ else!” And, Mayvonne. Just Mayvonne. Maybe my grandmother was being “creative” with that one and had no idea what would “go” with that name. And, I must say that one name fits Aunt Mayvonne perfectly. She is original, to say the least! Aunt Mayvonne was married to one of my Uncle Earls. They lived in Greenville, Mississippi and had/have five daughters. Sharon, Nancy, (sadly we lost Nancy last year) Loretta, Judy and Cindy. Sharon and Nancy were the “big girls” and did not have much to do with us “little snots,” that is, me, Judy and Loretta. Cindy came along much later and was “the baby,” of course. Me, Judy and Loretta were so close in age that we “stuck together.” We were “thick as thieves” and remain so today. They are my “sisters” not just my cousins. During the summers, I was spending a week with

them or they were spending a week with me in Bastrop. We would put up a “fuss” if we were told no, you are not going to go stay! We usually won out by turning on the tear, and our parents knew to just “give in” and let us be together. A “win win” for everybody! We were certainly “out of their hair!” Oh, the times we have had but that’s for another column or two, probably three. Oh hell, a BOOK! Now, if there was one thing we hated, it was “NAP TIME!” We weren’t tired. Maybe the Mamas were, but we weren’t. There were way too many things to do outside in Greenville or Bastrop. But, we would be put to bed and told to “take a nap!” Yeah, right! We giggled, we talked, we jumped on the bed and generally had big fun even if we had to stay inside “out of the heat!” But, Aunt Mayvonne had a “secret weapon” she would use on us! This weapon of hers has traumatized us three for life! She’d finally get on to us so many times to “settle down, get quiet and go to sleep, ya’ll hear me” that she would finally just come in and lay down with us bringing with her a “keen switch.” You made a move, she would swat you! Then, we HAD to get quiet. She would then proceed to tell us a story. Oh, not a fairy tale or some sweet kid story. She told us about....THE SACK MAN! (I told you she was original!) I am still curious of the “origins” of the Sack Man! She is still tight lipped about him. She just giggles. The Sack Man was about “this old, ugly, bent over man that carried a big sack on his back and he would catch kids not NAPPING, grab them and put them in that sack and take them off!” We were sure the Sack Man had some dark, deserted shack to lock up kids some where. Our little imaginations would run wild! We sure didn’t want that scary Sackman to climb through the window in the middle of the DAY and kidnap us and put us in his bag! I had “hallucinations” of the Sack Man lurking in the garden of our neighbors just waiting for the perfect time to grab us! I saw him! He was there! I would alert Judy and Loretta, and we would pull the covers up over our heads and squeeze our eyes shut! We would get as still as we could, although I am sure we were shaking from fear! I don’t think

we ever really went to sleep, but we sure could pull off “pretending we were!” We would show that old Sack Man! He wasn’t about to get us! When Aunt Mayvonne actually finished her nap, we were allowed to “wake up” from ours! We would warily go back outside, keeping our eyes open wide, because, The Sack Man might still be outside waiting for us. He might have had a “time limit” for nap times for kids. We stayed on our guard. Who really knew when that ugly old Sack Man might just sneak up and grab us! We had a garbage barrel back then in which the garbage was burned. I think one of our “theories” of what the Sack Man did to “those kids caught not napping” was throw them in the garbage barrel and burn them! We stopped looking for rocks in the driveway for a long time, because that was where the barrel was! (Give us a hammer and those driveway rocks, and we were happy for hours! We just knew we would find some gold!) It was even a little bit scary to go play in the dirt. The Sack Man might be up in “our tree!” You couldn’t be too careful when it came to him! We thought he must have “special powers” that would allow him to appear anywhere at anytime! We would finally just go play in the hose since we figured we could spray the Sack Man and make him MELT just like the witch in the Wizard of Oz! We were safe if we had water! By bedtime, we were worn out. But, do not think for a minute we were not concerned about that old Sack Man. We wildly speculated about where he was right then! We figured he never slept. He was always on “the prowl!” He might be right outside the window. Or under the bed! “You look! No, you look!” One of us would finally get brave enough to check. I don’t think we had a “get away plan” IF he had been under there! We made sure the closet door was open, too. We did not want to give him any good hiding places. I really believe we scared ourselves so bad, we fell asleep pretty quickly! We still talk about the Sack Man, and finally we can laugh about HIM! And, we do not miss a chance to give Aunt Mayvonne a hard time about her Sack Man story! It was not the only time she told that story to us! We firmly believe she enjoyed telling it to us “sweet little girls!” The first time I ever saw Freddie Kreuger, I just knew that was the Sack Man, and he was now making movies! I seem to remember calling Judy and reporting a “sighting of The Sack Man” and what he was now doing. I never ever watched any of those Freddie movies. No way! Southerners tell and know some good stories. Aunt Mayvonne sure told a “whopper” with the Sack Man. Judi, Loretta and me are scarred for life! Oh, I have a night light, my closet doors are open and I always check under my bed at night. I have added some extra protection just to be on “the safe side.” Three cats! I saw some movie about if you have cats, aliens will steer clear of you! So, Otis Lee, Peanut and Bo Bo ought to be able to take care of The Sack Man and any alien that might show up! Take that Sack Man! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Townsend House Gifts

Master Chef Comes to North Louisiana

OUTHERN FAMILY TRADITIONS ARE CREATED AROUND the dinner table. The gathering place for good meals and telling stories is where memories are made that last for generations. And nothing draws the family around like a beautifully set table and delicious food from special family recipes. Townsend House Gifts in Ruston knows all about Southern traditions and setting a beautiful table. Each room in the historic home features inspiration for gracious table settings and centerpieces. On April 9, Townsend House Gifts will host a Spring Open House, bringing together an elegant trunk show of Skyros tableware, presented, in person, by the owner of Skyros Designs, Kathy Pitts, and a cookbook signing of a new cookbook by Whitney Miller, winner of the first U.S. MasterChef on Fox TV. Skyros Designs, headquartered in Memphis, shares a passion for life, laughter, family and hard work. Throughout the years, their goals and values have remained the same. They are committed to beautiful design and unsurpassed quality. Their stoneware, crafted in Portugal, is extremely durable and chip resistant. Their dinnerware and accessories go from freezer to 500 degree preheated oven and are microwave and dishwasher safe. It is perfect when dressed up with silver and crystal for an elegant dinner, yet durable enough to be stacked in the kitchen and used everyday. Whitney Miller will be signing her new cookbook, Whitney Miller’s New Southern Table. Inspired by the hospitality of her 97-year-old great grandmother and the creativity of her mother, Whitney’s passion for the art of cooking began at an early age. At twenty-two, she won the reality cooking show MasterChef. Soon after, she earned her degree, with emphasis on nutrition, from the University of Southern Mississippi. Since then, she has been featured across the globe in Southern cuisine cooking promotions and developed recipes for companies and magazines, including Southern Living, Big Green Egg and Tervis, to name a few. She has also collaborated with chefs at various restaurants, and authored another cookbook. Townsend House Gifts will serve samples from recipes in Whitney Miller’s cookbook, using beautiful pieces from Skyros Designs during the trunk show and cookbook signing April 9, from 11:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Imagine giving her a beautiful new set of dishes or a signed cookbook filled with favorite family recipes from Whitney Miller. At Townsend House Gifts, they make it easy with free gift wrapping and lots and lots of ideas to please mothers and grandmothers.

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Nutrition and Hypertension Taking a Closer Look at Sodium BY JEN BAYS AVIS MEd, LDN, RD, CDE

UTRITION PLAYS A TREMENDOUS ROLE IN HELPING lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls and lead to heart attack and stroke. Eating more fruits and vegetables helps lower blood pressure by adding antioxidants and, specifically, potassium to a person’s diet. If you are not eating a variety of these foods, you are lacking important nutrients for good heart health. Sodium is also an important factor to consider when trying to lower blood pressure. Sodium is naturally found in all foods, and added to processed foods to preserve and enhance flavor. Sodium that naturally occurs in foods is generally very low. Sodium added to foods through salt and commercial processing is high. A teaspoon of salt has 2,400 mg of sodium. Our taste buds are accustomed to a high sodium diet, and when transitioning to eating less sodium, foods will taste bland. After a short period of time, your taste buds adjust, and the flavor of foods will be more prominent and enjoyable. For a lower-sodium diet, shop the perimeter of the grocery store and use commercially prepared products sparingly. Season foods with seasoning powders rather than salts, and do not use table salt. A misconception is that sea salt has less sodium, but it actually has the same amount. The benefit of sea salt is that the larger chunks give a saltier taste while using less. If your doctor has recommended, for example, 2000 mg of sodium daily, try to limit sodium to no more than 600 mg per meal and snack on fresh fruits and vegetables. This limited amount does not allow dining out. Below are some seasoning blends for use in place of salt without sacrificing flavor. MEXICAN GREEK 1 T. chili powder 1 T. granulated garlic 1 tsp. brown sugar 1 T. lemon and pepper, Ms Dash 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 ½ tsp. dried rosemary, crushed 1 tsp. granulated garlic 1 ½ tsp. ground oregano ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 ½ tsp. ground thyme ¼ - ½ tsp. ground red pepper ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. salt CAJUN 1 tsp. ground white pepper 1 tsp. ground black pepper ½ tsp. ground red pepper 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. granulated garlic 1 tsp. dried thyme ½ tsp. celery powder ¼ tsp. salt These seasoning blends can be used as rubs for pork, chicken, fish and beef. Mix ingredients in a bowl and transfer to an air tight container. Rub spice mixture evenly over meat, coating the entire surface. Allow meat to marinate at least 15 minutes or overnight. Grill, bake, broil or braise in skillet with a little olive oil. Try sprinkling spice blends on cooked vegetables, gravies, soups, stews, casseroles and salads. Combine varieties of vegetables, toss with a small amount of olive oil or spray with a cooking spray, then sprinkle with one of the blends. Bake in 375 F oven 15-20 minutes. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Park Manor Plantation Introducing North Louisiana’s Premier Wedding Venue

HETHER SPRING OR FALL, THIS PLANTATION farmhouse is the perfect place to hold any event. Its beautiful hills and a woodland background set the perfect scene for celebrating with loved ones. The house has towering columns, a balcony, a spacious walkway, and a grand front entrance. Sitting on 150 acres, let the magic of Park Manor Plantation take your breath away. There are many events that Park Manor caters to: • Weddings • Receptions • Family Reunions • Proms • Parties • Events • Photo Sessions In the elegant Bridal Cottage one will find a luxurious room for dressing that is decorated with a beautiful dreamy rustic style that any girl will fall in love with. The cottage holds a full bathroom, inlcuding an elegant tub, a complete kitchen and a and a large living area with HD Television. A vintage style of wispy lace and rustic couture continues throughout the entire cottage making it the perfect place to prepare for one of the most important days in a girls life. Truly a dream come true. The pavilion includes room for table and chairs and provides ample space for dancing and sharing memories with loved ones. An updated sound system is provided with fans as well as heaters and a fireplace, setting the mood for the cooler nights. Park Manor accommodates all guests with a handicapped bathroom and an extra space for food serving. Next to the dance floor, a HD television supplies a medium to display slide-shows of past memories. The deck gives guests room to move around and take a break from dancing while curtains provide coverage from weather. Stop by and envision the space with your choice of decorations as you tour the grounds. These are just a few of the amenities that Park Manor provides guests. So call to book your Park Manor tour now, and let the history of the plantation take you into your future.

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Go Green for Spring

Spring is Hopping and Popping at The Children’s Shoppe

HE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE WANTS YOU TO GO green…start with a pinch of green sprinkles on zesty sugar cookies for St. Patrick’s Day, follow with the implementation of an easy recycling system – keep going by awakening nature with a stir to Mother Earth—plant something happy in your garden, and then come see us at The Children’s Shoppe. Spring is hopping and popping at The Children’s Shoppe, literally. It’s time to suit up for the season! The madcap month of March has arrived - the last of winter and the first of spring. Blustery winds and soft spring breezes alternate as we venture out for brisk walks. Can’t March make up her mind which it shall be? Let us help her! Energize your spirit and set the mood for spring with a hint of green. Swing by The Children’s Shoppe, we can get your little sprout geared up for any event. We have green shoes, green shirts, green bows, green bags, green sippy cups, green blankets, and even an edition of the book, “Green Eggs and Ham.” Are you a mother-to-be? Not sure what you are having? Go green! Green is good! Springtime is a busy time. Easter is upon us. There is much to do…frocks and bonnets await your sweet angels. Gather your baskets and hop our way. We have everything you need to prepare for Easter festivities. In the eighth century, the poetic name Easter, meaning “new beginning,’ was incorporated into Christianity’s observance of Christ’s resurrection, thereby blending nature’s renewal with man’s spiritual rebirth. The Easter season is not only a Christian story, but a promise of renewal for all. Our family’s spirit awakens, along with the natural world, from its long winter sleep. Green is good! Spring arrivals are plentiful but are being snapped up as quickly as a hot cross bun – so it would be wise not to dilly dally. Hop on in! The Children’s Shoppe offers a vast array of must-have gifts for babies, birthdays, special occasions or just for play. There is an enticing selection of decorative treasures, diaper bags and custom hair bows. We place particular emphasis on toys and books that are developmental and fun…all great options for Easter baskets. Regardless of season or reason, The Children’s Shoppe is the perfect place to find timeless and fashion-forward children’s clothing, gifts and accessories for girls newborn to size 16 and for boys newborn to size 12. Search no more for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you’ll find it at The Children’s Shoppe. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY HUNTSMAN W R I T T E N B Y TA B B Y S O I G N I E R

t’s a standard greeting for most people. “Hey, how are you?” Most of the time it comes naturally to just say, “Good … how are you?” without really giving it much thought as to how you are really doing. Johnny Huntsman, founder of Johnny’s Pizza House Inc., made it a point for everyone to know how he was doing -- even on the days he had to fake it. A fan of public speaking, Huntsman always shared how to be successful. “Tomorrow when you meet someone and they ask, “How are you?” Stand tall, smile, assume the posture and body language and answer, “Terrific!” Huntsman said numerous times when addressing the crowds from recent high school or college graduates to aspiring businessmen and women. “No matter what, act like you feel terrific – posture, smile – before you know it, you’ll catch it from yourself. Others will catch it from you.” It was no surprise people hung to his every word. Huntsman went from high school coach turned sales engineer to entrepreneur before he turned 30 years old. He maintained the same terrific attitude through his losing seasons as a coach and that same attitude was contagious while working for Olinkraft (now Graphic Packaging). The optimistic outlook is what drove him past his fears and doubts when he decided to leave his job and open up the first Johnny’s Pizza House across from ULM (formerly-Northeast Louisiana University). It’s what kept him from shutting down completely in 1989 when the business went bankrupt due to a poor economy and the start of competition from other pizza chains. He surely wasn’t feeling terrific during those hard times, but you wouldn’t have known it from the grinning man inside a barrel making everyone who drove past look twice on Forsythe Avenue and in front of West Monroe City Hall that day. That same smile is evident today, and if it were up to him, he would likely drive down to the hardware store, purchase another $9 plastic barrel, some red suspenders and find a way to get his livelihood back. It’s a little more difficult than that now though. For the first time in his life, Huntsman cannot control the things happening to him. The onset of Alzheimer’s has forced him to slow down and have others take care of him instead of the other way around. “A lot of people don’t realize that with Alzheimer’s comes anxiety

and depression,” Johnny’s wife Sharon Huntsman said. “He is the most confident, most optimistic and most uplifting person I know, so it’s an adjustment. We’ve really spent this time focusing on each other.” His contagious smile is convincing that he is still terrific, and even though he may not be health-wise, he will always be terrific to so many. “Johnny is such a likable person and has inspired a bunch of people,” Johnny’s Pizza CEO and President Melvin Delacerda said. “We all kind of do things like, ‘How would Johnny do it?’ All who have worked with him over the years know his manners and the decisions he made and try to emulate that, because we think Johnny’s way is the right way – that all leads back to being inspired by him early on and continuously.”

A GIVING HEART

If Johnny’s Pizza never took off, it’s a safe assumption that Huntsman would still find ways to help people. One to never brag or desire the spotlight, he stayed under the radar, quietly paying tuition for students and giving to area charities from Camp Quality to the Boys and Girls Club. “If you can help, help as much as you can,” he has said numerous times. It was through his generosity that the pizza chain took off. While employed at Olinkraft, he would make pizzas and bring them to work functions and parties. It was the mid-60s and at that time nine out of 10 people had never heard of pizzas… neither had Huntsman when he left West Monroe in 1958 to attend his church college in Lamoni, Iowa on a football scholarship. While at Graceland University, he worked part time at the Pizza Shack just off campus. The small business was owned by another student and when he graduated he wanted to sell it to Huntsman. As a college quarterback with aspirations of being a coach, Huntsman did not have the money nor the time it would take to own a business at such a young age. His football coach ended up buying the business instead, and Huntsman ran it. After graduation and spending two years as the head football coach in Belle Plaine, Iowa, Huntsman decided to move back to Louisiana and coach at his alma mater, West Monroe High School. After one year, he hung up his whistle for the business world joining the Olinkraft staff. He not only brought business savviness to the company, but he also introduced pizza to co-workers, who became his first cheerleaders off WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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the football field. People raved over the pizzas and pushed Huntsman to open his own business. It’s not that the thought hadn’t crossed his mind before, but he had a good job and a family to support. It wasn’t until he passed the vacant building on DeSiard Street across from ULM that he started listening to his thoughts. In 1967, it took $5,000 to open his first pizza house and a lot of help from family. He would use family members’ cars to park in the parking lot to look busy. If a customer called in a to-go order, he would ask them to hold and then ring the cash register bell to create the idea that business was good. On weekends, his oldest sister, Marilyn, would work the cash registers – only this time for real orders, instead of just the bell. Meanwhile, her husband Richard rolled out dough in the back, offering their free labor to help out in any way they could. Their kids delivered the drinks and fetched refills.

FAILURE NOT AN OPTION

His family knew the weekends they gave up would be worth it someday. From an early age, Huntsman seemed to master everything he did. When he was a child, his mother, Dorothy would tell everyone that “Johnny could do anything.” If something was broke, Johnny could fix it. In his mind, that meant trying to excel at everything – and so it began. He owned his first business at age 10 – a lawn service. He spent the early part of his childhood in Stuttgart, Arkansas – the Duck Calling Capital of the World – and at age 11, he won the duck calling contest. As a fifth grader, Huntsman’s father moved the family to West Monroe to start his own business – a machine shop off Old Natchitoches Road. West Monroe High School opened its doors in 1953 and started as an 8th-12th grade program. Huntsman was part of the first class to start and attend West Monroe all five years. He was the first four-year letterman in football and baseball and the first quarterback to beat cross town rival Neville. The Rebels, not so much the powerhouse they are today, lost 40-0 when Huntsman was a junior, but he led them to a 7-6 win his senior year.

His days as a quarterback and later as a coach stayed with him as he guided his employees through their own careers. He believed if you lived by three simple rules, it would put you in the top 5-10 percent of any endeavor: 1. Show up. 2. Show up on time. 3. Show up on time and prepared. “He could not work with people who were not self motivated,” Sharon Huntsman said. “He would say, ‘Anything is possible if you work hard.’ He is so proud of Melvin (Delacerda) and (Johnny’s Pizza Chairman) Bernie (Lear).” Delacerda started working for Johnny’s while in high school. By that time, Huntsman had opened his second store – the Warren Drive location in West Monroe. His younger brother, Freddy, ran the store, while Huntsman continued his work at Johnny’s No. 1. “We were inspired to go above and beyond to do things right,” Delacerda said. “We didn’t know any better. We were barely making minimum wage, but that was not the point. We wanted to do that job right.” Huntsman always held education in high regard. It is the reason why Johnny’s still helps its employees pay for college and why he has offered to help others not even involved with the company. Even to this day, every teacher in Ouachita Parish receives a 50 percent discount on every purchase. “One thing I’m grateful for is he encouraged me to continue my education,” Delacerda said. “I think he saw the importance of that. He never told me, ‘Go get a college degree, because you’re going to be president of this company.’ By paying for the education, he gave me the opportunity and the time off that was needed and that was one of the things that probably meant a lot to me and my family and helped my career.” As Huntsman’s wife puts it, he’s been “a door” to so many, whether that is providing opportunities at Johnny’s or in their own businesses. He has also helped jumpstart other entrepreneur’s careers and many have come back to say that other than their fathers, Huntsman was the man in their life. He also has four children of his own and six grandchildren. Marian Archibald, his oldest daughter, lives in North Carolina but gets daily reminders of her father through her sons, Matt and Jack.

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“I see my dad in my children every day – his intelligence, his sense of humor, athleticism and even mannerisms,” Archibald said. “It makes my heart so happy to see his legacy carried on through my children.”

NOT JUST A BUSINESSMAN

The doors did not stop at the business side of things. Huntsman took an active approach to all of his interests. An avid outdoorsman, Huntsman put together a plan when he and a group of friends were approached about buying Davis Island – a 4,800-acre hunting property. “It was a lot of money,” current Davis Island president David Roach said. “Most of us started packing our clothes, but Johnny had meeting after meeting and led every meeting. He had chalkboards and formulas. He went to the bank, and none of us were asked to sign the note. “We sold a few extra memberships and a lot of timber, and in five years it was paid off. Now we own one of the finest places in the state. I think everyone feels the same way – we wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for him. He’s very unselfish … very giving.” Huntsman not only provided an opportunity for other hunters to own part of the land, he provided some of the best laughs. He once spotted a beautiful fawn that had mostly white fur and over the years it grew into a spike, then a 6-point, then a 12-point. “He named him Whitey and said he was off limits to everybody – don’t shoot Whitey,” Roach recalled. “Johnny went out hunting one day and the deer were chasing the does and running through the woods and he accidentally killed Whitey. We had to have a funeral for 92 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Whitey and Johnny wrote his own poem.” Huntsman demanded that the deer be mounted whole, and Whitey still sits at the camp to this day. “He was always so positive about every situation,” Roach said. “You can choose to be negative if you want to, but you won’t get very far going that route. He was just very upbeat and positive. It was just an honor for a young businessman like myself to learn and pick up things from him. What he’s done is incredible,” said Roach.

THE CHALLENGE

Whether he is reading poems over a deceased deer or going out to dinner, Huntsman makes it a point to get people to smile. “Never stop being the best person you can be,” are words he repeats and lives by. It could be a friend, a waitress or just a stranger. If they are not happy, he is going to try and make them happy – especially when it comes to the Northeast Louisiana area. The people who turned into loyal customers and helped pull him out of bankruptcy are who he calls “some of the best people in the country,” said Sharon. “He is really friendly,” said Johnny’s Pizza wage employee Pam Tugler, who just hit her 30-year mark with the company. “He came in here, and asked how long I’ve been here and thanked me for being here that long. As of Dec. 2014, Johnny’s Pizza House Inc. has 35 corporate stores and 12 franchise locations that span Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. Nine employees have spent the past 30-plus years with the company, including Tugler (30), Delacerda (37) and Lear (46).

All three remained with Huntsman during the bankrupt years and Huntsman credits their loyalty as the reason why the franchise continues to thrive. “Johnny knew he could not bring back Johnny’s Pizza without the employees,” Sharon Huntsman said. “He stood in the barrel, but we were all in that barrel with him.”

A DIFFERENT KIND OF DARKNESS

Sharon spends most of her mornings helping her husband get dressed and ready for the day. He still puts on his own shoes though – maybe it became habit from all those early mornings he put them on and walked the campus of ULM. He watched the sunrise over the bayou many of mornings, and though he was uncertain what the day would bring, he knew it would be terrific. The days may not be as bright now, but Sharon – like her husband – finds the positive. Although it may seem odd, she says, in a way, Alzheimer’s is a blessing. “It makes you conscious of how you spend your time,” Sharon said. “You stop trying to control things you can’t control. It required Johnny to ask for help and depend on others.” And after all the help he’s given over the years, it’s time for him to receive the latter part of one of his favorite quotes, “If you give, you get.”

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Night of the Cakes: A Louisiana Garden Party Quota International of West Monroe Holds Annual Fundraiser March 8th

UOTA INTERNATIONAL IS A NON-PROFIT organization empowering women, children, the deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired in local communities around the world. Founded in 1919, Quota International is one of the oldest international service organizations for women. Today, more than 5,600 men, women, and youth in North America, South America, the Caribbean, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Europe are changing lives in 269 communities in 12 countries. West Monroe Quota was chartered in 1999 with the largest number of club members to ever be chartered at one time. This wonderful group of ladies had one purpose in mind which was to change the lives of the people in their community and around the world. Through their dedication and fundraising efforts they have done just that for almost 20 years. “Night of the Cakes” is the club’s annual fundraiser and was the brain child of Joanne McFarland, one of those wonderful charter members. Through funds raised in 2015, West Monroe Quota established a scholarship for a Ouachita Parish graduate student in Communications Disorders Program at ULM and LA Tech. The first scholarship recipient was Brooke Futch. West Monroe Quota has provided hearing aids for five area children. Through the Adopt-A-School program, the club sponsors

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two schools, Boley Elementary, Riverbend Elementary, and has helped children at Lenwil Elementary as well as Ouachita Parish Schools’ “Employees of Distinction.” West Monroe Senior Center, Northeast Louisiana Food Bank’s “Backpack for Kids” program and Med-Camps of Louisiana are among other area non-profits the club has helped with these funds. Freedman Ministries and Mercy Ministries have also been recipients of “Night of the Cakes” funds. Quota members form life-long friendships, working to serve others through their local clubs giving back through outreach and fellowship opportunities. Want to be a part of this great club and become a member; check us out of Facebook. Please join us and Dennis Swanberg on Tuesday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m. for a Louisiana Garden Party “Night of Cakes” and help Quota to continue their outreach through this fun evening. For ticket information, contact margiefrenchmixion@gmail.com. PayPal is available for payment.

Mother Nature generally has smiled upon the NELA Tennis Community this winter, as many sightings of shirt-sleeved players have been reported during January and February. Among the beneficiaries of the easy weather are the ULM and Louisiana Tech women, who have sprinted out to 5-0 and 6-2 records, respectively. Tennis fans can enjoy NCAA Division 1 action at ULM versus University of Alabama-Birmingham March 4 and Western Kentucky March 11. Louisiana Tech hits the road in March but returns April 5 to face Tyler Junior College and University of New Orleans. Not to be outdone, the newbies have responded by enrolling in USTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis Apprentice program. Twentyfive enthusiastic new players are learning the ropes at Kiroli Park and aiming for local league play. Those who missed the first round can play catchup by enrolling in the next Tennis Apprentice session beginning March 31.

The Tennis Apprentice class at Kiroli Park pauses for a group shot.

THE TIPSTER SAYS Research shows that in a singles match 80% of the points are lost, not won. If you enjoy winning, let your opponent end the point.

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Fashion Fusion 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen, Step Right Up to the Most Amazing Show on Earth!

O YOU WANT TO BE WILDLY ENTERTAINED? COME closer then, you won’t believe your eyes! The wonderment that lies behind the shimmer and lights makes pure imagination: a magical night. They say, “Things aren’t always what they seem to be.” Illusions of faces full of paint, fantasy and fashion to inspire and delight. Witness something you’ve never seen before, dreamt before - the greatest show on Earth! Fashion Fusion 2016 is taking a giant leap into the Monroe Civic Center Arena on Saturday, April 23 with a vintage circus theme that is sure to delight and entertain. “Cirque du Chic” will feature the areas best in fashion, dance, art and design. Once again, the whimsical artistry of photographer Savannah Kate has been the inspiration behind the theme of this year’s production. With her amazing choreography, Kelsey Bourg Tanner, assisted by Mackenzie Salter, will fuse the world of Fashion and Dance to bring these characters to life. And of course, the Debbie Bourg Dancers always bring an incredible energy that makes Fashion Fusion one of the most entertaining events in the area! The lobby will be transformed by the ever-talented Clinton Downing to host our VIP Sponsor Party with food prepared by local chefs. On display will be the works of Savannah Kate Photography as well as art by our local children. In its Sixth Season, our show is the largest to date; showcasing seventeen area boutiques on seventy feet of runway. Fashion will be provided by Bent Oaks, Cara’s, Cutie Patootie, Duck & Dressing, The Fleurty Ginger, Freebirds, Hemline, HerringStone’s, K-Sera, Miss Persnickety Joon, Moody Blues, Mr. P’s Tees, Ron Alexander Clothiers, Salt & Pepper, The Loft, Toggery/Her Toggery and The Twisted Peacock. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana. The Coalition is a regional children’s non-profit organization formed by the community to address concerns/ implement programs relating to children and families in four key areas: Early Childhood Education, Parent Education, Youth Development and Healthy Living. VIP Sponsorships are available by contacting the Children’s Coalition at 318-323-8775. Table and Ticket sales begin March 1st through Ticketmaster Tables: $800 - Premier Floor Seating with Catered Food and Complimentary Drinks $500 - Floor Seating with access to Cash Bar and Complimentary Circus Treats Tickets: $45 - Deluxe General Admission • $25 - Regular General Admission

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Changing Lives for the Better Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery

DR. WALTER SARTOR

BEFORE

AFTER

ATIE RAY HAS LOST 136 POUNDS SINCE UNDERGOING the gastric sleeve procedure at Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery in August 2014. She credits the surgery with “saving her

life.” “Five months after my gastric sleeve surgery, I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri, which means I have too much cerebral spinal fluid around my brain; all of my symptoms mimic a tumor. Although there is no known cause, my neurology team said it is more common in obese people. They are confident that the more weight I lose, the better my diagnosis will be. I knew in that moment that I made the right decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery!” She also credits her LCWLS surgeon and dietitian for her long-term success. “Dr. Waltor Sartor and his nutritionist, Marci, are the best. I have had some challenges post-surgery, and they have been there to help me every step of the way. I still see Marci, so that she can keep me on track with my eating.” Katie has struggled with obesity her entire life. She tried several diets, but always gained back the weight. This process made her feel “hopeless,” so she chose the gastric sleeve surgery to control her weight-related medical problems. “I remember exactly how I felt at my heaviest weight. Fitting into booths at restaurants was a challenge; even walking through Walmart became a challenge. That’s when I knew I had to take back control of my life.” Her post-surgery life has changed dramatically. She no longer suffers from high blood pressure or polycystic ovary syndrome. She is a teacher, so her weight loss has transformed the way she interacts with her students. “I enjoy running around with the kids outside and even sliding down the slides at the park with my nieces and nephews. This was impossible before surgery.” Katie said she feels better every day. “I feel like I have my ‘happy’ back, since I lost the weight. Being morbidly obese was miserable for me. I never felt like doing anything before surgery, but now I live life each day to the fullest! I feel better every day. The day I was able to step away from taking blood pressure pills was one of the best feelings in the world.” In fact, her life has evolved so much, she has advice for anyone considering the gastric sleeve surgery. “Life is not fun when you’re not living it to the fullest. There are so many challenges you face when you’re obese and have medical problems. It was all worth it for me—I would do it over again if I had to!” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Consignment At It’s Best

Mark Your Calendar For Monroe’s Munchkin Market, March 16-19th BY CASSIE LIVINGSTON

PRING IS ALMOST HERE AND THAT CAN ONLY MEAN one thing, The Monroe Munchkin Market Event is around the corner. From March 16-19th, the Spring/Summer 2016 will be held at 100 N 18th (Mt. Zion Family Life Center). There will be new and gently used children’s clothing (girls: newborn to junior; boys: newborn to 18), toys, books, DVDs, baby equipment, shoes and much more. Also in store for shoppers are name-brand handbags, totes and wallets “The sale is open to the public Wednesday, March 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 17, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 19, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. On Friday and Saturday everything marked in RED is ½ price.” says India Gregg, co-owner. Monroe Munchkin Market is a small business started by longtime friends and moms India Gregg and Amie Smith, both of Monroe. “We are moms and know the expense of trying to keep your children clothed. We saw in other markets that the consignment sales were hugely popular by the public and other moms wanting great clothes at prices that were affordable. We started out 9 years ago in a small location with clothes mostly consigned by our friends and family and have grown to 500+ consignors twice a year for a Spring Sale and Fall Sale. This is our 17th sale!” according to Gregg and Smith. I personally shop every Monroe Munchkin Market Event – I attended the new mom’s slot when my daughter was first born and was addicted right away. Last fall, I had people ask me if I was opening a daycare in the checkout line. I wasn’t - but I was stocking up for a small revamp we were doing at our church’s nursery. That is the great thing about Monroe Munchkin Market, you can find anything you need at a discount price. My friends always comment on how cute I dress Stella and Vivian and half of their clothes come from consignment. They have name brands like: Peaches n’ Cream, Matilda Jane, Kissy Kissy, Feltman Bros., Baby Threads, and more. If you haven’t been – make sure you sign up today. Believe me, you don’t want to miss out on this event. Once you experience the Monroe Munchkin Market, you will keep it on your calendar for years to come. For more information about the sale visit www.monroemunchkinmarket.com, “Like” Monroe Munchkin Market on Facebook or send an email to info@monroemunchkinmarket.com.

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Stop the Suffering Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis BY ANNIE JOPLING, WHNP

OMEN WHO HAVE PAINFUL BLADDER syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) have a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated (red and sore). This inflammation can scar the bladder or make it stiff. A stiff bladder can’t expand as urine fills it. In some cases, the walls of the bladder may bleed slightly. A few people get sores in the bladder lining. One to 3 million American women are affected. The average age of onset is 40, but 25% are under 30. People who have PBS/IC may have the following symptoms: • An urgent need to urinate, both in the daytime and during the night (yet you may pass only very small amounts of urine each time) • Pressure, pain and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis and perineum. This pain and pressure may increase as the bladder fills and decrease as it empties. • A bladder that won’t hold as much urine as it used to. • Pain during, or more commonly for a few days after sexual intercourse. The true cause of PBS/IC is not known, but we do know that it is not caused by bacterial or viral infections. A defect in the lining of the bladder might cause PBS/IC. Normally, the lining protects the bladder wall from the toxic effects of urine. In about 70% of the people who have PBS/IC, the protective layer of the bladder is “leaky” and more easily irritated, possibly resulting in chronic inflammation and subsequent pain. Other possible causes may be an increase of histamine-producing cells in the bladder wall or an autoimmune response (when antibodies are made that act against a part of the body). Because the symptoms of IC mirror those of a UTI, many women will get antibiotic treatment repeatedly without relief. In fact, the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis is 5-7 years, so it is important to see a specialist if these symptoms occur. At Ovation, we partner with specialists at Southeast Urogyn. Together, we have treated thousands of women with PBC/ IC. Treatments are non-invasive and non-surgical, so if you are suffering, call for an appointment.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

THE ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY DAN CHASON

f I had to pick my favorite month of the year, it would be a complete toss-up between March and October. The only issue with March is deciding whether to pick up the turkey gun, my bass rod or my crappie pole. With October, it is hard to beat the changing weather and the start of bow season. But March is every angler’s alarm clock as it is time to get after spawning fish. In North Louisiana, our weather can be as aggravating as it comes. Just about the time you would think all is right and the fish are going to be doing their thing, it changes into high winds and a cold arctic front that changes everything. One of the most frequent questions I get from bass anglers is what to throw and where do I go? Back in 1992, when we began broadcasting on radio and television, there was a certain segment of listeners who didn’t appreciate the sharing of this information to the general public. In our area, fish secrets are kept and very few folks will share point blank information on how to catch the big stringers of bass that make the newspaper and tournament scales. What I will share this month will hopefully help you decipher the question that is on everyone’s mind. What do I tie on and where do I look for that consistent bite when the weather is unpredictable. In the Spring, water temperature is everything. There are two other factors that will have an impact on a consistent bite: Barometric pressure and the moon phase. Let’s start with the basic question and that is where to go. If you fish a lake like Lake D’Arbonne, Lake Claiborne, Caney Lake or Cheniere Lake, the choices are pretty standard. If you start looking at a waterway like the Ouachita River, the choices change as current, high water and accessibility to spawning areas will change those choices. Whatever impoundment (a lake with banks where the water level stays constant) that you choose, always - and I mean always - start on the Northwest side of the lake. A variance of just a few degrees can make a huge difference. By staying on the Northwest side of the lake, you will find warmer water due to the sun remaining on it for longer periods of the day after sunrise. The optimum temperature for pre-spawn is 55 degrees. Warmer water will be a bonus. The way to tell if you are in the right area is being able to see male bass on the beds. If you don’t see a male bass on a bed, you are too early or in the wrong area. What do you do if you see beds but no fish on them? That merely means that a cold snap or a decrease in water temperature has pushed them off. Simply back off and fish away from the bank. If you do have a male bass with a female on the bed, you have to catch the male first. If you are on a lake with no slot limit, always keep the male before trying to catch the female. She will not bite if the male is still on the bed as he guards the nest. After catching her, release 100 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

both and they will return to the bed to spawn. Backing up a bit, you may ask which is the male? The male is going to be very aggressive and is the smaller of the two fish. Catching a male and keeping him before the female arrives disrupts the spawning process. Yes, another male will take his place eventually but keeping these two love birds together is important for next year’s supply of fish. So now you know what area to concentrate on. The Northwest area holds true in lakes, ponds and large impoundments. I’m not saying always go to the north in a large body of water. I’m saying, for example that if you are in a creek on D’Arbonne, go to the Northwest side. There will be warmer water. Another way to find warmer water is to look for stained or muddy water. Discolored water is warmer and will have the most aggressive fish. The factors that change this behavior is the moon phase. The best time to fish with a jig is right before and right after a full moon. Crawfish hatch on every full moon, so bass are keying in on them during this time. I stay away from any other presentation during this time as my bites increase by matching what they want to eat. I also want a falling barometer. Fish are very sensitive to a falling barometer as their position in the water column is dictated by barometric pressure. Fish have an air bladder which allows them to stay parallel when swimming. Their behavior on a rising barometer changes as they will get tight to the cover or suspend to get relief from this pressure. If you are fishing spawning fish shallow, the barometer can give them lock jaw quicker than any other factor. How do you tell if the barometer is rising? This occurs after a front has passed and is apparent with high blue skies. If it is cloudy and the wind is blowing, you have picked the right day. So what do you throw? I have four lures tied on during this premium fishing time: A pig/jig combination, a Super Hog, a crawfish colored rattletrap and a shaky head. Nothing else. Now some may opt for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits or some other type of shad imitation. Remember to match the hatch. Crawfish are the prime forage with a close second (near the end of the spawn) would be bluegill or bream pattern. The key in colder water is to fish slow....then slow down. A fish’s body temperature is the same as the water. Ask yourself this question: When it is really cold, do you move as quickly as you do when it is 90 degrees? Neither does a fish. Please remember to catch and release, so that big bass is there for another day and is there to reproduce. It is hard to release a trophy bass and a trophy to one may not be to another. Take a photo, measure the fish and release. A replica mount looks the same as the real thing. Just remember these few tips on your next outing, and I hope to see you photo of the one that didn’t get away.

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An Evening at the Oscars Annual Cancer Foundation Gala a Huge Success

HE 2016 CANCER FOUNDATION GALA, “AN Evening at the Oscars” was absolutely beautiful! Everyone looked stunning as they walked the red carpet. Flashing lights popped from the paparazzi for pictures of all of our distinguished guests. Clint Downing interviewed everyone as they walked the carpet finding out which designer dress they were wearing. Dresses flowed as guests danced the night away to the sounds of the Streta Band out of Nashville. Everyone was a winner with the auction, as winners went home with great items and money was raised for our patients. Additionally, money was raised with the mystery boxes, which contained surprises to each that opened them. “Raise the Paddle” was nothing short of a success, as guests generously gave to patients in need. Thank you to each of you who made our 2016 gala Oscar worthy! Thanks to our supporters and amazing sponsors, the Cancer Foundation League is able to make this event bigger and better each year. If you missed this year’s gala, you will not want to miss next year’s, so plan now! “An Evening at the Oscars” will be tough to beat, but we are already putting plans in motion for our guests to be treated like royalty again! Our next fundraising event is the Theresa Marsala Golf Memorial on Friday, May 13, held at Frenchman’s Bend Country Club. If you would like to sponsor the event or participate, contact Karen Mailhes at 318-376-4094. The mission of the Cancer Foundation League is to provide services to area cancer patients and also to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation, and acts as the fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support the Foundation’s programs and services. We aim to provide direct financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer. The CFL is committed to improving the financial, emotional and physical well-being of cancer patients in Northeast Louisiana. We hope to help lighten the financial burden so that a patient and his/her family can concentrate their efforts on fighting the disease of cancer. Of the funds raised through these events, sixty percent of the funds go to the CFL for patient services to help patients with costs such as medication expenses, transportation to and from treatments, utility bills, medical equipment, car notes and mortgage or rent payments. In addition, the funds are used to help with our annual Christmas baskets that are distributed to area patients we have helped in the previous year. Forty percent of raised funds are given to the Louisiana Cancer Foundation to help with their programs, such as support groups, providing 4 free public cancer screenings a year and grants. Since the start of this foundation, we have given over $1.5 million dollars to help 4,234 northeast Louisiana cancer patients. The Cancer Foundation League often works behind the scenes and is seldom seen but strongly felt. For more information on the Cancer Foundation League or how you can give to this incredible organization, visit our website at www.cancerfoundationleague.com or our Facebook page at facebook.com/cancerfoundationleague. Thank you again to all of our 2016 gala sponsors!

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Spring Open House

No One Does Spring Like McKinney Honda Does Spring

T MCKINNEY HONDA IN RUSTON, SPRING IN North Louisiana officially kicks off with the annual Spring Open House. Shoppers come from near and far for major savings on everything from lawn equipment, apparel, sporting goods, motorcycles and ATVs. This year, the 31st Spring Open House is on March 19, and is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss. McKinney’s, along with Origin Bank, will be serving up free food and refreshments. Plus, there will be live music and treats for the kids! Your lawn could be the envy of the block when you take your landscaping do-it-yourself ideas to the experts at McKinney’s. It all starts in the McKinney lawn and garden department, where you’ll find chainsaws, trimmers, blowers and more from trusted brands like Stihl and Shindaiwa. Customers can find additional savings on Honda generators and John Deere mowers. Owner Richie McKinney says that customers in this department range from the homeowner looking to work in their yard to the professional needing equipment for a landscaping business. “Our customers know that if they buy their power equipment here, they are buying the best quality and they’ll get service when they need it,” he said. McKinney’s has a helpful and knowledgeable staff in their service department, where they service the equipment they sell. But if you are more of a “fix-it-yourselfer,” there is a vast parts and accessories department as well, where you can find parts like lawn mower blades, line for trimmers, wheels for your four-wheelers and accessories like motorcycle helmets and leather jackets. The parts and accessories department is popular with McKinney customers, because they can do face-to-face business in the store or online from the comfort of their home. McKinney Honda has been in business for 55 years, and the backbone of those decades of service has been built on a reputation of excellent service. “If we sell it, we service it. Our service technicians continually update their skills at different schools. We have 11 and four are fully-certified by Honda,” said Brady McKinney, salesmen and third generation McKinney. The 31st Spring Open House ushers in new styles in the sporting goods department. There is something for everyone in the family from brands like, Southern Marsh, Columbia, Mountain Khakis, Drake, Luminox Watches, Costa Sunglasses, Yeti and more! McKinney Honda in Ruston is located just off the I-20 Service Road North. In addition to the free food and entertainment, you will find major savings throughout the store and a chance to win a Hustler Turf 52” Raptor mower! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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Add a touch of color to your wardrobe with a tassel necklace! CROSWELL’S BOUTIQUE 139

Who can go wrong with suede and fringe? These slides are a great addition to any outﬁt! ERIN’S ATTIC

We are giddy over this ﬂoral print top. This darling addition to your wardrobe is sure to turn heads. BEAU MONDE BOUTIQUE

This precious James & Lottie romper would be great for spring portraits. THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE

Sport the hippie look with this Mudpie tote, large enough to ﬁt everything you need for a festival day. BEEHIVE

We love the retro vibes of this ﬂoral stoneware pitcher… perfect for a spring table setting! PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY

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Free your mind with this activewear from Free People, perfect for getting outdoors this spring HERRINGSTONE’S

This coral and diamond vintage ring is the perfect shade of spring! RANDY SMITH JEWELERS

Enjoy the tranquility of your own background in this cozy cocoon chair! THE PATIO PLACE

These Dolce & Gabbana frames are a great way to add a pop of color around your eyes! HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER

This Johnny Was Linen Pocket Poncho is absolute perfection… snag one for your closet this season. ABSOLUTELY ABIGAIL’S

Our musthave this season for tired eyes is the Caudalie Paris Resveratrol Lift, eye lifting balm. MD MINERALS

We love this color blend ombré plaid shirt with a lace skull back. Works well for day and night! FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE A little sparkle will go a long way this spring. HOLLIS & CO. JEWELERS

We are wild about Paty gowns! Paired with this classic receiving blanket, it is a great go-to item for any baby shower. THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE

Spring will certainly be swell with this designer water bottle! HAVEN

Spruce up your sofa or bed with plush pillows, giving it a fresh spring feel! MATERIAL THINGS Pop up poolside wearing this fun and ﬂowery two-piece. HEMLINE MONROE

Get ready to ice down the bass or the beer with this Kysek ice chest! MCKINNEY HONDA

How do you wear your sneakers? Paired with jeans or a sundress, these are sure to bring out the fashionista in you. THE FASHION OF RUSTON

Step into warmer weather with some style. K-SERA BOUTIQUE

This bright ﬂowy top is perfect for spring and is ﬂattering on any body type! CARA’S BOUTIQUE

These handmade trays make a beautiful staple for all your Easter celebrations. TOWNSEND HOUSE

Spring means crawﬁsh so this unique mudbug print is a perfect gift this season! THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY & GIFTS

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies in every shape and size. Easter decorating can be so much fun! LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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Saving the Planet, Saving Your Sanity Decluttering the house is a rite of Spring, but it can also be the ideal moment to give the planet a break. article by Michael DeVault

t’s no small coincidence that tax season and spring cleaning both coincide with a spike in donations at recycling and upcycling centers. After all, getting rid of those unused items and all of the detritus that’s collected can benefit both to your closet and your cash flow. And you’d be surprised the types of materials you can recycle. From clothing and books to household items and obsolete electronics, you can find it all a home, provide a little respite to a landfill, and maybe save yourself a little money when it comes time to settle up with Uncle Sam on April 15. Among the most commonly discarded items are books, magazines and newspapers. Many individuals don’t realize that books and magazines can find a home at the Monroe Symphony League. The stack of newspapers gathering dust in the garage will make a great bundle of blown cellulose insulation, and with the help of a recycling service such as Bayou Recycling Pickup (See Page 160), the move doesn’t have to be painful or inconvenient. It doesn’t stop there, either. A large yard bag will hold almost a whole closet of old clothes, the kind of old clothes that have been accumulating in the guest bedroom. Take the big boxes of outfits your children outgrew before heading off to college, load it all up, and take it to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or Sassy Cats. In the case of books and clothes, you get the dual benefits of good karma--they’re staying out of the landfill and someone will get some use from them. You’re also supporting a vital community effort to provide employment and support to individuals who work at these establishments. And you get your closet

back. Be sure to grab a tax receipt before you leave, and it’ll even save you a few dollars off your taxes. Rules for how to apply these deductions and how to avoid a visit from the IRS Tax Man are readily available all over the Internet, and they’re pretty straight forward, as well. Before long you’ll find yourself rooting around in your kitchen. That set of old pots you’ve not used since you got the new Cuisinart for Christmas in 2007 make a great donation to groups like Family Promise or Rays of Sonshine, two organizations that provide housing assistance to individuals or families in crisis. And everyone has a box of old electronics components lurking about in a hall closet, just gathering dust. Sure, you don’t remember why you tossed the remote control to the T.V. you sent to your son’s dorm room into a box. But guess what? There are recycling groups that accept those old gadgets. The Palm Treo that has been a permanent fixture in the pen drawer of your desk can be upcycled as well. Once you get started, it’ll be hard to quit. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can reduce the clutter while helping others. And when you show up at the accountant with the stack of receipts, you’ll be surprised how quickly those deductions add up, as well. To help you begin, we’ve reached out to several area upcycle and recycle charities, curating a list of places where your discarded ephemera can make the biggest impact. So take a few minutes during your spring cleaning to consider where all of that mountain of stuff is headed. With just a little extra effort, you’ll be able to reduce the load to the dumpsters in lieu of putting out a whole lot of good will.

Demystifying Recycling ARCO Shred: Paper waste such as old tax records and receipts, bank statements, bills, etc., which are shredded, baled and recycled at a local document destruction site at no charge and with complete confidentiality to protect you from identity theft. To arrange to have your old documents shredded, call Missy Fleming of ARCO at (318) 372-7817. http://www.arcomonroe.org/arcoshred.htm Family Promise of Ouachita: Furniture and household goods, such as dishes, pots, pans and bedding. Take donated items from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tues-Sat. to the Family Promise Thrift Store at 100 Trenton St., West Monroe, 71291, (318) 654-4101 or (318) 651-0103. http:// www.familypromiseofouachita.com First Baptist Church West Monroe Thrift Store: Furniture, clothing, household items, bedding, glassware, décor, books, DVD/CDs, toys, baby items, and working electronics. Current needs: dishes, pots and pans, bedding, maternity clothing, plus-size clothing, men’s shoes and jeans and large baby items such as strollers, high chairs, walkers, etc. Take donated items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the drop-off center at 409 N. 5th St., West Monroe, 71291, (318) 410-0999. Call for furniture pickup available on Saturdays. http://www.firstwest.cc/firstwestWM/community_thriftstore. html Friends of the Ouachita Parish Public Library: All books, especially children’s books, large print books, cookbooks, encyclopedias WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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and audio books. Take donated items to the West Ouachita Branch at 188 Hwy 546, West Monroe, 71291, (318) 327-1490, or any branch of the OPPL. http://www.oplib.org/friends. htm Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana: Clothing, furniture, appliances, working electronics, children’s items and toys, shoes, clocks, lamps, coats, jewelry, books, chairs, vases, tools, handbags and collectibles. In Monroe, take donated items from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat. or 1-5 p.m. Sunday to the store at 2273 Louisville Ave., 71201, (318) 323-6793. In West Monroe, take donated items from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat. or 1-5 p.m. Sunday to the store at 3426 Cypress St., 71291, (318) 396-3378. In Ruston, take donated items from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. or 1-5 p.m. Sunday to the store at 215 N. Service Rd. E., Ruston La., 71270, (318) 2519162. (No furniture pickup available.) http:// www.goodwillnla.org Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita ReStore: Furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials (non-hazardous paint, lumber, etc.), doors, windows, tubs, toilets, blinds, curtains, house wares, etc. Call (318) 737-1112 to take donated items to the store at 2308 Washington St., Monroe, 71201, or to make arrangements for pick up of larger items. http://www.hfho. org Hope Restored Counseling Center: Working computers, monitors, printers, business clothing and baby clothes and items, such as strollers, high chairs, walkers, etc. For its boutique, clothing (especially boys’ and plus-size women’s clothes); skirts; winter coats, scarves, hats, shoes and boots; jewelry; accessories. Take donated items from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. to 3906 DeSiard St., Monroe, 71203, (318) 7377939. https://www.facebook.com/HopeRestoredCounselingCenter Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe Inc.: Blankets, towels, animal carriers, bleach, Dawn dishwashing liquid, hand sanitizer, heavy duty 100-ft. water hoses, galvanized water buckets, trash bags, office supplies, lateral file cabinets, storage shelves, pet toys, dog collars, leashes, dog igloos. Take donated items from noon-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. to the center at 920 Freight Dr., Monroe, 71203, (318) 387-9553. http://www.bayoudogs.org or https://www. facebook.com/pages/Humane-Society-Adoption-Center-Monroe/177045365655964 108 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

LearningTECH/Quest School: Small, used electronics, such as cell phones, digital cameras, iPads and inkjet printer cartridges. To donate items to the school at 2401 Oliver Road, Monroe, 71201, call (318) 322-6000. http:// www.learningtechquestschool.net Monroe City School System Homeless Student Program: Uniforms (pre-K–12th grade), book bags, school supplies, toiletries. To donate items, call Sallie Sutherland at (318) 3250601 x. 5206. Monroe Symphony League Book Fair: Books, audio books, magazines, vinyl records, CD/ DVDs, sheet music, music booklets, encyclopedias. Take donated items from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays to the MSL Book Room at 320 N. 4th St., Monroe, 71201, (318)-410-1002 or (318) 812-6761. (Closed Nov. 27-Jan. 15.) Ouachita Council on Aging: Eyeglasses, blankets, wheelchairs, portable commodes, canes, walkers, crutches, shower stools, craft items, home décor, knickknacks, etc. Take donated items from 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. Mon.Fri. to the OCOA at 2407 Ferrand St., Monroe, 71201, (318) 387-0535. http://ouachitacoa.com Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter: Towels, rugs, blankets, rags, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, pine oil, bleach, mops, brooms, paper towels, pet toys. Take donated items from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. or 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday to the shelter at 417 Well Rd., West Monroe, 71292, (318) 323-4032. http://www. petfinder.com/shelters/parishpets.html Ouachita Parish School System Homeless Student Program: Uniforms (pre-K–12th grade), book bags, school supplies, toiletries. To donate items, call Anthony Killian at (318) 432-5273. Ray of Hope: Furniture, appliances, clothing, household items, toys, baby items, bedding. Take donated items from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, or from 9 a.m.-noon Friday and Saturday to 1935 Winnsboro Rd., Monroe, 71202, (318) 322-9244. Rays of Sonshine, the Zone: Furniture, appliances, clothing, shoes, household items, bedding, kitchen wares. Take donated items from 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. to 200 Breard St., Monroe, 71201, (318) 323-0502. http://www. raysofsonshine.org

River Cities Humane Society for Cats: Newspapers, blankets, towels, washcloths. For its semi-annual garage sales, furniture and household items of all kinds. Take donated items from 1 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Tues.-Sat. to the shelter at 5302 DeSiard St., Monroe, 71203, (318) 3433031. http://www.rivercitiescats.org Salvation Army: Clothing, furniture, appliances, working electronics, children’s items and toys, shoes, clocks, lamps, coats, jewelry, books, chairs, vases, tools, handbags and collectibles. Take donated items to the warehouse at 105 Hart St., Monroe, 71201, (318) 325-1755, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., or to the store at 145 Reagan St., West Monroe, 71291, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. https://www.facebook. com/MonroeSalvationArmy Sassy Kats: Clothing, small household goods, shoes, accessories, books, bedding. Take donated items to the stockroom at 504 Louisville Ave. from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Clothing can also be placed at any time in bins at either the Sassy Kats store or ARCO at 901 N. 4th St., Monroe, 71201, (318) 323-3543. http://www. arcomonroe.org/sassykats.htm St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy: Prescription medications, except for controlled substances and birth control pills. Must be indate (unexpired) and in sealed, tamper-evident packaging. Take donated prescriptions from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. to the pharmacy at 502 Grammont St., Monroe, 71201, (318) 387-7868. Wellspring Alliance for Families: New (not used) women’s and children’s clothing, used coats, hats, umbrellas, furniture, appliances, toys, dishes, pots and pans, bedding, pillows, personal hygiene items, toiletries, cleaning supplies and baby items such as diapers and baby wipes. To donate items, call (318) 651-9314 or (318) 323-1505. 1515 Jackson St., Monroe, 71201, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. http://wellspringalliance.org 4 Paws Rescue: Blankets, sheets, curtains, towels. Take donated items from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. to the shelter at 290 Rodeo Road, Ruston, 71270, or call (318) 251-DOGS for pick up. http://4pawsrescueinc.myresq.org https://www.facebook.com/4pawsruston

First National Bank FNB Introduces Ashley Doughty Able

IRST NATIONAL BANK IS PROUD to introduce Ashley Doughty Able as their Business Development Officer for Ouachita Parish. Ashley is a life-long resident of Monroe, LA, and has positively impacted the community through volunteer work with civic organizations, charitable activities and her time on television. Ashley’s Involvement FOR OUR Community: • Board of Director member for Willpower Foundation which raises money for Pediatric Cancer Research • Board of Director member for The Ouachita Council on Aging and serves as the Chairperson of the Auction Committee for the annual Shindig Fundraiser to raise funds for Meals on Wheels. • Board of Director member for the American Red Cross • United Way volunteer for the READ,

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LEARN, SUCCEED program where she reads to a second grade student at Clara Hall once a week. Monroe Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and winner of the prestigious 2016 Ambassador of the Year Award West Monroe Chamber Diplomat 2015 Graduate of Leadership Ouachita Planning committee member for the Black and White Ball which raises funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center Member of First United Methodist Church in Monroe

In addition to her participation in these organizations, Ashley anchors the 5:30 p.m. newscast on KARD Fox 14 and hosts the KARD television show Louisiana Living, which has a primary focus on community resources, politics, health and culture. Ashley is a graduate of Neville High

School and Northeast Louisiana University. She is married to Marc Able and mother of two daughters, Lily and Amelia Thomas. Ashley comes to First National Bank with over 15 years experience of building community relationships. Ashley oversees all business development for Ouachita Parish and is based out of our newest location in Monroe at Hudson and N. 18th Street. At First National Bank, our team is committed to the advancement of our customers, employees and shareholders through the convenient delivery of financial products throughout North Louisiana. Investment in the communities and individuals we serve is a priority as we promote economic growth. We provide professional, enthusiastic service that is truly uncommon by today’s banking standards.

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What is the Relay For Life of Ouachita Parish Movement? American Cancer Society Relay for Life Set for April 15th

ELAY FOR LIFE IS THE SIGNATURE fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. At the event, you will have the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to this disease during the Luminaria ceremony and learn more about how to fight back against cancer. While you’re raising much needed funds, you’ll also be raising awareness of the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support. Each American Cancer Society Relay For Life event gives everyone an opportunity to fight cancer and help save more lives. Teams made up of family members, friends and/or coworkers set up their site and take turns participating in the family fun activities provided, as well as continue to raise funds that night by having on site fundraisers. There will be food, fun and live entertainment with events and games scheduled throughout the night! Sure to be a fun time had by all.

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WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Be part of a Relay for Life Team Gather up your group and register as a team through WWW.Relayforlife.org/ ouachitala. Each team has a Team Captain and plan fundraisers before and during relay. Each participant that raises a minimum of $100 can receive their complementary 2016 Relay for Life Shirt. Volunteer Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the Relay For Life event in your community. Whether you have a few extra hours or a month, the ACS needs your talent and appreciates your time. Become a corporate sponsor Businesses that choose to sponsor Relay are making the decision to partner with the American Cancer Societ. There are many opportunities offered at varying levels.

Benefits may include your company’s logo printed on event T-shirts, banners, etc. For more information on how you can help or for questions, please contact: Megan LeBeouf- Community Account Manager- Megan.LeBeouf@Cancer.org Jessica Siddon- Event Lead- siddon@opsb.net Join Now- WWW.Relayforlife.org/ouachitala Important Dates/Events: • Relay for Life of Ouachita Parish April 15th 2016, 6 p.m.-12 Ike Hamilton Expo Center • Team Captain meetings March 21st 2016 , 5:30 p.m. Ouachita Council on Aging

Freshening Up Your Outdoor Living Spaces

The Patio Place Provides Some Tips for Getting Springtime Ready

T IS ALMOST THE TIME OF YEAR TO GET BACK TO enjoying your outdoor patios and living spaces. You may feel a little uninspired coming out of winter, so let us share a few easy tips to help you refresh those areas and get ready to entertain. The first and most basic tip is to create a cozy spot to gather with your family and friends. By adding a great furniture grouping to your outdoor living space, you can quickly provide a welcoming spot that attracts attention from all. This is a great time of year to shop with us at The Patio Place while selected groups are reduced 15-20 percent. New sets are arriving now as well, and placing a custom order is always an option. If you already have your furniture group, but feel it needs a facelift, another trick is to play with new fabrics. The Patio Place works with custom cushion and pillow manufacturers who can create new cushions or just help to add some fun pattered throw pillows. No matter the style of your furniture, new colors and patterns can help brighten everything up and make it new. A final tip is to accessorize with attractive and welcoming outdoor elements and dĂŠcor. Incorporating some type of water element is an easy way to make an impact in an outdoor environment. They can be made the focus of your space or just

be a great accent to the atmosphere. Outdoor artwork also adds a unique touch, and can be found in all themes to fit your look and style. Lastly, with our summer heat you should not go without a large patio umbrella to create an area of shade. The Patio Place always carries a variety of umbrellas in store, but they can be custom ordered to perfectly complement your space, too. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with your selections and show you the latest in trending fabrics and styles. We represent well-known manufacturers of outdoor furnishings such as Ebel, Hanamint, Winston, Meadowcraft, Jensen Leisure, Lloyd Flanders, Brown Jordan and the always popular, recycled product Breezesta. We are looking forward to this upcoming season, and to working with our customers in creating some beautiful outdoor retreats. Come by and see us at The Patio Place weekdays from 10 a.m. - 6. p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Wine Over Water: A Taste of the University ULM’s Signature Event Set for March 31st

OST INDIVIDUALS THINK, ‘I COULD NEVER HELP fund a scholarship- I don’t have that kind of extra money.’ If you are one of these individuals, Wine Over Water is the event for you! Wine Over Water, ULM’s signature event, is more than just a good time; it’s also a way to give back! The proceeds from WOW benefit the Spirit of the Warhawk Scholarship, which is instrumental in keeping our local scholars at home and at our university, ULM. By attending Wine Over Water, you are investing in the students of northeast Louisiana. WOW is an example of how a small community can raise large dollars for scholarships that stay in our area and have fun while doing it! The 11th Annual Wine Over Water will be hosted on Thursday, March 31, 2016 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Attire is dressy casual – no denim or shorts, please. The $60 per person ticket price includes a commemorative wine glass, food, drink and entertainment throughout the evening. As you stroll across the historic ULM bridge, you are invited to sample delectable dishes from over 30 restaurants including Aramark, Bakery Boutique, Calvert Crossing, Catfish Cabin, Catfish Charlie’s, Fieldhouse Bar and Grill, Jo-El’s Café, Longhorn Steakhouse, McAlister’s Deli, Newk’s Eatery, Olive Garden, Chef Pat Nolan

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Catering, The Pickle Barrel, PieWorks Pizza, Podnuh’s Bar B Q, Raising Canes, Restaurant Sage, Taste of India, The Kitchen, Trapp’s, Waterfront Grill and many more. Glazer’s will provide 40 fabulous featured wines. Not a wine enthusiast? No worries, Marsala Beverage will also be at WOW with a full array of beers! After browsing the delicacies on the bridge, be sure to stroll down to the dock and catch a boat ride along Bayou DeSiard from B & L Marine. Dance the night away at the Land 3 Architect Stage featuring Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, one of Memphis, Tennessee’s most entertaining bands. The Patron Party - the best pre-party in town - will be from 5:30 pm-7:30 p.m. in Scott Plaza outside the ULM Library. A three piece jazz band will entertain you in a New Orleans-style setting while you enjoy specialty food from Aramark and premium cocktails. Tickets are $125 per person. To become a sponsor, purchase tickets or to ask questions, contact the ULM Alumni Center at 318-342-5420 or 866-WARHAWK. Also, visit our website at www.ulm.edu/wine or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ulmalumniassociation.

Enroll in the Tools of Learning

Geneva Academy: Cultivating Christian Leaders in Scholarship, Virtue and Faith

ENEVA ACADEMY EXISTS TO CULTIVATE CHRISTIAN leaders in scholarship, virtue and faith by giving students the “tools of learning,” enabling them to pursue wisdom and knowledge throughout their lives and in their several callings. These “tools of learning,” known as the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric), are taught at the natural stages of children’s development. Today’s experimental educators reverse this pattern. They ask first grade students to do “critical thinking” and then ask college freshmen to memorize and regurgitate information. Classical education teaches “with the natural grain” of the student. In the first stage, grammar students (K-6) are sponges for information. They memorize quickly and with joy. They master phonics, parts of speech, multiplication tables, geography, Scripture, musical notation, science facts, history events, etc. In the middle years (7-9), students begin the logic stage. At this age students naturally argue, reason and question everything! So they are taught formal logic. They learn to defend and debate ideas, identify logical fallacies, distinguish truth from validity and construct sound arguments. In the rhetoric stage (10-12)—when students naturally want to express themselves—they are taught the art of persuasion toward truth. In the senior year, as a capstone, students write and defend a thesis. Students read real books— primary sources and classic literature, histories and scientific treatises,

as well as the whole Bible—in order to be truly literate. Throughout their years student gain mastery of language, mathematics, music and art.

“Is not the great defect of our education today . . . that although we often succeed in teaching our pupils “subjects,” we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think: they learn everything, except the art of learning.” - Dorothy Sayers But is classical education useful in an increasingly technological age? Yes. Problem solving, logical thinking and effective communication are skills that are demanded today’s world. A student who has been given the tools of learning is able to adapt to new situations, making a classical education the best education for changing times. Is classical education is good preparation for college? Yes, classical education is the best preparation for college. Geneva Academy has a 100% college acceptance rate. The majority of our graduates have earned scholarships at various universities and colleges including Belhaven University, Louisiana State University, Centenary College, Louisiana Tech, The University of Louisiana at Monroe and New Saint Andrews College. More importantly, our graduates seek to serve the Lord faithfully in their various callings, a true mark of a successful education.

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Special Agents … On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! Squire Creek Presents The Peachy Keen Caper March 13

HE PEACHY KEEN CAPER IS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana’s 2nd annual fundraising event, which is hosted by Squire Creek on Sunday, March 13 from 2-7 p.m. The event begins and ends at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant. The Peachy Keen Caper is a zany “Amazing Race” style event starting with the most innovative scavenger hunt you’ve ever seen! It’s not about figuring out where you’re going or retrieving an item when you get there, but instead working together to solve interactive and sometimes puzzling clues on a mad dash through Lincoln Parish! To add to the excitement, a reception with dinner and prizes will take place at Squire Creek Country Club following the hunt. Show team spirit by dressing up—

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Be creative! Each team of 6-8 people will be chauffeured to clue sites in a limo or vehicle stocked with snacks and libations. Team captains will receive a hint sheet, which can help increase your odds of winning, several days before the event. Get your team together, and try figuring out what the hints mean by doing a simple Internet search. You might find the piece of the puzzle that will come in handy on the day of the event. Don’t get too confident … You never really know what awaits you and your team at each clue site. Proceeds from this event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana (BBBS of NELA), a program of The Wellspring. BBBS of NELA is a nationally acclaimed mentoring program that provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring,

professionally supported one-to-one relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community. BBBS of NELA makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (”BIGS”) and children (”LITTLES“) ages 7-18 in Ouachita, Morehouse, Franklin, Lincoln and Richland Parishes. Don’t miss out on the fun! Grab up to seven people 21 and over, and form a team today! You can register by phone at (318) 323-9034 or online at bbbsofnela.org/pkc.

When God and Cancer Meet Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group to Host Best Selling Author and Cancer Advocate Lynn Eib

oin the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group on Saturday, April 9 for a morning filled with inspiration from bestselling author, cancer patient advocate and cancer survivor Lynn Eib. The event will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Vantage Tower Banquet Room (130 DeSiard Street) in Monroe. There is no charge for admission, but reservations are required due to limited space and will be accepted now through April 2. Eib is a newspaper reporter-turned-author after her own battle with locally advanced colon cancer. The year was 1990, and she was only 36 years old. The wife of a pastor and three young daughters, Eib did the only thing she could – she turned to God and her journey became a lifetime mission. The best-selling author has written several books, including “When God and Cancer

Meet,” the namesake of the Monroe seminar in April. Following chemotherapy treatments, Eib went for her first checkup and found herself filled with sadness for others instead of happiness for herself. “I wanted to take away their pain, but I couldn’t,” Eib wrote on her website (lynneib. com). “I wanted to give them peace, but I couldn’t. Then God “spoke” to my heart: “But you know the One who can and you can tell them about Me.” In 1991, she started a prayer support group with four people. The meetings quickly attracted more and more and Eib started meeting more than once a month to give others more time for the help and hope they needed as they battled through their own journeys. She has helped hundreds and the prayer group is now the country’s oldest such faith-based group and led Eib to other callings

from God – a patient advocate for the same oncologist that treated her and an author. In addition to When God and Cancer Meet, Eib has also written When God and Grief Meet: True Stories of Comfort and Courage and Finding the Light in Cancer’s Shadow: Hope, Humor and Healing after Treatment. Her devotional, 50 Days of Hope, has also provided a daily spiritual walk for patients and passed on to other patients. She’s also written another book – Peace in the Face of Cancer – which is due out next spring. Through the years, Eib says her message has not changed: “God loves you with an unconditional love. He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. He can be trusted even in cancer.” For more information on the Monroe event and to register, call (318) 249-4392 or email whengodandcancermeet@gmail.com. Like Eib’s first meeting with her cancer group, the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Prayer Support Group is in its beginning phases. Following the April event, the group will begin meeting on the first Thursdays of every month at the Washington Plaza in Monroe from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/CancerPrayerGroupNELA

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Introducing Children to STEM in Elementary School is the Key Success Give Your Child an Edge at Sylvan Learning Center BY AMYE SMITH, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, SYLVAN LEARNING OF MONROE

OUNG CHILDREN ARE NATURALLY CURIOUS, AND the earlier they can have hands-on learning experiences with STEM, the better you can set them up for success later on in school and in life. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math, and it has become a big focus in education. Having a STEMeducated workforce is critical for the United States to remain competitive in the 21st century. According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), STEM occupations are among the fastest growing fields in our economy. In addition, the demand for top STEM talent is growing even faster in high-paying jobs outside of traditional STEM occupations.Virtually every industry has a demand for workers who have high levels of STEM competencies. CEW research also shows there is a big payoff for those who have STEM skillsets. People who major in a science, technology, engineering or math field in college earn more than all other majors over their lifetimes, even if they work in non-STEM occupations.

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The irony of these trends is that not enough American students are pursuing college majors in STEM fields to meet the growing demand. By the time American kids reach high school, they’ve fallen behind children around the world in STEM proficiency, ranking 25th in mathematics and 17th in science among 27 industrialized nations. That doesn’t mean your child has to follow in that trend, though. By introducing your child to STEM-based learning early, such as through extracurricular activities and in-school opportunities during elementary school, you can inspire your child to develop critical skills and get on the right path to high-demand careers—all while building confidence and having fun. Sylvan of Monroe is proud to offer cutting-edge courses in robotics, engineering and computer game design. These handson, engaging courses are taught in small groups and designed to challenge and inspire young learners. Call us today at 322-8596 for more information.

New Treatment Offers Relief from the Bedroom Blues Now Available at Professional Laser Center BY JUDY WAGONER

ALL IT THE SHOT HEARD ‘round the world—only this time the revolution is on behalf of modern women. The O-Shot is a new, non-surgical intervention, that aims to address female sexual dysfunction. The O-Shot® is a revolutionary approach to restoring the sensations lost or perhaps never had. It is an all-natural, virtually painless, non-surgical procedure that can rejuvenate and revitalize female sexual function, improve sensitivity and significantly enhance sex drive. It’s also been shown to be an alternative intervention that may improve urinary stress incontinence. First, the patient’s blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge. A specific component called Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is isolated. The PRP is then injected near the clitoris and into the vaginal wall (after the area is

thoroughly numbed). The PRP then releases growth factors that stimulate growth and repair. There is an immediate volume effect, which lasts up to a week. Then over the next few weeks the PRP stimulates the growth of cells, collagen and blood vessels. The overall effect should last about 18 months. When used for sexual dysfunction, patients report increased sexual desire and improved ability to achieve orgasm. The same method can be applied to men in the form of a “P” Shot...or “Priapus Shot.” Professional Laser Center Medical Director, Dr. Victor Zuckerman, has received advanced training in the injection of Platelet Rich Plasma from Dr. Charles Runels M.D., creator of the Vampire FaceLift, as well as the O-Shot and P-Shot. Dr. Runels says he was puzzled by the array of treatments available for men dealing with sexual problems—with

everything from pills to penile implants as a remedy—and the glaring void when it came to female sexual dysfunction, even though more than 40 percent of American women are estimated to have this issue. The entire process is no more painful than a numbing shot at the dentist, takes less than 30 minutes, is conducted in our office and produces immediate results. Date night can occur later that evening. This is a great alternative intervention for women who suffer from sexual dysfunction. Call today for a free consultation...318-361-9066. For one month, we are offering an introductory discount of $400 off our $1395 price.

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Mardi Gras in Louisiana is always a fun event. This carnival season, we asked our readers to submit their favorite photos from the festivities.

The Bayou M

inski

isfits

Amelie Kabach

NIEL

n and butler DA

VALERIE, Peyto

Alexa clack, Mary sp icer, lindsey cumpton and laura spicer

Lindsey, William, Bill and James Swander Maggie and Rick gree

Cooper Jones with olivia an landry lane

john david jones

STEWART AND LINTON SMITH

TRENT AND STELLA LIVINGSTON WITH MORGAN LIVINGSTON

zeke, courtney, genevieve and Vaughn Wetzel

Georgia moffett and charlotte bryant

Free Birds Boutique

Flock into Free Birds Boutique this Spring

HIS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO REVAMP YOUR style! Free Birds Boutique is getting Spring shipments in daily. This season step out of your box with a simple statement piece and be the most trendy you can possibly be. If you want a style that is different than everyone else, then this is where you need to be. Don’t just follow the herd, lead the pack! From grunge to classically chic, we have a look for everyone. Free your inner bird! Boho, modern, bold and vintage fashion is what our boutique is all about. Feel good about the way you look and what you wear. This is where fashion meets comfort, so don’t change your look, just enhance it. Here are a few of the Spring trends you can find at Free Birds Boutique: • Grunge tank tops • Distressed denim • Oversized/Off-the-sholder pullovers • Spring booties Let us help you kick up your style without changing your whole wardrobe with these simple extras. Be seen and be noticed this Spring. We can help you find your niché and make sure you look great. Find your favorite band tees, choose from locally made jewelry or grab a funky accessory piece to completely rock your look. Stop by for a fun afternoon of trying new and different trends with friends. We are now online! We add to our website, shopfreebirdsboutique.com , everyday! Check back often to see new items and take the stress out of shopping. We are going on two years of business, and nothing is slowing us down, because Northeast Louisiana needs our free spirit style. Our little nook on Antique Alley has a uniqueness that expresses just how much we love what we do. We are local; we support local! Find us online at shopfreebirdsboutique.com, on Instagram and Facebook, or stop by to truly experience our hidden gem on Antique Alley in West Monroe! 318.348.2200

“Cause I’m as free as a bird now, And this bird you cannot change”

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This is a tale of a sweet, hardworking family who chooses to split their time between two neighboring parishes. Because the husband’s business is anchored in Bastrop, the couple made the commute work, travelling between Morehouse and Ouachita so their children could attend a church-based school. While it may have been a circuitous route finding the perfect house for their family, sticking to their initial wants may have taken a little longer to achieve, but the results prove that it was worth the time and work. This tale of ranch redemption begins when the couple sold their home and started the process of searching for property near thri children’s school. On their wish list was a home on usable water. After 15 months of hunting for a home, everyone was just about ready to throw in the towel. “Then six weeks before our lease was up, our realtor called us about this house,” smiles the wife 120 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

thinking back to her first encounter with the Sterlington property that is bordered by the bayou. “When I rounded the house, I could see the bayou and the sunset, and I knew we could live here forever. And that’s before I even looked at the house!” When the couple determined that the home “ticked every box,” they set out to make it their own. Thoughtful in her approach to creating the home of her family’s dreams, the wife took it slow, noticing how her family lived in the home for a year and how she could make her home function better for her busy husband and children. The better part of that year, was spent planning down to the tiniest detail how the heart of her home, her kitchen, would look, feel and function. For the renovation, the homeowners enlisted good friend Larry James to draft plans to open up the spaces and recapture the joy that ranch homes meant to the homeowners. Adds the wife, “One thing

about a remodel is that when you have an existing home, there are pockets of space that we just had to make the best of. I grew up in a ranch, so 8 foot ceilings seemed normal to me, although we were able to raise the ceilings in parts of the house to open up the spaces.” The wife was blessed with a talented friend who initially helped her with a few key choices during the initial phases of the renovation. Shortly after the project was underway, interior designer Sherri Mowad, known for her ability to keep a project on time and on budget, was called in for her expertise. Explains Sherri as she looks around the home, “This was a big job for me. The family had moved out to what we call the ‘pool house’ and were practically living on top of each other during this renovation which took about 6 months of construction. It’s been nice to take our time decorating, finding the right pieces at the right price and not rushing into

anything.” An avid cook and homemaker, the wife’s favorite part of the renovation is her dynamic kitchen. With custom designed cabinetry from Douglas Cabinets, the kitchen is a study in efficiency. A cabinet pot rack is a chef’s dream – all pots within reach but cleverly concealed behind doors and out of sight. Smooth-shut drawers keep the banging to a minimum, intensifying the calmness that comes from organization. For instance, spices are located in racks easily accessed beside the DCS gas range in the central island. “It’s funny how you go back to your childhood roots,” says the wife. “My mom had a range in her island! It’s just something that felt right.” The light granite with grey veining, Morrow White, on the center island was one of the first choices of finishes the homeowner made for the renovation and it helped set the tone for the entire project. Counter height stools from Ballard Designs are where everyone tends to gather.

Crisp, white subway tiles create a visually light backsplash against graphic, honed Absolute Black granite counters that top white Shaker-style cabinets throughout the kitchen. A Delta touch-style faucet makes time at the sink a breeze. A walk-in pantry is a study in the homeowner’s organizational skills as well. She laughs, “I’m a Container Store freak! I love installing Elfa closets like this and did all the closets in the house myself. The beauty of Elfa is that you can change it.” Sherri nods in agreement and repeatedly says she is hiring her client to design closets for future design jobs. At the back door entrance to the home, a “To Go” cabinet is well-stocked with all the necessities for a family on the go, like hand sanitizer and umbrellas. The home’s new, spacious laundry room makes even the laundry averse want to wash and fold. Metallic porcelain 18” x 24” flooring tiles set the tone. Ample storage, including a broom closet outfitted for WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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cleaning supplies with an outlet built in for cordless vacuums as well as a wrapping paper drawer, is designed into this room. Counters are a budget saving but chic-hued Formica. “During the year I lived here before the renovations, I thought through every phase of my life and tried my best to categorize tasks and how best I could organize my space for those tasks. Just beyond the kitchen, the home opens up to the bayou in a great space with soaring ceilings and a wall of windows. The area is split into a dining area and comfortable living section. With a dining table big enough to easily seat ten people, Sherri found the dining chairs from Traditions on Trenton on Antique Alley in West Monroe and had them recovered in a rich leather. Upholstered armchairs in a beige linen with nailhead trim can be called

into service when the crowd for dinner gets bigger. The fixture above the dining table is by Ballard. In the living area, Sherri created cozy seating areas with a pair of navy topped stools also found at Traditions, and existing sofa that was reupholstered and a pair of swiveling club chairs from Mason Salters in Natchitoches. A large armoire is a treasured family piece. Rugs throughout the home were also acquired through Mason Salters. Beyond the great room lies the outdoor living space which is protected by a vaulted ceiling. A colorful hooked rug anchors the seating area where Frontgate sofas and chairs mix with wooden rockers from Sam’s. Phase Two of the homeowners’ plans to renovate is in the planning stages now with a landscape plan designed by Patrick Trisler. Throughout the public spaces of the home,

Bella Sera hand-scraped, wide plank hardwood floors create a rich continuity. In the foyer, the original door to the house was converted to a barn door that rolls back to reveal the family’s board game collection. A zinc topped table from Traditions on Trenton features carved legs and is the perfect spot to have family game night beside a roaring fire in the wood-burning BuckStove fireplace from Arkansas Stone. The fireplace wall is accented from floor to ceiling with Ledgerstone from Theresa’s Flooring and a hand-hewn cypress mantel from Rustique in Ruston. Additional salvaged cypress planks were made into shelves for a built-in niche by the large window, which was added to provide views of the bayou as you enter the home’s front door. The drapery used to soften the windows are ready made panels available through Fabulous Fabrics. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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The homeowners really took their children’s wishes to heart as they designed their rooms. Because they had “lived like gypsies” for so long and endured lots of moves, the parents wanted to complete their children’s rooms first. The son’s room features a corner bed, built by Douglas Cabinets, which is wired for today’s electronics. The two twin beds meet at an angle and free up lots of floor space for lounging and playing X-Box with friends. Sherri had custom tailored, neutral striped dust ruffles made for each and topped with cute navy West Elm comforters. Poufs from Target make easy-to-move seating. The daughter’s room reflects her love of travel and lots of playful global influences, including a velvet headboard, a World Market pendant light over her work space and colorful trim and monogram added to her bedding pillows. 124 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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Sherri pinched pennies throughout the job but splurged on key pieces of upholstery for the living areas, including a beautifully appointed sofa and a pair of upholstered chairs from Mason Salters. Some of the ingenious ways Sherri and the homeowner found ways to save included using remnant granite for guest and children’s bath countertops, IKEA mirrors and readymade window panels, as well as reupholstering seating the couple already owned. “What I appreciated about working with Sherri,” says the wife, “is that she knows we are ‘normal people’ and she helped me stay on budget and still find the things I love. We have had a great team from Sherri to our contractor, Jimmy Leonard, who brought in Joey Hodnett, who did amazing carpentry work. When it was all said and done the project was $40 under budget. We are a great team. I crunched the numbers and Sherri trimmed the fat.” Adds Sherri, “This project is an example of how designers and clients have to trust on so many different levels, and we have that trust.” Sherri and the homeowner both interject that using technology and apps, like Houzz or Pinterest, can help you refine what you like and give you ideas that you’d like to explore in your own home. Says the homeowner, “I knew what I liked and Sherri helped me get there. When I look at the photos on Houzz that I liked and when I walk into my house now, it makes me feel the same way.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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Jesus the Good Shepherd Providing the Best Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical and Social Environment for Our Students

S A PARENT, YOU ALWAYS WANT what’s best for your child, whether that means their health, education or faith. By choosing to send your child to Jesus the Good Shepherd School, you are providing them a unique opportunity to grow in Christ while performing at high academic standards. Our focus at JGS is to give our students the best spiritual, intellectual, physical and social environment available in North Louisiana. As a Catholic school, our focus remains on Christ, because we know that what a child believes is as important, if not more important, than what they know. It is our mission to instill a knowledge and love of God, self and others by providing for our students a lasting moral and academic foundation. We emphasize within our challenging curriculum, prayer, service, self-discipline, individual self-worth and a positive attitude toward others all

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within a safe environment. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the reason our school exists. Therefore, both spiritual and academic experiences at JGS enable students to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, broaden their knowledge of their faith and connect their faith to their daily lives. The foundation of faith, around which our academic programs are built, permeates every aspect of the school day. In addition to our daily academic curriculum, we also offer a variety of enrichment activities, such as music, art, Spanish, computer and physical education. Our students also participate in programs such as Mighty Miler’s, a running for health activity that is offered in the morning before class begins. Our organic garden provides a place where the children are able to reap the bounty of their harvest throughout the year. This faith-filled

environment instills high degrees of selfconfidence, self-respect and self-discipline in a well-rounded student. Our Jesus the Good Shepherd School community is dedicated to the creation of a Christ-centered environment which allows students to learn to serve God and others, to develop their unique talents and skills, to strive for academic excellence and to become life-long learners. We know that an education should prepare students to be good stewards of God’s gifts and active people of faith who make a difference in the world and participate in their faith and civic communities. Visit JGS and you will notice the spirit of camaraderie among students, teachers, parents and administrators. Our school is a “community within a community” that unites people who share common values and goals as a community of faith. For those parents who are considering the advantages of a Catholic school education for their child, open registration for new students for the 2016-2017 school year has begun. Please be sure to visit our website for more information including application and tuition information or stop by our school office to pick up an application packet. School tours are offered each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. or by making an appointment with our principal, Lisa Patrick.

Shop with Family at Croswell’s Boutique 139 Croswell’s Second Annual Spring Fling Event Set for March 19th

IDDEN AWAY IN THE outskirts of Bastrop, Louisiana lies the alluring Boutique 139. Unlike anything found in the surrounding areas, this boutique makes you feel like you are shopping at home with your best friends. The Croswell’s girls are experts at offering you personal assistance to help you coordinate a one-of-a-kind look for any occasion. Whether it be a wedding, Easter, date night, or girls weekend, Boutique 139 can accommodate any style at a price that is reasonable. With our affordable prices, you have no reason not to come update your wardrobe. Out with the old and in with new. Spring is a time for renewal and is one of the best times to show your style. Croswell’s Boutique 139 has entire outfits from tops, jeans, dresses, vests, jewelry, shoes, hats and all kinds of

beautiful accessories. Mirrors adorn the boutique allowing you to see what works best for you. With its cozy and comfortable setting, Boutique 139 is just an extension of your future closet. Do you ever go into a boutique and feel claustrophobic, like you are knocking everything off the racks when you turn around? Croswell’s Boutique 139 resides in a comfortable 12,000 sq. ft. building letting you stretch out, move around and try things on. They also have a simple layout of the store, so you can find what you are looking for with no problem. So separate yourself from all the others and take a trip to this timeless, classic boutique. Visit the website if you need more proof at croswells.myshopify.com. They are located at 7540 Old Monroe Rd. in Bastrop and are open Monday-Friday 10-5:30 and Saturdays 10-4. With it’s huge

horse and carriage out front to greet you, it really is a fantastic space with an amazing selection. You just have to visit once to understand that there is no other boutique like it. Croswell’s Boutique 139 would like to invite you to their second annual Spring Fling event, March 19th. Fun meets fashion at this once a year event. This would be the perfect time to come see what all this boutique has to offer. There will be Easter eggs full of discounts, and they have one with your name on it! For more information, call 318-2814881 or check them out on Instagram at boutique_139 and on Facebook.

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Seniors Around Town

Seniors in the community celebrating Mardi Gras throughout Northeast Louisiana. Photos courtesy of Cindy Ingram

On the BayouScene 1 Cherry Ridge Skilled Nursing in Bastrop crowned Angela Steno as queen and Jimmy Curtis as King 2 Dianne Guillot, James Calloway, Queen Violet Collins and Catherine Borderlon at the annual “Maude Gras” parade at the Ouachita Council on Aging hosted by Mulhearn Funeral Homes 3 Mary Simpson gets ready to lead the “Maude Gras” Parade at the Ouachita Council on Aging 4 Lagniappe Healthcare Skilled Nursing in Bastrop crowned the King Albert Thomas and Queen Martha Rice. Also pictured are Leslie Albritton, “Wookie” and Kate McLendon. 5 Mildred Archer enjoys a glass of grape juice at the Carolyn Rose Strauss Center. 6 Bastrop High School Cheerleaders came and joined in the parade at Lagniappe in Bastrop 7 Ouachita Council on Aging’s “Maude Gras” King and Queen, Violet Collins and Jim Nash

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BROADWAY AT ITS BEST The Ministry of Inspirational Therapy Presents 25th Anniversary Celebration

or its 25th Anniversary Celebration, The Ministry of Inspirational Therapy is having a dinner theater, “Broadway at Its Best XI” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the West Monroe Convention Center. The Master of Ceremonies will be Mayor Dave Norris. Performers for the evening of fine Broadway music will be Billie Auttonberry, Fred Cheeks, Tony Davis, Gayle and Scott Frick, Mary Ann and Lee Haynes, Angela Jones, Juliana Kemp, Lisa Lawrence, Harry Liner, Linda Mulhern, Jim Norwood, Blake Oden, Kristen Oden, Jay Pettit, First Voice and orchestra directed by Charles Hogan, and dancers from the Debbie Bourg School

of Dance. The show is produced by Gloria Jones. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber will be featured with selections from Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Miserables. Other music selections are from Finding Neverland, The King and I, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and Carousel. The program will also feature several religious numbers in thanksgiving to God for his blessings over 25 years of ministry. Tickets are $40 each and may be pur-

chased at Fred’s Travel World, The Patio Place, Hogan Agency, Jones’ Electric Service, or West Monroe Convention Center. Tickets must be purchased by March 11. For more information call 396-9634 or 343-5496. The Ministry of Inspirational Therapy is a nonprofit organization that provides musical equipment, CDs, tapes, DVDs and other inspirational materials to 48 nursing facilities in Northeast Louisiana.

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Spring into Fashion

Beehive Has the Latest Fashion Trends, the Perfect Shoes, Gifts and More

EEHIVE OPENED THEIR DOORS IN 2002.THEY quickly became a popular landmark in Ruston, Louisiana. They were considered the go-to spot for jewelry and handbags in north Louisiana for many years. Now, 13 years later, Beehive has evolved into a shopping mecca. You can find the latest in chic fashion trends, the perfect pair of quality shoes, monogrammed gifts for any occasion, cute children’s clothing, ontrend home décor, a variety of furniture styles and so much more! Customers can find sought-after brands such as: Jadelynn Brooke, Simply Southern Tees, Naughty Monkey, Not Rated, Sanuks, Borns, TOMS and so many others! The shop is available to monogram and make thoughtful, personalized gifts, hand stamped jewelry and an assortment of items that are perfect for everyone! Your shopping experience at Beehive is made exceptional by the customer service that is provided by their knowledgeable and friendly staff. Beehive is so much more than just a store. It is a place that always strives to work with the community. They aim to be a destination where every customer will become part of the Beehive family. Beehive welcomes the exchange of thoughts and ideas for products and events with their customers. A major mission for Beehive has always been to give back by partnering with local organizations and charities for events. What is new at Beehive!?! Beehive is proud to offer a beautiful selection of plus size clothing just in time for Easter! Dress trends for spring in fashion have just arrived, and we are so excited about what’s in store! They range from sizes small to 3x. Also, a selection of infant clothing and a new section for little girls items with a wide range of kid’s jewelry, clothing and toys can be found at Beehive. New products are arriving daily! Stay current on Beehive news and events @ facebook.com/ BestofBeehive. Follow us on our new Instagram page for our latest arrivals and fashion trends: instagram.com/beehiveoutletruston. Beehive is located at 213 North Service Rd in Ruston. Drop by and view their enormous selection of home décor, clothing, shoes, furniture and more!

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Cleaning the Soul Three Spring weekender destinations to kick off the season

BY M ICH A E L D E VAU LT

pring cleaning can be exhausting, and when we’re done it’s a relief. But what about ourselves? Over the course of fall and winter months, the days spent cooped up indoors undermine our general wellbeing, and the grey skies start to weigh on us. Once your house is ship shape, it’s time to clean out the cobwebs. A weekender is just what the doctor ordered. Here are four easy destinations sure to put the pep back into your step. Chemin-a-Haut Just ten miles outside of Bastrop, a place of quiet solitude awaits. Whether roughing it is a campsite under the stars or involves the modern conveniences of home, Chemin-a-Haut is a must-visit. Stroll the paths, enjoy the breeze in the trees and watch the birds flit about. Cabins are available for a reasonable fee, and the campsites rank among the area’s best. For the grownups, there’s hiking and stargazing, and for the kids, there are acres to explore. Nothing restores

the soul like a few days in the Great Outdoors! More at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/chemin-a-haut-state-park/ The Louisiana Boardwalk So you’ve offloaded all of those old clothes and the dusty sofa in the den, and now it’s time for some retail therapy. Plan a weekend shopping in Shreveport, beginning at the Louisiana Boardwalk, one of the state’s premier shopping destinations. With a Bass Pro Shops flagship store, Regal Cinema and three restaurants on site, staying at one of the adjacent hotels provides a weekend of fun. Catch some live music at one of the popular nightclubs downtown or grab a movie at the Robinson Film Center. Shuttle services are available to ferry visitors to the area’s major casinos, and Shreveport boasts a hopping nightlife. The attractions abound, and just a couple of days will make you wonder why Shreveport-Bossier hasn’t made your list sooner.

Riding on the City of New Orleans Evoking the romance of yesteryear has never been easier than a car ride to Jackson, where the historic City of New Orleans is awaiting you. A brief train ride from Jackson’s Union Station finds you in the heart of New Orleans just a few hours later. And, at just $27 for a reserved coach seat, it’s a great way to get out of town and start the cleaning early. The dining car and bar car await, meaning your party starts before you’ve kissed the outskirts of Jackson goodbye. So even though Mardi Gras is long over, you can still laissez les bon temps rouler!

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Junior League of Monroe The Junior League of Monroe held its 2nd annual Mardi Gras Ball on February 5th, 2016. The activities committee, comprised of Cydni Hanks-Chair, Meghan Sharp, Meghan Sellar, Stacey Majure, Ashlie Hennessy, Sarah Cox and Nikki Bolton, brought New Orleans flair to the American Legion Hall. The hall was decked out with Mardi Gras flair from beads, boas, to members floating around in masquerade! The hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres would make any Cajun palate smile, from Natchitoches meat pies to king cake and Marsala Beverage provided beer for the event. League members danced the night away to tunes from the Mike McKenzie band. A special treat this year was an appearance by the Krewe of Janus royal court. They were great fun and an added extra lagniappe to the Mardi Gras celebration!

On the BayouScene 1 Stacey Majure and Kelli Cole 2 Jan Mattingly, Twainna Calhoun and Missy McNabb 3 J enny Pankey, Queen Janus Lucy Holtzclaw and Blanche Betz 4 Jennifer Morris and date, Brittany and Alex Hayes 5A shley West, Ashton Mintz, Jessica Brady, Miranda Moss, Jan Mattingly and Jenny Pankey 6 Angie and Ben Nicholson 7 Meghan and Reggie Sharp 8 Vincent and Alex Mancuso 9 Kevin Hanks, Wade Hennessey, Alex Hayes and Eli Gable 10 B rittany Hays, Jennifer Donald, Ashlie Hennessey and Sarah Cox 11 M ichael Brown and Lucy Holtzclaw, Jan James, Alan Barth, Blanche Betz, Martha Edwards and Bonnie Dilmore 12 A llison and Charlie Keys, Abby Comeaux and Brian Russell 13 Ashley West, Jenny Pankey and Melissa Kiper 14 J ohn and Stacey Majure, Ashton and Will Mintz and Miranda and Jody Moss 15 Kelli and Deryl Cole and Kristin and Lane Wyble 16 Meghan Sellar and Ashlie Hennessy

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Bayou Dental Group Grand Opening Dr. David Finley, a world-renowned cosmetic dentist, recently moved into a new dental office with additional operatories and dental technology. Dr. Finley, who operates Bayou Dental Group, opened the new office, 2501 Tower Dr., late last year as he continues to expand services and draw new patients. The office is a 6,700-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. Bayou Dental Group hosted a grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony at its new location on Jan. 27. Guests were able to meet with Dr. Finley and his dental team and and enjoyed snacks and drinks while touring the facility.

On the BayouScene 1 Ashley Ecker, Brittney Dodd, Molly Davis and Lauryn Brooks 2 Valerie and Dr. David Finley 3 Angie Stephens, Jennifer Flickinger and Anna Johns 4 Freeman and Sherri Mowad 5 Derek Hardy, Denise Hardy and Megan Wasson 6 Erin Prewitt, Valerie Finley and Naelyn Prewitt

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Tonore’s Hosts Abita Event Russell Kicey and Abita Brewing Company hosted a special cask night at Tonore’s Wine Cellar on Thursday, February 18th. Guests were treated to samples of some special limited release offerings from Abita, including a Cask Conditioned Horchata Turbodog Ale. Home brewers, seasoned beer enthusiasts and even a few novice beer drinkers mingled and talked beer while enjoying some of Russell’s homemade Jambalaya. Also being sampled were Triple Haze, Bayou Bootlegger and Louisiana Spiced Ale.

On the BayouScene 1 Brooks Hamaker and James E. Simpson 2 Robert and Tammy Warner 3 Ryan Warner and Kara Murphy 4 Kurt McEnery and Delia Simpson 5 Adam Stamy, Hayden and Brandy Legg 6 Lee Edwards, Van Edwards and Joe Chisholm 7 Haley Waller and Carolyn Cummins 8 Cory Brown and Tim Russell 9 Troy DuGuay II and William Cook 10 Chuck Murphy and Russell Kicey 11 Maddie Comeaux and Darlene Johnson 12 Betsy Stadius and Jordan Warner

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BAYOUBUZZWORTHY

YOUR CHANCE TO BE CINDERELLA!

The Cinderella Project of Monroe is giving away the chance to feel like Cinderella with their Christian Louboutin raffle. Tickets are available at Salt and Pepper Accessory Boutique on Antique Alley in West Monroe and are only $10. The money raised from this fundraiser will go directly to The Cinderella Project of Monroe, a local non-profit organization that collects prom dresses for girls who could not otherwise afford them.

PERKY POP UP

Union Mill Coffee, a local espresso and brew bar, has been popping up at Washington Plaza in downtown Monroe each Monday morning. They are serving up their creative coffee concoctions from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You can also catch them at special events like the Downtown Art Crawl, non-profit fundraisers and more. Not only is the coffee delicious, there’s no drive-thru wait!

ST. FRANCIS BREAKS GROUND IN RUSTON

A Groundbreaking and Blessing of the Soil was held on February 2, 2016, for the St. Francis Medical Office Building – Ruston. This will be the first St. Francis Medical Center campus in Lincoln Parish. The new 11,788 sq. ft. facility will be located at 1200 Celebrity Drive. Services provided at this new location will include: lab, imaging, primary care, pediatrics and urgent care. The total investment for this project is approximately $4 million, and will include the creation of 12 jobs. Opening is scheduled for late summer of 2016.

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St. Frederick PTO Auction On January the 29th the St. Frederick PTO put on their 3rd annual auction to benefit the school. The theme this year was Mardi Gras and the gym was totally transformed into a true Carnival experience. The night was rocking, the live and silent auctions were a huge success and enough money was raised to reach the monetary goal that will allow the complete renovation and upgrade of the existing computer lab and also add a new multipurpose computer classroom. The PTO would like to thank its board members, sponsors, patrons and many volunteers who helped make this event a success.

On the BayouScene 1 Michael and Mary Beth Dickerson 2 Violet Houser and Jenny Pankey 3C hristian Creed and Thurman Dickey 4 Don Sims and Tee Burgoyne 5 Frank and Susan Hoffmann 6 Bill and Lauren Branch 7 Billy Justice, Andrea Adams, Rebecca and Jeff Leaumont 8B renda Hilburn, Charlen Campbell, Vee Dickey, Katherine Wilson, Misty Cordell, Tiffany Huffer, Kathryn Williams and Delaine Wiley 9 Bridgette Tannehill, Kym Marsala and Nicole Tannehill 10 H annah Livingston and Dawn Burgess 11 Charlen Campbell and John Bruscato 12 Rachel Genusa and Joni Dollar 13 Hardeman Cordell and PJ Turpin 14 Sheila Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary and Catherine Creed 15 Kay Shipp, Eric and Sherry Mahaffey 16 Matt and Jody Lyle with Rachel and Jim Loftin 17 Bob Webber and Kay Shipp 18 Ken and Vee Dickey

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ANXIETY AS A PARENT Continued from Page 66 What if he has a wreck? What if a girl breaks his heart? What if he gets hurt on the field? What if he licks his butter knife when he’s on a date? What if I don’t like his date? Is this resonating with anybody in the BayouLife nation? Anybody? Or was I just plain nuts? I’m probably going to get some really strange stares at the grocery store or the ballpark after the publication of this month’s column, but perhaps if I put these “years of fears” (if you think I am going to write a column without at least one rhyme, you are wrong) out there, maybe I would seem less irrational. Because the unmitigated truth is I would go back to every “era of fear” that I have traveled through, if I didn’t have to face the one I do now, and that’s “Broken Scaredom.” That’s the only way I know to describe this new phase, this new era that is descending upon my home as my son prepares for his senior year. Oh, I know graduation is a year and a half away, but as these blessed 17 years have done, it will fly by like a speeding bullet. And as this transition begins (we just turned in his last school schedule and picked out his senior ring), so does this new branch of anxiety, when he will leave our home to start his life. As I sat at my desk this month, looking out my window, my eyes welled with tears and my throat felt like it had a horseshoe in it when I swallowed. The struggle was real. My good friend Cyndi Tatum said to me recently that when her daughter got married and moved away, she was unprepared for the profound sadness she would feel, and she was really struggling with the fact that her family’s dynamic would never be the same. Did she use the word struggle? Could there be others out there just like me? As I continued to wallow in my somber mood, I crept back over to my research and began to read. Honestly, in all these years, it has never dawned on me that there might actually be resources out there to help me manage my fears. Or even though I “co-parent” with some really great friends, that perhaps they suffered from “Scaredom” in much the same way I did. Or finally, could it be that being scared is just part of being a parent? Maybe the intensity of mine has been unhealthy at times, but they don’t give you a book at the hospital with directions on how to raise these kids. Of course it’s scary. If you’ve never been gripped with these fears or anxieties, I applaud you. If you have, as I suspect is the majority, then welcome to the column that has “outed” your struggle. There are other parents just like you, trying to cope with these same fears. And while I don’t believe I will ever live without some element of “Scaredom” in my life, I appreciate a little better that being a scared parent is a perfectly natural thing, I just need to get a little better at managing it. Perhaps the struggle will be a little less “real.”

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White as Snow Gala On January 22, 2016 at the Monroe Civic Center, Project 41 held its third annual White As Snow Gala, one of the organizations largest fundraisers and awareness events of the year. More than 300 people were in attendance, dressed in white attire, to help the organization raise money to combat t sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in our community and to symbolize the restoration that Jesus Christ has for all, even the most broken and abused. Guests enjoyed a white carpet walk, intimate music by Julian Jones and Kathy Boggs and a sit down dinner. The event was powerful and hearts were moved as stories of redemption and love were shared. Project 41 is local Christian non-profit organization dedicated to rescue, value and transform victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Step-and-repeat photos by Lowe&Co. Social photos by Amy Beth Bolden

On the BayouScene 1 2 3 4

Sabrina Wegner and Kirsti Plunkett C hris and Brittany Foster, Jennifer and Matt Goddard C harles and Rachel Dew, Shivon Woodard B ack row: Michael and Abby Wood, Hayley Gaston; Front Row: Jeff and Tina Smith 5D r. Keri Cataldo, Rachel Mayer, Stephanie Sikes and Jo Ellen Cranford 6 Amber Atkins and Derek Deutsch 7 Sabrina Wegner and Brandon Bolden 8 Jeremy and Dana Lowe 9K atie Welch, Tara Trahern, Jessica Pollard, Jamie Johnson, Bethany Lewis and Emily Stratton 10 D ustin and Kerri James, Clinton Coleman, Ashley Ellis and Robert Knight 11 Patrick and Ashley Murray 12 Alicia Coburn and Brooke Whitehead 13 Stephanie Rushing, Ginny Gabb and Amanda Booth 14 R ussell and Morgan Moore 15 Kaylea, Trace, Jacob and Deon Mayo 16 Trina and Tom Lowe 17 Lindsey Nadler and MacKenzie Townsend 15

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B O H O

HAIR AND MAKEUP: MEKA RELIFORD MODELS: KARLEE MALONE AND KAYLA STITES ART DIRECTION ASSISTANT: BRANDI HOWARD LOCATION: NATURE’S HIDEAWAY GARDENS

C H I C

This season embrace your boho style with these luxe hippy looks from area boutiques. From denim cut-oďŹ&#x20AC;s to bell-bottoms, lace cardis to printed maxis, these versatile ensembles have something for everyone. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark. THE FASHION OF RUSTON Karlee looks stunning in this billowing, faux suede tank with a criss-cross back with halter straps with metal buckle detail. It is paired with Hudson midrise flare jeans and black, sculpted wedges.

HERRINGSTONEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S We are in love with this floor-length cape with bull motif. Add it to a simple tee and denim shorts with distressed hem and be sure to steal the show. Finish the look with a handmade leather belt with turquoise accent and open toe wedges featuring fringe and lace-up detailing.

K-SERA This classic floral print chiffon dress with an open wrap-around front and flowy skirt is simply romantic. Add multiple rings in similar styles like these turquiose and silver midi rings paired with chic turquoise dangle earrings. Finish the look with eye-catching peep toe sandals with cutout and fringe accents.

BEEHIVE Playful tie-dye and sidetail construction give this dress the ultimate boho feel. Add these lace-up gladiator sandals with suede knots and peep toe and this turquoise and leather statement necklace for a look that is unforgettable. 146 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

ERINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ATTIC This sultry snakeskin print slithers down these faux-suede pants which are combined with a soft, side-slit tunic with fringe detailing. Add a metal statement necklace with earrings and these fabulous fringed wedge sandals with suede upper and stud details.

FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE Rock out and look super cool while you do it in this DEF LEPPARD Hysteria Tour vintage tank. Layer with a one-of-a-kind flannel shirt with cream skull appliquĂŠ and a pair of distressed skinny jeans. Accessorize with GoodWork(s) wrap-around bracelets and these stylish boothies with perforated and debossed details.

CARAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOUTIQUE This off-the-shoulder sage green romper with crochet front is perfect for spring festivals. Throw in a little vintage flair by adding this crocheted knit vest, darling rhinestone headband, long beaded necklace with horn pendant and a great pair of suede gladiator sandals.

BEAU MONDE BOUTIQUE Kayla goes free range in this hippy chick inspired outfit. The flouncy, double-layer camisole is paired with a semi-sheer embroidered floral designed kimono. Distressed denim shorts, layered stone bracelets and a cute fringe flat complete the look.

CROSWELL’S BOUTIQUE 139 Block the sun from your eyes while looking totally boho chic in this darling hat. This sleeveless fringe tunic is the perfect top for hitting the festival circuit. Pair it with YMI jeans for a “betta butt.” Accessorize with layers of pearl and leather necklaces, wrap bracelets and these gladiator-inspired chunky heels.

HEMLINE MONROE This sleeveless cami and matching shorts feature a flowy fit and bold floral print. We adore this woven straw fedora paired with a black leather backpack with long fringe trim. Eye-catching cutouts intensify the contemporary flair of these cagey, gladiator-inspired lace-up sandal set on trend-right woodgrain block heel.

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A Timeless Family Favorite

article by Mary Napoli | photos by Martin G Meyers

t’s raining outside of Cormier’s Cajun Restaurant, and the dining room of the eatery is silent. The restaurant is closed, although the clock says it is during normal business hours. The weekend has been incredibly busy, and locals had come in droves to seek out crawfish. The demand was so great that the restaurant was completely sold out by the time they closed their doors on Sunday night. With no crawfish to offer his customers, Cormier made the decision to keep the doors quiet on this rainy Monday. Larry Cormier, founder and owner of the restaurant that bears his name, sits at a dining table near the doorway. The sound of his voice is interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. “I’m sorry, but I have to take this,” he says after glancing at his phone. He flips it open with a snap, and offers no greeting to the caller. “Send me 100 lbs,” he says with authority. It becomes clear that his seafood supplier is on the opposite end of the line. His face softens to a smile, and suddenly the South Louisiana dialect of his childhood becomes undeniably present in his voice. “Ooooh, my goodness,” he says in the way that only those raised in Cajun Country can. Larry Cormier is something of a local legend in Monroe. He is the man behind one of the most popular dining establishments in the area, Cormier’s Cajun Restaurant. He offers much more than crawfish, and residents of Monroe, West Monroe, and the surrounding area populate the restaurant to get their fill of the delectable dishes and friendly atmosphere that Cormier’s provides. The restaurant has built a loyal following over the years and is beloved by locals. “We opened in March of 1989, and it has been a work in progress,” says Cormier. “I didn’t intend to go into the restaurant business, but we try to keep adding and getting better every year.” Cormier came into the business unexpectedly. Raised on a rice farm in Lacassine, Louisiana with four brothers and one sister, he learned how to raise crops and prepare the food that was available to the family. His education in cooking began in his family’s kitchen, but his work ethic began in the field.

“I’m a farmer at heart. I’ve always liked the farming aspect of the industry,” explains Cormier. He recalls his mother’s influence in cooking and how their Catholic faith kept them busy in the kitchen. “My mother was a Catholic Daughter all her life. She was always cooking for someone. Being raised on the farm, she showed me how to cook. I was this high, just high enough to be able stand in a chair and stir a roux. If I got off of that chair, I knew I’d be popped in the head. The Catholic Daughters always fed people in the community who had a death in the family or needed help, so cooking was always a part of life. That’s how it was growing up in South Louisiana.” When he came of age, Cormier intended to follow the family business in rice farming and did for a period of time. He left Lacassine, near Lake Charles, to farm with a group in Katy, Texas, but moved to Monroe to work on a rice crop on a farm on Highway 15 near Lafourche. While working on the rice farm, he used his cooking skills to feed friends and groups of farmers. He accidentally became a crawfish entrepreneur when the crawfish population got out of control on the rice farm. “I knew how to raise crawfish by growing up in South Louisiana, so I started a small crop on the farm here. That’s how I started cooking crawfish here for people,” he recalls with a laugh. “Soon, we had so many crawfish here, we didn’t know how to get rid of them. So, I would cooking them almost every night. We would cook out on the farm almost every night.” Cormier’s abundant crawfish population was so great, he began to supply a local restaurant with the crawfish that he raised. However, it wasn’t until the farming industry began to dry up that he considered the food service industry as a career. “When the farming was going bankrupt, I decided it was time for me to get out of the woods and do something different,” says Cormier. “A friend of mine, Ann Johnston at C’est si Bon, gave me the opportunity to help out in her restaurant one winter, while I was still farming. I originally wanted to open a boudin sausage kitchen, which is what I actually got this place (Cormier’s Restaurant) for. We make our own WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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sausage and boudin to this day, but the crawfish and catering took over.” Cormier’s is well known for their crawfish, and for good reason. Locals flock to the restaurant during the season for the spicy seafood, uniquely seasoned to perfection. Pound after pound of crawfish is enjoyed, along with buckets of beer. Children are free to bounce away in the jumper, while adults look on and savor their meal and visit with friends. Everyone is always happy at Cormier’s, it seems. Although crawfish are always a hit, diners can’t get enough of the other menu items Cormier offers. The pig sandwich is always popular for lunch or dinner. The mouthwatering meat is served on Gambino’s French bread and dressed with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, onion and zesty vinegar cabbage. Cormier created the sandwich long ago when cooking with an old friend and local legend.

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“When my friend Thurman Dickey and I were working together at C’est si Bon, I was making my boudin,” recalls Cormier. “He took some of that meat and put it on a slice a bread and ate it. He said, Larry, when you open up your own place, this would make a great sandwich. I took his advice, and that is how the pig sandwich came to be. It’s been a hit ever since.” Cormier’s menu has something for everyone and offers many Cajun inspired dishes to choose from. They are known for their flavorful chicken and sausage or seafood gumbo, as well as creamy shrimp bisque. My son Jamie’s crawfish etouffee is hard to beat, and the blackened fish remains popular. The jambalaya and red beans are menu staples, and Cormier shares that it is the spicy sausage he uses made in his hometown of Iowa that makes the difference in these traditional Louisiana dishes.

“The sausage is what makes it so special. It comes from South Louisiana in Iowa, from a fella I was born and raised with,” explains Cormier. He notes the pronunciation of the city, which may not be known by everyone. “See, its I-O-wah up there, and I-O-way down here,” he says, pointing up to indicate the northern United States, and down, to indicate the South. “The sausage makes all the difference. You start with something good and clean—sausage, crawfish, steak, it ain’t no different—and you have a good recipe, it’s going to come out good.” Cormier’s offers a popular catering service that provides food for large and small parties. In addition to boiling crawfish and shrimp on site, Cormier provides an incredible selection of seafood for catering events. Fried catfish and seafood buffets are often requested, as well as roasted pork loins, jambalaya,

and chicken and shrimp fettuccine to feed the masses. Along with side dishes, bread and desserts, Cormier also provides decorated roasted pigs on occasion. It was actually at a pig roast during his farming days that he met his wife to be, Cyndi Cooley Cormier. “I was cooking a cochon de lait for one of the farmer’s groups, and she was there with some of her friends. We met that night and started dating not too long after,” he says. The couple were married and have raised five children, two boys and 3 girls, together. Their son, Jamie, is his father’s right hand at the restaurant and assists him in every aspect, including the turkeys, hams and dressings that Cormier’s provides during the holidays. “Jamie has been working here 20 years. He’s the heir apparent. He can cook well and grew up here, so he knows it all. He does all the cooking, the gumbo, etouffee, fettucine, everything.” Cormier has instilled the love of raising crops and cooking in his children just as it was instilled in him at a young age. “My love of cooking began as a child. Cooking with my mother and being raised on the farm definitely influenced the way I do business. We grew our own corn, raised our own cows and made our own sausage. We had milk cows and made our own butter. I still like doing the farming aspect, because I know how good it is to have fresh food. I put up peas and other vegetables every year. We even make a vegetable soup that we use all our own vegetables from the garden behind my house. Farming was how I got started here. I was green. Green as you could possibly imagine. But I knew how to cook and how to raise crawfish, and here I am.” Cormier’s love cooking for friends and family has also influenced the atmosphere that he has created at his restaurant. From the very beginning, he wanted to provide a place that catered to and attracted families. He often hears from customers from come back year after year as they pass through town on their way to different destinations. Cormier’s has become a family tradition for locals, as well as travelers. “I never was a restaurateur. I just knew how to cook,” says Cormier. “We built it to be a good business with a good reputation. I enjoy what I do. I enjoy meeting people and cooking for them. We’ve been here for 26 years, and we keep on improving on what we have.” Cormier’s Cajun Restaurant and Catering is located at 1205 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe. Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Saturday with dinner on Sunday during crawfish season. Call 318.322.0414 for catering information or find them on Facebook. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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Marx Campaign Event A packed house came together to honor Jay Marx, candidate for Monroe City Council District 1, at Chef Pat Nolan’s restaurant. The timing of the event coincided with Mardi Gras and allowed the candidate to share his message with the community. The night was hosted by Courtney and Zeke Wetzell, John Bruscato and Gene Tarver. “Monroe needs Jay’s 35 years of CPA experience, his calm demeanor and outstanding reputation on Monroe City Council,” said campaign spokesman, Carrick Inabnett. “Because of his reputation and history of service in our community, people respect and listen to Jay,” said Eugene Montgomery, a supporter for the Marx Campaign.

On the BayouScene 1 2 3 4 5

Kelsey and Jeff Laudenheimer Susan and Jay Marx Z eke and Courtney Wetzell D avid Summersgill, John Bruscato and Jay Johnson C alvin Blunt, Caroline Youngblood and Rev. Lenard Montgomery 6 Stewart Gentry, Gene Tarver and George Cummings 7 James Moore, Alan Mitchell and Ashley Pittman 8 Ashley West and Todd Burgess 9 Sherri Morison and Arabella Moore 10 J ohn Denison and Chef Pat Nolan 11 David and Bridget Hampton 12 Judy and Don Marx 13 Margaret Morison and Joanne Williams 14 W es and Jennifer Shafto 15 Jerrilyn Profit, Sondre Swan and Pashen Sims 16 Susan and Jim Lowery 17 Donnah and Chris Holtzclaw

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ARTICLE BY MICHAEL DEVAULT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

One summer not so long ago, Amy Barefoot’s three sons were engaged in a storied American tradition. Just old enough to work, they were hoping to find summer jobs. But summer jobs were tight, and Barefoot had an idea. She was aware of the social responsibility of recycling, and she knew of several people who were interested in recycling household waste--plastics, paper and aluminum products--but one of the biggest objections to consumer recycling efforts is the inconvenience. Like many smaller cities, Monroe lacked curbside recycling, which meant that anyone who wished to recycle had to cart their refuse out to the recycling plant themselves. Where there is inconvenience, there’s opportunity. “I told them, ‘You guys need to tell people you’ll pick their recycling up and haul it off for them,’” Amy recalls. The idea didn’t go over too well with the boys, and so she let it go. Not too long later, she heard about the efforts of the Monroe Garden Study League to begin a similar curbside recycling pickup service, and she knew her idea was a good one. Environmentally conscious, Amy was excited that someone was finally going to bring recycling to Monroe in a big way. 160 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

But the Monroe Garden Study League’s plans never materialized, and in spite of the organization’s best efforts and a lot of positive buzz, the movement fizzled. That’s when Amy approached the boys again. “When it didn’t take off, I told my kids they needed to revisit the recycling thing,” she says. This time around, the boys were older and a bit wiser. They also had enough free time to make a serious go of it. So, in September, 2014, Bayou State Recycling Pickup sprang to life. Amy knew Will, Brian, and Charlie would face an uphill battle of sorts. After all, Monroe Garden Study League’s effort was hardly the first. The City of Monroe had attempted to spur the development of recycling several times, as had other private organizations. Part of the reason: recycling is a labor-intensive, complex and expensive process. Not only do individuals hoping to recycle have to pre-sort their refuse, recyclers themselves must be picky about the types of materials they accept. Not all plastics or paper products are created equally, after all, and that means different rules for different types of recyclables. Each time a group attempted to move the ball forward, obstacles would get in the way. “The city and other avenues hadn’t

panned out,” Amy says. The Barefoots knew the risks, but they also knew the benefits recycling could provide a city like Monroe. “So they thought they’d throw their hat in there and see if they could offer the service.” Operating out of the back of a pickup truck lent to them for the new endeavor by an uncle, Will and his brothers took to the streets. Bayou State Recycling Pickup was born. And if reports of environmentalists and government scientists are to be believed, the company couldn’t have started at a more important time. According to the Center for Sustainability, the average American produces 4.6 pounds of municipal solid waste, or MSW in industry parlance, a day. That means that a person will generate more than 1,600 pounds of garbage in a year or, over the course of a normal lifespan, almost sixty tons. The Barefoot family didn’t have to look far to see the effects of all that garbage. Amy recalls driving east from Monroe, past the pair of landfills that serve the region. Or, as she puts it, she smelled the effects. As materials deposited in landfills decompose, they give off methane and other odorous gasses that pollute the air and assail the senses. At the same time, so much of the waste that’s going into the landfill could be repurposed, reused or recycled.

“We are building a mountain, and this is just, in our small way, us trying to not fill it as quickly,” Amy says. She isn’t the first to notice the growing ranges of mountains across the nation and she’s not the first to want to do something about it. Recycling as an idea has been around for more than a century, but earliest efforts focused on metals and industrial-scale consumption. Even today, industrial recycling accounts for a significant portion of recycling efforts. The push for consumer recycling didn’t go mainstream until the 1980s, when the modern environmental movement began to exercise its political voice more effectively. The results so far are hopeful. In 1980, some 89 percent of MSW produced found its way into landfills. Through recycling programs, garbage reduction initiatives, and home composting, that percentage had fallen to just 54 percent by 2012. Even still, of the waste that makes its way out to the landfills today, more than 2/3 can be composted at home, producing valuable and rich fertilizer for flowerbeds and lawns. At the same time, more than 75 percent of the garbage that isn’t compostable is recyclable through current recycling channels. It’s not just about aluminum cans and soda bottles, either. Paper products, plastics,

electronics, batteries and any of a host of other products we use and dispose as a society can be recycled. All in, more than 95 percent of the waste we produce can be either composted at home or recycled through traditional channels, and yet we continue to build the mountains on the sides of roads at a rate of about four pounds a day per person. The Barefoots hope Bayou State Recycling Pickup can play a small part in reversing the flow. “It was kind of a big thing for us, because when you drive past the landfill, it smells so awful, so bad, that you just hate to have to go that way,” Amy says, adding that she’s also environmentally conscious and tries to encourage people she meets to pick up the recycling mantel. One man’s trash isn’t always another man’s treasure, but it sure can do some good somewhere if it’s recycled. Plus, there’s an added benefit. “It keeps the trash out of the landfill, off the sides of the road and out of the waterways.” If business growth is any indication, what started out as a side job for the Barefoot boys hauling bags in a borrowed pickup truck has grown. Pretty soon after they started the business, the Barefoots purchased a vehicle solely for the business’s use. Today, Will and his brothers pick up recycling--don’t

call it garbage--in a white Ford van with the company name and information on the doors. Will does most of the work, Amy says, though brothers Brian and Charlie help out as much as they can. All three Barefoot boys are still in school. Will is a junior at ULM and he’s the engine that drives the business. Brian plays baseball for the Warhawks, so the time he can devote to Bayou State is impacted by travel schedules and practices. That’s the case, too, for Charlie, who is a standout football and baseball player at Neville High School. Still, Bayou State Recycling Pickup is a family affair. Even Amy, who works as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, is involved, handling all of the burgeoning enterprise’s paperwork and fielding calls from current and potential customers. The process is remarkably simple, too. That’s part of what makes Bayou State Recycling Pickup an attractive avenue for individuals who might want to start recycling but find the notion of carting their recyclables around in the car a little off putting. For a nominal fee of $20 a month, Bayou State Recycling Pickup will make two stops a month at a customer’s home. For their part, the customer presorts and bags recyclables. The company accepts 1- and 2-grade plastics (though they’re looking to expand this in the WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

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Will Barefoot, junior at ULM, is the engine that drives the business of Bayou State Recycling. call or an email, and for those individuals who would like to save a little money or cut down on their monthly bill writings, Bayou State Recycling Pickup offers a discounted quarterly rate of $50. The entire experience is barely different from the normal garbage pickup associated with tossing a bag into the can. “The client puts it out, and we haul it off to the recyclers,” Amy says. Now entering its 18th month of service, Bayou State Recycling Service is continuing to grow, benefitting from both the boom in interest in recycling and the efforts to educate the market about their service. Those efforts haven’t been without challenges, though. One obstacle has been consumers themselves. Many people are not willing to change their routines until they see the benefits of the service and how easy recycling has been. That’s where the Barefoots have found the 162 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

most success. “We’ve grown steadily,” Amy says. Unlike other silver-bullet environmental efforts, recycling household waste is an individual decision and one that requires consumers to consider the full impacts of consumption. While larger industrial recycling efforts, such as the Sparta Reuse Project in West Monroe, focus on singleuser and single-point corrections of larger problems, recycling that soda bottle is a personal decision because, after all, it’s just a soda bottle. How big of an impact can a single bottle really make? Hint: it’s not until we begin to think about all our single soda bottles that we begin to fully grasp the scope of the challenge posed by municipal waste. All the garbage we produce has to go somewhere, and for an ever-increasing number of people, that somewhere is becoming an answer

to reducing the destruction of the natural environment. Which is kind of the mission of groups like Bayou State Recycling Pickup. The Barefoot’s ultimate goal is to build a business that provides a service to environmentally conscious individuals who want to do their part to cut down their garbage production. So far, Amy says they’ve taken on customers from all walks of life. Also, she acknowledges that many individuals locally undertake their own recycling efforts. For the Barefoots, Bayou State Recycling Pickup is just one part of the recycling ecosystem. It’s just one that makes the whole thing remarkably simple. “If that makes you recycle because it makes it easier for you, that’s our main goal,” Amy says. “We offer the convenience and the hope that, because they can do it this way, it makes it a more appealing prospect to recycle.”

FIND YOUR FOOTING THIS SPRING From chic flats to lace-ups, fringe heels and sleek sandals – find your sole mate this spring with this selection from our area boutiques. P H O TO G R A P H S B Y M A RTI N G M E YE RS H E M L I NE MONROE

T H E FASH IO N O F R U ST O N

BEEHIVE

BEAU MO ND E BO U T IQ U E

E R I N ’ S ATTI C

H E R RI NG S TONE’S

CRO SWELL’S B O U T IQ U E 139

FR E E B I R D S B O U TI Q U E

C A R A’S B OU TI QU E

K- S E RA B OU TI QU E

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Calendar of Events

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

March 4-6 Barak Shrine Circus Time: Friday-7:30 p.m.; Saturday-10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 pm; Sunday-2:00 p.m. Bring the kids out to see the lions, the elephants, the acrobats and silly clowns, the whole works! And don’t forget to get your Cracker Jacks at intermission. Money raised assists with the Shriner’s activities. Venue: Monroe Civic Center Admission Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Phone: 318-329-2225 Web: www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center.php March 5 Painting in the Park Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Painting in the park is a fun event for all ages! Only $10 to paint a small canvas or ceramic, and $15 for larger canvases! All supplies and step-by-step instructions are included! There’s no need to make reservations, just meet them at the Kiroli Park Tennis Shelter on Saturday, March 5th. Venue: Kiroli Park Admission Cost: $10-15 Phone: 318-396-4016 Web: http://www.westmonroe. com/departments/parks/kiroli.php

p.m.; Saturday, March 12 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 13 – 3 p.m. Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. An enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft, the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts performance of Mary Poppins is sure to blow you away. Venue: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts Admission Cost: $8 Students, $12 Adult Phone: 318-812-7922 Web: www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com March 6 Tool Demonstration Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Come and watch the rangers demonstrate the tools used by early inhabitants to build, hunt and create other articles used in their culture. Venue: Poverty Point World Heritage Site Admission Cost: $4 per person Phone: 888-926-5492 Web: www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ ipvertypt.aspx

Run for the Reach Time: 8:00 a.m. Join us and run your race at a 5K Run/Walk hosted by Grace Pointe Church to raise money for outreach and to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children. Awards will be given by age groups and gender. Register online now at www.mygracepointe.tv/runforthereach Venue: Forsythe Park Admission Cost: $26.62–$31.74 Web: www.mygracepointe.tv/ runforthereach

March 8 Night of the Cakes Time: 6:30 p.m. Quota International of West Monroe presents Night of the Cakes featuring live and silent auctions and dinner. Entertainment will be provided by Dennis Swanberg. Venue: Pentecostals of the Twin Cities Admission Cost: $50 per person Phone: 318-381-1019 Web: www.westmonroe.com/departments/convention-center

March 5-13 “Mary Poppins, The Musical” Time: Saturday, March 5 - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 6 - 3

March 11, 12, 18 and 19 “The Dinner Party” Time: 6:30 p.m. In this comedy by Neil Simon

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five people are invited to dine at a first rate restaurant in Paris. They do not know who the other guests will be or why they have been invited. Tossed together in a private dining room, they have a sneaking suspicion that this unorthodox dinner party will forever change their lives. Tickets to this one of a kind show are $45 and include complimentary wine and beer. Call the Box Office today to reserve your seats 318-323-6681. Venue: Strauss Theatre Center March 11-13 Monster Truck Destruction Tour Time: March 11-12, 7:30 p.m.; March 13, 2:00 p.m. The nation’s most competitive monster trucks, will invade the IKE Hamilton Expo Center on March 11th, 12th and 13th. See these incredible 10,000 pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and amazing freestyle action during the MTD Tour! Come early, meet the drivers, get autographs and take photos with the drivers and their Monsters. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary Phone: 318-325-9160 Web: theike.com March 12 4th Annual St. Paddy’s Bicycle Parade and Festival Time: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. You and your pets put on some St. Paddy’s costumes and decorate your bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters and pets for a parade around the field in Kiroli Park. Free activities include face painting, inflatable jumpers, and temporary tattoos. Live Irish music by Emerald Accent. Free green lemonade and popcorn will be served. Food vendors on site with more substantial fare available for purchase. Free entry to park between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Venue: Kiroli Park Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-325-1961

Web: www.westmonroe.com/departments/parks/kiroli.php Poverty Point State Historic Site presents: Earth Oven Cooking Time: 12:00 p.m. A demonstration on the unique poverty point objects and how these cooking balls were used to cook food will take place. Venue: Poverty Point World Heritage Site Admission Cost: $4 Phone: 888-926-5492 Web: www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ ipvertypt.aspx March 16-19 Munchkin Market Time: Time varies Munchkin Market is an upscale children’s consignment sale where you can find name brand purses, children’s clothing, toys, and baby equipment. Sales and times vary so be sure to visit www.monroemunchkinmarket.com for more information. Venue: Mt. Zion Family Life Center, 100 N. 18th St. in Monroe Admission Cost: $10 Web: www.monroemunchkinmarket.com March 17 Hemline Monroe’s Food Truck Roundup Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Hemline Monroe is hosting a food truck roundup to benefit the Children’s Coalition’s Early Head Start, a United Way Agency. The Early Head Start Program is a comprehensive child development program for low-income families and their children ages 0-3. So come on out to this free event for some great food and a great cause. Venue: Hemline Monroe Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-801-3279 Continued on Page 168

KEDM Director’s Gala Set for March 18th KEDM Celebrates the Director and Cast of RENT

N ECLECTIC BOHEMIAN STYLE PARTY BEGINS AT 5 p.m. On Friday, March 18 with the KEDM Public Radio Director’s Gala for RENT at the University of Louisiana Monroe. The ULM Sculpture Garden will be the setting for a breezy boho backyard celebration before the Friday performance at 7:30 p.m. of Jonathan Larson’s Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical. “Garden parties are the one of the great joys of spring. We’ll have a relaxed party with an eclectic menu before seeing this outstanding musical” says Lila Strode, KEDM development director and event chair. “Stuart Scalia will transform the garden to reflect the carefree artistic style of this year’s theme.” The cast of RENT, with Director Robin Stephens and Musical Director Dr. Jason Reinhart, will be on hand to meet and mingle with guests. The evening also features live music with a boho vibe performed by ULM students. Easy appetizers, tapas and catered dishes prepared by area caterers and restaurants include Grilled Pineapple Guacamole, Vomachka, Caprese Skewers, Savory Tuna Mini Sandwiches and more bohemian -inspired selections. Fiesta Nutrition and Chef Eric Johnson are among several local businesses providing the menu. Guests will enjoy a Black Sangria, sponsored by Southern

Beverage, as this year’s signature drink; and a pairing of wines and beer accompany the festivities. “RENT says so much about the struggle to find a place in the world. KEDM is again thrilled to partner with ULM’s School of Visual and Performing Arts” says General Manager Jay Curtis. “This production makes us all look deeply inward for what we can give to each other, and how we can face even the gravest circumstances with hope.” RENT tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create life in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City. The event is sponsored by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Fiesta Nutrition Center, ATMOS Energy, Snellings, Breard, Sartor, Inabnett and Trascher, Matt’s Music, Marsala Beverage, BayouLife Magazine, Sir Speedy, Choice Brands, Southern Beverage, Landry Vineyards, Kelsey Klean and Sammy’s Plant World. With Gala tickets, guests also receive preferred seating for RENT on Friday. The full run of performances are March 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit ulm.edu/vapa or call 318-342-1414. Gala tickets are available by calling 318-342-5556.

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March 17-20 VAPA Spring Musical: “RENT” Time: March 17th-18th at 7:30 p.m.; March 19th-20th at 2:00 p.m. Join ULM’s VAPA as they host their spring musical “RENT.” Rent is a rock musical loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City. Venue: ULM Brown Auditorium Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary Phone: 318-342-1568 March 18 The Dukes of Dixieland Time: 7:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy this New Orleans jazz and Dixieland-style revival band in Downtown Ruston. They’ll be performing favorites from Dr. John and Fats Domino to Huey Smith and Louis Prima and weaving strands of pop, gospel, and country, along with many of their own original tunes. Venue: The Dixie Center for the Arts, Ruston Admission Cost: $20 adult, $10 student Shindig 2016 Time: 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Kick up your heels at the Shindig 2016! Silent and Live Auction, featuring Lisa Spann and Company. Event benefitting Ouachita Council On Aging. Venue: MBH Farm Admission Cost: $60 ticket per person Phone: 318-387-0535 Web: www.ouachitacoa.com March 18-19 Lea Joyner YOUTH Drive/Walk Thru Passion Play Time: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. If you are in town the weekend before Easter, you will not want to miss the Lea Joyner UMC YOUTH production of “Drive/Walk Thru Passion Play.” The play will consist of four scenes that will be performed continuously/simultaneously from 7-9 p.m. With scenes only lasting three minutes, in just 15 minutes you will experience a free live telling of the last days of 168 MARCH 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Jesus from the comfort of your car. You may also walk through the play to get a better view. Venue: Lea Joyner Memorial United Methodist Church Admission: Free Phone: 318-343-0073 Web: www.leajoyner.com March 18-20 Junior League of Monroe Spring Market Time: Friday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Spring is on its way and with it comes the Junior League of Monroe’s Spring Market, sponsored by Origin Bank. The Market opens with the classic event, “Shop ‘Til You Drop.” That evening, Spring Market’s signature event, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun!” includes catering, entertainment and door prizes. Bring the family, the girls, your friends, wallets and more! No strollers, please. Venue: Monroe Civic Center Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary Phone: 318-329-2225 Web: www.jlmonroe.org/ spring-market March 19 Louisiana Delta Ballet Presents: Power and Grace Time: 7:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, this evening of dance coupled with local and professional vocalists portrays the powerful story of the Holiday we know as Easter. Venue: W.L. “Jack” Howard Theatre at the Monroe Civic Center Admission Cost: $20 Phone: 318-329-2225 Run to the Cross Time: 8:00 a.m. Join First Baptist Calhoun in a 10k run, 5k run or 5k walk March the 19th at 8:00 a.m. At this family event there is even a 1k fun run for the little kids! Venue: First Baptist Church Calhoun Admission Cost: $25 Web: www.firstcal.org/ March 20 Tea Talk and Tastings Time: 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Join the Spice and Tea

Exchange as they explore Asian tea ceremonies. Enjoy a brief discussion followed by tea tasting. Seating is limited. Advanced Reservations Required. Venue: Antique Alley Admission Cost: $10.00 Phone: 318-388-3920 March 26 Zoo Easter Eggstravaganza Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Zoo Easter Eggstravaganza is an annual event that welcomes more than 2,000 visitors to a prizefilled fun day. More than 30,000 eggs are placed around the zoo pavilion in a series of age appropriate egg hunts. A prize can be found in the egg that can be redeemed at the prize table. Venue: Louisiana Purchase Zoo Admission Cost: Special Event Admission $5.00; Children 1 year and under are free Phone: 318-329-2400 Web: www.monroezoo.org Landry Vineyards presents: Nathan Williams and Zydeco Cha Chas Time: 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Landry Vineyards winery outdoor concert featuring Nathan Williams and Zydeco Cha Chas. A mix of Zydeco and Cajun music will have you, family and friends dancing all night. Make sure you pack your lawn chair, blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy the outdoor show. Venue: Landry Vineyards Admission Cost: Adults: $10; Ages 13-18: $5; Children 12 and under: Free Phone: 318-557-9051 Web: www.landryvineyards.com March 31 “The Messenger” Special Showing Time: 6:30 p.m. Join Friends of Black Bayou for a special showing of the award winning 2015 documentary “The Messenger.” This documentary focuses on the plight of songbirds worldwide. With stunning visuals this documentary is a must see for any nature lover. For more information about the movie, visit songbirdsos. com. Tickets must be purchased by March 24th at https://www.tugg. com/events/83198 Venue: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Admission Cost: $11.10 Phone: 318-387-1114 Web: http://www.fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake Wine Over Water Time: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Hosted by ULM’s Ouachita Parish Alumni Chapter, Wine over Water has been recognized as an exemplary alumni event in the country by the council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Do not miss this opportunity to support our local university, to raise scholarship funding, and to enjoy a very memorable evening on the delightful University of Louisiana Monroe campus. Venue: University of Louisiana at Monroe Admission Cost: Tickets starting at $60 Phone: 318-342-5420 Web: www.ulm.edu April 2 Natchez Community-Wide Market Time: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The fourth annual Community-Wide Market sponsored by Jefferson Street United Methodist Women will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 7 - 4, at 511 Jefferson Street in Natchez, MS. Inside and outside booths will offer a variety of items, new and old, for your shopping pleasure. There are still booths available to rent. Venue: Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, Natchez, MS Phone: 601-807-8705 Web: www.jeffersonstreetumc.org

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