BayouLife Magazine May 2021 by BayouLife Magazine

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24 14 / SPICY MARGARITA

Spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with this jalapeño margarita.

24 / BOTANICAL GARDENS

Looking for the aesthetic of botanical gardens in the comfort of your own home? Adorn your walls with timeless art work, perfect for any décor.

MAY 2021

39 / REVIVAL PIZZA CO.

60 / BEDDING REDUX

When you think about how much time you spend in your bed, it’s an easy decision to invest in quality, luxurious bed linens and accessories.

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192

76 / COLOR THEORY

Flowered fabrics and bold hues breathe life into a Lake D’Arbonne retreat reinvigorated by the playful aesthetic of Stacy and Tim Lee.

158 / ELLA KATE PARKER

Ella Kate Parker may not be a name you have ever heard before today, but it is certainly one you should remember.

172 / THE ENGLISH DAME AND HER COUNTRY BOY SON

A P R I L 2 0 1 8This local gem and transplant from

116 / HOME ON THE RIVER

Perched along the bank of the Ouachita River that flows past Columbia, Louisiana, Debbie and James Mixon’s new mountain-ranch style townhomes add to the allure of small-town Louisiana.

128 / DARYL TRIPLETT

Daryl Triplett believes God created him to create, and he declares that the scenery around him inspires him to keep going.

146 / BAYOU ICONS

For the past twenty-five years, Melanie Liles and Pam Wood have explored England and Europe as business partners and dear friends.

across the pond have proved, over and over, the pervasive power of music.

186 / COME SAIL AWAY

The Cancer Foundation League and DBK Dance and Performing Arts present Fashion Fusion: Where Dance Meets Design 2021.

192 / POOL SPECTRUM

From embellished swimsuits to print dresses, this summer don’t be afraid of bold colors and chic shapes.

his month started out with something to celebrate! The BayouLife crew donned some fancy clothes for the first time in over a year and headed out to celebrate the nuptials of Katelyn Tolbert and Bradley McAllister. The wedding was beautiful, the dance floor was on fire and we had so much from being out-on-the-town together (we really do all love each other) in celebration of these two love birds. Amanda and Wes Singley even make the trek up from Baton Rouge to celebrate the festivities. Last year, we were unable to print our Spring Home Issue, so this year we are counting our blessings and are incredibly grateful to all of our advertisers for making this production possible. If there is one thing we all should have learned through 2020-21, it is humility. And, did I ever eat a big ‘ole slice of humble pie. Spring is in full gear, my allergies are kickin’, softball season is swinging and I’m wanting to redecorate my entire house – mainly my bedroom linens. Thankfully, my friend and art director, Taylor Bennett, always talks me down from massively overdecorating. This month, he reached out to five of our local retailers and asked them to pull bedding inspiration. On pages 60-68, you can find these lovely linens. Special thanks to Margaret Moses at Palette House and Plume for letting us use her space to shoot. For the past twenty-five years, Melanie Liles and Pam Wood have explored England and Europe as business partners and dear friends. Their businesses – Traditions on Trenton plus online shops Etsy, Ruby Lane, and Chairish – have given them both the perfect excuse to travel and to shop. Read

Georgiann Potts article on this dynamic duo on pages 146-150. Opening up a pizzeria isn’t just a business venture when your love of pizza comes from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and your Nana. At least, that’s the case with Zack Howse, co-owner of Revival Pizza Co. in Sterlington, Louisiana. Not just content to serve up iconic pies fresh from their woodfired oven, Zack has created something more. He has revived all things he holds dear in the new establishment—family, faith, community, pop culture staples of the 90s, and fun and tasty twists on his favorite foods. Read Vanelis Rivera’s article about Revival Pizza Co. on pages 39-43. One of our favorite events of the year is back! On May 1st, DBK Dance and Performing Arts, along with The Cancer Foundation League presents Fashion Fusion: Where Dance Meets Design 2021. To capture this year’s theme, Come Sail Away and Escape to a Fantasea, our group traveled to New Orleans where we met up with Captain Alan Smith, Jr and his lovely wife, Francis. We couldnt’ have pulled it off without such amazing models like Mayson Fredricks and Ella Robison. BayouBuzz Awards are right around the corner. Nominations are closing but voting will be open in May! Make sure to log on and vote for your local favorites. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our incredible moms: Jeanie Green, Brenda Anderson, Margaret Evans, Angela Tolbert, Lynne Mills, Tiffany Jones and Judy Moore.

Cassie

BayouLife 1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com GENERAL MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Kirstie Martin kirstie@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Cason Dan Chason Kenny Covington Dr. Stephen Cox Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Dr. David Finley Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Paul Lipe

Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Joyce Sims Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera Katherine Wilson RJ Young

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

image by Kim Wilhite Photography 6 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumni: Darian Atkins & Amber Deutsch

ARIAN ATKINS AND DAUGHTER AMBER DEUTSCH personify the close-knit community of ULM graduates and the educational impact within family structures. Raised in Gary, Indiana, Darian Atkins did not follow the traditional path after graduating Theodore Roosevelt High School. She took a year off, determined to save enough money for a car. She attended school parttime, met her husband, and moved to Bastrop while he was enrolled in school. The plan was for a temporary move, but after Lawrence secured his first professional job and after the couple had three babies in four years, the south became home. Darian saw her husband Lawrence beginning his career, and she longed for a profession outside the home. The ULM Childcare Center offered a solution, and Darian enrolled at ULM in the fall of 1994. Inspired by Sharon Roach, a public speaking instructor, Darian saw the possibilities of a degree in communication. She fell in love with the speech program and made critical contacts in the community that has impacted her career since graduation. As a full-time mother, Darian’s time for extracurricular activities was limited, but she did participate in the Public Relations Student Society of America and performed in ULM’s local theater productions. Darian admits it required creative juggling, but the supporting cast of her husband, family, and understanding professors made her education possible. After graduating 2001, Darian worked as the Communications Director for the Girl Scouts Silver Waters Council of Northeast Louisiana and was named Communications Director again when the council merged from 12 parishes to 42. In 2010, Darian was named the Communications Director for Louisiana Delta Community College and has since been promoted to Executive Director of Community and Public Relations. Amber Deutsch remembers tagging along to the University, sometimes occupying herself and siblings in a nearby classroom while Darian attended class. The professors knew the children by name, and Amber felt comfortable in the campus environment. After graduating from Ouachita High School, Amber dove right into university life. Her father suggested she focus on a business degree, as the options were more open for someone who was unsure what they wanted to do. Amber attended a guest lecture by Thomas DeNardin, and she was captivated by the marketing teacher. She knew this was where she belonged. Amber remained heavily involved in the Visual and Performing Arts at ULM. She served as a ULM Scout, helping athletes adjust to campus life and assisting with sporting events. Amber was a

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part of the American Choral Directors Association and held several oncampus jobs. While in her final year at ULM, Amber worked in Human Resources at Delta with her mom and took a job post-graduation at CenturyLink. When Amber had her own daughter Amara in 2019, she made a professional change in structure and environment. Amber now works with Ascent, a mental and behavioral health agency connecting families to social services. Her approach is trauma-informed, as many of her clients depend on sensitivity and a knowledge of resources. Amber enjoys giving back to her community, especially those who need it most. As a ULM student, Amber appreciated the accessibility of her professors. She knew she could pop into someone’s office and get direct answers. ULM is small enough for people to remember her name. Amber says she was born an Indian and raised a Warhawk. As someone who now works in higher education, Darian knows the importance of hiring good people for the right positions. As a nontraditional student, Darian relied on professors and mentors who were engaged and devoted to her success. Professors like Dr. June Conway of Interior Design, Dr. Carl Thameling of Communication, and Dr. Mara Loeb of Communication invested time and attention towards their students inside and outside of the classroom. It makes all the difference for students like Darian. ULM and its community provided a sense of security, as everyone understood a working mother’s limitations and walked her through the education process. Darian felt their confidence in her capabilities, and it helped her find the confidence within herself. As an administrator at LDCC, Darian credits former President Bruno and current President Ron Berry for embracing the local community college, for bridging the gap for the betterment of this community. When local institutions work together, it benefits all the citizens of nNortheast Louisiana. The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships, and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/alumni.

Mental Health Matters Living Mentally Healthy

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

HE MONTH OF MAY IS RECOGNIZED AS A PERIOD of transition, a time of change. As the third and final month of spring, nature once again expresses itself…flowers are blooming, birds are filling the skies as though making their debut and life is starting to appear greener, fresher and with an energy that suggests joy and renewal. The month of May houses Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Asian American Month, Older American Month, Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. These are timely marked events on the calendar suggesting opportunities for the nation to recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse aspects of life. Since 1949 Mental Health Awareness has been observed during the month of May. The past 12 months have weighed heavily on all of us mentally as well as physically as evident in the rise of stress, anxiety, depression, mental illness, forcing many across the life span to seek therapy. Simply put, our mental health matters and in order to live mentally healthy we must be mindful of mental health matters. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mental health reflects “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.” Because it affects “how we feel, act and think,” mental health is one of our greatest assets. Mental health has a strong impact on the way we interact with others, handle problems, focus on the job and at school, overcome challenges, make decisions and how we get well and stay well. We have experienced a pandemic that has touched all of us and in that vein has been unifying. As the nation attempts to emerge from this period of daunting and profound upheaval shaped by the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID) and although it appears to be loosening its hold, we must brace ourselves for the frequently avoided updates and news reports on continued COVID surges, unspeakable financial hardships, systemic racism, senseless shootings and controversial political debates. At some point in our lives most of us will face extra stressful times that will shake our inner being. At those times having strong coping strategies will make a difference. According to major mental health entities those presenting with symptoms of anxiety and depression understandably, rose as the year progressed. Research has shown people who make a practice of focusing on the positives in their lives are less rattled, by difficult experiences. Instead, these individuals are often times more resilient, cope more effectively and are able to shift their thinking and outlook. What are some ways you can improve your mental health. Start with having regular wellness checks with an emphasis on living mentally healthy. Schedule time with friends to check on your mental health. Consult with professionals when necessary. If you have found therapy helpful share 12 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

your experiences with a friend or family member; give them the gift of therapy. Connect with your deepest self … with so much time spent being tuned in online, its’ easy to become disconnected from our inner selves. Know where your head’s at… take the time to know your emotional self and redirect your mindset. Focus on your goals, values and beliefs. Acknowledge what brings you hope, joy and comfort. Look at what is good in yourself and others. Know what is purposeful and meaningful to you. Make an appointment for yourself with yourself. COVID has shown us how precious life really is, take time for gratitude, appreciation, reflection and contemplation. Turn negative decisions into positive reactions. Consider tough times as an opportunity to learn, grow or improve your situation. Eliminate the negative, avoid the unhealthy and add the positive. This May have a “celebrate life party” in celebration of Mother’s Day, nurturing, recovery, survival and renewal. Replace counter-productive conversations and interactions with fulfilling relationships. Monitor your work life balance. Take a mental health day from work. Make relaxation a priority and get enough rest. Work on your mental health while working on your physical health. Remember your mental health affects your physical health and vice versa. Practice eating health. Incorporate exercise to relieve stress and lift your mood. Recognize good mental health is not a “luxury” for the privileged but is essential for everyone when leading a life worth living. It is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time in this instance to reflect on our mental health. To say this year has been mentally fatiguing and at times overwhelming is an understatement. There have been aspects that remain painful and traumatic which has tapped at the mental health of the nation and at us individually. Mental health professionals have handled this pandemic year with dignity and grace often working behind close doors in obscurity in an effort to protect the confidentiality of those they serve. Throughout this turbulent time, mental health professionals have stayed true to the mission and responded to the crisis with compassion, creativity, flexibility and the awareness that living mentally healthy is not to be assumed. Hopefully, in response to the lessons learned this year, we will move forward, wiser, vaccinated and with spirited desire to live mentally healthy. On a personal note, if I could, I would give everyone the gift of a world that appreciates each of us; where we are able to live mentally healthy in harmony and with good mental health. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming on mental health matters contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail. com.

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spicy margarita Rim glasses with kosher salt and fill with ice. In a strainer mix tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave nectar. Shake vigorously. Pour over ice and garnish with lime wedges.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU CO CK TA I L

Spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with this jalapeño margarita. Here’s what you’ll need: 4 ounces tequila, 2 ounces triple sec, 2 limes (juiced), 2 teaspoons agave nectar, 1/2 jalapeño (seeded and sliced), 1 lime (wedges)

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BAYOU E ATS

taco ‘bout awesome

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styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

To make corn relish drain one can whole kernel corn. In saucepan combine 1/3 c. chopped onion, 1/3 c. chopped celery, 3 tsp chopped green pepper, 3 tsp chopped pimentos and one garlic clove. Stir in 1/3 c. sugar, 1 tsp celery seed. 1 tsp mustard seed, 1/4 tsp pepper flakes, 1/8 tsp ground ginger and 3/4 c. vinegar. Bring to a boil. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp mustard and 1/4 tsp turmeric. Stir in reserved corn liquid until smooth. Add to vegetable mixture; stir in remaining vinegar. Cook, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add corn; boil 1-2 minutes or until thickened.

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

Keep things simple this summer with delicious triple tacos. First, sear corn tortillas and smear with guacamole. Layer seasoned ground beef, fajita chicken and grilled shrimp. Top with diced red onion, white onion, tomatos, cilantro and avocados.

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Material Things L

So Much More Than You May Know | A Lifestyle Concept Shop

ET’S START OFF WITH A little back history of Material Things and MT Haberdashery. As you may or may not know, Material Things opened up in October of 2009 in a small shop on Park Avenue. We expanded the next year to take in a large addition on the back of the shop as our business was growing. Then in January of 2014, we took the chance and moved to our current location on Forsythe Avenue. And, during Covid in 2020, I decided to expand even more and take in the business that was next to us to open up MT Haberdashery, a new extension of Material Things. So, as you can see, we are constantly evolving to keep the shop relevant and fresh. I just want to highlight some of my brands and lines that I carry that are not only for your home, but apparel, gifts and so much more. Upholstered Furniture: The MT Company is my main resource for upholstery; they offer everything from sofas, to dining room chairs and everything in between all in High Point, NC. Gabby is another upholstered furniture option that has a smaller grouping, but no less in style or quality and made in the US as well. Case Goods: Port 68 is a wonderful company that licenses with Scalamandre and Madcap Cottage John Richard is a company that a lot of you are familiar with, they offer beautiful high end décor for every room in your home. Port Eliot has mastered the art of making lovely reproduction pieces. Revelations/Uttermost is just a great resource for so many different decor needs. Gabby carries pieces that you can’t find from some of my other sources. Bedding: Traditions Linens is just what the name says, a beautiful bedding line that mainly consists of traditional fabrics mixed with 18 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

a luxurious vintage velvet that elevates the look. Lili Alessandra bedding includes so many lux options, I would say that it is my most glamorous line, there are so many velvet, linen and silk fabric choices. Libeco Linens is an authentic Belgian Linen manufacturer of bedding and table linens that has been in business since 1858, so you can be assured that they know what there are doing when it comes to making their wonderful pieces. And, one of the best things about all three of these companies is that they are machine washable and dryer safe! Workroom: I have numerous workrooms that I resource to make all of my custom drapes, window treatments and bedding when ready made just won’t work. Gifts: My home scent category consist of Cire Trudon, a French company that’s been in business since 1643 making candles for the cathedrals and palaces in France including Versailles. My other candle lines include Agraria, Nest, Capri Blue Volcano and Black Forest from Archipelego. I have a lovely little children and baby line from Denmark called Maileg, it’s so charming and made to last for a life time of story making for little girls and boys alike. These toys will last and can be handed down for generations. Dariia Day from Poland is a makeup artist known worldwide and she has been manufacturing the highest quality Mulberry silk pillowcases, eye sleep mask, hair scrunchies and travel pillows. Recently because of Covid, she has also been making face masks that are adjustable and stylish. I discovered this line when I went to market in Paris in January of 2020. I am the only shop in the US that carries this line. It is made from the finest silk, and this is the only thing that you need to be sleeping on

and putting against your skin. Culinary: Louis Sherry, The Original Mississippi Cheese Straws, Dismero EVOO, and Sel Magique are my options when you need a fabulous food gift. Louis Sherry has been in business since 1881, not only are their truffles decadent but, they are packaged in the most beautiful solid or designer tins. And, if you’ve ever sampled anything from this cheese straw company, you know they are a winner as well. I am one of only a few shops in the US that carry this fabulous light olive oil and Sel Magique is a great company that offers three different Fleur de Sel salt blends from Guerande, France. Vintage Finds: Another aspect to what I carry is that I am always searching for vintage, found and antique pieces to compliment everything else that I have in the shop. Something that has a little age mixed in with other pieces in your home make the perfect combination. The Boutique: Clothing from Nouvelle Silk 95 and jewelry from Love and Flowers by Tommy Mitchell along with silk scarves from Les Belles Vagabond round out our boutique area of the shop. My silk clothing is also made from Mulberry silk, washable and has a stretch quality to it. And, of course anything by Tommy Mitchell is phenomenal. The charming little French scarves were another find from market in Paris! Art: I have sourced numerous companies for high quality giclee art pieces as well as having original art from several local artist including Rhea Gary, Noula Rodakis, Tim Hayes, Babette Beaullieau and many more new artists coming soon. So, as you can see Material Things has so much more to offer than what you may know about.

XO - Joyce

Mark Sisk Expands His Team Leading NELA Realtor Adds Team Member, Benefiting Customers and Clients

F YOU’VE BOUGHT OR SOLD A HOME IN THE LAST FEW years, chances are you’ve seen Mark Sisk’s name a few times. Mark has consistently been ranked among the top 1% of Realtors in Northeast Louisiana in terms of sales production according to the Northeast Louisiana Association of Realtors. Mark has also ranked #2 among all RE/MAX agents in the state of Louisiana* (2019-2020) and #12 of all individual Realtors in the state of Louisiana* (2020). This is not by accident. Mark Sisk has made a name for himself as one of the hardest working and knowledgeable Realtors in North Louisiana. With the formation of Mark Sisk & Associates, Inc., leading NELA Realtor Mark Sisk has enhanced the level of service and dedication to his clients while also bringing the same standard of professionalism to a broader market of people throughout the community. With a reputation for unmatched industry expertise and proactive marketing measures, Mark’s presence has been a breath of fresh air to the real estate industry. A search for the perfect candidate to expand his team was no easy task. Realtor Lauren Guerriero Creekmore is a Monroe native who was raised in local real estate. Growing up, Lauren’s parents Jeff and Elizabeth Guerriero- both local attorneys- regularly bought, sold, and flipped property. Throughout the years and through their mentorship, Lauren developed a keen eye for detail and design while also gaining an extensive knowledge of real estate in Northeast Louisiana. Being raised by two lawyers also lent to an early comprehension of diligent contract negotiation. After graduating from Neville High School at 16 years old, Lauren moved to Los Angeles where she graduated in performing arts from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. While living in L.A., Lauren frequently passed her time by going to Realtor open houses and exploring homes and local architecture. After moving back to Monroe, within three years, Lauren graduated summa cum laude and top of her class from ULM with a bachelor’s degree in Mass communication, focusing in digital media, and a minor in Sociology. Prior to getting her real estate license, Lauren worked as a professional wedding photographer where she spent years helping guide her clients through one of the most amazing, but stressful days of their lives. From her experience in wedding photography, Lauren learned the importance of being able to quickly adapt to unexpected situations and just how important client relationships are.

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Lauren knows that purchasing and selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s often an emotional experience, as well. Lauren’s mission is to alleviate the uncertainty of her clients’ transactions. She is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of her clients and takes great pride in the relationships she builds with them. Lauren works relentlessly on her client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Lauren specializes in residential purchases and leases, commercial purchases and leases, marketing, and client relations. Lauren and her husband, local bankruptcy attorney Bryan Creekmore, are also the proud parents of two beautiful babies, Emorie, 3, and Camden, 2. Lauren’s hobbies include singing/songwriting, acting, performing, reading, traveling extensively, exploring other cultures, and learning as much as possible in the process. Mark is married to Anne Marie Sisk, who is a professor and Clinic Director of Speech Language Pathology at University of Louisiana Monroe. Together they have three beautiful daughters - Madeline (10), Amelia (6), and Caroline (4) who attend Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic school. Mark’s hobbies include playing guitar and drums, remodeling apartments, and taking his girls on “daddy-daughter” dates. Under Mark’s direction and mentorship, Lauren is sure to blossom into another of NELA’s top real estate professionals. Mark Sisk & Associates, Inc. brings top level real estate services and cutting edge technology from leading national platforms to all of Northeast Louisiana. “With the combination of impeccable work ethic and strong desire to serve others, Lauren will be a tremendous asset to the team. She has hit the ground running and is already exceeding goals,” says Sisk. Mark says he plans to increase client load and have infrastructure in place to double existing production in 2021 while enhancing “whiteglove” real estate service to all clientele. Mark and Lauren can be contacted anytime by phone or email (Mark - MarkSisk@remax.net, 318-801-4344, Lauren - Lauren@318sell.com, 318-217-1111). Call them to see why they are a cut above the crowd.

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terra cotta takeover

Clockwise from top: Planter - Parterre, Bowl - Palette House, Natural fiber rug - Fabulous Fabric, Vase with handles - Material Things, Blush and tan rug - Fabulous Fabric, Sand-colored vase Haven, Rug with print - Walsworth & Co., Upholstery swatch - Fabulous Fabric, Terra cotta vase - Woodstock, Picture frame - Lauren Roebuck, Tassel throw Sleepy Hollow Furniture

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styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

This versatile color palette is a great way to add warmth and richness to any room. Combine with wicker and natural woods, or blushes and greens for a look that is showstopping. All items are available at local retailers.

BAYOU HOM E

botanical gardens Looking for the aesthetic of botanical gardens in the comfort of your own home? Adorn your walls with timeless art work, perfect for any décor. Available at local retailers.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

From top clockwise: Material Things, Revival Design & Consign, Lauren Roebuck Designs, Walsworth & Co., Palette House, Bella Magnolia, Parterre, Fabulous Fabric and Woodstock Home and Gift

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foolproof plants

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photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

From top clockwise: Hanging ball Woodstock, Cactus - Revival Design and Consign, Lemon tree - Walsworth & Co., Rounded boxwood - Bella Magnolia, Orchid - Parterre, Potted grass - Palette House, Staghorn fern Material Things, Fiddle Leaf Fig - Lauren Roebuck Designs

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

BAYOU HOM E

If you happen to have a “brown thumb,” these artificial plants are the best way to add natural elements into your home without worrying about foliage failures. We’ve picked out the best options from local retailers.

The Medical Spa Upcoming Events and Specials

AY IS A MONTH OF CELEBRATION, HONOR, AND remembrance. We celebrate the turning of the seasons with beautiful spring weather, honor our mothers, and remember the men and women who have fallen while serving our great country. As the school year comes to a close, we look forward to celebrating graduates and making plans for an incredible summer. The Medical Spa is excited to be a part of your celebrations this year as we kick off May and the transition to summer break with several events and specials! Join us in the Medical Spa during the month of May 2021 and let us treat you with a buy one, get one 50% off OxyGeneo facials. The OxyGeneo facial is a three-step medical facial that helps exfoliate, oxygenate, hydrate, and nurture your skin. These savings are perfect for treating yourself to two well-deserved facials or helping you recognize the special women in your life this Mother’s Day. We’re so excited to celebrate mothers that we’re also holding a Mother’s Day raffle via Facebook live for you or your mom to win. Be sure to follow St. Francis Medical Center’s Facebook page for instructions on how to enter and win! Moving into the summer, we all know that time flies by too quickly. The Medical Spa is here to remind you to slow down and take some time to relax! On June 11, 2021, stop by The Medical Spa for our Open House event. This event is open to the public as a drop-in event. We’ll be offering tours of The Medical Spa as well as 25% off procedures, 20% off retail products, and special injection pricing for that day. As part of our Open House event, our OBAGI professional, Heidi, will be back with the OBAGI Canfield Reveal Skin Analysis Camera to address any skin concerns. With the help of this technology and Heidi’s extensive knowledge, we can create a personalized regimen for your skincare needs. This screening is back by popular demand, so we will be taking call-ahead appointments for this consultation to best serve our clients. One more note on summer - we are here to help you stay prepared for the harsh UVA/UVB rays that come with soaking up the sun. For the month of May, we are offering 20% off our SPF retail products so your skin can stay healthy, gorgeous, and glowing.

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Come and see us! We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. This location offers complimentary valet parking, privacy, and easy access for patients. PROCEDURE SPOTLIGHT NuEra Tight is a non-invasive treatment for smoothing and tightening trouble areas. This treatment utilizes radiofrequency technology to apply controlled heat to your skin. The heating contracts the collagen, a protein fiber that provides support to our skin, and stimulates the production of new collagen. The production of new collagen helps to smooth and tighten, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite. This technology can be used to treat areas on the face, neck, arms, back, abdomen, and thighs. This time of year we are naturally thinking about shorts and swimsuits and The Medical Spa team is here to get you ready for summer! NuEra Tight is a great option to help smooth and tighten your abdomen or minimize the appearance of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks. There is no required downtime, so this treatment can even be done on your lunch break! It is quick, comfortable, and lasts around fifteen to twenty minutes depending on the area being treated. We recommend a series of 4-6 treatments for the best results. These can be done weekly or bi-weekly. Contact us today for additional information on the NuEra Tight treatments and other treatments offered at The Medical Spa. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best! For more information about procedures or to book your appointment, please call (318) 966–3772 or visit stfran.com/ themedicalspa.

BAYOU HOM E

pillow perfect

Details like upcycled antique textiles used in B. Viz Designs pillows to more modern geometric embroidery in bold hues add interest to accent pillows and help complete your home design. 32 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

From top clockwise: Embroidered print Woodstock, Asian-inspired print - Fabulous Fabric, Yellow geometric - Haven, Scalamandré print - Material Things, B. Viz Designs pillow - Parterre, Pink floral velvet Walsworth & Co., Monkey print - Revival Design and Consign, Cut Velvet Zebra print - Lauren Roebuck Designs, Tortoise shell - Palette House, Palm print Sleepy Hollow Furniture, Gold floral print - Bella Magnolia

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

Make your space inviting and cohesive with the addition of throw pillows. From classic designs to bold prints, these decorative pillows are available at area retailers. Ottoman availabe at Sleepy Hollow Furniture.

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Clockwise from top: Abstract painting Haven, Portrait art - Revival Design and Consign, Printed box - Sleepy Hollow Furniture, Textured vase - Lauren Roebuck Designs, Mirrored side table with nail heads - Material Things, Coffee table book - Haven, Pillows - Fabulous Fabric, Green and white geometric cushion - Sleepy Hollow Furniture, Green accent chair Revival Design and Consign (Image shot at Revival Design and Consign)

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styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

Transform your room from ordinary to extraordinary with the use of playful patterns and bold hues. From minimal to eclectic, modern to traditional, patterns add endless possibilites. Available at local retailers.

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

playful patterns

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Perfect Patio Weather Come Celebrate this Mother’s Day at Trio’s

OR OVER TWO DECADES, TRIO’S DINING ON FORSYTHE in Monroe has provided guests with sumptuous food, gratifying cocktails, relaxing ambiance, and an innovative menu. Overall, Trio’s continues to perfect the recipe for an ideal destination for friends, family, and even strangers to gather, meet, and enjoy each other’s company. While a staple of fine dining and comfort food for those in the Monroe area, perhaps the only single issue for fans of the restaurant who live in the Ruston area is the 30-mile drive. Fortunately, that concern can be laid to rest. For those who do not already know, In early September of 2020, Jenifer Johnson, the proprietor of Trio’s, opened the doors to the newest branch of the eatery. Located at 101 Pelican Boulevard in Ruston, the expansion westward brings a great deal of anticipation and joy to residents whose love for Trio’s unique offerings can now be satisfied as often as they wish. Johnson stated that having a Trio’s in Ruston was not a random shot in the dark. As she lives near the area, she has fallen in love with the entire town, from its historic and diverse down-town businesses to the sprawling Louisiana Tech campus. Additionally, due to the tremendous growth of local commerce combined with the idyllic downhome cultural charm, it seemed the only place meant to house a second Trio’s. Adding in the already varied options of local restaurants, bringing in their niche menu with its blend of Mediterranean and southern meals promises to enhance Ruston’s dining scene. In fact, the familiar stars of the menu that have kept so many people coming back to Trio’s time and again are to be found on the new menu as well, but Johnson also wanted to take the opportunity to add some new flair, and with the help of Ruston-based chef Toby Spring. Ruston-inspired items can also be discovered sprinkled from the appetizers to the desserts. So, while the Truffle Fries certainly remain, Trios Steak Bites can now also be found. Along with the Woodard Lobster & Crab Stew and Aegean Shrimp Salad, Ruston Trio’s has added a delectable Fried Chicken Sandwich and the sweet and delightful Apple and Spinach Salad, which is infused with candied walnuts, goat cheese, and delicious fresh Gala Apples. The Jaybirds Tacos will certainly emerge as a favorite, with its flavorful combination of purple cabbage, cartelized onions, pickled radish, fresh cilantro, and a side of delicious cilantro lime rice. Add to these novelties the unique Pulled Pork and Peach Quesadillas, the amazing pizzas, and the irresistible weekly dessert specials created by the amazing chef, and anyone can see that the Ruston Trio’s is set to bring in happy guests by the droves. While you’re at Trio’s make sure to check out the amazing

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new Specialty Cocktail list. They have added so many new cocktails that are perfect for this amazing spring weather. Trio’s Ruston is also excited to share there new amazing catering menu. Call in today to get more information and let home help make your next event great! Trio’s is dedicated to ensuring your health and safety when you come to visit. Trio’s has the most amazing back patio, perfect for a mother’s day lunch or just a day out with friends and family. This beautiful patio is equipped with a TV and heaters and fans to make your experience enjoyable and as comfortable as possible. Jenifer Johnson has been overjoyed at the response, and not only from the customers. She proudly stated that the support from the local community and businesses has been pleasant, which certainly also reflects how special Ruston is. The location doesn’t hurt either as being perfectly settled between the bustling downtown and one of the many beautiful residential neighborhoods adds to the inviting vibe. One of the driving forces that inspired Johnson to choose her location was not only her enthusiasm for the direction of Ruston, but also for that area of town and its business growth in particular. With the move to Ruston, too, she wanted to be sure that as a newly in place business owner that she did what she could for the local economy, and that included hiring Ruston residents. In fact, every new Trio’s employee is a local. Although the Ruston Trio’s has only lived for a brief time, it appears that every facet of the business points towards a special group led by a special owner who are doing their very best to bring a special restaurant to a deserving city that is hungry to continue positively expanding, investing in their citizens, and infusing vitality into north central Louisiana. Hopefully, they don’t get too full, though. I wouldn’t want them to miss out on the Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Monroe 2219 Forsythe Ave Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 387-3577 Ruston 101 Pelican Blvd, Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 202-3230

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BAYOU E ATS

REVIVAL PIZZA CO.

Opening up a pizzeria isn’t just a business venture when your love of pizza comes from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and your Nana. At least, that’s the case with Zack Howse, co-owner of Revival Pizza Co. in Sterlington, Louisiana. Not just content to serve up iconic pies fresh from their woodfired oven, Zack has created something more. He has revived all things he holds dear in the new establishment—family, faith, community, pop culture staples of the 90s, and fun and tasty twists on his favorite foods. VA N E L I S R I V E R A

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

ike most kids, Zack grew up with pizza. “After a ball game, where are you going? Johnny’s! Birthday party, what are we having? Let’s get pizza!” Every end-of-year party for baseball, basketball, every special event, Zack can recall pizza being served. But, ultimately, it’s his family ties that contributed the strongest to his relationship with food and community. “We were kind of those weird families that ate out a couple times a week. We’re kind of inseparable.” From his parents down to his own kids, the family still visits grandma’s house for lunch, a ritual they’ve carried out for about thirty years. “That is probably at the heart of it—the inspiration, my grandmother always cooking, eating over there, playing with cousins.” The influx of people in his life inspired him to seek services that better people. He considers the restaurant business one of those avenues. “I just loved the idea of people gathered around over a common cause.” A servant at heart, Zack hopes that through the restaurant he can spread that spirit of giving. Alongside his father Darrell, Zack began the grueling process of conceptualizing the business. Zack went the route of pouring through his hobbies for inspiration, and most notably focused on his affection for movies. He recalled that revival houses (cinemas where “golden oldies” were often screened) popped up in many American cities back in the 1960s and 1970s. The phrase “revival house” had a ring to it, and his parents were especially keen on using their surname as a pun, but Zack didn’t want the establishment to be about him, especially since they already own The Playhowse Learning Center. “I wanted to have the restaurant and the people running it represent the name. And I don’t want to ever make myself more important than anybody else.” So, they dropped the “house” and kept “revival,” which would come into play given the establishment’s interior.

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Revival Pizza Co. may just be two months old, but they are powered by the things they want to improve and make important again like community, pizza, individualism, and love. They seek to “be excellent to each other” and ask the same of their customers, all while celebrating culturedefining people and some totally radical pizza.

“Really, I wanted it to be a grungy, dirty New York alley,” said Zack, wanting to give a nod to his childhood love of the “heroes in a half-shell.” Though initial plans included using brick paneling for tabletops so they looked like graffiti-accented walls, design concepts ended up tying into a different theme as the duo progressed with finalizing details. The result is a spunky and artistic atmosphere that strives to put customers smack dab in the middle of Zack’s nostalgia fever dream. “It felt like we hopped in a time machine and went back to our childhood,” writes one Facebook reviewer, commenting on the VHS tapes haphazardly stacked on shelves and the impressive panoramic mural conceptualized by Zack and painted by his wife Jenny. The mural, which I’d love to own in the form of a poster or graphic tee, features twenty-two notable pop culture figures of the era with an Eastern Orthodox-style gold halo around their head and catchphrase. My favorites include Rocko from Rocko’s Modern Life, Forrest Gump (wearing a mask that says “But, I know what love is”), and Captain Planet. Though some characters will be a little obscure to much older and younger generations, the mural acts as a ministry of culture, reinvigorating

FOOD Pizzas that fall between the New York and Neopolitan variety, and whole Detroits, along with salads, burgers and appetizers

PRICE A variety of foods offer affordable prices from K.I.D.S. meals at $6 to a Build-your-own pizza at $13

the charms of the ‘80s and ‘90s. For instance, when they first opened the restaurant the son of their manager (and soon to be business partner), Erica Gross, began asking questions about all the strange faces smiling at him from the mural. E.T. caught his eye, but he had never seen the movie. Once introduced, Erica informed the team he had watched it for four days in a row. That exact moment validates the revival. Revival Pizza’s slogan, which lines the circumference of the arch-shaped logo, is “Survival of the fittest, revival of the sickest.” Zack wanted to play on the Darwinian motto “only the strong survive,” which to Zack seems to imply that the “weak,” usually considered to be “artsy, nerdy, loving, less adaptable,” die off. He wanted to bring them back to the conversation. “We’re all valuable in our own way. Even if someone can’t fit in, adapt, or fit a certain skill set, we’re still inherently valuable,” he says, regarding them as “sickest” in a “gnarly, rad ‘90s kind of way.” As for the mulleted “saint” on the logo with pizza cutter in one hand, rosemary on the other, and a pizza pie for a halo, that’s Zack’s dad circa 1992. The eyes are intentionally blocked out because Zack suggests his pseudo-saint of pizza could actually be anyone.

“I’m not an artist by any means, but I did go to school for graphic design for a minute,” mentioned Zack, adding, “and it’s a really cool thing to view pizza as a piece of art.” For Zack, each pizza starts as a blank canvas in the form of a piece of dough. Choosing the toppings is like selecting colors, and the placement of them, well, that’s the equivalent of brush strokes. The combinations are endless, which is the beauty of pizza. And, while Zack doesn’t agree with some of the more eccentric combinations, it doesn’t take away from the fact that a slice of pizza is the “perfect vehicle for flavor,” regardless of whether you go Roman, Detroit, Chicago, New York, or tavernstyle. Revival pizzas fall between the New York and Neapolitan variety, and they also offer whole Detroits from 5 PM to close. Either way, cheesiness is their virtue, and flavor a gift from the pizza gods. “I always picture Michelangelo from the Ninja Turtles with a big cheesy slice of pizza after he had just gone out and fought the Foot Clan or Shredder, and that’s what I want to create,” said Zack whose signature pies are whimsically named and described. He takes pride in formulating his dough and sauce recipes, and it has been thrilling for him to see customers keep choosing The Macgyver option, which is Revival’s version of “build your own.” In a way, this intimate interaction with the product suggests to Zack and Darrell that customers are feeling at home in a place whose interior design inherently fosters fellowship and comfort. Their highest seller by far is the Barry Pepperoni (pepperoni, mozzarella, and their provolone blend), “Enough pepperoni to save Private Ryan.” Right behind that is the Graham Hess (“Swing away Merrill!”), one of my favorites, which I put away in one sitting (because... ricotta). The pie starts with a red sauce and is topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mozzarella, provolone blend, ricotta, and Mike’s Hot Honey (bottles also sold at the establishment). A close second is the Meat Sweats, inspired by one of Joey Tribbiani’s famous lines from the NBC hit Friends: Red sauce, Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, ground beef, Canadian bacon, mozzarella, provolone blend, and jalapenos. Zack’s favorite pizza, which has been picking up steam, is Gandalf The White. Lord of the Rings fans, unite! This white sauce pizza is simply mozzarella, provolone blend, and parmesan cheese: “You shall not pass… this pizza up.” Not to be outdone by dough and sauce, the front of the Revival menu features some unforgettable items that keep customers’ hearts and stomachs happy, even after hours. “Will probably dream about those egg rolls tonight lol,” claims a Facebook review. The notorious egg rolls come in two flavors: buffalo chicken, cheese, and pickles with ranch or Monte Cristo style with raspberry rhubarb sauce. The “Between the Bread” side of the menu features their burgers and sandwiches. We are blessed in Northeast Louisiana to have so many establishments making one-of-a-kind burgers, and Revival is joining the fray with some pretty far-out combinations. The Barbara Nell, named after Zack’s grandmother, features her superb pepper jelly sauce. A scroll down the Revival Pizza Facebook page reveals pictures of an attentive WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 41

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Zack being taught Ms. Barbara’s recipe. “That was one of those moments where it was hard not to be emotional. And it was. I got to be the luckiest person on the planet,” revealed Zack. The Big Kahuna Burger, inspired from a cult classic (cue in Jules Winnfield confidently uttering “This is a tasty burger”), is another favorite. Between the bread, a ⅓ lb Certified Angus beef is assembled with bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, Mike’s Hot Honey, and a slice of grilled pineapple. Unconventional? Perhaps. But, Zack alleges that it’s probably one of the best burgers they have. “Neither one of us have any experience in the restaurant business,” admitted Zack. Nevertheless, lack of experience didn’t phase the Revival team because Zack was searching for a bit more than a substantial résumé. He tried to surround himself with people that believed in moving mountains, particularly referring to his father: “My dad is always the best encourager and promoter. He’s just been behind me. You know, anything I do.” Consequently, when Zack approached his father about opening a pizzeria, Darrell’s response was one of faith much like that proverbial mustard seed: “Let’s just do it. If we succeed, we succeed together. I didn’t want to put pressure on him. If we fail, we fail together.” Guided by his own Christian faith, Zack believes the best way to share the gospel

is to build lasting relationships whether it’s having conversations with customers or aiding in people-driven mission projects. If you look above the woodfire oven, you will see a royal blue, white, and red flag and the word “vakning” spelled out in tiles. The flag is that of Iceland and the word is Icelandic for “awakening.” An unlikely fit in Northeast Louisiana, but Zack originally planned the pairing when he discovered the Iceland Project, an organization that funds church planting and mission work in the Nordic island nation. “It just really was a natural fit for me to pair pizza, and Iceland, and the gospel.” Revival Pizza Co. may just be two months old, but they are powered by the things they want to improve and make important again like community, pizza, individualism, and love. They seek to “be excellent to each other” and ask the same of their customers, all while celebrating culture-defining people and some totally radical pizza. Revival Pizza Co. is open Tuesday through Thursday between 11 AM and 9 PM, as well as Friday and Saturday between 11 AM to 10 PM (or later). Find them at 8707 Hwy 165, Monroe, LA 71203. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to find out about their expanding menu, which will soon include calzones!

The Big Kahuna Burger, inspired from a cult classic (cue in Jules Winnfield confidently uttering “This is a tasty burger”), is another favorite. Between the bread, a ⅓ lb Certified Angus beef is assembled with bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, Mike’s Hot Honey, and a slice of grilled pineapple.

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Celebrate Everything The Paper Market Celebrates The Class of 2021 and More

ACH YEAR, THIS TIME OF YEAR IS SPENT CELEBRATING graduates from high school seniors to college and graduate students. After this year’s trials and tribulations, these students deserve to be celebrated BIG! And everyone knows that The Paper Market in Monroe is the place to go when you are celebrating anything. They carry everything from cake toppers and centerpieces to wall decorations and photobooth back drops. No matter what size party you are planning, The Paper Market has all the supplies you need. And no party is complete without balloons! The Paper Market is basically the balloon headquarters of the Twin Cities. From mylar to latex in a variety of sizes and colors, you can see some of their selection on their website - papermarketmonroe.com. You can also place orders online and even chat online with a member of their team. The Paper Market doesn’t just carry basic balloons, either. There are so many options when it comes to bouquets, arches, garlands and more. The Paper Market recently introduced their balloon mosaics, large letters and numbers that can be filled with balloons of a variety of colors and sizes, custom for your special event or celebration. They also have yard numbers and bouquets that are the perfect way to celebrate. All of their balloon set ups are available for delivery and set up, making your event even more stress free! The students aren’t the only ones worth celebrating this year. Teacher appreciation week is here and The Paper Market has plenty to choose from for teacher gifts. There’s a variety of items from small happies like notepads and notebooks to sleeves of styrofoam cups. The Paper Market carries Taylor Elliott Designs, specializing in motivational colorful and fun, to useful desk accessories and gifts. They also carry small cookie jars filled with sweet treats. If you really want to show your appreciation, check out their selection of door hangers from Home Malone featuring summer flowers like magnolias and camellias. As we enter to the summer season, it is full of fun fiestas and laid back luaus, the perfect summer party themes. “Tropical theme is always a big hit, because it is so fun and colorful,” said Amy Robinson, owner of The Paper Market. They carry leis, tiki cups, grass skirts and more. Fiesta is a fun theme with cactus decor, sombreros, bright colors and pennant banners. Many people take advantage of peak crawfish season and plan a backyard boil to celebrate graduates. The Paper

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Market has everything for a successful boil from disposable table rolls for easy clean up, cute directional signs and chalkboards that you can personalize. No matter what theme you go with, The Paper Market has an entire wall of disposable products from napkins, plates, tablecloths, utensils and more that come in 26 colors. Additionally, there are plenty of options when it comes to catering any size party. The Paper Market has aisles of catering and serving pieces like pans, utensils, stereo cans, bulk items and more. Now that gatherings are becoming more normal, birthday parties are back! “For boys, some of our most popular themes are outer space, dinosaurs and various gaming themes,” said Amy. “For girls, unicorns and mermaids continue to be popular.” In addition to those, other themes include licensed character themes from Disney and Nickelodeon. You can find the popular brand Meri Meri throughout The Paper Market. They offer a unique range of party ware and decor that bring joy, whimsy and fashionable design. Amy recently introduced a new line, My Mind’s Eye, that features modern party supplies, perfect for parties of all ages and genders. The line includes a variety of patterns and solids paperplates, napkins and more. “One of the trends that we have seen lately is supplementing a unique theme with solid colors and patterns,” said Amy. One thing we can all celebrate is the official kick off to the summer season - Memorial Day! The Paper Market has all things patriotic from flag bunting to red, white and blue tablecloths, napkins and more. A fun favorite are the sleeves of styrofoam cups The Paper Market offers featuring local lakes and waterways. These are perfect to take to your lake house or to a friend for a hostess gift. No matter what you are celebrating, The Paper Market has it all. They are locally owned and operated and are grateful to be a part of this community. Stop by and visit with their team to find out how they can help you celebrate all of the special occasions in your life!

BAYOU HOM E

If you judge a book by its cover, then these will pass the test. We’ve had our eyes (and hands) on this collection of beautiful coffee table books from area retailers.

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

From top clockwise: The Book of Fine Linen - Revival Design and Consign, Angels In Our Midst - Material Things, The Art of the Cheese Plate Woodstock, Ashley Longshore - Palette House, Soul of the Home - Haven, Ritual Baths - Walsworth & Co., Once Upon A Pillow - Parterre

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

book keepers

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “The Clockmaker’s Daughter” by Kate Morton REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“There are few certainties in this world, but I will tell you something I know: the truth depends on who it is that’s telling the story.” I am so in love with this book. Kate Morton creates a timeless, century-shifting examination of people connected via their experiences by the river in a house called Birchwood Manor. Part fairytale and part mystery, the novel explores love, loss, story telling, truth, and the harsh realities of the rich and poverty-stricken. The characters are unique, weaving in and out of the story randomly, with their lives overlapping gracefully. Elodie, an archivist, comes across a picture of a Victorian woman and feels drawn to her face and the setting of the portrait. The home’s former owner Edward Radcliffe, a beloved and tortured artist, abandoned the home after an unfortunate accident. Edward’s sister Lucy inherited the home from her brother and created a school for girls that promptly closed its doors under mysterious circumstances. The secrets of the summer at Birchwood Manor where Edward, his friends, Lucy, and Edward’s muse come into focus as the stories of the home’s inhabitants over the years evolve. Morton writes beautifully, layering the narrative with historical facts and artistic observations. She sets a scene so poignantly that readers feel as if they are living in the Victorian era, all while frequently returning to the present and Elodie’s search for the truth of a mother 48 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

lost too soon. Overlaying all the intricate accounts is the omnipresent clockmaker’s daughter, the unknowing ally of the home’s visitors. When Leonard occupies the home after enduring the atrocities of World War II, he becomes entranced by the manor’s hidden history and vows to uncover the truth. Juliet, escaping the onslaught of the Nazis, finds the safehaven for her three children, drawn to the little village where she and her husband spent their honeymoon. Jack’s present-day search for the Radcliffe Blue at Birchwood Manor spills the truth about that fateful summer that left one woman dead, and forced an artist to abandon the place he adored. The structure of the story is untraditional, not only shifting back and forth in time, but under and through time, unrestrained by its consistency. The story is a metaphor for the clockmaker’s daughter’s abundance of time, and how characters are beholden to time’s limitations. Like every clock her father crafted, the people hide their own motivations, even from themselves, and realize how fragile life is. “Each clock is unique. And just like a person, its face, whether plain or pretty, is but a mask for the intricate mechanism it conceals.” If you like period pieces, this novel is one. If you like mystery, this novel is also one. If love is what you seek, The Clockmaker’s Daughter laces romantic love and a love of a place. Birchwood Manor evolves as each of its inhabitants, and time catches up with everyone except the clockmaker’s daughter.

Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “We Were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“Months later, in a different world, Nechuma will look back on this evening, the last Passover when they were nearly all together, and wish with every cell of her body that she could relive it.” The author Georgia Hunter grew up in the comfort of America with a quirky grandfather who loved music, valued education and loved her deeply. After his death, she asks her grandmother and extended family about his heritage and uncovers a family history of astonishing endurance, familial hardship, religious persecution, and inevitable luck before, during, and after World War II. Hunter’s account of her family’s Jewish history is astonishing, heartbreaking, and reminds us how fortunate we all are. Sol and Nechuma Kurc have made a good life in Poland before Hitler’s rise to prominence. Bound by their devotion to religion and commitment to family and tradition, the rumblings of a dictator across the border intent on annihilating Jews seems too far away. As the Germans eventually invade Poland, the Kurcs are scattered across the world, dodging Jewish ghettos, concentration camps, and religious extermination. The family relies on Addy’s longing for home, Halina’s fighting spirit and quick wit, Jakob’s kind heart, Mila’s devotion to her daughter, and Genek’s ability to withstand the Germans’ most vicious attacks. The Kurcs showcase a will to outlive the violence, defy the odds, and retain a sense of dignity. 50 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

In the history books, we learn about the Holocaust. We know an evil man and powerful regime sought the destruction of an entire group of people, and largely succeeded because of our unwillingness to consider the unthinkable. This novel based on real events takes readers inside the reality of a world under siege, a war hard on everyone, but unfathomable for those it sought to destroy. The book is fast-paced and causes readers to quickly jump from page to page in anticipation of the next character’s move, as every decision is based on life or death. I dropped literal tears on the page, crying alongside the characters in each of their minor victories followed only by another mountain to climb with no promise of refuge. We see the war through the eyes of middle-aged parents who have seen uprising before and are convinced it will all blow over, young parents willing to risk it all for the promise of a future for their young children, and innocent eyes who know only bombs, bloodshed, and the scent of death, robbed of ignorance afforded to the young. This book is heartbreaking, but has a way of renewing a sense of spirit. In the last few chapters, I forgot my own problems, then realized they weren’t really problems, and remembered while for me this was a story, for the Kurcs and so many other families, this was the only hope of survival. It’s humbling to be reminded that those brave souls who survived the horror of all horrors called themselves “the lucky ones.”

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Celebrating Mom

Locally Owned Company Serving North Louisiana and Beyond

OTHER’S DAY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND NO one deserves to be celebrated more than mom! We want to help you find the perfect gift for the perfect mom, so let’s have a look at several amazing gift ideas that are easy and delicious. Does your mom enjoy a beautiful day by the pool, on the porch, or in the garden? We have three new canned Rose Spritz from Coastal that will brighten and refresh as you chill and catch up. These drinks are made with Columbia Valley Rose, sparkling water, and real fruit juice. They are gluten free, non-GMO, and support The Ocean Foundation. The classic Rose Spritz has refreshing and bright acidity with just the right amount of effervescence; strawberry and cherry pop on the palette. Coastal also offers a Watermelon Rose Spritz and Pineapple Rose Spritz. The watermelon opens up with fresh watermelon rind followed by notes of strawberry and cherry, that then continues through leaving vibrant watermelon on the finish. The pineapple explodes with strawberries, cherries, and pineapple for a mouth watering combination. All of these options have 100 calories and 5 grams of sugar or less depending on your choice. These products from Coastal are super delicious and will be a hit for the summer. Another great product for sitting outside is the French Pool Tote from France. This Provence style rose comes in an eco-friendly, resealable, and compact bag holding 1.5 liters (~10 glasses) of wine that stays fresh for up to 60 days after opening. This bag holds up great for all your outdoor activities, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking or leaking out. These are always a big hit at parties and they are also vegan friendly. Maybe your mom enjoys going out for a great cocktail? Why not bring great restaurant quality cocktails home with these selections from Wandering Barman out of Brooklyn. These single serve cocktails are made using incredible ingredients that focus on precision and sustainability. Wandering Barman offers up a perfect variety of flavor combinations that will leave you speechless. La Nina is a marigold and Kaffir lime margarita that offers a botanical twist on a classic. Swipe Right is a date infused old-fashioned where the dates replace sugar, and it’s complemented with aromatic and orange bitters. Iron Lady is a take on the gin sling made with roses and hops for a refreshing, yet delicate cocktail. FOMO is their version of a vodka sling made with pineapple,organic vodka, turmeric, and hatch green chile for a tropical cocktail with a touch of heat from the chile. Boomerang is an old-fashioned infused with hickory and maple smoke and a touch of orange bitters. Miss Casanova is a daiquiri made with hibiscus flower, orange, and a little touch of chipotle that all perfectly compliment this rum based cocktail. All of these great drinks are a shake and pour away, and would cost double or even triple in a bar. We also

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think that these names are very fitting to have with the strong ladies who raised us. While on the subject of cocktails don’t forget to check out our selection of bitters, cordials, liqueurs, and other mixers while here. Items like Sirop de Saizon, an old-fashioned simple syrup, out of Lafayette or Lazzaroni Amaretto Cherries from Italy are sure to impress. Another new item to the store is Cafe Rumba which is a rum cream with coffee. This is perfect for after dinner. It is gluten free with all natural ingredients, Kona coffee beans, Caribbean rum, and dairy from Wisconsin. A velvety texture with roasted coffee and brown sugar caramel flavors make this a flavorful delight. Of course many will take their mom out for dinner or lunch, but what if you want to make something for her on your own? Look no further than bringing home the Doe’s Eat Place of Monroe steaks for the grill, and of course you’ll need a great bottle of wine for her to enjoy with it. If you are treating her to filet, try out Trathen Hall Antiquum Vineyard Pinot Noir. This is made of super small production single vineyard fruit and that quality shines in the less than 200 cases produced. Dark cherries and ripe berries open the nose, then the palette reveals more with flavors of black tea and cassis before a long, lingering, silky finish that has a bright acidic pop before trailing pleasantly. Going for a heartier cut? Then check out the Second Line Wines Big Chief Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines were inspired by a love of New Orleans and its rich culture of food and drink. The label is a painting from New Orleans artist Sarah Stiehl, as are all the Second Line Wines labels. The Big Chief is a beast of a cabernet sauvignon. Deep crimson fills the glass as the nose presents blackberries, chocolate, and plum. Taking a sip from the glass you’ll find even more with additions of baking spices, vanilla, and tobacco with a substantial grip that is perfect at cutting through the fat of a steak. This wine is big and bold, just like the Big Chief should be, because we know he brings the party. We want to wish all moms a Happy Mother’s Day that is filled with joy and love. We hope to see you soon and do what we can to help you celebrate. As always, thanks for letting us be your Spirits Guide here at Washington Wine & Spirits. Open 11am-8pm Monday-Saturday.

Explore Your Own Back Yard Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week in Monroe-West Monroe

RAVEL’S ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER PERIODS OF economic hardship—and inject much-needed revenue directly into our local economy—is why the theme of this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is the Power of Travel. NTTW (May 2-8), the 38th annual celebration of the U.S. travel industry’s contributions, is an opportunity to remind visitors and residents of the incredible value the travel industry holds not just for our local economy and workforce, but to our community’s identity and culture—and to remind policymakers of travel’s ability to help power recovery efforts. Locally, you can celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week in Monroe-West Monroe by exploring your own back yard. GET OUTDOORS! Whether out on the water, walking the trails, or enjoying outdoor sports, Monroe-West Monroe is a great place to explore the outdoors. Blaze a liquid trail along Black Bayou or Bayou Desiard. Don’t have a kayak or stand-up paddle board of your own? H2 Go Paddle can set you up with everything you need. Or head to the University of Louisiana at Monroe. You can rent kayaks and paddle through campus along the bayou. Area parks offer great opportunities to get outdoors. Hit the trails at Kiroli Park and Restoration Park in West Monroe. Play a round of disc golf or horseshoes at Chennault Park in West Monroe. Grab your tennis racket and head to the courts at Forsythe Park or Kiroli Park. GO ON A HERON HUNT! The Herons on the Bayou project saw over 50 beautifully painted herons land throughout Ouachita Parish. This project connected local businesses with talented artists to create these beautiful public sculptures. Herons are located throughout Monroe-West Monroe. Download the map, go on a scavenger hunt and see how many Herons on the Bayou you can find! ENJOY LOCAL CUISINE! Monroe-West Monroe is home to over 100 locally owned and flavored restaurants. From BBQ to seafood, po’ boys to international fare, you’ll find something for every palate on our menus. Pull up a chair at a local spot you’ve never tried before. Or head to your favorite and try something different on their menu. And don’t forget to check out the local brews at Flying Tiger Brewery or enjoy a tasting at Landry Vineyards. If you need a jolt of caffeine, we’ve got shops serving unique craft coffee options. 54 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

When it’s time for dessert or a sweet treat, you’ll find frozen custard, gourmet cupcakes, cotton candy, and specialty ice creams at sweet shops across Monroe-West Monroe. EXPLORE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS! Tourism Awareness Week is the perfect time to explore our local museums. Delve into our history at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, or NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum. Have some fun with the kids at the NELA Children’s Museum or the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Enjoy a little fun competition at Bayou Bowl or Surge Entertainment Center. DISCOVER LOCAL EVENTS! Calendars are filling up again in Monroe-West Monroe. Events like the Antique Alley Spring Open House and Love Local in the Park are bringing people together again. Landry Vineyard’s Outdoor Concerts, Brown Bag Concerts, and other live music events are filling the air with melodies. The Downtown Gallery Crawl is scheduled in June, along with the New Music on the Bayou Festival. And that’s just the beginning! Be sure to check our calendar or sign up for our Weekend Event Update and have a list of fun weekly events sent right to your inbox. WHAT’S YOUR MWM PERSONALITY? Take our personality quiz to find out which activities are right up your alley. Whether you are a Vibrant Blaze, Tranquil Bayou, Friendly Waves, or Visionary Skies, we’ve got the perfect itinerary to help you discover Monroe-West Monroe. To take the quiz, visit Monroe-westmonroe.org/ personality. CHECK OUT OUR VISITOR CENTER! Can’t decide where to start? Visit Discover Monroe-West Monroe’s new Visitor Center at their office at 601 Constitution Drive in West Monroe. You’ll find information about area attractions, restaurants, and things to do, as well as travel resources for the entire state. And you can start your Heron Hunt at the Visitor Center, as we have two located in our lobby. Let us help connect you to the community so you can begin exploring your back yard. For more information or to sign up for updates, visit Monroe-westmonroe. org or call Discover Monroe-West Monroe at 387-5691.

The Method of Pilates

What Is It, What Types There Are and Why in the World Does It Matter

OSEPH PILATES WAS BORN IN GERMANY. HE WAS A seemingly frail child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. Strong will and determination allowed him to overcome these illnesses and create an exercise program that is still used more than half a century later. During the First World War, Joseph interned with other German nationals and it was during this time that he developed his technique of physical fitness and taught his fellow internees. Pilates believed that muscular imbalances were detrimental to our attainment of physical and mental well being. So, he designed a series of vigorous physical exercises to correct these imbalances which would improve posture, coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. These, along with a focus on increasing breathing capacity, would eventually form the cornerstone of his method. In the latter part of the war he had begun working with returning soldiers in their rehabilitation efforts. Out of necessity, he was inspired to use what was available to create resistance exercise equipment for his patients. It was by using hospital bed springs and beer keg rings that eventually led to the development of his most famous piece of equipment known as the ‘Cadillac.’ Much of his equipment is still in use today in Pilates Studios today. “I invented all these machines... it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.” Joseph Pilates The Pilates method of exercise consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. “Contrology” was the name he gave his methods, reflecting his belief in the importance of the mind’s control over the body. “It is the mind itself which builds the body. The Pilates Method teaches you to be in control of your body – and not at its mercy.” - Joseph Pilates Armed with more information about the Pilates exercise method, it is just as important to learn about the different types of Pilates and why it matters. Many people do not fully understand what type of Pilates they are practicing or that it makes any difference. The two variations are Classical and Contemporary, and although similar they have many differences. Classical Pilates is also known as Traditional Pilates and follows the teaching of Joseph Pilates. The equipment used is built to the exact specifications as those made by Joseph. 56 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Using a sequence of foundational exercises at the beginning and more advanced exercises to gain strength and control. This Method includes a mat, reformer, and typically two additional pieces of equipment. Instructors of the Classical Method have completed rigorous and demanding programs. They must have in -depth understanding of the method and be able to teach and demonstrate a wide variety of exercises on multiple pieces of equipment. Each instructor completes a minimum of 600-hours of training under teachers who are within the lineage of Joseph Pilates himself. In addition they must complete a 10-15 hour per week studio apprenticeship and four-weekend seminars and passing all testing. “Study carefully. Do not sacrifice knowledge to speed in building your solid exercise regime on the foundation of Contrology. Follow instructions exactly as indicated down to the very smallest detail. There is a reason!” - Joseph Pilates Classical instructors remain true to the original work of Joseph Pilates without any variation and maintain the common objective to continue with his original work. In comparison, there is another type referred to as Contemporary Pilates. Contemporary Pilates is also known as modern Pilates and is also based on Joseph Pilates original work, but recognizes many advances which have been made since its beginning. By nature it is in constant development and always evolving. Contemporary encompasses everything that came after Classical. Training programs for instructors of Contemporary Pilates are not as rigorous. Depending on the program, certifications can be obtained in as little as six months. As you look to begin it is important to understand the types and also your goals. Learn about the studio, the instructors and the type of Pilates that you will be learning. Bon Temps Classical Pilates Studio located in West Monroe is the only studio that teaches the Classical Method in our area. They have three instructors each certified with 600+ hours of training and offer equipment, mat, private classes or group classes. “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body” - Joseph Pilates It is important to know your studio, the training of your instructor, and the type of Pilates that you will be learning. Indeed, it does make a difference.

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Decrease your Toxic Burden

to Enhance Hormonal Health

he chemicals you’re exposed to on a daily basis weigh heavily on your body’s stress burden and can disrupt a healthy hormonal balance. Many of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning that they interfere with the normal functioning of your body’s endocrine system (the network of glands that produce, store and secrete hormones). Many have even been dubbed “obesogens” because of the way they alter your body’s fat storage signals and promote excess weight gain. Some chemicals cause your body to store more nutrients as fat and burn less of your already stored fat as fuel. Even worse is the association many of these chemicals have with hormonally driven cancers, autoimmune disease, and more. Chemicals are ubiquitous in your environment and are impossible to avoid completely, but by controlling the chemicals you bring into your home, ingest, and put on your body, you can dramatically reduce your exposure. According to the EPA, Americans spend 93% of their lives either indoors or in their cars, so the outdoor pollutants aren’t even your largest threat; the indoor pollutants are. Harmful chemicals you may be inadvertently exposing yourself to can come from the food you’re eating, the containers you’re storing and heating your food and beverages in, personal care products you apply to your skin, and household cleaning products.

Personal Care and Household Cleaning Productss

A survey conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that the average adult uses 9 personal care products each day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. According to the EWG, 12.2 million adults (one of every 13 women and one of every 23 men) are exposed to ingredients that are known or probable human carcinogens every day through their use of personal care products. Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals used in products to carry fragrances and help lubricate other substances in the ingredients. These are often hidden on ingredients lists under the word “fragrance.” Companies don’t have to disclose fragrance ingredients, because they are considered proprietary. Parabens are considered chemical 58 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

obesogens because of their effect on the endocrine system, and their tendency to change the body’s fat storage signals. They’re frequently used as preservatives in personal care products. Look for the words “methylparaben,” “ethylparaben,” “propylparaben,” “isopropylparaben,” “butylparaben,” and “isobultylparaben” in the list of ingredients. Chemical fragrances are abundant not only in body care items, but also in household items. Fragranced candles and sprays, cleaning products, detergents and fabric softeners are a few. Many of the cleaning products available are also full of harsh chemicals. A recent study done by scientists at the University of Bergen in Norway discovered that prolonged exposure to household cleaners creates a health impact similar to smoking one full pack of cigarettes daily. To avoid harmful chemicals in your personal care and household items, download EWG’s Healthy Living app and check the safety of the ingredients in your products. Think Dirty is another app you can use to check the safety of your products.

Plastics

One of the most widely talked about chemicals in recent years has been BPA, which is present in many plastics and thermal paper receipts. BPA enters your body through ingestion (from food or drinks stored in BPA containing packaging), inhalation (dust from receipts or other items that have broken down), and through direct absorption into the bloodstream from contact with your mouth and esophagus, or your skin from handling receipts. Scientists at Health Canada have shown that exposure to BPA causes cultured cells to differentiate into fat cells, and more studies have implicated BPA with contributing to cancer, along with all of the other issues that come along with endocrine disrupting chemicals. Because of the negative press surrounding BPA, many plastics are now being made without it, and are labeled BPA free. However, the replacement chemicals for BPA, like BPS and BPF appear to be just as hazardous. So just because a plastic water bottle is “BPA free,” this doesn’t mean it’s chemical free or harmless.

B AYO U H E A LTH BY S HAN N O N DAH LU M

Your best bet is to avoid plastics as much as possible. Buying drinking water in plastic bottles is not only a sure way to ingest plastic, it’s also incredibly damaging to the environment. The number of plastic bottles manufactured to meet demand in the U.S. uses more than seventeen million barrels of oil every year. The average American uses 160 plastic water bottles annually but only recycles about 38 of them. One study has revealed that about thirty-eight million pieces of plastic trash were found on Henderson Island, an uninhabited, formerly pristine island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And even sea salt is now contaminated with plastic because of the accumulation of plastic pollution in our oceans. Plastic never goes away; it simply breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces over time. Every single piece of plastic ever produced is still present somewhere in our environment. Avoid plastics by using a refillable stainless or glass drinking bottle and refill it with filtered water. Better yet, get a water cooler for your home and have Mountain Valley Spring Water delivered to your door. Store your food in glass containers or jars, and never heat food in plastic. Those frozen bags of steamable veggies, or other frozen foods that instruct you to microwave them directly in thier package... don’t. Put the food in a glass container before microwaving it. The likelihood of plastics leaching into the food is definitely temperature dependent, so it’s less likely to happen if foods are frozen in plastic than if they’re stored at room temperature or heated in plastic.

Pesticides and Herbicides

Glyphosate, a chemical in the herbicide RoundUp, has been surrounded by controversy, for good reason. This chemical leaches onto the minerals in the soil and the crops that it’s sprayed on and essentially sucks them out. This is one reason why our fruits and vegetables today are less nutrient dense than those grown before the advent of agricultural chemicals. And it does the same thing in your body; it prevents you from absorbing the minerals in your food. The only mineral it doesn’t deplete from your system is aluminum, which is a neurotoxic agent. In fact, glyphosate works synergistically with aluminum to push it past the blood brain barrier, meaning that it helps aluminum get into your brain. High levels of aluminum in the brain have been directly linked with Alzheimer’s disease, and is related to an elevated risk for other neurological disorders, like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and autism. Many scientific studies have shown that it’s likely that aluminum in the brain is a major player in these diseases, but they haven’t been able to prove it for certain, because running the tests needed to do so on humans would be unethical. Elevated levels of glyphosate are also associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, various forms of cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, and killing off friendly gut bacteria. It has been proposed that this impact on the friendly gut bacteria caused by RoundUp is the reason for the rise in non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Atrazine is another common chemical herbicide, and it disrupts the immune and hormonal systems. Detailed research, much of it done by the EPA, showed that testosterone, prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and a thyroid hormone are all affected by atrazine. Chlorpyrifos is the most widely used insecticide in the U.S., at an estimated use of about 30 million pounds per year. It’s used in both agricultural products and pesticides for home use. This chemical can cause delayed effects on the nervous system, birth defects, genetic damage in human blood and lymph cells, and immune system abnormalities. The above chemicals are just a few of the most commonly used, and the best way to avoid them and others is to choose organic foods as much as possible. A study done at the University of California found that switching to organically grown food for six days decreased the levels of toxins in the body by an average of 60.5%. Even if you don’t make the move completely to organic food, every little bit you can switch helps. Check the dirty dozen list, released annually by the Environmental Working Group (https://www. ewg.org/foodnews/ dirty-dozen.php), to see which produce items are the most contaminated and which are the least. This will help you prioritize which ones you buy the organic varieties of. If organic isn’t an option, choose non-genetically modified (non-GMO) foods. Most genetically modified crops have been modified to withstand a much higher level of glyphosate exposure. Assume that all GMO foods are heavily sprayed. Cleaning up the products in your home can feel like a very daunting, overwhelming task, so it’s important to know that small changes can make a big difference over time. Commit to simply replacing items in your home as they run out to cleaner, greener varieties. By the time a year has passed, you’ll likely have cleaned up your indoor environment and your body tremendously, creating a healthier hormonal balance, metabolism, and immune system for you and your family. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 59

bedding redux

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

When you think about how much time you spend in your bed, it’s an easy decision to invest in quality, luxurious bed linens and accessories. We’ve pulled together our favorite bedding collections from local retailers featuring cohesive looks catered to a variety of styles.

PALETTE HOUSE AND PLUME The foundation of this collection is a matching white 100% cotton ribbed matelassé coverlet and Euro shams. Deluxe taupe shams in a natural linen with textured finish are paired with a linen throw. Handdyed silk velvet accent pillows in nude and plush complete the look.

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color theory

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

This bedding combines luxurious neutral linens with accent pillows in bright hues and bold prints for a look that elevates your room. This layered look offers an inviting space for slumber.

WALSWORTH AND COMPANY Breezy cotton voile bedding, quilted with lean rows of detailed channel stitching is combined with a navy coverlet and Euro shams in 100% cotton fabric. A bed throw in a calming grey colorway crafted of 100% double-faced cotton gauze is combined with a bold print accent pillow.

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coming up roses

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

Consider adding a dose of drama to your bedding set by adding color in luxe linens like silk and velvet. A luxurious velvet pillow featuring a King Cheetah emerging from the lush foliage of the forest adds to the contrasting textiles.

MATERIAL THINGS Vintage velvet Euro luxe pillows in rose are combined with a matching throw for texture. A crisp ivory coverlet is topped with an Arlesienne duvet cover and complementary standard shams. A gold Napoli linen accent pillow is combined with a velvet cheetah pillow to complete the look.

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luxurious linens

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

This bedding set is not only soothing and conducive to relaxing but also incorporates a monochromatic look with various textures. This calm, neutral bedding creates an inviting bedroom environment.

HAVEN A white textured Matouk matelassé is on the bed, paired with a two-toned organic Schumacherinspired print at the foot. Both are crafted with luxuriously soft 100% cotton and woven in Italy. A crisp white accent pillow completes the collection.

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perfect patterns

styling by T A Y L O R B E N N E T T

photography by K E L L Y M O O R E C L A R K

BAYOU HOM E

Neutral prints and light blush accent pieces are mixed together for a look that creates depth and interest while remaining cohesive.

REVIVAL DESIGN AND CONSIGN White quilted Euro shams provide the background for layers of color and patterns. A rough-hem ruffle sham in blush is paired with damask accent pillows. A neutral leopard coverlet is combined with a blush throw for a finished look.

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Before there was Madcap Cottage… Before there was Cottage Décor… There was the “Prince of Chintz”

ario Buatta, a legendary interior designer, had the flair to combine traditional and fine design with shelter, comfort and most of all, joy. His color palette and mix delighted those clients and friends that were fortunate to experience his artistry. He will go down in history as one of the design personalities that helped create a following (of almost cult status) following his first cover of Architectural Digest. It has been noted that his collaboration with AD catapulted the magazine into the success and prestige it maintains today. Standing the test of time were his “season-less” sunrooms (with the requisite three glass sides overlooking the garden) where one was encased in shades of green and yellow, palm tree accent accessories, white chenille carpet and wicker furniture. Passionate about retaining the porch-like feel, with all the comforts of being indoors quickly became his calling card. The late Greg Jordan, incredibly talented in his vision of incorporating this concept, designed a sunroom of this stature for a client we know that was living on Forsythe Avenue at the time. Mario’s capsule of this type of space offered a seamless outdoor/indoor feel that evoked unforgettable luxury. Mario also surrounded himself with dogs because they were his true ancestors, and he often spoke of his vast collection of dog paintings. They were showcased and recognizable throughout his body of work almost as much as the printed cotton fabric with a glazed finish. The opulent haven he created for himself had floor to ceiling dog portraitures and prints. And although he often declared he didn’t have a dog as a pet due to his busy schedule… oil paintings, porcelain figurines and bronze dog accessories became an easily recognizable MB signature.

“My mother always allowed me to rearrange the furniture, I’d stay up late thinking about where everything would go.” MARIO BUATTA, 1935-2018

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

T I P S F O R H AV I N G A M A RV E LO U S LY O R G A N I Z E D S U M M E R

The LOVE Daily Schedule 7:00 Rise and Shine 7:30-8:30 Breakfast and Tablet or TV time 8:30-9:30 Learning Fun 9:30-11:30 Play Time 11:30-12:30 Lunch and Table or TV time 12:30-2:30 Physical Fun 2:30-3:30 Arts and Crafts 3:30-5:30 Play Time 5:30-6:30 Down Time 6:30-7:30 Dinner 7:30-Bedtime Movie, Reading, or TV time

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

on’t let summer sneak up on you this year! As a professional organizer and mommy, I am already thinking about how I can transition myself and my family from “school-time” to “summer-time.” Now, I know that kids are “ready for summer” almost all the time during the school year, but are you really ready for it? Getting ready for summer for an adult can be somewhat complicated! What exactly is a mom to do when school closes and reality hits? I am here to help. Take a deep breath and continue reading. PREPARATION IS KEY! As with all organizing projects, preparation is the key to success. You must have a plan of action and be able to keep up with it efficiently. So, the first thing you should do is purchase or create a family calendar. Go ahead and enter all of the camps, appointments, and trips that you already know about, so that you can fill in the blanks properly. FILL IN THE BLANKS! Now is the time to begin filling in the blank spaces. To be clear, though, I am not suggesting that every single day needs to be filled with an elaborate activity, but I do recommend that you plan a few get-togethers with your kids’ friends from school. It is nice to keep in touch during the summer, and it will give your children some time to relieve any pent-up energy that they may have. For example, plan summer-specific activities such as a day at the pool, a fun outdoor BBQ, or a day of slip-n-slide. LEAVE ROOM FOR ROUTINES! As I have already stated, I do not suggest that you fill everyday with elaborate activities. In fact, I think there should still be routines and tasks during the summer. Children (and I) thrive on consistency and structure, so make sure to create that for them this summer. For instance, keep their morning and bedtime routines by creating an easy-to-follow system. Last year when COVID hit, I created a plan that I shared on my social media (so you may want to follow me there to see what I come up with for this year! @erinlovedesigns and erinsharplinlove) To the left is a sneak peek of the routine I followed, though. Feel free to use it for yourself! PLAN THE ROUTINES! It is very important that you not let your kids sleep in too late during the summer. Our wake up time is typically around 7:00 every morning, followed by TV or play time on their tablets until breakfast. Breakfast is typically muffins, eggs, or waffles, but sometimes I let my kids choose what they want. And, yes, occasionally it is ice cream and chips. After the morning meal comes “learning fun,” scheduled here before they get too tired and grumpy. I see this as the most important activity of the day and never skip it. “Learning fun” concentrates on grade-specific topics that include science, reading, math, and geography. I also provide a worksheet to help them retain some of the information. Then we move into play time as a reward for working hard during the learning hour. Play time includes such activities as water balloons,

riding bikes, fishing, tadpole hunting, etc. I have a list of activities that I will share with you, too, so stay tuned. After play, we eat lunch and follow that meal with an activity that is physical. I think children definitely benefit from a bit of exercise, so we jump on the trampoline, run relay races, etc. Next is arts and crafts! I let them get dirty with Play-doh, slime, and paint. Finally, it is time to wind down the rest of the day and enjoy a bit more play time. Then comes down time when they can again watch TV, play on their tablet, or read a book. at the end of the day, we are off to dinner and our bedtime routine. BE READY FOR BOREDOM! No matter how organized and meticulous you are, there will still be times that your kids will not want to do exactly what you have planned. I always have a few other “rabbits up my sleeve” for when boredom strikes. Here are a few ideas for you to keep in your arsenal, too: 1. Create a “Boredom Jar” – I have a mason jar that I filled with tasks, so when boredom hits, they reach for a strip of paper and they HAVE to do what is on that slip of paper. It’s kind of fun because sometimes they will pull a chore, and other times they will pull an opportunity for a new, inexpensive gift. 2. M ix it up! Let the kids choose in what order they want to do each step of the routine. I allow this freedom only AFTER the learning hour is complete. They get to plan the tasks, the fun, the games, the arts and crafts, etc. 3. Create a theme of the day! Maybe one day is “Pajama” day and another is “Silly Hat” day. Think outside of the box and have fun. Fun always chases boredom away! RESTOCK YOUR SUPPLIES! Now that I have you all thinking about schedules and routines, that is just the tip of the iceberg. You must make sure that you have all the items you need to keep your little ones entertained. I suggest stocking up on your arts and crafts products (glue, construction paper, googly eyes, yarn, washable paint, paint brushes, etc.). You should also check your “outdoor prep” supplies such as bug spray, sunscreen, first aid kit, water balloons, chalk, etc. Now is also the time to be sure you have the correct size swimming suits, shoes, and hats. And, you CAN’T forget the snack station! That must be stocked to perfection or you will pay for it later. I like to have a travel water bottle for each of my children, and I prepackage my own snacks if they are not already in snack- sized bags or containers. Be sure that you have plenty of healthy options so they don’t always reach for the candy and cookies. For example, my kids enjoy grapes, carrots, and strawberries. With that said, I know that you are probably hoping for some ideas on arts and crafts, learning activities, and such, so please be sure to follow me on Instagram! I will be sharing a lot of ideas. I just don’t have the space here. I can’t wait to hear what you think of my advice, so please feel free to contact me.

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New Treatment Option For Managing Glaucoma

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. Scientists aren’t sure what causes the most common types of glaucoma, but many people with glaucoma have high eye pressure (intraocular pressure) and treatments that lower eye pressure help to slow the disease. SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA In its early stages, glaucoma has no symptoms. It causes no pain. That’s why half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. As glaucoma gets worse, you may slowly lose your side (peripheral) vision. If it remains untreated, you may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of your eye. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye examination. TREATMENTS FOR GLAUCOMA Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be treated to keep it from getting worse. Catching it early is key to protecting your vision. Doctors use a few different types of treatment for glaucoma, including medicines usually eye drops, laser treatment and surgery. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, it’s important to start treatment right away. New advances aim to make glaucoma treatment easier and more effective. In particular, people who cannot reach their target 74 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

pressure on eye drops or who do not want to use eye drops have other options besides traditional invasive glaucoma surgeries. MIGS DEVICES About five years ago, the treatment steps for glaucoma changed. It is part of a growing field known as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to help adults with mild to moderate glaucoma. Now MIGS procedures let doctors treat patients earlier and more safely than older surgeries. MIGS is an outpatient procedure performed in an ambulatory surgery center. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Your doctor will want to examine you in the office the following day and you will be prescribed a regimen of postoperative drops for the next four to six weeks. If the procedure is successful you can expect a decrease in the intraocular pressure and you possibly may come off some of your glaucoma medications. It takes about six to eight weeks before the outcome of the procedure is known. Each MIGS procedure involves implanting a tiny device to allow fluid to drain from the eye, reducing internal pressure. Some MIGS devices like iStent and Hydrus are implanted during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery alone lowers pressure, so the combination lowers pressure more effectively or may help lower medication burden. Another MIGS device, the OMNI System, is a single designed device that allows the surgeon to carry out a two-part procedure. The OMNI procedure can be performed at the time of cataract surgery or as a stand-alone

procedure. When glaucoma medicines and laser treatment fail or cannot be used to manage glaucoma, the OMNI device is recommended for some patients. Dr. Kim Dinh, a glaucoma specialist at Haik Humble Eye Center, is among the first ophthalmologist in Northeast Louisiana to offer the Omni. “Omni is less invasive compared to traditional glaucoma surgery and has a quicker recovery,” says Dr. Dinh. About one dozen Omni procedures have been performed at Haik Humble Eye Center —and the facility expects to do more — but the option isn’t suitable for everyone. “Choosing the right candidates is a clinical decision based on a number of factors, including the type and severity of glaucoma as well as previous surgical history,” says Dr. Dinh. Still, she adds, “MIGS are exciting because of its safety profile and fast post-operative recovery; and shortened surgical and recovery times can be very important to patients.” If someone needs more aggressive glaucoma treatment later on, a previous MIGS procedure does not affect it. Ophthalmologists can determine which MIGS device is best for each patient. Although no surgery can cure glaucoma forever or reverse vision loss, MIGS are an effective surgery that can slow or stop the progression of glaucoma by lowering the pressure in your eye. Most medical insurance, including Medicare, will help pay for an annual dilated eye exam for some people at high risk for glaucoma. For more information about glaucoma, contact Haik Humble Eye Center at (318) 325-2610.

COLOR THEORY

Flowered fabrics and bold hues breathe life into a Lake D’Arbonne retreat reinvigorated by the playful aesthetic of Stacy and Tim Lee WRIT TEN BY

Meredith McKinnie

PHOTOGR APHY BY

Kelly Moore Clark

ABOVE: THE FOYER IS FRAMED WITH DRAPERIES MADE FROM KATE SPADE PRINTED FABRIC WHICH FOLLOWED HER FROM A PRIOR HOME.

tacy and Tim Lee always imagined retiring to the country where life inevitably slows down, but the opportunity came earlier than expected. As a realtor, Stacy had been involved in property transactions, often selling her own home on the spot if the price was right. After an offer on their home in West Monroe, the couple moved into an RV on Lake Darbonne while they searched for a new place. They met the lady who lived next door in a brown rectangular house on the beautiful lakefront. As time went on, the Lees fell more in love with the area, and when the lady mentioned selling the property, the Lees jumped at the opportunity to make Peaceful Lane their permanent home. The original structure had no personality, as the family used the property primarily on the weekends. Stacy feels God gave the couple this property, as a lakeside home wouldn’t have lasted long on the market. The timing was just right. The original structure had no porch and small rooms, but the Lees wanted the location. They would have to remodel the house from top to bottom, inside and out. Now, the highlight of the front exterior is the pitched butterfly roof that dictated the style of the house. Stacy had lived in old arts and craft houses and wanted something unique the butterfly style spoke to her. The exterior brick is painted white, and the wood detail is stained black. Stacy describes

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her personality as more black and white; she had seen enough of the gray tones in modern construction projects. She wanted the texture of the wood to still stand out, and they settled on a stain just black enough to give the color contrast and retain the wood’s character. The front door is painted Sherwin Williams’ salmon. The couple’s daughter Elizabeth actually spotted the color on a house in New Orleans and got the exact match from the owners. Stacy has always been attracted to the boldness of pink, and the color contrast against the black and white exterior makes the door pop. The mid-century modern style is cool and clean. Stacy avoided traditional landscaping accents. She wanted to feel unencumbered by a garden that required attention. The concrete stones in odd shapes are a unique touch; they throw a kink in the expectations of a walkway. Besides, the house’s real beauty is found in the back. The foyer is framed with draperies made from Kate Spade fabric. Elizabeth spotted the material and knew her Mom had to have it. Like many of the pieces in Stacy’s home, they have moved with her, having originally framed another window in a prior home. She finds the pieces always manage to fit into a new space. “If I love it, I make it work,” Stacy says. While the house retains its modern feel, Stacy sprinkles her personality throughout the space, with some areas heavily layered with trinkets from her travels, and other spaces less so to give the eye a place to rest. The

THE FRONT DOOR IS PAINTED SHERWIN WILLIAMS’ SALMON, A COLOR THE COUPLE’S DAUGHTER SPOTTED ON A HOUSE IN NEW ORLEANS.

back of the fireplace features a painting Stacy created in a workshop with Annie Lockhart, an artist from Texas. She loves the painting’s texture and abstract colors. The white lamp features a hand-painted silk lampshade, and the horse, purchased at an estate sale in Houston, reminds Stacy of the time she bottle-fed an Arabian horse for a friend. The plants help accent and bring life to the space. Stacy’s grandmothers had green thumbs; one kept a greenhouse and the other nurtured a garden. The plants connect Stacy to her loved ones. All the accents carry memories, and they help make the house her home. The new open floor plan allows the kitchen, dining room, and living room to inhabit the same space. Like the open water right outside the house’s back door, Stacy likes her home to feel open and welcoming, accentuating its natural setting. The kitchen island features a black and white tile Stacy they had used in their previous home as a kitchen backsplash, but with this home’s large pantry, upper cabinets were unnecessary. Four blue chairs stand alongside the island, acting as a barrier between the kitchen and living space. Stacy originally wanted pink chairs, but the serene, muddy color suits the space. The black open light fixtures were also found by Elizabeth and were ordered from England. Like the open space, the lightweight texture of the fixtures compliments the space. On the open shelves along the back wall, Stacy displays her treasures, one of the many nooks for memory-evoking pieces. In the living room sits a pink velvet sofa bought at an estate sale a decade prior. Stacy had always loved a house on Forsythe, and when she spotted an estate sale at the property, she jumped at the chance

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THE MASTER BEDROOM WALLS ARE COVERED IN SHERWIN WILLIAMS’ NAVAL PAINT, A DEEP COBALT BLUE. THE LIME GREEN BEDDING HAS DONNED THE BED FOR YEARS, BEING A STAY FOR STACY’S HOME PRESENT AND PAST.

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to peek inside. The sofa’s original fabric was blue damask, but she has since had it reupholstered. The ottoman is a brighter shade of pink chenille and opens for even more storage, having originally been a bed from the 1800s. Stacy appreciates the history of furniture, of repurposing pieces to transform a space and provide genuine character. She can’t imagine ever going into a furniture store and buying something directly off the floor. The black Eames chair was a random find by Stacy’s sister at Goodwill and is actually now a collector’s item. Stacy is not drawn to furniture’s monetary value, but she has an eye for pieces that will retain attention. The fireplace faces the windows spanning the back wall, looking out onto the water. The fireplace is covered in layers of significant pieces, which Stacy often rotates. An old goat wagon sits inside the fireplace, the first antique she ever purchased. On the adjacent wall is a hand embroidered wool wall hanging made by Stacy who loves the layers and textures of wool, velvet, stitching, and embroidery. The hallway connecting the main living space with the bedrooms has a long white cabinet spanning the length of the wall. Stacked onto the cabinet are numerous pieces from Stacy’s life. The large map was an old rollup school map from a Paris classroom. The clock belonged to her grandmother’s grandmother, and the stirrups were Stacy’s grandfather’s. Stacy says, “If it doesn’t go anywhere else, it goes here.” Elizabeth calls the space her mother’s Cabinet of Curiosity. And again, while none of the pieces have much monetary value, they have memory power, a constant in Stacy’s home. The master bedroom walls are covered in Sherwin Williams’ Naval paint, a deep cobalt blue. Stacy originally chose black, but the dark color was too dark. The lime green bedding has donned Stacy’s bed for years, long before the couple moved to this home. She didn’t worry about matching the color, as it always finds its own way of settling in. The frames above the bed feature a series of tiny paintings from Tokyo, Venice, France, and Spain. Stacy likes the depiction of sincerity and emotion, of a woman who left with a lover trying to get her back across countries. Some of the pieces Stacy found in travels abroad, and others were bought by friends. The lamps on either side of the bed intentionally don’t match. Stacy likes the idea of pieces belonging only to themselves. Opposite the bed, another of Stacy’s paintings hangs on the wall. This one features half of a woman’s face. Tired of just abstract pieces, Stacy spent weeks sketching faces, often seeing people she knew looking back at her. The drawings had their own personalities, and Stacy was attracted to the uniqueness and familiarity of each face. The painting sits above a brown dresser, oddly with hardly anything atop it. Stacy sees her bedroom as a sacred space, where layered trinkets and sentimental pieces are less necessary. The guest bedroom pays homage to one of Stacy’s passions with several paintings of Christ. She collects Jesus pieces, each one speaking to her

in a different way. Most of them show Jesus holding a lamb, a reminder that God is always there for us, ready to pick us up when we fall. The floral bedding is topped with a quilt made by Stacy. She says she never would have chosen the colors, but sometimes the quilts design themselves. Her interest in quilting started 30 years ago when she picked up her first quilting book by Country Living. She kept checking the book out of the library until eventually buying her own copy. Her quilting room is covered in quilting materials, fabric, and thread. Stacy appreciates the scrappiness of quilting, preferring the old styles constructed of fabric scraps to the more modern, sleek styles coveted at crafting shows. In the corner of the room, Stacy’s desk hosts another collection of trinkets, pictures and treasures that take her back in the past and keep her focused on the present. She calls it her Window of Curiosities. The bathrooms, though particular in purpose, don’t escape Stacy’s love of creative expression. One bathroom in the hall features a collection of dog depictions, the animal Stacy finds most forgiving and loving. One particular frame showcases her own rescue pup Copper. A woman in England painted the dog’s likeness on a tea bag, and it sits center left of the cluster on the wall. The foyer bathroom is painted in Sherwin Williams Dragon

Fruit. The color is bright, and Stacy embraces painting the wall a color that makes her happy. The makeshift shower curtain is repurposed Asian Chintz draperies, another fabric selected from her daughter’s keen eye. The covered back porch was added on by the Lees and features numerous plants, connecting the interior and outdoors. Raised vegetable beds adorn the left side of the house. The garden is all organic, including untreated dirt and raw wood. A large American flag waves in the breeze off the back porch. The 30 foot-span of windows line the back porch along the interior living space. Stacy wanted floor-to-ceiling glass panels, but settled for the oversized windows, unadorned to let the lake view speak for itself. Lake Darbonne was dug in 1966, and most of the property surrounding Peaceful Lane is occupied by the original family owners. The structure Stacy and Tim call home was built in 1996 by a couple retiring to the area from Virginia. Many of Stacy and Tim’s neighbors, now in their 60s, grew up together. They welcomed the Lees into their community. Stacy thought leaving town meant moving away from something, but the Lees landed right where they belong. They love their new small community and embrace lakeside living and the home they’ve made their own. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 81

Flexible Communications

The Best Small Business Phone System in Alexandria & Monroe in a Post-COVID Economy BY RJ YOUNG

ORE ORGANIZATIONS IN ALEXANDRIA AND MONROE are looking for ways to maximize productivity while keeping a close eye on expenditures. Businesses are examining their bottom lines, looking for ways to tackle increasing pressure to “lean out” their infrastructure and reconfigure business processes to target productivity, efficiency, and — most importantly — flexibility. One of the main drivers is the need for flexible communications as more companies operate in a work-from-home or hybrid work environment. With the hub of much business communication firmly centered around the business phone system, rethinking the way you approach your phone communications is an important first step toward better, faster, more efficient communications. CLOUD BASED PHONE SYSTEMS: A BETTER WAY TO COMMUNICATE Until recently, many companies were mired by traditional or legacy phone systems with their associated high costs of hardware and maintenance. With a legacy system, your phone was only one piece of the communication puzzle — for video conferencing, messaging, email, and other solutions, you had to turn to other technologies making it difficult to coordinate and manage all the systems. Enter cloud-based phone systems – one of the best small business phone system choices due to the large number of advantages they offer for the small- and medium-sized business (SMB). Improved Communication and Productivity. Cloud-based phone systems bring all the communication tools you use — email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and even live chat — into one intuitive platform. With communication embedded in your widely used business application, your teams can streamline workflows and maximize productivity for even greater benefits. Reduced Management. Legacy phone systems can be difficult to install, maintain, and troubleshoot. Cloud-based systems feature quick and easy set up and ongoing maintenance programs to ensure they stay operable and reliable. Updates and integrations are intuitive, requiring no special training and no extra implementation costs.

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Effortless Scalability and Reliability. With a cloud-based phone system, paying for line-by-line service is a thing of the past. Team member access can be added — or deactivated — easily, allowing the system to scale up or down according to your needs. And, in the event of a power outage where desk-based phones are unavailable, your business still has full-service communications through a mobile application. All to ensure you stay connected with colleagues and customers. Multiple data centers located in geographically diverse areas offer redundancy and additional reliability. Ongoing VoIP network testing ensures you have clear voice quality and a clear connection when you need it. RJ YOUNG CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE THE BEST SMALL BUSINESS PHONE SYSTEM FOR YOUR NEEDS “At RJ Young, we are always looking for ways to help our clients optimize their business processes. Our cloud-based phone system is one example of leading-edge technology that can actually help you save money while keeping your business productive and maximizing efficiency,” said Ben Carmichael, Sales Manager in Mississippi. Our system features easy-to-use interfaces and productivity features that provide seamless access to powerful voice, video conferencing, chat and more. All of which dovetail with the business applications you and your team use every day, such as Microsoft, Salesforce, Google, and more. Not only do you have the advantage of plug-and-play desktop phones, but a desktop application that corrals all your collaborative tools in one convenient place. Which offers team members a quick and easy way to share screens and files, video chat, and even place and receive calls. Finally, our system provides a host of features to make daily phonebased communications simpler, such as: voicemail with transcription, conference bridge, email and SMS notification, and more. Of course, these are just a sample of the many features inherent in our simple to deploy system. All of which can be tailored to meet the needs of your specific department, location, or operation. Touch base with an RJ Young consultant in Monroe and Alexandria and discover how simple it is to get started on your way to better, faster, more reliable communications.

Taco Bandido

Tyler Moses and Jack Holmes Take Over Local Establishment

HICAGO HAS PIZZA. PHILADELPHIA HAS THE CHEESE steak. And the Twin Cities…have the taco. Taco Bandido has been a staple in this community for nearly 5 decades and is one of the oldest restaurants in the entire state. Generations of families have enjoyed not only the tacos, but everything the local restaurant has to offer since 1975. And now, Taco Bandido is excited to announce their new owners - Tyler Moses and Jack Holmes, who officially took over on January 1, 2021. The pair are lifelong friends, born and raised in Monroe, graduates of Neville High School and now, business partners in a new adventure. Tyler has experience in finance, as well as commercial real estate and serves as a Real Estate Broker. Tyler’s dad was one of the founders of Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q so he cut his teeth… quite literally…in the restaurant business. “I grew up watching my dad run a restaurant and was eating ribs from a young age,” said Tyler. “I saw the hard work he put into the business and that has helped me have the drive that I have today.” Tyler is the proud dad of three boys - Dawson, Peyton and Preston and recently married Monroe native, Kelsey Keene. Jack is in real estate and oil and gas business. He is married to Laura, owner of Hemline Monroe, and they are expecting twin girls this summer. Tyler and Jack were looking for a new business opportunity so when this came up, they jumped at the opportunity. “Just having grown up here and eating here, we knew that Taco Bandido was a staple in the community and had good quality food,” said Tyler. “However, it wasn’t until we took over that I realized just how good the food was.” All of the ingredients are made fresh, in house, every single day. From the chicken to the beef, Taco Bandido uses the best, quality ingredients and ensures they are fresh on a daily basis. “We don’t even have a freezer!” said Jack. “Our employees come in every day and shred the cheese, prepare the meat, mix the sauce and get everything ready for that day.” The quality of food is evident from the number of people that visit the dining room or roll through the drive thru each week. “We have people drive from all over or make a special stop here when they are passing through,” said Tyler. “In fact, there is a couple from Bastrop that had their first date here over 40 years ago and still come in twice a week to eat. We love hearing those stories and it just goes to show you how much a staple this restaurant is in the community. Just in the

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short amount of time that we have been here, we have already gotten to know the regulars and see people that come in each week.” And the customers aren’t the only ones that have a long history. Taco Bandido has several employees that have been there for decades. Everyone knows Pinky, a dedicated employee that has worked in the restaurant for 40 years. “Some of our line cooks have been here for many years and we are happy to have them continue to work for us,” said Jack. Tyler and Jack are excited to introduce some new menu items, like their recent addition of premium steak. This means you can get steak nachos, tacos, fajitas, salad and more. They also look forward to being even more involved in the community. “We sponsor little league baseball teams, have fundraising plans for local non-profits like St. Jude’s, MedCamps, Camp Quality and Shriners Hospital and are excited to be able to give back,” said Tyler. “Another thing we look forward to being able to grow the brand and expand into other communities,” said Jack. “We know that people like the food and we want to share that!” And while the pair look forward to growing the brand and getting involved in the community, the one thing they won’t change the menu! You can still find crispy and soft tacos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, taco salads, burritos, taco burgers and more. “We know that the food is good and it works so we aren’t changing that!” said Tyler. “We have even tried to figure out what is the most popular item…and it is all of it! I think everyone has their favorite items that they order regularly and we don’t want to mess with that.” However, there is one item that might be at the top of a lot of people’s list - the margarita. You can can grab a 12 oz., 20 oz., 32 oz. or even by the gallon through the drive-thru to head to your own fiesta with friends and family. Taco Bandido currently has two convenient locations - Forsythe Avenue in Monroe and Cypress Street in West Monroe. Both dining rooms are now open, as well as the convenient drive-thrus. Stop by either location and check out the new items like steak, while still enjoying your favorite stand-by order, and say hello to the new owners. Both Tyler and Jack look forward to serving their community with the food everyone has loved for years and continuing the tradition of Taco Bandido!

THEY COULD DO IT

Historical Impressions

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

With Mother’s Day coming up it seems fitting to pay tribute to the women who have shaped our national defense efforts. There is a long history of women’s involvement in some form of warfare – just not always wearing a uniform. In the early days of our nation women had to disguise themselves to serve alongside men. It is amazing some women actually got away with that. But other than through deception women were not permitted to join the military. Women had voluntarily cared for fallen and injured US soldiers since the Revolution, but the US military did not officially get around to adding female contract nurses until the Spanish-American war in 1898. More than 1,500 nurses were contracted, including 250 nuns, 80 African-Americans, and at least four Native Americans. The impact they made on military medical care led Congress to establish the Army Nurse Corps in 1901 and the Navy Nurse Corps seven years later. When women were finally accepted directly into the military, they were only given auxiliary roles such as clerks and telephone operators. During World War I, the US Navy and the Marine Corps allowed more than 12,000 women to enlist. Women also worked for the American Red Cross and the United Service Organization, as well as in factory, office, transportation, and other jobs vacated by men who were away at war. By the end of World War I, women made up 24% of aviation plant workers. In World War II, a total of 350,000 women served in the US military; including over 60,000 as Army nurses and more than 14,000 as Navy nurses. Even though they were supposed to be far from combat areas, 67 Army nurses and over a dozen Navy nurses were captured by the Japanese and became POWs during the war.

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In 1942, the Army created the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). A year later, the WAAC became the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). More than 150,000 WACs served in England, France, Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. During World War II, the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard also established women’s reserves so that more men could go fight overseas. The Navy began Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in 1942. More than 84,000 WAVES worked in administrative, medical, and communications jobs. The Coast Guard set up a women’s reserve in 1942 called SPARS, meaning Semper Paratus / Always Ready. A year later, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve began. Most Marine women served stateside and by the end of the war, 85% of the personnel at the US Marine Corps Headquarters were women. The Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) were organized separately in 1942. These were the pioneering organizations of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The WFTD and WAFS were merged in August 1943, to create the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs). These civilian WASPs flew sixty million miles of operational flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation and military training bases. They also towed targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. Women in these roles flew almost every type of aircraft flown by the USAAF during World War II. In addition, a few exceptionally qualified women were allowed to test rocket-propelled planes, to pilot jet-propelled planes, and to work with radar-controlled targets. In addition to the military reserves, almost three million women worked to

support the war effort in various factory, office and aviation jobs in the United States. During this time, “Rosie the Riveter” became a cultural icon, representing the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II; many of which produced munitions and war supplies. The common experience of all of these women was that they proved to themselves and to the country that they could do a “man’s job” and could do it well. The impact of the African-American “Rosies” in particular cannot be understated. It was the mixed race women working alongside each other during the war that encouraged the breaking down of social barriers and laid the groundwork for the postwar civil rights revolution Women continued to break new ground in the US military after WWII. In 1976, women Marine Officer Candidates were finally given the same combat-oriented training that was given to the men. In 1990, American men and women bound for the Persian Gulf were shipped out together under wartime conditions for the first time on the USS Acadia. The 1991 Gulf War was also the first war where women served with men in integrated units within a warzone. Women continued to be prohibited from serving in units whose primary mission was direct ground combat operations, however, until January 2013, when Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the ban would be lifted on women serving in some combat roles. When the Pentagon announced in December 2015 that all combat jobs would be open to women, women made up about 15% of the US military; with more than 165,000 enlisted and over 35,000 serving as officers. They not only could do it; they did it. For some individual stories of local women shaping our national defense efforts, you can find these at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.

Meredith’s Musings article by ME RE DI TH MC K I N N I E MOTHER MAY I

rowing up as a young woman in the south means learning to be polite, to respect authority, to follow the rules as established, to be brave within the confines of tradition. At least these are the guidelines imparted on me years ago. Judging by the behavior of my peers, many shared these sentiments and experiences, often communicated directly to us, or modeled by female superiors. By the diversity of my current friend groups, some a decade ahead or behind me, I notice significant variations in our expectations, willingness to step outside invisible boundaries, and challenge the status quo of southern womanhood. I’m a rule follower, and admittedly, rules make me feel comfortable. I know the limitations and pride myself on excelling within the confines of what’s expected of me. This devotion to norms has garnered me the respect of women of all generations. I’m comfortable speaking up, but pay attention to tone and situation, and often bite my tongue to avoid confrontation or disrupting the unestablished yet understood order of things. I’m unsure if my awareness of my discomfort came about due to my approaching forty or now being the mother of two small girls. I often must remind myself that I am the adult, that what I say

goes with these little people, that the final decision rests with me. Before, I would often seek out the opinions of others, to determine what is the “right” thing to do and found myself bending to the consensus even when it felt wrong. Yes, this may be the way it’s always been done, but won’t that get us the same result we all admit we don’t like? Why not try something different, listen to my gut, and sometimes shirk the opinions of others. Experience has its place, and the wisdom gained from those who’ve walked the path before us is incredibly valuable. But I also believe in variation, using the brain God gave me to form my own conclusions, hopefully with the input of others to come to a more educated decision. I can listen without necessarily mimicking every action or pleasing every person. I catch myself repeating phrases to my children that were iterated to me as a child. And often I shudder. Why did I just say that? I don’t mean it, I don’t believe it, and God help my daughters if they internalize that way of thinking. Words can be so impactful, and yet they slip off our tongues so routinely. I call this article Mother May I not to indicate my mother in this awakening, but rather to point to the root of politeness, the overwhelming expectation of

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females. We should smile, admit when we’re wrong, be nurturers, foster good behavior, be selfless. What if I don’t feel like smiling or the situation warrants a frown to convey my displeasure? Wouldn’t an honest countenance be more polite? Yes, I should admit when I’m wrong, but not because someone else thinks I should, but only when I believe it to be so. I can be a nurturer and exhibit strength. Caring for others does not require a subversion of self. I am no beacon of virtue or exhibitor of awakened actions, quite the opposite. Frequently what I want to do clashes with what I know I should. But what I am trying to show my girls is the complexity of emotions and behavior. What I feel is genuine, and communicating it effectively is not only polite and honest, but necessary to warrant a different result in the future. My three-year-old throws mini-fits. I call them mini because they are dramatic, laughable coming from her small frame, and quickly absolved. She yells because she’s angry, and she’s trying to get my attention. Instead of chastising her anger, I am focusing on acknowledging the lack of attention. She doesn’t feel heard, and she feels the need to yell at me to be heard. Rather than yelling back, perhaps I can focus on giving her the attention she craves. When I lower my

register, hers quickly comes down. When I speak softly, she mimics my tone. I want to raise girls who are strong and use their voices, but I don’t want to raise self-involved, rude individuals. I feel like I’m just learning how to communicate effectively myself while simultaneously providing a roadmap for my girls. It’s a lot. I want them to learn respect, but I also want them to demand respect for themselves. I want them to speak up but listen too. I want them to not feel the need to yell to be heard. I want them to learn how to delve into their emotions, see them for what they are, and react accordingly. And it’s not necessarily up to me to determine their rightful responses. They’re individuals, tiny ones, but unique souls who will make their own decisions one day. I’m experimenting with giving them as much decisionmaking power as age-appropriate to hopefully help them grow accustomed to listening to their gut. Perhaps the more they practice, the easier it will become. The most important role for me is to model honesty, showing the complex facets of life for what they are, and teaching them to trust themselves and what they know to be true. In the future, I’m certain my girls will come to me for advice, but if I show them the power within themselves, maybe they won’t even need it.

Golden Roofing

Locally Owned Company Serving North Louisiana and Beyond

OU MAY HAVE SEEN THE GOLDEN ROOFING TRUCKS around town. The big black trucks feature a giant G, the Golden Roofing logo and are cruising around Northeast Louisiana. However, their work really shines atop the houses throughout this community. They have done hundreds of roofs since they started their business in 2019. And while they have officially been in business for two years, they have decades of experience. The company is led by Andy Robertson and Jose Agouya. The pair has a combined 37 years in the roofing industry and their crews have decades of experience as well. Andy and Jose split dayto-day operational duties including overseeing their 16 crews. Golden Roofing isn’t just in Northeast Louisiana either. Their service area covers Shreveport/Bossier, West Mississippi and East Texas, in addition to the Twin Cities. Their services include residential roofing, commercial roofing, commercial roof repairs, chimneys and maintenance plans. Their goal is to help homeowners and business owners who need expert assistance in selecting or maintaining their roof, and they have built a reputation for doing just that. Golden Roofing is proud to say they are a certified GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor and a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator™, so you can rest assured your roof is being taken care of by certified experts. Only 5 percent of roofers nationwide have both of these certifications, which shows that Golden Roofing is a leader in their field. RESIDENTIAL ROOFING As a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator, Golden Roofing has the shingle expertise that you are looking for. They are also well experienced with other roofing materials and can help you choose what is best for your home and budget. Available residential roofing materials include Asphalt Shingle Roofing, which is one of the most popular choices for residential roofing, quality CertainTeed asphalt shingles provide decades of protection and great aesthetics for a low cost; Metal Roofing which is popular for its long-lasting durability and energy efficiency; Shake / Wood Shingle Roofing that can also provide natural insulation up to two times that of asphalt shingles; Flat Roofing that are generally versatile and easy to maintain; Ceramic Tile Roofing known for their unique look and long lifespan. In addition to residential roofs, Golden Roofing also specializes in chimney maintenance. Whether you need a leak fixed or you need new chimney flashing installed, Golden Roofing is the contractor to rely on. They understand how your chimney works with your roofing system, so they can provide the knowledgeable, skilled help you need. COMMERCIAL ROOFING Whether your company is in a large building with an expansive flat roof that needs frequent maintenance checks, or you own a small business in an older, quaint commercial building 90 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

and need help with a sloping custom roof, Golden Roofing can help. They can handle any business’ roofing needs, from new construction to restorations. In fact, you can see a lot of their commercial work throughout Northeast Louisiana, including the Unitech Building off Trenton Street in West Monroe, pictured above. As a locally owned business themselves, Golden Roofing understands how valuable a business owner’s time is and how important it is to have a functional building to operate a business. They are experienced in the maintenance of all commercial roof types, including Flat Roofs, TPO Systems, Metal Roofs, Bitumen Roofing and Coating Overlays. Just in the last year, our area has experienced tornadoes, hurricanes, hail storms, strong winds and more, all of which can damage a roof. If you see any signs of damage, it is important to repair the problem right away, before more issues occur. Common signs of damage include cracked, chipped or warped shingles, missing shingles, water spots on ceiling, leaking roof or chimney, damaged roof flashing and more. Most homeowners and property owners insurance policies include coverage for a storm damaged roofing system. Since Golden Roofing is the expert in their field, they have their turnkey operations down to a science, making insurance claims quick and easy. Here’s a look at the insurance claim process 1. Think you have roof damage? Call Golden Roofing for a free roof inspection. 2. They will give you a storm date to provide your insurance company when you file the claim. 3. The insurance company will assign an adjuster and set a date/time for the visit. 4. Call Golden Roofing and let them know when the insurance adjuster will visit. They will complete a thorough inspection with the adjuster to ensure *all* damages are accounted for. 5. The insurance company sends over the paperwork and check. 6. Golden Roofing will go over paperwork, sign the contract, and complete the job. 7. Golden Roofing will file the final claim invoice with the insurance company. NO PAYMENT DUE until the roof is done, you’re satisfied, and have received all money from the insurance company. They pride themselves on excellent customer service, quality products, accurate estimates, on-time appointments and competitive pricing. This has set Golden Roofing apart as one of the most successful, growing companies in their field. Their commitment to this philosophy is what keeps Golden Roofing on the cutting edge as the preferred roofing and construction company in the area!

R E M E M B E R M Y M O T H E R’S LOV E

washed and ironed, housework I REMEMBER mama. I believe was never left unattended, and her that, for most of us, the most caring heart was never so busy that important day in the month of May she neglected her children. She did falls on the second Sunday in the not have to say, “I love you,” to let month. The reason for my opinion us know what was in her heart – it is that this day has been set apart as was evident by the way she cared “Mothers’ Day.” For some – those for us. And that care drew us to her who have a birthday or a wedding any time we were in need of her anniversary in May – Mothers’ love. Day may be relegated to second Consider this: when a child is place in one’s estimation, but the hurt or afraid, seldom does he say, majority of us hold to my view of “I want my daddy.” No, he cries the importance of this special day out, “I want my mama” -- and as for remembering our mothers. Our soon as he is safely cradled in the mothers played a major role in our arms of his mom, the fear goes away growth and maturity, and this day AREN’T WE GLAD, THEN, THAT GOD and the pain dissipates. A mother’s gives us the opportunity to recognize MADE MOTHERS? WHEN WE MAKE love is a powerful thing! Aren’t we them for the blessings they brought glad, then, that God made mothers? A LIST OF THINGS FOR WHICH WE to our lives. Mothers deserve their When we make a list of things for special day, and my mother was no ARE THANKFUL, MOTHERS SHOULD which we are thankful, mothers exception. BE NEAR THE TOP OF THAT LIST. should be near the top of that list. I grew up in a family where As much as my mother loved her I was the lone boy, surrounded children, I suspect that she might have loved her grandchildren even by three sisters. The result of this situation was that I was called more! If my two offspring are reading this, and if they think I love “Mama’s Favorite.” I did not take offense with that accusation, their children more than I love them, they can blame it on mama - it’s because, in reality, there was some truth in their indictment. Besides, her genes that causes me to be like I am. I sort of enjoyed being mama’s favorite. As proof of their charge I readily acknowledge that I am a blessed man; not only did I and a reason I enjoyed being guilty, consider the following: mama have a marvelous mother, but I have been fortunate to have a wife knew that my favorite dessert was coconut cake. I spent three years who has been a wonderful mother to my two children. Whatever in graduate school in Atlanta – about a three-hour drive from my character and success they may have is due, in large part, to the home in Davidson, N.C. -- and when my sisters, who lived in close nurturing they received from their mother. proximity to my parents’ home, would drop by and notice a coconut My dear mother has gone to her rewards in heaven, but if she cake sitting on the dining room table, they would say, “Paul must were still here, I hope I would not fail to let her know how much she be coming home!” Her coconut cake was but one of the reasons I has meant to my life. I regret that I was not very faithful in telling her celebrate Mothers’ Day. There were numerous other ways in which when there was still an opportunity. she showed her love for me and my siblings. So, to all you mothers who may read this, “Happy Mothers’ A mother’s love will often cause her to sacrifice for her children. Day,” and may the God Who made you a mother, bless you as you In the case of my mother, although she battled arthritis that obviously seek to be an agent of His love to your children. Thank you, all of you caused her significant pain, she never failed to fill her mother’s role mothers. with all its demands. Meals were always prepared, clothes were

ar t i c le b y PAU L L I PE o p in io n e x p re s s e d is t h a t o f t h e w r it e r

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318 Construction

Your Local Professional, Dependable and Personable General Contractor

HEN A STORM HITS THE AREA AND YOUR HOME IS damaged, or a broken pipe leaves your home flooded, one of the last things on your mind will be to call your insurance provider to have an adjuster assess your damage. 318 Construction is a local general contractor that specializes in insurance restoration. If you’ve experienced damage to your home or business then you know how difficult the process can be. 318 Construction is there to help navigate the difficult and confusing waters of the insurance world as well as make your home better than before through the rebuild process. 318 was established in 2019 as the sister company to SERVPRO® Monroe/West Monroe, a fire, water, and mold mitigation company. When a home or business owner experiences unforeseen damages to a structure, SERVPRO® comes in to assess damage and proceed with cleanup. This could entail extracting water, removing damaged material from walls or ceilings, essentially stabilizing the structure. Traditionally, mitigation companies did not perform reconstruction services, as many insurance companies viewed it as a conflict of interest. But times have changed, and when people are experiencing loss or damage to a structure, they would prefer a one-stop-shop. Customers want convenience; they want the same people who remove the damage to repair the home or business to its preferred state. Insurance companies responded to the demand, and 318 Construction was born. While SERVPRO® is assessing and removing damage, the 318 Construction team inspects the property, calculates estimates, corresponds with the insurance company, and can start rebuilding as soon as possible. This means less stress on the customer and a quicker turnaround on completion of the project. For the past 25 years, SERVPRO® has been building relationships with and learning the unique language and requirements of insurance companies. That knowledge is valuable to a homeowner whose sole goal is fixing the damage in order to get back in their home. SERVPRO® works with the team at 318 Construction to define the scope and value of the repairs, get payment to the homeowner quickly to cover costs, and expedite reconstruction. The insurance companies lean on those established relationships to take care of their customers. The customer prefers the wholesale approach as well, which solves unforeseen problems that greatly disrupt daily life. When 318 Construction arrives, SERVPRO® is still mitigating the damage. Typically, when people use outside contractors, the reconstruction inspection wouldn’t occur until much later in the process, which only increases stress for those affected. The 318 team explains the process, including what’s necessary to put the home back together, often 94 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

better than it was before. The team writes estimates and explains what the customer should expect from the insurance company. The process from mitigation to reconstruction is seamless with two companies working in conjunction with one another for the benefit of the customer. Working with experienced contractors ensure homeowners aren’t surprised with unexpected bills. The knowledge of the two-tiered system and experience with insurance companies eliminate that risk for homeowners. Everyone knows working with insurance companies is not a desired experience, and 318 Construction helps relieve pressure for those directly affected. They know how to review a loss, how to precisely estimate construction costs, and can anticipate potential problems with insurance companies before they become problems. The 318 Construction team helps homeowners with paperwork, as many have no idea what they’re doing, and frankly have no desire to figure it out the hard way. 318 walks homeowners through the process, keeping the customer’s needs at the forefront while also respecting the needs of the insurance companies. While most of 318’s business is insurance reconstruction, they also specialize in remodels and new construction. Customers want someone they can trust to build or rebuild their structures, and 318 is happy that customers believe in their work. 318 Construction rallies around caring for people. Most of their customers are desperately trying to find the smoothest way out of a bind, often are extremely inconvenienced, and the team loves being the support people need during unforeseen property damage. 318 views their customers as people, not projects, and consider it an honor to serve others. They often encounter people at their lowest moments, as property damage of any kind is a time of distress. 318 hopes to lessen that stress and alleviate the burden of navigating what can be a difficult process without the right team. Many customers go from extremely upset to mildly inconvenienced, and that means 318 is doing its job. SERVPRO® and 318 Construction offer other services including roofing, plumbing issues, HVAC services, and asbestos removal. They have a subgroup of contractors they regularly work alongside to make sure customers have the best team at their disposal. The key is the coordinated effort. They work with people they trust, and customers can trust SERVPRO® and 318 Construction. The sister companies believe in community and are invested in this area. The team enjoys the fulfillment of assisting their neighbors, especially in their time of need. Website: 318construction.com Facebook: 318 Construction, LLC Instagram: 318construction

Fishing With Kenny THE OTHER SPAWNS FOR POST-SPAWN BASS article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON

ay has always been an interesting month for bass fishing. The spring spawn has come and gone and things are starting to set up for the dog days of summer. Even though bass have completed their spawn, contrary to popular belief there are still a lot of fish that will remain shallow this time of year. The water has warmed into the high 70’s and low 80’s by this point but that doesn’t warrant bass to make a drastic move to their deeper summer haunts. There are too many things shallow to keep them there. Shallow water fish can be hard to catch, especially the ones who live shallow yearround. I refer to these fish as residential fish. They have their territories, feeding schedules, and movements that can be just as difficult to pattern as the fish that migrate to deeper water each summer. The key is to understand their feeding habits and use this information to your advantage. During the month of May there are a couple of scenarios that play heavily into the livelihood and feeding habits of bass. The first one is the shad spawn and the second is the bream spawn. Both usually happen about the same time and I have always believed that is one of, if not the main reason, bass stay shallow for as long as they do after spawning. The shad spawn is the trickier of the two spawns as it is more timing and specific in its location. Early mornings are the best times to look for shad spawning and any additional morning cloud cover can prolong the shad spawn that usually only lasts a few hours at best. The shad will usually spawn in very specific key locations: shore line grass areas, cypress trees, seawalls, rip rap banks or other areas where a hard bottom edge meets the water line. Trust me when I say this, you will know a shad spawn when you see it! 96 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Once an area is located where a shad spawn is taking place, keep a close watch for bass actively feeding on the shad as they go through their spawning process. It’s like ringing the dinner bell and bass aren’t ones to pass up an easy meal, especially one they don’t have to work very hard for. Many tournaments have been won by people taking advantage of fishing a shad spawn. It is an excellent way to catch not just number of fish but big fish in a short period of time. When fishing a shad spawn, I have learned to keep my lures pretty basic. I will have a ½ double willow leaf spinnerbait, a walking topwater such as a Chug Bug, a squarebill crankbait and a swim jig/chatterbait. All of these lures will be either white, shad based or shad colored. If it is cloudy or a rainy day, I will add some chartreuse to my lures. A couple of other key things to remember when fishing a shad spawn: casting accuracy and boat control are critical. A shad spawn usually happens in very shallow water so you want to make sure you don’t allow the boat to upset a potential good area by getting too close to the action. This is also where casting accuracy plays such an important role, you want to place your lure as close as you can to the bank, right in the middle of the heat of the action. The less time the fish has to get a look at the lure, the better his chances of striking it. Another one of my favorite tactics this time of year is to fish the bream spawn. Unlike the shad, bream will spawn all the way through August and are plentiful in shallow water all the way through the summer into the fall. This is one reason I believe some of the bigger fish in any body of water can be caught shallow, even in the heat of the summer. To a big bass, bream beds are easy targets so the chances of missing out on a meal aren’t very likely. Ring the dinner bell a second time!

Fishing a bream bed pattern is all about topwater fishing as well as using an old Louisiana stand-by. My lure selection consists of a prop bait like a Devil’s Horse, another walking topwater such as a bonecolored Spook, a Poppin’ Frog and a Wobblehead. Although the topwater’s are usually the best fish catchers, the Wobblehead becomes a better choice once the water temperature rises above 85 degrees. One of the key elements for this technique is your own power of observation as a fisherman. Often times, if you will pay attention, you will be able to see a bass that is staking out a bream bed waiting to feed. Look on the outer edges of the bed, tucked in next to a seawall, or maybe you will see a wake around a shallow cypress tree. Observe before you make a cast. This is also a scenario where casting accuracy is very important. You may only get one chance to make a good cast to a specific spot to draw the fishes attention. Another key lure for fishing post-spawn bass is the Fluke style of lures. These are some of the best fish catchers you can have tied on during this time of year and will catch fish on just about any lake you go to, especially if it has grass flats or other aquatic vegetation. Although the Fluke is very popular, some people still prefer to throw the old-style Slug-Go. I have found both will work but I have found that the Fluke catches more numbers whereas the SlugGo tends to catch bigger fish. One of the advantages to fishing the Fluke is that it works just fine right out of the package. However, the first thing I want to do with my Slug-Go is start tweaking it. I will add a bobber stopper and a small 1/32nd weight to the line before tying on my hook. I always insert a small rattle into the body of my Slug-Go just to give it a chiming sound in the water. I tend to work both the Fluke and the Slug-Go out of sight and in areas such as grass flats will even use the same style retrieve as you would if you were fishing a plastic worm. As far as colors, I have found Watermelon, Watermelon/Red and Junebug are the best when throwing a Fluke and I use Arkansas Shiner and Rainbow Trout for the Slug-Go, and maybe add a little chartreuse Dip-N-Dye to the tails for added attraction. Remember, there is really no way to fish these lures wrong, as long as you fish them slow. Well, it looks like we have run out of time and space again for another month. I sure hope we were able to share some information that will help you put more fish in your boat on your next outing. With the summer months ahead of us please be extra careful out on the water. With that addition to the jet skiers, party barges and ski boats, it will get crowded out there. Please stay safe and catch one for me! See you next month!

Mental Health Awareness

Northeast Delta Human Services Authority recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month in May

ENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Month was established in 1949 to increase education and raise awareness of mental health and wellness in the lives of Americans. According to research, 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. As our country recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, the need for mental health awareness has drastically increased. Other research has found that 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the month of May, we want to remind our community that mental health and wellness is essential. Those living with mental illnesses are deserving of care, compassion, hope, healing and a quality of life that is fulfilling. Northeast Delta Human Services Authority’s (NEDHSA) mission is to serve as a catalyst for those who suffer with mental health, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. Our vision is to help people realize their full human potential through quality, competent care with greater accessibility. We are here to provide support, educate the public, fight the stigma of mental illness, and advocate for support services for individuals and their families who are at risk. We accomplish this by providing extensive community support and holistic services via our state and federally funded programs. NEDHSA’s Prevention and Wellness services have a huge impact on providing protective factors that support mental health. Intervention services are an integral part of remaining mentally healthy. There is so much that we can do as a community to lighten the load that our Intervention Service Providers carry. NEDHSA’s Prevention and Wellness team

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is committed to supporting our communities and providing services that will benefit the well-being of children and families throughout our region. We provide opportunities for our community to focus on strengthening the healthy aspects of their daily lives. Prevention uses research-based curricula, environmental strategies, coalition-building, and other proactive and data-driven strategies to prevent and reduce risk-taking behaviors. Carrying out this task is done in several ways. LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMS These foundational skills foster the ability for individuals to be able to function and thrive in society. The ability to cope and be resilient while overcoming obstacles are key factors in having an improved quality of life and minimizes the likelihood of compromising your mental health. Our life skills programs range from preschool throughout high school. Below are examples of life skills programs offered by NEDHSA. Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices: Strengthens children’s social-emotional competence and positive coping skills while suppressing the development of antisocial, aggressive behavior. Life Skills and Kids Don’t Gamble Wanna Bet: Targets the major social and psychological factors that promote the initiation of substance abuse, gambling, and other risky behaviors. Signs of Suicide: Teaches middle and high school students how to identify signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers; and provides training for virtual students, school professionals, parents and community members. We strive to empower individuals to think independently, critically and creatively. Studies prove that children and adults who are taught these valuable skills are more likely to choose

healthy coping techniques. Therefore, we are purposeful as we focus on servicing our school districts. COALITIONS Our Opportunity Zone Coalitions are provided in Ouachita and Franklin Parishes. These two areas have been designated as high needs communities due to high rates of underage drinking. Our outreach services target youth ages 9-20 years old by implementing evidence based programs, policies and practices that address underage drinking. It also benefits families by providing them with tools and educational resources on substance abuse, prevention and wellness. Our program is successful due to consistent volunteerism and participation from our Coalition members and partners as well as resources and continued support from the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health. Prevention and Wellness Mental Health Awareness Tips. Did you know your body produces a natural chemical called dopamine when you accomplish a task, exercise, play sports or even learn something new? Dopamine influences your mood and feelings of reward and motivation. • Go for Gratitude. Focus on the positive. • Let’s get moving. Try to exercise for 30-minutes each day • Get your rest. Maintain uninterrupted sleep for at least 8-hours each night. • Toss the Toxic Energy. Avoid negative thoughts, people and conversations. • Address Stress. Practice mindfulness and meditation. Other relaxing techniques such as yoga can help decrease stress and improve the mood. Prevention works, treatment is effective and people can recover. Join us in the effort to strengthen mental health and wellness in our region.

Herons on the Bayou

On Saturday, April 10th, Herons on the Bayou held their big reveal celebration on the campus of ULM. It was the second wave of herons revealed to the community and they will soon be installed across Monroe and West Monroe. This wave of herons included 36 new birds, designed and painted by local artists. There was live music, desserts and treats on a beautiful, sunny day. In addition, 2 full size herons and 16 mini herons were auctioned off, benefitting Grace Place Ministries and the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum. This event was in partnership with Downtown Arts Alliance, ULM Student Life & Leadership, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, Discover Monroe - West Monroe, LA Delta Community College Welding and Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group.

On the BayouScene

1 Coleman, Brad, Kambra and Emma Grace Wilkes 2 Ami Schmitt and Lynn Foster 3 Brooke Foy and Karen Laban 4 Angela Leach, Paula Furlow and Dana Booth 5 Brandon, Charlen, Bryson, Braylon and Brandon Virgil 6 Bryce Carroll and Krishna Patel 7 Charles and Sally Anzelmo 8 Dr. Ron Berry and Seth Hall 9 Staci and Jay Mitchell and Billy Albritton 10 Tammy Davis and Leslie Lawson 11 Scotty and Morgan Buxton 12 E verett Cate, Ayden Solley, Lillian Johnson and Lissy Compton 13 Melanie, Arielle and Jeff Douthit 14 Donna Cathey and Whitney Causey 15 Paige Parks, Latner McDonald and Carmen Parks 16 Quincy and Carnesha Moore 17 Sullivan, Andersyn, Erin and Jameson Stokes

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Ouachita Valley Credit Union Dedicated to Serving Its Members and the Community

UACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS A full-service financial institution dedicated to serving its members and the community. The credit union offers a wide variety of financial services, most any type of loan from small personal loans to mortgage loans, plus so much more. Kristen Wilson has been employed with Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union for thirteen years and currently serves as our Mortgage Department Manager. Often times, people have several questions when it comes to mortgages and real estate so Kristen addresses those below. For more information on mortgage loans, call our mortgage department today! What type of real estate loan options does Ouachita Valley FCU offer? We offer real estate purchases and refinances through Conventional, FHA, Rural Development, VA financing, construction loans, homestyle renovations, plus down payment assistance loans. Can the credit union finance mobile homes or land loans? We offer financing for land, new and used mobile homes, and mobile home and land combinations at OVFCU. The loans stay with the credit union, and are not sold or transferred. Are home equity loans an option with OVFCU? Ouachita Valley FCU offers home equity loans in the form of fixed rate first or second mortgages along with Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). With fixed rate mortgages, your principal and interest payment stays the same for the life of the loan. HELOCs allow the member to make draws against the available equity when needed; therefore, the balance and monthly payment can fluctuate during the life of the loan. What is the difference in going through Ouachita Valley FCU and other financial institutions? As a credit union, we focus on member service. Our goal is not to simply close a loan, but to partner with the member through the process. We want to provide excellent service from start to finish to be certain all of our members’ needs have been met. OVFCU offers multiple types of accounts and financing options to better serve all of our members. What is the difference between being pre-qualified and preapproved? When a borrower is pre-qualified, he or she has provided the lender with the basic information, such as an application, to help the lender determine which loan programs the borrower may qualify for. When a borrower is pre-approved, the lender has collected and

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verified the information presented and compared those to the preapproval guidelines for the loan type(s) being offered. What are closing costs and pre-paid charges? Closing costs normally consist of the different settlement charges paid at closing for the loan such as the appraisal fee, title company/closing attorney charges, mortgage recording costs, processing fees, and DMV fees, if applicable. At closing, the member also may pay towards their homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and flood insurance along with any down payment required. ABOUT OUACHITA VALLEY CREDIT UNION In May of 1955, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union began as Ouachita Parish Teachers Credit Union. Over 64 years of service, Ouachita Parish Teachers Credit Union continued to grow adding additional school systems, sponsor companies and mergers. For this reason, in the mid-80’s, the name was changed to Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union to better represent the credit union membership. We recently opened our fifth location in the Twin Cities at 2400 Louisville Avenue. Other convenient locations include Natchitoches Street in West Monroe, Well Road in West Monroe, Sterlington Road in Monroe and Martin Luther King Drive in Monroe. Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union is proud to serve their community. For the past 16 years, Ouachita Valley has partnered with Sunny 98.3 to host the Sunny School Supply Drive. This supply drive helps children who need assistance with supplies to return to school each August. Throughout the years, over 10,000 students have benefited from the supply drive with the help of the community. Each year during the month of July, we host several events to raise awareness and accept donations on behalf of the supply drive. During that time, we also accept applications for students in need of supplies. To make a donation or for more information call Jessica Nugent at 318.387.4592. Ouachita Valley currently serves over 32,000 members in the parishes they serve which are: Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita and Richland. For more information log onto www.ouachitavalleyfcu.org or call 318.387.4592 and begin taking advantage of the credit union difference today.

Bayou Buzzworthy St. Francis Medical Center announced that Jeremy Rogers has been named Chief Operating Officer for the hospital effective April 12, 2021. Rogers currently serves as Chief Financial Officer, a role he assumed when joining St. Francis in June of 2018.

Meet Rebecca Mixon with St. Francis Medical Center. Rebecca is an outstanding READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. “Pen Friend” to Robinson Elementary School student, Kameron. As a Pen Friend, Rebecca exchanged letters with Kameron throughout the 2020-21 school year. “Writing letters with Kameron has been fun,” she said. “As much as I missed the experience of seeing his reading progress every week, I enjoyed getting to share positive thoughts with him and encourage him in other ways. I hope the letters we shared let him know there was someone in his corner rooting for him and gave him a chance to practice his writing and thinking skills as well.”

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On April 16-17, the Trinity Cheer Athletics Rec Team traveled to Orlando, FL, to compete in the Quest Recreational Championship. This competition is considered one of the most competitive and prestigious end-of-season events for Rec and Youth Cheer. The team finished the competition as the new National Champions in the L2 Traditional Rec 12 & Under division, and not only that, they were awarded the Highest Score for all of the L2 Traditional Rec teams (including 18 & under teams). Way to go, TCA!

Mr. P’s Tees recently raised over $24,000 with their Shirley the Elephant Tee, giving half to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo and half to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Shirley was a beloved elephant that spent part of her life at the Monroe zoo and then retired to live out the rest of her days at the Elephant Sanctuary. Owner of Mr. P’s Tees and local artist, Lissy Compton, designed the shirt in the elephant’s honor and is just one of the many shirts she has designed that gives back. In the past, they have raised money for PAWS, flood relief and many other community efforts and organizations.

TCO Equipment Superstore Your Outdoor Headquarters

TARTING OUT IN A SMALL SHOP BY THE OUACHITA River in 1967, Twin City Outdoor Equipment has grown to become an outdoor powerhouse, officially opening its superstore in November 2019. Located on Glenwood Drive, right off I-20 Twin City Outdoor provides shoppers with unparalleled inventory to create a one-of-akind shopping experience. Providing shoppers with the latest and best in outdoor power products to make outdoor living more enjoyable. While COVID-19 may have put a damper on their grand opening celebration festivities, it has not affected their level of commitment to serving the greater Northeast area over the last year. This locally owned, family business carries mowers, power tools, kayaks, fryers, grills and so much more, you have to see it to believe it. Boasting more than 45,000 square feet of showroom and service area, the experienced team at Twin City Outdoor is equipped to outfit you for all of your outdoor projects. From the moment you enter the store meeting, your individual needs is their top priority. When it’s time to take control of your turf, shop their expansive selection of Gravely mowers. Gravely’s zero-turn mowers allow you to harness maximum power and performance to get the job done right every time. From their easy-to-use controls to a dynamic framework, Gravely’s are built smart and strong-right down to the last detail, perfect for both commercial and residential properties. In addition to providing Northeast Louisiana with one of the most extensive collections of Gravely mowers, their Stihl assortment is no different with items ranging from chainsaws to commercial blowers, Stihl is the #1 best selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America. An accomplishment made more impressive considering their product assortment is not available in none of our big box stores. Stihl is only sold by authorized local Stihl Dealers. Stihl is designed for reliability. And built for the long haul. And that’s why so many people recommend them, and use them. Be sure to check out their Stihl product assortment to finish out all of those spring and summer projects. Looking to get your old mower up and running before the season? The service department at Twin City Outdoor is unmatched. Delivering the best of service and parts in Northeast Louisiana. The team at Twin City Outdoor thought of everything when planning the

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new superstore, providing a service awning to allow for loading and unloading out of the weather even an oversized parking lot for easy access for large trucks and trailers. The team at Twin City Outdoor works hard, and they play even harder, providing their customers with the best in leisure with the addition of Hobie, Nucanoe, and Jackson kayaks. Great for fishing or simply enjoying the Louisiana bayous These kayaks have all the bigboat fishing features but fit neatly in the back of most pickup trucks. They offer storage space for below deck rod storage and stability so you can stand confidently and cast line after line. Elevated seat options make it easy to move around the boat to find the perfect “honey hole”. Our kayaks are highly versatile, fast, quiet, and exceedingly nimble, perfect for serious or amateur anglers. Grillmaster or foodie?Twin City Outdoor is the perfect destination for all things outdoor cooking with the highly sought-after pellet grills from Smokin’ Brothers Grill out of Missouri to popular charcoal options from PK Grills. For all of those crawfish boils and fish fries be sure to check out their stock of R&V Works Cajun Boilers and fryers; an outdoor chef’s dream! Father’s Day is right around the corner, be sure to get dad the gift he really wants this year and visit the team at Twin City Outdoors to get the job done right. Also be sure to ask about our exclusive Gravely bundles, completely customizable packages, including Gravely mower, trailer and Stihl power equipment. Founded not only on excellent customer service, but also on the principles of hard work, Twin City Outdoor has a long list of satisfied customers, and they cannot wait to add you to the list. Call us or stop by today, we know you’ll be glad you did! For all of your outdoor equipment needs come see Jeff and the team at Twin City Outdoor Equipment, conveniently located at 1425 Glenwood Drive in West Monroe, or call us at (318) 325-0854. You can also find them on the web at www.twincityoutdoor.com or follow them on Facebook. West Monroe 1425 Glenwood Drive | West Monroe, LA 71291 Phone: (318) 325-0854

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BAYOUOUTDOORS

BACK TO BASICS ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

bout 10 years ago, I became my Father. I never understood why he “perch jerked” and snubbed his nose at “real fishing” for bass. But suddenly I realized what the fuss was all about when it came to crappie fishing. I even started looking forward to the Spring bream and chinquapin spawn. For years and years I chased the elusive bucket mouth bass. I spent thousands of hours and dollars pursuing them, fishing all over the country. Not that bass are not a viable foe, but I thought I would meet a more challenging fish. I was wrong. Crappie are pretty much the most finicky, discerning, aggravating, thrilling and challenging fish I have ever chased. Most afternoons, you will find me perched on my aluminum boat with a jig pole in my hand. I have learned to Spider Rig, long line, straight jig and the shameful use of shiners to catch these slabs. Now I’m embarking on a new venture. If you can’t beat them, join them is my motto. So as of this writing, I am the new owner of the renowned Garmin Panoptic Livescope. I am sure there will be much ado and more writings about this piece of equipment. I have watched other anglers load up on all types of fish with the only difference in them and other boats was the Livescope. Anglers have told me that this device will make a better fisherman out of anyone. I’m excited to find out. But with the introduction of new devices, there is always the mistake to miss out on the basics. And you don’t get any more basic than floating a jig chasing crappie. When crappie start to spawn, they can sometimes get so shallow that you can track a coon. It makes it very difficult to reach them via a boat. I’ve seen anglers put on chest waders and ease down a bank ripping these slabs. It is just the easiest way to get to them. But as the spawn progresses and if you are not a fan of fishing near alligators or snakes in a pair of boots, let me help you achieve a fair medium. Call them bobbers, floats or corks but they all basically work the same way. Your lure is on bottom and you set that cork at whatever depth you are looking to fish. This not only works great on spawning fish, it works really good on suspending fish. Let’s 108 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

examine that first. Fish, particularly crappie will suspend on a high barometer day. The two places they love on a high barometer is heavy cover, or suspending in the water table in the thermocline. This thermocline is the optimum oxygen/ temperature in the water column. Remember when you were a kid and you would jump in the lake and feel that one spot that was cool? You were in the thermocline and that is where fish want to live. When cork rigging for crappie, I like a weighted cork. A weighted cork keeps the lure, jig or shiner from flipping over and wrapping, causing the cork to not set right or tangle. This weighted rig also allows for longer casts and accuracy. The optimum weighted cork is one in a quill fashion. The quill serves two purposes. First, when you cast it maintains your presentation straight. The other is the tilting action of the quill gives your bait or lure a pendulum action creating more strikes. The next thing to remember is that cork rigging can tell you some things if you pay attention. If your cork rig goes flat on the water, you have one of two issues: the crappie hit it on the way down or you are fishing too deep. If the fish hit the lure on the way down, shorten your depth and you can pattern how deep the fish are holding. The rig I use is the quill weighted cork, a Bayou Bob chartreuse/black jig (no weight) in a 1/32 ounce jig. The next thing to examine is where to fish this rig. If you are familiar with your lake of choice, start at the spawning grounds. When a front moves in

or the water exceeds 60 degrees, start on the first cover near spawning beds. This may be cypress trees, fallen brush tops, rocks, piers or any other cover that may hold bait. I like to fish around rocky banks in the mornings as they retain heat in the Spring, which draws the bait fish close. Crappie will key on these spots. But my all time favorite place to fish is a close run between docks and groves of cypress trees. I absolutely love fishing cypress trees. The overlooked thing about cypress trees is the secondary root systems that may be 4 to 6 feet from the base. Crappie love these root systems and knots as a place of ambush. Area lakes best suited for cork rigging are D’Arbonne Lake, Caney Lake and Poverty Point Lake to name a few. Look at water clarity and temperature and remember the northwest side will be the warmest for morning trips. If you look at water clarity, you can easily determine the best lure color. For my jig choices I try to match the hatch. Black/Chartreuse colors are hard to beat in the summer as well as anything mimicking grass shrimp or crawfish. The best time to switch over to crawfish colors are after a full moon which brings on the crawfish hatch. I wish you the best of luck and I hope to bring on some hands on tips on the Livescope soon. Until then, I can be found with a jig pole, hunting those elusive slabs. My dad would be proud.

APRIL SHOWERS BRINGS MAY FLOWERS

he ArkLaMiss is heating up. Hopefully, April showers have brought May flowers. Let’s get outside and get to it!

FLOWERS While the last daffodils finish early this month, transitioning to summer annuals is the order of the day. And, there’s no shortage of color combinations to try this year. Go for maximum contrast when making color selections. Also, selecting plants designated as Louisiana Super Plants by the LSU Ag Center will ensure maximum performance in our hot, humid climate. The ‘Serena’ series of Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) will provide color during the hottest part of summer. Plant Angelonias anywhere from 8 to 12 inches apart in banks consisting of lavender, pink, purple, and white to make a sunny area really pop. Also consider the ‘Butterfly’ series of Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) to attract pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies. Don’t be surprised if you see hummingbirds buzzing around them on a regular basis, too. Pentas are so named for their distinct five-petaled flower, and the ‘Butterfly’ series is available in various hues of deep red, white, pink, and lavender. For height, go with ‘Senorita Rosalita’ Cleome at the back of a sunny bed and give them plenty of room (at least 18 inches apart). The pink and lavender flowers do not set seed, so deadheading is not necessary. In less sunny areas, consider ‘Baby Wing’ Begonia (Begonia × hybrida) for both texture and color. ‘Baby Wings’ are not as large as the traditional ‘Dragon Wing’ Begonia, so will add a splash of color on compact plants. This is an excellent selection for containers, too. In addition to color via flowers, also think about adding color with foliage. The ‘Sun’ and ‘Henna’ series of coleus both can take full sun and will add an interesting texture to any bed. LAWNS New lawns can be established this month before excessive summer heat sets in. Both seeding and sodding can be done provided the area for the new lawn has been adequately prepared. This includes clearing the area of 110 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

LSU AG CENTER

any existing vegetation, grading appropriately for drainage, and preparing the soil per recommendations of a soil test. Once seed or sod has been put down, provide adequate water until the new grass is established. Then, the typical once weekly water regime can be applied. Resist the temptation to water southern turfgrasses every day of the week even during the height of summer. Southern turfgrasses are adapted to hot, humid conditions. And, the excess water may lead to fungal issues later on. Preexisting lawns can be fertilized this month. Weed-and-Feed products can be used now for warm weather weed control. Broadleaf weeds can be controlled with selective herbicides such as 2,4-D or metsulfuron. Be aware that applying 2,4-D during extremely hot weather is not a good idea because it volatilizes and may do damage to other desirable broadleaf plants like shrubs and trees. For fertilizing, look for lawn fertilizers with a ratio of 3-1-2 or similar and apply at a rate recommended on the bag. Early summer growth will require frequent mowing. Remember to keep mower blades sharp and adjust the height of the blade to cut at the appropriate height depending on the type of grass. Follow these recommendations: • Common Bermuda: cut to 1.5 inches. • Zoysia: cut to 1 or 1.5 inches. • Centipede: cut to 1.5 to 2 inches. • St. Augustine: cut to 2.5 to 3 inches.

TREES AND SHRUBS Pruning of winter and spring-flowering shrubs can begin this month and continue through early summer. This will typically include Azaleas (Rhododendron sp.), spiraea (Spiraea sp.), mock orange (Philadelphus coronaria), forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia), Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua), deutzia (Deutzia scabra), banana shrub (Magnolia figo), and sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans). Lady Banks rose (Rosa banksiae) can also be pruned now. Pruning later than early July will result in a decreased bloom next season. After pruning, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth and flower bud set throughout the summer and early fall. Make sure trees and shrubs are adequately mulched. Mulching will help moderate soil temperatures as the summer heat sets in and will help soils retain moisture. Trees may be fertilized this month with tree spikes. These are pushed into the ground at the tree’s drip line. Walk out from the trunk to the ends of the widest branches. Most of the tree’s

BABY WING BEGONIA

^ Last year, I was able to reintroduce the Red-N-Sweet watermelon, a 1987 release from the Calhoun Research Station.

‘SERENA’ SERIES OF ANGELONIA roots are in this part of the ground. Push fertilizer spikes into the ground spacing them according to the canopy’s circumference.

VEGETABLES The first spring harvests are coming in from the vegetable garden this month while cool season crops will be finishing up. Radishes, Swiss chard, and snap beans are among the first vegetables of spring. Broccoli, lettuce, spinach, and mustard greens will succumb to warm weather by the end of the month. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants set out in April should be checked for pests as the weather warms. Also, make sure all three are mulched to prevent raindrops from splashing soil and fungal spores up onto the leaves. Summer squash and cucumbers should be off and running this month. Provide slicing cucumbers a trellis for growing vertically on. Fruit will be straighter and less likely to rot sitting on the ground. Also, pollinators will have better access to flowers in vertically growing vines. If space is limited in your vegetable garden, try some of the bush-type squash varieties. Irish potatoes planted in February or March should be approaching a harvestable condition by the end of this month. Plants should be yellowing and beginning to die back. Sweet corn should have silks now, so be watching for corn earworms. If detected, treat with Sevin (carbaryl) according to manufacturer’s directions. Purple hull peas, lima beans, cantaloupe, and watermelons can be planted this month for summertime enjoyment. Plant okra this month, too. Maximum germination of okra seeds will require soaking the seeds in tepid water for 24 hours prior to planting. Thin seedlings so that plants are spaced about a foot apart. Harvest all summer. With okra, the more you pick, the more you get!

“This year, I’m very pleased to announce two local farms will be helping get both RedN-Sweet and Calhoun Sweet back into circulation.”

For advice on how to make your garden thrive, click on the Louisiana Living link under News at www.myarklamiss.com and submit your questions. I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!

WATERMELON UPDATE Last year, I was able to reintroduce the Red-N-Sweet watermelon, a 1987 release from the Calhoun Research Station. It was also the last watermelon released from Calhoun. We were also able to locate the fabled Calhoun Sweet watermelon, which will be a boon to our local growers and markets. This year, I’m very pleased to announce two local farms will be helping get both Red-N-Sweet and Calhoun Sweet back into circulation. Indian Village Harvest Farms in Calhoun will be growing the Red-N-Sweet this season, so look for the Red-N-Sweet melons at their stand on Guyton Swamp Road! Also, Compton Farms of Louisiana in West Monroe will be growing out seeds of Calhoun Sweet I obtained last year so we can make sure the plants breed true and to build up our seed stocks of this highly sought-after watermelon! I’ve located three of the five watermelons developed at the now closed Calhoun Research Station. Hopefully, the remaining two will surface. What a thrill to have these varieties back out in circulation and available to our local growers and culinary talent! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 111

Revival Design and Consign Get Retroactive at Revival

ET-RO-AC-TIVE: ADJECTIVE: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past. As each year or season passes, we are influenced by magazines and Pinterest boards for what is the latest trend in style and design. We leap on the bandwagon of what is the new and the now. At times they tell us that antiques are out and within the next year or two they are back again. That comes from a matter of opinion as a tool for marketing and keeping commerce alive. What was old is new and what is new has now become old. This trend is very retroactive and dates back over many decades in fashion and interior design. It keeps life interesting. It also adds an amazing dynamic to allow are personalities to explore beyond the norm. Often these trends do not leave us satisfied in the end. At Revival Design we love exploring the retroactive designs for the ages. We find that

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our showroom allows those who enter to take a step back in time. From the 100-year-old coffered ornate tin ceilings to the four 6 foot tall reproduction iron and crystal chandeliers from an old auto dealership from the 1920’s, and hovers about the handlaid original tile floors. Our showroom is staged on both levels in vignettes that allow us to mix American and European antiques with contemporary art and Asian artifacts. We like to create rooms and experiences throughout the 10,000 square feet to allow the eye wander with intrigue and amazement. Owner,Clinton W. Downing and his team cover Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas to bring back unique finds to mix with the 23 and growing artists housed within Revival’s walls. All of this is combined with the amazing consignments coming from New Orleans, Monroe, Ruston, Jackson, Dallas, Little Rock, Houston, and all points in between. These arrivals take place daily at Revival. If it is there one day, it may not be the next. The exciting thing is that you never know what you

are going to find! There is just about something for everyone. Unique purveyors are also being added to Revival. Clinton skips market trips in favor of discovering small growing artists, artisans, and companies that bring a more personal touch to finding gifts for friends and family in his travels. As spring moves forward, Revival is going back in retrospect to start some fun events that were planned before the pandemic began. Vine and Design floral classes, Dining with Design, Pop-Up Shops, and Lunch Box Lectures on design and gardening are on the horizon. Revival is excited to host its spring Open House on Sunday, May 2nd from 1pm- 5pm. Revival will also have a 25-artist show on Thursday, June 3rd, as the Downtown Gallery Crawl makes its return for the first time since February, 2020. Come enjoy a retrospective of designs and furnishings at Revival. Revival is located at 300 Walnut in Historic Downtown Monroe. Our spring hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday 11 am-5pm and Sundays 1pm- 4pm. Revival offers a safe environment to shop with all of our staff vaccinated. We encourage you to get out and explore the best kept secret in Northeast Louisiana that continues to grow. We appreciate everyone who has supported this local business during some difficult times and helped keep our doors open.

Breast Augmentation Training and Experience Matter

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

VER 200,000 BREAST augmentations are performed annually by American plastic surgeons. Since I opened my practice in Monroe in 1990, I have personally done well over 1500. It is by far the most common procedure that I perform, and it is certainly one of the most gratifying. There are very few surgical procedures that in the course of an hour can have such a profound and lasting impact on the way a woman feels about herself. Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. Most are done through a small incision in the fold beneath the breast or around the edge of the nipple. Either approach results in a small scar that is well hidden. About 95% of the breast augmentations I perform are with silicone implants. I use smooth implants that are round or disc shaped. All round implants take on a teardrop configuration when they are upright in your body. Implants can be placed either above or below the chest wall muscle. Each of these options has its pros

and cons. I use both of them when appropriate, as I try to tailor the operation to the patient’s desires and her anatomy. At the initial consultation, considerable time is spent discussing the patient’s motivation for surgery and the result she hopes to obtain. A series of breast and chest wall measurements are taken, and the breast tissue and overlying skin are evaluated so that I have a thorough understanding of the patient’s starting point. Rib and chest wall asymmetries, differences in breast width, height, projection and shape, and differences in nipple level are all noted and discussed with the patient. I have never seen two breasts that are perfectly identical. Minor asymmetries are normal. As a patient once told me, “breasts are sisters, not twins.” Much of the initial consultation is spent discussing desired breast size. While every woman knows that breasts basically come in two sizes – too large or too small - my job is to align the patient’s wishes with a result I can realistically deliver. Patients generally describe

their breasts in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, breast implants don’t even come in cup sizes; they come in volume sizes and base widths. So, a 300cc implant may make one woman a “B” cup and another a “D” depending on her chest wall width, the pliability of her skin, the amount of breast tissue she starts out with and where she buys her bra! Choosing the appropriate implant size is more complicated than simply looking at pictures on the internet and picking a number. It requires thoughtful discussion and assessment of many variables. I listen carefully and provide guidance and advice on implant size so the patient can be realistic about the surgical result. In the end, I rely mostly on the patient’s measurements and my clinical judgment. It pays off. In over thirty years of breast implant surgery, re-operation simply to change implant size has occurred in less than 1% of my patients. Overall, complications from breast augmentation are few. Most patients can return to work within a week and can return to full unrestricted activity in three weeks. So if you have been considering breast augmentation, you don’t need to leave town to have it done. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 for an initial evaluation and a thorough discussion of the procedure, the recovery and the risks. I encourage you to visit www. mickelplasticsurgery.com, browse the before and after gallery, then decide for yourself. Thirty years of experience matters. Just one hour of surgery can have a positive impact for years to come.

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Has COVID-19 Affected Your Hearing? With Locations in Ruston and Monroe, Audibel Can Help

OVID-19, THE DISEASE CAUSED BY THE NOVEL coronavirus, brings with it a host of health concerns. Most of these symptoms are respiratory in nature as reported by the CDC; shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat. However, there is some concern that the coronavirus may cause some neurological symptoms as well. In a study of 214 patients with varying degrees of respiratory involvement from novel coronavirus, 36.4% of patients had symptoms of neurologic manifestations that involved central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and skeletal muscles. Further, there is some initial evidence that the virus may cause damage to the hearing organs of the inner ear. Currently, there is little evidence published connecting novel coronavirus and tinnitus directly. But according to the American Tinnitus Association, pre-existing behavioral conditions may make it more likely patients will experience tinnitus due to the stress and depression associated with social isolation and infection avoidance. For example, one large population study posits that people with generalized anxiety disorder are nearly seven times more likely to experience chronic, burdensome tinnitus. In an age of vigilance with risk of infection and the social isolation to avoid spread, stress and depression are common emotions we all may experience. Ototoxicity is a potential risk. While it is too early to know whether a potential vaccine will have any

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risk of ototoxicity (a well-known cause of hearing loss), some currently discussed treatments do pose a potential risk to the auditory system. The quinine family of drugs, historically used for prophylactic prevention and treatment of malaria, have some history of ototoxicity. However, the most recent trial of this family in treatment of COVID-19 has focused around hydroxychloroquine, which has a lower risk of ototoxicity. A promising therapeutic antiviral being developed and in clinical trials for COVID-19, Remdesivir, does not currently list ototoxicity as a potential side effect, per its maker, Gilead Sciences, Inc. Hearing professionals are enacting new safety protocols. Today, the greatest concern regarding COVID-19 is in transmission. Hearing loss treatment — like most essential health services — include procedures that make social distancing a challenge but are not impossible to execute safely. Telehealth, the proper use of PPE, curbside service, and appropriate in-office protocols are being put in place that significantly limit exposure potential for both the patient and clinician. During a time when hearing feels more critical than ever, hearing healthcare becomes an essential health service in which clinicians can and are able to mitigate risk while delivering best hearing practices. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and have experienced hearing loss, Audibel can help. Call to set up your free consultation, get a hearing evaluation and discuss the options to get you back to better hearing!

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

AN YOU JUMP ON THE trampoline with your child? For many the answer is not as simple as yes or no. For many women and men, stress incontinence is holding them back from doing many activities that they love. Stress incontinence is defined as leakage that occurs as a result of coughing, exercising or sneezing. While many chalk this up to as the result of age, child bearing or strenuous exercise, stress incontinence is the result of damage to the urethral ligaments and truthfully can affect all individuals. While more common among females, stress incontinence can occur in both genders. However, stress incontinence in men is usually secondary to prostate cancer surgery. Unlike individuals suffering from urge incontinence, stress incontinence does not affect the bladder’s ability to empty or its storage capacity. Stress incontinence is involuntary and occurs when internal forces apply additional pressure to the bladder neck. A minimally invasive procedure done in the

office might be all you need. Urethral bulking helps strengthen your urethral sphincter. This is very similar to Restylane injections used in cosmetic surgery. In some instances, female bladder incontinence is severe and doesn’t respond to non-invasive treatments. In these cases, Dr. Marx may recommend bladder suspension surgery. This procedure can be performed through an incision in the vagina without any abdominal incisions. Each procedure involves pulling the bladder neck back into place and securing it with a sling so that it stays put. All material used is organic so there is no mesh to erode. Success rates for bladder suspension surgery are high often depending on a patient’s medical history or other medical conditions. To maximize the effectiveness of post-op results, be sure to discuss your lifestyle, limitations and any concerns you may have with Dr. Marx prior to surgery. Urge incontinence occurs when the urge

to urinate occurs and the patient is unable to inhibit urination. It is most common with aging. Treatments include oral medications, behavior modification as well as InterStim which is sacral neural modulation. This is also known as a bladder pacemaker and is now MRI compatible. This is a therapy that has been available for 20+ years and Dr. Marx has at least 15 years experience with this device. An InterStim trial can be done in the office, allowing the patient to try the device before having it implanted. Robert D. Marx, M.D. is your hometown, board certified urologist. Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been specializing in this field for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S. Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering from these conditions find relief. Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. Dr. Marx prides himself on the personal attention he provides each patient. He understands that this is a sensitive subject and Dr. Marx has decades of experience providing careful, appropriate treatment to put you at ease.

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Home on the River Perched along the bank of the Ouachita River that flows past Columbia, Louisiana, Debbie and James Mixon’s new mountainranch style townhomes add to the allure of small-town Louisiana.

WRIT TEN BY

Vanelis Rivera PHOTOGR APHY BY

Kelly Moore Clark BUILDERS

Vista Construction Group ARCHITECT

Doug Breckenridge

ometimes we underestimate, take for granted even, how much history can be packed into a tiny community. We glaze over the beauty around us dreaming of faraway places we deem worthier of our attention. But, if you’ve ever traveled away from home, you may relate to the faint itch that appears, seemingly out of nowhere, calling you back to the placidity of where your heart unmistakably will always be— home. James and Debbie Mixon understand that principle and have acted upon it, building three townhomes that address the artistry of Louisiana’s natural beauty and will undoubtedly become part of the area’s rich history. Perched along the bank of the Ouachita River that flows past Columbia, Louisiana, the Mixon’s new residence adds to the allure of small-town Louisiana. James grew up 30 miles from Columbia and Debbie was born in Nebraska. Her dad, a geologist for Exxon, never stayed anyplace more than two or three years, living all over the country. “Kind of like being in the military,” she said, adding, “Caldwell Parish is a wonderful place. I always tell my family, it’s kind of like living in a Mayberry. It’s small and everybody takes care of everybody. It’s just really a wonderful community to live in.” The couple has lived in the area since 1979, and have been looking at the riverside location for many years. When a friend of theirs bought the property, they took it as a sign and purchased the location. Originally, they were considering building a 4200 square foot house, but they began second-guessing themselves because their children were grown and they

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The detached single-family dwellings are mountain-ranch style townhomes with varying cultured stone and brick columns, siding colors, and timber gables with decorative fascia boards.

knew they wouldn’t need that much space anymore. James came up with the idea of constructing a condo-esque home. “I say condo loosely because they’re actually detached single-family dwellings. They have no common wall or anything,” Debbie explained. She was excited about her husband’s vision, agreeing only on the condition that they didn’t build them “cookie-cutter.” The result: three different mountain-ranch style townhomes with varying cultured stone and brick columns, siding colors, and timber gables with decorative fascia boards. Though the couple had experience with construction before, like renovating older homes, nothing has compared to the extensiveness of the riverside project. “We’ve dreamed for thirtysomething years on it. This is just a dream come true, but better,” revealed Debbie. She credits the success of the project to the builders from Vista Construction Group, and architect and planner, Doug Breckenridge. “I started this [architecture] firm in 2010. I’m the only employee. I work out of my house,” he said. Doug is also an artist (mostly oil painting) and a photographer, which grants him a unique perspective when overseeing the construction of buildings. “I’ve always been design-oriented,” he said, referring to his experience working as lead design architect at a national firm for several years. While some architects are more “nuts and bolts,” Doug leans toward the expressive: “I’ve always been drawn to the artistic aspect of architecture more than the technical aspect.” The collaboration with James and Debbie went seamlessly, particularly because the couple had a lot of architectural vision. Debbie, inspired by lodgings she had visited in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, informed Doug of her affinity for the craftsman-style design. Texture became the theme of the project, and if you happen to drive over the main bridge on Highway 165 getting into town, glance right, you’ll see three structures with distinct gables.

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ssentially, they are three-bedroom units, and they are about 2800 square feet. The principal level includes the kitchen, living room, main bedroom, and main bath. A patio area rests under the gables with guard rails made of three-eighths inch metal wire. “You can see right through them,” said Doug, recalling the times he has been able to observe riverboats pushing barges. In that area, there’s a large family room that opens up into a large outdoor kitchen facing the river. This floor includes a guest bedroom and also opens up to a terrace. The Mixons, because of James’ love for golf, installed a putting green! “They’re very exciting,” emphasized Doug. One of the considerations when they began building plans was ease of access, so they installed elevators, which makes it easier for Debbie, who loves having family around, to carry dishes downstairs. While Doug spearheaded the curb appeal, Debbie managed the interior. Dabbling in different forms of artful conceptions over the years, Debbie credits her seasoned eye for design with “thirty years worth of cutting out pictures and kind of tweaking things.” Confessing that in the past she’s been guilty of what she calls “country clutter,” Debbie admits that the older she has gotten, the more stuff she has had to let go. “I don’t want to just cram something in every little nook and cranny,” she said, wanting to be more particular about the interior details she incorporated into the new space. Enamored by the blend of rustic and modern in mountain homes, she has recently taken to wood and stone details, greenery and flowers like the juniper bushes planted in the property, textured artwork like Caroline Youngblood’s work, and earthy, natural colors. “Green is my favorite color,” she laughed, revealing she had a hard time convincing Doug to go an evergreen shade on the exterior of their townhome, but once it was on, he agreed it was the right move. The townhouse next to the Mixons is painted in a brick red, and the one in the exterior is tan. Currently planning for building two more, Debbie has the exterior colors in mind— cranberry red and blue-gray. “I already have it all picked out,” she said eagerly. When considering the favorite characteristic of her home, Debbie had an unexpected response. “Everybody is gonna think this is the funniest thing. My favorite thing is that my laundry room is in my master closet. I’ve got a stackable washer and dryer. And I love it,” she said, enthused that her clothes no longer live in the dryer like they used to. Aside from the practical elements of her home, Debbie enjoys the places where she can spend quality time with her family. “I actually have a table that is a pool table, ping pong table that converts into my dining room table. My kids and my grandkids and all of their friends love it,” she said. When not entertaining family, Debbie usually lounges on the outside balcony or in her bedroom, specifically an armchair facing the large picture windows with transoms over them. Meanwhile, her husband, when not working on his golf swing downstairs, can be found in the outdoor kitchen where they have a fire pit and television set. “He now cooks and he never did before. But he likes to grill,” said Debbie. Doug is more partial to the alluring hillside view. “When you walk onto that main floor coming off the garage level, you see this huge glass within the living room that overlooks the river; if you go to the side and into the master bedroom, you see the same view,” said Doug, who explained that “the whole thing is designed to address the river.” Naturally, the waterway is a constant element no matter what room you’re in (except for the garage and the back of the building). There is a constant dialogue

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with the Ouachita and the ever-changing activity on it. As someone with a careful interest in historical renovation, Doug’s ardor for the project took the form of basking in the natural beauty of the land. “This is one of the few places in North Louisiana that has these kinds of fields,” he said, remarking that most of the area is fairly flat, unlike the grandiose views like the high hills of the Columbia river bank where the townhouses look straight down the river. Debbie seconds these sentiments, saying, “I don’t think you could find a better view in North Louisiana like what we’ve got,” adding that visions of the most beautiful sunrises from her kitchen window definitely no longer make her feel like she’s being punished when she does the dishes. Another reason Doug was enthusiastic about the project was their location in Columbia. “It’s a very old town,” he said, commenting on its history of riverboat traffic. “It’s a nice little village.” Though Doug is from Monroe, he recognizes Columbia’s charm, designating it a town to escape to. In the same vein, the Mixons, wanting to add to the topography of the area, are in the final stages of finishing a water reservoir which is being built by the DeChene Lake Commission. They hope this added element will complement Louisiana’s often temperate climate, especially for outdoorsmen like her husband. This lifelong dream the Mixons now are living has been years in the making, which speaks to a profound commitment to themselves, the town of Columbia, and the natural wonder we sometimes don’t take enough time to soak in. Not only will the potential residents of this soon-to-be expanding community be living in an idea come to life, but they will also understand the respite that nature can offer. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 121

Spring Has Sprung And So Have Your Weeds

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PRINGTIME IS HERE AND WITH IT COMES LUSH GREEN grasses and fresh colorful blooms; but a beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself, it takes time, attention, and care. Did you know the average American spends more than 70 hours a year on lawn and garden care and a recent news poll found that 1 in 5 Americans rated mowing the lawn as their least-liked chore. If you share this feeling, let the team at Dickerson Lawn Care assist. Launched in early spring 2021, Dickerson Lawn Care is a full service insured lawn care company, owned and operated by Colby Dickerson and his fiancé Hannah. After pursuing a stent in the workforce Colby was eager to return to his roots in lawn service, having operated a lawn care business throughout out high school and college, and Dickerson Lawn care began. Providing lawn maintenance for both residential and commercial clients, the team at Dickerson Lawn Care are prepared to create a customized lawn care solution to assist with all aspects of your lawn care needs to ensure your property is picture perfect each and every visit. Colby and Hannah pride themselves on operating a family oriented business, often scheduling calls and appointments between ball practices, school pick-ups and drop-offs. As a busy family themselves, they understand how valuable time is, which is why they pride themselves on providing reliable and punctual service for their clients. Their services span far beyond standard mowing allowing the team at Dickerson Lawn Care to create a truly custom experience for both residential and commercial spaces. Here are just a few of their current offerings: • Mowing • Weed Eating • Edging • Spring/Fall Clean Ups • Flower Bed Maintenance/ Installation • Mulch/Straw Application • Hedge Trimming • Gutter Cleansing • Power Washing Here’s what our customers have to say about us: “I highly recommend this company. They were EXTREMELY quick to respond in coming out for an estimate. Then less than 24 hours later, we has our yard beautifully mowed. Officially a loyal customer now.” -Robyn D. “Contacted them about mowing our yard since I messed my husband’s mower up and I was given an estimate and the job was done the same day!! He did a fantastic job and the hubby was super happy when he came home from work!! Better than 5 stars!! So thankful for the job done!!”- Afton D. The best way to ensure a lush green lawn year after year is to give it the extra care and attention it deserves each and every season. Let the staff at Dickerson Lawn Care maximize your yard and your time this year, give them a call today for your free lawn care estimate. As members of the community, the team at Dickerson Lawn Care prides itself on providing fair and honest pricing every time. Dickerson Lawn Care can be reached by phone at (318)355-0809 for Colby or (318)381-7870 for Hannah. You can also find us on Facebook at Dickerson Lawn Care or reach us by email at dickersonlawn@gmail.com.

Bayou Dental Group

Improve Your Appearance, Improve Your Life BY DAVID D. FINLEY, DDS, FAACD, FAGD

NY GOOD DENTIST IS INTERESTED IN SAVING ALL of your natural teeth. But natural teeth aren’t always attractive teeth. They can be crooked individually, out of alignment with each other, and discolored. That’s where I, as a cosmetic dentist, can help you get the smile of your dreams. The latest technologies in cosmetic dentistry mean that you really can enjoy your life more fully and have the smile of your dreams. If your teeth are less-than-ideal and causing you pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, then now is the time to find a cosmetic dentist to help you solve your problems. We have seen patient after patient returned to a full and happy life no longer self-conscious about their smile, no longer hiding their mouth at any opportunity, no longer letting their teeth hold them back from the life they want to lead! And now, you can join them! WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU Here is what you will receive when you see a cosmetic dentist: ● Your Dream Smile – Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and seeing the most beautiful smile looking right back at you! ● Improved Self-Confidence – Flashing your gorgeous smile will make you feel incredible and more confident. ● Reduced Risk of Future Problems – With a small correction to your teeth now, you could save having to deal with far more serious problems in the future. This is the time to sort out any issues that you might have, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant they may be. I take a patient’s smile very seriously and consider myself an intricate planner. I also involve the patient in the process every step of the way. On any given smile creation case, we’ll take photographs and then create a wax model to show exactly what your smile will look like after treatment. As an added bonus, you should know that I’ve been creating smiles for more than 30 years and have taken hundreds of hours in continuing education. I take pride in my work in the office and with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where I am the 61st accredited Fellow. My office has won the annual smile competition at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry several years in a row with our restorative and cosmetic dental solutions. TRUST A DENTIST WITH YOUR TEETH WHITENING Many people are tempted to try do-it-yourself teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening will work faster and protect sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better than over-the-counter whitening products. Having an oral exam before you begin any whitening process is an important first step, as we want to make sure your tooth discoloration is not the result of a dental condition in need of treatment. We offer ZOOM! whitening and Professional Tray Whitening in our office.

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R2 Rentals Offers Solutions

Local Business Includes Dumpsters and Residential Garbage Service

Y THIS POINT, YOU HAVE SURELY SPOTTED THE WORK of R2 Rentals. Their bright yellow dumpsters can be found at home remodels, new home construction sites and commercial projects throughout the area. The reason you see so many is because R2 Rentals has an extensive inventory, available to accommodate numerous projects. They offer a variety of sizes including 20-yard, 30-yard and 40-yard dumpsters. In addition, they offer a fast, reliable and hassle-free waste removal option for the kinds of messes you can’t just leave at the curb. Their process is simple. You select the right size dumpster for your project, with the help of a guide on their website that can help you select the right size. Your dumpster is then delivered when you need it, placed safely where you want it and removed when you are done. R2 Rentals is a responsible environmentally conscious company and keeps the highest standards of environmental responsibility, so you can feel at ease about what happens after they pick up your dumpster from your home, office or job site. They service a wide area from Lake Providence to Shreveport and Columbia to Lake Bruin. R2 Rentals recently expanded their business, adding residental garbage pick up in Richland and Ouachita Parishes. Last fall, they acquired S&W Garbage, which has handled residential garbage pick up in Richland Parish for the past 12 years and will continue to serve Richland Parish. This gives parish residents an affordable and reliable option when it comes to residential garbage pick up. Plus, their fleet of trucks

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are smaller than traditional garbage trucks, so they don’t damage roads, driveways and neighborhoods. R2 Rentals offers once or twice weekly pick up and they offer neighborhood rates. They are adding new service areas all the time so if you are interested, contact them today! While R2 Rentals is known for their big yellow dumpsters, they are excited to introduce a new color - pink! They have partnered with Cascade Cart Solutions to offer the Pink Cart. You can request one of these and the portion of the proceeds from each can goes back to the American Cancer Society, helping kick breast cancer to the curb! R2 Rentals is a locally owned company, ran by Kerri James and Mary Durham. Being locally owned is important because when you have an issue, you can pick up the phone and reach a person that knows what’s going on and can address your issue right away. They also offer convenient online billing and you can log on and see your account, any upcoming holidays and more. Since they are a locally owned business, they not only support other local businesses but they support the community as a whole. R2 Rentals has donated to the Lexington Elementary School playground remodel, ULM, local high schools, golf tournaments and more. Whether you need a dumpster or residential garbage service, R2 Rentals can help you! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram or find more information at r2rents.com.

Physicians Recognized

Sartor, Liles, and Smith named Surgeons of Excellence

URGICAL REVIEW CORPORATION (SRC) recognizes the world’s top surgeons who are dedicated to safety, high-quality surgical care, and optimal patient outcomes. Those top surgeons now include Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, and Dr. Patrick Smith, who have recently achieved accreditation as Surgeons of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. This accreditation means that surgeons Sartor, Liles, and Smith—partners at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana—provide the highest quality of patient care as determined by an independent, external evaluation process. “The honor symbolizes the clinic’s dedication to innovation,” said Dr. Walter Sartor. “It’s great to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as SRC. Robotic surgery has been a significant part of our practice now for over five years and has certainly improved our outcomes with minimally invasive colon surgery, hernia surgery, as well as some aspects of bariatric surgery,” he said. “Validation at this level is so important moving forward.”

Dr. Sartor expressed the physicians’ gratitude to those who helped formalize the challenging accreditation process, including Debbie Austin, the nursing program director for the Center of Excellence Robotic Surgery at St. Francis Medical Center/P&S Surgery & Heart Center. “We’ve all worked diligently to achieve this goal, and it would not have been possible without the efforts of everyone involved. I would like to thank Debbie Austin, RN, for her role in putting this all together. We all appreciate the commitment St. Francis has demonstrated in this effort as well,” he said. Health care organizations and surgeons seeking accreditation by SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and inspection process. This includes physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve its care and

services. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous inspection process are granted accreditation. “We’re proud to recognize Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Walter M. Sartor, and Dr. Patrick Smith for their commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that these physicians are among the best in this specialty and are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.” Doctors Sartor, Liles, and Smith are trained to perform a large variety of minimally invasive surgeries using the da Vinci robot, which they control via a separate console. The da Vinci gives the doctors added precision and range of motion; it also delivers 3D high-definition images, giving them a more accurate view of the surgical area. How does a minimally invasive approach benefit patients? Patients experience: • Reduced pain due to smaller incisions • Quicker recovery • Faster healing • Smaller scars • Less time away from work • Reduced risk of infection Contact the surgery clinic today with your questions about minimally invasive surgery options and the clinic’s wide array of services, including vein procedures.

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Perfect Gifts For All Occasions

From Graduation to Mother’s Day, Haven has a Wide Selection of Gifts for Everyone

AVEN HAS THE BEST SELECTION FOR MOTHER’S DAY! A new robe or pajamas paired with slippers, stylish jewelry, or a candle are some of the many gifts any mom would enjoy. Cookbooks and wine glasses are always customer favorites. New moms would appreciate a Barefoot Dreams lounge set, a blanket or even a gift card. Gift wrap is always complimentary at Haven. Haven has so many new products arriving daily! They have just restocked their baby section with stuffed animals and children’s books, which are a great gift for a little one. Nest’s new scent Wild Eucalyptus and Mint is making a debut with its fresh herbal scent. New Barefoot Dreams pajamas are on display and you don’t want to miss these. Ready for the beach? Haven has a beautiful line of straw totes and hats that will have you wishing you were already by the water. Handmade in Madagascar using sustainable materials, these totes are the premier among beach bags. New tunics, cotton sarongs and fun summer jewelry are great pickups to have you ready for summer. Time to shop for graduates. Haven has practical gifts for the high school or college graduate. They will post their graduate gift guide online, so be sure to follow them on social media @haven.intelligentdesigns for great gift ideas. Call ahead and their staff will be glad to wrap it in school colors and have it ready for you

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to pick up. If your graduate lives out of town, choose an item on their website, ShopHavenMonroe.com, and Haven will wrap and ship it directly to your graduate! What is new in interior design? A new section created for the design team to debut new fabrics, wallpapers, paint colors and more. The design firm is fortunate to have access to some of the top furniture and fabric companies. Now, they will be showcasing the latest designs and inspiration in the shop for customers to browse. Intelligent Designs, the design firm located inside Haven, is owned by interior designer, Sandy McMillan. They carry well-known furniture lines such as Sherrill, Vanguard, and Hickory Chair; as well as design accessories and lighting from Arteriors, Visual Comfort, Made Goods, and Currey and Company, which are featured in the top design magazines. Whether you are looking for a new bed, side table, great occasional chair, or need help with an entire project their designers are happy to assist you. Call (318-398-9117) to make an appointment – all design consultation is charged by the hour. Stop by Haven today to see all the new merchandise and let their friendly staff help you find the perfect gift! Or be sure to check out their website to start shopping for Mother’s Day or your favorite graduate.

Ketogenesis – Becoming a “Fat Burning” Machine Ideal Protein Helps You Switch Fuel Tanks: The Key to Fat Loss

HE BODY ESSENTIALLY HAS THREE FUEL SOURCES TO support daily energy requirements: sugar, protein and fat. Because the average person consumes a diet that’s comprised mostly of sugar (in the form of carbohydrates), this is often the only fuel tank that is used. What is Ketosis? Ketosis is a natural metabolic state in which the body’s primary fuel source is coming from ketone bodies—energy molecules produced from “burning fat.” Before Ketosis The primary fuel that our body uses is glucose (sugar) which comes from our dietary intake of carbohydrates. Our sugar tank has limited storage capacity and relies on constant replenishment. Our intake of carbohydrates provides more than enough sugar to keep this fuel tank filled. If this tank starts to run low, our body will send out “prompts” in the form of hunger and cravings in an attempt to refill the tank! Days 1–2: No Supply—Just Demand The first few days may be challenging as the body adjusts to a low carbohydrate diet. This sudden withdrawal of sugar may prompt uncomfortable side effects such as hunger, cravings or headaches. Many of these side effects will subside as the body transitions into fat burning. Days 2–3: Draining the Sugar (Glycogen) Tank Our bodies store a small amount of sugar, in the form of glycogen, in our liver and muscles. When dietary sugar consumption starts to dwindle, our bodies turn to

this stored glycogen for fuel. In general, glycogen can fuel the body for 1 to 3 days. Days 3–4: “Making” New Glucose Because certain tissues in the body and brain are dependent on glucose, our bodies evolved with a backup “glucose generator” that kicks in when our glycogen tank is low. This generator converts amino acids (broken down from dietary protein and/or muscle) into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is meant only to fuel those certain glucosedependent tissues—not the whole body—so this fuel tank is not sustainable for longterm use. That is a job that requires a far greater surplus of fuel—your fat stores! Days 4–5: Tapping the “Fat Tank” With carbohydrate restriction, the body may begin tapping the fat tank. It can take days, possibly weeks, before the body becomes proficient at using ketones for energy. Days 5–7 (and beyond): “Fat Burning” Machine Your body will become accustomed to running mostly on fat making you a fat-burning machine. However, ALL of this can stop in an instant if you do not follow the Ideal Protein protocol 100%! Even the slightest deviation can stop this process and send you back to the sugar tank! Once there, you will have to “drain the tank” all over again. The Ideal Protein protocol safely guides you into ketosis through which you can achieve safe, effective and sustainable weight loss. Call Kyla Swett, Ideal Protein Coach, at (318) 966-2001 to find out more.

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bayou artist

Daryl Triplett Daryl Triplett believes God created him to create, and he declares that the scenery around him inspires him to keep going. “I get up in the morning and just know I’m here and that He gave me another day and allowed me to see all of these things and experience them.” S TA R L A G AT S O N K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

he first sliver of sunlight peeks over the horizon and bits of yelloworange light cut through the dark sky. After a night of sleep, the birds stretch out their wings to flit about and open their mouths to chirp and sing songs to one another. For many, these symbols of a new day, while beautiful, are shrugged off or dismissed as one of life’s mundane occurrences. But Daryl Triplett sees things a bit differently. For him, these sights that often go unnoticed or unappreciated serve as reminders that he is still here for a purpose. Triplett believes God created him to create, and he declares that the scenery around him inspires him to keep going. “I get up in the morning and just know I’m here and that He gave me another day and allowed me to see all of these things and experience them.” The Uptown New Orleans native makes it fairly obvious that much of his inspiration comes from nature, or “the unexplainable scenery that God provides us with every day.” But, he says, his drawings and paintings also come from a desire to tell the stories of the people, places, and things that shaped his life. The concept of telling stories of his upbringing and Louisiana culture shows up in some of the Monroe resident’s most widely recognized work, including the game program for the twentieth annual Bayou Classic football game and a piece celebrating the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl victory. “I can go back and work on a painting, and I remember skating on Christmas morning, riding bicycles with friends in the neighborhood, playing basketball, playing football, singing on the corner, dancing on the corner,” he explains. “All these things that we experienced, and they come out sometimes in my artwork. It actually becomes a nostalgic representation of my life and those who grew up around me.” Triplett’s upbringing in Pigeon Town, a neighborhood in the Big Easy, not only gave him plenty to paint and draw about but makes the root of his passion for art abundantly clear. “The music, the culture as it related to Mardi Gras and parading was embedded in us; we saw it every day. And we heard it just about every day,” he says. The work he produces is heavily influenced by the sights and sounds of his childhood, from riding into the French Quarter on field trips with his elementary school to hearing the trumpets at Satchmo’s second-line memorial service blaring from a few blocks over. Just as any large city does, growing up in New Orleans presented its own set of challenges, but Triplett explains culture held them together. “We always overcame whatever obstacles were in our way; we did that through art.” The “we” to which he refers extends not only to his siblings, most of which are also artists or musicians, but also to the other residents of his neighborhood. “You had a lot of talented people in that neighborhood,” he recalls. “A few went to Hollywood, a few went to college on athletic scholarships, and some became artists. A lot of them became musicians.”

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A R T I S T I C I M PAC T Art speaks, he says, and it’s up to the artist to decide how the message is conveyed. “What we hear and see has an impact on us, whether that’s negative or positive. And it’s up to an artist like myself to ask, ‘how am I going to approach whatever subject matter is out there?’”

espite discovering his talent and love for drawing at an early age and receiving a quality art education at West Jefferson High School, Triplett wasn’t heading off to a prestigious art school post-graduation. Instead, he was in the camp of Pigeon Town residents who were on their way to college on athletic scholarships, and at age 17, he wound up at Highland Community College in northern Kansas to play football. After just one year at the institution, Triplett made the move to a junior college in the southern portion of the state to continue playing football, where he stayed until a serious injury sent him back to New Orleans after his sophomore year. The injury that temporarily pulled him away from football, however, pushed him back to his first love: art. “That kind of hampered me for about a year as relates to my physical being,” Triplett says of his injury. “But I was still able to pick up a pencil and draw.” He was determined to create, he explains, and recalls, “I took an art class, and the art instructor told me that I probably need to drop the class because I couldn’t hold the pencil or brush in my right arm. I turned around and told him, ‘Well, I got another arm.’ I painted that whole semester with my left hand.” That post-injury determination taught Triplett a lesson he still carries today: “I can do

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something — we can all do something, for that matter — if we just try.” Though Triplett’s injury effectively ended his Kansas football days, his athletic career was not yet over. Once healed, he took to the field again, only this time sporting the black and gold stripes of a Grambling State University Tiger. Spending the last two years of his college career at GSU would not only allow the thenmarketing major the opportunity to play under the leadership of and learn from legendary coach Eddie Robinson, but it would also put him on a path that would lead straight to art. “I started out in marketing, and I wasn’t quite sure if I really wanted to do that,” he remembers of his time in Grambling. “I did eventually change my mind and went back to what I knew best. That was art.” When he walked across the stage on graduation day in 1986, Triplett received a Bachelor’s degree in art education and two years later earned a Master of Humanities degree. Immediately after graduation, he began his teaching career in a GSU classroom, but his employment there was short-lived, lasting only a semester. When a position as a talented art instructor opened in the Monroe City school system, Triplett headed down I-20 and made himself at home in Ouachita parish. Triplett’s more than 30 years teaching in Monroe’s schools — plus the hours he put in as an instructor at Louisiana Delta Community College from 2007 until his retirement — were, of course, spent sharing his knowledge with the world’s future artists and art educators, but just as any good teacher does, he admits he learned a lesson or two from his students, too. “I was amazed at the things they could create, especially the younger kids,” he says. “As a teacher, it’s amazing to see some of the creativity coming from these young people. We take some of that stuff with us when we go back to our canvas. They influenced me in many different ways. It’s the younger generation that’s going to keep this thing going anyway.” Per the advice one of his supervisors gave him at the beginning of his career — to always work on his skills — Triplett’s time outside of the classroom was spent sharpening his craft. He says his retirement from teaching in 2019 plus the COVID-19-induced quarantine period the following year gave him even more time to learn and grow as an artist. And though he no longer does so from a classroom, Triplett continues to teach, working with children as often as he can and mentoring former students that have gone on to pursue art careers of their own. And, of course, he creates his own pieces because as long as he experiences nature at work, he will be, too, he says. Besides nature and the culture and events he experienced personally, Triplett is influenced by stories of those of the people who came before him. He often reaches into the past to pull out a piece of history that may have previously been forgotten but is significant nonetheless, and tells its story on a canvas in his own words. “When I traveled over to Europe two years ago and I studied master artists in seven different countries, I realized that every artist that I studied and observed painted or drew their history in the forms that they were taught,” he says. “And I do that from time to time. A lot of times, it’s not being taught in

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B AYO U A R T I S T

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schools because sometimes people just don’t want to know the truth. But artists, we’re going to tell it anyway.” Triplett’s current project, a series on Buffalo Soldiers — the black soldiers who fought and died for the United States in the Civil War — echoes his sentiment of “telling it anyway” and aligns with the idea of telling a story that, though not personal to the artist, is still impactful. But, Triplett says, “telling it anyway” doesn’t just apply when an artist is depicting a piece of history; it’s vital any time one wants to create a piece that conveys a message, whether the painting is politically charged or simply informative. “Art has always been the means by which artists tell their stories,” he explains. “And they express their feelings and emotions through art. Art is what sustains us on a daily basis. That’s why states and nations all over the planet promote art and culture: because that’s life.” Art speaks, he says, and it’s up to the artist to decide how the message is conveyed. “What we hear and see has an impact on us, whether that’s negative or positive. And it’s up to an artist like myself to ask, ‘how am I going to approach whatever subject matter is out there?’” The New Orleans-raised artist says he hopes to educate, enlighten, and encourage daily. “My prayer every day is to put a smile on somebody’s face, to make the world better,” he says. “When you talk to anybody, you want to talk to them in terms of ‘I am helping you, and it should never become about me.’ I’m just Daryl Triplett; I’m a vessel.” The vessel says his only real goal is to positively impact humanity. Any others, he says, can quickly become nothing more than limits. “When you’re reaching for a goal, it limits the possibilities where you can go,” says Triplett. “For example, I was watching the national championship basketball game with Baylor, and I’m sure that coach for Baylor said, ‘We’re going to win a national championship.’ That was the goal. So, my question to him is, ‘What do you do?” You quit now? You accomplish your goal — you won a championship in 2021 — is that it? No!” From this artist’s perspective, goals can be limiting, but that doesn’t mean Triplett wanders around painting and drawing aimlessly. He instead chooses to focus on purpose. “My purpose every day is to just get better. To be the best artist that I can be. Every day is a challenge; every day, you should be shooting for something better,” he says. And shoot for the better he does as he continues developing his craft everyday. And that’s what he will keep doing, so long as the songs of the birds and the sights of the blooming flowers keep reminding him to create.

Spring Cleaning

Routine Dental Cleanings are a Must

HO WOULDN’T LOVE THE IDEA OF HAVING A professional come into your home to perform a good cleaning a few times a year? Your teeth actually need the same treatment! Daily brushing and flossing help tremendously but having semiannual cleanings by a dental hygienist is crucial for your overall oral health. Routine dental cleanings are paired with an exam by a dentist as well. These routine cleanings and exams go further than just brushing and flossing, here are few reasons to keep that smile bright! CLEANER MOUTH People who regularly practice good oral hygiene at home with proper brushing and flossing techniques typically do not experience discomfort during a cleaning. Brushing and flossing alone will not remove all the plaque from your teeth. Plaque is made of bacteria that feed off sugary foods and drinks. Plaque that is not removed hardens and turns into tartar. When plaque and tartar removal is neglected, patients can be left with a foul taste as well as bad breath. Dental hygienists are equipped with special instruments that can reach all corners of the mouth to ensure the best possible plaque removal. PREVENT DISEASE Bleeding and swollen gums are often signs of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. The American Heart Association has also found a link between heart disease and periodontal disease. People with gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events. Periodontal disease also increases the body’s inflammation and can lead to other health concerns. CANCER SCREENINGS Oral cancer screenings are provided at each routine dental cleaning. More than 49,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, occurring most often in people over the age of 40. The key, as with most cancers, is an early diagnosis. At your dental cleaning, your dentist will do a thorough oral cancer exam. SAVES MONEY Most dental insurance policies have benefits for two dental cleanings a year. When being assessed, the dentist will determine if any treatment is necessary. Getting a head start sooner rather than later could save you from costly extensive treatment and prevent further health issues. Untreated teeth can lead to gum disease, root canals, and possibly extractions depending on the severity of the case. With a combined 35+ years of practice between this motherdaughter duo, Dr. Jan Bagwell and Dr. Jessica Johnston, along with their team, strive for excellence each day while providing each patient with the assurance of the best quality care. They offer general dentistry services such as fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, implant restorations, and botox. There office is located right next to Sterlington High School on 165 North. They are excited to take patients of all ages including the smallest of patients. Let us make your next dental experience, your best dental experience! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 133

It’s Not Normal Ladies

See How Minerva Can End Your Pointless Heavy Period

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HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING AND unpredictable periods are just part of life, it’s something that every woman deals with every 30 days or so...” So many women make the same statement I did, but are heavy periods normal? According to the American College of Gynecology, heavy menstrual bleeding is very common and is not normal, but only about one third of women seek treatment for it. It can disrupt your life and may be a sign of a more serious health problem. Little did I know, there’s actually a medical diagnosis for this heavy bleeding... Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB). I decided I needed more information and my trusted OBGYN was the best source. There are many treatment options for AUB. I discussed these options with my doctor, and we decided on an endometrial ablation. Minerva is a one-time laser ablation treatment for AUB that is hormone-free, stops heavy bleeding, and may reduce cramping. The selling point for me was that odds were I

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wouldn’t have a period after the treatment! As I talked about Minerva I kept thinking, but what does Minerva do? How does it stop me from having a period? My doctor explained that after receiving oral pain medications and local anesthesia to numb the cervix, your doctor dilates the cervix and inserts a thin, soft wand through the vaginal opening and into your uterus. The tip of the wand generates light and heat similar to a light bulb. In just 120 seconds the heat treats and removes the lining of your uterus. The entire treatment takes less than 4 minutes and you can go home about 30 minutes after. You should rest for the remainder of the day and most women are back to a normal routine the following day! So is an ablation right for you? There were many factors I discussed with my doctor, but here are a few you might want to consider for yourself: 1. Are you finished having children? For me this was an easy one, with three children there were no plans for more. An ablation procedure

removes the lining of your uterus, preventing or significantly reducing bleeding. This also means your uterus is no longer able to carry a baby fullterm. 2. Does my insurance cover it? Most plans will cover an ablation in the doctor’s office, which means you don’t have to pay facility fees or anesthesia. Other plans require the procedure be done in a hospital or surgical facility. Either way, if you meet the criteria for AUB your insurance is likely to cover the procedure. 3. Are my periods heavy? Any of the following is considered to be heavy menstrual bleeding: ● Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. ● Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons/pads every hour for several in a row. ● Needing to change pads or tampons during the night. ● Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger. Just three months out, I am so glad I had the ablation. I had the procedure Friday morning and was up cleaning my house Saturday morning. After a few weeks of healing, I no longer have a period and the cramping I used to experience is completely gone! While I know I may have light bleeding occasionally, my $50 copay is the best money I have ever spent! Shouting from the rooftops, The Modern Mom Call The Woman’s Clinic if you are suffering from AUB, 318-388-4030.

Customize Your Home

Let Fabulous Fabric Elevate Your Home

OLOR IS BACK! SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND BRIGHT bold colors are all the rave right now! Creating a fun and inviting home for family and friends to enjoy is what we all strive for. Creating spaces that are functional and also pleasing to the eye can be a little overwhelming for some people but at Fabulous Fabric we can help you make the best choices. Schedule an appointment today and let the one and only Lee Edwards help with all of your design needs. With 40 plus years under his belt, he knows a thing or two about making your home dreams come to life. Now that spring is here it’s a great time to get the window treatments you’ve been needing underway. At Fabulous Fabric we can make this task easier for you with our wide selection of IN STOCK fabrics from linens, velvets, wovens and much much more! Treatments include roman shades, custom or ready made draperies with beautiful as well as functional drapery hardware...all made by Fabulous Fabric. We can completely customize anything you’d like. We have an endless selection for custom drapery rods. Lucite and French rods are some of our favorites. Iron rods come in many color ways. We stock a wood rod that comes in 6 color choices with different finials to choose from. Any of these styles work beautifully with our ready made panels too. We carry a dressy poly silk ready made drape that is available in 8 colors. Linen panels come in 8 colors as well as a custom pinch pleat panel in 5 lengths and 8 colors that ships in 5-10 business days. We also carry two fabulous bedding lines that you can order from. Customize your bedding by picking from the many beautiful trims that we have in stock and make your bedding one of a kind. We also carry many outdoor fabrics you can choose from to create that perfect outdoor oasis you’ve always wanted. From the rugs to the cushions on the furniture Fabulous Fabric has everything you need. Holly and her fabulous staff see every project from start to finish and ensures that very customer leaves happy and excited about their new space. Now that you know how we can help with all your window treatments, let’s talk about your upholstery needs. Fabulous Fabric has been selling upholstery fabric for over 20 years now and we have knowledge on all types of upholstery fabric and the upholsterers in the area. Whether you need high performance fabrics, vinyls, outdoor Sunbrella fabric, velvet and linens we can help you select the best fabric and style for your piece of furniture. We can tell you how much Fabric you will need and also help you find an upholsterer. Come in today to touch and feel all the textures and styles that are available to you. There’s nothing like seeing in person all your options for upholstery and drapery fabrics. For smaller projects like benches and dining chair seats or decorative pillows we have tons of remnants at $10/yard. Come in and let us help create that Fabulous home you’re dreaming of!

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City of West Monroe Announces Patti Thurman as Capital Campaign Director

PATTI THURMAN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF WEST MONROE

EST MONROE MAYOR STACI MITCHELL IS PROUD to announce that Patti Thurmon has joined the City of West Monroe staff as Capital Campaign Director. Thurmon will serve as the director of a capital campaign to benefit the West Monroe community. The capital campaign, known as “Picture This,” will focus on raising funds for improvements to Downtown West Monroe including the downtown streetscape, gateway signage and recreational enhancements such as a development along the Ouachita River. Proposed enhancements to Downtown West Monroe were identified through a publicly-driven downtown master plan that was completed in summer 2020. The campaign will also focus on sponsorships for an indoor sports facility that would be built on city-owned property known as Pointe West adjacent to The Ike Hamilton Expo Center. The West Monroe City Council recently approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement authorizing the City to work with the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group, a local nonprofit organization, and Missio Dei Ministry Services, a professional capital campaign consulting firm. Thurmon has nearly 24 years of experience in sports marketing, promotions, sales and event planning in the Monroe/West Monroe area. Most recently, she served as General Manager of Warhawk Sports Properties, a Learfield IMG College affiliate for the University of Louisiana Monroe. She is one of the original co-founders of Bayou Jamb, a highly successful high school football jamboree that in its 13th year of operation, has raised over $1.2 million for local high school athletic programs. “Campaigns strengthen communities,” Thurmon said. “Successful campaigns bring focus and unity to a shared vision. This campaign provides momentum and clarity to move the City of West Monroe forward, encouraging us to take action now for the dreams we have envisioned. As director of this campaign, I am excited to be part of an extraordinary group of individuals, contributing to the community I love.” For more information about the Capital Campaign, please contact Patti Thurmon at (318) 3965000 or pthurmon@westmonroe. la.gov

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Achieve Your Beauty Goals

Choose Confidence by Choosing DermaMediQ

ODYTITE, FACETITE AND MORPHEUS8 BY INMODE ARE just what you need to get ready for the summer. The summer is quickly creeping up on us which means tank tops, shorts and swimsuits. If you have some stubborn areas on your body that you would like to fix, DermaMediQ has you covered. Below are listed the solutions to getting your body ready for tank tops and shorts for the summer and also getting rid of those stubborn areas that need a little more love.

EMSCULPT Emsculpt is intended for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, development of firmer abdomen. Strengthening, toning and firming of buttocks, thighs, and calves. Improvement of muscle tone and firmness, for strengthening muscles in arms. The best part is there is no anesthesia or downtime. BODYTITE A minimally-invasive device for body contouring delivering results previously only achieved through excisional procedures. BodyTite is powered by directional RF resulting in three-dimensional tissue remodeling through fat coagulation and volumetric heating. The coagulation of fat using RF-induced heat results in radio-frequency assisted lipolysis FACETITE In just one treatment, FaceTite can provide significant improvements to the contour of the face. Using RFAL technology, FaceTite is the next best thing to a traditional facelift, without the associated large scars and downtime. MORPHEUS8 Morpheus8 is a novel technology that lets you discover new depths. It is the first and only full-body fractional technology adjusted for subdermal tissue remodeling, dermal treatment and epidermal resurfacing. Morpheus8 is the deepest lift technology with penetration up to 4000 microns. KEY BENEFITS: • It’s a solution without the large scars and minimal downtime • Be able to provide solutions to a younger set of patients who are not yet ready for a facelift • Innovate with the leading technology in the marketplace today • Offer minimally invasive procedures that deliver surgical results No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. Sowma and the staff at DermaMedicQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face forward. Their friendly staff are currently taking appointments by phone and ensuring the health and safety of their patients by taking all necessary precautionary measures. Call the staff today to schedule an appointment or consultation to start your journey to becoming a more confident and better you this summer.

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SIMPLY LOU STEEL MAGNOLIAS article and illustration by LOU DAV E N P ORT

was going to write this month’s column on something else, but, as we have all heard, “a lady can change her mind.” So, I did! I recently had two different people wanting me to audition for the part of “Ouiser Boudreaux” for the play, “Steel Magnolias,” at the South West Arkansas Art Center. Of course, I was flattered and also had to laugh that they thought I’d make a “perfect Ouiser.” I have to admit it wouldn’t be too far of a “stretch” for me. But, not only is this play too far away from home for me, “I haven’t been in a bad mood for 40 years” either, as “Ouiser” says in the movie. In the dictionary, a “steel magnolia” is a plural noun, (chiefly southern) that exemplifies both traditional feminine as well as on an uncommon fortitude. I’d say that is very true and I have been lucky enough to know some real “steel magnolias” when I was growing up and still do today. I’d define a “steel magnolia” as someone who has lived enough life to have loved every minute, including the ups and downs, and has come through it all “tough as steel” and keeps on going. The movie first came out in 1989 and was written as a play and screenplay by Robert Harling. It is based on the true story of how he lost his sister to complications from diabetes during pregnancy when she was expecting her first child. And, the movie still holds up after 30 years. The movie and play centers around the “life affirming power that love and friendship can have over the blessings of life as well as the tragedies. I come from a long line of “steel magnolias!” I had 7 aunts on my daddy’s side, several on my mama’s side, two remarkable grandmothers and even though I didn’t get to have my mama but 21 years, they taught me and my cousins so much about life, not just in words, but by their actions. All of them are gone now except my Aunt Faye and since the pandemic, I haven’t gotten to spend time with her. But, I’ve gotten my shot, so I feel like I can go see her and get back to having great conversations with her! Most of my aunts didn’t grow up with much. They were dirt poor 138 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

and had to work from the time they were kids. My grandfather was a sharecropper and died in the field when they were all young. They lived through the Depression, the flood of 1927 and World War II. My other aunts that married into my family seemed to fit in seamlessly. I’ve never seen a closer group of sisters and sister-in-laws than them. Each one of them are different but they also had one thing in common…..”that uncommon fortitude.” And just like in the movie, they had “their lines” that we all still say! In fact, all 7 of them would have made great characters in a movie of their own. My Aunt Cye was probably the closest thing to a “Ouiser” we had. She was a seamstress and made wedding dresses, uniforms and the most beautiful quilts. Now, she didn’t use those quilts, she kept them in a closet in black garbage bags. And, what she would have really liked to have done was fish. She loved to go fishing, but, she wouldn’t eat fish. Go figure? Aunt Mayvonne had five girls. Three of them are the closest things to sisters I have. But, when we wanted to go out and ride around and chase boys, she would tell us, “You needn’t think…..you are going to Mary Lou’s and go wilding off.” Again, go figure? As Claree said the movie, “She was just too colorful for words!” Aunt Lucy was our family’s early version of “Martha Stewart.” I always thought her house was so fancy because she had a crystal candy bowl on her coffee table! She also had “wheat bread” which we sure didn’t have at our house so I always wanted a piece to take home. She’d indulge me, of course, and I’d nibble on it all the way back to Bastrop. She was so southern, her line was “ooooooooohhhhhh Mary Lou!” or “oooooooohhhhhh Lisa Gail.” You have to draw that “ooh” out for about 3 minutes to get it right, but, whenever we are really giving a compliment we “do the Aunt Lucy!” My Aunt Red lived down on a farm in Liddieville and let us do just about anything we cousins wanted to do. She tried to teach us how to milk her cow, but, that wasn’t much fun to us, but, we did love to gather the eggs! She’d say, “Don’t you be getting’ up on that dope!” Her grandkids still laugh about that one! Aunt Ruby and Aunt Mae were sisters who married brothers, so

I have a set of cousins who are “double first cousins!” That’s Peggy and Margaret, two other cousins that are as close to sisters as I’m ever going to have. Aunt Ruby was so soft spoken and a little quiet, but, she’d still tell me, “Ohh, Lou!” and quietly giggle. When she was in the nursing home, I’d go sit with her. One day she told me to pull my chair up closer so she could just look at me. I still treasure the time I got to spend with her. Aunt Mae knew how to have fun with all us kids! She was like a “big kid,” herself! I loved to spend the night at her house because every morning she made fresh biscuits and served them with “Johnny Fair” syrup. And oh, how she could laugh! I’d make sure I always told her something silly or stupid just to hear that laugh of hers. She’d always tell me, “Now, Lou!” She knew I was a handful, but, she didn’t care, she just loved me anyway. One of the most wonderful things that my Aunt Mae did was raise five of the best kids there are. My uncle died when they were young. But, she carried on! When she passed away, I was doing okay until they played Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” I lost it. My Aunt Faye was the youngest of my aunts. She married my Uncle Punkin when he came back from being in the Army in Japan. She was so tiny and so sweet. She always

made the best cakes when we’d go to their house. She lives with my cousin, Lisa, now and gets to enjoy all her great grandchildren. The last time I saw her we arguing that she didn’t look her age! She said, “Oh, Lou, you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Bless my mama’s heart, she might have been the strongest “steel magnolia” I have ever known. She had to deal with not only my daddy and grandmother, but me! I was a handful and I still say she didn’t have any more kids because I was enough! She never complained and I never saw her get angry. But, she did love a “slighty dirty” joke and would tell us kids one and then say, “Now, don’t tell anybody who told you that!” And, you know exactly what we did! My one regret in life is that she never got to see or know my kids. They would have adored her just like I did. I’ve made sure they know all about her but, it’s not the same. I lost my mama when I was expecting my first child. I knew that if I had a girl what her name was going to be, Carolyn. All Carolyn wanted to do when she was little was “play school” and now, she’s a teacher! Just like my Mama! I went a different direction and chose to be an artist and my son is one of the most gifted artists I’ve ever seen and my Mama painted! When I had my youngest daughter,

Paige, there was this beautiful baby girl with big brown eyes just like my mama’s. Every time I look at her, I see my mama. I think she’d be very proud of all three of them. I know I am! Now that my cousins and I have gotten older, we get together and tell stories about our aunts. And, there’s a lot of them to tell! Most of them are hilarious and I’m sure I’ll share more of them in columns to come. We all agree we are the women we are today thanks to them. We might stumble, just like they did at times, but we get up, just like them, put on our “big girl panties” and carry on. We’ve gone through our childhoods, broken hearts, college, marriages, having babies, deaths, divorces, loving our kids unconditionally, but, the best thing is, we are just like that cast in “Steel Magnolias.” We always stick together and laugh our way through. There’s not another family like mine! I know without a doubt, I am so blessed and I cannot imagine what my life would be like without any of them. Happy Mother’s Day y’all! And a toast to all the other “Steel Magnolias” out there! “Smile, it increases your face value!”

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Lauren Roebuck Designs

Local Designer Helps Get Your Home Ready for Spring

PRING IS IN THE AIR AND WITH A NEW SEASON COMES new decor! Whether you are looking to freshen up with a pop of spring color or just get your home ready for the season, Lauren Roebuck Designs can help. Shop Laurens new 6800 sq ft. area specifically for furniture, lighting, wall decor and beautiful rugs. All IN STOCK! Lauren Roebuck is also excited to announce that she is now carrying sofas, swivel rockers and upholstery chairs. So many new things coming in constantly, she is sure to have just what you need. Lauren and her knowledgeable staff are eager to help you transform your space to a welcoming retreat. They have a keen eye for design – creating luxe spaces with beautiful furnishings and décor. Lauren Roebuck Designs has a plethora of furniture including gorgeous sofas, accent chairs and side and coffee tables - not to mention a great selection of pillows. Need some light in your life? LRD also carries unique lighting options that can easily update outdated fixtures or add interest to your room. This one stop shop not only offers furnishings and textiles, but with Lauren’s professional design background, they can quickly help elevate your next project from drab to fab. But fine furniture and luxurious lighting isn’t all the LRD is known for. When it comes to seasonal décor and floral arrangements,

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Lauren and her team can create unique pieces for every season. From custom arrangements designed specifically for your space to one-ofa-kind florals to celebrate a momentous occasion, they can do it all. By combining seasonal elements and bright florals, her chic designs carry that “wow” factor, perfect for holiday entertaining or gift-giving. Need a gift for a new graduate or Mother’s Day? Lauren Roebuck Designs also carries great gift items for everyone on your list. From artisan creations to gorgeous photo frames, luxe candles to spring fragrances, her staff can help you find that perfect gift for your special someone. They currently have a large selection including the perfect summer tote bags, beach towels and amazing selection of different candles. Plus, they can even deliver goodies, making gift giving even easier! Be sure to follow Lauren Roebuck Designs on Facebook and Instagram so you can see the latest trends and decor the local shop has to offer. Stop in their new location or give them a call at 232-2032 to schedule a design consultation or place a custom floral design order. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Instagram: @Lauren_roebuck_designs Facebook: @LaurenRoebuckDesigns

VASER Liposuction

Ultrasound-Assisted Lipo to Re-Define Yourself!

IPOSUCTION IS THE MOST popular cosmetic procedure in the world. Most of us would like our extra fat removed. Currently, there are a number of different fat reduction methods offered. Some of these methods work while some may not. Invasive methods require small skin incisions through which the fat is extracted. In contrast, the various external non-invasive methods, such as those using cooling, can only promise fat shrinkage in the future. The gold standard remains to be a method in which the fat is actually removed, as opposed to methods which give only future promises of fat reduction. That method is the Vaserlipo® technique – a unique and minimally invasive method that successfully removes fat and redefines problem areas. What sets the Vaser apart is the emulsification of fat… where the fat is essentially melted using ultrasonic energy delivered to the fatty tissues via a small probe.

After emulsification, the fat is then suctioned from the body. The Vaser procedure is performed in the office using local anesthesia. No hospitalization is required. The removed fat is visible in a canister so there is no doubt as to the amount extracted. Contrast this to noninvasive methods which only promise fat reduction in the coming months. Vaser can be used for the removal of fat on the abdomen, the legs, the arms, double chin, and more with multiple areas often treated in a single procedure. Vaserlipo® is unique in its ability to target fat while leaving important tissues, such as nerves and blood vessels, intact. One or more very small incisions are required, typically only ¼-inch long. Postoperative recovery is fast, with minimal pain or bruising. With Vaserlipo®, there is greater comfort with less swelling, bruising, and downtime compared to traditional liposuction.

Vaserlipo® also promotes skin tightening for a smoother result – another advantage compared to other methods of liposuction. “I have been doing liposuction for over two decades,” says Dr. Coffman, who encourages men and women to research options and choose a qualified professional for this procedure. “And I have been doing Vaserlipo® over 10 years. As a matter of fact, we have the only Vaser unit in the area. We also offer several other unique and state-ofthe-art laser and cosmetic procedures that will be discussed in subsequent articles.” Meanwhile, you can visit us online at www.louisianacenterforwomenshealth.com for more information. If you have an interest in Vaserlipo®, call 318-387-3113 to schedule a consultation.

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Traditions on Trenton New Shipment Coming Soon

T CAN BE SAID THAT OUR DESIRE TO DECORATE WITH antiques comes from our innate need for a tangible connections to the past. While some are lucky enough to have antiques gifted from generations past, others fancy themselves collectors, often plundering through markets in search of that perfect piece. Humans have a soft spot for things that have endured longer than themselves, and a well-crafted dresser or dining table will far outlive the fastpaced trends of today and tomorrow. While trends may shift and fashions may change rapidly, few can deny that spaces with elements of history and heritage provide an ambiance of timeless appeal. A home filled with collectibles and antiquities reflects a sense of style that is deeply personal and exclusive. There is something magical about antiques and heirlooms that is unrivaled among modern interior design. Melanie Liles and Pam Wood, the creative team behind Traditions on Trenton, understand the value and rarity that antiques can bring to a space. Located in West Monroe, Louisiana, Traditions is the largest dealer of fine English and French antiques in North Louisiana – the largest from Dallas to Jackson and Baton Rouge to Little Rock.The pieces housed in their 6,000 square foot showroom have been meticulously curated over more than forty trips to Europe creating a truly one-of-a kind shopping experience. Traveling twice per year, Pam and Melanie have extensively scoured England, France and Belgium in search of exquisite items for the home. Each piece having a unique story; a history if you will. These antiques provide not only an anchor for your room, but also a connection to the past. With more than 25 years of experience the team at Traditions prides itself on bringing the unique and fun to life for their customers. Melanie and Pam enjoy being able to help their customers achieve a curated look without ever having to leave the country. Antiques should enliven a space with context and history, not to create a museum with velvet ropes. The contrast of contemporary pieces mingled with antiques makes a room feel vibrant and dynamic. Creating comfortable living spaces full of character and beauty. The only rule to finding the perfect antique for your space are to simply follow your heart. If you love it, you will always find a place for it. While COVID-19 may have put a damper of their travels across the pond, the ladies at Traditions on Trenton are thrilled to announce their first upcoming shipment since COVID-19 closed the world and restricted travel guidelines. With a new shipment arriving soon, there are sure to be new pieces to fall in love with. When searching for your next must have piece, we hope you consider Traditions on Trenton located at 313 Trenton Street, in downtown West Monroe. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shipment updates! Where Europe’s finest is our passion.

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The Platter & Sugar Bakery

Two Local Businesses Helping You Celebrate

HE PLATTER AND SUGAR BAKERY CAN HELP you with all the holidays and celebrations that are fast approaching! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9 and what better way to celebrate the special mom in your life than treating her to a day off. You can order catering, casseroles and more from The Platter so she doesn’t spend the day in the kitchen. If you are gathering with the entire family, what better way to celebrate than with a charcuterie platter? The Platter can customize a variety of platters from breakfast-themed including donuts to bacon to dessert-themed with chocolates and treats. Other favorites include All The Berries, Angel Platter, Bloody Mary Platter, to name a few. Of course, they offer a classic charcuterie board with meats and cheeses. Order a special dessert or cake to show mom just how sweet she is! Sugar Bakery offers cakes, pies, cupcakes, gourmet brownies, dipped strawberries and more. This month also marks graduation with plenty of celebrations and parties planned. Whether you are planning a simple backyard bash or a big celebration with friends and family, The Platter and Sugar Bakery can accommodate. Plus, for large parties, they can deliver and set up, making it a stress free celebration. You can get a custom cookie cake or special buttercream confection cake congratulating the graduate. The end of May brings Memorial Day, which is the official start of the summer season. And, with summer comes summer backyard parties. Whether you are planning a backyard BBQ or a summer swim party, The Platter and Sugar Bakery can provide the necessary food. A fun summer favorite is their Fruit Pizza, a delicious cookie crust topped with a cream cheese mixture, covered in fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more. Another fun dish to add to a swim party is strawberry kabobs, with strawberries, marshmallows and chocolate. These favorites make great treat sthat can be eaten on the go during a backyard bash. If your lazy summer days include slumber parties and movie nights, a movie night box from The Platter is a must. You can get one for each of your guests and they are filled with popcorn, pretzels, candy, fruit, marshmallows…whatever you want! And you can even enjoy The Platter and Sugar Bakery when you are on the road. You can order ahead of time to take trays, platters and boxes with you to the beach or the lake, so you can kick back and enjoy as soon as you arrive! The best kind of celebration is love! Things are getting back to normal and weddings are happening this summer. If you are looking to add a special touch to your wedding shower or reception, find out what all The Platter can do. Something that has become the talk of the town is their grazing tables. This is where an entire table is covered in cheeses, fruit, nuts, meat, condiments, crackers and more….they can customize to any flavor or preference. Guests will be talking about this presentation long after the happy couple make their exit. Whether you are planning a special date night, a backyard BBQ or a dream wedding, The Platter and Sugar Bakery can help make your celebration the best one yet. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see everything they have to offer and get some ideas of your own. You can call or text them at 318-450-7305 to WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 143

Experience the Good Life The Gardens at Georgia Tucker Expands

HE GARDENS AT GEORGIA TUCKER HAS OFFICIALLY been open for three years now and is already expanding into their second phase, which includes a memory care unit. The assisted living facility is located in the heart of the Garden District and is rich in community heritage. The building was home to the historic Georgia Tucker Elementary School and many people in the community have fond memories of attending school there. Phase One officially opened in 2018 and includes 20 charter residences, each having a unique ambiance that invites individual enhancement. Options include a one-bedroom apartment, a one-bedroom deluxe apartment and a two-bedroom apartment option. Everyone wants to enjoy an enriched living experience, and the residents of the Gardens at Georgia Tucker are no exception. The facility offers a variety of activities that enhance everyone’s lives including an on-site activities director, community theater, musical entertainment, birthday parties, cooking demonstrations, wine socials, themed events, church services and more. Just in the last month, residents have enjoyed exercise classes, devotionals, games, book club, coffee chats, walking club, yoga, trivia, crafts, flower arranging and much more. Assisted living encompasses many day-to-day routines that are important for the residents of the Gardens at Georgia Tucker. These include assistance with dressing and grooming, weekly housekeeping and linen service, personal laundry assistance, complete building and grounds maintenance, support call system, security protection and transportation vans. Phase two is currently under construction and includes an additional 20 apartments for residents. The connected, well-planned structure will complement the existing building, offering a dining room with a fullyequipped commercial kitchen for meal preparation and service. There will also be a private exercise room, an outdoor terrace and plenty of walkways for residents to enjoy the beauty of the Garden District. There are two options in this phase, a one-bedroom, approximately 550 square feet and a two-bedroom apartment, approximately 600 square feet. In addition to the 20 new apartments available, The Gardens at Georgia Tucker is excited to unveil their Memory Unit later this year. In this unit of specialized attention, you can rest assured your loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease receive an individualized plan of care that will maximize their quality of life and enhance their daily activities. The staff will be trained and assist in daily routines, and can help with bathing, dining, actives and overall well-being. This custom-designed Memory Care unit meets the needs of the community right here in Monroe. Every detail from the technology in place, to the private dining accommodations, was carefully and deliberately thought out with residents’ well-being in mind. The memory care services and amenities include everything already included at the Gardens at Georgia Tucker as well as activities specifically designed to enhance cognitive stimulation, facility accreditation and staff certification and more. If you are interested in The Gardens at Georgia Tucker for you or a loved one, set up a tour today! You can call 318-538-0040 to schedule an appointment and find more information on their website - GeorgiaTucker. com

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Morehouse General Hospital Serving the Community for Over 90 Years

OREHOUSE GENERAL HOSPITAL has been serving the needs of the community as a rural healthcare provider for over 90 years. Beyond the primary mission of providing high quality, cost effective health care services to patients, the hospital represents a vital community economic development asset. The hospital has made great strides in recent years to improve the healthcare in the community, but it is limited due to aging buildings with high maintenance costs and the lack of available space for expansion. With a plan in place to construct a new facility, Morehouse General Hospital will be able to fill the gaps in healthcare in our community. To kick-off the construction process, the Morehouse Healthcare Foundation will take the lead in fundraising efforts. The Morehouse Healthcare Foundation was established in 2017 as a supporting organization of the Morehouse General

Hospital and the community. The Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Its purpose is to philanthropically support Morehouse General Hospital’s capital projects, to help the hospital provide high quality health care and to improve the overall health of our community. We seek collaborations with community organizations, local businesses, and individuals to provide funding to make those goals a reality. Through our contribution opportunities, the Foundation offers residents and businesses a way to become stakeholders in the hospital and improve our community. The tax-deductible donations are used for hospital capital projects chosen by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Donations to the Foundation provide financial support to the hospital beyond what it receives through government reimbursements and patient revenues. The Healthcare Foundation’s goal,

through donations and fundraising events, is to raise $1 million in 2021. These funds will be used for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art hospital facility that will be operational by 2026. To contribute to the Healthcare Foundation, stay tuned for upcoming events including a charity fishing tournament at Bussey Brake on September 17th and the Healthcare Golf Classic on October 1st at Morehouse Country Club. If you would like more information on making a contribution or sponsoring an event, contact Brandy. Jones@mghospital.com.

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bayou icons

In Search of Antiques & Adventure For the past twenty-five years, Melanie Liles and Pam Wood have explored England and Europe as business partners and dear friends. Their businesses – Traditions on Trenton plus online shops Etsy, Ruby Lane, and Chairish – have given them both the perfect excuse to travel and to shop. Someone once said that life is meant for good friends and great adventures. These good friends have lived life to the fullest, and shared some memorable adventures along the way! GEORGIANN POT TS K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

One is a Louisiana native with roots running deep in North Louisiana. The other was born in Ohio, to parents who were native Mississippians. Those family connections in Mississippi helped create within her a “southern heart.” Although growing up geographically distant, both of these women possessed qualities essential to their future friendship and business: loyalty, honesty, and delicious senses of humor. They have needed all three to succeed. Childhood Memories Pam and Melanie speak lovingly of their childhoods, even though both were spent differently in some ways. Both were blessed with stayat-home moms who saw to it that their daughters experienced the fun and freedom that childhood offers. Their dads worked in businesses (Pam’s dad was a building contractor and owned Allen Construction, and Melanie’s dad was in the automotive business) to support their families while their mothers managed the households and taught their children strong management skills by example. For Pam, the rural countryside around Archibald and Mangham was her home territory that provided the backdrop for many early adventures. Keeping up with her two brothers turned Pam into something of a tomboy, and playing with cousins and friends nearby kept her busy. Like the other children, Pam always wanted to be outdoors, playing and exploring. “Electronics were nonexistent, and though I now have my fair share of them and use them regularly, back then we made our own fun,” Pam explains with a laugh. “There was always something going on and plenty to do.” For Melanie, home growing up was Columbus, Ohio. She went to school in Upper Arlington, Ohio, a charming small town on the outskirts of the much larger Columbus. This gave her a childhood blessed with both “worlds” – suburban and urban. She also enjoyed going to Camp Sequoya near Abington, Virginia, for eight years. “Going to Camp Sequoya taught me to be independent,” Melanie says. “I made life-long friendships there. Because I was an only child, friendships have always been very important to me.” To add to the mix, each year Melanie’s parents would spend at least a month “back home” in Mississippi. There Melanie, an only child, got to enjoy aunts, uncles, and cousins who instilled in her a love for the south. The large family holiday gatherings in Mississippi brought the entire family together.

bayou icons Because her family has deep roots in Richland Parish, Pam also enjoyed the pleasure that family gatherings with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins can bring. She remembers their “impromptu fish fries” as among her favorite family events. Summers also meant taking turns, staying at each other’s homes – a kind of rural “summer camp.”

the antique business. The “hunt” was as much fun as the “find” to her, and gave her an excuse to travel, meet really interesting and wonderful people, and to “support” her antiquing habit! Both ladies are emphatic about the importance of the support – emotionally and financially -- that their husbands gave to them when they ventured out into antiques as a business instead of a hobby. Both agree that Rusty, a regional bank president, and Formal and Informal Education Arthur, a urologist, could not have been more encouraging. Each Both Pam and Melanie had early career interests. Pam wanted man had stressful careers, but they found time to encourage their to be a nurse when she grew up, and Melanie’s early career interest wives to “step out” and follow their dreams. was in social work. The common denominator was that they both From a practical perspective, the husbands also came through. wanted to work in some capacity helping others. For Pam and Melanie to start their business, they needed seed Pam attended Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) where money. Rusty and Arthur loaned them $6,500 so that they could English, math, and history were favorite buy an estate in Alabama. “When they stopped subjects. Melanie followed her family’s mentioning loan repayment, we stopped tradition and attended Millsaps College in making the payments,” Melanie says with a “Our advice would be Jackson, Mississippi, majoring in sociology. laugh. Both ladies say that their husbands were to not only read and Some years later, she earned a Masters in clearly proud of their wives’ success, and were research everything they history (a degree that reflected her love “ahead of their time” in helping their wives to could get their hands on but for antiques). Both later added Sotheby’s achieve. also to get out there and see Antique School in London and the Southern The two began by offering their Living Antique School in Charleston to their antiques for sale in antique malls where they for themselves the different education. Clearly, their love of history and were known as “The Antique Ladies”. After types of antiques.” antiques was meant to bring them together as some time, they decided to take the leap and successful businesswomen. form a company. The name, Traditions on Trenton, was a joint decision. “Traditions” came from their shared Love and Marriage value for family traditions. The “on Trenton” part was their tip Melanie met her husband, Arthur, while both were students of the hat to the iconic English towns that they loved (Newark at Millsaps. Pam met her late husband, Rusty, while they were on Trenton, Stow-on-the-Wold, etc.). It was a brilliant marketing in high school. For each, these important life choices not only move to attract English buyers to their wares. positively impacted their lives, but also their future careers. Pam worked for an attorney in Rayville (Warren Hunt) and Oh, the Places (They) Will Go later worked in Monroe for the Snellings, Breard, Sartor, Inabnett, It is easy to think of Dr. Seuss and his book, Oh, the Places We and Trasher law firm. She loved both jobs, and often said that Will Go, when one hears some of the many adventures that Pam not a day went by during which she didn’t learn something new. and Melanie have experienced together through their business. After she married, Pam and Rusty bought the family farm in They are living proof that a sense of humor is indeed critical to Cadeville and she turned her full attention to rearing their three survival in their business. children and turning the farm into a home. “The most personally Pam and Melanie have traveled to England and Europe over rewarding – and biggest challenge – in my life has been being a forty times, and filled up several passports each. With a chuckle, mother. I must say that it was very gratifying work, and I loved they say that their shippers in England refer to them as “the girls” every minute of it,” Pam remembers. and are always wondering what trouble they are going to get into. Melanie worked in Bossier Parish Child Protection for eight That curiosity is well-placed! years while Arthur was in medical school and training. When her While on a buying trip to Europe, Pam lost her front tooth in a husband did a fellowship in Houston, she volunteered in Child baguette in Belgium. They had a flight to England, so they superProtection there, as well. Her early work in a settlement house in glued it at the airport. “My finger was stuck in her mouth briefly,” Ohio, and later volunteering at The Methodist Children’s Home Melanie says. “By the way, using the super glue for a quick dental in Jackson, Mississippi, helped prepare her for this work. “It was repair is not recommended by dentists!” definitely one of the most rewarding experiences in my life,” she Actually, several of their adventures have concerned airports, says. “You learn that you can do almost anything if you can fight either directly or indirectly. Once Rusty sent them off with a lovely to protect children.” box of chocolate candy. As they sat in the Crown Room at the Atlanta airport munching on their chocolates, it occurred to them Husbands Offer Support that they had forgotten Atlanta is an hour later in time zone than Pam traces her love for antiques back to the times that she and Monroe. They ran to their gate, only to find the plane gone and a Rusty would go to estate sales, looking for interesting furniture to lady sweeping the area. The tale ended well, however. They were fill their home. Rusty had always loved antiques, and was quite able to bribe the Delta agent with chocolate so they could get on good at repairing and refinishing the pieces. “He was my personal the next flight. mentor because I learned so much from him,” she recalls. “He was Another memorable – and even more hair-raising adventure the ultimate encourager, always supportive. I think he enjoyed – began with a frantic call from Melanie to Pam, telling her that living vicariously through my adventures with the shop!” she could not find her passport. The call came just as Pam was Melanie had loved antiques all of her life and after having leaving home for the airport, so there wasn’t a moment to spare. two children found herself exploring an entirely new career path – “Trust us, a passport can be gotten in Atlanta in a 4-hour layover,” 148 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Pam reports. “When Melanie’s passport was reissued, everyone in the Passport Office stood up and cheered!” Melanie made it back and boarded just as the doors were being closed. Pam was waiting for her with her carry-on luggage and a glass of champagne. During the first few trips, Pam was the driver with Melanie “working” the roadmaps. On one of these, Pam forgot her driver’s license and was unable to drive in England. There was no choice – Melanie had to drive. “I learned under fire to drive in England, and I got us stuck in a cow pasture,” Melanie says with a grin. “We had to have the car towed. I got used to it over time, though, and now my problem is remembering to drive on the right when I get back home. Watch out if you see me coming!” Once when going to France to buy, the two decided to leave their rental care on the coast of England with the plan to retrieve it when they finished the French portion of their trip. On their return trip, they took the Chunnel from France and fell asleep. They woke up in London! They quickly took a train back to the English coast where they found their car, safe and sound. As luck would have it, Pam and Melanie were at an outdoor antique fair in England when the terrorist planes hit the twin towers in New York City. Their shippers and English antique dealers ran to give them the horrifying news. They quickly learned that all flights anywhere had been canceled and that they were facing days before they would be able to leave the country. Both say that the English could not have been more accommodating or nicer to the two stranded ladies. They learned that there was going to be a special tribute to the victims at Westminster Abbey, so they decided to go. They arrived late and were standing at the door when they noticed a limousine arriving. To their surprise, Mick Jagger jumped out (“wearing a pea green suit”) and walked toward the Abbey’s entrance. Pam and Melanie were hurried into the Abbey just behind Jagger because everyone assumed they were with him. The ladies were seated right behind Jagger. They caught one of the first flights out five days later, armed with priceless memories! “One lady asked if she could audition for us for American television,” Melanie recalls. There were other, somewhat smaller adventures. Melanie fell out of an antique dealer’s truck in England and broke her foot. They had to have their car towed in Bath. And there was the time they had just spent an especially long and stressful day and were in the parking lot, unloading their car and tagging their purchases. They decided to treat themselves, and ordered champagne delivered to them right there at the lot. Time’s Passage and the Pandemic Among Pam’s favorite travel memories was a trip she took after her husband retired. They flew to England, rented a car in Manchester, and traveled all over northern England and Scotland using Rusty’s family genealogy (he had composed a notebook with all the family information that he had to take along) as a guide. They sought out people and places that he had always wanted to track down. Their search was fruitful, thanks to the documented history that they uncovered. A leisurely trip back to the States aboard the Queen Mary completed the adventure. Five years ago, Pam lost her beloved husband, Rusty. The adjustment has been gradual, but with the support of her children and grandchildren, it has gradually happened. Melanie and Arthur are also enjoying their two children and their families. They have five grandchildren, and love spending time together with their entire family as often as possible. In May, they will be touring the country in their Roadtrek van, a pastime that they both enjoy. Yellowstone is their destination, with a grandson in tow.

ADVENTURES AWAIT

AT LEFT: Melanie and Pam with one of their favorite dealers in front of his home. THIS PIC: One of their most loved places to stay.

THIS PIC: The hotel Melanie and Pam would stay when they first started. AT RIGHT: Trip to Moss Mountain Farm with ladies from the shop.

THIS PIC: Chelsie Flower Show in London. AT RIGHT: Having High Tea at the Orangery at Kensignton Palace with Charlotte Breard and Janet White.

Technology has directly impacted their business. At the beginning, Pam and Melanie would be driving somewhere in the middle of France or England without a GPS or a cell phone. “Neither of us were very good at reading maps, so this was quite the challenge,” Pam remembers. “We also didn’t have bank accounts or know how to wire money so we were always traveling with large sums of cash. What’s the old saying about babies and fools?” More Than Ready to Travel Again When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, all travel was curtailed. Shipping between England and the USA became more difficult – and expensive – and BREXIT complicated things, as well. Now, as restrictions are beginning to be lifted, they are feeling the travel urge once again. When they do finally get back to England, Melanie predicts that they are going to “blow it out!”! When asked recently if they were to encounter a young person considering a career in antiques, what advice would they give? They were quick to respond. “Our advice would be to not only read and research everything they could get their hands on but also to get out there and see for themselves the different types of antiques,” they said. “Books and iPads are good, but nothing compares to seeing and touching the real thing. Also buy only what you like. It’s hard to sell if you don’t. We always did this because we knew if a piece didn’t sell, one of us would have to take it home!” It is clear that these two have learned the joy that friendship and a shared interest --- and a love for adventure --- can bring. As Mark Twain once advised, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

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FOREVER FRIENDS Someone once said that life is meant for good friends and great adventures. Melanie and Pam have lived life to the fullest, and shared some memorable adventures along the way!

Hopkins Dermatology Offering the Latest in Dermatology

OPKINS DERMATOLOGY IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE the launch of the XTRAC excimer laser system, within our Monroe location, for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, vitiligo and certain forms of atopic dermatitis. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes loss of pigment in the skin affecting all ages and ethnicities. XTRAC laser is the first FDA approved system that uses targeted narrow bandUVB light for the treatment of these chronic cutaneous skin conditions. These conditions, which can cause physical and emotional distress to those affected by them, are often difficult to treat with topical therapy alone requiring multiple treatment modalities: systemic treatment with biologics and/or treatment with laser therapy on the skin’s surface. XTRAC laser is a simple, painless procedure that provides rapid and effective results with less side effects than other forms of therapy. The XTRAC laser can be used on most all areas of the body even in difficult to treat areas, such as the scalp or hands, with significant improvement, and is approved for treatment of all ages. Treatment parameters are individualized per patient, but generally, while treating psoriasis and other dermatoses, at least 10 or more treatments per area are required. After receiving the series of treatments, the patient can expect clearance in the treated areas for around 4-6 months with the use of laser therapy alone. Patients utilizing other forms of treatment, along with the XTRAC laser, saw clearance up to 12 months. Patients with vitiligo can expect the start of re-pigmentation as rapidly as 6-12 treatments. Many factors determine the estimated number of treatments that will be required, and clarification will be given, by prescription, from Dr. Janine Hopkins or Anna Grace Livingston, AGNP-C, in a private appointment. Hopkins Dermatology is excited to offer another cuttingedge solution to our patients for better clinical outcomes and quality of life for those suffering from the difficult to treat, chronic conditions. For more information on the treatment, or for a consultation to inquire if you are a candidate for XTRAC laser treatment, please call our office at (318)325-0600. Hopkins Dermatology is a private practice owned by Dr. Janine Hopkins that has been serving Northeast Louisiana for 25 years. Dr. Hopkins, alongside her Nurse Practitioner, Anna Grace Livingston, AGNP-C, treats patients for both cosmetic and general dermatology needs. Anna Grace has been a part of Dr. Hopkins’ practice for five years, first serving as an RN, and more recently in the past two years, serving as Nurse Practitioner. Anna Grace sees patients aged 13 and up for general dermatology needs and specializes in acne, rosacea, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, hair loss and general skin cancer screenings. She is also competent in performing all laser procedures within the practice, specifically specializing in laser tattoo removal. Anna Grace is eager to assess and treat patients using the new XTRAC laser system to address our patients’ needs.

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Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Experience Achievers of Louisiana Can Do it All

PRING AND SUMMER ARE SEASONS OF SUN, BARBEQUE and outdoor living. There is something welcoming about lush grass and green trees that come with the spring, along with sun boosting your vitamin D levels. Considering we live in Louisiana, a place full of great food, friends and fun outdoor activities, we enjoy being home with our family and pets. Uncertain weather, mosquitos and unwelcome critters can make our fun outdoor experiences feel less than perfect. Let’s consider some upgrades to make your existing outdoor area better or give it a full makeover. An easy upgrade is a new door or windows. If you have issues with your current door, whether it is old and broken or solid and unwelcoming, we have beautiful traditional and modern options to open up the area with functionality and quality. If you have the space and your home’s structure allows it, expand your door from a single door to a French door or a triple glass sliding door. If your door is solid, design a new door with windows to allow additional light into your home and brighten your space. If you have an existing patio area, you can upgrade the cover to a patio top. Patio tops can be customized with recessed lighting, ceiling fans and decorative accents, such as shiplap and wooden support beams. You could add retractable screens to help keep out mosquitos and reduce sun glare. Cabinets, siding and stone accents are available

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to elevate the style and functionality of the space. Concrete flooring can be painted, stained or tiled over for a beautiful and comfortable walking area. Add a deck for extra walking space or a pergola for an attractive garden feature and shade. Sunrooms and screen rooms are a different experience when it comes to indoor/outdoor options. Screen rooms are perfect if you want a contained area but still experience an outdoor environment and seasonal temperatures. You can screen in a patio top or an existing patio area. Sunrooms allow you to see the outdoors from a temperaturecontrolled space without experiencing the elements. It is a beautiful space to house sun loving plants and a nice seating area where you can read your new book and sip on some tea. Upgrade your sunroom with large sliding windows that have screens so you can open them for fresh air. Lastly, the most obvious upgrades are what you fill your new space with. You can furnish your space, add rugs, plants and decor to provide a beautiful, yet comfortable, space for enjoying the company of your friends and family. When it comes to your home improvement needs, whether it’s upgrading your outdoor space, remodeling your kitchen and bathrooms, or replacing windows, doors, roofing and siding, call Achievers of Louisiana because “We Do It All!”

Take Your Sleep to a Different Level American Mattress Outlet Offers Adjustable Bases

OU WORK HARD - AND YOUR BODY WORKS HARD too. When you get a good night’s sleep, you wake up restored and ready to handle whatever the world throws your way. We all know the health benefits of a great night’s sleep; but sometimes external factors make quality sleep more elusive than we would like. This is where the sleep experts at American Mattress Outlet come in. Adjustable bases, while not a new technology, are making a rise among American homes. For many the first thing that comes to mind when you think of adjustable bed is a hospital bed, but these modern options are far from your standard hospital bed, providing sleepers with benefits to upgrade relaxation and improve sleep. On average roughly 70% of American adults report the struggle with insufficient sleep at least one night every month, while more than 10% report insufficient sleep every night. It is estimated that 50 to 70 million American of all ages suffer from sleep-related problems. Adjustable bases provide sleepers with extensive medical benefits to combat the ongoing restlessness so many experience. Adjustable bases have been shown to significantly improve the quality of sleep for individuals suffering from acid reflux disease or GERD, (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) as well as those suffering from arthritis and chronic back pain. Adjustable bases give sleepers a more ergonomic sleep solution, often mitigating the need for over the

counter medications and mountains of pillows. In addition to their many medical benefits, adjustable bases may even improve your relationship! Does your partner snore? For many couples snoring is a major point of bedtime contention, forcing many couples to seek out alternative sleeping arrangements and even surgical intervention. Adjustable bases allow individuals and their partners to elevate the head of the bed diminishing the late night disturbance. Adjustable beds can provide additional comfort for resting and relaxation; whether you’re binge watching your favorite show, or reading before bed, adjustable bases essentially turn your bed into the perfect space for relaxation, no more need for the infamous pile of pillows that never stay in place. Simply press a button and recline into a prime relaxation position. Don’t forget to shop the newest styles from Southerland, Thermo-Balance, Scandinavian Sleep and the Dreamer Line for Englander. The team at American Mattress Outlet is prepared to help you take your sleep to the next level, literally! Visit Robby and the team today at 2200 North 7th Street, Suite A in West Monroe or reach them by phone at 318.366.5565. You can also visit them online at www.americanmattressoutletwm.comor follow them on Facebook.

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Infant Swimming Resource Bringing Awareness to Water Safety

CCORDING TO THE U.S. CENTERS for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4. A child is 17 times more likely to die in water than a car wreck. Overwhelmingly, water near the home poses the most frequent and continued threat for a family. All caregivers are encouraged to be trained in CPR and Parents are encouraged to install layers of protection in and around their homes to keep their families safe. BARRIERS A permanent, four-sided pool fence that encloses the entire pool is a great first step. Fences should be at least 4 feet in height and be equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates. Locks and alarms should also be installed well out of reach of children on all doors and windows leading to the pool. Be sure to also check for any other access points, including the often-overlooked dog doors!

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SUPERVISION Watching children constantly around the water, no matter their skill level, is absolutely necessary. Designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher” and segment supervision in 15-minute increments. Also, make sure that water watchers verbally acknowledge that they are on duty so that there is no confusion as to who is responsible for watching the child in the pool. NO FLOTATION DEVICES Do not rely on flotation devices such as puddle jumpers and floaties. These flotation devices create a false confidence in the water and zero competence. Small children do not have the cognitive ability to understand the flotation device is what is keeping them above water. Parents are encouraged to always be in the water with their children and teach them it’s NOT OK to be in the water without mom and dad.

SKILL THE CHILD When layers of protection fail, your child’s ability to self-rescue is the only thing that will save his/her life. Your child should be taught how to roll onto their back independently and maintain a back float until rescued. Your child may also learn how to flip over and swim to an exit. These skills are called self-rescue. Infant Swimming Resource Self-Rescue® lessons are an added layer of protection for families, as the ISR program teaches children 6 months – 6 years old how to save themselves should they find the water alone. ISR Lessons are 1 on 1, 10 minutes per day (Monday Friday) for 4 - 6 weeks. Babies 6 months to 18 months will learn to roll back and float. Children over 18 months - 6 years will learn the swim-float-swim sequence. For more information on water safety and to learn more about ISR, please visit www.infantswim.com.

Bella Magnolia Features Furniture and More Local Store Has a Variety of Home Decor

ELLA MAGNOLIA OPENED AT Christmas of 2020 and has been furnishing homes across Northeast Louisiana ever since. The local store is owned and operated by Kristan Berry, who has decades of design experience. Kristan has clients that she decorates for, especially around the holidays, so when the space next to her business, Spa Bella, became available, it was a natural fit. Berry has owned Spa Bella for almost two years but hasn’t stepped away from her love of design. “I am still involved in design and the home decorating world,” said Kristan. “I am always staying informed on what is on trend and what people are looking for so opening Bella Magnolia has been a dream!” Spa Bella and Bella Magnolia are located on Wood Street in the heart of downtown West Monroe, just around the corner from Trenton Street and Antique Alley. Bella Magnolia is filled with table top decor, table settings, wall decor and more. They also have furniture to fill your home, from tables to sofas to seating.

Additionally, they have mirrors and light fixtures as well. One of the things that sets Bella Magnolia apart is the expertise and experience that Kristan brings to the table…. literally. She can help you pick out the perfect dining room table to compete your home, select a sofa or find the odds and ends to finish out your bookcases or gallery walls. No home is complete without a signature scent and Bella Magnolia has just that. They have an entire wall filled with candles from Milkhouse Candle Co, including their signature candle - The Bella Magnolia candle, which features a unique home cologne fragrance. It is sure to leave your home feeling…and smelling…warm and welcoming! These candles are made from a blend of pure beeswax and natural soy wax from soybeans grown in America’s midwest. No artificial dyes are added and there is no lead in the wicks, providing a safe and cleanburning alternative to paraffin candles. Other favorite scents include Lemon Grass Tree,

Sweet Woods, Oatmeal Milk and Honey, Coffee Break, just to name a few. These would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift! In addition to items in Bella Magnolia, Spa Bella is full of treats for mom as well! Spa Bella carries the entire line of Bathhouse Soapery, a handmade soap, bath and beauty company from Hot Springs, Arkansas. They have soaps, soaking salts, bath bombs and scrubs, body butter, room and linen sprays and more. With scents like lavender, gardenia, honey almond and more, there is something for every mom. You can always get a gift certificate for permanent makeup, microblading, a massage or a manicure. Mom can come in and get pampered, leaving refreshed and relaxed! Whether you are looking to refresh your home or get a gift for mom or the graduate on your list, Bella Magnolia and Spa Bella has everything you need!

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Shelter Insurance College Scholarships Awarded

Shelter Insurance® Foundation and Agent James Bradly Smith Sponsor Local High School

N MAY 2021, THE SHELTER INSURANCE® FOUNDATION awarded three $2,000 scholarships to graduates of West Monroe High School. Shelter Agent James Bradly Smith sponsors and partially funds this scholarship annually, as a means of giving back to his community, and has contributed $50,000 to West Monroe High School seniors to date. A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipients. The committee based their selection process on each applicant’s scholastic achievements, education goals, citizenship, moral character and participation, and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarships were awarded without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin, or gender of the applicants. Brock Moore, Ethan Treno, and Lily Whittington are this year’s winners of the 2021 Shelter Insurance® Foundation Scholarship Giveaway. Brock Moore, son of Ron and Kristy Moore, will be attending Louisiana Tech University in Ruston seeking a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ethan Treno, son of Brian and Amanda Treno, is planning on attending Central Baptist College in the fall and majoring in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Lily Whittington, daughter of Vera Whittington, will be furthering her education at the University of Louisiana Monroe while seeking a degree in the arts, with a concentration towards graphic design or possibly animation.

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The scholarship recipients may apply awarded funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation and leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university. The Shelter Insurance Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies - offering auto, home, life, farm, and business insurance services to customers in 14 states via a network of local insurance agents and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. As your Shelter agent, James Bradly Smith can help you make sure you get the right coverage at the right price while providing the quality service you expect. Feel free to give him a call to discuss your insurance options today! Proudly serving West Monroe, Louisiana, and surrounding areas. James Bradly Smith 2916 Cypress St, Ste 4 West Monroe, LA 71291 318-322-0171 (Office) BradJSmith@ShelterInsurance.com Open: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Downtown Ruston Main Street We Hope to See You Soon

S WE THINK BACK TO MARCH OF 2020, THE uncertainty of the pandemic kept many of us awake with worry about what our small business community would look like one year later. So many of them found creative solutions to the challenges that COVID brought their way. The traditional brick-andmortar stores were dwindling under the restrictions that were put in place for the safety of our communities. Ideas like store pick-up, food delivery, product changes, and e-commerce were the topic of discussion for many of our local merchants. Most of our businesses, with the help of PPP and grants, like the Main Street Recovery Grant, found creative ways to stay afloat. Fast forward a little over a year later, and things are looking up in Downtown Ruston. In a recent Main Street Meeting, we announced that we have had nine new businesses open since March of 2020. In a year when we expected a major decline, we were fortunate. We are excited to welcome Boutique Barr, Park Haus, The Collective, J & W Music, Limitless Grooming Lounge, Reverie Hair, Walker and Co, Rick’s Radio Mix, and Ruston Cleaning Services (an existing business that moved downtown). New businesses are not the only exciting thing happening in Downtown Ruston, Art in the Park on May 1st is going to be a great day to visit. This event kicks off the month-long Outdoor Art Show

from the North Louisiana Arts Council. There will be activities for the family and live music in Railroad Park from 11 am- 1 pm, the RHS Senior Art Show in Esma’s Alley from 10 am – 2 pm, and the Friends of the Ruston Skate Park Demo Day in the Historic Fire Station from 12 pm -3 pm; it is sure to be fun for everyone. We are also excited to partner with Experience Ruston for the 71st Annual Peach Festival. Saturday, June 5th will be a day full of live music, an art and maker’s market, children’s activities, food vendors, and more. For more information about the Peach Festival, check out www.lapeachfest.com On top of all of the new things happening, there are still your favorites, too. The Farmer’s Market is in full swing this spring with more vegetables available every week. Their regular hours are every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. They are located at 220 East Mississippi Ave, in Downtown Ruston. Come find a spot on one of the patios of our downtown restaurants, enjoy a great meal with your friends. Shop at some of the best boutiques around, get your LA Tech game gear, or find a treasure for your home. There is plenty to do and see in Downtown Ruston. We hope to see you, soon! facebook- @downtownrustonla insta-@downtownruston

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Ella Kate Parker Ella Kate Parker may not be a name you have ever heard before today, but it is certainly one you should remember. Whether you follow gymnastics religiously, or you only remember how cool it is during the Olympics or when an LSU floor routine goes viral on your Facebook feed, Ella Kate Parker should be on your radar as she is making a name for herself on the national stage. riginally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Ella Kate was the AllAround winner in the Women’s Junior Division at the 2021 Winter Cup in Indianapolis, Indiana, this past February. For reference, Ella Kate competed in the 12-15 year old division. In the 16 and up division at this same meet competitors included Laurie Hernandez, Jordan Chiles, and many other Olympic hopefuls. Her first-place finish at this USA Gymnastics qualifier earned her a spot on the Women’s Junior US National Team, and she will go on to compete in the US Championships in Fort Worth this June. At just thirteen years old, this is only the beginning of Ella Kate’s gymnastic career. With such a large title under her belt already, it is not hard to imagine that she’ll go far. Her hopes for the future include qualifying for Olympic trials in three years when she’s sixteen, getting to compete on the international level, and getting a scholarship to a Division I NCAA university gymnastics program.

L AUR A CASON

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MELINDA MURPHY PHOTOGR APHY

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Ella Kate Parker, originally from West Monroe, was the All-Around winner in the Women’s Junior Division at the 2021 Winter Cup in Indianapolis, Indiana, this past February. Photos by John Cheng

In many ways Ella Kate is far from the average 13-year-old. Despite all her success, Ella Kate is an exceedingly kind-hearted and humble girl. She exhibits a level of discipline and drive that not many 13-year olds can boast. She first started gymnastics at the age of four and fell in love with it right away. Ella Kate currently trains at Cincinnati Gymnastics in Ohio.. She’s only been with her current gym for a little less than a year, having previously trained in Texarkana, Texas, but she loves it. She says her coaches are very supportive and really believe in her ability. They push her to train hard and be the best she can be. The transition to this new gym has come with a lot of sacrifice. She and her mother, Cynthia, live in Ohio almost all year in order to train. They rent an apartment near her gym and only get to come home for visits one week at a time, whenever Ella Kate has breaks from training or around holidays. Her dad, Thomas, comes to stay with them for one week a month. While Ella Kate admits that it’s been hard to be so far from her brothers and dad most of the time, she says this new gym has truly been worth it. She’s now able to get the kind of coaching that helped her during the Winter Cup this year and, with continued work, will hopefully help her realize all her gymnastic dreams.

Besides spending five to six hours a day, six days a week, training and working out, Ella Kate also has to keep up with her school work. She is enrolled at Ouachita Christian School in Monroe, where her teachers and mother work together to tutor her privately every day via Facetime after she has finished training. She also tries to eat very health-consciously and go to bed around 8pm every night in order to perform her best. Despite all that, when I asked her if she liked training or if she felt like it was boring, she told me that, honestly, she loves it. Ella Kate says sometimes training “feels like work, work, work, but then you get to those nice results and it pays off, like you know you have something to work towards.” That payoff is the most rewarding part of gymnastics for her and what she believes makes gymnastics unique. She excitedly told me how this most recent meet was full of pomp and circumstance and how cool it was for her to be a part of it. When I asked her what it was like getting to compete at the same meet as future and past Olympians and whether their paths ever crossed, she told me how exciting it was to see them at training days and what an incredibly exhilarating time it was for her. She and her mom both expressed to me that they were just happy for her to be competing at such a large meet, and they had no idea she would take the All-Around title. When I asked if she still gets nervous for meets, especially performing on such a big stage, she said she does, but competing is her favorite part of gymnastics. Her least favorite part? Rips. Rips are separations of the upper layers of skin in the palm of the hand or around the wrists from the lower layers of blood-rich tissue. These rips are caused from a tight grip on bars or callous buildup on your hands and can often result in open wounds and blisters. What makes them Ella Kate’s least favorite part, aside from the obvious pain, is that you have to keep training while you have them. Dealing with rips is just one example of the physical and mental fortitude this 13-year old displays. Besides training with open wounds on her hands, constantly falling, and working out six hours a day, she also told me a “funny” story about carpet burning her whole face and busting her lip so badly that she tore her frenulum, all while giggling. Tough doesn’t even begin to describe this tiny blonde powerhouse. Like many professional athletes, Ella Kate has several pre-meet rituals that help her prepare mentally for competition. The first she told me about was the practice she and her mother developed of writing encouraging quotes and Bible verses on her mirror leading up to the meet. She said that they also make sure to spend some time just relaxing beforehand to calm her nerves. Once the time comes to turn it on, Ella Kate relies on her two favorite songs, “Fly” by Avril Lavigne, an anthem about believing in yourself and your own ability to perform, and the classic novelty song “Witch Doctor” as popularized by Alvin and The Chipmunks. Although that may seem like a random selection, Ella Kate assures me there’s a backstory. Before one meet earlier in her gymnastics career, her brother

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played “Witch Doctor” and sang and danced along to it with her to help her keep from getting nervous. It was such a good time that ever since then, it’s become a part of her pre-meet routine. Once at the meet, Ella Kate says the environment is really fun and competitive. She told me that unlike other sports, where you go to meets with a team, you are scored individually. Despite that, she said all her teammates are very supportive of each other and encouraging. She has also gotten to make friends with other gymnasts all over the country. Ella Kate says all her friends and teammates cheer one another on. Even though they are technically competing against each other, they actually view it more as competing against your own previous personal records, and that enables them to truly root for one another and wish every girl well on her performance. Ella Kate says the atmosphere at meets is high energy and quite loud. You can tell the excitement and adrenaline of competition are key motivators for her. As is this case with most elite athletes, she performs well under pressure. Her favorite event to compete in is floor exercise. She loves the music and being up on the platform in front of everyone, performing and dancing. The showmanship involved in floor exercise appeals to her self-confidence and personality. And despite her initial shyness, self-confident is definitely a word I would use to describe Ella Kate. It’s a rare 13-year old that can perform at her level physically, but an even rarer one that can withstand the mental pressure of being judged at the high standard gymnasts are. Keeping that in mind, Ella Kate is constantly working to perfect her routines and skills for competition. While even the simplest of her skills are likely to be well outside most of our inflexible reaches, Ella Kate flips and turns and tumbles with a grace we can only ever hope to see in person someday. One skill she is particularly excited about perfecting, and has yet to showcase during competition, is a triple flight on the balance beam. Any skills in which the gymnast is suspended above the beam are classified as flight skills, and a triple means a combination of three flight skills back-to-back. It’s all very hush-hush as to the specifics, but maybe we will get to see her execute it in June. 160 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

T R I P L E T H R E AT

One skill Ella Kate is particularly excited about perfecting, and has yet to showcase during competition, is a triple flight on the balance beam. Any skills in which the gymnast is suspended above the beam are classified as flight skills, and a triple means a combination of three flight skills back-to-back. World Cup Photos by John Cheng

hen she’s not hard at work training for her next competition, Ella Kate loves to play ping pong with her dad, play tennis with her four brothers (Andrew, Jack, Cole, and Sam), and bake. Ella Kate is especially proud of her brothers. She was really excited to tell me that her brother was recently named Valedictorian of his graduating class, and her mom assured me that they are just as proud of her. Quality time with her brothers and dad is really important to her. During the holidays when she comes home, she says the best times are when all of her family sit down to watch a movie and talk and laugh with each other. It has become something of a Christmas tradition in her family for them to request every year that she make her glazed cream cheese sugar cookies, their favorite of her baked goods. You can tell that her family is one of the most important parts of her life and the time she spends with them is cherished. While it must be difficult to spend so much time apart from them, it is obvious that she is supported and loved by her whole family. She told me that her mom is her biggest supporter and her favorite thing to do when she has down time after training and school is watch Gilmore Girls with her. Ella Kate also told me she has a huge sweet tooth, and her favorite food to eat is brownies and ice cream, which she enjoys sparingly, of course. With such a supportive family, a mom willing to sacrifice so much, coaches who are dedicated to her, and her own motivated drive for perfection, it’s hard to imagine that anything will keep Ella Kate from succeeding on her path through gymnastics and life. Who knows, in three years’ time, we may get to cheer her on at the Summer Olympics in Paris 2024. Until then, we wish her all the best on the road to success and especially this June at the US Championships!

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Marion State Bank

Appoints New Member to its Board of Directors

ARION STATE BANK IS PLEASED TO APPOINT ROBERT D. Lane, President and CEO of Daniel Green Oil Company, Inc. and Mineral Lands, Inc., to its Board of Directors effective January 13, 2021. Robert’s great-grandfather, H.D. Green, served as the bank’s President for 17 years prior to being elected Chairman of the Board in 1963 where he served another 17 years. Robert looks forward to following in his great-grandfather’s footsteps by serving this great bank and community for years to come. He is joining the Board at an exciting time as we continue growth in many areas, and we are confident that his experience in the financial industry will only benefit the bank’s customers and employees even greater. Although Robert’s family is firmly planted in Union Parish, he was born and raised in Monroe and graduated from Neville High School where he was a Parade All-American in football and baseball. On scholarship at the University of Mississippi, he achieved much success on and off the football field, earning his bachelor’s degree in Parks Recreation and Leadership Management. The Ole Miss graduate returned to his roots where he began a thriving career in the insurance industry. Robert is an independent insurance agent and provides financial services from his office within Reeves Coon & Funderburg, where he focuses on comprehensive life insurance, disability insurance, and annuities for families, estates, as well as commercial life insurance partnership plans. Robert also recently took over Daniel Green Oil Company in Marion for his late grandfather, Daniel B. Green. Robert and his wife, Emily, are raising their twin daughters, Olivia and Landry, in Monroe but spend much of their time at their camp on the Ouachita River at Alabama Landing. Robert is an avid outdoorsman and can typically only be found on Hogue Island with the twins during hunting season. During football season, he proudly shines under the Friday night lights as a color commentator for the Neville Tiger Network. Robert and Emily are both coaches for the Monroe Youth Girls Softball League where Robert also serves as a board member. They are proud members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. ABOUT MARION STATE BANK Marion State Bank takes great pride in being the only bank based in Union Parish and was chartered in 1907. With $200 million in total assets, four branch locations, a deposit/loan operations center, one mortgage loan production office, and over fifty employees, Marion State Bank continues to grow and thrive, while remaining true to its community and local bank roots. Community banking is not just what we do, it’s who we are. For more information about Marion State Bank, visit our website at www.marionstate.bank.

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Ouachita Antique Woods Expanding with New Store 1200 Sq. Ft. Showroom on 165 Near ULM Coming This Summer

INCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 2015, OUACHITA ANTIQUE Woods has experienced considerable growth thanks to the patronage of customers all over the south. While clients have given Ouachita Antique Woods owner Kyle Snellenberger an abundance of creative freedom with varying projects, he’s always had the desire to offer completely original designs that are accessible to customers. Thus far, all of the pieces have been custom-built to client specifications using materials salvaged from local trees, reclaimed woods sourced from antique buildings, or exotic woods not found in Louisiana. Coming in the summer of 2021, the new location will be a creative outlet for all of the ideas Snellenberger has been stockpiling. Product offerings will range from large dining tables, coffee tables and mantels to small rolling butcher block islands, cutting boards and cooking utensils, with the occasional wildcards like ping pong tables and handmade longbows. Through this new retail endeavor, he is excited to showcase ready-to-purchase designs inspired by his love of modern woodworking techniques and uniquely sourced materials. “I’ve explored a lot of different ideas for what we’ll offer at the store outside of the furniture and accessories I’m known for,” Snellenberger said, “I’ve experimented with small designs like wooden deer skulls, duck calls and whiskey cups to large builds like paddle boards, kayaks

and shuffleboard tables. My goal is to provide a shopping experience for Northeast Louisiana residents who may not be in the market for a custom design, but where they can still find a variety of pieces for their homes that were handmade locally from woods salvaged from Bayou Desiard or Forsythe Park.” The words “store” and “showroom” are certainly interchangeable for this new project. The Ouachita Antique Woods shop will remain open at 336 Fontana Road for custom builds and material sourcing and the new location at 906 Sterlington Road can act as a store for those who want to leave with their very own handmade pieces or as a showroom for those who would like to see finished pieces in-person to find inspiration for their custom needs. Architect Cody Snellenberger is responsible for designing the building remodel, and he also happens to be Kyle’s younger brother. Cody is “happy to be involved in breathing some life back into this building. We’re really hoping to make something new and unique for our area, and getting the details right is always important for that. It’s great to get to work with my brother on a new kind of project that contributes to the growth of our city, and hopefully brings something new and cool that people will enjoy. Looking forward to more projects in the future!”

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Q: Is it important to have structure during the summer? Why? A: Yes, structure is valuable for families; however, summer tends to lend itself for more leniency and fluidity. The effects of the pandemic have increased to 1 in 3 teen boys and 1 in 5 teens girls having experienced new or worsening anxiety (Healthline.com). Although summer brings a special energy of replenishment and relaxation, having a healthy balance of flexibility and adaptability is important throughout the year. Structure and routine provide security, familiarity and comfort for children/teens. Security and comfort come from “knowing” what is happening and what to expect. The flexibility may come in the form of later curfews, more socialization, and responsibility change (domestic/environmental tasks).

Summer Tips BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

e have all seen and heard in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy about the extremely and Family and Child Studies. Katherine also difficult challenges provides clinical supervision to provisionally facing our young people licensed counselors and therapists.children on due to the ongoing a regular basis to be aware of the signs and pandemic, but it is important to keep safety symptoms of SAD. a first priority for teens. During hot summer months, children, adolescents and teenagers Q: Should teens expect this summer to be spend a lot more time outside. Whether it different than last summer? If so, how? is at the beach or pool, on the A: Yes, teens and families sports field, at a concert, at a should expect this summer to summer job, or helping around be different than last. In much the house and in the yard, of the world, summers have children ages 12 to 18 often are proven to be safer than winters, not mindful of their immediate especially during the pandemic, needs. Children or adolescents “apparently by virtue of how can feel a sense of invincibility; much time people spend but in reality, parents need to outdoors, and how likely they remind them that being safe are to keep windows open and is the most important thing to have fresh air circulating,” says practice — regardless of what Saad Omer, a vaccinologist and their friends are doing. the director of the Yale Institute Katherine Morgan Wilson for Global Health. Light and KATHERINE M. WILSON PhD, AAMFT-AS, LMFT-S, heat can kill the virus directly, LPC-S, RN has a private but the warmer weather and practice serving individuals, longer days make the world couples, and families at The Woman’s Clinic more hospitable for us simply to go outside, be in Monroe, La for 17 years. In addition to social, be physically active, and improve our her clinical practice, Katherine is an adjunct baseline levels of health. This summer should professor for The University of Louisiana provide more freedoms and opportunities Monroe and Louisiana Tech University than the summer of 2020. teaching graduate and undergraduate courses 164 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Q: What are some ways to create structure during the summer months? A: Include your teen in creating structure, activities and socializations this summer. Ask your teen what they would like to learn or do to increase their skills in areas of self- reliance, relationship building, and relationship strengthening during this summer? Structure and discipline may be offered through offering your teen opportunities to manage money/ budget, to identify and implement mental and physical well-being/self-care, and to learn how to be autonomous and independent (in an area of their choice). Q: Should discipline be different in summer months? A: No need to change your discipline style. Consistency with discipline helps children/teens to be in control of their behavior. Consistency means as parents we follow through and do as we say we will. What is discipline? Discipline is a noun and an action verb. Parents can: • Provide clear communication • Teach children/teens internalized rules that their impulsive nature may resist (Adolescence impulsivity and invincibility) • Make clear expectations and be able to follow through consequences (with discipline or reward) • Reinforce positive behavior • Extinguishing a behavior may mean not engaging, no attention (do not negatively reinforce). An example: if your teen has a curfew (which has been made clear, and both parent and teen confirm understanding details of curfew) provide consequences if not met and rewards/praise when they are met. If not meeting curfew time, then consequence is no phone for 24 hours, then follow through. If on time with curfew offer praise and/or continued opportunity to experience other opportunities to “go out.” As a parent, attempt

to make the consequence for not meeting expectations and provide support or teach a lesson as to how to meet expectations the next time. Q: What are some ways my teen can set summer goals or hobbies? How can I assist them? A: This pandemic and our experiences throughout 2020 have highlighted how much we all need one another for unlimited reasons and needs. As parents, it is important to reflect on previous experiences for growth. This can begin by asking yourself the following questions. Can this be a summer of intentional time to grow and enrich their lives in each area of independence and appreciation for dependency on relationships? What did your teen have the most challenge adapting to during 2020? What did they learn and amaze themselves by in their own self? What change does your teen need and/or want? How does this influence and inform their goals? Set a goal with your teen: 1. To identify an area of interest to become more self-reliant 2. Engage and enjoy group activities and autonomous activities 3. Build and nurture relationships 4. Share and give back in a way that helps another with getting familiar and comfortable with being dependent and independent. Can the family create a family mission statement? “A family mission statement is a combined, unified expression from all family members of what your family is all about — what it is you really want to do and be — and the principles you choose to govern your family life.” -Stephen Covey. A family mission statement can serve as a guide for decision-making and discipline as a family grows. Overall engage, enjoy and be present with your teens during a very special season-SUMMER! Slow the pace, relax, and appreciate one another.

“This pandemic and our experiences throughout 2020 have highlighted how much we all need one another for unlimited reasons and needs.”

RESOURCES Child Mind Institute Child Mind Institute (https://childmind.org) is a free website dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families. They work to provide the ability to support children when they need it the most. There is information provided for parents, children, and educators to help improve the lives of children and families.

Jan Daniels, Youth Development Director at the Children’s Coalition, works with middle schools in Northeast Louisiana to provide the suicide prevention program Signs of Suicide (SOS) and the abstinence-plus program Rights, Respect and Responsibility. Call Jan at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition.org to learn more about how you can get these programs at your child’s school. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 165

Linda Lavender School of Dance Summer Dance Classes, Camps and More!

T’S RECITAL TIME AND OUR dancers are busy preparing for an incredible show. Join us Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th as we present “Living Our Best Life” at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. Great music, beautiful costumes, and incredible dancers will make an unforgettable recital 2021. Next on our agenda will be our annual six- week Summer Dance Program with something for everyone, ages two and half and up! This year’s summer program will begin on June 7th. New, former and returning students are sure to find a class that fits their style. Our summer program will include classes in ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop suitable for the beginning level dancer to the advanced level dancer. We strongly recommend summer classes as a very important part of your child’s dance training. These classes allow a dancer to continue to develop the solid technique

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required as they advance in their levels of dance. For a complete list of summer classes and registration information, visit lindalavenderschoolofdance.com. In addition to classes, we are so excited about our two summer camps – Princess Camp and our all new Diva Camp! Our Princess Camp will be held June 16th -18th at both studio locations. Diva Camp will take place at our West Monroe studio June 23rd25th . For more information and to sign up, visit lindalavenderschoolofdance.com. For over 60 years, the staff at LLSD has nurtured this passion and worked tirelessly to instill the love of dance in the lives of each of our students. Dance provides a life enhancing experience and is a wonderful outlet that not only utilizes creativity and talent, but also teaches discipline. At Linda Lavender School of Dance, we are committed to providing a positive and productive learning environment, and most importantly,

creating an atmosphere that provides a joyful experience. Congratulations to our competition dancers who competed at LA Dance Magic in Baton Rouge in March. It was a super weekend with some of the finest teachers and choreographers sharing their talents and teaching skills. Our LLSD dancers were AMAZING and we are so very proud of the many accolades they received. For more information on our studio and classes we offer, visit us online at lindalavenderschoolofdance.com. We’ll be happy to help with recommendations for the right class for your child. Give us a call at 325-7179 or 361-0391. We would love to have you join our dance family!

Walsworth & Company Home Decor and So Much More

OUR HOME SHOULD TELL THE STORY OF WHO YOU are and should be a collection of what you love. Interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has been a downtown staple since opening its doors in 2014. Locally owned and operated Walsworth & Company features a premier decorator showroom and offers everything from furniture, bedding, and lighting. Carrying customizable and unique pieces from The MT Company, Uttermost / Revelation, Wesley Allen, McKinley Leather Furniture, Norwalk and Universal Furniture allowing you to customize pieces to your unique style and specifications. The walls are adorned with curated works of art, intricately designed mirrors, and unique wall hangings; while the showroom features plush sofas, coffee tables, dining sets and bedroom pieces. In addition to their vast selection of furniture finds, Walsworth & company has accent pieces to furnish any space, from area rugs, throw pillows to vases and coffee table accessories. With such a vast selection, it’s no surprise that Walsworth & Company is the decoration destination for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Along with providing the Twin Cities with one of the most distinct home decor assortments, the team at Walsworth and Company are thrilled to announce the completion and grand opening of Down the Aisle, the premiere wedding registry of Northeast Louisiana. Located in what customers have affectionately referred to as the “back 40,” Down the Aisle is a transformed space, boasting more than 1,400 square feet devoted to “must-haves” for the modern bride. Continuing with their passion for restoration, the space incorporated original architectural elements such as exposed beams and the original hardwoods have been repurposed creating an elegant and rustic accent wall. Featuring newly installed crystal chandeliers, Down the Aisle will exude a romantic vibe and classic elegance. Least we forget their fantastic collection of specialty gift items; housing home fragrance brands such as Nest, Capri Blue, Nouvelle, as well as Orleans, perfect for hostess gifts for spring and summer bridal showers. For something with a little sparkle, Walsworth & Company is home to jewelry collections from both Ronaldo and Mariana. And when you want to treat yourself with a night in, pamper yourself with something luxurious from Lollia or Spongelle. Don’t forget to grab a buttery soft pajama set from the likes of Barefoot Dreams or PJ Harlow. With Mother’s Day and graduation just around the corner, Walsworth & Company is sure to have all of the items you need to complete your shopping or wish lists. After shopping, simply leave the wrapping to the professionals; where you can always expect a beautifully wrapped gift anyone would be thrilled to receive. Whether its time for a new accent piece, home makeover, or if it simply time to pamper yourself. The staff at Walsworth and Company are fully prepared to assist you. Walsworth and Company, your home decor and gift headquarters, located at 311 Trenton Street in downtown West Monroe. Open Monday - Friday 10 AM- 5:30 PM. Follow us on Facebook for design inspiration and product updates! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 167

The Medical Spa Grand Opening On Thursday, March 25th The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Center held their grand opening. Friends and patrons gathered to visit the new facility and meet with the staff. Representatives from Skinceuticals and Obagi were on-hand to share information on their products and pass out free samples. The following day The Medical Spa held a virtual grand opening with giveaways and treatment demonstrations on Facebook.

On the BayouScene

1 Steve and Jeanne Taylor, Chelsea Frey and Rebecca Justice 2 Tom Gullatt and Hailey Batarseh 3 Dirk Rhodes and Chelsea Frey 4 Susan Duke, Janet Durden, Rebecca Justice and Chelsea Frey 5 John Kahl, Hailey Batarseh and Deanna Shively 6 Samantha Lenard, Dirk Rhodes and Hailey Batarseh

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Dusty & Company Spring Market Dusty and Company and Quest Tech School hosted a fabulous Spring Market right outside of Dusty and Company’s store and also in the parking lot of Quest Tech on Saturday, April 20th. This day was filled with many different awesome vendors, delicious food and a special appearance from Monroe’s one and only, Luna Chics. Quest Tech also had a great fundraiser selling different types of plants such as hanging baskets and ferns where all the proceeds went to the amazing Quest Tech School.

On the BayouScene

1 Amee Bourgeouis, Ethan Stahan and Tammy Bourgeouis 2 Audi and Chantele Maxey 3 Brittany Brewster and Kris Brewster 4 Carmen Morrow and Caroline Morrow 5 Carol Hunnicutt and Clair Hunnicutt 6 Tisha Zimmer and Stephanie Franks 7 Tracy Britt and Katie Watzik

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B AYOUKID Z

Trendsetters. Fashionistas. Your Kids’ Style Should Be a Reflection of Who They Are article by Cindy G. Foust

ell, well, well… it’s May. What. In.The.World? I cannot believe I am writing my column and we are nearing the halfway point of the year. Time is flying by and I’m just sitting around looking fashionable. It’s true… I’m quite the fashionista. In fact, you can ask anybody that knows me… Lori French, where are you? Can you please back me up on this because you know I have a closet full of fashion? It’s true! I have at least 20 pairs of black pants… well, I have black everything if the truth be told. I truly look like I am perpetually going to a funeral. That’s why I always dread the fashion issues at BayouLife. I love this magazine with my whole heart, but seriously, what can I contribute on this subject? And I’m supposed to be writing to parents and their children and I can’t even keep my pants up. But I’m getting ahead of myself a bit. A few weeks ago I had to go to Houston for check-ups and such, you know, to see how 16 rounds of chemo worked out for me. As it turns out, it worked out for me very well. Thanks be to God and my great team… including Shelley and Paula who are my beloved hair team members. But that’s another story for another day. Anyway, for my readers who are following me, just rest assured our prayers have worked and I am doing great. But I still had to go have tests to make sure. In Houston. And here’s exactly what happened, and I promise it relates to fashion. The scrub suit kind of fashion. As it turns out, you have to put on scrubs 170 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

to have this certain test. Okay, no problem. And I must look really chubby or something because the nurse brings me like a really big set. What.In.The.World? Anyway, this column isn’t about Jenny Craig, it’s about fashion. So I proceed with complying with the rules and change into my ever fashionable, Army-green scrub suit. Looking good, I might add, as Army green is my signature color. The nurse comes for me and as we are walking down the hall, I have my briefcase and my purse and my water

bottle (it’s very good for you to drink at least 80 ounces a day) and my phone and a bag with my regular clothes in it. I’m standing in line at the CT Department and all of a sudden, Isaac, my nurse from South Africa with the loveliest smile and cutest accent, says to me (in South African accent) “Mrs. Foust, your pants are

down by your ankles.” What.In.The.World? There I am… in the CT Department at MD Anderson, trying to look busy and important, standing in line with my “pants on the ground, pants on the ground” in my underwear. I can’t believe I’m committing this story to paper, but readers, even those of us who are all the rage in fashion have slip-ups. I guess that’s what we could call this. Or is it a slipdown? How do you not feel your pants falling? I know that’s what everyone in the BayouLife community is thinking and I don’t have an answer. I just know a few minutes later Isaac came in to tell me what to expect from my test, and asked me before he left, “Mrs. Foust, do you have any questions?” I was like “Isaac, for crying out loud, you’ve seen me in my underwear, could we at least be on a first-name basis?” I can’t believe I’m telling underwear stories in my column… I hope Cassie doesn’t fire me… but friends, we have lived through a pandemic together so surely we can talk about underwear. It’s not like I did it on purpose and streaked through the hospital. And underwear are technically a fashion item, even when it’s my most recent fashion faux pas… but readers, I have many, many more stories. Do we have time for another story, because this column really should be about the latest fashion trends for kids or how to match your hair bow to your shoes, but I don’t really know those answers either. I knew I should have interviewed Lori

but I didn’t so I am left to my own stories and experiences. Which usually gets me in some sort of way that embarrasses my family. But the truth is, even though I don’t study it like I do cooking, and I don’t know that much about it, but shouldn’t fashion be a reflection of who you are as a person? And what does it say about our children? Do we let them be who they are with their sense of fashion? It might come as a surprise to you, but there was a window of time when I did have my own style. It was years ago, in my much younger years, but I had every color of boat shoes they made, including yellow! And I wore dresses with shoulder pads that made me look like a linebacker, but hey, everyone else did, too. But that season of my life passed and I became a mother and suddenly, my focus shifted. Honestly, though, that’s just an excuse because I have lots of friends who dress beautifully and really look great in their clothes… so why don’t I as well? Then I get to thinking about my kids and their sense of style and as a parent, have I let them cultivate their own or did I impose mine on them. Gosh I hope not! My son is a “dude” and his wardrobe is usually centered around gym shorts and a great pair of sneakers, although, he does clean up really well when he has to. My daughter on the other hand, is quite the fashion conscious one. I love watching what

she puts together and how she directs me with her wardrobe input “Mom, please change your shoes. Now.” It’s fun to watch her study the trends and at the same time, wear what feels good for her, and more importantly, what makes her feel good about herself. When I had this thought, it got me to thinking, everyone’s sense of style should be just that… what makes them feel good about themselves. Because that’s going to look different for every single person we know. If black pants make me feel skinnier, then I should wear them. If yellow boat shoes make me feel goo, then I should go for it. Just kidding, my daughter would tell me good-bye and go live with another family. It’s interesting, however, watching the trends cycle back in and how the fashion world just embraces it. And then it makes its way to social media and then it becomes “a thing.” Such as mom jeans and shoulder pads, they are all cycling back and we are hostage to those trends, even if we look like we play for the Green Bay Packers. Recently, with my medical journey, my medicine has me not feeling like myself… on the outside. So when I starting putting the words together for this column and writing my outline, the thought that kept moving around in my head was everyone, starting with our children and moving all the way up to our grandparents, should wear

the clothes that make them feel good about themselves. If it’s not “in style” or if it is matters not… what matters is how we feel when we put those joggers on to start our day. Our kids should have those options…even when we want them in smocked dresses and bows bigger than their heads. Allowing them to have that sort of liberty to dress in “their way” is healthy, as long as they don’t look like a pole dancer at the Mirage. Can I say that in this column? Of course I can, I have already talked about underwear. Their style should be a reflection of who they are… my son never put much emphasis on clothes, but my daughter on the other hand does. Either way, I am happy for them to make those decisions based on their likes and dislikes. And maybe, just maybe your daughter will comb through a Rubbermaid of clothes I saved for her, snatch up a silk skirt and say, “Mom, you were quite a dresser. I can’t wait to wear this skirt.” There’s the proof that I was in fact a fashion plate… and who knows, with the help of my good friends, it may not be too late for me to be one again. Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger.

You can find her blog at the alphabetmom.com for weekly columns about home life, parenting, small business stories and insight with a smidgen of literacy. Give her a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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bayou beats

The English Dame and Her Country Boy Son

“The running joke in our house is that my mom is made of asbestos,” humored James E. Simpson about local celebrity Mary Quinn Simpson who has overcome a few health issues over the years. During the late 80s and early 90s, Mary performed in the area’s lounge and stage circles, harkening back to vaudeville with her energetic and amusing numbers and jazzy vocals. Though she had breast cancer at the time, her dedication to the craft proved the old adage “the show must go on.” After a course of chemotherapy, she’d still show up on the same day and perform her part. “I don’t know how I did that when I think about it now,” she remarked, adding, “It never stopped me from doing my theatre for Chris Ringham,” the Strauss Theatre Center director at the time. This local gem and transplant from across the pond has proved, over and over, the pervasive power of music. written by V A N E L I S R I V E R A photography by A N D R E W B A I L E Y

ary hails from Stockton on Tees, a town in Northeast England right on Hadrian’s Wall (a lasting relic from the Roman Empire). <How was your transition to the American South?> “Forty-one years later, she still hasn’t figured it out yet,” chimed James, laughing heartily. “That’s true,” Mary rebutted with a smile, expanding with, “It is a culture shock, still.” <Anything in particular?> “Well, I don’t want to get political,” she answered slyly, and James added the period on that with, “We’ll just leave it at that.” Overall, Mary praises southern food and the warm climate of Louisiana. Though her family didn’t “go out on the road” as musicians, she considers herself part of a musical family. “My father had every record that was ever produced,” she claimed, listing her favorites, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. “That’s how I became so well educated in music.” Mary didn’t hide just how much she adores Lady Day, asking me if I had seen The United States vs. Billie Holiday, which is based on the book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs. “I’ve watched it twice,” she said, continuing to educate me, “Andra Day just got the Academy Award nomination. I don’t know whether you’ve heard of her.” <I’ve heard of her, yes.> “Oh, she’s magnificent as Billie.” In 1980, Mary moved to Monroe permanently with her husband Ervin Simpson who originally was from Union Parish, but worked for British Gas; hence, their paths crossing. Her journey to the local stage was one of mere opportunity. “That all started when my children wanted to be in the Christmas show and I took them down to the theatre.” Specifically, it was her daughter Delia and a friend that wanted to get up and sing, James just went along for the ride. “And they wouldn’t do it. When we got there they were so terrified, and Ringham was pressuring them.” The girls, frustrated and discouraged, asked to go back home, so Mary told them she’d go on stage first, and then they could follow her if they wanted. She went up on stage and sang “The Christmas Song.” “You know, ‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.’ And Chris Ringham came down to the front and he said, ‘Where have you been?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m here for my children to audition.’” Not only did her kids get to be in the Christmas show, “including James who never wanted to be in anything,” but Mary got offered her first theatre part, which turned into another, then another, until she “got down with it.” In her career, she has played Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, Mother Superior in Nunsense, and Princess Puffer from The Mystery of Edwin Drood. “Crime don’t pay… that’s what I tells ‘em,” she sang mid answer. “And then I got into the thing with Todd,” she said referring to Todd Martin, another local celeb best known for his pristine Elvis impersonations. Mary used to warm the crowd up before Todd went on stage in the act they had together, the Todd and Mary Show. The duo performed all over the country and even on some cruise ship lines. One of her favorite songs to do was “She’s Got You” by Patsy Cline. “This is the one where she had everything,” informed James, referring to the handful of objects Mary would hide under her dress and pull out after every other line, much to the crowds’ exhilaration. “I’ve got your picture,” she’d sing, carefully pulling out a picture from her outfit. “I’ve got the records / That we used to share,” and she’d pull a record out. When she got to the lines about memories, she’d pull out a golf club! James recalls Yvette and Enoch Doyle Jeter being in the crowd when she first did that. “The crowd always went crazy, but literally over all the crowd you could hear Yvette Jeter screaming in hysterics,” laughed James. One of her first solo gigs was in one of Monroe’s “nicest venues,” The Cork Room. “You can’t find rooms like this anymore,”

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MUSIC AS E XPRESSION The Simpsons’ music represents two starkly different worlds, but the common thread is a deep admiration for the art form and a need to use it as a means of expression. “Jazz is inside of you, and it’s a feeling. It’s expressed with your music,” Mary proclaimed. James nodded, adding, “I feel the same way about country.”

said James. He described it as a dark, smoky room placed behind the restaurant, dimly lit and known for its signature cork ceiling. She called the show Mary Simpson Alone with Friends. At the time, Mary rocked the glorious 60s beehive hairstyle and had stunning “natural” red hair. Unquestionably, one of the local musical influencers of the time, her contribution to music performance is honored in The Hub Music Hall’s colorful mural of regional music talent including Dr. Mabel John, Kenny Bill Stinson, and Doug Duffey. “One of the reasons that steered me toward getting on stage was growing up in an environment of performers, even from a young age,” revealed James. Being exposed to stories of his mother’s run-ins with famous musicians when she was a young adult working at a club was probably another significant motivator. One of his favorite stories is the time Tom Jones traveled through the north of England when he was just breaking out. Twenty-year-old Mary was working the lights for the stage, and in the middle of his performance, she noticed somebody throw an undergarment on stage. “I’ve never heard of anything so rude,” she said. The club manager decided not to kick anyone out at that point, and of course the next night the place was slam-packed full of people. The questionable situation made the newspaper, and people naturally wanted to see this Tom Jones and whatever it was he was doing that was exciting women. James ended up taking a handful of guitar lessons when he was 13-years old, though he didn’t stick with it until he asked friend Jessie Grinter, who was a founding member of the band Hardlucy, to give him a few lessons. During a stint in Dallas, where he was “miserable,” he locked himself in his apartment and learned to play about thirty songs. By the time he came back home, he was ready to “start waiting tables again and playing gigs.” With a mother from England who embedded herself in jazz and theatre and a “redneck dad” who was listening to Merle Haggard and Hank Williams, James’ musical background is “all over the place.” Though he gravitated toward roots and alternative country, James’ stage instincts point to Mary. “It just

“One of the reasons that steered me toward getting on stage was growing up in an environment of performers, even from a young age,” revealed James. Being exposed to stories of his mother’s run-ins with famous musicians when she was a young adult working at a club was probably another significant motivator. makes you think it’s in the genes,” Mary said, beaming. She has found it thrilling to see her son on stage. Though, she emphasized that she only listens to “good country,” like Steely Dan (which made James laugh). “And then, I love General Patterson,” she finished. “There you go! Yes!” James celebrated, particularly because local musician Patterson along with Monty Russell have significantly influenced his musical career, considering them great voices and guitarists of North Louisiana. James predominantly performed with Vince Chao around the area and at annual events like the Bob Dylan Birthday Jam and John Lennon Birthday Party. “It was great to be a part of that,” he said, adding, “It’s rare to get that many musicians under one roof at a time and when you do it’s so much fun just between drinking and telling stories.” It was around that time that he started putting “pen to paper” and writing a few originals. “I was always kind of scared of what was going to come out of my mouth or what things were gonna sound like. I don’t have a whole lot to say, and when I do, it’s typically pretty raw.” Regardless, he started an album that’s still in the making. “That might be my 2022 comeback.” The Simpsons’ music represents two starkly different worlds, but the common thread is a deep admiration for the art form and a need to use it as a means of expression. “Jazz is inside of you, and it’s a feeling. It’s expressed with your music,” Mary proclaimed. James nodded, adding, “I feel the same way about country. You know, country music, there’s nothing more impactful than a song that tells the story in a manner that songwriters of country past.” From mother to son is a musical repertoire that spans two continents and a lasting performing legacy that transcends genre, culture, and birthplace.

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Tree For Life Ceremony

Honoring Those in Louisiana Who Have Served and Advocated for Children

OR SO MANY,THE MONTH OF APRIL IS associated with the beautiful colors of leaves budding on trees, flowers blooming, and birds and animals returning to North Louisiana after a long winter. For those who work with abused and neglected children, the month of April is associated with one color in particular: the color blue. April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month. To honor the memory of children in Louisiana who have lost their lives to child abuse, The Center for Children and Families held a Trees for Life ceremony to honor members of the community in Northeast Louisiana who have served and advocated for children. “Trees for Life is important to honor the memory of the children that we have lost in Louisiana,” Children’s Advocacy Director, Tiffany O’Neal said. “It’s also important because we need to honor the unsung heroes that fight for these kids every day. They

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often don’t get the recognition they deserve for the hard work that they do.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recipients in 2020 were honored alongside the winners in 2021 in a small, safe ceremony at the CAC’s building on 2nd Street in Monroe in early April. Each recipient was presented with a plaque and their choice of either a magnolia or crepe myrtle sapling which represented a child who lost their life to abuse or neglect in Louisiana. “It’s important to honor the recipients because they do so much work for children in foster care,” CASA of NELA Director Keri Foust said. “It’s also important because these children do not have someone to speak up for them. Anybody who does so, whether they are in the court system or DCFS or any other mental health profession that we work with every day; we want to show them just how much they are appreciated.”

The 2020 winners are: Duane Cookson, Detective, Monroe Police Department, Maurice Watkins, M.A., Child Welfare Specialist 3, Morehouse Parish, Myia Gaines, Child Welfare Specialist 3, Ouachita and Caldwell Parish, Wendy Giovingo, Managing Partner at Snellings, Breard, Sartor, Inabnett & Trascher, LLP., Board Member for The Center for Children and Families, Kristin Hibbard, CASA Volunteer, 4th JDC, Kimberly Mayberry, RSW, Child Welfare Specialist 2, DCFS Honorable Judge Bruce Hampton, 3rd Judicial District Court, William Schofield, Children’s Attorney at Acadiana Legal Services The 2021 winners are: Charlene Bird, CASA Volunteer, 3rd JDC, Ashley Lemmons, RSW, Child Welfare Specialist 2, DCFS Honorable Judge Aisha Clark, Monroe City Court, Division C Terri Whittington, Deputy Clerk, Juvenile Division, Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court, Teresa Daniel, RN, RN-BC, CEN, SANE-A, Darrel Frost, Investigator, Ouachita Parish Sherriff Office Brittany Godfrey, Child Welfare Specialist 3, Ouachita and Caldwell Parish, Dr. Margot Eason, Pediatric Specialist, Board Member for The Center for Children and Families Both the CAC and CASA are divisions of The Center for Children and Families. For more information on how to be the hope in a child’s story, please visit www.standforhope.org.

St. Francis Medical Center

ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation

HE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF Cardiology has recognized St. Francis Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. St. Francis was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in March based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI. “St. Francis Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing Northeast Louisiana with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the

ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award St. Francis Medical Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.” Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes. “This accreditation means that any patient who comes to St. Francis experiencing chest pain can be confident he or she is receiving care that meets or exceeds the highest national standards of care,” said Kristin Wolkart, President of St. Francis Medical Center. For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org, or call toll-free 1-877-271-4176

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Marsala Beverage Company La Vida Más Fina

HE CORONA FAMILY OF BRANDS has teamed up with entertainment icon Snoop Dogg to debut “La Vida Más Fina,” its first campaign designed to unite the Corona brand family. The fully integrated marketing campaign marks a refreshed take on the Corona lifestyle and an evolved, more optimistic tone for the brand as it continues to honor the OG classic Corona Extra while also growing to introduce Corona Hard Seltzer and other innovations. As written on every bottle, Corona is crafted to be La Cerveza Más Fina, “the Finest Beer,” and the new campaign takes this philosophy a step further. Translated as “the Fine Life,” La Vida Más Fina encourages people to explore the fundamental truth that more fulfillment and joy can be found in just about anything, simply by changing one’s outlook. “You can’t choose everything in life, but you can still choose to find the fine in life,” Snoop Dogg said. “And with everything going on in the world, that’s a perspective people really might need to hear right now. Teaming up with a brand like Corona to encourage people to find more good in life, that’s La Vida Más Fina.” “La Vida Más Fina” celebrates the brand’s proud heritage: appreciating what you have, going with the flow and choosing to live on the bright side. These beliefs are embedded deeply in Corona’s — and Snoop Dogg’s — roots and are universal values that continue to grow in importance. CORONA EXTRA With a refreshing, smooth taste balanced between heavier European imports and lighter domestic beer, Corona is an even-keeled cerveza with fruity-honey aromas and a touch of malt. The flavor is crisp, clean and well balanced between hops and malt. A superior taste profile from superior ingredients. CORONA LIGHT Corona Light is a pilsner-style lager with a uniquely refreshing taste—brewed for outstanding light flavor with a crisp, clean finish. Its pleasant, fruity-honey aroma and distinctive hop flavor make it a favorite of those seeking a light beer that is full of flavor. Corona Light’s naturally easy-drinking style makes it perfect for pairing with spicy and citrus-infused dishes. CORONA PREMIER Corona Premier offers the premium low-carb, light beer experience you’ve been waiting for. Its refined, crisp taste and even-bodied feel makes it the smoothest and most drinkable Corona. With only 2.6g of carbs and 90 calories, Corona Premier is perfect for casual entertaining, sharing with guests, or rewarding yourself for a day well-lived. CORONA FAMILIAR The best beers are made to be shared. That is why Corona Familiar embraces the bright, crisp taste Corona 178 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

is known for with a slightly fuller flavor, higher ABV, and shareable 32oz packaging. With strong ties to authenticity and heritage, Corona Familiar is best served in small gatherings with close friends and family, using the tradition of sharing to create meaningful experiences. CORONA REFRESCA Corona Refresca is a premium spiked refresher that brings the taste of the tropics from Mexico to you. Available in Passionfruit Lime and Guava Lime, it is a bright, flavorful malt beverage with 4.5% ABV and natural fruit flavors. Crisp, flavorful, and never too sweet, Corona Refresca doesn’t sweep you away to the tropics, it brings the topics to you. CORONA SELTZER The #1 most refreshing beer is bringing a lighter, less filling option to the hard seltzer category. Introducing Corona Hard Seltzer, the only 0g carb, all Corona, hard seltzer. With 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 90 calories, 4.5% ABV and gluten-free, Corona Hard Seltzer is a tasty, better-for-you alcoholic beverage rooted in Corona’s chill attitude and high-end credibility. This 12-pack variety includes: Tropical Lime, Cherry, Blackberry Lime and Mango. MODELO ESPECIAL Brewed as a model of what good beer should be, this rich, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager delivers a crisp, refreshing taste. Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Modelo is the #2 imported beer in the US. NEGRA MODELO Negra Modelo, better known as “the cream of the beer,” is a Munich-type beer with 5.3º of alcohol that offers a balanced flavor and a delicate aroma of dark malt, caramel and hops. Today it occupies the first place in sales among dark beers in Mexico. This beer is accompanied by a bright deep amber color, which is adorned with abundant, white and compact foam. Negra Modelo was introduced in Mexico in 1925 as the dark beer called Modelo, to begin its great tradition. In 2014 it changed its image to a more sophisticated bottle but with the same content. Marsala Beverage is a local-based company that employs about 100 full-time employees, which all live and support the community of Northeast Louisiana. Each employee bases his or her success on never losing sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter : @marsalabeverag1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Super Warhawk Weekend

On the weekend of Friday, April 16 - Sunday April 18, ULM held a Super Warhawk Weekend. Super Warhawk Weekend is for the campus and the community with athletic events, student and alumni activities and family fun. Events included a Youth Football Clinic, Coaches Meet & Greet, Campus Tours, a Faculty and Staff Family Picnic and more. There was live music, food trucks, t-shirts, giveaways and raffles in The Grove with a Kid’s Zone set up as well. The ULM Alumni Association hosted the La’ Louisiana Crawfish Boil in the South End Zone of Malone Stadium with mudbugs provided by Crawfish City. First year ULM Head Football Coach Terry Bowden conducted the Spring Game in Malone Stadium so everyone got a sneak peak at the 2021 Warhawks.

On the BayouScene

1 Scott and Leazel McDonald 2 Pam Accardo and Larry Favalora 3 Scott and Cindy Foust 4 Tammy Stanfill and Buddy Embanato 5 Jason Harvey, Troy and Michele Drake 6 Charles and June Poole 7 Katie and Don Hoolan 8 Lance Stanfill and Pearl 9 Bob and Deborah Pritchard 10 Dr. Ron Berry and Allen Otts 11 DJ Hanson, Kevin Welker, Cheryl McConnell and Cindy Thompson 12 E randon Glenn and Mary Adams 13 Kathy Fry, Sarah Siereveld and Callie Shermer 14 T’kyra Robinson, Erika Oby, Alicia Degen and Keyara Harris 15 Roslynn and Allan Pogue, Julie Harlan O’Brien, Renée Hebert and Mary Linda McCann

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Putman Restoration Be Prepared Before Your Next Incident

OLD. WATER. FIRE. STORM. THESE FOUR WORDS strike fear in the hearts and minds of home and business owners alike. So when disaster strikes, turn to the experts at Putman Restoration to get your life and business back on track. With more than 20 years of experience you can rely on the Putman Restoration team. While many things in life cannot be prepared for, the team at Putman Restoration are here to put the minds of business owners at ease with their Emergency Response Priority Partnerships (ERPP). In the event of a disaster important documents and records can be lost in a matter of minutes; and the harsh reality being many businesses never recover from such devastating property loss. For businesses being proactive and prepared are the keys to a successful disaster recovery effort. These partnerships provide businesses a means to prepare before an actual loss, by arranging and reserving resources before a catastrophe. By creating an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prior to a major loss, business owners are able to avoid making “expensive” decisions under duress and undue pressure. An unfortunate side effect brought on by natural disasters is resource scarcity; by implementing an Emergency Response Priority Partnership, businesses are essentially creating a pre-loss agreement allowing owners the luxury of reserving resources before you need them. A Pre-loss agreement will ensure that you get what you need when you need it,

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additionally Emergency Partners can expect: • A custom & comprehensive Emergency Action Plan • Availability of equipment & resources in catastrophic situations • Catastrophe planning assistance (pre, during, & post incident steps required to protect your assets) • Approval of pricing & billing formats with your insurance company BEFORE an incident • CE classes and year round consulting regarding property loss & recovery • Pre-approval for services we perform to ensure financial recovery • Access to the Coalition of Disaster Responders (CDR) By selecting only a specific number of commercial properties along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, the team at Putman Restoration remain committed to serving their partners at the highest caliber. In the event of a disaster, your project and needs will be assessed first, and inmost cases, we will arrive at your property for assessment before you do. When your property experiences damages as a result of a disaster, natural or man-made, the aftermath requires professional restoration services. Let the professionals at Putman Restoration be your preferred damage restoration company. With offices in West Monroe and Shreveport, the team at Putman Restoration is prepared to go the extra mile to get your life and your business back to normal. Contact us today at (318)453-5029 or visit us online for more information at www.putmanrestoration.com

Woodstock’s New Owner

Christy Bolton Takes Over Shop on Third Street

ERENDIPITOUS. FATE. DESTINY. CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL, but Christy Bolton knows she is exactly where she needs to be. She is the new owner of Woodstock, located in the heart of the Garden District in Monroe. The shop has been known as a go-to shop for all things gift and home since the original owner opened it in May of 2011. In fact, Christy has shopped at the store since that time. “I actually have been a customer for years,” said Christy. “And I was in here one day in the fall of last year, actually working with a friend, merchandising the store.” Christy didn’t even know the owner at the time, but she knew she was supposed to be there. She reached out to the owner, they met and discussed the opportunity…and the rest, is history! “I have always dreamed of owning my own store and I believe the entrepreneurial spirit is in my blood,” explains Christy. Christy’s dad was the owner of Spats Drugs, a well known pharmacy located on Louisville Avenue that served the community for decades. He passed away in 2016 and ever since then, Christy has really changed her perspective on life and focused on what her purpose is. Christy’s background is in Occupational Therapy and she most recently worked in home health. “At that time, I felt connected with my dad because so many of my patients knew him and would tell me stories of him and how he had helped them over the years,” said Christy. “In the years after he passed away, I have always found white feathers and felt that was signs from my dad. After I officially bought Woodstock and took over, I came to the store one day. After I pulled up and was sitting in my car, I was still wondering if I was doing the right thing. Suddenly, I noticed a white feather drifting around my windshield. This was just further confirmation that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.” Since that time, Christy has been diligently working at the shop, meeting customers and making Woodstock her own. Woodstock has always had an eclectic vibe and that certainly hasn’t changed. There are gifts for every occasion and even for yourself! They are still home to everyone’s favorite local t-shirt company, Mr. P’s Tees and you can find a variety of kid and adult styles. Woodstock has the local exclusive on Sue Sartor’s iconic Block Print Paloma dresses. They also still carry different candle lines that everyone loves - LAFCO, Voluspa, Barr-Co., Capri Blue…just to name a few. You can still find jewelry, bags, furniture, lighting, accessories and local art as well. Christy has introduced fun items for dogs including toys, bowls and mats, which all have the approval of the shop pups, Bella and Eloise. Other new items include tea towels and coffee mugs with pop culture favs like Schitt’s Creek and the Golden Girls. Woodstock is expanding their baby room area, with clothes, teethers, mobiles and more. They will also offer a baby registry service so moms to be can come pick exactly what they want! While Christy wants to continue to be the go-to shop that everyone has known and loved for the past decade, she is looking forward to growing it and has plans for the future. Be on the lookout for details in the months to come for a BYOB Happy Hour and live music in the courtyard area. She also has plans to introduce the ability to shop online, so anyone and everyone can enjoy Woodstock! With Mother’s Day, graduation and teacher appreciation, May is the perfect time to shop at Woodstock! Stop by and say hello to Christy and see everything they have to offer! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MAY 2021 181

Homebuyer’s Handbook A Step by Step Guide

WHAT TO DO FIRST Know Your Credit Score. Know where you stand; check your score first! Make sure the information on your report is accurate. Meet with a Mortgage Specialist. Make an appointment with a lender to get pre-approved for a home loan. He or she will explain different types of loans and discuss your budget, money needed for down payment and closing costs. Gather Important Documents. In most cases, you will need to provide 2 years of income tax returns, 2 years of all W-2s, and 2 months of bank statements and pay stubs. Bring these items with you when you meet with the lender. Decide What You Want in a Home. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What size home would best suit your family’s needs? Do you prefer a small yard with minimal upkeep or large acreage? Is school district an important factor? Pick Your Own Agent. Experienced agents are skilled in helping buyers navigate the home buying process smoothly. You do not have to call the agent on the sign of the house you want; you are entitled to choose your own agent to represent you. Any Realtor will be able to show you any house on the market! You do not pay anything extra for the agent, they get paid at closing. WHAT NOT TO DO Change Jobs. Stay in your current position if possible. Lenders like stability. Make Major Purchases. Don’t buy a car or make large purchases after you get pre-approved for a loan. Applying for new credit does affect your credit score. Default on Payments. Your score drops every time you miss a payment. Co-sign for Family or Friends. This is usually never a good idea, especially when house shopping. Cancel Credit Cards. You can pay them off, just don’t cancel them. Doing so can lower your score. Get Attached to the First Home You View. Many factors are involved in a successful real estate transaction. Be patient and know the perfect property is waiting for you. Give up. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged! Purchasing a home is a rewarding experience and a wonderful investment. Keep looking if you do not find what you are looking for right away. Be patient and know the perfect property is waiting for you! Purchasing a home is not complicated or scary when you know what to expect. With over decade of experience in the real estate industry, we can help you reach your goals whether you’re a first time home buyer, interested in buying investment property, or looking for your forever home. Cypress State Realty is a small family owned business and was created with real people in mind. We believe that knowledge is the key for buyers to make informed decisions, and we value the personal relationships and trust we have with our clients. Service is the cornerstone of our business. We look forward to serving you with all of your real estate needs!

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Omerta Cigar Co.

The Cigar Shop where Everybody Knows Your Name

MERTA IS AN ITALIAN NOUN MEANING, SECRECY OR sworn by oath, what is not a secret is the camaraderie and legacy of this newly established Monroe hotspot. Formerly Governor’s Cigar and Pipe, Omerta Cigar Co. and Governor’s Lounge opened its door in early March 2021. Originally started in Oklahoma City in 2015, the Omerta Cigar Company is comprised of 6 partners and has expanded into multiple cigar shops, with a strong online presence as well as a whiskey bar and cigar friendly dive bar located in the greater Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. The decision to expand into Louisiana was spurred by the decision of previous Governor’s owner, Friday Ellis to sell the location upon mayoral election, when the owners, one of which is a West Monroe native, learned about the opportunity, it seemed like an obvious decision to include the shop into the Omerta fold. While maintaining the original 1910 ambiance of the front space, the new owners have created a modern day retreat for members in the rear, black plush leather chairs surround the exterior walls, complete with mounted televisions and a fully stocked refrigerator. The team at Omerta hopes to create a haven of sorts for cigar enthusiasts, their tagline being “Your lounge experience is our strength.” The Omerta cigar lifestyle is one the encourages community, solidarity, and appreciation for commonality among its members.

Continuing this mission, the team at Omerta supports the concept of community not only amongst their patrons but within the local communities they call home as well by hosting local vendors and sponsoring local fundraising efforts, specifically focusing on Veterans and Children’s organization. While the atmosphere alone is reason enough to pay Omerta a visit the staff promises patrons an unrivaled inventory. As managing partner Jarrett Jackson explained, “The Omerta partnership allows us to curate a more diverse, and robust collection, offering limited and exclusive inventory for Northeast Louisiana. By having connections larger hubs, such as our locations in Oklahoma, we are able to provide exclusive products to our customers along with everyone’s classic favorites.” The partnership behind the Omerta brand, pride themselves on taking something they love and making it into a lifestyle for others. Providing members a safe haven to decompress, fellowship and come together with other cigar enthusiasts. The team at Omerta invites you all to stop in for a visit to experience the Omerta lifestyle. Conveniently located at 1004 North 3rd Street in historic Monroe. Follow them on social media to stay plugged in for the latest news and upcoming events.

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Omerta Cigar Co. Grand Opening On Saturday, April 17th, Omerta Cigar Co. celebrated their official grand opening. Formerly Governor’s Cigar and Pipe, Omerta Cigar Co. is comprised of 6 partners and has expanded into multiple cigar shops, with a strong online presence as well as a whiskey bar and cigar friendly dive bar located in the greater Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. They provide a robust collection of exclusive products as well as your go-to favorites. The team at Omerta is ready to serve you

On the BayouScene

1 Adam McConnell and Jarrett Jackson 2 Bryan Patterson and Aron Hancock 3 Dewayne Poor and Brad Hawley 4 KD Grayson, Louis Tolliver and Baron Glass 5 Dustin Davidson and Matt Boatright 6 Glenn Kramel and Sammy Brence 7 Stephen Brown and Craig Taylor 8 James Van Winkle and Paul Hollis

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HERRINGSTONES This white satin jumpsuit makes the leap from spring to summer with the addition of a colorful scarf. Add tassel earrings and these multi-colored sandals for a completed look.

COME SAIL AWAY AND ESCAPE TO A FANTASEA

THE CANCER FOUNDATION LEAGUE AND DBK DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS FASHION FUSION: WHERE DANCE MEETS DESIGN 2021 ON SATURDAY, MAY 1ST AT THE MONROE CIVIC CENTER. SPECIAL THANKS TO ALAN SMITH, JR AND HIS WIFE FRANCIS FOR USE OF THEIR BOAT. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK HAIR AND MAKEUP MEKA BENNETT RELIFORD MODELS: MAYSON FREDRICKS AND ELLA ROBISON

HEMLINE MONROE This bright green bikini features a comfortable and stretchy fit. Pair it with these flowy gold flared pants. Finish the look with this crownless beach hat, Krewe sunglasses and jutecovered block heels with clear lucite straps.

THE NUDE NOMAD This smocked top with floral print and puffed sleeves is paired with a wrap skirt for a fun, flirty outfit. Pair it with tortoise shell sunglasses and handmade silver geometric and shell earrings.

ELEVEN 26 Sail away with this gorgeous red cocktail dress with large bow embellishment. Add a silver cuff and lucite caged heels with silver studded accents.

DUST Y & COMPANY Ella is comfy casual in this navy jumpsuit perfect for a day of sailing or shopping. Pair it with multiple beaded bangles and a tie dye bucket hat.

MR P’S TEES This strawberry jam design is featured on a super soft short sleeve crew in Desert Rose.

POOL SPECTRUM FROM EMBELLISHED SWIMSUITS TO PRINT DRESSES, THIS SUMMER DON’T BE AFRAID OF BOLD COLORS AND CHIC SHAPES. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK HAIR AND MAKEUP MEKA BENNETT RELIFORD MODELS: MAYSON FREDRICKS AND ELLA ROBISON

PALET TE HOUSE AND PLUME This elegant shiftstyle dress features a round piped neckline and flounced hem with an optional tie waist. Pair with gold earrings with green accent stones.

SADIE C’S This pink cheetah print jumpsuit features adjustable straps and a front tie. Pair with black slides with knotted uppers, large fan earrings and multiple bracelets.

HERRINGSTONES Mayson looks like a star in this sequin and floral embellished bikini. Cover up with a slightly sheer jacket with metallic accents. Add Allie Beads prosecco earrings and a pearl straw visor to complete the look.

SADIE C’S This black and white sleeveless color block dress features a tie at the waist. Complete this look with these perfect slingback sandals and Ellie Vail gold bracelets and chain choker.

Soak in the Sun Azure Pools & Spa has an entire line of spas to choose from, perfect for Mom. They will go great in her backyard or patio, allowing her to create a sanctuary of her own.

Bird to the Wise Beckon feathered friends to Mom’s yard with this eyecatching bird bath from our friends at Sonny Panzico’s . Its detailed artwork and vibrant glass design embody the essence of springtime. Raise Your Standards Enjoy a delightful cocktail to celebrate the fabulous mothers in your life with Russian Standard Vodka found at Washington Wine and Spirits.

Aromatic Ambiance Time to relax and let Fabulous Fabric help you create the perfect atmosphere with these amazing room fragrances. Mother and Child For the mom with an artistic flair, this antique Mother and Child needlepoint from 17th century England is a beautiful depiction of a mother’s love. Available at Traditions on Trenton.

Scent-sational Mom Rain in Monroe carries many of the Oribe products, including the perfumes that mom will love. Silver Pearl features notes of leather and fresh bamboo blended with bright green fig leaf for a fine perfume as rare and unforgettable as a silver pearl, just like her.

Marigold Mom Local artist Lissy Compton has an entire line of hand drawn tees that Mom will love. Choose from this merry marigold design and more from Mr. P’s Tees.

Open Table Every mom loves to have her entire family seated at the dinner table so get her just what she is looking for at Sleepy Hollow. They have furnishings for the whole home.

Antioxidants for Mom We are loving the new antioxidant from Skinceuticals, Silymarin and mom will, too. It reduces oil production and prevents further damage. You can get this from the Louisiana Center for Women’s Health..

Get That Glow This serum from DermaMediQ’s is everything mom’s skin needs this season. The Vitamin C brightens as vitamin E and a slew of antioxidants will shield her complexion from the every day hustle and bustle. Eye Love Mom Haik Humble has quite the selection of frames, perfect for Mom. From leopard print to bright colors, they have so many to choose from.

Light of Her Life This candle shares our sentiments exactly! For your mother of the year grab this Unplug candle from Walsworth and Company.

Mowin’ Mama From sun up to sun down moms do it all, so help her get the job done right with a new Gravely zero turn mower from the team at Twin City Outdoor.

Coffee Lover If mom can use a pep in her step, this gift is perfect. Check out all the coffee accessories at CC’s Coffeehouse in Monroe.

Cocktails, Anyone? These punny cocktail napkins are perfect for the mom that needs a little humor with her whine down time. Check them out at Revival Design and Consign.

Fountain of Youth Every woman wants to appear like they have the skin of a newborn baby and Woman’s Clinic has the perfect products to achieve just that.

Caus You Love Her Moms are always on the go so she will love this trendy water bottle from The Paper Market. Plus, all of the Caus water bottles donate to a good cause, making mom proud.

Celebrate a Candle Mom will love the entire line of Maison Louis Marie products from Palette House. This candle and hand and body wash have a romantic smell with hints of sandalwood, vetiver and amber wood.

Hug Her Neck Kendra Scott is a beautiful line of jewelry and available at Herringstone’s. Pick out this necklace, a great adornment around mom’s neck.

Lather in Luxury Experience these amazing natural luxury lotion bars found at Dusty & Company. Besides smelling incredible, they will leave your skin silky smooth and ready to take on the day. Perfect for all of the amazing mothers on your list.

Mom Always Says Palette House in Monroe has a fun new line of cross stitch pillows, including this one. Pick one up for mom, who always gives the best advice.

Face the Day Give mom the confidence to step out to face the day with Spa Nouvelle’s SkinCeuticals serums and SPF. Perfect for women of all ages.

Let Mom Sleep In Mom deserves the best and these Barefoot Dreams PJs are certainly that. Pick up this pair so she can relax and sleep in. Available at Haven.

Boho Blues This Boho inspired serving bowl from Revival Design and Consign is perfect for presenting all of Mom’s best dishes.

Music to Her Ears These beautiful Corinthian Bell wind chimes are sure to put mom at ease, with soothing chimes and unique color schemes, available at Sonny Panzico’s.

Fuel Her Fire Mom will love this tabletop fire pit from Woodstock in Monroe. Not only is it beautiful, but it will keep the night lit up as she enjoys an evening on the patio or back porch.

Shiny and Bright Let your love shine with this beautiful necklace from The Perfect Find, a unique jewelry store located on Antique Alley in West Monroe. Mom will love everything they have to choose from!

Bright Idea Dr. Mickel carries the entire line of ZO Skin Health products, and mom will love this product. It will brighten her skin, allowing her face to glow!

Spell It Out Every mama deserves a shout out and this necklace from Hemline is perfect. She will love it from her littles!

Dynamic Duo For the Mom who does it all, this gold-plated layered look from Sadie C’s provides classic elegance with a modern twist

Radiant Beauty Get mom this brightening system from Skinceuticals from the St. Francis Medical Spa. This entire line will get her skin glowing and let her beauty shine! Mother of Pearl Mothers of all ages will love these Julie Vos bracelets from Parterre Home. These amazing bracelets are sure to put the finishing touches on any outfit.

Rolling in the Deep Relax with some friends and sip on a refreshing cocktail made with Deep Eddie’s Lime Vodka. Perfect for this warm spring weather and found at Washington Wine and Spirits.

Mom’s a Saint Show mom how much you care with a necklace worthy of a saint, just like her. This Andrea Barnett necklace from Nude Nomad is both spiritual and fashion forward.

Princess and the Pea Let mom relax on a mattress and bed from Sleepy Hollow in Monroe. She will sleep the night away, relaxed and restful. Silk Dreams Relax in luxury with these beautiful silk pillowcases from Dariia Day at Material Things. Find these and more amazing Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Green With Envy Everyone will envy mom when she gets products from Spa Bella in West Monroe. They carry the entire line of products from Bath House Soapery, including this whipped creme soap, body butter, bath bomb and more.

The Wild Side Travel in style this spring with this pink and green cheetah bag from Eleven 26, perfect for your upcoming getaways.

Future is Bright Any graduate this year has a bright future so set them up in style with a pair of aviators from Haik Humble.

Wash Your Cares Away With high school finals in the rearview, take a moment to soak your cares away with the Lollia bath collection available at Walsworth’s in historic Antique Alley.

HBTB If you know someone headed to Tech this fall, be sure to get them this fun and festive shirt from Mr. P’s Tees. They also have some that represent the Warhawks and the Tigers!

Clean Start Material Things has a new line of laundry detergent and dryer sheets that are the perfect accessory to the dorm room this fall. Leave a fresh and clean scent with these great Frey products.

Beautiful Botanicals Elevate any rooms look with this 5 vase natural bamboo flower vase. This elegant piece can be found at Parterre Home.

Future is Bright One of the best ways to celebrate the gradate is with balloons from The Paper Market. They have am entire collection that features mortar boards, cap and gowns and well wishes.

Pajama Rama When its time to catch up on some major sleep, help your graduate rest in ultimate comfort with a lounge set from Katie Kime from Sadie C’s.

Purrfect PJs Everyone wants to relax and enjoy their downtime. There’s no better way to do so than in style! Find this set and others at Eleven 26 in Antique Alley.

It’s in the Bag Herringstone’s is the place to go to get anything stylish for your graduate. Check out this bag, the perfect accessory for summer and beyond. Fresh Face Your graduate is off to a fresh start, whether that is college or a career. Help them put their best face forward with this powder that includes sunscreen from Hopkins Dermatology.

Hip Hip Hair-ray This Sutra brush from Rain Salon is great for the girl grad . She will be the envy of all of the other girls in the dorm.

Bold Bangle Give the graduate on your list this gold bangle from The Perfect Find. The motivational message of determination will set them on the perfect path.

Pool Essentials Everything you need to enjoy the perfect day by the pool or at the beach! Find this matching bag and towel, and sip your favorite beverage with this tumbler at Lauren Roebuck Designs in Ruston.

All About Alumni This delicate moonstone and smokey topaz drop rosary is the perfect gift for your graduate. Look effortlessly chic with this Andrea Barnett piece from Nude Nomad.

Sunny Side Up Everyone knows that SPF is key when it comes to skincare. Get your graduate this Obagi Sun Shield from the St. Francis Medical Spa. They have the entire line to choose from!

Press Premium Alcohol Seltzer A Woman-Owned Brand Changing the Seltzer Landscape BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

MY WALBERG’S FIRST JOB OUT OF COLLEGE WAS working for a small ad agency out of Milwaukee. “Growing up, my parents always encouraged art and imagination. I don’t remember there being a fort I wanted to build or an experiment that I wanted to try that they put the brakes on,” she told The Everymom blog in 2019. That encouragement fostered her passion for executing big ideas. She tries to create the same environment for her own children and it’s what eventually led to the big idea that became Press Premium Seltzer. In 2015, Press was inspired by a chance comment over dinner with a friend. Amy recognized an opportunity in her wish for “seltzer with a little something.” She channeled her advertising acumen, international savvy, and mission to serve women into founding Press Premium Alcohol Seltzer. Her innovative seltzer cocktail has taken the male-dominated beverage industry by storm. Amy developed the first Press flavor profiles in her kitchen, brewing up sophisticated flavor combinations inspired by her global culinary explorations. She had three no-compromise goals. First, the seltzer had to be delicious. Second, the flavor profiles had to be sophisticated. Finally, for fans committed to responsible sipping, it had to be low alcohol percentage. When she brought Press to market, the hard seltzer category was non-existent. Naysayers only fueled Amy’s determination to market her premium seltzer. Today, Press is the only woman-owned seltzer among the top-10 brands in a now burgeoning beverage category. It is available in all lower 48 states, gathering glowing media accolades and securing shelf space at major retailers. The sparkling taste of Press reflects Amy’s belief that all of life’s delicious moments are meant to be savored. The fact that so many have enthusiastically embraced the Press experience makes this journey a delight to its founder. Life is meant to be a rich adventure. Press looks forward to sharing new and delicious flavors as the journey continues. Press is available locally in a signature variety pack with more flavors to come soon. The unique flavor profiles are what really set Press apart from the rest. The Signature Variety Pack (available now) contains four distinct flavors. Blackberry Hibiscus combines the bold flavor of fresh, ripe blackberries with tangy hibiscus. Pomegranate 204 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Ginger blends the succulent taste of sweet and tart pomegranate with a refreshing snap of fresh ginger. Lime Lemongrass is bursting with fresh, citrusy lime, infused with delicate, herbaceous lemongrass. Grapefruit Cardamom boasts crisp, citrus refreshment with a sophisticated pop of the herbal, woody spice of cardamom. The Select Variety Pack (coming soon) has four equally daring flavor combinations to tempt the taste buds. Pear Chamomile is wonderfully crisp with a delicate touch of vanilla and soothing chamomile. Lingonberry Elderflower combines the refreshing tartness of lingonberries with a touch of slightly sweet and floral elderflower. Pineapple Basil explodes with vibrant, tropical fruit, punctuated by the aromatic and herbal tones of garden-fresh basil. Apple Cinnamon pairs bright and juicy apple flavor with the lively spice of cinnamon; a modern twist on a classic flavor. To really mix up your seltzer game, try this delicious and fresh take on a classic cocktail made with Press Premium Seltzer. BLACKBERRY GIN RICKEY Ingredients: • 3-4 ripe blackberries • Juice of ½ a lime • 1-ounce dry gin • 1 can Press Blackberry Hibiscus Premium Seltzer • 1 lime wheel and 2 blackberries, for garnish Method: In a tall collins glass, muddle the blackberries and lime juice. If you don’t have a cocktail muddler, the end of a wooden spoon will work nicely. Add ice and gin. Stir until combined. Top with Press Blackberry Hibiscus Premium Seltzer. Garnish with lime wheel and additional blackberries. Relax, sip, and enjoy. For more information on Press and where to find it locally, visit enjoypress.com. Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

Wobbling, Instead of Walking? Are You a Candidate for Ankle Replacement or Ankle Fusion BY STEPHEN COX, MD

OUR FEET AND ANKLES BEAR THE BRUNT OF YOUR entire body weight… they allow you to walk and dance and they are amazing option to get you from one place to another. Over time, osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis that results with age), post traumatic arthritis (arthritis from past injury of the joint) and/or rheumatoid arthritis (a system-wide arthritis that affects your joints) can cause pain, inflammation and stiffness that can make walking difficult. Your mind may be saying let’s get up and go, but your joints are saying something completely different. Most of my patients initially come to see me because foot and ankle pain has begun to interrupt their daily activities. After an evaluation, we begin to talk about options. If the patient has mild to moderate arthritis, it is best to initially consider nonsurgical options: • Special shoe and foot inserts • Pain and anti-inflammatory medications • Physical therapy • Corticosteroid injections If pain persists after conservative treatments, it may be time to consider surgical options. If the arthritis has not progressed severely, arthroscopic debridement maybe be a choice. If the arthritis is severe, end-stage, then it may be time to consider ankle fusion or ankle replacement. All the choices have risks and benefits. Before considering any of these surgical options, it’s super important that I have an honest conversation with my patient about their expectations following surgery, while considering their lifestyle, age, health and current activity level. So, let’s talk about ankle replacement versus ankle fusion. ANKLE REPLACEMENT Ankle replacement (ankle arthroplasty) surgery is the replacement of the ankle joint with an artificial implant that is made of metal and a high performing plastic. Th ankle joint (tibiotalar joint) is where your shinbone (tibia) rests on top of the foot, the talus. As arthritis progresses, the smooth cartilage on the surface of your bones can wear away. You may be told you are “bone on bone.” Ankle replacement requires the bone to grow into the artificial joint, so that the new joint can work properly. If this does not take place, complications could incur that include ankle weakness, stiffness and instability. Following ankle replacement, patients typically will regain a greater range of motion and are able to return their active lifestyles quickly. On average, the patient 206 MAY 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

will wear a cast and be non-weight bearing for three to six weeks to be followed by physical therapy. Recent studies show that the artificial ankle prothesis has a lifespan of 10+ years. The recovery period for ankle replacement is typically shorter than it is for ankle fusion. Ankle replacement is most often considered when patients want to continue their active lifestyles and are typically over age 50 and in overall good health without compromising comorbidities. ANKLE FUSION Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) is more common than ankle replacement. Ankle fusion involves cleaning out the worn-out ankle joint and fusing bones together with screws. plates and bone grafts. During the healing process, the bones fuse into one combined bone. Ankle fusion is successful with relieving ankle pain due to arthritis, but it does reduce the ankle joint’s ability to move causing other joints to compensate to allow for movement. The stress on the other joints can eventually result in arthritis in those joints. Following an ankle fusion, patients spend 1012 weeks in a cast, but because the ankle joint is “locked” into place, physical therapy is rarely part of the recovery process. Ankle fusion tis most often considered when patients want to be done with their ankle pain or for those in which total ankle replacement is not an option: those who are overweight, have a condition that has resulted in nerve damage, paralysis, a history of infection, diabetes or avascular necrosis. Some patients who have ankle fusion may be candidates for ankle replacement surgery to restore motion and function. When determining what option is best for you, it is best to weigh the pros and cons with your orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. Not every procedure is best suited for every patient. After a careful review of your overall health, age, and activity level, you and your orthopedic surgeon can make a joint decision on whether ankle replacement or ankle fusion is the best and healthiest choice for you. Above all, I want to make sure that my patients are aware that I will do my best to ensure a successful surgery and the patient must do their best to play an active role in their healthy recovery… we’re a team and we have to work together towards the best possible outcome. Stephen Cox. MD is a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in disorders of the foot and ankle. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cox or one of his partners at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, please call or visit: 866.759.9679 or orthopedicspecialists.la

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com May 1- May 2 Deep South Little Britches Rodeo Come experience the Deep South Little Britches Rodeo featuring barrel races, roping, riding, and more exciting rodeo events. Hours: 9 AM- until Cost: $10/family (Members), $25/ family (non-members) Venue: North Louisiana Exhibition Center, 165 Fairgrounds, Ruston Phone: (318) 282-7294 May 1 ShedFest Makers Market Join the Ruston Community Men’s Shed for a Makers Market featuring handcrafted items, woodworking and more, along with food, games, and music! Hours: 10 AM- 4 PM Cost: Free Venue: Ruston Community Men’s Shed, 2782 Highway 33 Ruston Phone: (318) 548-8722 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM Cost: Free to attend Venue: Ruston Farmers Market 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305 May 2 Antique Alley Sip & Stroll Afternoon Tea Enjoy a beautiful Sunday at Antique Alley! There will be finger sandwiches, cones and small cakes along with a pot of tea!! Ticket gets your name in drawing for a Grand Prize Door Draw. Seating is limited so reserve your tickets early! Venue: Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM May 4 ULM Wind Ensemble Star Wars Day The ULM Wind Ensemble will be celebrating Star Wars Day through

their iconic Star Wars performance! Live attendance to the performance will be limited to the first 150 patrons to secure tickets on Eventbrite. ULM Brown Theatre 4001 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: 7:30 PM

May 6 – May 8 Crappie Masters Fishing Tournament Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters is the nation’s premier crappie fishing tournament trail. Venue: Forsythe Boat Dock 2100 Riverside Dr, Monroe May 7 – May 9 ULM Baseball vs UT Arlington Support the ULM Baseball team as that play against UT Arlington! Venue: ULM Warhawk Field, Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: May 7: 6:00 PM May 8: 2:00 PM May 9: 1:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 May 8 Market on the Alley Celebrate Mother's Day by heading over to Market on the Alley in Alley Park on May 8th! The market will feature handmade artisan items, homegrown goodies, and a food truck. Venue: 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe Hours: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm May 15 Woofstock 21 Woofstock 21 is NELA's largest one day pet festival. One of the day's highlights is our Pet Advocacy Award given to an unsung hero who works tirelessly for the betterment of local animals. All our area pet nonprofits will be on hand participating. Venue: 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost: $3 per car Phone: 318-732-9704 May 15 QuesTECH Learning's Kindness in the Park Family fun day with games, entertainment, and food as QTL kicks off summer of kindness. Visit kindnessnow.net for more

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information. Venue: Forsythe Park Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost: Free; Open to the public Phone: 322-6000

Lincoln Parish Park Festival Bring the entire family to Lincoln Parish Park to enjoy food trucks, arts/crafts, a car & vintage airstream show, a silent auction, a regional cornhole tournament, and more entertainment! Hours: 10 AM-4 PM Cost: $10 per vehicle Venue: Lincoln Parish Park, 211 Parish Park Rd, Ruston Phone: (318) 251-5156 May 22 Louisiana State Games - Track & Field The Louisiana State Games Track & Field tournament will be held May 22nd at ULM's Track Stadium. Venue: ULM Brown Stadium, 518 Warhawk Way, Monroe May 22 Love Local Support your local community by coming to Kiroli Park for the Love Local event. This event will feature local musicians, food trucks, and artisans! Venue: 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Phone: 318-396-4016

May 29 Run for the Red, White, & Blue Support our active-duty service members and veterans by coming out to the Memorial Day 5K/1K race! Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 362-5540 May 30 Local Artist Festival The Hub Music Hall would like to present their first ever Local Artist Festival. Come out and see all the local talent the area has to offer. Headline is at 8:00 pm by Hidden Tracks! Enjoy many of the various festivities like skee ball, yard pong, bean bag toss, face painting, and bottle toss! There will also be plenty of food trucks for you to enjoy. Venue: The Hub 201 Washington St., Monroe

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