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46 / SOUTHERN COMFORTS Our Favorite Mouth-Watering Thanksgiving Dishes 58 / HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS The Home of Caroline Youngblood 100 / ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Phil Robertson is a Modest Man Who Gives His Greatest Thanks to God 114 / LIFE ENGRAVED BayouArtist Courtney Wetzel Has Carved Countless Images of Local Families 132 / THE MOST UNLIKELY JOURNEY For More Than Three Decades of Devoted Community Service, Janet Durden is This Month’s BayouIcon
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146 / A LEGAGY OF FAITH Justin Perkins Founded Melissa’s Legacy to Provide Help and Hope to Others 172 / BAYOU OUTDOORS Terry Denmon and His Team at MOJO Outdoors Have Taken Hunting to a New Level 196 / BAYOU EATS For Twenty-One Years, The Log Cabin Has Served “The Flavor of Louisiana” to the Ruston Community and Beyond
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204 / CABIN FEVER Get Outdoors This Fall with These Looks from Area Boutiques
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BayouLife
T’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT
the holiday season is upon us. I’m so thankful for Taylor Bennett and his great talents – without him, my home would never be decorated. It would just be a sad blob of white nothingness... except for my fabulous bookshelves that Gregory Hudgins pulled together. I really am thankful for all the creative people that I have around me. It’s said that the secret to a successful business begins by surrounding yourself with successful people. I work with some of the most creative, fun and loving people that I know. I have the most talented team of writers and amazing photographers, and my staff is constantly bringing new ideas to the table. I’m thankful that my children are healthy and that I have a husband and family that loves me. I’m thankful for the community that we live in. And, most importantly, I’m thankful for God’s grace, for His spiritual direction, and for each day that we get to celebrate our lives. This month, I enlisted the help of the über talented, Taylor Bennet, to not only decorate my mantle, but to style our Thanksgiving spread. Local eateries like Thurman’s Food Factory, Trapp’s, Newk’s Eatery, Genusa’s, For His Temple Family Foods, Good Earth Salad and Juice Bar inside Fiesta Nutrition Center, Doe’s Eat Place, Smallcakes Cupcakery, Tonore’s Wine Cellar, KenChaux and The Dawg House Sports Grill delivered mouthwatering food for our Thanksgiving feast. See these holiday staples on page 46. When you get creative folks together like Melanie Massey Groves and Taylor Bennett, only good things can happen. This month, we invaded the Groves home and little cabin for our fall fashion shoot. Meka Bennett and Mallory Lynn knocked it out of the park with this gorgeous fall fashion shoot. See it on page 204.
Get Set for the Holiday Season, page 124
1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185 Fax 318.855.4645
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I adore Courtney Wetzel. She’s so talented, super smart and very fashionable. She’s always had an eye for capturing nudes in a very sophisticated and sensual way, but her newest venture takes her beyond the female form to children’s portraits. Her skill with a gouge and ink is incomparable and the linocuts that she’s producing are precious. See our BayouArtist feature on page 114. Janet Durden is an amazing woman with a fantastic story. Her infectious enthusiasm for her community have helped take this President of the United Way to new heights. For more than three decades of dedicated service, Janet is this month’s BayouIcon. Read her story on page 132. Make an imprint on someone’s life this holiday season by giving your time and financial contributions to deserving non-profit organizations. On pages 178-193, you’ll find several charitable organizations throughout the north Louisiana region. Whether you are making a personal donation or looking for a deserving group to volunteer your time, these non-profits make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors, children and more. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Thank you for keeping it local, and happy Thanksgiving. ~
Cassie
PUBLISHER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com EDITOR Maré Brennan mare@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Moffett melanie@bayoulifemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Katie Sloan katie@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Amanda Singley amanda@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Ali Beasley ali@bayoulifemag.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Martin G Meyers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nils Borquist Meredith McKinnie Maré Brennan Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller Dan Chason Kenny Covington Jeff Noles Lou Davenport LaRone Richardson Michael DeVault Kay Stothart Rector Cindy Gist Foust P. Allen Smith Beatrice A. Tatem April Honaker Paul Lipe Analeise Thomas Erin Love Vanelis Rivera Judy Wagoner Justin Mailhes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Kelly Moore Clark Scarlett Garcia ON THE COVER Southern Comforts: Our favorite mouth-watering Thanksgiving dishes Cover Photo by Martin G Meyers BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 13,000 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($20) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag. com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts or other materials. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.
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The Gardens at Georgia Tucker Currently Accepting Applications for Residents
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N THE COMING MONTHS, NEW LIFE WILL BE BREATHED into the historic Georgia Tucker Elementary School. The site is being completely restored and returning to its grandeur as it opens as an assisted living home - The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. The building is located in the heart of the Garden District in Monroe. The school was built in 1920 on land donated by Colonel Frank P. Stubbs in honor of his mother, Georgia Tucker Stubbs. Georgia had a daughter who married Dr. Robert Layton and built the Layton Castle on South Grand so the family has quite an extensive connection to the Monroe area and its development. The Gardens at Georgia Tucker will officially open in January of 2018, and are currently applications for residents. There are two phases planned, the first of which will be completed in the coming months. The former auditorium will be home to a large common area that will be used for visiting, entertaining, church services and more. Residential rooms will be located off of the large school hallways. In the first phase, there will be 20 rooms – one bedroom, one bedroom deluxe and two bedroom. There are 40 more rooms planned for the second phase. The entire building will have a comfortable and homey feel, adding to the Garden District charm of the neighborhood. The services that the Gardens at Georgia Tucker will offer include: • P rivate and relaxing comfortable suites with full shower, kitchenette area and spacious living room. Tall ceilings and plenty of windows to enjoy the outdoors. • B eauty Shop • Exercise Classes • D ining Room with monthly themed events. Residents will enjoy birthday celebrations, wine socials, musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more. • C hurch services with devotionals from local pastors • Weekly Games • H omemade meals prepared daily by a chef. All meals will be served restaurant style and enjoyed with family and friends in the beautifully decorated dining room. • F resh coffee, baked goods, snacks and fresh fruit will be available throughout the day.
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• A ssistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and other activities of daily living. • Weekly housekeeping and linen services, as well as personal laundry. • Small pets are welcome, with required pet deposit • Complete maintenance The team consists of four partners that have experience in renovations, development, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and medicine. They are looking forward to overseeing the development and restoration of the property. They are most excited about restoring the builidng to its former glory while maintaining and preserving a lot of the architecture and features. The character of the building will remain, and they strive to keep that as true as possible as it is restored. Several partners bring nursing home and assisted living facility experience to the table. Between them, they own 12 facilities throughout Louisiana and Texas. They have an extensive successful portfolio. The ownership team is rounded out with an area doctor who has experience in medicine and medical facilities. They have recently added Joanne Caldwell to the team as the Executive Director. With her years of experience in building and managing assisted living facilities, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Originally from West Monroe, Joanne is excited to see new life brought to the historic building. “It is such a beautiful building with so much history,” says Joanne. “And that is exactly why I love what I do working with the elderly – history. We have so much to learn from older generations, and it is my honor and privilege to work with them.” The group plans on hosting an Open House in December, once the renovations are complete. They are preparing to open for their residents in January. Nearly a century after the school opened for the first time to the school children of Monroe, it will be open and home to The Gardens at Georgia Tucker.
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Flying Tiger Brewery Upcoming Events
WORLD PREMIERE MOVIE EVENT Imagine building an entire house inside of an art gallery and on opening night throw a raging party inside it. It’s the kind of stunt that can propel a conceptual artist to fame and fortune. Right? Brooklyn artist Andrew Ohanesian’s ambitious and infamous installation is the subject of Big Bad Art. Big Bad Art takes viewers behind the scenes with one of the most revealing and hilarious depictions of the artistic process to ever come out of the art world. If you took a stuffy documentary about art and combined it with Animal House, the result might look something like Big Bad Art. This is a no-holds-barred look behind the curtain of the Brooklyn art scene and the ragtag group of misfits that make it happen. Ben Cannon, the director of the film, grew up in Monroe and traveled all around the world before finding himself surrounded by aspiring artists in New York City. Still, he never forgot what it was like to come from a “normal pace” and it made a lot of the hijinx around him seem all the funnier. Come walk the red carpet on Thursday, November 2 at Flying Tiger Brewery, as we premiere the final cut of BIG BAD ART! Bring your lawn chairs as we project this docu-comedy short on a 20ft screen outside. Stick around for a Q&A session with our very own Ben Cannon afterwards. This unique film rolls at 8 p.m., come early and mingle. Entry is free; beer and food sold separately.
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TAKE FLIGHT It is a Warhawk double feature on Saturday November 18th at Flying Tiger! The only thing better than watching ULM football is watching it with friends, family and that cute girl at the end of the bar at Flying Tiger Brewery. Come join other fans and alumni, as we cheer on the Warhawks as they take on Auburn University, Saturday, November 18th. We will televise the game on all TVs inside and out. If that wasn’t enough, It’s double-yourpleasure as Flying Tiger also commemorates the day with its fourth canned creation, the release of its new Warhawk scholarship beer. Made with an exclusive ale yeast, Warhawk is a German Kölsch with a clean, crisp taste that will have you wanting more. Proceeds from the sales of Warhawk benefit scholarships through the ULM Foundation. Flying Tiger Brewery is proud to empower students with resources to receive their education. Six-packs available exclusively at Flying Tiger on November 18th; not to be released in stores until the following week. Come be the first to grab a Warhawk sixpack! If that was not enough, everyone’s favorite local pizza house will be curbside serving mouth-watering deliciousness from their mobile pizza kitchen! A great day to support all things local! Entry is free; beer and pizza sold separately. Watch for the schedule, as game time has yet to be announced.
HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS! Some call it a birthday. Others call it an anniversary. We’re calling it TURBULENCE! Be there Saturday, November 25th as things get crazy. We’re celebrating this important milestone with finger-licking, food vendors and limited edition beers and merchandise. To top it off, there will be musical acts throughout the day, ending with headliners, the Honey Island Swamp Band! Honey Island Swamp Band formed in San Francisco, CA via New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina displaced the founding members. Their sound has been described as “Bayou Americana.” Grab your flotation device early as this is a ticketed event, and space will be limited. Tickets are $15 and will be available online and at the door. For those looking to make a splash in first class, VIP upgrades will be available online. Look for limited, anniversary swag at the event. Details coming soon; keep checking our website and Facebook page for information. And as always, we’ll be open the Friday after Thanksgiving. We call it Beer Friday. A chance to ditch the remaining relatives that are still in town. So stop by to liquefy your turkey, decompress and start the anniversary party early. We will have a few special surprises in store for you that day as well. Come on out, and party like it’s our birthday. Bring a friend, bring cake and bring it! Prepare for Turbulence. Open noon until 11 p.m.… at least.
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Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Counting Our Blessings This Thanksgiving Season THANKFUL FOR OUR MANY BLESSINGS Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School has much to be thankful for this year. Recently, we celebrated the culmination of our JGS Annual Fund Campaign. The success of the JGS Annual Fund Campaign as well as the 3rd Annual Fall Festival celebration afterwards was not only overwhelming but humbling. The love and generosity of our school families, friends and church parishioners proved what a special place Jesus the Good Shepherd has become over the years. We will publicize more photographs and “thank you’s” next month when everything has been finalized, but for now we just want to say that we are truly thankful for the students, families, friends, church parishioners and supporters who donated their time, talents, treasures and prayers to make our JGS Annual Fund Campaign and 3rd Annual Fall Festival an enormous success. THANKFUL FOR OUR HISTORY The strength of Jesus the Good Shepherd is not only demonstrated by the love of our families and parishioners, but it also serves as a tribute to the teachers, staff, principals and pastors who have served our school families since 1960. Over the years, many things have changed not only in American culture, but also in the landscape and lifestyles of the people of Northeast Louisiana, but one thing has stayed constant: the mission of JGS. Our mission will always be to instill in each child a love of learning and a love of God, self and others. On September 11, 1960, Bishop Greco dedicated and blessed the school while the religious sisters of the Daughters of the Cross of St. Matthew School and St. Vincent Academy in Shreveport graciously provided the original staff. Sr. Maria Smith, D.C., who served as a teacher for seven years and subsequently principal from 1980-1997, remembers when she was first driven to Monroe to see Jesus the Good Shepherd and witnessing the “beautiful buildings” of the church and school in the midst of acres and acres of cotton plants. She remembered the love that parents and grandparents had for the Sisters and how the students of JGS School considered school a wonderful place because they always felt welcomed, loved, secure and respected. Those attributes have certainly stayed constant over the years and they remain true to this day. 12 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
THANKFUL FOR OUR STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND FACULTY At Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are thankful for our faithful, certified teachers who nurture and educate our children with Christian compassion in a Christ-centered atmosphere of academic excellence. Unique aspects of a JGS education for which we are very thankful are our rapidly expanding STEM program, enrichment classes such as religion, computer, art and music, and activities such as 4-H and Scouts. These are only a few of the attributes of the exceptional academic curriculum at JGS. A popular enrichment activity, especially during this time of the year, is tending the school’s organic vegetable garden. Each grade is responsible for a plot and the entire school benefits from the fresh vegetables that are prepared and served in the cafeteria during each harvest. Learning and observing firsthand the amazing works of God’s creation in the garden is something that will stay with the students throughout their lives and for that we are truly thankful! We are thankful to be able to offer tuition assistance to families who otherwise may not be able to send their children to our school and become such vital parts of our school family. We are most especially thankful for the vision, generosity and hard work of our parishioners and school families over the years, because of their dedication, Jesus the Good Shepherd has been a thriving school and parish for more than half a century. God has truly blessed us, and we pray that He will continue to do so. We wish everyone a truly happy Thanksgiving holiday and pray that the love of Christ will be present in your homes and communities. Families interested in finding out more about Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School are encouraged to visit our website, www. jesusgoodshepherd.org, and Facebook page or contact the school office directly at 318-325-8569. Tours are given every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and by appointment with our principal, Mrs. Lisa Patrick.
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DR. WALTER SARTOR
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Take Charge
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LCWLS Can Help
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INDA BETH NEUSTIFTER VIVIDLY recalls her grandson’s expression upon seeing her for the first time since her weight loss procedure. “I will always remember the look on my grandson’s face the first time he saw me after surgery. It was seven months after my gastric sleeve surgery, and I had lost quite a bit of my excess weight. His eyes got huge, and I could tell he was proud of me. It made me feel so good.” Linda Beth underwent surgery on Aug. 10, 2016, at Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery and has subsequently lost 72.5 pounds. Several of her friends chose the gastric sleeve procedure, and upon seeing their successes, she felt inspired to follow suit. Her husband was another source of strength, she said. “After years of watching me struggle to lose weight, my husband encouraged me to have the surgery. I resisted for several years. I feared that if I couldn’t figure out how to lose weight on my own, I couldn’t maintain weight loss following surgery. I wondered, ‘What if I lose the weight and then regain it two years later?’ My husband responded, ‘Then you will have gained two years of good health.’ That’s when it hit me: surgery was all about regaining my health and not just about how I looked or felt.” Linda Beth has struggled with excess weight most of her life. “I was nine pounds at birth and was always a ‘sturdy’ child. It was always overwhelming to maintain a ‘normal’ weight. I even worked for a major weight loss company to learn how to stay at a normal weight. Even knowing what to do and how to do it, I still struggled,” she said. “Following a hysterectomy and a fibromyalgia diagnosis, my weight ballooned, 14 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
and I couldn’t seem to lose weight no matter what I did. It was very discouraging, and I loathed the way I looked and felt.” She also suffered from weight-related health issues, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, joint pain, pre-diabetes and “horrendous heartburn.” “Now I am off of several medications and have drastically reduced others. My blood sugar is back in the normal range, and I am pleased every time I take my blood pressure. My hips and knees no longer hurt.” It was not long after her surgery before Linda Beth began noticing results. She experienced several “ah-hah” moments that reinforced her decision to have gastric sleeve surgery. “I realized pretty quickly that I was looking and feeling better. There were several moments that made me realize what a great decision the surgery was: my grandson’s reaction; my blood test results six months after surgery; the first time I fit into misses size clothes; the first time I could climb stairs without getting winded or experiencing joint pain; and the first time I fit into skinny jeans.” Linda Beth, who can now keep up with her busy grandchildren, is a singer and a music teacher. “Since my weight loss, I have much better breath control and stamina than I have had in years.” She has advice for those considering gastric sleeve surgery. “This surgery will give you a new lease on life. It is not a quick fix, and you still have to eat right and exercise, but it will make you feel like you can do so much more than you could before. The surgery itself was pretty easy, and recovery was quick. I was tired for a few
weeks, but was so excited to see the numbers on the scale go down immediately that I still felt renewed energy.” Her bariatric surgeon Dr. Walter Sartor and her dietitian Marci Parker were “helpful and encouraging” during the entire process, she said. “They were so good at explaining the procedure that no question was left unanswered. I never worried or had second thoughts for one minute before surgery. After surgery, when I hit a very normal plateau in my weight loss, Dr. Sartor and his staff were so reassuring and encouraging. Of course, the weight loss continued!” Linda Beth describes her life now as “limitless.” She said, “I feel like I can do anything! I look forward to my days and to the future. Instead of feeling depressed and embarrassed, I feel confident and excited for what life has in store. I am blessed to have a husband who loves me no matter what my weight, but now I feel like I can keep up with him. I know he is proud of me.” Linda Beth has only one regret. “My only regret is that I didn’t have the surgery sooner. I wasted so many years being miserable and living with poor health. This is the best thing that I could have done for myself and my family.” Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery, an accredited bariatric program, is a partnership between Dr. Walter Sartor, P&S Surgical Hospital, and St. Francis Medical Center. Like us at facebook. com/LCWLS, and call us today at 1-866-821-LIVE. Dr. Walter Sartor has performed more than 1,000 gastric sleeve surgeries.
Living Thankfully in Times of Turmoil The Power of Thanksgiving
BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS
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HERE IS A TIME AND SEASON for everything. The nation will soon celebrate Thanksgiving the season of thankfulness. This year for many, the arrival of the Thanksgiving holiday and what it symbolizes and represents is especially timely. The season of “Thanksgiving” or giving thanks is a reminder to put challenges into perspective, to focus your mood on the positive and strengthen your belief. The thought that the spirit of thanksgiving should go beyond the holiday table on a designated day rings true when metaphorically and literarily speaking some will not have a table, surrounded by family or friends or the trimmings associated with the holiday. As we usher in the holiday it is my hope that the intentions of thanksgiving will lessen negative, sad times and thoughts with positive action and reaction. In the midst of all the turmoil we must be intentional about living thankfully. Lately, the nation seems to be unsettled, unhappy, dissatisfied, distracted, full of unrest and in disarray. It appears as though feelings of discord, strained relationships, mixed emotions, depression, fear, stress, anxiety, nervousness, worry, confusion and chaos are seeping further and further into our lives. The flow of the nation has been interrupted by disasters, tragedy and turmoil. Many have been affected if not directly, indirectly by incidences of life or the occurrences of nature. These incidents have given many a cause to pause in an effort to reflect and to set priorities. In the face of adversity many have witnessed humanity at its best and have been humbled by the offerings of thanks giving. Giving thanks and possessing a thankful 16 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
attitude has many benefits. It improves emotional and physical health, impacts ones well-being, strengthens relationships and communities, enhances interpersonal relationships, builds trustworthiness, strengthens self-esteem, increases awareness and heightens our consciousness. In these times of discord, it is the spirit of thankfulness that has reminded us to be brave in our humanity towards one another, to recognize the positive deeds that are being done, to be thankful about the goodness that exists in people, even during times of despair. On most days, being thankful manifests as an emotional reaction to a positive outcome or a favorable event. Living thankfully is an approach to life that allows us to celebrate and highlight the goodness in life. On the other hand, when life is going badly, it is a perspective that affords us with the opportunity to look at a situation in its entirety and not be overtaken by immediate or temporary circumstances. Practicing thankfulness is a way of thinking to bring about change to our circumstances. It is a thinking that allows us to experience ourselves and others with lifegiving energy. Ways to live thankfully: Practice living thankfully and avoid living a life of complaints, give thanks openly, freely and continuously, focus on what you have and not what you don’t have, give back some of the goodness you receive, be absorbed by the good others have done for you, gratitude is a choice… make it a part of your lifestyle, reflect on your life and be thankful for the people and things you might have taken for granted cultivate gratitude through service, maintain a gratitude list and review it daily, start and end
your day with thankfulness, make a habit of thanking others through out the day… this will in turn highlight the good in your day while showing others appreciation. If necessary, set an alarm to remind yourself to be grateful. Expressing thankfulness through your words and actions will enhance your experiences of gratitude, as well as the experiences of others. Forego a negative habit for a habit of giving thanks. Recognize those who have made sacrifices to make your life better. Host a happy “friends giving” or gratitude” gathering. Be mindful the holiday is Thanksgiving not thanksgetting. The act of thanksgiving helps us to have a sense of hope which is empowering. It enhances empathy, soothes the discomfort, heals the pain, understands the unreasonable, makes sense of the unthinkable, pushes past the turmoil, overcomes the challenge, moves forward with joy and brings solace to the present. Living thankfully suggests gratitude, which promotes happiness and good health. The Thanksgiving holiday is recognized once a year, yet the meaning of thanksgiving is an attitude we can live by throughout the year. Living thankfully, through our actions, our verbalizations and our emotions, is a true measure of our thanksgiving. May we all live thankfully this holiday and the years to come. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 414, Monroe, La 71201, 318410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.
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Washington Wine and Spirits Finding the Perfect Libation for This Holiday Season
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HE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US WHICH IS A beautiful time to be thankful. We are so very thankful for our amazing customers, so we’d like to help you find the perfect libation to brighten your conversation during this special time. RUM If you’re looking for that special drink to start a conversation, then what could be better than a fantastic bottle of rum, it can be a unique counterpoint to the standard bottle of bourbon or whiskey and is a great value. These, when tasted blind, can even fool many into thinking that they are having a great glass of whiskey. Plantation 20th Anniversary rum is an exceptional example of this concept. Located on the island of Barbados where rum was originally produced, Plantation 20th is aged initially in the Caribbean for 12-20 years and then taken to France where it is aged for an additional 12-18 months. This rum is super smooth, overflowing with aromas of vanilla and toasted coconut, and features an immaculately structured palate of butterscotch, caramel and vanilla. Papa’s Pilar Dark is a new addition to the shop. Created in conjunction with the Hemingway Society to honor the man known to his friends and family as Papa and his famous boat Pilar, Papa’s Pilar Dark is up to 24 years old and created through a waterfall solera method. Passing through a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry and port barrels this rum is incredibly complex. Flavors of bourbon mingle with chocolate, raisins and vanilla to create an amazing story that you can taste. Our final rum suggestion is Foursquare, specifically their vintage 2004. This rum is bottled at cask strength and has huge flavors reminiscent of bourbon. Toasted oak, vanilla and caramel build into a crescendo that will help anyone relax after a great meal. WINE A Thanksgiving meal wouldn’t be complete without sharing a bottle of wine, so here are some of our favorites. If you’re looking for a good way to start your meal then what could be better than a bottle of bubbly? Schug Rouge de Noir Brut is a rosé sparkling wine that is divine with a full abundance of berry flavors that perfectly complement dressing and cranberry sauce. If you need a delicious white, look no further than the Merlin Saint-Veran Chardonnay. A supple and elegant 18 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
wine full of aromatic freshness makes for a perfect pairing with lighter fares, such as salads. If you need a lighter style of red, Chasselay Quatre Saisons Beaujolais and Barossa Valley GSM are the ticket. Quatre Saisons expresses vibrant red cherry aromas with a well-defined fresh taste with raspberries and strawberry. Barossa Valley GSM (grenache, syrah, mourvedre) is a wonderfully fresh Australian wine. A silky mouthfeel leads into fresh red berries, blackberries and cherries. Both compliment the full range of a Thanksgiving dinner. If you require something with a little more umph, try these wonderful big reds. Frog’s Leap Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolute delight with rich red fruits that are followed by the traditional Rutherford dusty tannins. This wine has a beautiful finish that excellently complements wild game and lamb. Robert Foley Charbono is a dense wine packed with crushed black fruits and brown sugar that leads into a long finish making it a great pairing with duck or roast turkey. Cultivar produces amazing wines and their North Coast and Calistoga Cabernets are brilliant for Thanksgiving. The North Coast is full of classic Cabernet flavors such as plum and dark currants with a hint of vanilla and spice, while the Calistoga Cabernet is a commanding wine that demands attention with its black currants, cocoa, coffee and black pepper. This is the perfect wine to pair with a prime rib. Finally, we get to dessert. We think that the perfect wine for Thanksgiving dessert is the Royal Tokaji Aszu 2008. A 5 puttonyos Aszu (sweeter style) features an abundance of flavors from tropical fruits, dried apricot and even clove. It pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, cheeses and all types of fruit based pies and tarts. Remember that we have our Annual Holiday Tasting November 30th, and we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter, love and good memories. Let us show our thanks by helping you create the perfect holiday dinner. 6 oz Filet - $9.75 10 oz Filet - $16.24 14 oz Bone-In Filet - $39.99 1.5 lb Bone In Strip - $20.99 20 oz Ribeye - $21.24 2 lb Bone In Ribeye - $35.98 1.5 lb T-Bone - $20.99 2 lb T-Bone - $27.98 2.5 lb Porterhouse - $39.98 3 lb Porterhouse - $47.97 2-5 lb Sirloin - $9.99/lb Thank you for shopping with us here at Washington Wine & Spirits!
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3D Mammography Peace of Mind at a Whole New Dimension
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REAST CANCER IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE of cancer death among women. Every year in the United States, close to 260,000 women, including mothers, wives, sisters, friends and daughters are diagnosed with breast cancer. The types of cancer are as diverse and unique as the women themselves. But the good news is that when diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Early detection through regular mammograms is the key to diagnosing and beating breast cancer. Glenwood Regional Medical Center’s Breast Center provides state-of-the-art digital mammography services in surroundings that offer a sense of comfort, privacy and assurance, in a spa-like atmosphere. Whether you are coming to see us for the first time with a breast problem or visiting for a routine checkup, the staff at the Glenwood Breast Center is ready to answer your questions and address your issues. All the physicians and mammography staff are certified with The American College of Radiology – ACR and the FDA to assure the highest level of testing accuracy. Once testing is concluded, results are diagnosed and forwarded to the patient’s physician within 24 – 48 hours. Glenwood’s new 3D Mammography (breast tomosynthesis) is an advanced form of breast imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. While mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today, it does not detect all breast cancers. Breast tomosynthesis overcomes some of the limitations of standard mammography especially in women with denser breast tissue. Two of the top benefits are improving the early detection of breast cancer and providing peace of mind due to greater clarity and accuracy. This increased accuracy reduces the number of callbacks, sparing women the inconvenience, anxiety and expense of coming back for further imaging. The multiple images of breast tissue slices give radiologists clearer images which makes it easier to detect breast cancer, even in dense tissue. WALK-IN MAMMOGRAMS Busy women shouldn’t neglect their health. We’ve made it easier to stay in check by offering walk-in screening mammograms to allow women to have their annual checkup and mammogram all in one day,
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or to stop by when it’s a convenient time for them. After we receive a physician’s order, our staff verifies the patient’s information before the exam. Once the screening is complete, the images are evaluated by a radiologist who reports directly to the patient’s provider within days. BREAST PATIENT NAVIGATION PROGRAM • Serving as a consistent contact person, advocate and guide for patients, their families and caregivers throughout the treatment journey. • Guiding patients through their diagnosis, treatment options and care plans • Improving access to community resources and to patient support services • Providing practical organizational assistance BREAST HEALTH CENTER SERVICES: • 2D & 3D Digital Mammography with computer-aided detection • Ultrasound • Dexascan for bone density • MRI with computer-aided detection • Breast intervention/biopsy • Dexascan for bone density • Breast Patient Navigation Program • WOW Yoga Classes The Glenwood Breast Health Center provides services at two convenient locations: The Glenwood Medical Mall, Suite 300 in West Monroe; and Glenwood Imaging, 3995 Sterlington Road, Suite B, in North Monroe. All screening mammograms and other testing requires a physician’s order. To schedule a mammogram, call 318-329-8585 or visit us online at www.GlenwoodMammo.com.
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Cathi French Roberts & Lori French
Grateful for Things That Are Coming Around Again
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elvet and matelassé accents either in drapery, sofas, bedding or pillows have also resurged to the top of interiors lately. Both of these fabrics can sometimes be traditionally seen as winter or heavier fabrics that have been used for centuries. However, these are modern and new when mixed with silk and linen trims, even soft burlap. Mass produced is not the focus here. Look for velvet and matelassé that are modernly designed and take a twist on the traditional velvet and tassel look or matelassé euro pillow. Lush and glamour have never been so available.
Anyone who knows us probably knows we love over-the-top accents that make a statement. If you can start with a clean canvas in a room – you can easily add an ornate piece, oversized object or bold light source and shift your entire décor. Unveil a new narrative in your home and embrace what appeals to your eye.
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e never stopped loving it, but wallpaper has recently had a huge resurgence in the past few years. Paint, paint, paint is all that has happened over the last couple of decades, so it is refreshing to see gorgeous wallpaper coming around again. We follow and adore Gracie Studio designs. It is incredible to see younger tastemakers embracing and starting to use wallpaper in their homes.
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loral accents don’t have to be mauve and blue from a few decades ago. Flower and paisley accents reinvented in vibrant combinations can freshen up a sun room or entry way. The key to making this trend look updated is to utilize fine fabrics and try not to saturate an area. Choose what is pleasing to your eye and offer up a fresh update for the changing seasons.
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nterior designer friend, Susan Boyd Bright, has always been a champion of modern clean with lux detail. A champion of pristine lighting, she never disappoints when a project comes to fruition. She introduced us twenty-five years ago to wall-to-wall seagrass flooring, painted brick, and box pleat slipcovered tables.
Latest Obsession:
Paris Flea Market Style by Claudia Strasser. Such takeaway info for the everyday designer.
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rass and gold toned hardware is no longer the dated 80’s look. It seems more and more updates in powder and dressing rooms are evolving with rose gold and soft brass elements. In fact, an entire remodel is not required to update a small guest bath with contemporary stylings of soft honey or caramel gold shades. You will also find that side tables and lamps are an easy update as well and are a lovely change from all the silver, gray and chrome fittings.
FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041
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Marsala Beverage Company Marsala Beverage Introduces Karbach Brewing Company
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ARBACH BREWING COMPANY IS A HOUSTON, Texas-based microbrewery. The company was founded in 2011, when beverage industry veterans Chuck Robertson and Ken Goodman (of distributor C.R. Goodman) joined with ex Flying Dog Brewmaster and CEO Eric Warner on a new venture. Since launch, Karbach has experienced rapid growth thanks in part to the brewery’s veteran roster. In 2013, Karbach was cited in The New Yorker as the second fastest growing craft brewery in the U.S. In 2015, Karbach completed renovations on a $15M expansion to their brew house, including an on-site restaurant. WHAT DOES KARBACH MEAN? One reason they named the brewery Karbach Brewing Co. is because they are located on Karbach Street. Even more important, though, is the fact that the Karbach Street warehouse was the site Ken and Chuck started their beer distribution company decades ago. Lots of great beer has moved through the warehouse over the years, and now it is time to add our own to that list. Karbach is also a village in Bavaria. We hear they drink a lot of great beer there. “We are excited to add Karbach Brewing to our portfolio. Karbach is a Houston, Texas-based brewery, and we are excited to introduce their beer to Northeast Louisiana, says Tyler Flemister.” Marsala Beverage began distribution of their brands mid-August. Be on the lookout for: LOVE STREET In the 1960’s on Allen’s Landing sat Love Street; a hot spot of music and social impact. The venue hosted eclectic characters ranging from open mic’ers to the Lizard King himself. Love Street was not only a place, but a state of mind. A place to unwind and let the music refresh your soul. Likewise, Love Street is a state of mind. Brewed in the Kolschstyle and hopped delicately with floral German hops, this beer boasts a clean malt profile that refreshes to the core, without sacrificing character. So crack one open, and find your own Love Street. 24 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
HOPADILLO IPA He lurks in the shadows, waiting in bold anticipation. He’s surprisingly bitter. Bitter about something. Legend has it that he feasts on those with fresh hops coursing through their veins. This dry-hopped, Texas IPA has a flavor as defiant as the Hopadillo himself. It’s packed with the bracing bitterness of hops from around the world that this creature craves. He’s comin’ to get ya. You’ve been warned... WEEKEND WARRIOR Soft caramel malt flavors are met by bright, citrusy hop bitterness and aromatics to provide balance to this pale ale. Weekend Warrior gives hop heads just what they desire while delivering sessionability that allows you to check off that to do list! OG: 12.7 Plato (1.052) LEMON AND GINGER RADLER Radler: German for “cyclists,” Texan for “Damn refreshing!” Whether riding a fixed gear, a skateboard or a pogo stick, we’re all adventure seekers, and we’re all looking for the ultimate postride brew ski! Karbach’s Radler is a blend of lemon, ginger and a golden beer that is sure to quench a Texas-sized thirst! So wherever your next journey takes you, make sure you add plenty of Karbach Radlers to the packing list! KARBACHTOBERFEST While you may not be able to attend Oktoberfest this year, you can experience the world’s biggest beer festival right here with Karbachtoberfest! An authentic, Bavarian-style Marzen, decoction mashed with Vienna and Munich malts, cold fermented and aged for six weeks, this beer pairs well with pretzels and sausage, but it tastes mighty fine on its own.
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Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumna: Twainna Calhoun
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WAINNA CALHOUN CREDITS HER TIME AT ULM FOR providing her the instruction and practice to make the everyday decisions she encounters as principal of Good Hope Middle School in West Monroe, Louisiana. It also aided Twainna in building her educational legacy, something she didn’t know she needed until a ULM professor insisted upon it. That early recognition of what needed to be done to get where she wanted to go has served Twainna well, and her students and faculty benefit from her knowledge and leadership daily. Twainna obtained her Master’s in Administration & Supervision in 1999 and then her plus 30 hours later in 2005. Her professors were essential to her growth at ULM, and she still keeps in touch with some of them today. Twainna describes her classroom learning as akin to driving a virtual car. It was as real as it could get without actually having the responsibility solely on her shoulders. It allowed her to see the “science versus the art.” One day in a ULM Educational Leadership class, Dr. Rice asked the students, “What will your professional legacy be?” Twainna remembers pondering the depth of the question, and the pursuit of perfecting that legacy has shaped every professional decision she has made since. He went on, “We all leave a personal legacy to our children, our families, but as an educator, after dedicating most of our life to our work, what will we leave to our profession?” Dr. Rice encouraged the class to write theirs down, and twenty years later, Twainna still has the notebook and the list she crafted in that very class. She strives every day to keep the students first. She owes the transparency, the accountability to her students, their parents, her teachers, her community, and even herself. She makes sure she does right by the students. She refers to those notes from her classes, keeps them alongside the books on her office shelves. That old tattered notebook from 1998 serves as her guidebook decades later. It reminds her to be proactive, never settling for good enough, to always set goals. “Through the leadership of teachers and classmates, patience from my parents, guidance and strength from God, and being able to prepare for a new life,” Twainna was able to transform herself from a classroom teacher to a school leader. ULM served as her “virtual academy.” Her professors provided her real life experiences past the jargon of education. Twainna focuses on working smarter, not harder. Her grandmother, “God rest her soul,” told her, “The softest pillow is a clear conscience.” She makes decisions based on “doing right by her students.” She feels her colleagues; her professors do right by her. She recognizes ULM 26 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
as a community school, one that gives back. And as a community member, she does the same. At ULM, she felt seen and heard; she wasn’t a number or a dollar sign, and she’s carried that level of respect into her profession. She felt valued, and she makes sure others in her professional life do as well. It’s what makes a good leader. Having attended a Summer Scholars program at Harvard, the hometown feel of going to school at ULM stood out to Twainna. Knowing the person next to you in class, having a similar background provides a level of comfort in what can be an uncomfortable four years. Twainna was already in the workforce when she came to ULM. She had a teaching position at A.L. Smith Elementary, already a wellperforming school, but remembers Dr. Otis Lovette stressing in one of her ULM classes: “If it’s not broken, it can always be polished.” As a result, Twainna strives to never get comfortable. Even though her school is performing well, it can always improve. She has no room for complacency. Over the years, she has continued to keep polishing, keep cementing that legacy. She will continue to maintain the integrity of Good Hope Middle School and her own integrity. She will remain proactive for her students, never settling for good enough. This continual effort prevents burnout. Now in her fifteenth year as a school administrator, she is still just as energized as day one. Twainna thanks ULM and her professors for teaching herself to harness and then expend that energy when necessary. With the guidance she received from Dr. Pugh, Dr. Lavette and Dr. Rice, she realizes, “It takes a village.” Each person is an essential piece of that school puzzle, and they all get the same level of respect. Twainna realizes she sets the tone, and as a mother of three girls, that tone must stay positive. The best ULM graduates always remain willing to learn, and this ability makes Twainna not only a good mother, but also a superior leader, a true testament to her ULM professors. 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.
Historical Impressions
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THE OTHER DAY FOR GIVING THANKS
HEN AMERICANS SPEAK of the month of November, thoughts of the Thanksgiving holiday are prominent. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate with others and to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy living in our country. But there is more to give thanks for during November besides family, friends and the bounty provided by a good harvest. November 11 is Veterans Day; the holiday that pays tribute to all American veterans but is especially a recognition of living veterans who served our country honorably during war or peacetime. On this day, we thank our veterans - the men and women who signed a blank check “up to and including their lives” so that we are able to enjoy our freedoms and good times such as the Thanksgiving holiday. The November 11 holiday has been around for almost 100 years, but it was not always recognized as Veterans Day. “The Great War,” which we now call World War I, technically ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The actual fighting ceased seven months earlier, however, when an armistice went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. November 11, 1918, thereby became generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, a year after the guns were silenced, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
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The observation of Armistice Day called for parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business and school activities at 11 a.m.; the hour the armistice went into effect. On November 11, 1921, an unidentified American soldier killed in the Great War was reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. This Tomb of the Unknown Soldier became a monument dedicated to the services of an unknown soldier and to the common memories of all soldiers killed in any war. Moving one step closer to becoming a formal holiday, Congress passed a resolution on June 4, 1926 that the “recurring anniversary of [November 11, 1918] should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” Finally, a Congressional Act approved on May 13, 1938 made November 11 a legal Federal holiday, “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I but other wars and other sacrifices were yet to come. World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in our Nation’s history. American forces later fought for freedom in Korea. So on June 1, 1954, at the urging of veterans service organizations, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans” thereby designating the day to honor American veterans of all wars. Observing Veterans Day on November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of this holiday. Veterans Day is the one day especially set aside to honor those who have served our nation and to thank them
for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. How can you properly celebrate Veterans Day? Here are a few ideas. • Wear a red poppy or yellow ribbon to show support for veterans and active duty service members. Red poppies are the flowers which grew on the blood-soaked battlefields of World War I. Wearing a paper red poppy as a remembrance of the fallen service men and women killed in conflict has been a British Commonwealth tradition and is becoming more popular here in America. • Get together with family or friends and send care-packages to our service members deployed overseas. If you don’t know someone currently stationed overseas, contact a nearby military unit or an organization like Blue Star Mothers to identify troops in need. These contacts can also tell you what items are most needed or desired by our overseas troops. • Visit a veterans’ hospital or our local NE Louisiana War Veterans Home. Chatting with elderly or injured veterans is a great way to brighten their day, plus you’re likely to hear some incredible stories about their time in the service. • Take time out of the day to say thank you to veterans at your workplace. • This holiday and every day, whenever you see someone in uniform, extend a simple word of gratitude or small act of kindness to show how much their service means to you. I believe the words of two of the service mottos (as translated to English) expresses it best: Our service members have been always ready, always faithful. Our gratitude goes to all our veterans.
BY GUY MILLER Vice Chair-Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
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A. ALDEN’S MEMO
Fall Beauty Trends
Atlanta and Dallas based fashion sales representative for Reeves & Company, Analeise Thomas, shares the top trends in beauty for Fall 2017.
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ith a palpable crispness in the morning air, it’s finally starting to feel like Fall and what better way to get in the Fall and holiday spirit than with a few makeup and hair changes to reflect the season. The Fall runways showcased some obvious and cyclical beauty trends while other trends were unexpected. Step out on a limb and try some of these daring looks this season, and you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd.
METALLIC LIPS AND NAILS My favorite metallic lip stain is from Kylie Jenner’s makeup line: Kylie Cosmetics Metal lip stain in “Reign.” I also love metallic nails especially as it gets closer to Christmas. UNDONE HAIR Take a note from the French and let your hair down, literally. My trick is to wash your hair at night, twist it in a loose low bun and in the morning you will have perfectly tousled hair.
COPPER BAYLAGE Copper tones really brighten
up mousy brown hair and add so much texture. Visit Blake at Rain Salon to add some metallic loveliness to your locks.
CURTAIN BANGS Paying homage to the oh-so-lovely style icon,
Brigitte Bardot, curtain bangs are EVERYWHERE. Although bangs are not a look I can pull off, I love them and I think this is a great way to stay on trend.
EXTRA EYELINER Cat-eyes and black liner around the entire
eye abounds. This is a great way to take your nighttime beauty look up a notch.
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Red Wheelbarrow
Put Your Garden to Bed for Winter ARTICLE BY P. ALLEN SMITH
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repping your garden beds for winter will make it easier to get a jump start on planting in the spring, because working in a soggy, spring bed is a difficult task! It’s far smarter to do that work in the fall, when the beds are dry and the weather is nice. So, if you’re wondering how to tuck your garden beds in for a long winter nap and have them wake up refreshed, start with these five tasks: Collect leaves and yard debris for the compost pile. Discard diseased foliage. Pull up the old vegetable plants in your garden beds. Be sure to discard any diseased or infested vines. The insects living in them will lay eggs and return in the spring, if they’re not disposed of properly. Any nondiseased foliage can be added to your compost bin. 32 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Mulch after the ground freezes. Sometimes too much mulch can prevent the ground from freezing and killing off any disease or pests it might be harboring. So, wait until it freezes to add natural mulch like shredded leaves or a layer of clean straw. Fall is also the best time to collect leaves and other brown matter for your compost bin. This makes a wonderful natural mulch for your beds that will decay and enhance the soil underneath. Remove annuals and harvest seeds. After the first hard freeze, remove annuals in your garden beds, and if they’re not diseased, add them to your compost pile. In places like ours with mild winters, you can replace the annuals with cold tolerant varieties. You should also harvest seeds, if possible, and begin drying them. They can be sown next year to supplement your new plantings.
Fall is also a great time to add bulbs of garlic to your bed. Given the proper amount of fertilizer, they will sit tight through the winter and grow like crazy in the spring. Get rid of weeds. Fall is the best time to remove weeds in your vegetable garden, flower beds or lawn. In the lawn, you can pull them up by hand, or if you have a herbicide, it’s a good time to spot-spray, especially for weeds like dandelion, thistle and sticker grass. Side dress with compost and manure This is a great time to add manure, compost, peat or leaves to your garden beds before the ground freezes. Those nutrients will be ready to feed your plants in the spring. Photo credits: Red Wheelbarrow, Shoveling in the Garden, and Garden Bed – Photographer, Mark Fonville
Shoveling in the Garden
Garden Bed P. Allen Smith is an author, television host and conservationist with a passion for American style. His show “Garden Home” airs on LPB, KLTM, KLPA and AETN. Check your local listings for “Garden Style.” Smith uses his Arkansas home, Moss Mountain Farm, as an epicenter for promoting the local food movement, organic gardening and the preservation of heritage poultry breeds. He created his farm to serve as a place of inspiration, education and conservation and provides visitors from around the country with tours of his property, which may be booked at pallensmith.com/tours.
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article by Kenny Covington shad activity, take the time to search it for actively feeding bass. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
RULE #2: THE SIZE OF YOUR LURE CAN BE CRITICAL
A few years ago I won a fall tournament on Lake D’Arbonne using a squarebill crankbait. In practice I caught fish on a smaller version of the lure, but I wasn’t catching the size I had hoped for. A good friend of mine, Jimmy Wright, made the comment to me that he was throwing a bigger squarebill, and the fish were choking it. The day of the event I used the bigger bait in my choice of areas, and I won the event. I didn’t catch as many fish as I had the week before using the smaller bait but the fish I caught on the bigger lure were a better quality. We all have favorite lures, but don’t allow your loyalty to them become your downfall. Allow the fish, especially the bigger ones, to tell you what they want. If you are throwing a Pop R and catching smaller bass, switch to a Chug Bug or a Spook, and you may start catching the bigger fish in a particular area. The importance of lure size cannot be overstated.
RULE #3: IF YOUR LAKE HAS AQUATIC VEGETATION, FISH IT
FISHING
With Kenny
How to Catch Fall Bass 101
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hen it comes to bass fishing, my favorite time of the year, without a doubt, is in the fall. The woods are full of hunters, and the waterways are left to just a few of us die hard anglers. What many don’t know is that fall can be the best time of year to catch bass. In this month’s column I want to give you some tips and lures that may help you catch more bass this fall. My favorite thing about fishing this time of year is that most of it will be done in fairly shallow water. That isn’t to say the fish can’t be caught out deeper, because they can. However, deep water fish can be finicky, and it has always seemed to me that if I can figure out the right lure and area to fish it, the shallow water fish are usually more cooperative. Here are a few rules I think are very important to remember when fishing for shallow fall bass.
RULE #1: YOU CAN NEVER FISH TOO SHALLOW
In the fall of the year shad will migrate to the backs of creeks and coves. Bass, being the predators that they are, follow these schools of baitfish searching for an easy meal. It’s not uncommon to see bass feeding on shad in water that is only inches deep so don’t be afraid to go as shallow as your boat will allow you to go. A common mistake fishermen make this time of year is to look at a shallow flat. When they don’t see any visible cover they think would hold fish, they tend to write the area off, because it doesn’t look good. Cover isn’t a requirement, if shad are present. If an area is showing 34 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Coontail moss, hydrilla, milfoil, duckweed, lily pads or even pepper grass beds. The areas of your lake that has any of these types of vegetation should be at the top of your list of places to fish. Fish use grass flats for every aspect of their survival. They can use them for security reasons during cold fronts, they can easily feed on the other inhabitants, such as bream and crawfish, and they can use the grass line to access both deep and shallow water. Everything a bass needs for survival can be found in areas that have an abundance of vegetation. The hardest part of bass fishing is locating the bass. When you focus on areas that have grass half of your work is already done. One of the drawbacks to fishing grassy areas is that the fish are often not very widespread. Often times they will have one small area that they congregate to and until that area is discovered, it can be quite frustrating to fish. Pick lures that will allow you to fish around the grass such as a Rat L Trap, over the grass such as a Zoom fluke and into the grass such as a frog.
RULE #4: COVER WATER
Since you are basically trying to eliminate water to find actively feeding fish, in the fall of the year there is no reason to fish slow. I choose lures that will allow me to not just cover water but will also catch fish regardless of the scenarios I may encounter. My fall fishing day will always start with a ½ double willowleaf shad colored spinnerbait, a chrome/ blue ¼ ounce Rat L Trap, a Spook, a 1.5 squarebill crankbait and a small jig. With these five lures I can cover 100% of the water column in any lake I go to. Remember, you want to use your lures as tools. These five lures work great, but if I go to a lake that has a lot of grass then I will probably need to alter my choices. Pick the right lures for the job at hand.
RULE #5: STAY OPEN MINDED
The worst thing you can do when you put your boat in the water is to say “I am going to catch them on…” or say “well, they should be biting on…” because I have caught them on that before. It isn’t very often that I do well in fall tournaments by using techniques I have used in previous events. Each trip is different, and I have learned the more open minded I am, the better my success tends to be. Well, it looks like we’ve run out of room for this month. Please be careful while in the woods or on the water. Catch one for me, and I will see you next month!
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Little Explorers Academy Trinity Cheer Offering Classes for Your Little Explorers SELF CONFIDENCE Among the greatest gifts we can bestow on a 3-5 year old is increased self-confidence. Gymnastics, with its myriad physical challenges, fortifies self-confidence in every participating preschooler. As we all know, self-confidence, or the lack thereof, can have major long-lasting effects on all activities in your child’s life. Do you want a more self-confident preschooler? Won’t this help prepare them for kindergarten? Does greater selfconfidence open doors for them? Do they learn more because they ask more questions? Do they learn more because they are confident in their abilities? The answer is YES. Gymnastics opens an entirely new world of opportunities for a confident young student.
and thereby strengthen them. As adults, surely we understand that a well-coordinated child will encounter fewer physical challenges throughout life, including the emotional rigors of PE class, which can be heartbreaking for those kids unable to perform. In gymnastics, children will learn how to run properly, and to move with superb fluidity and balance. Gymnastics, arguably both a sport and an art, allows us to hone your child’s coordination during every class. Don’t we want our preschoolers to be better runners? Better at walking backwards? Better at skipping and leaping? More adept at all of the physical activities that make up so much of their lives? Don’t you think that it will make them feel better to be more coordinated?
LISTENING/FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS Teaching the little ones to stop, listen and learn is essential. Getting them to “stop” is a challenge in itself. Getting them to maintain eye contact and focus is challenging. Teaching them to listen to our words without distraction is, of course, difficult. Let’s think about word usage and comprehension especially in our brave new online world substandard grammar. Gymnastics offers you so many chances to practice these skills with your preschooler. Listening and following directions begins the process of thinking before acting. There is a right way to behave and accomplish tasks. Little Explorers Academy creates situations where listening, learning and following directions can be absorbed.
STRENGTH AND FITNESS It may seem almost laughable to wish 3-5 year-olds to be stronger and fitter, but let’s keep in mind the childhood obesity crisis looming in this country. A mastery of gymnastics is among the best activities we know for keeping your child fit, flexible, and most importantlyv, at a healthy body weight, which also promotes a secure self-image. There’s so much going on in every Little Explorers Academy class. Many assume that children are only learning forward rolls. Far from it! They’re learning the ultimate exercise.
DISCIPLINE Don’t all preschoolers need activities in their lives where discipline and control are important? Do they also need involvement of rules in daily socialization? Learning what is and what isn’t acceptable? All children need to have their basic discipline training at home augmented by similar rules and regulations outside the household. The highly organized structure of Little Explorers Academy serves to reinforce this, while still being exciting for the kids. Your gymnastics instructors will also teach how personal actions affect others. Discipline isn’t merely about rules and the child, but also how those rules enable your child to navigate his environment. MOTOR SKILLS/COORDINATION The bulk of a preschooler’s life is preoccupied with the physical as opposed to the intellectual. So, their physical world can be made more comfortable, through gymnastics instruction, as we help them utilize muscle coordination, 36 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
BOTTOM LINE Somewhere between their first steps and their first bike ride is their first gymnastics class. Not only will it set a solid foundation for any future sport your child may choose, it also better prepares them to handle life’s everyday situations, both physical and mental. Little Explorers Academy is an excellent springboard for developing skills and attitudes that will enable them to be more successful in all endeavors. We want your child to be more confident and happier in their journey as they grow. We want each of them to feel comfortable with their body and what it can achieve. We want to help them be successful now and in the future. You will be giving your child a priceless gift by enrolling him or her in Little Explorers Academy. FREE TRIAL We are super excited to introduce this program to the Monroe area. We’re so sure you’ll love it, we want to offer a free trial. Simply mention this ad at Trinity to receive one free trial class.
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I REMEMBER being blessed with more than we need a r t i cl e by PAUL L I PE
I REMEMBER more about the personalities and character of my carbs, and too often I steer clear of vegetables and fruits. How much teachers than I do about what they taught me. The best teacher I ever had better off I would be if I were satisfied with the kinds and amounts instructed me in first-year Algebra, but I remember more about who she of food that promote good health? Instead, I am currently struggling was than anything she taught. I share this information for this reason: to lose some of that extra “me” that has resulted in overindulging my the life-shaping principle that I want to discuss was garnered, not from appetite. Again, what I want is not the same as what I really need. just one mentor, but from my associations with many who impacted Paul the Apostle learned the secret of being content (Philippians my Christian view of life. I do not 4:11) – for him, it was not about recall ever hearing anyone put this what he wanted, but about what principle in one sentence; instead, I would please his Lord. The secret believe that it was impressed on my to contentment is not merely being thinking by those who guided me satisfied with less, but in focusing on through my formative years. Here, the One from Whom all good things then, is that important tenet: “The come, and in being grateful for all He closer my ‘wants’ are to my ‘needs,’ provides. the greater will be my contentment.” There is another side to this If what I desire approximates that “coin.” I do not mean by what I have which I really need, satisfaction is written that one ought not to work within my grasp. hard to improve his lot. In fact, the A problem that is almost Christian work ethic was key to the universal is that what individuals advancement of Western civilization. want, what they crave, is far, far It is good that we be industrious and beyond what they really need. so provide for our needs and those of The result is that many wind up in our families, and, in addition, to help deep, deep debt, and few are ever those less fortunate. Nor am I saying “HE DOES NOT JUST BARELY PROVIDE satisfied. Consider, for instance, that material things are evil. One WHAT WE NEED, BUT ACTS IN ACCORD way that God blesses His children is how most college graduates finish their formal education burdened WITH HIS LOVE AND GRACE. ” by giving us “things” to enjoy. Did with loads of debt. This is not due Jesus not teach us to pray for our just to the high cost of gaining a college degree, but to the fact that most daily sustenance? So we ought to do our best with the abilities God has students want MUCH more out of the college experience than merely given us. an education! Sadly, this “much more” frequently costs at least as much For instance, suppose you need a grade of “75” to pass your college as tuition, books, room and board! They NEED an education, but they course, but you are capable of making a “95.” Do you work just hard WANT the education plus ….” Unfortunately, it is not just the young enough for the “easy” grade, or do you exert a little to attain the better college student who succumbs to this malady. The majority of the score? The answer should be obvious to all. human race is culpable. The Apostle also said, “My God shall supply all your NEEDS…” The desire for more and more and more is constantly being (Phil. 4:19). This is contentment: to know that our needs are being met nurtured by the materialistic society in which we live. We watch TV ads by God. And Paul went on to say “according to His riches in glory.” He that are persistent in telling us how badly we “need” the product they does not just barely provide what we need, but acts in accord with His are promoting. And these items are so easy to obtain – just buy now and love and grace. I can live with that! we can pay later! Sellers make it so convenient for us to get what we It has been my observation that those who work hard to do their want. best for the Lord will, invariably, be blessed, by the Lord, with much And I eat more than I need, because I want more -- and the types of more than they need. That should make for a Happy Thanksgiving! food I eat are not all that good for me. I am prone to ingest sweets and 38 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
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CASSIE LIVINGSTON Publisher
I’m thankful for my husband, my beautiful children, my sister and brother-in-law, Lilly bug and my new niece/nephew who is on the way, my Livingston family and my awesome friends. I’m blessed to have a job that I love, my husband’s job that has good insurance, and people that I love working with. I’m thankful for gluten-free chicken nugs, a video player in my car, antihistimines, a roof over my head...but most importantly, God’s grace.
ASHLEY HUBENTHAL Sales Manager
I am thankful for my people. My husband and his ability to deal with the drama llama, my family, my village of friends and of course, my one year old son, Cully Hedge…and his oh so blonde hair. I am also grateful to be able to work for a boss and company that is just as crazy as me, locally owned businesses and their amazing owners, Shug Pinot Noir, ice from Taco Bandito and Snapchat filters, but only if they have a voice changer.
MELANIE MOFFETT
Art Director
They say “it takes a village to raise a child.” I am thankful for my “village!” With a rather unconventional work schedule, a kindergartener and a toddler, sometimes I feel like a complete basketcase and don’t know if I’m coming or going! If it weren’t for my “village” – my husband Andrew, my parents and in-laws, my sister in-law and brother-in-laws, my best friend Marci, my fellow dance moms, my co-workers and countless others – I would not survive! I love you all!
AMANDA SINGLEY Sales Executive
Lately, I am most thankful for the support from my family and friends. I definitely could not be a working mom of two without some help. I am thankful for my husband, who is my best friend in the world. Life would suck without him. Also thankful for, coffee (lots of coffee), make-up concealer, ponytail holders, cooler weather and Saturday morning cuddles with my two snuggle-buddies, Waylon and Killian..
GIVING THANKS
This holiday season, we have a lot to be thankful for. The staff of BayouLife Magazine wants to thank our local readers, advertisers and family for their support in all that we do.
Photography by MARTIN G MEYERS
ALI BEASLEY
Sales Executive
I know it seems silly, but those long nights that I need to see my parents, and I can’t go home, FaceTime can get me through. What about my best friend who can’t decide what to wear? Or when my fiancée and brother are sent to buy groceries. The best is when I FaceTime my sweet grandparents, and I can only see the top of their heads since they don’t know how to work an Iphone. FaceTime is what keeps our family connected until we can all get together again.
KATIE SLOAN Graphic Designer
I am grateful for food because of the company and conversation it brings. Not only is it delicious, but there is no better way to get a group of friends or family together. If my family comes to visit me or my friends are in town, I say, “Wanna get something to eat?” and the reply is always, “Yes!”. It’s the perfect reason to get together and talk. Whenever I’m going to eat, I know there is good conversation to be had in the company of friends or family.
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Southern
COMFORTS
It’s time to give thanks. This season, gather with friends and family around the table for these scrumptious seasonal offerings. Photography by Martin G Meyers Styling by Taylor Bennett
NEWK’S EATERY
Mississippi Black-Eyed Pea Soup with diced smoked ham, tender blackeyed peas, onions, red and green bell peppers and tomatoes.
FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS
This cornbread dressing is a glutenfree dream. Made with dairy-free, gluten-free and organic ingredients.
UPTOWN DOWNTOWN
Large gold spoon from Haven. White tablecloth from Woodstock 46 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Pumpkin Spice Cannolis. This Italian staple gets a fall-themed twist with a savory pumpin spice filling.
THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY
12 lb. baked turkey with special glaze. This holiday season, let Thurman’s Food Factory fill you up.
TONORE’S WINE CELLAR
Hogwash Rosé 2016 Perfectly paired with a Thanksgiving meal.
THE GOOD EARTH JUICE & SALAD BAR
Butternut squash with ginger, orange juice, thyme, rosemary and toasted walnuts
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SMALLCAKES
Clockwise from top: Everything Fall cupcake, Pumpkin Pie cupcake and Pumpkin cupcake; At Right: Pecan Pie cupcake and Sweet Potato Casserole cupcake
DOE’S EAT PLACE
Ribeye topped with au jus, broiled shrimp, broiled lobster tail with drawn butter and a side of potatoes au gratin
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GENUSA’S
Italian sausage, potatoes and peppers seasoned and garnished with rosemary
KENCHAUX
Rice dressing, made with organic KenChaux rice, ground beef, vegetable blend and mushrooms
TRAPP’S
Yams with flambéed marshmallows. A simple, yet satisfying side dish.
THE DAWG HOUSE SPORTS GIRLL
Bacon, lettuce, fried green tomato, topped with jalapeño ranch served on Texas toast with sweet potato chips
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af ter dark edition
NEW CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Four movies to keep your yuletide spirit kindles after the kids are tucked in bed. Article by MICHAEL DEVAULT
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he children are snug, all nestled in their beds, and as the tree lights glisten, the grown-ups can finally reclaim command of the remote control. After a daylong marathon of letting it go, shooting your eye out, kid, and climbing aboard the Polar Express, the last thing you want is another overwrought, sappy sentimental Christmas movie. Luckily, the past twenty years have been kind to the grown-up set, and a slew of Christmas movies have risen to the rank of “new classics” for the grownups. With deeper stories, stronger themes or powerful subject matter, these heartwarming stories are sure to make you laugh, make you cry and keep the yule tide glowing just a couple of hours longer. Elf - 2003 The story of a young child stowing away in Santa’s sleigh is hardly original. But what happens when the kid arrives back at the North Pole – and is raised by the elves? This is the question tackled in Elf, starring comedic master Will Ferrell as the titular Buddy, the elf. Given for adoption by a single mother, the infant is stashed away in Santa’s sack and whisked away to the North Pole, where he is adopted by Papa Elf. At first, things seem fine in the North Pole. But, as Buddy grows, his size predictably becomes a problem. Eventually, Papa Elf reveals Buddy’s true identity as a human, and to face his identity crisis, Buddy travels to New York, to find his father – played by James Caan. The preposterous plot would have
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imploded upon itself were it not for two key factors. A stellar cast, Ferrell and Caan are joined by Mary Steenburgen, Edward Asner, Bob Newhart, Zoey Deschanel and a yet-to-be-a-Lannister Peter Dinklage. More importantly, Ferrell or his castmates never undermine their characters by failing to buy into the premise. The result is a heartwarming and hilarious tale that, while suitable for all ages, is more appropriate for adults who are mature enough to catch some of the film’s subtler humor.
Told over the course of a single Christmas weekend, Parker’s Meredith and Danes’s Julie are oil-and-water opposites with a genuine affection that comes through in each scene. A young Rachel McAdams is on point as they youngest Stone kid, and Owen Wilson’s paramedic provides a lighthearted relief. The true star, though is the love between the Stone parents – Craig T. Nelson and Diane Keaton. Tragic notes and adult themes of love and loss make this a bittersweet, but must-see, holiday classic.
The Family Stone – 2005 Another tried-and-true holiday trope takes a new turn in The Family Stone, an often-overlooked film that leaves audiences wondering, “Why didn’t we see this in theatres?” Set in rural Massachusetts, the film was originally packaged as a vehicle for Sarah Jessica Parker, but very quickly the well-rounded cast quickly steals the spotlight. Meredith Morton is a no-nonsense, tightly wound Manhattan executive who, it seems, has fallen madly in love with her boyfriend, Everett Stone. Everett brings her to meet the other Stones – with the intention of proposing to Meredith, once he’s procured a prized, heirloom engagement ring from his ailing mother. There’s just one problem: the liberal, freewheeling Stone family recoils at Meredith, who very obviously doesn’t fit in. When her free-spirited sister, played by Claire Danes, shows up to provide her sister with moral support, the Stone family quickly realizes they’ve found the true future holder of the family stone.
Love Actually – 2003 When this Richard Curtis masterpiece hit theatres, the entire world fell in love with the new Prime Minister, David, his sister, Karen, and an ensemble cast that sports more than a few major stars. It’s hard to discern a single plot in Love Actually, because the film artfully tracks the stories of six couples in a circuitous, slightly-overlapping fashion. There’s the unrequited love which Laura Linney’s Sarah harbors for Karl, prodded on by her boss, Karen’s husband, played by Alan Rickman. Liam Neeson’s Daniel suddenly finds himself a single father after his wife’s passing. And then there’s Juliet, the character through which Keira Knightley captured the hearts of millions with a single glance at the camera. At once lighthearted and deep, hilarious and tragic, Love Actually is the kind of date movie that you want to watch over and over again. A spot of nudity – between film standins Judy and John – makes this not quite the film for the kids, but a must-watch for everyone else.
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RELATIONSHIPS
Meredith’s Musings Facing the Fat |
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woke up yesterday morning to a text from my girlfriend. “Um...so, my boyfriend told me I’ve gained weight, he seems concerned and I don’t know what to do with that.” My eyes were still adjusting to the bright light of my phone, and I reread the text three times to be sure I understood. I immediately felt guilt for falling asleep early the night before and leaving this now 7 hour old text unanswered. I turned to Husband, showed him the message, to which he responded, “Tell her to ask him what the real problem is.” Having struggled with my weight for my entire life, my heart went out to her. But it was more anger. This girlfriend, this firecracker, this free spirit who is still logical, this educated, sexy, toned yogi who makes exercise and movement her life, she shouldn’t be dealing with this. This was my battle, not hers. A word on this girl, she rocks my friendship world. She’s one of those girls you wish you’d known in childhood, like you may have been cooler if you had. She has a zest for
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By Meredith McKinnie
life and travel and knowledge and love. She is grateful, and kind, and giving of her time and energy, and on top of it all, she’s so sexy. She’s island sexy. She’s natural hair blowing in the wind because it can sexy. She has a body the envy of men and women alike sexy. She has an ease and grace to her movement, and a sex appeal that radiates even before she speaks with her quintessential Caribbean accent, adding a whole other layer of sophistication. I’ve seen her hold her own with pub philosopher wannabes and still mesh with those who embrace ignorance, never giving off an air of superiority. She’s humble. She’s admirable. She lights up the room. And she’s not the girl whose light you resent; you just want to bask in the warmth of her light. She’s that girl. So reading this text, from this girl, disturbed me. I felt anger and sadness for her. Her weight should remain the least of her worries. And I was angry with her boyfriend. He’s one of the sweetest guys I know, and I felt like he let me down. I didn’t expect this from
him; I was disappointed. This consumed my mind all day. I began to question the why of it all. Something I’ve come to realize and pride myself on is my ability to look through anger to consider the other viewpoint. And knowing her boyfriend, not one I know to be malicious in any way, why did he say that or think it was okay? Perhaps he thought he was helping her; perhaps he thought she would appreciate the warning; perhaps it’s his own body issues and he’s deflecting. Who knows? The point is, it’s not okay. And the repercussions can be permanent. Being the “heavy one,” I called a fellow girlfriend of my size to see if a man had ever told her she was fat or needed to lose weight. She said no. At my heaviest, no one told me either. Ironically, it was at my smallest that I began to get comments about my weight. I dated a South African once, and it was a learning experience. About a month into our relationship, I decided to expose my legs for the first time. Now, I’m not a religious fanatic or scared to show skin, CONTINUED ON PAGE 163
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Breathing New Life Into Monroe 4th Annual Garden District Block Party BY NILS BORQUIST
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HILE DECEMBER PROMISES to usher in cooler weather, hopes of snow and most people’s most beloved holiday, another growing local event enters its fourth incarnation this year. On December 1st, 2017, the 4th annual Garden District Block Party, hosted by Governor’s Cigar and Pipe, will again be held at the former Ouachita Candy Company at 305 Walnut Street in Monroe. Featuring the familiar outstanding blend of art, food, spirits and music, the 2017 edition of this cherished occasion offers one of the truly unique experiences of the Monroe holiday season. For this year’s bash, the usual admirable theme of highlighting local businesses and people remains, but there is an added treat: a Border State Showcase displaying a combination of the best of Monroe and Houston, visual artists, chefs, beers, and sounds. The pairing is no accident. Friday Ellis, proprietor of Governor’s Cigar, has known music manager Mark Austin from their college days. Austin, a Winnfield native, relocated to Houston where he worked as an accountant for several years before bravely leaving that career to chase his dream of working in music. The path he traveled led to the creation of The Convoy Group, a desired home for Houston artists, including featured musical guest The Tontons. Alongside the Houston bands, musical artists The Supernaturals plan on bringing their talents to the stage to entertain attendees. Not only did Austin involve himself in the night’s music, he also greatly assisted Ellis in bringing in Ryan Lachaine, Executive Chef of Restaurant Riel, the St. Arnold Brewing
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Company, and local street artist Alex Roman, also known as Donkeeboy. Of course, Monroe will be greatly represented as well. Several visual artists will bring their talents to the event, including official artwork creator Courtney Wetzel, Vitus Shell, Michael Casey and Molly Engen. As an added treat, Donkeeboy, Shell, Casey, and Engen will be producing live pieces to be part of a silent auction for non-profit charities of each artist’s choosing. When it comes to local palate-pleasing food, Cory Bahr has agreed to provide guests with several of his culinary creations. The primary sponsor of the event, Marsala Beverage, will be on hand to help partygoers wash down the delightful edibles with a number of frothy drinks. With the dizzying collection of food, drinks and art, the senses will be undeniably overwhelmed in the most positive ways imaginable. With no possible doubt, the Texas lineup of guests will open eyes and bring a different flavor to the town, while the natives will continue to provide the best in culinary, visual and musical arts. As in years past, the Block Party will include the opportunity to purchase VIP passes at Governor’s. This includes a specially prepared meal by both Bahr and Lachaine, early entry into the event (6:30 p.m.), and the bonus of meeting many of the artists involved. However, those passes are limited to 100, so those interested must move quickly or face the consequences of missing their chance. General admission tickets will be sold at the door at 7:30 p.m., and the party will last until 10:30 p.m. Another generous gesture, portions of both VIP ticket sales, as well as general
admission sales will be donated to relief funds for the recent devastation of Hurricane Harvey. While not initially part of the Block Party, such giving comes as a much needed resource to help so many enduring a most difficult time. Much thanks go out to the sponsors – Marsala Beverage, ULM, Monroe/ West Monroe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Bank of Ruston, Dustin James with Keller-Williams, Bayou Insurance, Mitchell Money Management, Knight Law Firm, Ohler Construction and Brown’s Painting. Kudos to exemplary local businesses for their efforts in making this gathering so special. Friday Ellis and his crew are hoping that the party creates an interest with locals to visit the Houston area and vice versa. While Houston is undoubtedly full of activities, making it a popular trip destination, Monroe may not be assumed to fit in the same category. Austin, Lachaine and the other Houstonites are all social media heavy hitters. Heres hoping that as they visit and share their snaps of the area, their followers in South Texas will consider traveling to Monroe. As interest in the Garden District Block Party expands, one of the many effects is the heightened awareness of what Monroe has to offer its citizens. Ellis loves this outcome. As the party grows, he will continue the work needed to keep a community event affordable for all who wish to attend, because in the end, it is a true labor of love for the community and its people.
Custom Cataract Surgery Haik Humble Eye Center
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HE LATEST INNOVATION IN CATARACT SURGERY IS now available at Haik Humble Eye Center. For more than three decades, the practice has offered leading edge cataract care for area patients. The practice has once again upgraded its cataract surgery technology to give patients the opportunity to achieve better vision than with standard cataract surgery. Customized cataract surgery with the combination of the ORA System™ and Verion Image Guided System™ is now available exclusively at Haik Humble Eye Center. ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) is a big advancement in cataract surgery – it is a device used in surgery that acts like a GPS for the surgeon. It is a revolutionary new way to analyze your eye during cataract surgery. Verion provides advanced eye imaging, mapping and incision guidance technology that allows surgeons to better plan and perform some of the most challenging steps of cataract surgery with automation and a high degree of precision. Cataracts – clouding of the eye’s natural lens – cause vision to become increasingly blurry or hazy, colors look faded, and night vision becomes difficult. Cataracts must be removed surgically, which involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Because each person’s eye is different, ORA-guided cataract surgery allows the doctor to tailor the treatment to each individual patient’s eyes by carefully measuring and mapping the eye prior to surgery. With the combination of the precision of the ORA as well as the planned accuracy of the Verion, Dr. Thomas Parker and his fellow ophthalmologists, including Dr. Baron Williamson and Dr. Drew Thomas, say patients can expect more customized, precise vision results. “With the vast number of people in our area having cataract surgery each year, we’re extremely proud to introduce these innovative technologies,” said Dr. Parker. “When you combine the benefits of ORA and Verion with our cataract lens implant technology, patients can feel confident they’ll receive the best possible results.” HOW THE ORA SYSTEM™ WORKS ORA technology analyzes many possible imperfections of the way light passes through the eye to the retina. ORA incorporates many more parameters than previous methods to measure the eye, and it is much more dynamic. This data gives surgeons a real-time snapshot of the eye’s unique optical characteristics, including the imperfections caused by the cataract. 56 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
After the cataract is removed and the new lens is implanted, ORA can tell if the eye is in focus. If it’s not, the system helps the surgeon focus the eye. Depending on each patient’s specific situation, this may involve refining the new lens power, altering the placement and formation of the incisions, or selecting a different lens. With ORA, this verification can now take place during surgery. This innovation reduces the possibility that adjustments will need to be made later. With standard cataract surgery, additional vision issues must be corrected in separate procedures. HOW THE VERION SYSTEM WORKS Verion is designed to minimize chances for errors by creating a seamless link between data generated at the clinic and the operating room. This helps improve the quality and accuracy of cataract surgery. The Verion technology aims to improve this by using patients’ unique eye data as a reference in the planning and execution of the surgery. BENEFITS OF THE ORA AND VERION SYSTEMS There are many important benefits to having the ORA and Verion technologies included as part of your custom cataract surgery. These include: • O RA and Verion may help your surgeon achieve better results and provide you an improved quality of vision. • O RA and Verion gives your surgeon an added level of confirmation for an optimal outcome. • I f you have astigmatism, ORA and Verion may improve the accuracy of your correction to help reduce the chance you’ll need to wear eyeglasses after your procedure. Having the ability to measure, refine and verify outcomes during surgery allows the surgeons at Haik Humble Eye Center to take cataract surgery to an entirely new level. Cataract surgery used to be about preventing blindness, but with today’s sophisticated cataract removal systems, premium intraocular lenses and guidance from the ORA and Verion Systems, your surgeon may return your vision to the way it was years ago. For more information about custom cataract surgery, please call Haik Humble Eye Center at 318-325-2610.
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B AY O U H O M E
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
THE CRAFTSMAN-STYLE BUNGALOW OF CAROLINE YOUNGBLOOD FEATURES BEAUTIFULLY DISPLAYED ARTWORK THROUGHOUT. FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND TEXTILES NOT ONLY INSPIRE HER ART, BUT ALSO HER HOME.
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estled on K Street in Monroe’s historic Garden District, the home of artist Caroline Youngblood is a classic example of a California-style, Craftsman Bungalow. Built in 1928, the home features a low pitched roof which extends over a generous front porch with tapered square columns. The wide wooden planks of the spacious open veranda are enlivened with a deep turquoise blue, while above the ceiling is painted a cooling shade of the palest blue hue. An old fashioned Caribbean style fan with woven blades maintains an even breeze. Vintage-style metal outdoor chairs in whimsical colors of pink, light blue and navy provide seating. Art Deco sconces provide illumination for the extra wide front door, which is painted a deep navy with a touch of teal. Two large teal pots are over-brimming with purple and fuchsia flowers undaunted by the last of summer’s heat that has carried into fall. The beds that lead up to the home are filled with mature sego palms and flourishing zinnias, a pass along gift from her neighbor, Dawn Eakin. A gingko tree, planted this past Easter, is a symbolic nod to Youngblood’s beloved grandmother and a reminder of the artist’s ancestral home on Breston Plantation. “Word got to me really quickly that this house was for sale. I was the first person the homeowners showed it to,” says Caroline. “I love how you can look all the way through my house and see my back yard. The first time I walked in the front door and saw that view, it felt like home to me.” Youngblood bought the home last June and immediately began cosmetic touches, like sanding and staining the original wood floors and painting all the rooms before moving in. While the previous owners of the home had fixed structural damages caused when a century-old tree fell on the home during the October 2014 tornado, Youngblood concentrated on making her new home a showplace for her artistic endeavors. To create a gallery like space, Caroline opted for dark stained floors to contrast with crisp white walls. She enlisted the help of Copeland Electric to install recessed lighting that can be repositioned to shine directional light toward artwork.
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ne of the best ways to achieve continuity within your home is to repeat colors. For example, in Youngblood’s home, the navy of the front door is repeated in the indigo hued walls of the central dining room. “I knew my artwork would stand out against that deep, deep blue,” she says. Just as contrast is a hallmark of Youngblood’s artwork, so too is contrast a vital part of her interiors. Youngblood repeats darks and lights throughout, like the pairing of rich, dark floors with bright, light walls. Caroline’s artwork is known for its multidimensionality, full of pattern and texture which she describes as “busy.” Says Caroline, “I like the focal point to be on the artwork, while the backdrop and setting needs to be simple and serene.” Other than her paintings and mixed media works, the only other patterns are found in vintage rugs sourced from the Ackel’s Rug Auction and textiles used to create pillows. “I have to fall in love with a rug. I like that these rugs are old and have a history. I like to think of where it might have been before it was in my house,” she says of the colorful rugs that add a brightness and warmth to her wooden floors. “I adore pattern on the floor and the walls, but I really want everything else to be simplified.” In the living room, large windows with café shutters send light streaming into the space. With all the natural light, Youngblood adds that she rarely has to turn on lights except in the evening. Above the concentric arched brick fireplace, Youngblood loves to “put fresh canvasses up for different times of the year.” This is the space where the artist’s most current work tends to reside. “I love that my home is a space for viewing my work. It’s a great place to see what different size paintings look like on a wall,” says Caroline. Youngblood loves the melding of her home as a space to connect with her art. When collectors come view her body of work in her own space, she can tell the stories behind the paintings, helping others connect on a deeper level with the stories she conveys on each canvas or sheet of paper. The artist frequently invites collectors over to view how certain series look on different sizes of walls. “I want collectors to see how color alters a space and how artwork can easily be used to change the mood in a your home.” She also likes collectors considering her pieces to view how she chooses to frame her art. “Frames should be integral to the piece but not take anything away from the art. I love to float art on paper or use shadowboxes so that the art appears weightless,” says Caroline, who recommends Lanece Laseter for framing. Youngblood’s home is a study of how to live with
art. Says the artist, “You want to feel the energy in the paintings.” Youngblood’s work in particular, whether it is her collages made with family heirlooms and textiles or watercolors inspired by her family’s home movies from the 1930s, speaks of her acute love of history and place. To Youngblood, her personal collection of art brings full circle the feeling of being safe and nestled in her memories of home. “Things I didn’t want to throw away, things I have a strong connection to, these are the things I repurpose for use in my paintings. I love taking things that people would normally get rid of and make art out of it.” Youngblood is known for her commission work, recycling clothing or letters of loved one’s to capture the energy of the people who handled these things before and preserving them on collaged canvases. “In the past year,” says Caroline, “I discovered there is actually a term for feeling one gets from the energy from within objects that go into her paintings. It’s called psychometry.” A large canvas above a grey, velvet sofa in her living room signifies “home and love” to the artist. Youngblood tells the story of how in her grandmother’s bedroom, in the home where Caroline grew up, the wallpaper was literally peeling from the walls. Slowly, methodically, lovingly, the artist peeled it off. “I knew I wanted that energy of that wallpaper in my home one day.” The scraps of wallpaper, signifying the comfort and love of her grandmother, became the basis of one of Caroline’s favorite paintings. “I had this painting in storage for over ten years and never dreamed I would have a house for it. I love how it looks at night through these front windows when you drive by.” A pair of estate sale chairs, one a barrel shape, the other a wing back version, have been reupholstered in denim on the seats and a happy plaid on the backs. Youngblood brought back the faux bois lamp and the colorful Balinese tapestry from her time spent on an artist retreat in Bali organized by Ruston’s Douglas Walton. The energy of plants in Bali made a profound impression on the artist’s newest body of work. When she returned back to the United States, she says magnolias’ heavy scent and strong Southern energy called her to paint them. In addition Louisiana sunsets and a series inspired by the Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf china pattern are new to the artist’s portfolio. The artist’s Meditation Room lies beyond a cased opening from the living room. Here she practices meditation and yoga amid three of her “found object” paintings which she began producing during her time at Louisiana Tech, pursuing her Masters of Fine Art in 2008 and 2009. Every day, Caroline would drive from Columbia to Ruston for school or to Monroe to work at Starbucks, which she credits with giving her structure and focus. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 61
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ieces of upholstery, recipes, thank you letters are pieced together to look like a quilt in one of her first collaged works of art. “When I look at this painting, I remember my grandmother’s rocking chair and her pillows. To me this represents the Yin, the feminine energy. The use of her handwritten recipe cards and the quilting fabrics gives it a definite Southern feminine energy,” says Caroline, as she recalls her own near death experience in 1998 in an accident involving a train which claimed the life of her grandmother. “After my grandmother died, I had dreams that she came back and was mad that I had thrown out her belongings,” recounts Caroline, who felt duty-bound to find a way to honor her grandmother and her family history. “I grew up on a cotton plantation, which my great grandparents bought at the turn of the century in 1900. The home was built before the Civil War by a Frenchman.” She points to the opposite side of her Meditation Room, where a collage which is made from belongings of her grandfather emboldens a far wall. “This is where the Yang or masculine energy resides.” Financial records from her granddaddy’s handwritten ledgers from his farm provide the backdrop to a figure of a quintessential Southern male reading the newspaper, consumed with his own business and “being unavailable” while others are busy working in the background. The central wall painting revisited the idea of quilting and uses handwritten receipts from Youngblood’s grandparents’ company store. She says, “I wanted to use the paper as part of the patchwork for the quilt as it was old and had already started to crumble. I applied it to the canvas and sealed its with acrylic medium. I found some quilting squares at the Martin Homeplace Museum in Columbia which I affixed to the canvas as well.” Below the painting is an estate sale find, which was reupholstered in a navy denim. A vibrant, embroidered tapestry found on an artist trip to San Miguel de Allendé, Mexico was fashioned into a long lumbar pillow. Family history is another repeated motif throughout the artist’s home, especially in this particular room, where she is surrounded by her family’s energy as she meditates. “When I left my dad’s home, I took one thing. I brought my great grandparents’ wedding certificate and had it reframed for my own home,” says Caroline of the delicate and ornately engraved piece of historic art. Near it hangs a pair of black and white photographic portraits of her late mother in a pair of oversized earphones taken by her dad for his company Specialty Sound’s Christmas card. The dining room walls are a deep navy hue punctuated by crisp, white ceiling beams and wainscoting which “exaggerate the special features of the room.” Primary colors dominate with a crimson red rug, indigo walls that repeat the front door color, and the bold yellow painting by Youngblood of a Rockwell-esque family gathered around a table. The dining room table is an extraordinary piece of family history. The table top is made from a door from Youngblood’s great grandfather’s jewelry store in downtown Shreveport which closed in the 1950s or early 1960s. An artisan, Benjamin Bullens, who went to undergrad at LSU with Caroline, welded the base for it. Measuring 10 feet x 3 feet, the table can fit up to ten people and is the perfect size for the room. “I found the door in the barn at my grandparents’ home. My grandmother had kept it for years. It’s the most precious thing I have in here,” says Caroline. Benches for the extra long table were made by Ryan Flemister, while beautiful handmade chairs were created by Gary Shlagel, using an original New England chair pattern but adding his own modern touches. Says Caroline, “I found him through the LPB Art Auction. We had both donated art to Public Television. His handmade furniture is functional art with clean, beautiful lines.” 62 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Along one wall, Youngblood has hung her Riverton film series, works done on watercolor paper with pencil, charcoal and water to replicate the look of grainy, faded film, a technique that the artist developed just for this series. Once again, her inspiration came from historic family footage taken on 8mm film in the 1930s at gatherings on Breston Plantation. “It was great to see how my family interacted. Some I never knew. Here was my grandmother at age 19, and this one is my great grandfather and my great aunt on the end,” she points to the row of black and white paintings. “I was able to create my own stories from these.” The large yellow canvas was inspired by a recipe booklet of her grandmother’s from World War II, The image came from the cover of the recipe booklet and features an idyllic family gathered around a table, and the artist collaged recipes from the booklet into the painting. One of Caroline’s oyster paintings stands out against the blue wall. The comfortable guest room features a platform bed that Caroline had made for her studio. Made of cypress with built-in drawers, Caroline custom designed the bed and had a Baton Rouge cabinet maker build it to her specifications. In the guest room, she has hung another of her “Receipt” collaged paintings. “This is the first one with a painting of cotton on it. For so long I avoided using the cotton image as I felt it was cliché, but I did it in 2013. This image ended up being the poster for the Art & Folk Festival in Columbia.” The image also incorporated quilting squares as well as company store receipts with names of people who had worked on the farm. The artist points out the green ink on a few receipts that serendipitously tied in with the green quilt square fabric. Youngblood describes another mixed media work in the guest room as an abstract landscape, depicting a barn and cotton field. Below, a floral wingback chair from the artist’s grandparents home is a treasure that she has carried with her since her days in college. A turquoise jute rug carries the turquoise of the porch floor to the guest room as does an antique painted armoire in a vibrant, but distressed hue. No where in the home are the bungalow’s tall ceilings more evident than in the master bedroom. The focal point of the room is the Gary Shlagel-crafted four poster bed designed by the artist herself. “I wanted it to be strong but delicate and to say, ‘Come lay down on me,’” says Caroline. The tapered posts share a unique octagon shape. Brass fittings hide joinery. The bed was first painted an oxblood red then stained a deep black. Says Caroline, “I love the bed’s Asian simplicity but the look is really Southern. I remember when Gary drove up here to set up the bed for me and feeling like a princess.” Youngblood chose luxurious bedding in white with silk basketweave pillows accented with a small navy velvet pillow. A rug sourced from World Market features hot pink flowers on a field of cream and adds a jolt of color to the ebony floors. Caroline reupholstered a pair of Asian-inspired wing back chairs in a delicate embroidered silk that tells a story. Above the headboard of her king-size bed hangs a painting from her Riverton series, another scene from the 1930s film but this time done in oil on canvas. “I picked this painting, because it’s my grandmother leaning over and flirting with her sister’s husband. To me it looked like a seduction, appropriate to hang over the bed,” laughs the artist. A large, collaged painting of her grandmother as a teenager mixes images with objects and things her grandmother had saved. Says Caroline, “I love being able to incorporate something about a person’s personality into a painting.” A large mixed media painting is of Caroline’s great aunt on a dominant pink background makes use of lots of WWII era found objects and incorporates her aunt’s doilies. “She was a strong personality who met with tragedy when she drowned in Bayou DeSiard behind her home,” shares the artist.
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he master bathroom is painted a soothing shade of light blue reminiscent of the front porch ceiling. Youngblood added a glass door to the walk-in shower, as well as teak slats underfoot. Flooring throughout the master bath is hexagon shaped tile in white and counters are topped in a sleek granite. A walk in closet, a rare find in a house of this vintage, is painted a glamorous metallic gold with light blue ceiling. Youngblood is known for her love of clothes, ranging from thrift shop chic and vintage designers to handcrafted pieces, like an embroidered traditional Mexican crafted blouse which she bought directly from the woman who made it in San Miguel de Allendé. “I love knowing the person who made something I own and wear,” she says of wearable art. Youngblood loves to cook as well, finding artistry in baking and preparing meals for friends. The grey, rectangular floor tile in the space is set in a herringbone pattern that conveys movement. Caroline commissioned Rex Yokem to create the custom concrete countertops with a Youngblood designed sink. Deep and wide, the sink can accommodate the largest of pots. The artist found an original owner’s manual to the first refrigerator her grandparents ever bought - a 1946 Westinghouse - and created a painting in the kitchen based on the cover. Above the refrigerator hangs the very first painting collage in which the artist used her grandmother’s things. The image of a ceramic hen mirrors a Lacey Stinson chicken drawing above the doorway to the home’s laundry room. In the kitchen’s glass doored cabinets and behind open shelves, Youngblood used a medium turquoise paint to carry the color throughout the home. An industrial rolling cart in the laundry room does double duty and can serve as a bar during cocktail hour. Youngblood began renovating the home’s gardens last year. “It makes me so happy when things start blooming, especially in the spring. It was therapeutic to work in the garden and the reward is so worth it.” Large banana plants tower over purple fountain grass, hibiscus with giant saucer sized red blooms, equisetum, papyrus and enormous elephant ears. Mounds of lemongrass were planted as a natural mosquito repellant at strategic places around her gardens. Bits of color peek out from beds in the form of tiny purple button chrysanthemums. In the spring, ancient azaleas lend their southern color to the garden. A screened back patio acts as an extension of the garden and the dining room. Youngblood has strung the space with 64 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Edison bulbs on wire for a vintage glow. The plank floors are painted a dark turquoise-y teal with a light blue ceiling. While Caroline’s home is the epitome of curated zen, her working studio space, located just around the corner within walking distance, is as uninhibited and wild as an artist’s studio should be. Located in a Garden District duplex, which has seen its fair share of noted artist inhabitants, Caroline’s studio was once her minimalist bachelorette pad, just prior to last summer. The front two light-filled rooms are her studio workrooms. At the moment, the front room is filled with new works on canvas, incorporating the influence of her trips taken to Asia over the last two years. Manifesting itself in a Tobacco Leaf china pattern infused with playful birds and animals, Youngblood is enamored with ultramarine blue, “so rich,” and intense reds that are finding their way onto her newest canvases. The shapes of leaves in Bali are big influences on this series explains the artist, who offers that her trips to the East are what brought the bold color to her work. A second work room is connected by a central hallway that reads like a walk of fame with framed articles chronicling Youngblood’s meteoric career in publications as diverse as Louisiana Life, Country Roads, as well as several festival posters featuring her artwork. The work room in the middle of the duplex is very private and affords good light as she works on commissioned pieces and her Magnolia series in this room. This series, says the artist, can be either abstract or more representational. For those who would like to see more, Youngblood and her Magnolia series will be featured at Ricky Sikes Gallery at the December Art Crawl. Currently, Youngblood’s work is being featured at the Masur Museum of Art until October 27 and at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans until October 24. What was Caroline’s bedroom has become her office and storage area for her canvases. Says the artist, “ I made a conscious decision to keep clutter at the office and leave my home to feel more like a gallery space.” Youngblood feels strongly that it is important to take pieces of art to clients’ homes. “It helps me make a connection with buyers of my work. I want my customers to experience my art on a deeper level.” Of her good fortune to have found the perfect home so near her studio, Youngblood smiles her infectious smile and says, “God works in my life all the time. I couldn’t have planned this, but God did. I feel God winks at me in experiences like this.”
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In The BAG If you’re looking for this season’s best bag trends, we’ve got you covered. From fringed clutches to quilted crossbody’s, our boutiques have the latest styles to help you bag it up! Photography by Martin G Meyers
CROSWELL’S BOUTIQUE 139
THE NUDE NOMAD
HERRINGSTONE’S
FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE
DUCK & DRESSING
THE FASHION OF RUSTON
DEIRDRE MCGEHEE DESIGNS
ELEVEN 26 BOUTIQUE
THE FLEURTY GINGER BOUTIQUE
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HEMLINE MONROE
K-SERA BOUTIQUE
Kick Start Your Holiday Shopping Delhi’s 4th Annual Christmas Open House
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HE GOSPEL SHOP AND GLORIA’S DIVINE BOUTIQUE is a retail store servicing all Christian needs and supplies including Bibles, music, books, Sunday School and VBS materials, Communion supplies, and more. Since 2003, it has become a pillar of the Delhi community providing trusted down home service. In 2015, The Gospel Shop expanded and opened Gloria’s Divine Boutique which offers trendy fashion including, but not limited to, church apparel, hats, jewelry, scarves and more. Gloria’s Boutique is also found online at gloriasdivineboutique.com and is open Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tripp’s Work Wear opened in 2010. It has been their focus to be able to sell quality work wear clothing without breaking the bank. We started as a Carhartt only workwear store but over time, have grown to carry other brands such as Carhartt FR, Rasco FR and Caterpillar work boots. They can also drop ship certain items to your home that are not sold in stores for your convenience. Come in on November 12th to receive 10% off our your entire purchase. Tripps’ appreciates everyone’s business over the course of their operation and hopes to see you soon! God bless! New Attitude Hair Design/Boutique LaCour offers everything from beauty services and products to a broad selection of fabulous clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts for women of all ages and silhouettes. They are located at 710 Florida Street in Delhi and are open Tuesday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for special holiday hours and events at New Attitude Hair Design Boutique LaCour. Feel free to call whether you are searching for that special something, or just your everyday spectacular, their fabulous team would love to help you look marvelous from head to toe! Champions Bistro combines Cajun American cuisine with an Asian flair. They’re known for their egg rolls, blackened catfish, seafood pasta and their burgers, but any dish you choose is sure to take you on a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. With a patio that overlooks the beautiful Black Bear Golf Course, they can help you celebrate any occasion large or small. Come out to the Open House event and try some free samples and view their newly remodeled rooms at the Bistro and Lodge. E.W. Thomson is excited to be part of the town of Delhi’s 2017 Open House. This year they have beefed up their clothing lines with names such as Umgee, Jodifl, Pretty Angel, KanCan jeans, Yelete Leggings and 68 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
many more. They also have a great selection of Lov Pottery, Louisiana gifts from ROUX and other gift ideas handmade from local artists. They will be having a celebration during the Open House with 20% to 50% off the entire gift shop. Stop by and see Susanne or Emy Lou for help with all of your Christmas needs. The mission at The Mad Hatter Flower Shop is to redefine the classic floral design and create something spectacular, modern and stylish. Every single arrangement is handmade with care using the highest quality roses and flowers to impress all of their customers. They believe that everyone deserves some luxury. The Mad Hatter strives to create exceptional floral décor for any occasion. Owner Crystal Peters has had an appreciation for the floral arts since she was a young girl, and her love of flowers has led her to become a master of the craft – always ready for the latest changes and trends. Fall and Christmas have arrived at Philip’s Family Pharmacy and The Lil’ Boutique. One would not think to look this location for some of the most unique, elegant items Northeast Louisiana has to offer, but one visit will change your mind! You will find dazzling displays of Fall and Christmas decorations, one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor and more. If you are searching for a shop with a hometown feel, The Lil’ Boutique is the place for you. Please visit them at the Christmas Open House Sunday, November 12th. Have you ever wanted to tour the grounds at the beautiful Mansion at Red Hill? This Christmas Open House is your chance. The house and the grounds will be open to the public from 1-5 p.m. This elegant bed and breakfast is breathtaking to behold and will also be serving tea and scones. So come visit The Mansion at Red Hill, have a small snack and enjoy a beautiful Sunday. Delhi Health Mart is celebrating 40 years of serving the health care needs of Delhi. Their unique gift boutique offers everything from greeting cards to that perfect gift for a child or adult. Candles by Swan Creek, Nouvelle and Fairhope Soy, Niven Morgan Bath products and Musee Bath Bombs are just a few of their distinctive gift lines. MySaint MyHero and Victoria Cross jewelry or one of their scarves will make the perfect accessory! Infant and children’s gifts range from WubaNubs and 3 Marthas to Melissa and Doug toys. And there’s always free gift wrap with purchase! Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at The Merchants of Delhi’s 4th Annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 12th from 1 – 5 p.m.
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HOLIDAY HACKS 101 Decorating for Dummies BY MICHAEL DEVAULT
WHO’S IDEA WAS IT TO STACK THREE – four – no five – decoration-rich holidays in the span of just a couple of months? It starts with Halloween, runs through Thanksgiving, then comes Christmas—and New Year’s just a week later. And before you turn your head, there’s Mardi Gras! Decorating for the holiday season can become a near-constant chore – and an expensive one, to boot! What with tablescapes, Christmas trees, wreaths and such, you could spend a king’s ransom and days’ worth of labor just trying to do the bare minimum. Hack your holiday decorating with these quick, easy, and affordable ways to add a little zing to your décor, setting the stage for many a holiday pleasures – without all of that holiday work. In fact, we think you’ll be able to save so much time, you’ll be looking forward to Easter and the Fourth of July! Buy thrifty, buy often, buy early Step out to Goodwill and your local church thrift store to find inexpensive objects to pepper throughout your house. That Santa figurine would fit perfectly on the shelf in the bathroom, and this mini-tree will look great in the garden window. That gorgeous turkey platter you just saw at the thrift sale will make a great candy dish for Thanksgiving! While you’re shopping, consider the staples that can make their way through an entire season. For example, a good, well-made wreath of faux greenery is a great way to transition between the season’s holidays. You can decorate it for Halloween, Thanksgiving, 70 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Christmas, New Year and Mardi Gras – with just a couple of plastic spiders and cobwebs, a few small sprigs of orange leaves, or a handful of last year’s Mardi Gras beads. One of the best parts of living in the Bayou State is that those warmer winters mean garage sales are never quite out of season. By the time spring cleaning comes around, local thrift and charity stores are packed to the brim with the latest and greatest in holiday décor. Start in February and, by the time October arrives, chances are you’ll have a carefully curated selection of décor for each season that’ll look like a million bucks and cost you less than a hundred! Never Underestimate a Good Textile One of the more challenging parts of transitioning between the holidays is that, with rare exception, each holiday has its own palette. Halloween is black and orange, while Thanksgiving is orange and brown. By Christmas, it’s red and green. New Year’s gets a bye week, but Mardi Gras? Green, gold and purple, baby! The perpetual sweep of colors can be dizzying, but in reality, they may well be your best friend. Consider that buffet in the hallway. For Halloween, you stationed pumpkins and pumpkins and more pumpkins. For Christmas? Time to break out a dozen or more holiday village figurines. Instead of overloading surfaces with tons of individual items, consider choosing a smaller selection of items and topping that buffet or shelf with a colored fabric or two.
You’ll be surprised what a minimalist approach to decorating can accomplish when you start out with a few inexpensive remnants from the local fabric store. And, since you only put out three of your Holiday Village houses instead of thirty, you’ll have time to enjoy between the big days. Seasonal Lighting Made Simple Lighting is a lot like the problem of textiles above: every holiday has its own palette. These days, people are hanging lights for Halloween and Thanksgiving, swapping them out for Christmas and heading into Mardi Gras with the green, gold and purple. That’s a lot of lights hanging. Hanging outdoor lights can be time consuming and expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, technology comes to the rescue just in time to save you hundreds of hours of effort. With just a little research, you’ll be able to switch your holiday lights with the flick of a switch – or even the swipe of a finger! More than two dozen manufactures now sell outdoor LED strip lights that are multicolored and programmable. That means you can hang your lights once, and for Halloween, they’re orange. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you’re transitioning to Christmas’s red and green. And for Mardi Gras? Laissez les bon temps rouler, ma cheré – all with one easy installation. Hey—who knew?! Holiday lights? There’s an app for that.
Guerriero and Guerriero A Family Legacy
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UERRIERO AND GUERRIERO is one of the oldest Plaintiff law firms in Louisiana. The firm, which was established over 85 years ago, handles medical malpractice, personal injury, 18-wheeler and car accidents, wrongful death, nursing home neglect, drug injuries, oil field/rig accidents and mass tort class action litigation. For the past 29 years, Jeff Guerriero has continued his family’s legacy of providing exceptional legal representation to Louisiana plaintiffs. When seeking tough, effective, local representation, clients know they can rely on Jeff Guerriero, often referred to as “The Injury Attorney,” to provide them with the representation they need and deserve. Jeff has represented thousands of clients and collected millions of dollars in case settlements and judge and jury verdicts. Jeff aggressively represents each and every one of his clients and is known for his superior courtroom skills. The Guerriero and Guerriero staff work as a team to ensure all client needs are handled efficiently. Jeff is assisted by his wife of 34 years, Elizabeth, who is also an attorney and graduated with him from Tulane School of Law. Their two daughters, Lauren and Madison, assist with company marketing and advertising. Jeff’s support staff also includes Shonda LaGrande, an experienced litigation attorney; a retired doctor and nurse, who review and evaluate cases; a former insurance agent, who assists with automobile damage claims; a private investigator and a number of legal assistants and other personnel with extensive legal experience. Bryan Creekmore joined the firm this year after completing his
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law degree at Southern University. Jeff, his wife, Elizabeth, and his son-inlaw Bryan are also certified NFL agents and currently represent a number of active NFL football players through their sports agency ProSource Sports Management, LLC. This year the signing class includes Fred Ross (Mississippi State), Cameron Robinson (Alabama), Nathan Peterman (Pittsburgh), and Davon Godchaux (LSU). Jeff attended ULM where he received both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees. He received his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University School of Law. Jeff served on the House of Delegates for the Louisiana Bar Association and on the Legislative Committee for the Louisiana Bar Association. He also served as the chairman of the Ethics Committee for the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association for 13 years. Jeff is a member of the Shreveport Bar, Louisiana Bar Association, Better Business Bureau, Louisiana Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers, American Bar Association, Louisiana Associates of Justice and American Associates of Justice. In addition to serving his community by providing high quality legal representation, Jeff has dedicated his life to charitable causes that benefit the youth of our community. One of the ways Jeff has been able to do this was by assisting local football superstar, Justin “Jellybean” Ellis, by setting up his football camp for young athletes. Ellis is a defensive tackle who went to Neville High School and later starred at Louisiana Tech before being drafted to the Oakland Raiders. Prior to the camp, which saw hundreds of local youth show up to be coached by NFL
superstars including Barkevious Mingo, Dillon Day, Xavier Woods, Dak Prescott, Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin, Ik Enemkpali, Vernon Butler, and more, Jeff orchestrated a charity auction to benefit Ellis’ non-profit organization called “Current Phenomenon.” The non-profit’s goal is to educate and empower the youth of our community and provide productive activities to help them grow into successful adults. Giving back to the community that supports him has always been an integral part of Jeff’s life and business practice. Throughout the years, Jeff has sponsored countless philanthropic events to ensure that the needs of our great community are being met. This year, as in years prior, Jeff is sponsoring the annual 103.1 NOW FM/ Lagniappe Media Coat Drive in which people may drop off gently used coats. These coats will be dry cleaned and given to those in need, free of charge, as well as donated to a a local shelter and the Salvation Army. The Coat Drive begins on November 18 and will run through December 25, 2017. Coats can be dropped off beginning November 18 at the Guerriero and Guerriero Law Office located at 2200 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe. In addition to the Coat Drive, Guerriero and Guerriero will also be sponsoring a Toy Drive and the annual Great Bike Giveaway and encourages the community to look out for future details regarding them! To learn more about Jeff Guerriero, The Injury Attorney, visit his website: www.TheInjuryAttorney.com.
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Creating personalized swag bags for each of your guests is all the rage.
HOLIDAY HACKS 101 Entertain Everyone Easily BY MICHAEL DEVAULT
THE STOCKINGS ARE HUNG, THE FIRE IS roaring, and at any minute all of your spouse’s coworkers will arrive for this year’s fabulous Christmas party! Throwing a great Christmas party can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work. Beyond the simple “feed the friends, exchange the gifts, enjoy some conversation,” a popular trend in holiday parties is to provide entertaining group activities to help get people into the holiday spirit. The choices are endless – do you throw a themed party? Should you have music? What about a fun gift giving game? We say “Yes to all!” and so we’re providing you with a few quick and easy holiday activities that will leave your guests smiling and asking, “When’s the party next year?” And even better still, these simple hacks mean you’ll have time to enjoy your own party without working yourself ragged beforehand. Just take a few minutes to set everything in motion, then kick back and enjoy your party. Party Mode Playlist Pass-around How many times have you been at a party where there’s music, but every few minutes the music cuts away as someone decides to change it—but they’re not sure what they’ll change it to? The days of dead air can be gone in a jiff, thanks to streaming music services and party mode. Here’s how it works: the magic of Bluetooth pairs a device (the kids’ iPad works great for this!) to your sound system. Place 74 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
the tablet in a convenient spot where guests can find it. Then, set up a playlist for your party. A dozen songs is usually a good place to start. As the tech-savvy guests locate the player, they start adding songs – and they share how with others. Leave the player open on the tablet and, as your guests mingle, they can add songs to the playlist or, better still, jump to a particular song. No more running to the CD player every fifteen minutes to swap out a disc! And just watch: the audiophiles and music buffs will congregate around the iPad like it’s a new buffet, giving your guests yet another area of conversation and engagement. Swag Bag Goodies for Each One What started as a trend in Hollywood awards shows has recently become one of the hottest trends in parties – the Swag Bag. These little gift bags stuffed full of goodies are all the rage, and your holiday party should be no different. Well…maybe a little different. Putting together swag bags for your guests isn’t necessarily expensive. And it doesn’t have to be time consuming. But instead of impersonal “one size fits all” approaches, consider adding a personal touch by dividing your bags into his-and-hers. She appreciates lotions and scented candles, while he enjoys sports and the outdoors. Doing his-and-hers bags makes sense. You can mix it up even further by personalizing each bag with a single item that
you know that particular guest will just love – a bar of lavender soap or a golf ball with a funny slogan. When it comes time to pass them out, you get to spend just a moment with that guest, a personal connection that, otherwise, you might not have been able to share. Santa Brings the Gift Cards We’ve all played some version of the white-elephant Christmas present pass around game. Maybe it’s the gag gifts and drawing numbers or a steal-and-pass game. Whatever your flavor, chances are it’s been done. For a new take on this time-tested Christmas activity, consider replacing the gifts people bring with gift cards. Set a limit that all of your guests can comfortably afford – five or ten bucks is a good level. And instruct them to go somewhere fun, unique, or just plain weird. (The marina store up the street sells gift cards for charts and tackle!) Then, they bring the card sealed in an envelope. Pass the cards out by drawing lots, assigning numbers or whichever method you choose – even just reaching into a gift bag and pulling one out! Then, once everybody has one, open them in order. The next person has the chance to take that card or open the one they were assigned – and so forth down the line. You’ll be surprised how cutthroat competition can be for that $20 gift card to Genusa’s.
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The Fashion of Ruston Downtown Ruston Gains New Retail Gem
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OR OVER THIRTEEN YEARS, KELLY HOGAN HAS worked to bring historic downtown Ruston to the forefront of local women’s fashion. The Fashion of Ruston pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a small business in Northern Louisiana by providing its style-conscious customers with excellent customer service. The passionate staff members seek to not only provide a shopping experience that is easy and enjoyable, but also form relationships with their customers. These relationships encourage constant growth and evolution. Though they started out as just a retail store, The Fashion has grown to become a focal point and anchor of Ruston Fashion Week, started an innovative “By Appointment Only” service, and is striving to take over the world one vacant retail space at a time. From day one, Kelly has had a single focus in her business: to continue making customers’ experiences better. With the popularity of online shopping, providing customers with a fresh and in-depth experience is key in keeping local business thriving. One such experience is “By Appointment Only:” a free service that allows customers to schedule an hour to shop with the full attention of a dedicated staff member. This service premiered in August, when the store brought in full size-runs of staple items to ensure that there would be something for everyone. At the end of every appointment, any of these “special order” items could be ordered and altered for the customer to pick up at a later date: quick access to fashionable merchandise with the added benefit of being able to touch, try on and accessorize. The week proved to be a huge success, and “By Appointment Only” was quickly made a permanent fixture at the store, solidifying a need for more space. Wheels immediately began turning on ways to improve this service while keeping in mind its key benefits: privacy and attention to detail. The stars suddenly aligned when the loft-style building next door became available. The address adjacent to the Fashion’s downtown retail space was blank, empty, and full of potential. Plans were made for accessories and gift items to be moved to this new space while clothes and shoes stayed in the main store. The first thing that catches the eye when walking into the newly revamped store is the dazzling shine of pieces from Tai, Jenny Bird,
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Kendra Scott and Summer Ellis (just to name a few). Jewelry and accessories – including gifts, handbags and wallets from Hobo, Kelly Moore and Kelly Wynne – are found in the front of the store, while the loft in the back is sectioned of by floor-to-ceiling curtains. The space beneath the loft is a perfectly spacious and private area for appointment-only meetings. In addition to great customer service and catering to women of all ages, The Fashion of Ruston upholds a reputation for going above and beyond to make the customer’s visit a full-on experience. Not a month goes by that The Fashion isn’t hosting or participating in a special event, and this year’s holiday calendar is no different. The Downtown Ruston Holiday Open House, held on the evening of Thursday, November 16, is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping. They will also be participating in the NCLAC Holiday Arts Tour, which showcases work from local artists, on the weekend of December 1-2. For all Louisiana Tech Football weekends, the doors are open late on Fridays during Rock the Railroad festivities and early at 9am for Game Day Saturdays. In addition to being active on both Facebook and Instagram (@ thefashionofruston), the store maintains an active text messaging system—all with the customer in mind. Those interested are notified of special events and sales and are provided with easy access to the store’s staff for personal styling tips or updates on new merchandise. Additionally, The Fashion’s employees love being on the hunt for the perfect outfit or accessory and encourage customers to call with any questions or last-minute needs. A true one-stop shop where things are always changing for the better, customers are the priority, and the opportunities are endless, it’s easy to see why The Fashion of Ruston is a favorite of women all over North Louisiana. 208 West Park Avenue, Ruston, 318-255-2525 Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Instead of preparing your mulled wine on the stovetop, add the ingredients to your slow cooker a couple of hours before your guests arrive.
HOLIDAY HACKS 101 Festive (Fast) Food for Family and Friends BY MICHAEL DEVAULT
WITH THE ONE-TWO PUNCH of Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, kitchen mavens and neophytes alike are just starting to lay plans for conquering the season’s dinner parties, lunches and even that special, traditional breakfast around the tree. But just because it’s the Holiday Season, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time slaving over a hot stove. There’s the turkey and dressing, and then there’s the appetizers. And drinks! Just thinking about the amount of preparation that goes into even a single meal is overwhelming. It gets worse when you start to consider how many instances of three-meal-days you’re facing. Never fret, though. We’ve spent some time thinking about how best to maximize your impact in the kitchen, and with these holiday hacks, your food plans won’t have to take up the majority of your time. In fact, with just a few quick trips and a little thinking ahead, we think these tips will have you out, mingling with friends and enjoying the Christmas spirit with your family.
Turkey and Dressing for the Small Crowd A beautiful table setting, maybe with Grandmother’s china and the nice flatware. A slew of traditional sides. And right in the middle of the table, a 10-lbs. turkey and huge tray of homemade dressing. It sounds like heaven, especially if you’re feeding an army of 20. But what about those intimate holiday meals – for you, a significant other, the kids and maybe a straggler? Instead of cooking a whole turkey, consider serving just turkey breast. You can purchase a whole, ready-to-cook turkey breast in the refrigerated section and heat it before serving. It carves just like a whole bird, but it cooks in about 1/3 of the time. Best of all, it doesn’t take up the whole oven. While your half-a-bird is in the oven, you can mix and make your favorite dressing, but in just the quantity you need. Instead of baking it in a sheet pan, use a minimuffin tin. The mini-muffins allow your guests to pick the amount of dressing they want, and they give each guest that popular, crispy edge.
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Slow-Cooker Mulled Wine Nothing is more inviting than the rich citrus and cinnamon aroma of mulled wine. It seems like everybody has a favorite recipe for this holiday staple. Yet, who has time to stand at the stove, stirring the hot wine and transferring it to cups as guests arrive or, more likely, want seconds. Instead of preparing your mulled wine on the stovetop, add the ingredients to your slow cooker a couple of hours before your guests arrive. Turn the cooker on its lowest setting, place it on the buffet with a ladle, and put out the cups and napkins. Uncover the wine about a half hour before your guests arrive, to give that wonderful scent time to permeate the house. Guests will gravitate to the aroma, serve themselves, and feel warm and welcome. Best of all, they won’t be under foot in the kitchen while you’re trying to finish dinner or get the next round of sausage biscuits to the table. If mulled wine isn’t your thing, you can do the same thing with hot cocoa or buttered rum! Your holiday guests will appreciate the thought.
Pulverize That Peppermint! Peppermint is one of the signature flavors of the Christmas season. Yet, aside from just a couple of dishes, the only hit we get is when we swirl a cane in our coffee or tea – or pop a stick in our mouth after plucking one from the tree. For a festive pop of spicy flavor, making this year’s peppermint an integral part of your desserts is as simple as grabbing your food processor. Buy a bag of unwrapped peppermints at the grocery store. If you can’t find unwrapped peppermints, buy candy canes by the box and unrap them. Drop a couple of handfuls into the processor and hit pulse three or five times. The results will surprise you. You’ll have peppermint to sprinkle atop the brownies, peppermint to top the whipped cream, and even peppermint for peppermint bark. It’s an easy, unique flavor to add a little zing. For a good Louisiana kick, add a dash of red pepper to some melted almond bark and, while it’s still hot, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. Ayeee!
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LEADING AN ACTIVE LIFESTLYE Setting a Good Example for Our Kids
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article by Cindy G. Foust
appy Fall, Y’all…I saw that on a t-shirt or somewhere, and I’ve been dying to say it in my column, like I’m the Paula Deen of BayouLife or something. Well, I wouldn’t say Paula Deen, I think I would compare me more to say Lucille Ball. Yeah, I just need an Ethel, so I might get Cassie to put an ad in the magazine, so I can have a partner in crime, you know, to help me write this column, and well, live my life every day. I seriously need a handler. Any takers out there? Probably not, since you kind of have to be willing to talk about your personal life, like in depth, and make fun of yourself, and sit around for an entire month at a time, and worry about what you will write about again next month, like I’ve been doing this whole week. You know, some people are scared of clowns or spiders or being stranded somewhere because you missed your flight and not having clean underwear, but me, well, I’m scared of writing a column every month that bores my readers to tears. So yeah, that’s my fear. So, no, probably no takers for an Ethel, and I guess I will continue to pilot this aircraft all by myself. So, here we are on the eve of my favorite holiday in the middle of my favorite time of year, and we are finally enjoying a cool snap. I mean, the first day the temperatures were in the 70s, I wore a sweatshirt and Ugg boots to the football game, and, well, everyone was staring at me like I had just snapped on skis and pulled my face mask down so that I could wedge (ski school language in case you didn’t know) down a bunny slope. But I looked good, and it is better to look good than to feel good, right? Well, as good as a 51-year-old, mother-of-three, heart patient can look, I suppose. In case any of you have been worrying about me since last month’s column, when I shared my unfortunate medical crisis, I am happy to report I am doing great (see, somehow this column always circles back to me). I am actively participating in my cardiovascular therapy, of which I have made quite a few new friends. I hate to admit that this is the most structured, consistent exercise I have had in quite a few years. In fact, this week I was on the treadmill, just staring out the window, and listening to “Your Mamma Don’t Dance and Your Daddy Don’t Rock and Roll,” I had a sort of self-awareness moment. In that moment (like something off Star Trek), I felt really guilty at the lack of physical exertion I had been doing prior to my, shall we say, cardiac “episode.” That’s
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code for…I led a rather sedentary life. Oh, I’ve written before about good nutrition and the importance of physical activity, for everybody, not just kids, and really challenged even myself to “get off the couch.” But I was pretty bad at even taking my own advice. Now, however, I have a new motivation, and that’s my good health. Which got me to thinking, what are we doing for our kids at home, in the way of physical activity? I’m lucky in that regard, I suppose, because both my children led pretty physically active lives. But not all children play sports or dance or cheer, and what I want to encourage, is getting those kids off the couch. How so? A very wise pediatric cardiologist told me one time that our overall health as a child will impact the health we enjoy as an adult. Think about it. If you are overweight and sedentary as a child, you could likely be the same in your adult years. He also pointed out that our “weight” (present company included) significantly impacts our health, both children and adults, and triggers diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, to name a few. So what can we do to get our inactive kids in the right lane? I’m no fitness buff, but do you have to be in order to encourage and motivate your kids to get active? Sure, I am all about putting them in a gym if that is a good fit for your family, but what are some other options? For one, this reprieve in the weather has made getting outside pure joy, so how about just starting with a family stroll or bike ride in the afternoons? I say take the dog and get the family moving down the street. Or how about heading to the park to enjoy the nature trails or bike trails? You can even take your dog to Kiroli Park so they can participate in the kick-off for Fam Jam (okay, I know this is a popular YouTube channel, but I’m “borrowing” it because it sounds like something Kool and the Gang would sing about) to get your family healthy. Here’s something easy, and fun for the family, how about some sidewalk chalk for hopscotch? Or an old-fashioned jump rope? And then there’s gardening. Listen, you don’t have to the Fannie Farmer to plant mums during the fall or cultivate (I’ve been dying to use that word in my column) a small herb garden. Also, most people have a swing set, so get those kids swinging or sliding their afternoon away. You could also head to the hardware store for a few extra rakes and get the family raking leaves or pine straw. Do you know how much fun your kids would have raking? Okay, that idea would go over like a leaded balloon, but I had to throw
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Holidays in CedarTown
Celebrating 28 Years as North Louisiana’s Premier Holiday Shopping Market!
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E HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US NOVEMBER 9TH through 11th for Holidays in CedarTown! For the 28th consecutive year the Ruston Civic Center will be a holiday one stop shopping destination for area residents. Holidays in Cedartown, a project of the Cedar Creek School Parent Club, will once again provide North Louisiana with an amazing holiday marketplace that will allow you to jump start your holiday shopping. Our three-day market kicks off on Thursday, November 9th from 10:00 a.m. til noon with exclusive shopping and the Holiday Brunch Blitz, sponsored by Origin Bank, Hood Petroleum and LPI. Guests will enjoy a variety of delicious brunch treats provided by area chefs and restaurants that include Campatori Catering featuring Chef John Shirley, Crumbs Catering featuring Chefs Jodie Morphew and Olivia Stinson, Devine Wine & Spirits, La Bamba Mexican Restaurant, Uptown Downtown featuring Morgan Garrison, Newk’s Eatery, Parish Press and Ponchatoulas. In addition to sampling some of our area’s best brunch food, you will also be entertained by cooking demonstrations and music provided by John Farmer. With our unique camera and projection system you will feel like you are right in the kitchen as chefs create some of their favorite holiday dishes. Each brunch ticket will be placed in a drawing for some amazing door prizes provided by our vendors. Tickets are $15 for the Brunch Blitz may be purchased in advance with a very limited number available at the door! Entering the Ruston Civic Center, you will find a festive holiday marketplace decorated by the Lauren Roebuck Design Team. Over fifty booths will be overflowing with holiday gifts for every person on your shopping list. We are pleased to provide a unique shopping experience that includes vendors from across the south: All of Us Soups and Dips, Believe Tee, Bent Oaks Boutique, Birdwell’s, Bullet Designs, Cricket’s Grace Boutique, Dean of Flowers, Fleur de Lou Creations, Get Swank, Harp Strings, Imperfect Dust, Laura Glen Lawson, Lauren Roebuck Designs, Legacy of Judy C. Martin, Lori’s Soaps and Gifts Boutique, Louisiana Woodcraft, Magnolia Creative Co., The Market, Matilda Jane, Mother Hen, Mr. P’s Tees, Muscle Club, Nanette’s Notes, Oh So Chic, Patton’s, Patton’s Downtown, Pearlie Sue and Company, Rodeo Boutique, Ruston Florist, Scentsy Fragrance, Senegence, Simply Chic Boutique, Stella and Dot, Sue Paperie/Paperglaze, Townsend House Gifts, Usborne Books and More and The Wood Shed. Holidays after Hours is Thursday, November 9th from 6:00 p.m. to
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8:30 p.m. Music by DJ D-Smooth will enhance the evening of shopping and complimentary appetizers will be provided by area restaurants and caterers that include BBQ West, Ben Christmas Catering, Beau Vines, Iron Cactus, The Keg Package & Cork Room, Portico, Roma Italian Bistro, and Social Bites. Tickets are $10 and will be available for purchase in advance with a limited number available at the door. Of course, you will want to bring your little ones out Saturday morning for Jingles and Jammies at 10:00 am or 11:00 am featuring breakfast - compliments of In & Out Donuts, Railway Coffee and Valley Services, story time and photos with Santa provided by Bash Booth. Each child will also receive The Night Before Christmas Activity book. Admission for Jingles and Jammies is $5 and may be purchased in advance with a limited number available at the door. North Central Louisiana Arts Council will once again be on hand Saturday afternoon from 2:00pm to 4:00pm to create an adorable Christmas craft with your children. Holiday treats will be provided by D Q Grill & Chill. Admission for this fun filled afternoon is $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. To show our support for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs as they match up against Florida Atlantic on Saturday afternoon, all Tech fans wearing their Tech spirit wear will receive free general admission Friday from noon til 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. til game time! Visit Holidays in CedarTown, and it may just be your lucky day! Make sure you purchase a ticket for the iPad and Apple Watch Raffle, sponsored by DQ Grill and Chill and Durrett Law and Title. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10, and the winner receives both items. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the three-day event. Who wouldn’t be delighted to find both items under the tree. Please refer to the Holidays in CedarTown ad on the opposite page for specific event dates and times. Holidays in CedarTown is a project of the Cedar Creek School Parent Club. For sponsorship, merchant or ticket information contact: Cedar Creek School 2400 Cedar Creek Drive ~ Ruston, Louisiana 71270 318-255-7707 ~ www.cedarcreekschool.org Facebook.com/HolidaysInCedarTown Cedar Creek School practices an open non-discriminatory admission policy.
7th Annual Wiggin’ Out Gala
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On October 5, 2017 the 7th Anniversary Wiggin’ Out Gala was held at the Davison Athletics Center at Louisiana Tech University. Brightly colored wigs, fabulous food and music from a great band filled the entire room! The theme this year was “Not all Heroes Wear Capes;” therefore each table was decorated with the super hero theme in mind! Wiggin’ Out’s purpose is to raise money in order to provide a philanthropic benefit to women, men and children in North Louisiana who are battling cancer.
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On the BayouScene 1 Elizabeth Turnley and Vicki Caskey 2 Sarah Adkins and Rena Jones 3 Brittany Liner and Tiffany Otwell 4 Deidra Adair, Christy Norris and Jena Bass 5 Lori Williams, Karen McCarty, Laura Smith, Kathryn Williams and Pitty-Pat Smith 6 Debbie Joyner and Simone Wart 7 Sheri Burns, Julie Bailey and Tami Davis 8 Abby Canterbury-Smith and Laura Taylor 9 Madison Porter and Michelle Hernandez 10 Beth Ramirez and Erika McDaniel 11 Tami Davis and Kaye Rabb 12 C harlotte Hanm, Ginger Sikes, Cynthia Haynes and Lisha Sikes 13 Lisa Lowery, Shonda Gray, Sandy Goss and Kay Downey 14 Keri King and Marisol O’Neal
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Rebel Runway If you were fortunate enough to be sitting in the audience at the 2017 Rebel Runway, on September 26th, then you were witness to a spectacular fashion show. Hosted and presented by the West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club. The West Monroe Convention Center was packed with an eager audience as the models sported ensembles from casual weekend apparel to prom couture...there was something for everyone. The West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors, everyone who attended and everyone who participated in the silent auction. You helped make this event great!
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On the BayouScene 1 Kaylee Willna, Lauren Robinson and Madelyne Clark 2 Dorthy Storm and Ashley Rogers 3 Kim Hudson and Ray Evans 4 Erin Harrison and Madison Guerrerio 5B ob and Betsy Jackson and Rubette and Ray Hebert 6 Kinsley Gullatt and Brittany Francois 7 Deidre and Evie Hilburn 8 Davie and Kathleen Johnson 9 Bethany Joiner, Roane Tidwell and Lauren Wallis 10 Marleigh Moody, Katie Compton, Oliva Smiley and Madison Underwood 11 Mike and Jessica Robins 12 Garin and Tatum Hatch 13 Kellye Hoogland and Caroline Ernst 14 Alexis Booth, Lilly Claire Robins and Katie Souther 15 Anna Grace Ludwig, Megan and Jessie Arant 16 Cayla Ranton and Amy Adams
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Night of the Cakes
Night of the Cakes, the annual fundraising event for Quota International of West Monroe, was held September 26. And what a night it was! Amazing cakes donated from the best cake bakers in Ouachita Parish, merchandise packages worth $500 - $1,000 for live auction and entertainment by Dr. Dennis Swanberg insured an evening of laughter, inspiration and lots of competitive bidding. Quota of West Monroe would like to thank their sponsors for this year’s event: Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Music City Studios and Paramount Healthcare Consultants were Gold Sponsors again this year. Silver Sponsors were Azalea Estates, Coldwell Banker Group One Realty, Mulhearn Funeral Homes, Red River Presort, Vanguard Realty and Vantage Health Plan. With the loyal support of these sponsors, QI of West Monroe is able to make a difference in lives in our community by supporting the hearing impaired, encouraging teachers and students at three parish elementary schools, as well as meeting other needs in NELA.
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1 Dianne Guillot and Vicki Gilbert 2 Carmen and Paige Parks and Cindy Peacock 3B renda Adkins and Betsy Havens 4 Dr. Dennis Swanberg 5 Stacy Albritton Mitchell and Jay Mitchell 6 Donna Bryant and Ginger McBride 7K athy Womble, Amy Lawson, Becky Roark and Corinne Pace 8 J ayne Green, Mike Walsworth and Tammie Smith 9 Lois Hoover and Gayle Frick 10 April Martin, Mendy White and Erica Hopko 11 Brittany Guillot and Laurie Payne 12 B enay Knowles, Nancy Dever, Sandy Henderson, Shirley Pilcher, Laura Muckleroy, Judy Cousans and Jackie Guillot 13 B enay Knowles, Linda Norred, Clayton Norred, Debby and Roy Stapp 14 A nn Shockley, Lin Claborn, Vickie Barnes and Felicia Chatam 15 A mber Belaire, Jennifer Russell and Carol-Anne Lenard 16 Todd and Bianca Hebert
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Downtown Gallery Crawl
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The Downtown Arts Alliance along with numerous sponsors hosted the Downtown Gallery Crawl on October 5th. Crawlers took the streets of downtown Monroe and West Monroe to enjoy local artists. BayouLife Magazine’s October BayouArtist, Gary Ratcliff, exhibited at The Palace Gallery. He showed his trademark ceramics, along with a new body of work, featuring painted surfaces that were artfully broken and cracked. Cliff Tresner, who was recently named the William R. Hammond Professor of Liberal Arts at ULM, exhibited at Arender Gallery. The nine galleries that participated all contributed to a great evening of amazing art, good food and live music. Mark your calendars for the next Downtown Gallery Crawl on December 7th.
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Meghan and Nick Nelson Karen Gibbons and K.P. Endsley H eidi Korrodi and Rawdy Smith A imilios Spyridonos, Chelsey Goodwin, Elizabeth Stephens and Destiny Davis 5 Adrienne Lyles and Paula Martin 6 Wacey Taylor, Linh Luong, Dalena Nguyen and Lac Nguyen 7 Seth, Katelyn, Hazel and Grey Cooper 8 Ann Bloxom-Smith, Brooke Foy, Emily Caldwell, Kelsea McCcary, Emery Thibodeaux and Bethany Wilkins 9 J oann Powell, Kathryn Bagley, Ashlie Hennessy and Liz Hughes 10 T aylor Boothe, Alexis Belton, Amy Walthall, Martha O’Neal and Julianne Tippen 11 Caitlin Chavanne and Andrew Ratcliff 12 Jennifer, Madeline and Jack Haneline 13 Lauren Barry, Nikki Deoja, and Jack Lockeby 14 Brock Toth and Rebekah Newsom 15 D onita and Paul Smith 16 Felicia Rogers and Lyndsay Tuberville 17 Lauren Provost, Abigail Berry and Amanda Scott
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Black and White Ball
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The 13th Annual Black & White Ball benefitting The Center for Children and Families was held at the Bayou DeSiard Country Club on Saturday, September 16th. Guests were transported to a “Casino Royale” themed ball, complete with professional dealers and locally sponsored Las Vegas-style gaming tables which promised “gamblers” luxurious prizes. Attendees danced the night away to Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters while sipping cocktails and enjoying delectable dishes. This fundraiser raises money and awareness for The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) which serves children and mentally challenged adult victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, human trafficking or the witnessing of a violent crime.
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On the BayouScene 1 Stuart and James Scalia 2 Brent Vidrine and Patti Wilhite 3 Brad and Simran Emaus 4 Brad McGilton and Will Copeland 5D iedra Adair, Cathy Wearne, Andrew Travers and Jeremy Adair 6 S arah Katherine Ewing, Kelsey Laudenheimer, Emily McGee and Meagan Woodard 7 Allison Ford and Lissy Compton 8 Jennifer Donald, Hannah Salsbury and Melissa Kiper 9 Michael and Mary Durham 10 J essica DeTiege, Kadija Hudson and Chelsea Wyatt 11 Valerie and Chris Ramsey 12 C ourtney Wetzel and Katherine Flowers 13 Amanda Wooten, Kerri James and Stephanie Ryan 14 Ashley and Friday Ellis 15 Meghan and Jarrod Sellar 16 Leah and Mac Reitzell 17 Kristen Hill, Jessica Grigson and Melinda Robinson 18 Jennifer Lord and Jordan Haedicke 19 Mallory Benedetto, Cassie Livingston and Lauren Davis 20 Andi Holyfield and Savannah Holyfield 16
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Humanities Board Reception
Janet and Steve Haedicke hosted a reception in celebration of the work of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) the evening of September 14th, at their Deborah Drive home. Board members from across the state, community guests, and LEH grantees and leadership, including President and Executive Director, Miranda Restovic, attended the reception, sharing news of statewide points of light funded through the Endowment and its supporters. Among these is the launch of LEH’s PRIME TIME Head Start initiative—a program providing over 200 Monroe-area children with high-quality, humanitiesfocused early childhood education. Mayor Jamie Mayo and his wife, Angela Washington Mayo, thanked the Haedickes and the LEH for their commitment to supporting the education and culture of Monroe and its families.
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1 Melinda Mintz, Mark Gremillion 2 Susan and Kevin Hopper 3 Mayor JamieMayo and wife Angela 4 Tommy and Meredith Hayes 5M ichelle Saucer, Jacqueline Matthews, Jay Marx, Tom and Sue Nicholson, Miranda Restovic, Dr. Pamela Saulsberry and Janet Durden 6A my Ricke, Angel Coates, Stalanda Butcher, Shantrell Austin and Katrina Chance 7 Tommy Hayes and Judge Jimbo Stephens 8 Miranda Restovic, Leslie Rambin and Lila Strode 9 Janet Haedicke and Mark Gremillion 10 W Illie Mount, Randy Ewing, Janet Haedicke 11 Steve and Janet Haedicke 12 J anet Haedicke, Senator Mike Walsworth and June Solomon 13 D enise Faulkner-Edwards, Leona Caughran, Stacy Ainsworth, Freddie Varner, Angel Slater 14 Vanelis Rivera, Faye Flanagan, Nell Calloway, Adrienne LaFrance-Wells 15 M iranda Restovic, Janet Haedicke, Ruth Smith and Mary Blanche Wortham 16 Tom Clark, Drew Tessier and Brad Adams 17 Nan and George Cummings and Janet Haedicke 15
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Runway 139 Fashion Show Croswell’s Boutique 139 held their first fashion show in their newly remodeled store, Runway 139. The show was a huge success with over 130 people in attendance. Over 50 different styles and looks were modeled down the newly constructed white runway, and Croswell’s Boutique 139 displayed fashion for all ages and body types. They served cake and refreshments after the show, and shopping was open to the public from 6 – 9 p.m. Croswell’s would like to thank everyone that attended and hopes you can join them for the next Runway 139 event.
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1 Allie Bryan and Brianna Jacobs 2 Lois Jordan and Randy Gibson 3 Shannon Kellick and Anne Crymes 4 Kathy and Regan Deblieux 5 L isa May, Earline Rushing and Ouida Seale 6C arlee, Joan and Sarah Hamby 7 Annah White and Amber Hall 8 Raleigh, Misty and Teresa Paxton 9 Sarah Daniels and Allie Rae Hamby 10 S tacey Sharp, Marissa McLarrin and Tracy Costello 11 Marleigh Martin and Sarah Daniels 12 Tori Ann Gardner and Allie Rae Hamby 13 Sheridan May and Anna Deblieux 14 Jody Boatright and Stacy Daugherty 15 Kelly Coston and Madison Risinger 16 Lisa and Haleigh Cox 17 Carey Gardener and Margo Waller 18 Scarlett McLarrin and Mariah Johnson 19 Tammy Esswein and Kerri Taylor 20 Cameryn Wooden and Averie Sharp
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9th Annual Pilots for Patients Awards Luncheon
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On November 14th, Pilots for Patients held their 4th Annual Awards Luncheon to honor those that have gone above and beyond. The opening address was given by Sal Miletello, and the lunch was sponsored by Duane Humphries of The Warehouse Restaurant. Phil and Ellen Henry, Lydia and Bro. Charles Headrick, and Justin and Stacie Yerger were a few of the patients that spoke at the event along with Philip Thomas who spoke about the organization’s 2017 growth and accomplishments. Pilots for Patients would also like to thank everyone that attended and supports the organization.
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On the BayouScene 1 Phil Coyne, Don Imhoff and Ryan Chappell 2 F orrest Kavanaugh, Jenifer Andrews, Philip and Sharon Thomas 3 J ames, Marcie and Jeremy Thiels 4 S haron Thomas, Rick and Dera Jolet 5 Stacey Graves and O’Neal Hutto 6 Philip Thomas and Ricky Dunn 7 Wayne Petrus and Sal Miletello 8P hil and Ellen Henry 9 Mark and Stephanie Blair 10 C hristian Lanier, Aubrey Bricker, Heather and Shane Scarborough 11 Caleb Frost and Seth Arrant 12 Anthony and Ashlea Sandoval 13 Tim and Peggy Scarborough 14 Jenifer Andrews and Forrest Kavanaugh
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B AY O U P O R T R A I T
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE PHIL ROBERTSON IS A MAN WHO HAS LEGITIMATE BRAGGING RIGHTS. BUT, EVEN WITH HIS SELF-MADE SUCCESS, HE IS A MODEST MAN WHO GIVES HIS GREATEST THANKS TO GOD.
B y La R o n e R i ch a r d so n Photog r a p h s by Ke l l y Mo o r e C l a r k
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o matter how you dice it, slice it, shoot it or dress it, Phil Robertson is a man who has legitimate bragging rights, whether of the monetary, educational, literary or entrepreneurial variety. One of the Bayou State’s favorite sons, the Robertson family patriarch is a self-made multi-millionaire. Attending Louisiana Tech University in the 1960s, Robertson played first-string quarterback ahead of pro football legend Terry Bradshaw, no less. He went on to earn his bachelor and master’s degrees, working as a teacher before his Duck Commander duck call business took off. The TV reality series A&E’s Duck Dynasty, became a surprise ratings mega-hit, making world-wide celebrities of Phil and his entire family. Robertson’s first book, entitled Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander, has sold over 1.7 million copies. Any single one of these accomplishments would be impressive on its own, but I’ve yet to meet a more modest or down-to-earth person. Phil and Miss Kay, his lovely bride of 51 years, still live in the little house in the woods on the banks of the Ouachita River, where they raised Alan, Jase, Willie and Jep. In fact, the only concession to their phenomenal success is the detached kitchen Phil has built for Miss Kay. Beautifully appointed and clad in Western cedar, the space she calls her “country kitchen” is Miss Kay’s pride and joy. “Her motto is, ‘If you feed them, they will come,’” quips Phil, revealing his ready, dry wit. She fires right back, quick to point out that he’s the one who uses the new kitchen to make the duck and dressing at Thanksgiving (she bakes the cakes and pies and homemade rolls). “He also makes his jellies and preserves out here,” Miss Kay confides. Sure enough, hidden away in a small adjacent pantry, jars of homemade jelly stand at attention, jewel-toned glass sentinels, silent testaments to Phil’s labor of love. Phil pops the lid off a jar of sloe plum jelly and gives us a taste. It’s absolutely delicious, with a little bit of tartness to it. “This is a plum that gets ripe in August, fresh out of the woods,” he says. “It’s what keeps Miss Kay so sweet!” As we head back outside, he continues, “Last week, there was a five- or six-foot rattlesnake hid out under here. I got him, though. At first, the only thing I saw was the snakeskin he’d shed, but I found him; I got ‘im.” (About that time, a rabbit runs over my grave. Any self-respecting southerner knows what that means; and any self-respecting serpent-fearer knows why.) Phil points across the road to the river. “There’s a boat dock over there where thousands have been baptized through the years,” he says, a subtle verbal tell of what Phil is mindful of and thankful for in his life, what’s worthy of mention, in his opinion. We move back to the main house. We’re sitting in the Robertsons’ den, he in a massive camouflage recliner that I recognize from Duck Dynasty. Miss Kay stays out on the glassed-in front porch, “Where it’s cooler,” she says, talking to her sister, Ann, who’s visiting from Texas, and Kelly, the photographer. A quart-sized Mason jar of iced tea sits on a bookshelf beside Phil. (I catch myself thinking, “I bet that’s sweet tea, but it’s supposed to be in a plastic Tupperware glass, and Uncle Si should be drinking it.”) BoBo, Miss Kay’s beloved terrier mix, is snoozing on the floor at Phil’s feet. Leaned against the fireplace is a placard that reads, “Love always protects, trusts, hopes. Love never fails. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:7-8. There’s a stack of books on the floor, too, and from the stack, he grabs his Bible, so worn that it’s held together with duct tape. Throughout our interview he will reference it, reading Scripture that emphasizes or enhances a point he’s making. I reiterate that we’re doing a special section on gratitude for our Thanksgiving issue. “Looking back on your life,” I begin, “is there a singular, memorable event or a certain person who taught you to be thankful?” He doesn’t hesitate. “Well, for the first 28 years of my life, I had no gratitude,” he admits. “We went to church when I was a kid, and I heard what they said, but I must not have really been listening. And then I went away to college, and not one time during all those years did someone talk Jesus with me. Remember, it was the 60s; that was a wild time.” Later, when Phil was 28 years old, his life falling apart, his marriage in shambles, a preacher came to visit. His name was Reverend Bill Smith. “He asked me if I knew what the gospel was, what it meant,” recalls Phil. “I told him I guess it means gospel music; that’s the only kind of gospel 102 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
A DYNAMIC DUO
Miss Kay and Phil Robertson talk to BayouLife about their gratitude for family and God.
I could think of. But he said, ‘Hey, God became flesh in Jesus, who died for you. He paid the penalty for your sins, He rose from the grave, He’s sitting at the right hand of God, and He’s coming back for His own one day.’ Wow… it doesn’t get any better than that! You see, all the money in the world won’t take away your sins. All the fame you could ever amass can’t raise you from the dead.”
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Phil goes on to share another experience he says filled him with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “I walked the shores of Omaha Beach,” says Phil, referring to one of the five beaches in Normandy, France, that was a landing area for American soldiers in World War II. “Those were the young men of our greatest generation fighting for our country, and the Germans were just mowing them down. If you ever walked that beach, or walked through the cemetery over there, you can’t help but feel this tremendous sense of gratitude. There’s just grave after grave; almost 10,000 of our bravest and finest are buried over there.” Never one to back away from controversy, he adds, “People who disrespect our flag and what it represents have never learned the meaning of gratitude.” According to Phil, ingratitude, spiritual blindness and lawlessness go hand in hand. “America has basically committed idolatry
by placing government over God. We’ve tried to replace God with a government that we expect to feed us, house us, provide our healthcare. We’ve allowed our spirit of patriotism and thankfulness to be eroded by an attitude of entitlement, especially in our youth. And look what’s happened. It’s been the greatest hoax of the last century.” “We can change, though,” he says. “Anybody can change if they put their faith where it belongs - in Jesus. Heck, I did! And we can change as a nation. We can strive to become, once again, a nation of godly, thankful, patriotic people with an allegiance to our country and an allegiance to our God.”
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE ROBERTSONS POST-SERIES? In March of this year, after 130 episodes, filming ended on the iconic Duck Dynasty television series featuring the Robertson clan. That doesn’t mean, however, that we’ve seen the last of this beloved, giving family… Phil is filming now for a new show that will begin airing in early November. The show is called In the Woods With Phil and will air on CRTV.com under a subscription plan. It will feature Phil’s take on what’s happening in the world with his classic no-holds-barred approach to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The show is produced by his oldest son, Al, and nephew, Zach Dasher. Miss Kay continues to work on expanding the reach of her local eatery, Miss Kay’s Sweets and Eats, by adding a lunch menu locally and an online presence on misskayssweets.com. She also plans to film a cooking show in the near future, sharing her unique combination of food, family and faith with the next generation. Al and Lisa Robertson work closely with Phil and Kay and their ventures and also speak around the country helping raise funds for various organizations. They are also hosting an annual Marriage Retreat Cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. Next year’s 5-day cruise is scheduled for September 20 – 24, 2018, departing from New Orleans. For more info, visit robertsonmarriageretreat.com. Jep and Jessica Robertson moved to Austin, Texas, to open their food truck service called Jep’s Southern Roots. You can check out their food on jepssouthernroots.com. Willie and Korie are involved in humanitarian work and speaking for causes around the world. Jase shaved his beard for his daughter Mia’s charity, and Missy stays busy with her Laminin business/ministry. You can follow her projects on missyrobertson.com WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 105
Ruston’s ARToberfest Friday the 13th wasn’t so scary at Ruston’s ARTober fest, located in the Norton Buiding downtown! Complete with food trucks, great music, and beer tastings, ARToberfest was the place to be. Over 500 people came together at the Norton Building to support this fundraising event that benefits the North Central Louisiana Art Council. Marsala Beverage provided tons of commercial beers for guest to sample. Along with Marsala, area home brewers and regional breweries offered great samples as they competed for the Best Brew! Special thanks to the sponsors and patrons for making this event such a success! The funding helps support programs like the NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Tour and the Circuit Film Tour.
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On the BayouScene 1 Josh and Britany Wheeler 2 Daniel Smart and Neil Lewis 3H arrison Haley, David Burkhalter and Alex Brasher 4 Jennifer Henry, Kaitlyn Foster and Chris Nassif 5 August Vidacovich, Sarah Daum and Patrick Doss 6 Amanda Quimby and Justin Carrier 7 Robbie Davinport and Sydney Bagwell 8 Larkin and Dean Norton 9 J ess Morne, Courtney Hollenshead, Dylan Schilt, Chris Shemas and Taylor Young 10 T roy Biscomb, Kiki Warolaw and Angie Biscomb 11 Brody Sullivan and Victoria Lindsey 12 Kourtney Keim and Jessica Slaughter 13 Holly Odom and Taylor Cappe 14 Ryan and Morgan Kavanaugh 15 Jake and Hannah McKenzie 16 E ric and Ashley Cripps 17 Michelle Landry and Caty Simmons
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Do You Need Natural Calm? Fiesta Nutrition Center
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HERE IS ACTUALLY A PRODUCT CALLED NATURAL Calm that delivers what its name promises! The majority of us are not getting adequate magnesium, including many who already take magnesium supplements. There are three reasons for this: the amount of magnesium required by the body is greater than people think; fruits and vegetables have lost mineral content over time due to soil depletion; and some magnesium supplements are poorly absorbed by the body. Magnesium depletion can be caused by a number of stresses on the body, among them lack of adequate dietary magnesium; mental, emotional and environmental stressors; some drugs (diuretics, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, insulin, cortisone); heavy exercise; diabetes; gastrointestinal disorders; and excess calcium in the diet. As with vitamin C, the body will excrete any excess magnesium. NATURAL CALM features highly absorbable, water-soluble magnesium in ionic form, so it is ready to go to work right away. These exciting new products join the original Natural Calm line, and Fiesta Nutrition is excited to offer them! CALMFUL MUSCLES An enhancement of the original NATURAL CALM formula designed to promote muscle relaxation and recovery following exercise or a long tiring day. The formula consists of the amino acid L-carnitine to support fatty acid metabolism as well as bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. CALMFUL GUT This formula focusses on soothing and supporting a healthy gut microbiome (balance) with probiotics and the amino acid L-glutamine to insure intestinal membrane integrity. This may be helpful to conquer symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. CALMFUL SLEEP While the original NATURAL CALM promotes sleep through natural relaxation, this was developed for extra sleep support by adding soothing L-theanine and Gaba along with melatonin. CALMFUL GUMMIES At last! Great-tasting gummies that are perfect for the whole family (including kids that need calming). The NATURAL CALM products are organic, stevia-sweetened, vegan and non-GMO.
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Shop FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER , this area’s premier natural food and supplement supermarket. We love our customers and it shows!
Are You Due For a Checkup? The Thankful Smile
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F OUR TEAM HERE AT BAYOU DENTAL GROUP HAD OUR way, we’d see every single patient of ours at least twice a year for routine dental cleanings and exams. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. We understand that life gets pretty hectic. With work, school and kids, it’s sometimes hard to find the time for regular dental visits when you have so many other responsibilities competing for your attention. There are all sorts of reasons people might not make it to the dentist regularly. Maybe it’s a busy schedule, maybe it’s fear or maybe you’re embarrassed about the state of your oral health because you’ve stayed away too long. The fact is, professional dental care can make all the difference when it comes to achieving and maintaining your healthiest smile. That’s why Dr. Finley and our highly-trained hygienists want to make sure you know just how important it is that you visit our Monroe, LA dental office for routine checkups! WHY PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CHECKUPS MATTER Gum disease creeps in slowly to destroy your oral health, often without you even realizing it’s happening. That’s why professional dental care matters more than anything. In our Monroe dental office, you’ll find highly-trained hygienists who have the experience and professional tools to give your teeth and gums the deep cleaning necessary to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t reach with your toothbrush and dental floss at home. Dr. Finley can then thoroughly examine your mouth for any signs of dental problems. With technology such as digital X-rays, he’s able to catch the things that threaten your oral health that you can’t see on your own. We also offer dental sealants and fluoride treatments for added protection against tooth decay and cavities. These are just some of the ways a dental professional can make the difference between a glowing, healthy smile and dull, damaged teeth and poor oral health. PREVENTION IS YOUR SMILE’S BEST DEFENSE! The best defense your mouth has against harmful bacteria is prevention. That may begin with your daily oral hygiene at home, but that’s only half of what it really takes for strong, healthy teeth and gums. You need help from professionals like you’ll find here at Bayou Dental Group. Our passion is helping patients get healthy and stay that way, but we can only help if you come to see us for regular cleanings and exams. Without vigilance and proper professional dental care, there is only so much you can do at home to maintain lasting oral health.
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Uptown Downtown Cakery, Bakery and Eatery
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T’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! The holidays are right around the corner, and we all know what that means- good food! All of the family favorites will be piled sky high throughout the kitchen and dining room! Cornbread dressing, turkey, green bean casserole, cranberry chutney, corn pudding, ham and so much more. But nothing tops off your favorite holiday meal like the perfect dessert. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Every year, there’s always the family favorites we can’t wait to see waiting on the dessert table. And if you’re like our family, yes, you need a whole table just for the desserts. Well this year, we want to make you the star at your family get together by bringing not only traditional favorites, but some not-so-traditional treats, too. Aunt Yvonne’s Famous 4-layer delight, Mrs. Jean’s Classic Pecan Pie, Dendy’s Secret Sweet Potato Pie, Mrs. Peggy’s Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pound Cake, Pumpkin Spice Cannolis, Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes, Pecan Pie Bars and Pumpkin Oatmeal Doozies, just to name a few. Oh! and let’s not forget the little ones! Show up with decorated pumpkin and turkey cookies, and you will be the aunt, mom, grandma, cousin, sister of the year! Call or come by and see us in Downtown Ruston to place your order! It’s never too early! Also, stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram to keep up with upcoming events and new products be served up at the little blue bakery! MISS JEAN’S SOUTHERN PECAN PIE Ingredients: • 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup • 3 Eggs • 1 cup Sugar • 2 Tbsp. Butter, melted • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract • 1 ½ cups Pecans, roughly chopped • 1 unbaked 9 inch Deep Dish Pie Crust Directions: • Stir first 5 ingredients thoroughly in a mixing bowl. Stir in pecans. Pour into pie crust. Bake on center rack for 45-60 minutes. Check at 45 minutes, if center is still jiggly, continue baking until firm. Cool for 2 hours. Top with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and enjoy!
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Diabetes: A Complicated Disease Get the Facts About Diabetes
Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes. Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors, such as family history, ethnicity and age, also play a role. Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Fact: The answer is not so simple. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Myth: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease. Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Myth: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is low in saturated and trans fat, moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit. Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Fact: Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key. Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate. Fact: If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. The key to sweets is to have a very small portion and save them for special occasions, so you focus your meal on more healthful foods. Myth: You can catch diabetes from someone else. Fact: No, diabetes is not contagious. Myth: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. Fact: You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. Myth: If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor says you need to start using insulin, it means you're failing to take care of your diabetes properly. Fact: For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Myth: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they do raise blood glucose (also called blood sugar) and need to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat. Source: American Diabetes Association
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From Our Farm to Your Home Double BB Farms Offers Local Products
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OUBLE BB FARMS IS A LOCAL micro farm located in Monroe, LA. It is owned and operated by Bryan and Judy Babb. They have one daughter, Nova, who attends ULL and helps out with their website, doublebbfarms.com. The vision of BB Farms is to become self-sufficient by raising livestock, growing fruit and produce and making products used in everyday life, all while leaving as minimal of a footprint it can on the environment. Bryan, the green thumb of the pair has just finished a Master Gardner course through LSU AG Center and plans the layout, the variety of crops and the rotation of the different crops to make the small 2.5 acre farm productive. Every inch of the farm is being used. “We have edible landscaping,” as Bryan says. The landscaping consists of your normal annual and perennial flowers and shrubs, mixed in with fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. They have in-ground gardens, box gardens, container gardens and even vertical gardens. He tries to grow enough
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seasonal vegetables to provide for the family and enough to take to markets on occasion. Double BB Farms also is the home to a small herd of Boer goats and a small flock of “Diva” chickens as Bryan and Judy call them. Bryan takes care of most of the daily livestock duties including taking care of the goats, chickens and a llama, named Harper. The Boer goats are meat goats and are being bred and raised to sell at market. Bryan said the idea of raising meat goats to sell came up when his good friend, Chef David Raines, opened The Flora Butcher in Flora, MS. He carries all types of meats and found that there was a demand for goat meat and needed a supplier, “so that is when Double BB Farms went into the goat business,” Bryan said. “We also sell fresh chicken eggs, and I am hoping to add some ducks to the farm in the spring. We also sell pepper sauces, syrups, pickled okra, preserves, bread and butter pickles, clotted cream, fudge and many more farm fresh goods,” he notes. You can order directly from them though their
website or follow them on Facebook. While Bryan is outside tending to the gardens and animals, Judy can be found in the kitchen. She enjoys spending her time cooking and creating her own line of cleaning and beauty supplies. Judy says that she has always made her own supplies and products but now she is taking it a step further and making them to sell. She makes hair and skin products that have a coconut oil base and are infused with essential oils. Her line includes lip balm, lotions, sugar scrubs and bath bombs to name a few. “All products made at the farm are a 100% natural and are child and pet friendly,“ she adds. You can also order these products and more through their website or stop by Judy’s office at 504 Finks Hideaway Rd. in Monroe. The Babbs are blessed to have a farm that connects to a larger 400 acre family farm and hope to expand in the future. The farm is their second full time job the Babbs say, Bryan works full time for the West Monroe Convention Center and Judy owns and operates Kelsey Klean. The two say that Double BB Farms is truly a labor of love and both enjoy living the farm life. The Babbs invite you to keep up with what’s happening at the farm on Double BB Farms Facebook page and to visit them online at doublebbfarms.com. They’ll also be at Champagne and Shopping on December 2nd at the West Monroe Convention Center, so stop by and say hello and check out their Christmas Baskets!
Frozen Fat, Thinner You
New Applicators Make Coolsculpting Faster, Better BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY
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OST OF YOU HAVE PROBABLY heard of CoolSculpting, an FDA approved, non-invasive fat removal procedure, that is clinically proven to reduce bulges of unwanted fat without needles, without surgery and – most importantly – without downtime. Mickel Plastic Surgery was one of the first practices in this region to offer CoolSculpting, and our results over the past seven years have been impressive. Yet as good as the procedure has been at freezing and reducing unwanted fat, it has just gotten significantly better! We are excited to introduce a new series of CoolSculpting applicators that make treatments quicker, more comfortable and more effective than ever! The new Coolfit, Coolcore and Coolcurve Advantage applicators allow more precise sculpting of the abdomen and hips, and also allow treatment of several areas that the old applicators couldn’t treat - such as the upper arm, the inner knee and the inner thigh. These
applicators are significantly more comfortable than the older applicators and have reduced treatment time to only 35 minutes per area – almost 50% faster. In addition, the new Coolsmooth applicator, while not as fast as the others, is a non-suction, surface applicator that can be applied to the outer thigh – enabling treatment of an area that before now could only be reduced with liposuction. CoolSculpting uses an ingenious concept called cryolipolysis developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School. It works by delivering precise, even cooling to the fat layer causing fat cells to freeze, then slowly die and release their contents. The fatty material is picked up and removed by the lymphatic system, and the fat layer that was frozen becomes thinner. Studies of hundreds of patients who have undergone CoolSculpting treatments have shown no ill effects from this fat cell rupture. Improvement is gradual and progressive, peaking at two to three
months. Most patients experience a 20 - 25% reduction in the thickness of the fat with the first treatment and a little less with each subsequent treatment. Only one area can be treated at a time, and as I said, the procedure takes about 35 minutes per area for the Advantage applicators and just over an hour for the Coolsmooth device. No sedation is needed, so you can drive yourself to and from the office. No compression garments are necessary after the treatments, and you can literally return to your normal activities, including exercise, immediately. Our experience over the past seven years indicates that while some improvement is noticeable after one treatment, most patients require three sessions for an optimal result. Because we want every patient to get the best result possible, we no longer offer single sessions. Treatments are sold as a package of three sessions at a significantly discounted rate. Of course, the procedure is not for everyone. The ideal patient is close to their ideal weight and has relatively small, localized areas of fat without a lot of saggy skin. So if you are reasonably fit and close to your ideal weight but still have areas of unwanted fat, then CoolSculpting may be right for you. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 today to set up a free consultation.
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LIFE E N G R AV E D
OVER THE PAST YEAR, COURTNEY WETZEL HAS FOUND HERSELF INSPIRED BY CHILDREN’S PORTRAITS. WITH AN ARTISTIC EYE, WETZEL’S GOUGE HAS CARVED COUNTLESS IMAGES OF LOCAL FAMILIES. Article by APRIL CLARK HONAKER and Photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK
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hen Courtney Wetzel posted portraits she’d made of her children on Facebook, she wasn’t prepared for the response. She said, “One of the greatest things we can do for our kiddos is teach them an appreciation for art, and why not start with them?” With this in mind, she had created the portraits for herself and her family but hadn’t imagined that anyone else would be interested in them. So when people started requesting portraits of their children, she was pleasantly surprised. “I’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction,” she said. In fact, interest has grown so much that Courtney now has a waiting list. When she posted the portraits of her children earlier this year, Courtney had recently begun making art again after a thirteen-year hiatus. In the midst of life and family, she had let her art fall to the wayside, and said, “I never thought I’d pick it up again.” But watching her children tackle new things motivated her to try. “Our children inspire everything,” she said. “They inspired me to start back again, and it was scary, because I’d been away for so long, but we learn lessons from them. They try new things, and they may not be good at them at first, but they keep trying.” For Courtney, creating portraits of her children brought her talents and background full circle, allowing her to rediscover a creative side of herself that she first noticed as a teenager. While growing up, Courtney expressed herself through theatre. “Because we moved around so much, I had a hard time finding a peer group,” she said, “but theatre was always welcoming.” She felt accepted there and loved that she could be whomever she wanted, whether it was herself or someone else.”They were my people,” she said. During high school, Courtney’s involvement with the Meridian Little Theatre in Meridian, Mississippi, allowed her to meet the renowned painter, Greg Cartmell. At the time, Cartmell had a frame shop in Meridian, and Courtney earned a job there as a framer. Although she never put a brush to canvas, she watched Cartmell and absorbed everything he did. “I didn’t think I would be able to do those things and didn’t know if my ability went further than a stick figure,” she said, “but maybe that was the confidence of a teenager.” In college at Northwestern State University, Courtney continued her involvement with theatre and started dabbling in costume design. Designing for the stage showed her that creativity came naturally to her, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in graphic communications. After earning a bachelor’s degree, Courtney continued to pursue what she loved, earning a Master of Arts in studio art. Despite being driven to expand her education in the arts, Courtney never dreamed her workload would someday require a waiting list. As an artist, Courtney has never been comfortable with the idea of marketing herself. Not only does the label “artist” spark resistance for her, the idea of actively promoting her work makes Courtney cringe. “I do it for me,” she said, “and I have a hard time with the term ‘artist.’ I never really think in terms of being creative. It’s just what I do.” According to Courtney, when something is labeled, it’s being viewed from a certain perspective, which makes it less pure. She believes labels can be limiting, especially if we cling to them. With beliefs informed by Anthony De Mello, who was an Indian Jesuit priest, Courtney prefers to be in the moment and do life without labels.
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ince she doesn’t have a website and hasn’t done any real promotion to speak of, Courtney attributes her success to timing and word of mouth. “I hit the right audience at the right time,” she said. “I think people are looking for art that goes along with the movement toward contemporary, sleek, minimal looks, and I think my art fits that aesthetic. It’s something different.” According to Courtney, oil portraits are timeless and traditional: they have their place. But she chooses to create handmade, linocut prints and said, “I think one of the interesting things about this kind of 116 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
portraiture is you’re not limited to one.” Courtney provides customers with a limited number of prints and then paints the carved block for them to keep. In terms of process, the family’s input is needed at various points from photo selection to ink and paper selection. “We do it together. It’s a journey,” Courtney said. “I want them to be there every step of the way.” At the same time, Courtney’s knowledge and experience with her medium call for a certain level of control. “It’s definitely an effort by both of us, and it’s a process we can’t make it through without each other,” she said, “but I want to be the guide.” Being the guide allows her to ensure the
portraits successfully represent their models. Greg Cartmell once told her that a portrait should be an example of a person’s best self. Although she is careful not to change an image, she said, “I try to put myself in their shoes and highlight their best features.” Even then, the family is the best measure of success. She said, “If the family loves it, and they think it not only looks like the child but takes on a certain personality and portrays the child in a certain light, it’s successful.” When she’s not creating portraits, gauging success is simpler. “I like to make things that make me feel good—that I like to look at,” she said. Until recently much of Courtney’s work has consisted of nudes,
and she described them as her “comfort zone.” Courtney started creating woodcut prints of female nudes in college, and she approaches these works and presents them to the world in a completely different way than her portraits. One of the reasons she hasn’t promoted them more openly is the nature of the subject matter. She’s deliberately treated them in a more private way and said, “I’ve wanted people who bought them to have privacy.” Modesty is also one of Courtney’s comfort zones, but she chooses to work with female nudes because of her confidence with them. “I know what a female figure looks like in any pose,” she said, “and it’s really hard to
make a female figure not look pretty.” She also appreciates the variety she can achieve with them by changing the emphasis of lines, light and shadow, or by changing the pose or level of movement. Regardless of the subject matter of her prints, being able to make them brings her the most joy. “My favorite thing about what I do is just the fact that I get to do it,” she
said, “because for so long I was scared to try.” Through the inspiration of her children and the support of her husband, Zeke, who she calls her “biggest cheerleader,” she has found her way back to art and is growing in confidence. “I think we all need something that’s ours,” she said. “As mothers, we give our lives to so many different things. To have something that’s mine, that’s part of my identity, I think it helps complete me.” She’s grateful for the time to create and the therapeutic impact it’s had on all facets of her life. “It really allows me to disappear into another world,” she said. “I can literally completely disconnect, and that’s pretty fantastic. How many people can say they have a job or hobby that allows them to do that?” The time alone with her work and her thoughts allows her to process things going on in her life and nourishes her soul. “I can keep at it for hours and muscle through it,” she said. “I have a tremendous amount of time to think—or not think. I can work out a lot of problems during that time.” Since Courtney has taken up art again, the impact on her family has also been positive. “I think my family appreciates it,” she said. “I have something of my own, and I think it makes me a better mother, a better wife and a better human being in general.” Another thing Courtney loves about what she does is the process itself. “I love that it’s multistep,” she said. “It’s like each step creates its own work of art, and there’s a little WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 117
reward at the end of each phase.” Because Courtney likes to have a plan, she always draws out the image on the computer first. When this step is complete, she said, “I shouldn’t run into any obstacles along the way, and that speaks to me. I don’t like surprises.”
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t the same time, Courtney doesn’t expect perfection. “If you strive for something to be perfect,” she said, “how can you enjoy it?” Instead, Courtney chooses to embrace imperfection. “I know this process isn’t perfect. I know when I make a print there will be places that aren’t perfect, but it will be unique, and I think imperfection makes it special. My imperfection will be different from someone else’s imperfection, and there’s no use in me striving for perfection.” Some viewers may not even notice what the artist perceives as imperfection. For Courtney, art is all about perspective. “It just depends on who’s looking at it,” she said. “I’m not the only one viewing a piece. Others are going to see it in a completely different way, and that’s okay.” For this reason, Courtney strives to look at each of her pieces from other perspectives. “They can add to your frame of reference,” she said. A person’s perspective can also change from one day to the next. This is something Courtney has learned from her own art collection. “I like to walk around and look at the pieces I’ve collected, and I always see something new,” she said, “and I hope that people can do the same with my work. I hope everyone will find something they can appreciate about it, whether it’s the aesthetics, the medium, the time or the process.” For Courtney, meaning, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. “I would love to say there’s some deep meaning behind what I do,” she said, “but there isn’t. I enjoy it. I like to make things that are aesthetically cool, and I like the process.” As part of the process, meaning-making has never really been on her radar. In fact, she compared her attitude toward the meaning of her art to the attitude held by famous surrealist Salvador Dalî toward his art. Dalî was a master at promoting his work and loved to hear others interpret it, but he admitted that he had no deep meaning in mind at the moment he created the paintings. Still, his paintings have stood the test of time and have been interpreted and reinterpreted innumerable times. For Courtney, art’s longevity adds to its value for the owner. Each day is an opportunity to see something new in it or for someone else to see something new in it. “Art lasts long after we’re gone,” Courtney said, “so I would hope that my work would be something owners can enjoy for the rest of their lives and be passed down to the next generation.”
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The Children’s Shoppe Special Occasions for the Special Seasons “
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HERE IS A NIP IN THE AIR AND WELCOME CHANGES are blowing in the wind. Monroe, get ready for a change in the way you shop for children’s clothes.” It is hard to believe that it was ten years ago that we announced our opening in Monroe. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Monroe, West Monroe and the surrounding communities for such a positive and warm response. The Children’s Shoppe offers a vast array of must-have gifts for babies, for birthday, special events or just for play…with special emphasis on toys and books that are both developmental and fun. Timeless children’s fashions for girls in sizes preemie to size 16 and for boys in sizes preemie to size 12, with clothing for everyday and special occasions including smocking and matching brother-sister outfits. The Children’s Shoppe is a place where children can be children. Children can play in the play area while Mom shops. It is also the perfect place for moms-to-be and grandmothers to find a complete layout for a new baby and a baby registry that helps others to select just the right gift. Customers shop in a specialty shop, because they want quality and uniqueness, not to be like every other person they pass on the street. This is the goal of The Children’s Shoppe. We want to be different so the customer has a choice in their shopping experience. Make plans to visit Ruston for our annual Christmas Open House festivities which will be Thursday, November 16 through Saturday, November 18, 2017 in the historic downtown area. We will be open on Thursday, November 16th until 8 p.m. We will have refreshments and frequent door prize drawings during the event. Throughout the season, visit our Monroe location for a holiday treat of kisses and candy canes. While there, register for our weekly drawing for our gift certificate giveaway. * During the busiest of seasons, opportunities for fellowship are everywhere. Stores and streets are filled with busy shoppers, friends and family come to visit, and it seems as though not an evening goes by without a social gathering. But as wonderful and fulfilling as this season can be, there is nothing more important than the true reason for the season. Take time to reflect and be thankful. The Children’s Shoppe also offers a monogramming service to personalize gifts, as well as free gift wrapping. There are a lot of things happening at The Children’s Shoppe. Stop by one of our locations and find out for yourself why we are “what a specialty store should be.”
The Children’s Shoppe is open 9:30-5:30 Monday through Friday and 9:30-5:00 on Saturdays. *Holiday giveaway will be November 16 through December 16.
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LEADING AN ACTIVE LIFESTLYE
ULM and Partners Help Secure $20K Grant for Public Art
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Thanks to a $20,000 Creative Placemaking grant through the Delta Regional Authority, West Monroe can launch a new public art project. On Wednesday, the DRA, in partnership with leading national arts and government organizations, announced it will invest $309,000 in the arts and culture in the Delta. West Monroe received one of only 16 grants. University of Louisiana at Monroe assistant professor Brooke Foy is no stranger to public art in West Monroe (or Monroe). Many times she’s been seen standing on scaffolding repainting faded historical signs on the sides of downtown buildings or painting the West Monroe seawall. It was Foy who spearheaded the grant campaign, collaborating with ULM’s Office of Sponsored Programs and Research, the city of West Monroe and the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. The grant will be used by West Monroe in partnership with the Downtown Arts Alliance, “to focus on a public art project to reinvigorate the arts and cultural sectors within the community, while also implementing programs to encourage long-term sustainability and community engagement,” according to the DRA. In total, the project will cost $79,000. The Creative Placemaking initiative provides seed investments to stimulate economic and community development efforts across the Mississippi River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt. The DRA seed investments and public and private partners brings nearly $1.6 million in total investment to the eight states. For more information, visit www.dra.gov/creativeplacemaking.
it in because occasionally a dad will read my column, and I thought he might like that. Readers, there are so many options for getting up and getting out (hey, that might be our new tagline),and rather than just sending your kids out to play with they get “bored,” why don’t you join them? This is not rocket science; but hopefully it will be just a little motivation from someone who finds themselves in a new lane, a more physically active and more healthy lane, that is, and wishing they would have started this a long time ago. Listen, I know not all children are wired to be athletes or win a gold medal in the Olympics in pole vaulting, but everybody, no matter the age, has the capabilities to be physically active and healthy. And for children, I believe that mentality starts at home and when they are young. So what do you say, readers? Are you rushing out to by rakes and bicycles? You don’t even have to spend money, just organize some family walks, or jogs, or a trip to the park. Take the time, while your kids are still at home, and invest in their future health. It might require a life-style change, like it has for me, but in the end, your investment will enhance your child’s overall well-being, both mentally and physically. And that’s what we want, here in the BayouLife community, happy, well-balanced and healthy children who grow up to be happy, well-balanced and healthy adults.
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Audibel The Hearing Center
Protect Your Hearing with These Protection and Prevention Tips
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IFE IS LOUD. SPENDING JUST AN hour cutting your lawn without wearing hearing protection can cause irreversible damage to your hearing. But whether you’re cheering on your favorite sports teams, flying on an airplane or getting your teeth cleaned at your dentist’s office, remember that you could be exposing your ears to unsafe noise levels. The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. You can avoid damaging your hearing by establishing safe listening levels, understanding how much exposure is safe and by wearing hearing protection. So, just how loud is too loud? Understanding what noise levels are safe and how long you can be exposed to those levels before damage occurs can be confusing. Professionals use a complex formula to calculate risk, but in simpler terms, the chance of hearing loss greatly increases as the sound level and duration of exposure increase.
Our musical devices and headphones Unfortunately, in today’s world, it is our headphones and personal listening devices that pose the most damage. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that as many as one in five teens in the United States have a hearing loss, which is a 30 percent increase over the last decade. More than 20 percent of teens have measurable hearing loss because of noise exposure, and experts believe one in six teens may have permanent hearing loss due to loud sounds. Personal audio devices bring sound into the ear canal and closer to the eardrum, increasing sound intensity and subsequently the risk of permanent damage. To ensure safe listening levels for personal audio devices, keep volume at or below half of the maximum output. Keep in mind that electronic manufacturers are not required to designate safe listening levels on electronics; therefore, parents are encouraged to listen through their
children’s headphones to make sure the levels of loudness are comfortable and safe. The importance of protection Healthy listening levels should be established while using personal listening devices, especially for children, and hearing protection should be utilized when attending concerts or other loud events. Hearing protection is especially important when it comes to occupational and recreational noises, such as a construction site, a factory or when out hunting or shooting. Using hearing protection can reduce your risk of noise exposure and can be worn during everyday activities such as riding a motorcycle, mowing the yard or attending a concert. Excessive noise exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss. If you are concerned about noise exposure or have hearing concerns, contact the hearing experts at Audibel today! Sources: Shargorodsky, J., Curhan, S. G., Curhan, G. C., & Eavey, R. (2010). Change in Prevalence of Hearing Loss in US Adolescents. Journal of the American Medical Association, 304 (7), 772-778. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ noise-induced-hearing-loss
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Southern Bath & Kitchen Building Your Best Holiday Season Yet
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OU WAKE UP AND POUR yourself a cup of steaming coffee, looking out through your kitchen window. For once, the window’s foggy, steamed from the almost frosty air outside. You pull on your favorite sweater, unused for months through the sultry summer heat. Football’s in full swing, hunters adorn the woods, and you’re pulling out the old family cookbook. It’s holiday season in the South. For those of us in the Deep South, the holidays mean time with family, ceaseless entertaining and lots of cooking. So when it comes time to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen in anticipation of those holiday guests, remember Southern Bath & Kitchen. They carry all of the names you trust in for your bath: Delta Faucets, Moen and Kohler. Thinking about appliances? They carry a great selection from Viking, Whirlpool,
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KitchenAid and a whole lot more. While Southern Bath & Kitchen is known for being your go-to source for the best selection for new home construction, they’re a great stop for a remodel or weekend honey-do around the house. Maybe it’s a pesky kitchen faucet or a flailing garbage disposal. Maybe you’re looking to upgrade a showerhead in your guest bath. Maybe a child, or parent, needs that last push to get them started on a remodel. Or maybe you’re looking to completely overhaul your kitchen to impress those holiday guests (or your mother-inlaw). Whatever your goals, Southern Bath & Kitchen is here to help bring your dream kitchen and bath to life! If you’re looking to get a better feel for their exquisite designer showrooms and expansive selection of products, Southern Bath & Kitchen is pleased to announce
their recently updated website. With great shots of their top products for the kitchen and bath, you’ll also find the latest in their other lines – outdoor cooking and grilling, gas and electric appliances for your kitchen, and even hard-to-find hardware like cabinet knobs, towel bars, and soap dispensers. You can even contact a showroom directly to kick-start that design project!
With fantastic personalized service and unparalleled industry expertise, Southern Bath & Kitchen is here to help. Give them a call at (318) 387-9184 or visit them online at southernbathandkitchen.com.
St. Francis Offers Latest in Breast Cancer Detection Services First Medical Provider in the USA Offering All Three of the Latest Technologies Together for Comprehensive Breast Cancer Detection Services
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reast Cancer Fact: 1 in 8 is the lifetime risk of a woman in the United States of developing breast cancer. However, if found early, 98% will survive. 2D Mammography Challenges • As many as 20% of breast cancers will be missed by mammography. • In the U. S. approximately 10% of women are recalled for additional diagnostic workup. • A significant portion prove to have no abnormality, resulting in unnecessary anxiety and cost. Genius™ 3D MammographyTM Exam Conventional 2D mammograms provide doctors with a 2D image to evaluate the breast. This can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue, which can sometimes produce unclear results, false alarms, or worse – cancer being missed. Genius exams deliver a series
of detailed breast images, allowing your doctor to better evaluate your breasts layer by layer. Studies show that the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam has greater accuracy than 2D mammography for women across a variety of ages and breast densities. And it’s the only mammogram FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts. The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam scans faster for less time under compression. For many women, compression during mammograms can be uncomfortable. In fact, studies show that 60% of women experienced discomfort and half were in pain during their last mammogram. The Genius™ exam offers the fastest available mammography scan time, limiting the time under compression to less than 4 seconds. The Genius exam detects 20-65% more invasive breast cancer compared to 2D mammography alone. For some women, this could mean an earlier diagnosis and a greater
variety of treatment options. The Genius exam reduces callbacks by up to 40%, compared to 2D mammography alone. For many women, this means being spared the emotional, practical and economic toll of additional testing, including biopsies, when there could be nothing wrong. 3D™ Affirm Prone Biopsy Guidance System Providing radiologists true 360° access to lesions in a shorter procedure time, this biopsy system also allows for enhanced patient comfort through ergonomic design and an array of patient positioning aids. SmartCurve™ Breast Stabilization System This system is clinically proven to offer greater patient comfort through the use of a curved compression surface mirroring the shape of a woman’s breast. This helps reduce pinching while providing even compression across the entire breast.
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Go For Greenery Keep Thanksgiving tablescapes simple this holiday season. Less is more when you are working with neutral colors. For a seasonal touch, incorporate greenery that will dry the same color, like seeded eucalyptus, bay leaf, magnolia and rosemary. As Christmas nears, incorporate fresh cedar and pine to your decorative accents. Hardy herbs, like sage, thyme, oregano, tarragon, rosemary and lavender, all work well as a decorative touch when added to a place setting. Be adventurous but choose greenery that helps set the mood that you are aiming for. photo by MARTIN G MEYERS
get set for the H O L I D AY S E A S O N
photo by SAMUEL JOHN MELTON
A BEAUTIFULLY SET TABLE MAKES ANY MEAL A SPECIAL OCCASION. THESE HELPFUL HINTS WILL MAKE SURE YOUR TABLE TOP IS DRESSED TO IMPRESS. STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT.
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hanksgiving is usually synonymous will fall harvest. This holiday season fill your table with a beautiful display of pumpkins, gourds, nuts, seasonal blooms and greenery. Keep the decorative accents to a minimim and make sure that the height of your centerpiece is low enough not to interfere with your family conversations. Add a soft glow by incorporating tapered candles in various heights. Dig out that collection of grandmother’s old candesticks for an accent that is an ode to this season’s brass trend. Candles add a little sparkle while keeping the mood intimate. Unadorned white dishes are a perfect fit for the table’s organic and earthy theme. Our place setting starts with a dinner plate with a folded napkin and salad plate placed on top. The deep bowl finished the setting and a little sur-
prise artichoke is inside. Change it up by adding a small pumpkin to the bowl or for Christmas, a pomegranate is a beautiful touch. Gold flatware shines in this simple, holiday table setting. Turn in your silver and stainless steel sets for gleaming gold flatware. You can mix and match with vintage estate sale finds that are more affordable than a newer set. There are no hard rules about setting your table for the holidays. Incorporate items that have sentimental value, add trinkets for guests to take home, craft placecard holders, play with palettes, add some sparkle...but more than anything, enjoy the occasion and make memories that will never be replaced. For more inspirational decorating tips, follow Taylor Bennett on Instagram @taylor.a.bennett. Dinnerware available at The Muffin Tin.
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A Local Ruston Sports Bar The Dawg House Sports Grill
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OCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 20 YEARS, we have become known as a Ruston Destination. Owners Bert, Vicki and Danielle Davis are always ready to ensure your visit is better than expected. We are Tech Alumni, and We Bleed Tech Blue but our staff is ready to make a visiting teams trip to Ruston an enjoyable one. Just remember when Tech is playing, we are all about Louisiana Tech and supporting our teams…so please don’t get upset when The Bulldogs are on every TV! Our only recommendation is to come with an appetite and put that diet on hold! Our healthy portions will not only wow you in size, but also flavor! This family friendly spot is offering some of the finest food in the area. Voted Best Burgers 3 years in a row! HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES: • F or an appetizer, we suggest the Crawfish Bread which is french bread covered in our étouffée and monterey jack cheese. • T he Frodo’s Patty Melt is always a favorite and has pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried jalapeños and fried onions on it topped with our Boom Boom BBQ sauce, served on white, wheat or jalapeño cheese bread.
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• M att’s Steak House Burger has fried onions, fried jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and bacon topped with our steak sauce! • The Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla has a fun twist stuffed with the classic paw claws tossed in buffalo sauce. YUM! Offering our full service menu until close makes The Dawg House the place to cure those late night munchies. Dine in or take out, we want your experience at The Dawg House to be a memorable one. Friendly service in a casual relaxed atmosphere, our staff wants to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Yes, we accept reservations and can accommodate large groups. Make The Dawg House your destination for a great meal served with a good time when your are in Ruston. The Dawg House Sports Grill Located at 102 N Homer St., Ruston, Louisiana. Or call in your order (318) 513-1188. Full menu at dawghousesportsgrill.com
Makers of Handmade Fine Jewelry Let DuPont Jewelers Create a One-of-a-Kind Piece for You
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ORKING WITH A COUPLE TO make their engagement and wedding ring is one of my favorite and most rewarding pleasures. When a couple enters our store, usually, it is obvious the purpose of their visit. This experience has changed over the years, but one thing seems to never change – their hope, excitement and apprehension of shopping for the perfect ring. We usually start off the conversation by talking about their likes and dislikes in style, color of metal, style of cut for the center stone and style of the mounting. “Do you like a simple solitaire or maybe a very popular halo setting? What about a vintage look or perhaps an infinity style, or a single or double row of diamonds on the side, your choice of precious metal.” This is where the conversation changes from the past. My question is always, “Have you seen a style you like?” That is usually
when the phone comes out, and I am shown a picture of “the dream ring” for the bride-to-be. Now usually that’s when a sales person will start searching their store for a “somewhat” look alike ring, or they offer to order a ring for them. I smile, because I know I have an opportunity to make a ring that will be exactly what she wants and not be like any other ring. It will be made perfectly and uniquely for her. We discuss the process of how to get started, how long it takes – usually six to eight weeks. Do they own stones they want to use in the design or will they be selecting a stone from our beautiful loose diamonds? At some point, I have a private conversation with the groom-to-be, where we talk about budget and a date he is planning to pop the question. Then, I usually put on my counseling hat. I remind him that this is where the pressure really comes in, make it special! She will
remember this event the rest of her life and all her friends will be asking, “How did your fiancé propose?” Don’t make yourself look bad in front of her friends! One thing that I started doing a few years ago was sending pictures to the future groom, as we reach significant points in the process of making her ring. We shape the ring, assemble it, drill the holes for the placement of the stones, engrave the ring, set the diamonds and hand polish the ring to a glowing finish. He gets text or emails enabling him to see the design being created in real time. We stamp the ring with the very prestigious stamp “handmade.” Only jewelry made without any mechanized process can have this stamp. Then, we do something most jewelers don’t do, we stamp our name in the ring, a reminder of our commitment to you and your bride. Come in and visit. Let’s make a beautiful ring and memory that will last a lifetime.
– James DuPont
www.DupontJewelers.com facebook/dupontjewelers Trade – Restore – Redesign — Sell Dupont Jewelers on Forsythe in Monroe Makers of Handmade Fine Jewelry
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Holiday Arts Tour’s 20th Anniversary Art Crawl in Downtown Ruston
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OLIDAY ARTS TOUR, DECEMBER 1st and 2nd, is NCLAC’s celebration of the arts, where merchants host visual, literary and performing artists for an art crawl throughout downtown Ruston. While walking from shop to shop, Tourgoers can hear musicians performing, watch art demonstrations, catch live street theatre, and chat with artists about their artwork. Variety and quality are hallmarks of Holiday Arts Tour, and each of the featured artists will be on site to help shape a unique art experience. Highlights of this year’s Holiday Arts Tour include a group exhibition inside Ruston Artisans, a new fine arts venue. The exhibition will offer a glimpse of the artists included in the Tour, as well as serve as the location for People’s Choice voting. Guests are encouraged to vote on their favorite artist from the Tour and to drop their ballots
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in the box at Ruston Artisans. Another highlight this year is the return of the Holiday Art Brawl. A number of visual artists will paint in front of an audience for an hour at the Historic Ruston Firestation on Saturday morning. Viewers are invited to vote on their favorite painting by dropping “bucks into buckets” and the artist with the most voting dollars will be named the Holiday Art Brawl Champion. Held in conjunction with the Art Brawl will be Sprout Hour, hands-on projects for children. Local artists will lead art projects that are absolutely free and absolutely fun. In addition to all the downtowncentered activities, two individual artists are opening their studios. Hooshang Khorasani and Douglas Walton will make their studios available for visitors to get a glimpse into their paintings and creative spaces. General Tour hours are Friday,
5-9pm and Saturday, 10-5pm. A detailed schedule and map can be found at nclac. org/HolidayArtsTour. This event is an opportunity to walk through charming downtown Ruston, meet talented people, hear good music and shop for original gifts. NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Tour is supported in part by Title Sponsor Fine Line Supply and by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council and administered by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
The Muffin Tin and Trenton House
Fill Your Home with Fresh, Warming Scents This Holiday Season!
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HE HOLIDAYS ARE FILLED WITH SPECIAL MOMENTS, all brought to life by the freshness of a fresh cut tree, the warmth and delectable sweetness of baking your favorite treats, and the comfort of cozying up by the fireplace with loved ones. Inspired by holiday moments, Thymes continues to delight with unique, signature scents and artesan packaging, filling hearts and homes with so many shared pleasures. Thymes decorative scented candles, room sprays, reed diffusers and home care are all positively enlightening. Lovely enough for giving; yet practical enough for using. Bring a touch of the outdoors in with the fragrance that inspires you around beauty and tradition in the home. FRAZIER FIR Home Care Collection includes carefully blended products made with essential oils, nutrient rich botanicals, and safe, biodegradable ingredients. The aromatic snap of Siberian Fir needles, heartening cedar wood, and earthy sandalwood combine to create a just-cut forest fragrance that evokes warmth and comfort, making for an enjoyable fragrance experience in any space. Its light fragrance is perfect for anyone and great for a last minute gift! The GINGERBREAD COLLECTION is inspired by old-age holiday baking traditions. Gingerbread warms the heart and home with spicy notes of cardamom, cinnamon, crystallized ginger and hints of golden amber. Fill your home with the scent of fresh baked
gingerbread this holiday season! The Muffin Tin and Trenton House also offer other wonderful holiday scents by NEST, ILLUME, ARCHIPELAGO, TRAPP and TYLER CANDLE. From Fall to Christmas, we have you covered this holiday season! With December quickly approaching, get your Christmas shopping done early this year at The Muffin Tin and The Trenton House! We have a wide selection of candles, cookware, home décor, and even a section for the guys! Pop in and let us help you take care of your shopping list this year! Who has time for all of the hassle? We can gift wrap for free as well, that way you can be on your way to all of the fun holiday festivities!
The Muffin Tin 1904 Glenmar Ave. in Monroe 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m • (318) 323-3753 Trenton House 300 Trenton Street in West Monroe (Opening End of November!) 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m • (318) 388-4315
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Your Destination for Holiday Shopping
Sue Paperie Offers Stationery, Greeting Cards, Gifts and More
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ITH THE HOLIDAYS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, Sue Paperie is here to make your holiday shopping less stressful. If you’re looking for just the right items, our friendly staff will help you choose from a selection of invitations, stationery, greeting cards, gifts and much more. Make Sue Paperie your destination for holiday shopping in historic Downtown Ruston. HOLIDAY CARDS Finding the perfect holiday card can be overwhelming, but at Sue Paperie we will guide you to the perfect card for your family. Our assortment of brands and styles from ornate to beautifully simple is sure to provide a card that will match your taste. If you’re unable to meet the November deadline for custom card orders, we will happily personalize any of our stock holiday cards. MAKE IT PERSONAL Receiving a thoughtful gift for Christmas is a joy, but having that gift personalized makes it truly special. Treat that special someone to the personalized American made quality of a Jon Hart bag. Stop by November 16 for the Jon Hart trunk show and pick out something for everyone on your list, with free monogramming available on
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Jon Hart products during this event. From luggage to shave kits and backpacks to totes, Jon Hart has over 120 customizable pieces available and the source for the perfect item to celebrate life’s most memorable moments. You can also check out the line of journals from Rifle Paper Co., whose beautiful designs will inspire you. Don’t forget to get something special for the teachers in your life. Choose from a number of gifts that Ann Page will monogram to create a unique and personal treasure. GIFTS Have an art lover on your list? Treat them to a one of a kind painting from the talented Buffy Walker. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, we have many other great gifts to choose from by your favorite companies like Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade and Emily Ley! Sue Paperie is your local destination for unique and personalized gifts for every person on your holiday shopping list this year. Make your gifts stand out under the tree. Owners Rachel Davison and Candee Anderson are excited for the holiday season and look forward to seeing old friends and new customers alike! Come see them at 112 West Park Avenue in Downtown Ruston.
Thurman’s Food Factory
Place Your Orders Early for Thanksgiving and Christmas
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OR OVER 40 YEARS, THURMAN DICKEY HAS CREATED culinary dreams and delicious desserts and has become a staple on the catering scene in Northeast Louisiana. His shop on Stubbs Avenue in Monroe is known for the plate lunch specials Monday through Friday and for having casseroles and frozen dishes readily available to pick up for a sick friend, housewarming or just a Wednesday night supper. And the holiday season is no exception. You can find everything you need – from sweet to savory – for upcoming parties, get togethers and family meals. Thurman’s freezer is full of flavor with a variety of casseroles that include creole chicken, chicken cheese spaghetti, chicken enchiladas, King Ranch chicken, chicken pot pie, lasagna, Mexican casserole, spaghetti and stuffed bell peppers. Some seafood favorites include Blend of the Bayou, Seafood Spectacular, shrimp and crawfish fettuccini, jambalaya and shrimp creole. For the vegetarian lovers, there is green bean, broccoli and rice, sweet potato, macaroni and cheese and hashbrown potato. And if that doesn’t cover it all, Thurman can make other casseroles on request. With their extensive catering menu, they can take care of your special event, from beginning to end. They offer some Louisiana staples like boudin balls, shrimp dip, meat pies, marinated crab claws, jambalaya, oysters and even a roasted pig for an added flair. It isn’t a
party without a dip, and there are plenty to choose from at Thurman’s – crab, spinach artichoke, cheese, grits and corn, B.L.T, blackeye pea, spinach, vidala onion and seven layered Mexican dip. For the main course, you can choose from ham, beef tenderloin, ribs, brisket, turkey, Swedish meatballs, ribs, catfish and more. They also have traditional party platters with vegetables, cheeses, fruit, meat and sandwiches. Thurman’s is not lacking the sweets department either. They offer classic cake favorite flavors like white, chocolate and yellow, as well as specialty flavors like Italian Crème, Red Velvet, German Chocolate and Lemon Torte. If you want to sample some of the delicious dessert but don’t have a party on the books, you can always swing by the shop and pick up a sheet cake off the table that Thurman’s has readily available. Often you can find sweet flavors like Neiman Marcus, Earthquake, Fudge Factory, Heavenly Hash and more. On a daily basis, there are fresh cookies, breads and pastries like cupcakes, pralines, petit fours to choose from. If you are looking for more of a savory treat, there are always those delicious cheese straws! When you think of food, Thurman’s Food Factory should be your first stop – whether you just want to pick up lunch, a casserole for dinner, plan a small get together or have an extravagant event. There is no party too large or too small that Thurman’s can’t handle!
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THE MOST UNLIKELY JOURNEY A LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT TO SERVICE, A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY AND AN INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM FOR HER COMMUNITY HAVE HELPED TAKE THIS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED WAY TO NEW HEIGHTS. FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF DEVOTED COMMUNITY SERVICE, JANET DURDEN IS BAYOU ICON FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. In 1949, a young woman followed the path of so many others and stepped through the doors of the Mississippi Children’s Home Society in Jackson, Mississippi. She was in trouble, as was the manner in which such situations were addressed in those days, and the Children’s Home Society could help. A worker at the home reached out to a couple from the northern part of the state. Dr. Orville Stone and his wife, Hazel, had a son and wanted another child. This young woman’s baby needed a home, and they needed another child. It was a perfect fit. It wouldn’t be the last time the Mississippi Children’s Home Society would play a part in the life of this baby girl.
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ipley is a quiet town in the northeastern quadrant Mississippi, barely more than a speck on the few maps that bother to include the town. Nestled in the middle of Mississippi hill country, the community is the kind of small, tight-knit place where you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find a family committed to education. Yet, for Janet Durden, that’s exactly where she found herself in 1967 as she walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma. Like the other women in her family, she had been accepted into Mississippi State College for Women – the W as it was known. These were the first steps on Durden’s most unlikely path from the hills of Mississippi to another quiet southern town. There were a couple of stops she’d have to make on the way, though. She entered the W with a plan: she would become a high school speech teacher, a rewarding and professionally appropriate choice for a young, southern woman. After five years of college and a year in a high school classroom, Durden had a master’s degree and the startling realization that being a teacher wasn’t for her. It was, as she recalls, quite the epiphany.
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“I spent one year – my graduate the current president of the United Way, school year – as a speech teacher in but she was leaving the job and had Columbus, Mississippi,” she says. “I recommended Durden for the post. told the Lord that, if this is the best Durden had reservations. we could do, we were both in trouble. “I told her that I didn’t like a thing There had to be something I was better about United Way because, in my first suited to do.” job out of college, I was made to give,” That something better came along she recalls. “All I knew about United pretty quickly. Her father had said she Way from my first job was I had to do majored in talking, and so she decided it, and it was the 1970s. I didn’t take to to put talking to good use. In 1972, people telling me what to do.” Durden took a job in Charlotte, North Nevertheless, her friend persisted. She Carolina with the 6th largest power convinced Durden to take a second look company in the world. Here she would at the organization and how it operated write training programs and teach United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s 1985 Campaign Celwithin the community. Leaning heavily other trainers how to instruct staff of ebration, which marked the first year the annual campaign on her experience as a volunteer in the raised over $1,000,000. Formerly United Way of Ouachita, the power conglomerate. community, Durden’s opinion of the At the time, Charlotte was the the Board of Directors voted to change the name to United organization shifted. She acquiesced to largest city the young woman from Way of Northeast Louisiana in July 1987. her friend and applied. The moment rural Mississippi had ever visited, was transformative. though she was hardly a stranger “From the first moment, even on the to North Carolina. Her mother was very worst days, I love what I do,” she originally from Charlotte and her says. “I learned that very quickly.” grandmother still lived near the coast That’s not to say her opinions changed. in Wilmington. Still, she was alone in a In fact, quite the opposite is true. massive city, where she knew no one. Durden’s work with United Way “I knew I needed to know more confirmed what she’s always suspected about the world, so I moved to about people: they want the opportunity Charlotte,” she says. While in Charlotte, to contribute, but not the obligation. Durden did her best to thrive. She “I’m still passionate about people worked hard, applied what she knew having the opportunity to give, not and learned what she didn’t. She could being made to give,” she says. “I know hear her father’s voice driving her how horrible that is, and I don’t want forward. “All my life, my dad said to that to be the case.” me that I could do anything I put my From left: Jim Altick, Linda Holyfield, Hugh G. McDonald, She became president of United mind to. Moving there, going to work Jr., Janet Durden, Sydney Heard at the 1997 United Way of Way of Warren County in 1982. For her for Duke in such an unusual capacity – Northeast Louisiana Annual Meeting. first campaign, Durden found herself that proved to me that I could do that.” helping raise money for the Mississippi Barely into her mid-twenties, she’d come a long way from tiny Children’s Home Society, which was a partner agency in the Ripley to become a successful career woman in a new city with a campaign. bright future ahead of her. But Durden’s path wasn’t a straight one, “For me, it felt like my life had come full circle,” she says. “I and very soon, it would double back on itself in a most profound love what I do and I never imagined that the agency I was adopted and transformative way. through would be my first in United Way.” Durden led the United Way of Warren County for three hile Durden was in North Carolina, she met campaigns. In 1985, a new opportunity presented itself. her first husband, and they moved together n 1985, West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris was chairman to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Married life in of the United Way of Ouachita Parish. The organization Vicksburg was quite different from her was growing, but it wasn’t exactly huge. Even by 1980s professional life in Charlotte. The birth of her standards, its annual budget of just under $800,000 was daughter soon followed, and by every measure it appeared she meager. was on the path of southern woman – wife and mother. When her At the same time, the organization was in transition. Monroedaughter, Taylor, was three, her life took a change. West Monroe was on the move, and many of the region’s population Suddenly divorced, she found herself again responsible for found themselves largely left behind as corporations came in, retail all of her expenses and the expenses of a daughter. Though she centers shifted from main streets to shopping malls, and the gulf was a veteran of a Fortune 500 company, in Vicksburg, she had between the haves and have-nots seemed to be growing wider. only worked small jobs. Moreover, with the heavy demands of a The work of the United Way had never been more important, corporate job behind her, she had time to become a community and suddenly they were without a leader. A call went out for volunteer. It was work she had found rewarding, but now that she applicants, and the board formed a hiring committee. As chairman, had two mouths to feed, demands changed. Norris had a seat on the committee. He wasn’t sure what he was “I had to get a real job again,” she says. In this moment of looking for, but he knew he’d recognize it when he saw it. need, a friend called her out of the blue. Her dedication as a He recalls his first impressions of an applicant from United volunteer had caught the eye of multiple members of the board Way of Warren County. of directors of the United Way of Warren County. Her friend was
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For me, my experience has always been that this is an open, generous, caring community. I experienced that when I first moved here, and I see it every single day.
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“Janet was one of a number of people who applied,” Norris says. “As far as I was concerned, she was far and away the best candidate for the job.” There was just one problem. A community figure of some renown, someone Norris respected and who was a significant force within the United Way, was advocating for another candidate. Norris faced a decision. “It was difficult for me to say no and to select Janet,” Norris says. But that’s just what the committee did. “When we voted, she was the unanimous choice for the job.” Looking back, Norris says he lost a friend, but the community gained one of its greatest assets, a more than fair trade when so much good has come from the decision. Norris has no trouble pegging just how much success Durden has had in Monroe. “She’s done more to get the organization, to draw the top people in the community into the organization, and to do more and more, whatever’s needed or asked,” he says. “She’s done that year after year.” That started Day 1. “I told her point blank, ‘I expect you to have a million dollar campaign,’” he says. He adds that the organization had never once posted a million-dollar year and, at roughly $800,000, they were still a long, long way off. “It was a high bar, a very high bar.” The 1986 United Way of Ouachita Parish campaign raised just over $1,100,000, as Norris recalls. Durden cleared the bar and didn’t look back. Over the years, the mission of United Way has shifted. When she began her career, the organization was primarily a fundraising group. Today, that’s not the case. While raising money is still a huge part of what United Way does, it’s organized around community impact and seeks innovative ways to address community concerns. It nevertheless remains the largest privately funded nonprofit in the world. Closer to home, Durden’s work has blossomed.
After that first million-dollar campaign, more would follow. Many more, to be precise. Now in her 33rd year at the helm of United Way of Northeast Louisiana (the name changed as the mission expanded), Durden is set to close the books on a $4.3 million campaign – one of the largest ever. But those are just numbers – and they aren’t numbers that drive Durden’s actions anymore than they determine the course of the organization she leads. “We measure our success by how many kids can read, how many students graduate from high school,” she says. “Are families stable? Are their needs being met?” n any given Saturday in the fall, chances are you’ll find a hive of activity in the home of Bob and Janet Durden. Between them, the couple has four children – Taylor, her daughter, and Bob’s three. Life in the Durden house is a delicate balance. After all, she’s a Mississippi Girl in Tiger Country. “Anybody that knows me knows I’m a sports person,” she says. “I know way too much totally useless information about sports. I love football, basketball, all of it.” Her father had been captain of his college basketball team. Her uncle, his brother, had led the football team. Both of them – like all the men in their family – had attended Mississippi State University. If they aren’t watching football on television, they’re at Malone Stadium, cheering on the Warhawks. Durden laughs. “I wear maroon really well,” she says. She doesn’t have to explain the primary color for both of her main schools is maroon. That part just goes without saying. Sports is such an integral part of her life, she can’t remember not being interested. “I grew up going to ball games with my dad, my mother, her brother, all of my uncles and cousins. All really fond memories of that kind of life.” If they weren’t at the games, the games were playing on the radio during supper. And that’s a practice she’s continued to this
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day. She keeps up with her teams, and she’s proud when they succeed. Recently, she was sitting at home with one of her grandchildren, and they were leafing through photo albums of memories of sports. “I was showing all of this to my grandson, showing him Daddy’s picture and telling him all of the stories,” she says. “He said, ‘Grandma, this isn’t about football for you. It’s about family and legacy and tradition.’ It’s a great heritage that I come from, and it makes it even more fun.” urden recalls the moments like they happened yesterday. Like so many other Americans, she had been glued to the television for hours, watching as helicopters evacuated people from rooftops. Only these roofs weren’t in some third-world country. They were in New Orleans. And more than 50,000 of the evacuees were headed to Monroe. She thinks of two Bible verses when asked about Hurricane Katrina and the integral part northeast Louisiana played in the aftermath and recovery. The first is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.” The second, Psalm 139, provides particular comfort, “he knew me in my mother’s womb.” “I’ve always believed this is what God had purposed for me,” she says. “I look back at that first experience in Vicksburg as affirmation of that.” If Vicksburg had been her confirmation, the first million-dollar campaign had been her road of trials. Now, with more than 50,000 evacuees headed to her community, came the trial by fire. Essentially without warning, United Way of Northeast Louisiana found itself challenged. They had to assist organizations with providing food, clothing and shelter – and finding volunteers to help with all of it. At the same time, Durden and her team knew that the agency’s signature 211 information service was going to become a major lifeline. Neither she nor her staff flinched. Over the course of six weeks, they arranged meals, transportation and housing for 70 people – three meals
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a day, to and from various locations for work, and back again. Also, 211 handled more than 110,000 phone calls. Durden is quick to point out that she didn’t accomplish anything. Her staff did. And they were able to rely heavily on the corporations and individuals who call Ouachita Parish home. “The successful response to Hurricane Katrina speaks to the nature of this community,” Durden says. “We asked for – and CenturyLink immediately installed – 50 phone lines in our board room, at no cost to us. We asked for volunteers to man the phone lines, and over 300 volunteers turned up to rotate through shifts to man those phone lines.” 211 professionals from around the country also pitched in to provide professional response as well. The result was a resounding success, because of the diligence and generosity of the community. Looking back, Durden sees why she fell in love with northeastern Louisiana and the people who live here. Part of that love comes from the open and embracing manner with which she was received. At the time she was hired, she was the first woman to be president of a United Way in Louisiana, a fact she didn’t think about at time. “The community was very open and supportive,” she says. “For me, my experience has always been that this is an open, generous, caring community. I experienced that when I first moved here, and I see it every single day. A lot has changed over 35 years – both for Durden and the United Way chapter she leads. The organization’s mission has shifted, as have the demands it faces and needs it helps meet. Yet, the fiber of the community she’s serving hasn’t changed. She still sees the generous spirit and excitement to help that first made her realize Monroe was where she wanted to raise her family. “You have two choices in life: you can grow where you are or you can move on,” Durden says. “This is home.”
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Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center The Rise of Heroin and the Demise of Its Users BY JEFF NOLES, MA, RAC
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EROIN AFFECTS PEOPLE OF EVERY AGE, GENDER, RACE, culture and socioeconomic class. Often, people start out with legitimate medical problems that require opiates to treat their pain. Their tolerance for these drugs increases and they eventually become dependent. Once dependent on the effects of opiates, many of them continue to use the drugs long past when they are considered medically necessary. At some point, physicians become aware pain relief medications are no longer indicated and discontinue them. The patients find themselves in withdrawal and then discover heroin is much cheaper than prescription opiates on the streets. “Four in five new heroin users started out misusing prescription painkillers. As a consequence, the rate of heroin overdose showed an average increase of 6% per year from 2000 to 2010, followed by a larger average increase of 37% per year from 2010 to 2013.” Not to be misleading, heroin is also used by many people who never have medical pain nor are prescribed prescription opiates. Pain medication is big business and as more and more of them have been prescribed and sold they have inundated society and become available to normal people looking to relieve emotional pain who underestimate their addictive properties. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Today’s heroin Epidemic), the people most at risk of heroin addiction are: • People who are addicted to prescription opioid painkillers • People who are addicted to cocaine • People without insurance or enrolled in Medicaid • Non-Hispanic whites • Males • People who are addicted to marijuana and alcohol • 18 to 25 year olds If you suspect someone you know has a problem with heroin, advise them to contact Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center and participate in a three day evaluation to determine which substance abuse treatment, if any, may be necessary to assist them in living a sober life. Things that may indicate heroin use or abuse are: • Lying or other deceptive behavior • Avoiding eye contact or distant field of vision • Increase in slurred, garbles or incoherent speech • Sudden worsening of performance in school or work, including loss of jobs • Decreasing attention to hygiene and physical appearance • Loss of motivation and apathy toward future goals • Withdrawal from friends and family, instead spending time with new friends • Lack of interest in hobbies and favorite activities • Repeatedly stealing or borrowing money, or unexplained absence of valuables • Hostile behaviors toward loved ones • Wearing long pants or long sleeves to hide needle marks, even in very warm weather There is help available, and there are people who genuinely care and invest in assisting addicts regain purpose in life. To hear more about our treatment program, call Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center.
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For His Temple Family Foods Call Now for Holiday Catering and More
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OR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, LOCATED AT 315 Wood Street on Antique Alley, West Monroe is the right place to grab real, whole, gluten free and primarily organic prepared foods and groceries. This family owned and operated business has been impressing guests since 2015 by serving nutrient dense, flavor packed food. It’s all about feeding the body with foods to nourish. You can come in for a relaxing lunch or grab a bite to go. The weekly menu is posted on Facebook, Instagram and their website. You can pick up supper or meals for another day in the prepared foods cooler. There are also family style casseroles made to order with only 24 hours notice. This family is focused on making healthy foods that taste good available for busy lives. The owners, Dana and Eddie Milford, are continually sourcing farms and food artisans throughout Louisiana. These ingredients are not only used in cooking the meals and desserts they offer, but are also available for sale. The for His temple market is stocked with organic, gluten and dairy free items. Exceptional products they carry include sustainably raised meats from Mahaffey Farms (Princeton), organically grown vegetables from Inglewood Farms (Alexandria), lettuce from Edible Zen Farms (Farmerville), fresh milk from Flowing Hills Creamery (Belmont), honey from D’s Bees (Swartz) and beef from Ladelle Farms (Coushatta). Most recently they have begun working with Dunn Farms (Columbia) to offer their 100% grass fed beef as well as stocking fermented foods from Cultured Guru (Baton Rouge). Partnering with Louisiana farms and food artisans that care about nutrition, whole foods, sustainability and keeping it local is the family passion. With the holidays approaching, folks are starting to plan family gatherings and parties with friends. Let for His temple help with these special meals. They can prepare a casserole, a special dessert or even an entire meal. Their specialty is crafting a dish or a meal that tastes amazing while keeping ingredients that cause food allergies and intolerances off the menu. Watch their Facebook or Instagram pages or the website (forhistemple.com) for special holiday offerings. Call early to reserve the dish you want and need for your special holiday event.
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Old-fashioned Sophistication Vintage & Vogue
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INTAGE & VOGUE IS ONE OF Ruston’s newest downtown shops, blending the best of old-fashioned sophistication with modern gifts and accessories. The business is located in one of the oldest buildings in historic downtown and has been restored to its early design from the late 1800s. This store sells both vintage and antique items. It also has a wonderful assortment of estate silver, crystal and sterling. In addition there is a nice selection of fine jewelry to choose from. The fragrances of Paddywax’s hand-poured candles welcome you as you enter the door. Adding to the charm of this shop is the handmade chocolates from Sweet Shop USA that are available daily to sample. The owner, Michele Millette McGehee, is the designer of Timeless Treasures Originals and creates exclusive jewelry from antique watches, pocketwatch chains and fobs. She fashions earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces,
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cufflinks and tie clips from these watch components. Bayou Bowties is another custom item in this shop. Andrew McGehee designs bow ties, pocket squares, and shirts with Louisiana alligator! For his ties and pocket squares, he uses silk fabric that was manufactured for him in England. Because of the unique scales of the alligator hide, each tie is distinctive. Additionally, Richard Hart, from HART Copper Designs, creates a menagerie of handmade copper jewelry. Each bracelet, pair of earrings and necklace is extraordinary. Another artist is Linda Dwyer from Joy Works. She creates beautiful signed and numbered paintings. Linda will be the store’s featured artist for the Holiday Arts Tour on December 1-2. Lastly, Michele has 2 Mississippi potters on display in her shop: Mississippi Millie- by Lesley Sutherland and Swamp Things-by Bruce Small. At Vintage & Vogue, you can rest assured
that you will be treated by the attentive staff ready to assist you in finding that special treasure. Free gift-wrapping is always available. Consider this place for your next shopping adventure. They are open 6 days a week, from Monday-Saturday from 10:30-5:30 So, stop by and enjoy a chocolate sample as you browse this unique little shop. You won’t be disappointed! Upcoming Events at Vintage & Vogue: Christmas Open House: Thurs., Nov. 16th 6:00pm-8:00pm Black Friday Sale: Fri., Nov. 24th 10:30am-6:00pm (up to 50% off select items + door prizes!) Holiday Arts Tour Featuring Linda Dwyer from Joy Works: Fri., Dec. 1st -5:00pm-9:00pm Sat., Dec. 2nd-10:30am-5:30pm 103 N. Trenton Street, Ruston, LA, 71270, 318-224-7074
St. Frederick High School The Path to Success
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T. FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL IS your child’s “Path to Success!” By preparing students for college, St. Frederick High School enables students to achieve success in the classroom and in life. The facts are in the numbers. The SFHS Class of 2017 top 50% achieved an average ACT score of 27 or higher with the top 20% scoring 30 or above. Along with outstanding ACT scores, the Class of 2017 graduates are attending over 30 different prestigious universities across the nation and received over $4 million in scholarships. These students are shining examples of the possibilities available to students who attend SFHS including having an average of at least 30 college credits upon high school graduation. While success in the classroom is very important especially with SFHS offering the only STREAM curriculum in Northeast Louisiana, Warrior students are also achieving
success outside the classroom. Every Warrior sport has made the playoffs for the past two years with several state semi-finalists and finalists’ teams, including track, cross country, tennis, soccer, and golf. Students at St. Frederick also have the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills through various clubs and organizations like FBLA. St. Frederick also offers the only registered high school eSports Club in the state. By offering all of these extracurricular activities to students, St. Frederick offers something for every student including community service and safe learning environment centered on faith. For all of those who were able to attend homecoming, St. Frederick would like to thank all of you for making this year’s homecoming a great event. The 2017 Homecoming Queen, Callie Ezell, along with the Homecoming Court is featured below. Each of these girls were selected to represent
the school. Along with the Homecoming Court, the 2017 St. Frederick Sports Hall of Fame inducted six new members. If you would like to nominate someone for this award for 2018, please contact the school. In closing, St. Frederick would like to invite all interested families and alumni to come visit and see all of the exciting things that are happening daily! You can schedule a tour of the school by calling the office at 318-323-9636. You can also visit our website at www.stfrederickhigh.org. Be on the lookout for more information about open enrollment beginning in February of 2018, or please contact the school at any time for more information. Please contact St. Frederick High School for more information at 318-323-9636, or you can visit our website at www.stfrederickhigh.org. Final decision will be made once the Feasibility Study is completed, and the results will be shared with everyone before the beginning of the year.
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R I G HT B RAIN LEFT B RAIN WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR ORGANIZING HABITS? by Erin Sharplin Love erinlove@panachebyerin.com
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ight or left? Do you know which side of your brain is dominant? Do you even realize that the answer to this question could have a profound effect on the way you organize your home? As a professional organizer, I don’t approach all homes exactly the same way. Instead, I try to personalize each project based on the needs, wants and style of my client. Like fingerprints, each person’s organizing style is unique. Part of assessing these needs and wants entails discovering which side of a client’s brain is dominant. For example, is he/she more creative (rightbrain dominant) or more logical (left-brain dominant)? To help you discover your dominant side, take a few minutes to review the list of characteristics: Right Brainers: • Impulsive – They love spontaneity and love to “fly by the seat of their pants.” • Emotional – They often act before thinking. • Artistic – They often paint, write, and/or create music effortlessly. • Intuitive – They often rely on their gut reaction instead of looking for facts. Right-brainers often run late and have no concept of time. They rarely wear watches, and if they do, they don’t pay attention to the time. A watch is merely a fashion statement. Left Brainers: • Planners – They love to plan out their next move. • Rational – They don’t let feelings get in the way. • Logical – They are often good a math, accounting, etc. • Precise – They like to research and are often the ones who give good directions. Left-brainers typically think in sequential order and are keenly aware of time. If you are still unsure about which side of your brain dominates, this final test will help. Check out your tube of toothpaste. Is it neat, clean, and squeezed from the bottom up? Or is it messy, crumpled, 142 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
and squeezed from anywhere on the tube? If it is the former you are predominately left-brained, and if it is the latter you are predominately right-brained! Now, let’s move on to discover how you can develop an organizing system that works for you. Given the fact that most leftbrainers don’t have an issue with getting and staying organized, I will focus on the right-brainers. (I bet you can guess which side of my brain is dominant!) The first step to any organizing project is preparation. While left-brainers will have no problem with this step, right-brainers rarely complete the organizing process, because they lack the urge to plan, or they often lack the focus to plan. They tend to have several things going on at once and often feel at their most productive when multitasking. When I prepare for an organizing project, I take the time to envision the desired outcome. In other words, I work from the finished product. If you are a right-brainer, you might prefer to clip pictures and create a vision board for the space you want to organize. This will satisfy your artistic tendencies, while still keeping you focused on the end. Next, I create a plan of attack. I literally craft a timeline of what task needs to be accomplished first, second, third and so on to get to my desired goal. As a left-brainer this is no problem for me; however, a right-brainer might not be able to think in such a linear way. Instead, one thought can lead to enumerable other thoughts that will then derail a right-brainer from the end goal. If this sounds like you, may I suggest that you begin by writing down the steps you feel that you should take to reach your desired destination. I think such a “mind-map” would be beneficial to you. A mind map is more like a brainstorm session than a detailed and numbered list. *Note: To learn more about how to mind map, just Google it! Set aside the time to work on the project. Notice I said “work on” and not “complete” the project. All in all, however, I do suggest that you continue to set aside time to work on the project until it is, in fact, complete. Finishing an organizing project in one session is not practical for most right-brainers, so my tip is to schedule a time – mark it in your calendar – and then adhere to the schedule. No excuses.
Finally, create a daily maintenance schedule. This step will please both right and left-brainers! Daily maintenance simply means saving time to clear your desk or tidy up the kitchen after cooking the family meal. A space is much easier to keep clean and organized than it is to get clean and organized, so once you have completed the latter, you definitely want to maintain it! Tips for Right-Brainers: • Work in five minute increments. Use a timer! You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish in what is seemingly such a short amount of time! For instance, begin on one end of your desk and work yourself to the other, or start organizing a drawer that has been bugging you. As someone who frequently gets side-tracked, you will find that the timer helps to keep you disciplined. The good news is that being focused can become a learned habit. You will soon find yourself able to concentrate for a bit longer than five minutes at a time. You will be able to set your limit when you feel yourself consistently staying off track. Who knows, your focus time may end up being as much as thirty minutes to an hour! • Make sure you create some satisfying right-brain distractions into the organizing process. For instance, turn some music on and move while clearing a drawer. Incorporate a drawer liner that speaks to you and adds color and pop to the area. Right brainers love artistic touches! • Right-brainers are more prone to emotional attachments than leftbrainers. Fortunately, simply knowing this will jump start your process of de-cluttering. Truly feel whether or not you need to let
an item go or not. If you don’t have room for it, and it isn’t useful to you in the present moment, get rid of it. As long as you have it, no one else will be able to benefit from it either. • Since you might easily get distracted, I suggest keeping a notebook and pen handy to jot down future tasks that need completing. If you are organizing your office, for instance, but today’s task only entails sorting and filing paperwork, you may spot a stack of magazines that need sorting. Jot that task down for a later date and don’t stop your current task. • Right-brainers tend to have a hard time making decisions, so I use a long-trusted technique to combat it – Flip a coin! If you are stumped and cannot decide whether to keep an item, flip a coin! It works! The good news is that skills predominately used by the right or left brain can all be learned with practice. In other words, if you are a right-brainer who longs for the use of her left brain’s systems and lists, work on incorporating them into your daily life. Conversely, if you are a left-brainer (like me), you may feel the urge to break out of your perfectionist box by taking an art class or jamming to some classical music. Rock your world by using BOTH sides of your brain daily! Practice makes perfect.
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Holiday Events in Ruston Activities for the Family All Season Long
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OUISIANA’S FAITHFULLY WARM weather says otherwise, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us and spending time in Ruston and Lincoln Parish elicits all the warm feelings of being home for the holidays. This year brings another exciting collaboration from many community partners bringing you an exciting calendar of events lasting through the entire holiday season. Kicking off holiday shopping is Ruston’s premier shopping market, Holidays in CedarTown Nov. 9-11 at the Ruston Civic Center. Get started on your gift list with an assortment of vendors and special events like Brunch Blitz, Holiday After Hours, and Jingle & Jammies. The first weekend in December promises to be full of holiday spirit with several highly anticipated events back to back. Beginning on Thursday, Nov. 30 and running through Saturday, Dec. 2 is Ruston’s drive-through Christmas lights display at Lincoln Parish Park. Bring the entire family out to experience
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miles of twinkling lights and holiday scenes from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. Ruston Community Theatre’s production of the timeless story of “A Christmas Carol” will also begin Nov. 28 and run through Sunday, Dec. 3. Watch as the cast bring this classic to life on the Dixie Theatre’s stage. Friday, Dec. 1 is the evening to be in Downtown Ruston. Beginning at 6 p.m., the City of Ruston will be “flipping the switch” for the lighting ceremony in Railroad Park. Come out and witness this magical moment as the downtown Christmas tree is lit and downtown streets dance with twinkling light. Festivities for the evening include the letters to Santa, games for kids and the opening of the skating rink. Friday also begins NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Tour. Browse downtown merchants as they play host to works from local artists and makers. Shop unique and handmade items for those on your gift list. Live music, performances and demonstrations will be set
up Friday and Saturday. Next on the list is the Ruston Christmas Parade and Chili Cook-Off. Saturday, Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. line up in Downtown Ruston to enjoy “A Magical Christmas.” Stick around for the chili cook-off with music and Christmas activities directly following the parade. Dixie Center for the Arts fans can look forward to two returning events, the Dixie Dancer’s Christmas performance and the Russ-Town Band’s holiday concert. Saturday, Dec. 9, the renowned Dixie Dancers will take the stage with their delightful choreographed holiday dances. Friday, Dec. 15, Lawrence Gibbs and the Russ-Town Band will be jinglebell rocking the stage with all the holiday classics! For more information on these events or how to purchase tickets, visit www.experienceruston. com or call at (318) 255-2031. The Ruston Visitors Center is open 6 days a week, including Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tonore’s Wine Cellar Wine Tasting at Tonore’s
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ONORE’S WINE CELLAR HAS stood proudly on the corner of 8th and Louisville since 1935. In 2014 Russell Kicey and his wife, Julie, became owners of the fine establishment. The store remains a hot-spot for wine, liquor, beer and gifts throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season! Who wouldn’t love a custom made basket filled with your favorite things? In addition to the large selection of fine wines and liquor, Tonore’s has been involved in the community in more ways than serving up our favorite drinks! Tonore’s hosts seasonal tastings throughout the year, and 100% of the proceeds go to non-profit organizations, such as: Med Camps, Cancer Foundation, Quota Club of Monroe, Krewe of Janus, ARCO, Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, KEDM Public Radio, Children’s Coalition and Family Promise! There are four main
tastings each year: Wine in the Spring, Beer in the Summer, Whiskey in the Fall, and the next tasting is Wine for Winter! Tonore’s hosts these events complete with vendor giveaways, door prizes and raffles to help our local non-profit organizations! In addition to hosting these tastings, Tonore’s also donates baskets and door prizes to various organizations that also support non-profits. With the holidays upon us, many people turn to Tonore’s for holiday gift baskets. They can create custom baskets with anything from wine to whiskey to beer, gourmet foods, gifts and more! Whatever your budget is, they can accommodate your needs! They will even deliver baskets to clients and friends during the holiday season! Out of town family members often order baskets for loved ones! It’s as easy as one phone call!
Planning a special event: birthday party, holiday party, class reunion or even wedding reception? Let Russell at Tonore’s help you find the right combination for your occasion! On a budget? No problem! At Tonore’s Wine Cellar, they can help you pick out the best options for your budget! Don’t forget to complete your holiday checklist at Tonore’s! They offer baskets, delivery, and party planning! Tonore’s is a one-stop-shop this holiday season! Tonore’s is excited to announce their next seasonal tasting on November 16, 2017! Tonore’s will be serving up wine to benefit the Quota Club of Monroe and kick off the holiday season! You don’t want to miss out on this fun event! See you there! Wine Tasting November 16, 2017 at Tonore’s
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A L E G A C Y O F FA I T H J U S T I N P E R K I N S F O U N D E D M E L I S S A’ S L E G AC Y T O PROVIDE HELP AND HOPE TO OTHERS
by Kay Stothart Rector and photography by Martin G Meyers
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ustin Perkins is a young man on a mission, determined to honor the memory of his late wife, Melissa, and to help others struggling to care for a critically ill family member. Melissa Perkins was only 32 years old when she died of breast cancer in October of 2016. She left behind three small children--son Judah, now six years old, four year old daughter Annalise, and son David, who just turned three. In their children, Justin finds inspiration and hope for the future. In Melissa, he found unparalleled faith and courage. In other families dealing with cancer, he finds a way to return the gifts of grace and kindness he once received. Justin and Melissa met as children. “Our parents were best friends,” Justin explains. “We actually have videos of the two of us playing together when we were little.” As they grew older, they saw each other less and eventually drifted apart during their teenage years. Justin, three years younger than Melissa, started using drugs and served time in jail for drug-related offenses. He entered two different rehabilitation centers before finding recovery from his drug and alcohol addictions. Clean and sober, Justin began taking college classes in 2007 and landed a part-time job at Outback Steakhouse in West Monroe. Coincidentally, his childhood friend Melissa worked at Outback, where she had been for three years. They reconnected through work and through the church they both attended. “We started hanging out at church a lot, praying together. We were friends, and little by little, I started falling for her,” Justin says. The couple began dating, got engaged and were married on August 8, 2008. “I was only twenty years old and she was just twenty-three. We went on a cruise, and I was so young that she had to be my legal guardian,” Justin laughs. They were looking forward to a long and happy life together. “Melissa always wanted lots of children,” says Justin. “I still remember the day we found out she was pregnant with Judah. She was jumping up and down, so happy. That was all that she wanted in life—a husband and kids.” Fifteen months after Judah’s birth, their daughter Annalise was born. Twenty-two months later, baby David arrived. While nursing their youngest child, Melissa began having pain in one of her breasts. She consulted her doctor, who attributed it to a clogged milk duct. The pain continued, getting worse each time she nursed. Because she had developed a benign lump in the same breast years earlier and undergone a lumpectomy, they were concerned and sought another opinion. Melissa was ultimately diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. “That was a crushing blow,” Justin remembers. “I was on a forklift at work when she called me. We had been waiting on the results, so I knew that’s why she was calling. I pulled over, got off that forklift, and she said, ‘I have cancer.’” He recalls leaving work to go home to her, sitting in his truck minutes later, crying. “She was at home waiting, trying to hold it together for the kids. It was terrible.” Justin freely admits that theirs was not a perfect marriage. Life before Melissa’s cancer diagnosis was often full of tribulation, despite their blessings. Justin was working long hours to support their growing family, while Melissa was at home all day, caring for an infant and two toddlers. Money was scarce, and the couple argued a lot. Justin says that he had seriously considered divorce, but worried about the effect it would have on their children. “Melissa didn’t believe in divorce,” he says. She kept insisting they work their problems out. “Melissa’s cancer diagnosis changed everything,” Justin says. “From that minute on, I knew that nothing else mattered. Whatever problems we had, whatever else was going on, all of that just went on the back burner. I focused everything on her and on how we were going to get through this.” For days after Melissa’s diagnosis, there were lots of tears as they both struggled with emotions, including fear and the uncertainty of what to do next. They also prayed a lot. photo courtesy of Steven Myers WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 147
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ustin vividly remembers receiving what he refers to as God’s grace. “I still remember what she was wearing,” he says as he recalls that moment. “She had this pink shirt on with a grey jacket, her hair in a ponytail. She looked at me and said ‘Do you feel that?’ And I knew exactly what she was talking about, because I had been feeling it, too. We felt God’s grace. It was so heavy. It was like he tied two bags full of grace, heavy as bricks, and set them in our arms.” Justin says that as they prayed, God spoke to them. “He told us both, at separate times, that we were going to go through this, but we were going to overcome it. Every single day after that, for the next two years, Melissa had a smile on her face.” The fact that Melissa could smile in the face of all that she endured is, Justin believes, a testament to the power of God. Her medical condition was dire, and the treatments were debilitating. Her first rounds of chemotherapy took months and made her horribly ill, unable to take care of herself or the children. She underwent a double mastectomy. After recovering from surgery, she was treated with radiation. She had 37 radiation treatments over the course of 7 weeks. Justin recalls her taking pictures with the children, smiling for the camera as she counted off each step in her initial treatment plan. “She wanted to be with the kids more, but she was so sick that most days she just couldn’t. And that was so hard for her emotionally, too,” Justin says. “She was such an awesome mom. That was her biggest frustration, having to watch someone else take care of her kids.” A brief respite came in 2015, when doctors gave them hope that Melissa was cancer-free. Within weeks, however, the pain and symptoms had returned, and the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. The couple traveled to MD Anderson in Houston, and lived in and out of hospitals for months while Melissa had more chemotherapy and they explored other treatments and clinical trials that might improve her prognosis. Melissa suffered burns from the radiation, and late in her treatment she developed an open wound under her arm that would not heal. She endured constant, excruciating pain from that, with no relief. “She was in absolute misery for the better part of two years,” says Justin. “But she would still smile. When the pain was so terrible near the end, she would endure it without letting anyone know, just to spend thirty minutes with the kids. That’s how strong she was.” Friends and family members supported Melissa and Justin as she battled cancer. People brought food, offered to babysit, and extended kindness and love in various other ways. Friends as well as strangers continued to make donations through the Facebook page to defray the cost of medical care, travel expenses and household expenses. “For the first eight months she was in treatment, we did not have to cook a meal. That is how much food 148 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
people brought to our house.” In the midst of their trials, friends also helped the Perkins create a Facebook page called “Melissa’s Hope.” The social media page was initially used as a means to keep friends and family updated on Melissa’s medical condition and to raise funds for her medical treatment. Justin says that after posting an announcement about the course of treatment they had chosen and what it would cost, they were overwhelmed with donations. “In that first two months, we were given almost $20,000.00,” Justin says. “We were able to pay for her treatment, hire sitters, and I was able to take off work to be with her during the treatments and surgery.” On the Melissa’s Hope Facebook page, Justin also began chronicling their spiritual journey. As his brief medical updates evolved into longer, more detailed posts, writing became an emotional release for him. He wrote honestly about their struggles, about the emotional and physical pain, and about Melissa’s unwavering faith in God. “She stayed faithful to God the whole time,” Justin says. “A lot of people go through hard times, and question or get angry at God. Melissa never once did that. She always understood she had a greater purpose. She stayed true to Him first, and true to her family next, right up to the end.” In August of 2016, they left MD Anderson after Melissa’s final treatment. A friend offered to buy them a steak, so they stopped on the way home at an Outback Steakhouse for what would be their last dinner date. Melissa’s condition deteriorated rapidly after their return home and within a few weeks the help of hospice care nurses was enlisted. Melissa Perkins passed away on October 9, 2016. As he said goodbye to his wife of eight years, Justin made a promise to Melissa. “I will continue your legacy of faith,” were the final words he said as he held her hand for the last time. After Melissa died, the Facebook page formerly titled “Melissa’s Hope” became “Melissa’s Legacy.” Justin’s focus changed, and he dedicated himself to the task of keeping his promise, continuing Melissa’s legacy of faith. “In those two years, we never lost faith. Grace was on us, and that’s how we were able to go through everything that we did. I wanted to honor that,” he says. In the weeks and months after her death, Justin continued to write each night as he grieved for Melissa. He is now writing a book about their experience, memorializing how God worked in their lives throughout the ordeal of Melissa’s illness. Perkins has also taken what started as a social media outlet and developed “Melissa’s Legacy” into a charitable foundation, with a mission, clearly defined goals, and status as a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization that accepts tax-deductible donations. “My passion is to help those who are going through what I’ve been through,” says Perkins. In printed brochures, Perkins has
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outlined his future plans for Melissa’s Legacy. “It is our prayer that what started as a small community response to our family’s needs during crisis will spark a fire in others and they too will get involved and have the desire to help others, and a national movement will be birthed in the hearts of millions with a desire to effect change.” With the donations received, Melissa’s Legacy provides families battling chronic illness with assistance by paying rent or mortgage notes on the family home, money for travel expenses, meals and help with utility bills. “We believe that no family should ever have to make the choice between paying a monthly bill or providing treatment to a sick family member,” says Perkins. “Unfortunately, this happens every day.” By providing this type of assistance, Melissa’s Legacy makes it easier for families to focus on treatment and recovery. With funds on hand, Perkins did not have to look far to find a family to assist. He learned that Zayh Davis, his co-worker at Ryan Honda in Monroe, has been dealing with a family situation similar to his. Davis’ girlfriend, Diyell Daggs, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Daggs is twenty-nine years old and the mother of six children—Jayline, Jeremiah Daggs, Jazlyne, Jeremiah Jones, Jason and Ja-Zyia.
WE BELIEVE THAT NO FAMILY SHOULD EVER HAVE TO MAKE THE CHOICE BETWEEN PAYING A MONTHLY BILL OR PROVIDING TREATMENT TO A SICK FAMILY MEMBER. Daggs and Davis met as teenagers through Davis’ cousin, who was Daggs’ best friend. Daggs was only thirteen and Davis was fifteen at that time. Davis’ first attempt to date Daggs was unsuccessful. “I asked her grandmother if I could take her to the movies. She told me no,” Davis laughs. He and Daggs remained friends but eventually lost touch as they grew older. Daggs found what she believed was love with someone else, got married and had children. Unfortunately, that turned out to be an abusive relationship. In the midst of leaving that situation, she went back to school, earned a degree in medical assisting and went to work in the medical field to support herself and her children. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 149
Melissa’s Legacy’s first foundation recipient is Diyell Daggs.
Years before her own diagnosis, Daggs learned that her youngest child, Ja-Zyia, had a form of cancer, but in early August of 2017, they were able to celebrate her being cancer-free. Unfortunately, she has not been able to plan a similar celebration for herself. Daggs acknowledges that the prognosis she has been given is bleak. “I try not to think about that and just concentrate on taking care of my kids and our life together,” says Daggs. She continues to work as much as she can, even though she suffers from severe headaches and seizures, which are becoming more and more frequent as her disease progresses. Davis says the older children have some understanding of their mom’s medical condition and have had to help on the rare occasion that Davis is away. aving Justin Perkins come into their lives has been a blessing, they both acknowledge. “Just having someone to talk to, someone who knows what we’re going through. Man, that’s big,” says Davis. On August 26, 2017, Melissa’s Legacy joined with Radical Ministry Outreach and held a fundraiser in Forsythe Park, selling hamburgers and accepting donations to help the Daggs family. Daggs and Davis are so grateful not only for Perkins and Melissa’s Legacy, but for those who turned out for the fundraiser at Forsythe Park. “We feel like all of the people that came out to support us are our friends,” says Davis. “We were able to meet all of them, and they made the effort not just to donate but to get to know us.” Melissa’s Legacy has assisted them with rent, household expenses and school clothes and supplies for the children. Daggs and Davis say that this has helped them in more ways than just financial. It has given them peace of mind and given them hope during a time when day-today life has been difficult to manage. “Whatever it takes, I am going to take care of her,” insists Davis. Knowing that other people are willing to help makes his role easier. Taking help from others is not something that comes easily, says Davis, and Daggs agrees. “We are used to taking care of things for ourselves, used to getting by. It’s not our nature to ask. People tell us to let them know if we need anything, but it’s not like you’re really going to just call up and ask.” That is where Melissa’s Legacy comes in. Perkins knows, from personal experience, what it’s like to receive—a kind word, a meal, or a bill paid—and how life-changing it can be. He believes that by giving to others in this way, he is fulfilling his promise to Melissa and his desire to serve others in need. The mission and motto of Melissa’s Legacy is “Love God, Serve Others.” Through the foundation, Perkins intends to keep doing that for Melissa’s sake. For more information about Melissa’s Legacy or to make a donation, go the website at www.melissaslegacy.org or visit the Facebook page, Melissa’s Legacy. Donations may also be mailed to P.O. Box 1223, West Monroe, LA 71294.
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Give the Gift of Mobility This Holiday Season
MidSouth Medical Offers Mobility Equipment, Medical Supply, Scrubs and More
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IDSOUTH MEDICAL HAS BEEN SERVING northeast Louisiana since 2001. We are a locally owned and operated company based out of West Monroe, LA. MidSouth was established with the idea of helping people stay mobile for as long as they possibly can. We want this experience to be a great one, so we carry a wide variety of colors and styles to make the equipment as fun as it can be. MidSouth Medical also carries the area’s largest supply of medical apparel. We provide a huge selection of scrubs in many different styles and sizes, even maternity and skirts. For the months of November and December, MidSouth Medical is offering a 20% off sale on power chairs, scooters and lift chairs. Just in time for the Holidays, you can give back this year with a gift of mobility to you mother, father or grandparents. MidSouth Medical’s friendly staff is highly trained to help you make the perfect selection for your loved ones and can also deliver straight to their home. Here are a few of the brands carried at MidSouth Medical: • P ride® Mobility Scooters and power chairs are engineered and factory tested to provide you with consistent high-performance operation you can count on. Our high-quality construction and
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proven durability means you can depend on your scooter and power chair for many years to come. • Golden takes all the worry out of purchasing a scooter or power chair. Our skilled designers blend the most technically advanced components with superior designs to provide you with the utmost in quality, comfort, style and performance. We confidently stand behind all our products and provide you with the best warranties in the industry. • Patient lifts, bedside commodes, canes/walkers, oxygen, wheelchairs, electric beds, respiratory therapy and many other options are all found in store. MidSouth Medical provides in house repairs, and they will also come out to your home to make repairs on scooters and/or power chairs. We are located at 107 Bridge Street right at the foot of the bridge in West Monroe. Our professional staff will meet with you and assist your every need. Call 1-318-855-0411 or stop by our store any time from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday and now Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. We hope to see you here! Happy Holidays from your local household medical suppliers, MidSouth Medical!
Haven: Interiors, Fine Paper and Gifts A Valuable Design Resource
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T’S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY Open House. Join Haven, The Muffin Tin, Woodstock, Legacy Silver and Gifts, and Palette House Saturday, November 18 from 10-5! Get fantastic gift ideas to put you in the Holiday spirit, because it’s less than 50 days until Christmas. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, company will be visiting soon and new bedding can welcome any guest. Haven has a nice variety of in-stock bedding and additional lines that are available for special order. Bath accessories by Waylande Gregory can make any powder room look amazing! And personalized guest towels are always a nice touch for a bath. In addition to the personalized guest towels, they also offer so many other custom gifts. Personalized foil stamped napkins, Styrofoam and plastic cups, letterpress coasters – all great items for a party or perfect
hostess gifts. With so many options to choose from, the staff at Haven will make your ordering a breeze Gather the family for a photo so you can take advantage of the 25% off Christmas Photo and Greeting Cards special happening November 22-27 at Haven. Order in store or online at haven.printswell.com Haven is an amazing design resource for our area. Each item is hand selected by their owner, Sandy McMillan who is a licensed interior designer. This shop offers custom upholstered headboards, sofas, chairs, occasional tables and much more. New design accessory arrivals, such as trays, vases and decorative bowls, are perfect for a coffee table or bookcase. Be sure to stop by and see their large selection of lamps with more on the way. Looking for a great way to showcase family photos or original art? Haven stocks contemporary acrylic frames in
multiple sizes. It turns a child’s artwork into a masterpiece in a matter of minutes. In addition to being a great design shop, Haven should be your destination for the perfect gift. With a selection for all ages, you are sure to find something special in their exclusive lines. Jewelry, pajamas, robes, bath products and picture frames are just a few of the many things you will find at Haven. With so many items arriving each week, be sure to stop by and shop the new merchandise to get your ideas for holiday gift giving. Don’t forget to support your local businesses on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Haven will have specials throughout the store!
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Shop Bastrop This Holiday Season Holiday Open House Set for Sunday, November 12th
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veryone participating in Bastrop’s Holiday Open House would like to invite you to join them Sunday, November 12th from 1 - 5 p.m. The Market always looks forward to the annual Holiday Open House. It has become a tradition for many people to enjoy the afternoon browsing, Christmas shopping, sampling refreshments and more. At The Marke,t you can find anything from your favorite outfit to gifts and home décor. Christmas ornaments, home décor items, candles, various food items, Christmas frames, Christmas aprons for adults and children and Christmas tee shirts can all be found at Pearce Pharmacy. A popular new item is a Christmas Nativity set that children can color. This will be a keepsake for many years to come! Whit’s Pharmacy will be displaying a variety of Christmas merchandise including ornaments and indoor/outdoor décor. They carry men’s gifts, LSU items, baby gifts,
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Woodwick candles, garden and windchimes and are an authorized dealer of Poo-Pourri. Their boutique section has an amazing selection of women’s clothing, too! Located in a little log cabin on the outskirts of Bastrop, you will find Bayou Boutique. Michelle Baker, together with her two daughters and niece, opened this small business this past February. They sell a variety of items such as boutique clothes (sizes S-3X), shoes, jewelry, home furnishings, candles, bath bombs and much more! Downs & Daughters Events is a local, family owned event rental store. They handle rentals for parties, showers, weddings or any special event you are planning. With a wide variety of linens, tables, chairs and accessories they can handle any event! Arnett’s Jewelry has everything you need to get ready for the holiday season. Christmas décor, ornaments and serving trays will help prepare you for friends and family coming
over. They have a wide selection of gifts, making it easy to shop for anyone. Custom monogramming is done in store! The Flower Tree has been delighting clients with their custom arrangements for homes and special occasions for over 40 years. In addition to fresh and silk designs, the shop features gift lines, highlighting southern made décor. Antiques and Accents has a little bit of everything. As its name implies, you’ll find beautiful antiques in their original wood finishes along with hand-painted, distressed furniture. They also carry lamps, pictures and other home accents, as well as gently used designer handbags and jewelry. Enjoy refreshments and door prizes at Steve’s Jewelry, while shopping during their Holiday Diamond Event. Save up to 50 percent off storewide and inquire how you can win a 1ct Diamond solitaire ring. They are proud to offer high quality diamonds and jewelry at affordable prices, including brands such as Gabriel, Carriza, Natalie K and many others. Looking for that special dream ring? They can custom design and make whatever your heart desires. Let Steve’s make your shopping experience enjoyable with personal service, great savings and free gift wrapping.
Happy Holidays!
Farmer’s Market on Tower The Farmer’s Market on Tower enjoyed several great themed events during the month of October. The events included Paint the Market Red, along with the American Heart Association, on October 7, Fiesta at the Farmer’s Market with authentic Latino food on October 14, the Fido 5K and 1 Mile Dog Walk on October 21 and Family Fright Night on October 31 with hayride, music, crafts, goodies and giveaways. The market is located on Tower Drive in Monroe between CC’s Coffee House and Newk’s Eatery.
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On the BayouScene 1 Ariel Evans and Sharie Silmon 2 Eduardo Valencia and Iuama Vailejo and Ivan Vallejo 3 Deidra Adair and Jeff Hicks 4 Ellen Hicks and Jay Yates 5 Bonnie Ward, Kandace Stroo and Kristen Lambrecht 6 J oe Holyfield, Karen Siegel, Ana and Don Anzelmo and Butch Siegel
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Reclaim Your WellBeing And Sexuality PLC Now Offering Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement BY JUDY WAGONER
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OTHER NATURE PLAYS A DIRTY trick on men and women with the passage of time. Just as we begin to enjoy our lives as empty-nesters, our bodies seem to change overnight, as we cope with night sweats, ballooning weight, fuzzy thinking, aching joints, loss of stamina and libido. What’s happening to cause so many people to have similar aging complaints? With aging comes the plummeting of our hormone levels, which wreaks havoc on our bodies! Women are accustomed to the fluxes of hormones. It’s been the story of your life. It all began with your first period. If you experienced pregnancy, your world was really turned upside down as hormone levels rose and then quickly dropped after birth. As you approach menopause, the changes can be even more severe. This is when your reproductive system is preparing to shut down. The
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changes in hormone levels can be significant, causing troublesome symptoms. This decline of hormone levels, along with the subsequent breakdown of the body, is nature’s way of making sure you don’t live forever, making room for the next generation While not as disruptive as menopause, men’s sex hormones are also declining at midlife and earlier, with Testosterone being the main culprit of symptoms. The difference is their decline in hormones is not as sharp and sudden as a woman’s. They may feel small dips in their energy level, stamina, mental function, libido and sense of well-being. The good news is you don’t have to suffer and resign yourself to the infirmities of advancing age. A simple solution is to replace your lost hormones with human identical hormones, which are available to both men and women. Human identical hormones have the
same molecular structure as those produced by the body. They look identical to your own hormones — estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone and insulin. They’re taken from natural sources, such as soybeans or yams, and are more easily absorbed by the body than other types of hormone replacement therapy. They come in the form of creams, pellets, pills, injections and patches. Dr. Victor Zuckerman, a Diplomat in the American Academy of Anti-Aging, and Medical Director at Professional Laser Center, has been prescribing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for almost a decade. He is now offering testosterone pellet insertion for both men and women. Dr. Zuckerman implants the tiny pellets under the skin near the hip, where they slowly release a stable, steady, optimum dose of testosterone over the course of three to six months. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to perform and there is little to no pain or downtime. Our patients are loving them! Hormone Replacement Therapy can change your life! It is YOUR MOST POWERFUL WEAPON in the war on aging. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zuckerman, call 318361-9066. For a list of all of our services, please visit our website at www.professionallaser. com.
The Mother Hen Boutique The Perfect Place for the Holidays
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HE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE, AND THE MOTHER HEN HAS you covered for the months to come. We have turkeys and pumpkins, perfect for whatever your plans entail. These range from smocked longalls and dresses to knits. So whether you do it big or plan to keep it low key, we have the perfect outfit to give thanks with your little one. As the weather continues to get cooler, don’t get in a bind without the winter essentials. We have cable knit stockings, pullovers, jackets, rain coats, hats, and even infant winter coveralls that are sure to keep your little one warm. It’s not too late to get those coordinating outfits to guarantee your Christmas cards are just what you hoped for. We have plenty of brother and sister sets to coordinate with the entire family. After the Christmas cards have been sent out, it will be time to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping. Santa has already brought one of a kind games and puzzles that your little ones are sure to love as well as other goodies, such as bath bombs for kids, activity books and our very popular jelly cats. Our customers loved the Santa sacks last year, and we have plenty back in stock this year. We also have Christmas pajamas that are great for Christmas Eve and church or school Polar Express days.
Don’t forget about our baby registries for those expecting mothers. We love helping you create a baby registry that fits your wants and needs, and your family and friends love buying gifts that they know you will love! Several of our new favorites include KicKee Pants sleepers and pajamas, Angel Dear day wear and Copper Pearl bibs, burp cloths and car seat covers. Antique Alley has lots of family friendly events scheduled over the next couple of months. Don’t miss out on all the fun! Antique Alley’s fall open house is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, from 1-5pm. Grab your friends, mother or sisters for a fun day out. The Mother Hen will be hosting Santa Pictures with Staci Albritton of Albritton Photography on Saturday, December 2. Come see us between 9:00 and 12:00, and then hit the streets with the kids for the Christmas parade at 3:00. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram, and come see us in store on Antique Alley, 308 Trenton St. Downtown West Monroe.
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Simply Lou The Baby article and illustration by Lou Davenport
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fith this column, I start my third year of writing for BayouLife. It’s been a “dream come true” and something I enjoy writing more and more each month. Thank you Maré, Cassie, Melanie, Amanda and all the other lovely ladies at BayouLife. Thank you for making me feel a part of such a beautiful, classy publication. One more thing, they give me “artistic freedom” which I need to have! Nearly 21 years ago, I found myself in the position of being a “widow woman.” I also desperately needed to get a newer car. I had driven my little red Safari van until the wheels were about to fall off. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so I just started test driving everything. The winner was a Toyota 4Runner with 4-wheel drive. At least three different salesmen told me “Honey, you don’t need that!” Now, that right there made me even more determined I was going to find the one I wanted! (and don’t call me “Honey!”) I’d lived through two severe 158 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
ice storms in Vicksburg, and I knew those 4-wheel drives could come in handy. (How did they know I wasn’t a champion mud rider?!) So, I went in search of alternative ways of buying the car I wanted. And hey, salesmen! I had the cash to buy it, too! Too bad, so sad. While deep in conversation with my son in law, Ty, about my dilemma, he mentioned one of his cousin’s had a 4Runner that he was selling. My ears perked up and I said, “Call him!” I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that shiny silver 4 Runner just begging me to buy it! The deal definitely went down and I had my car. For the past 21 years this car, Ol’ Betsy, has been my friend, my protector and taken me more miles that I could have ever imagined. She’s all steel, and I sometimes call her, “The Tank.” I love the “hum” she makes, when I start her up. I know her every little noise and when something isn’t quiet right, I know! I haven’t had to have many repairs done on her, but she’s getting
to an age. It’s only a matter of time. Bless her heart, she’s 24 years old! Since I know absolutely nothing about working on a car, I’m getting anxious driving her no further than the bank or grocery store. She’s just getting elderly and needs a rest. I’m sad to let her go, but it’s all I can do. She’s like a member of my family. She’s had a good run, and oh, the miles we have traveled. She’s still good for a few more years with a few “tweaks” here and there, but whoever ends up with her is getting a “fine old girl.” And, she’s aged well. She’s still so pretty. Like Neil Young sings, “Long May You Run.” Not too long ago two of my cousins told me they had a car for me to consider getting. They also made me a “offer I could not refuse.” AND it was a Toyota Rav4. YES! I said, sight unseen! I knew anything they owned would be in perfect shape and been well taken care of. I automatically named it, “The Baby.” Now, the “tale of how Baby came to be” is the story of a “perfect column.” The day was set for them to bring “The Baby” over. I had my insurance, the papers were all drawn up and the deal was just about done. I got all dressed up, WITH makeup on to meet my newest “family member!” Next call. Battery was dead. Going to jump it off and be on over. Somehow wires got crossed and although “The Baby” was alright, their other car wasn’t. Sparks flew and smoke billowed out. Not to be undaunted in getting “The Baby” to me, they were going to take the battery to Auto Zone and check it out. If the battery was bad, then, they were going to get a new one. We’d planned on going out to eat. So with new battery bought, they picked me up. The plan was we’d go eat and then go on out to their house and put the battery in. I could drive it back to Monroe. Good plan, we all thought.... Supper was so good and we laughed and laughed at our adventure...so far. I was going to get to see their new house and learn first hand how to get there. We turned into this beautiful gated subdivision and through the gates. Once at the house, I got to see one of my favorite aunts and two of the grandchildren with their mom and dad. Oh the fun began! I haven’t laughed so much in years. We played cars, I got stickers stuck all over me and left for home with a new artwork for my refrigerator. And there is a four year old and two year old that have me wrapped completely around their sweet little fingers! The plan....was that I would follow the cousins out and go on to my house. I got into my new “Cinderella’s Coach” and just sunk down into the seats. Oh, what a wonderful
feeling. I turned the key, it cranked and I backed it up and got turned to go down the drive way. Then, it seemed to only go 3 or 4 miles an hour. WHAT?? I figured it was me. What was I doing wrong? Dogs were barking at me while I was creeping along and I was wanting them to stop! I didn’t want anybody to think I was “casing” this neighborhood! I made it to the gate and stopped. I wanted to cry but I started to laugh again. My cousin called wondering why I hadn’t “taken off?!” They came back to my rescue and one of them got in “The Baby” and drove it. He noticed some lights were on that shouldn’t be. While he was gone, a very nice man pulled into the subdivision with me standing like a “vagrant” on the side of the road. He asked was I okay and I blurted out our whole adventure! He could see I was no threat and wished me a good evening. Later I found out the house he went to was none other than fellow columnist for BayouLife, Cindy Gist Foust! I sent her a message later to tell her if I had known that was her husband, I’d told him to tell her “Simply Lou” was “loitering” out at the gates! “The Baby” made it’s way slowly back to where we started. We all folded up into laughter again. What was there to do? The
next day, she got towed to Van Trow. Their other car got towed to Winnsboro. On our way back to my house that night, we couldn’t stop laughing. The whole adventure was just a “comedy of errors” all the way around, all with the best of intentions. I know this, no matter what, MY family can have fun doing just about anything. The bonds I have with these two cousins have always been strong, but, they are unbreakable now. I call them my “Angels of Mercy” and I mean that sincerely. I have to say it was one of the best Friday nights I’d had in way too long....even if I didn’t have “The Baby” yet. I needed “laugh therapy!” I’d had a terrible week leading up to that Friday! My precious little four year old cousin summed up the evening so well. “It was a magical night!” Yes it was! All ended well with “The Baby” only having a very small “hiccup.” I have fallen head over heels in love with this lovely little car and I think we have bonded. So, right now, “The Baby” is sitting right outside my window, because I can’t stop looking at her. Yes, I have taken her out for a couple of drives, and she is going to be able to fill some mighty big 4Runner shoes. Now, I will say I have had some “ditzy” moments after getting my new car. Seems
my brain just hasn’t reset itself to “what day it is.” I seemed to have “time hopped” somewhere along the way. I was invited to a party on Saturday and I showed up the Tuesday before. I’m NEVER on time for any thing! Next, I was so proud of myself for getting my garbage can out to the street on the “correct” night. When I came in to watch “Project Runway,” it wasn’t on? I called my daughter, Paige. She informed me “MOM! It’s WEDNESDAY!” I just left my can out there by the road anyway. That way, I’m sure it will be there on time. But, I did have to wait a day for Tim Gunn and “Project Runway.” and I do know that today is Friday. (I wrote it on my hand!) Fall is officially here! Maybe. See y’all next month!
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Loyal Blue Weekends in Ruston The Right Way to do Football Weekends
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S FOOTBALL SEASON FOR Louisiana Tech University comes to an end, don’t miss the last few opportunities to take advantage of Loyal Blue Weekend activities. Friday nights in Downtown Ruston have been transformed. Now every night prior to a LA Tech home game, expect to “Rock the Railroad” with live music and pep rally, extended shopping hours, unique popup vendors, food trucks and brews. These upcoming events include an all-American celebration with music by Trey Gauthreaux, bar-b-que and tribute to veterans; then a holiday reunion with Judge & Jury on stage and time to catch up with friends and family in town for Thanksgiving. On game day, Downtown Ruston is still hopping with early shopping hours and The Peach 99.3 playing your favorite tunes by request as you browse. The Ruston Farmers Marketing is open and offering not only local
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produce and items from local makers, but breakfast as well. Grab lunch at local hotspot located within walking distance or head to Bulldog Village for tailgating. One of the area’s best kept secrets is the shuttle services to Joe Aillet Stadium offer on Saturday. Local and visitors alike are encouraged to enjoy their time shopping and dining downtown and then jump on the Tech Trolley and head to the stadium. It’s the best way to avoid game day traffic, and it’s free! The trolley begins running continuously 5 hours prior to kick-off until one hour after the game. The Bulldogs are up against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Nov. 11 and taking on UTSA on Saturday, Nov. 24. For mid-afternoon games, dinner plans are wide-open! Tech Trolley pick-up and drop-off is located on Park Avenue, a central location for several downtown dining options like Sundown Tavern, Ponchatoulas, Raw, Roma Italian Bistro, Mi Casa Taqueria and more. On Sunday, restaurant favorites Beau
Vines Steakhouse and Rosemary’s Kitchen have created specialty Loyal Blue Weekend brunch menus. Fans from all over are enjoying the Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits made with tomato gravy and the RK Chicken & Waffles. Beau Vines is offering their signature Crème Brûlée French Toast and the newly created Crab Cake Beignets. Add a little bubbly to your meal with bottomless mimosas at Beau Vines and bring-your-own-champagne mimosas at Rosemary’s Kitchen. Embracing football traditions makes Ruston & Lincoln Parish Louisiana’s College Town. Grab your friends and family and head Downtown Ruston every home game weekend to celebrate Ruston’s culture and loyalty to the Bulldogs. For more information and a complete list of events, visit www. experienceruston.com or call (318) 255-2031. Loyal Blue Weekends are brought to you by Experience Ruston and the City of Ruston.
Hopkins Dermatology
Put Your Best Face Forward This Holiday Season
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ITH HOLIDAY PARTIES AND EVENTS COMING UP, who doesn’t want to look and feel their best? With the latest advanced treatments in her specialty, Doctor Janine Hopkins has everything you need to take on this holiday season with your best face forward! Dr. Hopkins is always one step ahead with the latest technology and techniques! Her newest technique involves the use of microcannuli! Microcannuli are blunt tipped needles that allow Dr. Hopkins to inject dermal filler, without tearing the epidermis. The use of microcannuli means fewer needle pricks, and fewer bruises! Therefore, patients looking to improve their appearance can now do so without having to undergo a painful procedure and/or having to experience the side effects associated with sharp tipped needles, perfect for those last minute touch ups before holiday parties! Among the other exciting things available at Hopkins Dermatology are the release of HydraFacial MD Elite and the Perk! The HydraFacial MD Elite is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously! This treatment results in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime.
Next up: The Perk, which was created by the same doctors who invented the Hydrafacial. So what is Perk? It’s a 10-minute treatment that has literally no downtime. Basically, it uses patented roller-flex technology to remove dead cells and impurities through suction to open up pores and deliver antioxidant treatments. There are three treatments available for the Perk: Lips, Eyes and Face! The best part about the Perk? You get a take home product with each treatment, that way you can maintain your beautiful skin all month long! Platelet Rich Plasma (or PRP) is one of the newest innovative technologies available at Hopkins Dermatology! Although PRP has been used in Europe for ages, this incredible new treatment is just making its way to the United States! PRP therapy is used in hair restoration for natural looking results. In the comfort of Dr. Hopkins office, a nurse will take your blood. The blood will then be placed in a centrifuge for ten minutes to separate the Platelet Rich Plasma from the red blood cells. Next, using a thin needle, your own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is injected into the scalp! Then the growth factors in your platelets do their job and hair growth is naturally stimulated. PRP Hair Restoration is suitable for both men and women.
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Brian Allen and Braco Construction
Local Construction Company Builds Dream Homes of Many Kinds
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THE TEAM AT BRIAN REESE Allen Company, also known as Braco, believes that a house is not truly a home unless it was created with input of its future owners. Led by owner, Brian Allen, they believe a home should reflect the uniqueness of the people who reside within its walls, enhancing and enriching the lifestyles they wish to lead. It is with these thoughts in mind, that Braco strives to make the homebuilding process as simple and pleasant as possible. They feel it is important to make sure the client is involved in the creation of their new home. They especially love working with couples and families and see their vision of a personalized dream home fulfilled. Braco approaches each new project with utmost honesty and the experience of knowing where to procure the highest quality products in the building industry. The honesty and integrity that Braco is founded on is cemented by their commitment to
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clearly communicate with their customers. Homeowners will always receive a detailed billing statement and know about every invoice that is spent on their home, allowing them to proceed with confidence and knowledge. If a client has any doubts whatsoever, Braco can provide them with a list of clients, families and vendors they have worked with in the past as reference. Since their inception, Braco has created superiorly built homes and continues to reach new heights in their craft. They take an innovative, dynamic approach to the process, which always results in a great home and a satisfied client. Their goal is that their clients choose to be a part of the extended family of happy BRACO home-owners. While Brian Allen definitely has a passion for building homes for clients, he also has a passion for giving back to his community. For many years, he and his team have been tasked with the job of building
the St. Jude Dream Home. These homes are spacious and stylish, and raise money through raffle tickets that go directly to St. Jude for cancer research, which helps children right here in our community. With help from local businesses, suppliers and vendors, he was able to build a zero-cost home in 2016, earning him the National Builder of the Year award from St. Jude’s. His giving spirit and fair and honest business practices have earned Braco a great reputation throughout the building community in Northeast Louisiana. If you and your family are looking to build the home of your dreams, look no further than Braco Construction. BRACO Construction 318.248.3252 87 Hwy. 856 | Rayville, LA bracobuilders.com
MEREDITH’S MUSINGS Continued From Page 52 but it was winter, and he had only seen me in tights up until that point. I remember making the conscious decision to leave my legs bare; we were just going to hang around the house. As he approached me in the carport, having gone outside to greet him, he hugged me, stepped back, and playfully squeezed my inner thigh with his entire palm saying, “Baby, have you been putting on weight?” Even the South African accent couldn’t save that one. It stung. I froze, and then walked away. When I returned some thirty minutes later, he was apologetic. He got from my reaction that I was not the girl that wanted to hear it. Even though I knew it, hearing it was harder. It made it real. I couldn’t hide it in my tights anymore. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, chalking the incident up to a cultural difference. But it was only a few months later when I realized it wasn’t a cultural thing. It was mean guy thing. We were lying on the couch, just watching TV when he casually said softly,
and without shame, “Your stomach is not flat, and it turns me off.” I didn’t make a scene; I didn’t even show emotion. I just nodded. That was the switch, the flip; I broke up with him three days later. But I remember how it made me feel. I felt sexy before; I felt alive before; and those little phrases, particularly from someone I cared about and someone who saw me intimately, they almost robbed me of that. He tried to steal my self-confidence, and I hated him for it. This is my fear for my friend. Will it steal her joy? Will it rob her of the freedom she usually feels in his presence? Will she able to eat around him without thinking he is counting calories? When he touches her will it now make her self-conscious or shy away? Will she be able to feel alive and free without scrutinizing her own body? She said now she sees him as a mirror; and this can only complicate a romantic, physical relationship. I hope she can overcome this. She’s strong with
a good sense of self. Of all my friends, she can probably handle it best, but I’m mad she has to. Guys, it’s never okay. It shouldn’t come from you. Our romantic partner shouldn’t be our accountability partner. It messes up the system; and the rest of the relationship will inevitably suffer. Now, the South African wasn’t the guy for me, but we had a few good times together, though I rarely think of those, because they’re tainted. The negative I remember, and not so much for what he said, but how it made me feel. My partner should be my champion, not my body coach. He should kiss my imperfections, not make me ashamed. He’s supposed to love me, shelter me, be my safe haven, and anything less than that, or anything said to taint that, is superficial, and shame on the men who come in between me and my feelings about my body. Our dynamic is challenged enough. Keep the fat facts to yourself.
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3-Year-Old Company is Changing Lives Experience the Difference with Monat BY DENA PRUITT, MONAT INDEPENDENT MARKETER
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E ALL KNOW YOUR SCALP is the most vascular area of the body, therefore our skin absorbs what is applied to it more so on the scalp. So what would be logical for someone to NOT eliminate all of the harmful chemicals absorbing into their scalp and contributing to auto-immune disease, cancer, illness, hair loss, no growth, etc? The cost? Where to find non-toxic haircare? The time to research the product? Let me offer a little information about MONAT and how I can help you. Monat is concentrated with only 40% water and the purest form of cleansing and healing botanicals, whereas other shampoo averages 60-80% water, infused with their cleansing chemicals. Therefore, Monat should last longer, using less product and no harsh chemicals on your scalp. MONAT’s average cost per product is $12 per month.
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(bottle of shampoo last 2-4 months) You can find this amazing hair care from Independent Marketing Partners like myselfand my team. Contact us for your FREE samples and more information on the direct shipment to you, so you never have to run out of products, if you choose not to. This is NOT a monthly shipment product due to the longevity of the product. YOU choose when you want your products delivered. As far as researching the product, you do not have to. Princeton Tricology did an extensive 3 year clinical study for you. I can present you with any of the information upon your request. MONAT is the only anti-aging hair treatment in direct sales on the market. Once the toxins are removed from your scalp through MONAT cleansing, then our rejuveniqe oil, along with other growth and healing botanicals, is infused in each product
to promote natural healing, rejuvenating, regrowing, repairing and restoring shine and life to your hair. MONAT has thousands of hair testimonials from consumers of how it has changed their hair and finances, I will share a couple of my customer’s experiences as well. Just in case you haven’t had the chance to try MONAT hair treatments, I will come to you or you can come to my salon at 2055 East Madison Bastrop, La., (by appointment only), for your FREE samples or FREE blowout. My team and I will work closely with you to get your hair back to the youthful state it once was or to the new healthy length you so desire. Also, MONAT reduces your drying time and helps control oil production to the scalp. Our flagship product, Rejuveniqe oil has a lower molecular weight to penetrate deep into the skin to reduce scarring, eczema, psoriasis, promote natural healing and 100 other uses. ALL of this with a no questions ask, 30 day money back guarantee. Dena Pruitt, Monat Independent Marketer Just N Case U, LLC. 318.282.4269 pruittdena@aol.com denapruitt.mymonat.com
To Rollover or Not to Rollover? Argent Advisors in Monroe Explains ARTICLE BY JUSTIN MAILHES
Roll your 401(k) balance to an IRA or keep the 401(k)? This is a question most, if not all, retirees or people switching jobs will face. Most of the time, rolling to an IRA is the appropriate action, but not always. You should always speak with a financial professional before making your decision. Until then, here are a few things to consider. Why Rollover to an IRA? More Investment Options - An IRA gives you the option to have more customized financial advice on investments than a typical 401(k) fund lineup of 20 funds. Control - With an IRA you decide who to work with, not who your former employer selects. If you have multiple 401(k) accounts from different employers, you can open a single IRA and rollover all the different 401(k) accounts to the single IRA. Once you
have reached 59 ½, it is easier to request a distribution from the IRA than it is from a 401(k). Confidentiality - The IRA is yours. Your former employer no longer has access to your account information. Why keep your 401(k)? 10% Penalty Avoidance - If you leave employment between the ages of 55 and 59 ½, you can normally take penalty-free distributions from the 401(k). However, if you roll to an IRA and need a distribution before you turn 59 ½, you may have to pay a 10% penalty. Asset Protection for Larger Accounts Federal law shields your 401(k) assets from creditors, lawsuits and bankruptcy. IRAs generally carry protection to $1,245,475 and are governed by state laws.
Fees - Fees associated with the plan and IRA should be considered before making a decision. If an advisor wants to rollover your 401(k) into an IRA containing annuities, nonmarketable securities, or other high cost investment options, you might want to consult someone else. Remember, if you have an outstanding loan in your 401(k), it will have to be addressed at your job termination. It normally involves paying it back or treating the outstanding balance as a distribution. The rollover decision is an important one. Work with a trusted advisor who puts your best interest first. For that reason, we recommend using advisors who avoid transaction fees and commissions. Why choose Argent Advisors in Monroe? Our mission is to help establish, manage and protect our clients’ financial plans, and we take that very seriously. The Argent Advisors team in Monroe has over 60 years of combined financial planning experience. No matter where your objectives fall, we help our clients establish a definitive goal-oriented plan for current needs and for the future. If you have any question about your 401(k) account or any other financial planning need, please contact our office.
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Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery Grab Something for Your Sweet Tooth This Holiday Season
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HIS MONTH MARKS THE ONE year anniversary of Smallcakes Monroe and to say that the community has embraced them with open arms…and mouths…would be an understatement. Since their opening, customers have flocked to them for scrumptious cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and shakes. The cupcakery carries 14 core flavors like pink vanilla, chocoholic, cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, birthday cake and more. They also have seasonal cupcakes they rotate, depending on the time of the year, like s’mores, king cake and cookie butter. Smallcakes is your one-stop bakery for all things “sweet,” and this upcoming holiday season is no exception. During the months of November and December, Smallcakes will offer holiday inspired
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cupcakes and ice cream including pumpkin pie, pumpkin salted caramel, apple crisp, pecan pie, gingerbread, hot cocoa and peppermint, just to name a few. In addition to delicious and unique cupcakes, Smallcakes has cookies, ice cream and shakes. There are traditional ice cream flavors as well as wedding cake, unicorn and cookie butter. They even combine the cupcake and ice cream into a unique treat – a smash – where you can pick two scoops of your favorite ice cream and smash it between your favorite cupcake. If you need something for a kiddo’s class party, be sure to grab a box of Christmas-themed cupcakes that include Santa Claus, snowmen, snowflakes, wreaths, reindeer and Christmas trees. You can call ahead and place an order and won’t have to worry about fretting over some Pinterest fail at midnight the night before.
For the best of both worlds, check out the Smallcakes cake cookies. You can choose from a variety of flavors, including chocolate chip, red velvet, Heath, pumpkin or sugar cookie. Smallcakes is excited to announce their newest treat - signature cupcakes shots. These fun treats will be a hit at any holiday party. If you are looking for a unique gift or happy, our gift cards make the perfect present and can be used all year long! Be sure to follow their Facebook page to see what sweet treats they will be offering each day or stop by to find out how they can make your holiday season even sweeter! Smallcakes is located in the Murray Place Shopping Center on N. 18th and looks forward to seeing you this holiday season!
McKinney Honda Has Something For Everyone The McKinney Gift Guide
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T MCKINNEY HONDA, WE ARE EXPERTS IN ALL THE seasons – deer, duck, turkey..and even holiday shopping season! We know that the holidays are hectic, so we are eliminating some of the stress. We created the McKinney Gift Guide, and it has something for everyone on your list. While we are known for our dirt bikes and four-wheelers and have plenty to choose from in that department, our store has so much more to offer. Everyone is always looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, and we have plenty of options. Hot items this year include Costa sunglasses, Yeti Ramblers in different colors, Drake Wallets, neat SD card readers for your smartphone, the popular Steamlight Flashlights or a Go Pro Camera for the adventurous one on your list. And if they have been really nice this year, there is always the idea of putting the keys to a new 4-wheeler in their stocking. When they come out of the woods and look under the tree, your favorite hunter would love to find any of our Drake, Banded or Sitka camo with their name on it. McKinney’s also has stylish apparel from Southern Marsh, Woolrich Clothing, Mountain Khakis, KUHL and Columbia that your elves are sure to love. If you have someone on your list that is hard to buy for this year, get them a McKinney Honda gift card. They can use it
anywhere in the store. Purchases on guns, ammo, clothing, parts, service, lawn equipment, accessories and more are all covered with a gift card. We even have a special gift that has become somewhat of a tradition – the McKinney’s Christmas Kershaw Knife. Custom made for McKinney Honda each year, this knife normally retails for $50, but we offer it during the holidays for just $15.99. The Kershaw Knife goes on sale the week of Thanksgiving, We sell out every year, so hurry in to get one! On Christmas morning, it can be the first gift opened, so you can open the rest…depending on how much tape Santa used. McKinney’s has free in-store gift wrapping and lay-a-way for ATV’s and dirt bikes, along with a wide selection of gifts that will keep on giving—you really can’t go wrong with a gift from your outdoor superstore. Stop by and see the experienced and friendly staff – 715 North Service Road, next to Raising Canes in Ruston. Check out their Facebook page for give-a-ways and more from the gift guide!
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Deirdre McGehee Designs The Rise of the Bag Lady
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MD BAGS HAVE BEEN ON THE market since 2008 when Deirdre McGehee started with “the pillow bag.” This was her first original bag invention and was used for carrying a bed pillow while traveling. Since then, her bag business has taken off and DMD bags now include a complete line of shoulder bags, make up bags and travel bags. Women of all ages from all over the country love having one of the unique DMD bags, with their signature patchwork fabric designs made with quality and expert craftsmanship in mind. Each year, these bags are on everyone’s wish list when it comes to Christmas, and this year should not be any different. The girls at DMD Bags have been working hard all summer to build up inventory for the Christmas holiday shoppers. There are several new product designs available this season that you’ll want to add
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to your collection. McGehee is certain women will love her new jumbo make-up bag design, shown below, with it’s built in leather brush pockets. These are perfect for the girl on the go and great for storing make up brushes, mascara, lip pencils, eyeliners, lipsense tubes and more. DMD Bags have recently added the Garment Bag that features a unique zipper pocket that’s perfect for storing jewelry. There are many fabric variations that make it fun and easy to mix and match with the other bag accessories. And be sure to check out the new look of the DMD Traveler, shown on the model below. This year, it has increased slightly in size, and it features a large exterior zipper pocket that is perfect for storing a tablet or iPad, as well as an interior zipper pocket. Women love the wide comfortable leather shoulder strap, and some even boast how
they use this bag as their everyday purse! It even makes a great diaper bag for the stylish mama and baby on the go. But the best thing about the DMD Traveler is the fact that each one is unique and different! You can visit the website - www. dmdbags.com - to see all of the new bags, including the new Drucilla, a chain and leather strap bag. It is a hot new look with amazing details. As always, limited quantity is available, so don’t wait too long as these bags will sell out before Christmas! The upcoming Holiday Market at the Downtown Riverwalk on November 4 is a great way to see these beautiful bags close up. The following week, DMD will be at the Tinsel in Tensas Market in Downtown St. Joseph on Plank Road. McGehee is in the process of opening an event shop in St. Joseph. It is a precious little plantation style house in the middle of downtown, right next to City Hall. She plans to host events for her customers throughout the year, as well as every Saturday during the summer. You can expect to see many new designs, and even a possible branch off into clothing and interiors once DMD is established in the new place. You can always follow DMD on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming market dates and the latest in designs!
Cajun Flavor on the Ouachita
Trapp’s Offers Comfort Foods Just In Time for the Holidays
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HEN IT COMES TO CAJUN food, it’s hard to find anything better than the Trappey brand. The Trappey name has been synonymous with Cajun food and Louisiana for over a century, 118 years to be exact. When looking for that taste of south Louisiana, there is no denying that the perfect place to go in North Louisiana is sitting right on the banks of the beautiful Ouachita River. For over two and a half years, Joey Trappey has been operating one of the most successful restaurants in our area. He has created and honed the menu to feature a variety of South Louisiana dishes, including some family favorites. To start, their appetizer menu features mouth-watering Fried Cheese Ravioli that melts-in-your-mouth and is topped with Trapp’s popular Crawfish Marlee sauce. The seafood nachos are a must with fresh, made to order chips piled high, topped with fresh onion, tomatoes, fried crawfish tails, grilled
shrimp and covered with the best white queso dip on this side of the Mississippi River. Creole crawfish pies, fried pickles, crab cakes and boudin bites round out the options for appetizers. There are daily lunch options during the week for only $7.99, including Ella’s Sunset Salad on Tuesdays, Trapp’s Cheeseburger on Wednesday, Nonk’s Jambalaya on Thursday and Trapp’s Red Beans and Rice on Fridays. You can always depend on Trapp’s to have the best poboys, whether it is shrimp, crawfish or catfish, you have the option of fried, grilled or blackened. Served on New Orleans style poboy bread, they are dressed with lettuce, tomato and housemade remoulade. Trapp’s has expanded their dinner entree offerings to include a new Spud Menu – this features five different choices from a Cajun Grilled Chicken Spud to a Cheeseburger Spud. The grill menu features smothered catfish with crawfish etouffee, pork chops and blackened tuna, just to name a few items. Tuesday nights
are Steak Night with two 12 oz. ribeyes, two salads, two drinks and two sides for just $35. On Wednesdays, its Burger Night with 2 Burgers, sides and drinks for just $12. And on Thursdays, Trapp’s offers bottomless wine night. And don’t forget to book your holiday parties this season at Trapp’s. Their private dining room accommodates 25-100 people and overlooks the gorgeous Ouachita River. Whether you’re looking for an intimate lunch gathering for a small business or a holiday celebration for a large corporate gathering, Trapp’s is the perfect place. The picturesque river views, delicious catered food, band stage and large inside/outside space make it ideal for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and luncheons. They also offer gift certificates for the foodie on your list. Make sure to stop by and see them today at 113 South Riverfront in West Monroe, at the foot at the Endom Bridge, find them on Facebook or call 318.855.6428.
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TOP GUN
Terry Denmon and his team at MOJO Outdoors have taken hunting to a new level. Denmon’s love of the outdoors and commitment to community drives his passion. Article by DAN CHASON Photography by BRAD ARENDER
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f you have ever spent a cold still morning in a pit blind or leaning against a cypress tree in flooded woods, it does not take you long to figure out that ducks are attracted to movement. We have an old saying, “This is duck hunting, not bird watching.” Nothing is more aggravating than to watch ducks circle and circle and not want to come in. When it is still and there is no wind to move decoys, ducks are hard to work. I have hunted with some of the best duck hunters in the world, and they all have one thing in common: They understand the association with movement in your spread and how that affects the reaction of ducks. Prior to 1999, the typical manner in which one would add movement was the use of a “jerk string” or by moving your body while standing in the water to create waves/ movement. The movement added life to decoys, and this resulted in ducks wanting to come in for a closer look. I have seen some elaborate jerk strings and devices to create movement, including a thin piece of metal staked out with a string on each end, trolling motors that moved water, and, yes, even an attempt to use a duck’s wings and wave them, as if there is movement coming into the decoys. In 1999, a company out of California came up with a revolutionary device: The spinning wing decoy. This contraption was primitive and had many flaws. The biggest flaw was its loudness, and even worse, the batteries would not hold up for very long. Nevertheless, word got out, and soon you could see spinning wings in fields, woods and ponds from Canada to Mexico. Around this
same time, there happened to be a tie-in with north Louisiana at a store we all know well, called Simmon’s Sporting Goods in Bastrop. Even with the current decoy’s flaws, Jeff could not keep them in stock. Jeff contacted his good friend, Murry Crowe. Jeff knew Murry could engineer anything mechanical and asked him to take a look at the decoy to determine if some changes could be made to achieve its full potential. Terry Denmon of MOJO explains, “I guess because I have become the face of MOJO in the latter years and because I am an engineer, I am often incorrectly given credit for the first MOJO Mallard, but actually that was done entirely by Murry. He is a mechanical genius and a perfectionist and can build most anything mechanical. We would not be here today, if he had not done that.” After Murry had engineered a “better mouse trap,” the trio of Simmons, Crowe and Denmon decided the project was worth pursuing. Demand was astronomical, and the three saw an opportunity to produce a product that already had a high demand. ABOUT TERRY DENMON Terry Denmon came to the Monroe area from Vicksburg in 1973 after establishing himself as a top engineer with the Corps of Engineers. He took a leap of faith and decided that he would start his own engineering firm and did so. Denmon Engineering was soon born. The price was high, as there were many sacrifices by Terry and his family to birth a new venture. However, with much hard work and dedication, the firm quickly grew. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 173
shows. Terry decided that instead of spending dollars on a bunch of different shows, the way to market his products was to become a “headlining” sponsor. This gave him more bang for his buck and also the ability to have input on how and how often his products were utilized. In 2012, Terry acquired all remaining interests of Hunt Wise from his partners, and the expansion of MOJO’s footprint grew tremendously. Today, these products are highlighted via the Sportsman’s Channel and Pursuit Channel on Terry’s shows that he films and produces called MOJO TV and MOJO Migration. Keeping his commitment to north Louisiana in place, Terry opened the MOJO warehouse and production studios on the outskirts of Monroe. Business is good with product lines increasing to include hunting accessories, new spinning wing decoys, apparel and a strong on-line presence that is supplemented with professional videos and DVDs for the avid hunter.
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photo courtesy of MOJO Outdoor
erry believed that with hard work he would succeed. His business model was based on “doing the right thing.” Through this simple concept, he grew his company into a leader in the engineering field in a short time. Hunting was always a passion of Terry’s. When you live in rural areas, it is natural to hunt and fish. But hunting was a way of life for Terry, as his father raised and trained bird dogs. Terry took this love of hunting and turned it into something that he never fathomed could occur. Little did he know that his passion would lead to 6 year term on the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, serving as Chairman for 2 years and Vice Chairman for 2 years, while being heavily involved in the local Chamber of Commerce and his own charity for kids, called “Caring for Kids.” He currently serves as a member of the Louisiana Committee of 100, which is an organization of the top CEOs and Presidents of public and private businesses. Giving back and providing help to those less fortunate continues to be something that comes natural to Terry. MOJO’S STAR IS BORN While the rewards of his successful business allotted Terry opportunities to run a commercial waterfowl business near Catahoula Lake and took him on 7 trips to Africa, Terry was always looking for ways to change the way people hunted. Such was the case when Jeff Simmons approached Murry with the spinning wing decoy. When Murry brought the decoy to Terry for some engineering advice, Terry knew right away that he was looking a something special. They knew the demand was there, and with a better product, they formed a team and decided they needed to get the product to market. Shortly after Terry joined Murry and Jeff, they formed a company called “Hunt Wise.” This company’s goal was to manufacture, produce and market hunting accessories. Their main objective was to pursue this new device that was setting the hunting world on fire: The spinning wing decoy. Murry Crowe is a tinkerer. He can take just about anything and build it into a working product. Terry gives full credit to Murry for the concept and design of what is now the number one spinning wing decoy in the world. Terry and Murry went through many prototypes, received much field testing from Jeff and his close customers, who spent hundreds of hours in the field testing them. To develop their first working product, each prototype would be tested in the field with hunters. The name “MOJO” comes from Voodoo folklore and means “magic.” And magic is what the spinning wing decoys produced. The only thing they needed now was a marketing direction. During the early 90s, there were many outdoor television 174 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Pictured above: Sheila and Murry Crowe (Murry engineered the MOJO Mallard). At right, Terry Denmon limits out with the M3500 in Canada. Bottom: Annette Napier and Terry Denmon
MOJO SUCCESS. Terry is quick to give credit to others. First and foremost he credits Murry Crowe for what has become the patented design now used for all models. He credits his on-going success to the team of professionals that work with him daily. He maintains competent people around him, including Mike Morgan, who heads up Media Relations. Mike is the long time host of “Hunting Across America” and serves as co-host of Terry’s shows. Chuck Smart runs the day to day operations as General Manager, while Nate Metcalf handles the TV and Video Production. Marty Bailey keeps tabs on Operations, and Terry’s latest addition is Stevie Fry, a very talented lady with a B.S. in Industrial Design and Juris Doctor degree who handles promotions and communications for the company. Terry is quick to point out that his biggest passion is his family. Terry’s kids, Randy, John and Karen (Graves), are a driving force for Terry as the Company moves into a very sure future. Hunting and the outdoors in general is a tough way to make a living. Terry has worked hard to survive in a very competitive business. However, he never dreamed that his work would be recognized as it
was in 2014, when he was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. This is a high honor but well deserved, when you look at where all of this started and where it has come to be today. The spinning wing decoy has changed the way duck hunters hunt. It’s a simple concept, but one that has proven over time to be as much of a staple in a blind as shotgun shells and a gun. I would wager that on opening day, on any flyway in the world, you will only find a small percentage of hunters who are not using a MOJO Mallard. But to spend some time with Terry will remind you of having a sip of iced tea with your favorite uncle. Terry loves hunting, and it is apparent when he is talking about what he loves. Whether it is big game hunting, varmint hunting or duck hunting, Terry is a pure professional and knows his business. Terry is unassuming, cordial and down to earth. Most impressive to me was the fact that he was ready, willing and able to get his hands dirty to get our job done for this article. He is always up to a challenge, and I am sure that we have not seen the last game changing product from this man and his team at MOJO Outdoors. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 175
Washington Wine & Spirits Fall Tasting On September 20, Washington Wine & Spirits hosted their Annual Fall Tasting in the atrium of Washington Plaza. Republic National Distributing, Southern Beverage Company, Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, International Wine and Spirits, Neat Wines, Choice Brands, Inc., Purveyor of Fine Wines and Wines Unlimited all participated in this year’s event. Wine aficionados and vino newbies all gathered to sample some of fall’s best selections. Washington Wine & Spirits is located at 300 Washington Street, Suite 110 in Monroe. Follow them on Facebook for information on their next tasting.
On the BayouScene 1 Chaneika and Reginald Jackson 2 Courtney Shetye and Emily Kennedy 3 Nikki Block Welder and Joe Cascio 4 Ray Allen, Patrick Horstkamp, David Lewis, Blake Herrington, Clint Durham and Sally Allen 5 Christian Mays and Chad Laster 6 Carol Dreyfus, Kent Perry and Beth Craig 7 Nathaniel Loggins, Wendy Freeman and Giovanni Prosino
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OUR MISSION To empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to have quality lives through instruction, support and opportunity throughout Northeast Louisiana. HISTORY ARCO is a homegrown service organization that was begun in 1954 by Ike and Shirley Hamilton and a small number of other families in response to their need to educate and support their children with developmental disabilities. Prior to these valiant efforts aimed at keeping their precious children at home, such children were sent away to stark and inhumane institutions. SERVICES Today, the agency has evolved into a support system that enables babies with disabilities to receive interventions that can actually change the course of their lives, reducing the impact of their disabilities through special instruction that impacts the neurological systems. Early on, parents learn what they need to do to direct their children’s improvement. Men and women with developmental disabilities are achieving much more than was ever thought possible, living in their own places, working at jobs that match their skill. Families partner with ARCO to assure that their adult sons and daughters have an independent life worthy of adult status, a point of freedom and assurance for the aging parents as well. Services are provided throughout northeast Louisiana. ARCO also has two employment training enterprises, ARCO Shred and Sassy Kats, A Resale Shop. ARCO Shred is a confidential document destruction service that provides a quality service for over 200 businesses throughout Northeast Louisiana. Sassy Kats, utilizes the donations that our community has been generously giving for years. The shop provides meaningful employment training opportunities, has a green component and provides affordable clothing alternatives for those in our community that can benefit from this service. EMPLOYMENT You can change someone’s life and get paid! Benefits and rewarding employment with both part-time and fulltime positions available. For more information, please call (318)387-7817 Ext. 106, ARCO is an equal opportunity employer. VOLUNTEER NEEDS Do you have a special talent? Art, dancing, fundraising, writing, yoga, etc. If you have it, and want to use it to enrich someone’s life, we are the agency for you! BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terry M. Duke - President, Pat Cranford - Vice President, Sarita Daniel - Secretary, Ryan Hemrick - Treasurer, Steve Haedicke, Joe Holyfield, Judge Wendell Manning, Steve Murray, Russell White and Doug Wood; Advisory Board - William Lewis; Resource Development Committee - Kay Shipp - Chairperson, Emily Caldwell, Dan Henry, Nick Henry, Nate Henry, Rachel McKenzie, Linda O’Neal, Sarah Prim, William Smart and Dawne Smith OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP We have a critical need for clothing donations at ARCO’s resale shop, Sassy Kats. Sassy Kats provides employment training for adults with developmental disabilities and the donations we receive are the beginning of the training process. The clothing is also sold to help supplement wages that are paid to the program participants. ARCO’s Children’s Center Holiday Campaign – November thru December 2017, become a financial partner to help support community and home based therapies for infants and toddlers with special needs. Early intervention services also provide special instruction for parents, families and other natural caregivers to best support their child’s needs. ARCO’s Annual Membership Campaign – March thru June, 2018, starting at just $30 you can become a financial partner, supporting the mission of the agency and assisting ARCO in providing quality services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For more information about ARCO, A Community Resource please go to www.arcomonroe.org or call Missy Fleming at (318)372-7817. 178 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
BOOK OF PHILANTHROPY
OUR MISSION To provide services to area cancer patients and also to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation. OUR MOTTO Seldom Seen, but Strongly Felt. OUR COMMITMENT AND VISION The Cancer Foundation League (CFL) is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as the fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support LCF’s programs and services. We aim to provide direct financial assistance to NE Louisiana individuals diagnosed with cancer. The CFL is committed to improving the financial, emotional and physical well-being of cancer patients in Northeast Louisiana (no matter where they are being treated). We hope to help lighten the financial burden, so that a patient and his/her family can concentrate their efforts on fighting the disease of cancer. The CFL founded in 2002 was initially formed with a $25,000 donation from philanthropist Kitty DeGree and the contributions have grown over the years. Local volunteers work hard to raise funds to help area cancer patients with non-medical bills, such as transportation to treatment, nutritional supplements, medications, lodging during treatment and some household bills. Members of the CFL deliver Christmas baskets to cancer patients throughout Northeast Louisiana each year. Since our inception, the Cancer Foundation League has spent almost $1,800,000.00 assisting over 4,700 NE LA cancer patients. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS President, Alise Oliver Vice President, Carla Costello Corresponding Secretary, Donna Davidson Recording Secretary, Karen Mailhes Treasurer, Susan Harwood Assistant Treasurer, Mary Linda McCann Publicity, Amanda McMullen Patient Services, Donna Nolan Immediate Past President, Barbara Grandon Members at Large, Morgan Duff, Ginny McMullen, Lisa Vige, Marion Willson EVENTS Christmas Basket Deliveries: December 6-10, 2017 Breast and Cervical Screening: January 2018 Annual Gala: January 27, 2018, “An Evening of Southern Elegance” Mardi Gras at Hixson BMW: February 3, 2018 Colorectal Screening: March, 2018 Theresa Marsala Memorial Golf Tournament: May 11, 2018 Skin Cancer Screening: May 2018 Cancer Survivors Celebration: June, 2018 Prostate Cancer Screening: September 2018
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NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
WHAT WE DO There is more than enough food in America to feed every man, woman and child, yet here in Northeast Louisiana, over 73,000 people struggle with hunger. The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Northeast Louisiana, providing over 4 million meals to those facing hunger in 12 parishes. This impact is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, food donors and community distribution partners. At the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, we believe no one should go hungry. OUR PROGRAMS Partner Agencies The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana distributes food to over 60 non-profit community partner agencies that operate local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger relief programs. These agencies are located in neighborhoods throughout 12 parishes in Northeast Louisiana and serve low income people in need of food assistance. Senior Program This program helps low-income senior citizens, aged 60 and older, stretch their food budgets by providing them with supplemental food each month. Seniors living on fixed incomes often have to choose between covering the cost of life-saving medications and buying the food they need to stay healthy. This program has grown to serve 1,435 seniors every month throughout Northeast Louisiana. BackPack Program The BackPack Program provides children with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other resources are not available. We currently provide Backpacks for 800 students every week at 20 Ouachita and Lincoln Parish schools. Kid’s Cabinet The Kid’s Cabinet School Pantry program distributes food right on school grounds—a readily accessible source of food assistance for low-income students and their families. Currently the program serves a total of 3,235 children who attend 8 schools in Madison, East Carroll and Union parishes. HOW TO HELP Donate Money For every $10 donated, we are able to provide 55 meals to those in need. Your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of hungry people living in Northeast Louisiana. Donate by mail or on our website. Donate Food Organize or participate in a food drive at your school, workplace or civic club. Visit our website for a list of most needed items and tips for planning a successful food drive. Food suppliers and manufacturers can donate surplus food inventory. Reduce your warehouse costs and the amount of food that ends up in landfills while helping the hungry in our community. Donate Your Time The Food Bank could not be successful without the many wonderful volunteers that pack food for our Senior and BackPack programs, assist with office work and help at events. Call our volunteer coordinator or visit our website to learn more. Open a Community Feeding Program If your church or non-profit agency would like to have a food pantry or a community meal program, we’d love to talk with you. We have information on our website that you can review to learn more. FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY. FIGHTING HUNGER. 180 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
BOOK OF PHILANTHROPY
SCHOOL READINESS TAX CREDITS HELP BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Each year, hundreds of local businesses take advantage of a dollar-for-dollar refundable tax credit that helps provide quality child care for our children and families in northeast Louisiana. School Readiness Tax Credits allow businesses to donate up to $5,000 to Louisiana Child Care Resource and referral agencies and recoup every penny. The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is one of six such agencies in the state. The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1998 with the mission to create “communities where children and families thrive.” The Children’s Coalition currently serves the 11 parishes in Region 9 and surrounding parishes with services addressing the developmental, social and emotional needs of children ages 0-18 through early care and education, healthy living, parenting education, and youth development. School Readiness Tax Credits were one of the few tax credits untouched by last year’s budget cuts. “The School Readiness Tax Credits are some of the most noteworthy and universal beneficial tax credits ever passed in Louisiana,” said State Rep. Katrina Jackson. “It was important that we holistically preserved these tax credits while the Legislature trimmed others that do not benefit all Louisianians.” One of the most visible ways that school readiness tax credits have changed the lives of children in our corner of the state is through the new Baby Bayou exhibit at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum. The infant and toddler space was designed to help build healthy brains through interactive play. It is used as both a teaching space for early childhood educators and a play space for children and families across the region. “Every day, we have visitors that come specifically to enjoy Baby Bayou,” says museum director, Melissa Saye. “The parents love it as much as the kids. One mother shared how when it was time for her 3-year-old to go home, her first words were, ‘When can we go back to the Bayou?’” Baby Bayou is also a place for parents to connect to quality child care and education. Once a week, Children’s Coalition staff member, Gerry Binkley provides on-demand child development and child care information in the space, and Type III child care centers can receive scholarships for field trips to the museum. “The point was to create a model that would help parents and educators understand the essential elements of quality child care and help connect them with that care,” explains Children’s Coalition Executive Director, Lynn Clark. “Research tells us that 85% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of three, and that brains are built through interaction—once you see a child in a space like Baby Bayou, it is literally a ‘no brainer’ why we need to invest in early childhood education.” School Readiness Tax Credits are a way to invest your dollars locally in early childhood education without spending a dime. Companies can donate up to $5,000 and get it back as a credit against that company’s state income taxes or as a direct rebate from the state treasury. Companies with multiple tax ID numbers can donate $5,000 for each corporation. Current programs supported by School Readiness Tax Credits include Baby Bayou at the Children’s Museum, community-wide events, grants to child care centers to help them increase quality, teacher training, shared resources for child care centers, parenting classes in the community, and early literacy programs. Tom Nicholson, a certified public accountant, said the tax credit program is so easy he almost didn’t believe it. “I went to our CPAs and I said, ‘Does this thing really work like this? Can it be this simple?’ And they assured me that, in fact, it was,” he said. Nicholson said that CPAs should be familiar with how to enroll clients or be able to fill out the brief form. “Other than that, it’s as easy as writing a check to the Children’s Coalition,” he said. For more information about the tax credits, visit the Children’s Coalition website http://www. childrenscoalition.org. Deadline for 2017 SRTC donations is December 31, 2017.
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OUR MISSION The Junior League of Monroe is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. ABOUT US Since 1930, members of the Junior League of Monroe have devoted countless volunteer hours to meet the needs of the people and organizations of our community. Community leaders have always looked to the JLM for leadership in starting new community programs. As a result, the JLM has often been the catalyst that turned an idea into a successful program that benefited many in our area. Here are a few examples of programs that we have started in recent years: CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate, Teen Screen, Shots for Tots, Teen Court, Operation Abstinence and Project Child. 2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Melissa Kiper President Elect- Cydni Hanks Communications VP- Meghan Sharp Community VP- Kelli Cole Financial VP- Cherry Coon Assistant Financial VP- Allison Earl Corresponding Secretary- Kathryn Bagley Membership Development VP- Loretta Lemoine Planning & Research VP- Joann Powell Advisory Planning Chair- Lauren Voorhees Nominating and Placement Chair- Mary Francis Siggers Fund Development- Heather Guillot Sustainer Advisor- Jenny Pankey COMMUNITY IMPACT Education Task Force – Each year, this committee awards mini-grants to area teachers in the amount of $500 per grant. In addition to mini-grants, the Education Task Force Committee also funds ACT workshops for qualifying high school juniors and seniors and continues to support the annual Ouachita Parish Scholars’ Banquet. Community Outreach- This committee volunteers with different organizations related to our Community Impact Focus, helping women and children at risk. The Community Outreach Committee aims to provide volunteer and leadership opportunities for members to advance in the league and other areas of the community. These volunteering opportunities allow our members to see a vast variety of community projects with an immediate impact. Tools and Literacy for Children – This program addresses the overall needs of at-risk children and families. TLC focuses on the physical, emotional and educational needs of a selected area elementary school with a high number of free and/or reduced lunches, conducts several parent nights which highlight various services and also provides uniforms and school supplies for all enrolled students. The program also provides new or gently used books, backpacks filled with school supplies, parenting classes, school uniforms, food at Thanksgiving, Christmas gifts and new or gently used coats for the entire student body.
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ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION The St. Francis Medical Center Foundation was founded in 2012 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady (FMOL) and the St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors who remain dedicated to fulfilling the mission of extending the healing ministry to those most in need. Donations and contributions to the Foundation go directly toward making a difference in the lives of the people across Northeast Louisiana. The Foundation is led by a board of directors who work to ensure adequate resources are secured to align with the hospital’s critical needs to continue the healthcare mission. 2017 FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS Rev. Larry Stafford (Chair) Alana Cooper John Luffey (Past Chair) Judge Milton Moore (Sec./Treasurer) Evelyn Johnson
Stuart Keyes Malcolm Maddox Laura Marchelos
Charles Marsala Nell Seegers Amber Shemwell, MD Bill Haley
In 2015, women and children services were identified by the board as key areas of focus for the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. St. Francis Medical Center has been the leader in providing the highest level of care for the women and children in our region. We have the area’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Level III Labor and Delivery and dedicated pediatric unit. The Foundation is committed to making sure we are able to continue these vital services. Most recently, through generous donations from grateful patients, businesses and community members, the Foundation assisted in purchasing the new Genius 3D Mammography Exam, 3D Affirm Prone Biopsy System and the SmartCurve Breast Stabilization System, setting us apart from all others as the first medical provider in the USA offering all three of the latest technologies for comprehensive breast cancer detection. While our services for women and children have earned a reputation for high quality care over the past years, critical equipment upgrades, enhanced services and expanded access to care and specialists are necessary to continue to provide the best care possible not only for our women and children, but for all patients we have the privilege to serve. Whether someone donates one time or annually, participates in a fundraiser, or honors a loved one or a caregiver through a tribute gift, each contribution allows us to fulfill the healthcare needs of our community and enhance the quality of care and experience received at St. Francis Medical Center. For more information on how you can donate, please go to stfran.com or call 966-7833. Thank you for your support! We are blessed to have a physician in Monroe with the knowledge and experience as Dr. Bermudez, pediatric neurosurgeon. He took great care of our son and we are forever thankful. – Jonathan and Holley Perry, Monroe I don’t think any parent ever wants to be in the NICU, but St. Francis takes you in like you’re a part of their family. You can see how much they care about all of the babies. We are blessed to have St. Francis and such good doctors and nurses so close to home. We are also very thankful for the NICU team and the power of prayer. – John and Megan Shirley, Ruston “When our first son, Brooks, was born with severe Pneumonia, we weren’t sure that he would live. We prayed and prayed that God would heal him. The St. Francis NICU team intervened as God’s hands and feet; now he lives as a testament of answered prayer and the standard of excellence that we have right here in Monroe, LA.” – Jeremy and Kristen Telfor, Ruston “When our twins were born 13 weeks early, the doctors, nurses and staff of the St. Francis NICU exceeded all our expectations. They truly treated our twins as their own which helped to ease our fears and anxiety as well as all other emotions that come with having a child in the NICU. Words can never express how thankful we are for them and how blessed our community is to have such an amazing NICU to care for our children.” – Nick and Whitney Richardson, Monroe
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United Way of Northeast Louisiana fights for the Education, Financial Stability, Health and Basic Needs of every person in our community. But we are more than the fund-raisers. We are the handraisers. We raise our hands not only to lead the fight, but to reach out to people who need help. And hope. We win by living united. By forging unlikely partnerships, finding new solutions to old problems, mobilizing the best resources and inspiring individuals and organizations to fight against our community’s most daunting issues. For over 60 years, United Way of Northeast Louisiana has been the unifying force that brings volunteers, donors, community leaders, faith-based groups, corporations, non-profits and government entities together, to create lasting change to lift up our entire community. Together, we will surround our community’s most critical problems and fight. Here are just a few examples of how living united can turn a fight into a win: • 9 6% of READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. students in Lincoln, Monroe City, and Ouachita Parish partner schools improved their reading skills during the 2016-2017 school year, increasing their chances of graduating high school. Since its launch, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. has provided over 24,000 free books to local 2nd and 3rd graders. • United Way of Northeast Louisiana, in partnership with FamilyWize, provided free FamilyWize prescription discount cards, saving $77,542 Northeast Louisiana residents on prescription costs in 2016, an average of 43% savings per prescription. • United Way of Northeast Louisiana collaborated with the Lincoln Parish Hunger Task Force Backpacks for Kids Program during the 2016-2017 school year to provide 8,580 bags of food to Lincoln Parish School children, who otherwise might have gone without food over the weekend. We invite you to join the fight for more caps and gowns, stronger, financially stable families, healthier children and seniors, and increased access to basic needs such as food, shelter, medicine, transportation and disaster relief. Here are just a couple of ways you can join over 500 dedicated, local volunteers in the fight to help people and improve our community: VolunteerUNITED In 2017, United Way of Northeast Louisiana launched VolunteerUNITED, a Volunteer Engagement Center developed to connect individual and group volunteers to the region’s most pressing needs, providing a rewarding, customized volunteer experience. Whether you’re seeking a volunteer opportunity for yourself, your family or your church or organization, our Community Engagement Manager is here to help you discover a meaningful opportunity to lend a hand and make a significant impact in the lives of people right here in our own back yard. Learn more about United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s employee and group volunteer opportunities in our VolunteerUNITED toolkit at unitedwaynela.org/volunteer, or call 211 to speak to our Community Engagement Manager. Dollars and $ense Reality Fair Volunteer opportunities are available now for the Dollars & $ense Reality Fair, United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s financial education simulation during which high school students actively learn how to make better financial decisions and gain knowledge of budgeting, saving and spending. These one-day opportunities typically last 3 hours, including training, which is provided on-site immediately prior to the event. To download our 2017-2018 Calendar of Events or sign up now, visit unitedwaynela.org/financialstability or call 2-1-1 for more information. To see our work in action, visit unitedwaynela.org/liveunited, or call 2-1-1 for more information. United We Fight. United We Win.
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OUR MISSION To strengthen and value individuals and families through professional services and community leadership with compassion and integrity. ABOUT US Founded in 1931, The Wellspring is one of the state’s oldest and most effective non-profits. The Wellspring is an umbrella organization focused on leading our community in serving people in need. Strengthening the lives of individuals and families is the tie that binds our programs together. We are steadfastly committed to the vision that has seen us now into our eighth decade – building thriving, healthy communities based on strong individuals and families. COMMUNITY IMPACT Changing our community, one life at a time. The Wellspring makes Northeast Louisiana stronger by helping individuals and families from all walks of life to overcome challenges, identify resources and develop workable solutions. Our mission is at work each day through the comprehensive, professional services The Wellspring offers: Youth Mentoring - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana (BBBS of NELA) strives to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families through relationships with caring, responsible adults. Learn more about BBBS of NELA online at bbbsofnela.org. Therapy and Supervised Visitation - The Counseling and Family Development Center is one of the area’s premier providers of counseling and mental health services. The counseling center serves as the Accredited Sexual Assault Center for this area. Learn more about this program by calling (318) 323-1505. Support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking - We offer comprehensive residential and non-residential services to adults and children in violent, abusive relationships. Support for the homeless - We have an array of homeless and Veterans’ programs and services throughout Northeast Louisiana serving some of our region’s most vulnerable individuals and families who are homeless, chronically homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Guillot, Chair Cathi Cox-Boniol, Chair-Elect Dwayne Ludley, Treasurer DeLayne Donnell, Secretary Aimee Buchanan, Member-at-Large Mary Barrios Cody Bauman
Toney Bolden Melissa Ducote Julie Emory Dr. Florencetta Gibson Herbert Guillory Jack Gustafson Sabrina Hogan
Brenda Johnson Judge Wendell Manning Nathan Neufang John Ross Chris Thomas
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES You can provide philanthropic support to The Wellspring in a variety of ways. Giving opportunities include Corporate Giving, Individual Giving, In-kind Donations, Honorarium and Memorial Gifts, Event Sponsorships, Endowment and Planned Giving, and more. Donations to The Wellspring can be received over the phone at (318) 323-1505, online at wellspringofnela.org, or by mail to 1515 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA 71202. UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 5:30 p.m. Patriot Square, Winnsboro Holiday Open House Thursday, December 7, 2017, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1515 Jackson Street, Monroe For more information about our upcoming events, please call (318) 323-1505. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 185
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OUR MISSION Our mission is to provide free air transportation to those patients needing diagnosis and treatments at medical facilities not available to them locally. Our goal is to eliminate the burden of travel allowing the patient to concentrate on getting well. ABOUT US Pilots for Patient is a Louisiana based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, established in 2008. We provide air transportation completely free of charge for qualified patients and requesting agencies. The volunteer pilots donate their time, fuel, aircraft and other flight expenses to fly these patients to and from their treatment facilities. In 2008, Pilots for Patients began as a small group of 5 pilots. Now, 9 years later, we are a group of over 120 pilots reaching patients across the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. We fly patients of all ages and work closely with children’s hospitals, such as Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Averaging 15-30 missions a week, Pilots for Patients has now flown over 3,700 missions and counting. Over the last 10 years Pilots for Patients has given back over 3 million dollars in in-kind services. A dedicated and compassionate group of office personnel and other volunteers coordinate travel for patients going to and from these medical treatment facilities. WHO PILOTS FOR PATIENTS HELPS Patients that travel with Pilots for Patients must be medically stable and ambulatory. They must be able to climb into a small private aircraft and sit upright for the complete flight. They must not have any medical condition that prevents them from flying in an unpressurized aircraft. No medical care is provided in flight. Pilots for Patients currently limits flights to approximately 300-350 miles. Requests for longer distances may be considered on a case by case basis. Requests can be made by qualified medical personnel online at our website. Patients can also download the necessary forms and take them to their medical facility to be completed and faxed to the Pilots for Patients office. Patients can also contact the office to discuss their travel needs. We currently require a five to seven day lead time to arrange the flights. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Philip Thomas, President; Phil Coyne, Vice President; Ryan Chappell, Director; Wayne Petrus, Treasurer; Sal Miletello, Secretary; Dr. Bruce Walker, Director; Sharon Thomas, Director; Donald Imhoff, Director OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP Pilots for Patients continually balances the Pilots, Patients and Patrons. One is not possible without the other two. We accept donations by mail and through our website. We are constantly on the pursuit to recruit more pilots and spread the word of PFP throughout the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Support for advertising through word of mouth, TV, radio and social media are greatly appreciated. UPCOMING EVENTS To be announced. For more information, check us out on our website and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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OUR MISSION Twin City Ballet achieves and inspires excellence in dance by offering mastery of the discipline, outstanding performances and community education and outreach. We take seriously our mission to provide quality training for our area’s talented young dancers, giving them opportunities to perform and provide superb entertainment for our community. ABOUT US Twin City Ballet Company, under the Artistic Direction of Linda Ford, Gretchen Jones, Michelle Harvey and Linda Lou Bourland, is a premier regional dance company with over 45 years of commitment to community enrichment through artistic and educational excellence. Based in the Twin Cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana since 1970, the company offers a year-round program of performances and classes providing young dancers with training by an experienced faculty and worldrenowned guest artists as performers, choreographers and teachers. The company embraces all styles of dance and has become a haven for exceptional dancers from a two-state region. The company enjoys the passionate support of its Board of Directors, Professional Board, Ballet Guild, enthusiastic Arts Council, area foundations and many local, state and national sponsors. Twin City Ballet’s Honor Company includes four Artists-in-Residence, a 33-member Senior Company and support and training groups. The company’s repertoire demonstrates our dancers’ versatile training, featuring classical and contemporary ballet, modern and jazz pieces. The 2017-18 TCB Season began with our Summer Dance Intensive Workshop, co-hosted with the University of Louisiana-Monroe’s School of Visual and Performing Arts. In October, Twin City Ballet gathered at ULM’s Brown Auditorium for Talk of the Town, which featured high-energy, soulful dancing. Choreographers Leaia Alsup, Joe Istre and Kristy Nilsson created stirring pieces that displayed the incredible strength and artistry that Twin City Ballet is known for. In December, school children will delight in seeing Joe Istre’s exciting production of Rudolph! The Gala performance will feature Twin City Ballet Company’s amazing array of dancers as they present Act II of the most beloved Christmas ballet of all, The Nutcracker. Set to Peter Tchaikovsky’s famous score and choreographed by Victoria VittumdeBethancourt, this portion of the story sees Clara wander through an amazing snow scene and into the Land of the Sweets. TCB will close the season in April with the 21st Anniversary of the Annual Ballet Under the Stars that includes a children’s show and evening performances in the amphitheater by the beautiful lake, plus an afternoon performance for the community – all at the picturesque Kiroli Park. MEMBERSHIP TCBC Membership has its rewards! Perks of Being a Patron or Higher Level Member: • Receive passes to our exclusive Ballet Barre for light refreshments before each performance. • Get preferred seating placement at reserved seating venues. • Support our area’s brightest stars! • Receive TCBC E-mail alerts about upcoming performances and events! • Get Membership Recognition in TCBC performance programs. • Get Early Bird pricing for Season Memberships and save over General Admission pricing! For more information about tickets, membership or season sponsorships, contact us at twincityballet@yahoo.com or call 318.388.3011. www.twincityballet.org. Make sure to like us on Facebook! UPCOMING EVENTS November 28 - December 1, 2017 School Performances of Rudolph December 2, 2017 Holly Jolly Children’s Breakfast with Santa - Beginning at 9 a.m. Matinee Performance of Rudolph - 11:00 a.m. Festival of Trees – 5 to 7:30 p.m. | Auction 6 p.m. Christmas Gala Performance – 7:30 p.m. April 20-21, 2018 Ballet Under the Stars – 7:30 p.m. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 187
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OUR MISSION The Big Whit 77 Foundation strives to make an eternal, positive impact on the lives of youth and families in north Louisiana by creating and supporting programs that provide love and encouragement to help each individual grow intellectually, spiritually and physically. OUR PROGRAMS Whit’s Warriors: The Big Whit 77 Foundation has awarded over $500,000 in college scholarships and supplies. Highschool seniors in Ouachita and Lincoln Parishes who meet the criteria are invited to apply for the $1000 scholarship toward higher education. Students applying will also be given the opportunity to attend a Leadership Conference. This scholarship program is unique and is intended for students who are looking for mentorship on how to excel in everything they do. A Whit’s Warrior is a student who wants to embody all the characteristics of a Leader; work ethic with balance, humility with confidence, passion with persistence, and a leader through consistency. By forming a group of community leaders, the program will be able to shape the lives of our youth while familiarizing participants on the communities opportunities, needs, challenges and resources. Warriors will establish an effective dialogue among participants and community leaders, while also forming friendships with participants and develop a network of peers through fun and interactive exercises. Open Arms: The Big Whit 77 Foundation believes that every child deserves a loving and supportive home. Open Arms offers financial grants to families going through the adoption process. It is important to us that those families who are called to adoption are not turned away because of the overwhelming cost. Applications are accepted twice a year and two financial grants are awarded in the Fall and Spring. The Open Arms grant is one of the only opportunities in the state that financially supports families pursing adoption. To date, we have joined 6 wonderful families on their adoption journey. Visit our website for the application and guidelines. The Wish List Event: Sponsored by Merrill Lynch Kirby-Orten-Guillot-Breaux & Associates, the Big Whit 77 Foundation partners with area organizations to identify families in Ouachita and Lincoln Parishes that have experienced a challenging year. Families are invited to spend the evening with the foundation as well as local University athletes for fun, food and a Christmas surprise! COMING UP The Big Whit 77 Foundation is currently undergoing a new website design. The new website will be moble friendly and provide up-to-date information while loaded with pictures from the foundation events and the Whitworths on and off the field. Whit’s Warriors applications will be released soon and will be due early next year. All eligible students who apply for the scholarship will be invited to attend the Leadership Conference with Andrew and Melissa Whitworth and other exciting guests. Don’t miss this rewarding opportunity. For more information, contact Julie Emory at foundation@bigwhit77.com or check out our website at www.bigwhit77.com Follow Andrew Whitworth with his new NFL team the Los Angeles Rams!
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OUR MISSION 90.3 KEDM Public Radio creates value by enhancing public life and promoting community dialogue by engaging its audience through news, education, cultural and music programming. ABOUT US 90.3 KEDM Public Radio was founded in 1991 by local citizens and the University of Louisiana Monroe to bring NPR News and classical music to northeast Louisiana, along with diverse local programming. More than a quarter century later, KEDM and KEDM.org have grown to be a connector for all of northeast Louisiana, providing news, music, and a sense of place for the best things in our area. PROGRAMS FOR YOUR LIFE KEDM’s broadcast schedule is based on your lifestyle. Mornings and afternoons, listen to NPR News and KEDM News for the latest from around northeast Louisiana, around the nation, and around the world on Morning Edition and All Things Considered – all delivered in a thoughtful, measured way, free from commercial interruption. The station brings awareness to the work of more than 250 local non-profit organizations each year on the interview program Lagniappe, information on money management on Wisdom on Wealth, and environmental news on Bayou-Diversity, plus other diverse local segments and programs. Classical music and jazz fill the midday and evening hours, and weekend programming features entertainment, the music of Americana, and storytelling. COMMUNITY IMPACT A strong public radio station benefits our community as a whole, and is elevating northeast Louisiana’s image and livability. KEDM attracts and attaches people to our region and promotes the kind of unique, authentic culture that makes people love where they live. KEDM creates the culture that the business community relies on to attract and keep young talent. The station strives to bring availability of the arts and cultural opportunities, openness to diverse people, a thriving social culture, availability of community events, and people caring about other people. SUPPORT KEDM is supported by members who give monthly or yearly. Become a member today! Just go to KEDM.org and click “Donate.” Businesses sponsor programming on KEDM, and receive brief mentions on the air and thanks at KEDM.org. WHAT’S NEXT Give the Joy of Learning: Put a book in the hands of a first or second grade student with every gift of $20 to KEDM. Partnering with the Read. Learn. Succeed. program of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Now through December 11, 2017. Policy and a Pint: Small Business Value in a Dot Com World. Bring your question to a panel discussion on the remarkable local value that small businesses bring to holiday gift-giving and yearround. Tuesday, November 14 at Enoch’s Irish Pub, and recorded for broadcast November 21. Match for Meals: Make a gift for programs on KEDM and trigger a sponsor’s gift of meals to individuals and families in our area. Partnering with the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. February 5-24, 2018.
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ABOUT US Life Choices is a 501 (c) 3, non profit organization, primarily funded through the kindness of our community through churches, businesses and individuals. It began in 1979 out of Dr. Meade O’Boyle’s office as an alternative to abortion. Life Choices offers pregnancy tests and information in a caring and confidential environment. We provide information on choices regarding an unplanned pregnancy. Life Choices also offers ultrasound, counseling, post abortive counseling and abstinence education. In addition, the HOPE program is designed for material assistance throughout the pregnancy and the first year of the baby’s life. All of our services are free of charge. MISSION STATEMENT Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center is a mission, in active obedience to Jesus Christ, that saves young women and their unborn babies from the consequences of abortion by: • Equipping people involved in unexpected pregnancy to make life-affirming choices by giving them information on fetal development, adoption, and the procedures and risks of abortion • Educating young people about the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage and equipping and encouraging them to live chaste (morally pure) and responsible lives • Helping people suffering from post-abortion stress to find healing, and communicating the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ BOARD MEMBERS Mark Anyan Phillip Brooks Tom Deal Paulla Foster
Rebecca Frye Frank Hoffman Lynn Lincecum Wendell Manning
Todd Sherwin Cindi Wainwright Kerri Wall Enaka Yembe
SERVICES Life Choices of Monroe offers the following services to girls and women seeking pregnancy counseling, abortion counseling, and abortions in Louisiana: • • • • •
Pregnancy tests Ultrasounds HOPE program Community resource referrals One time emergency assistance
Life Choices also provides speakers for groups and events and abstinence educational material for schools and churches. HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Volunteer – Serve as a peer counselor or mentor to girls in our programs. • Give Financially - Every 24 seconds a baby dies from abortion in the United States. We created our 24 club, where you can donate $24 a month to help save lives. • Group Projects – Get your church group or friends involved to make baby blankets or host a baby shower for Life Choices. • Donate – You can donate diapers as well as new or gently worn baby clothes. These items will be available for new moms participating in Life Choices programs. • Church Liaison – We work with local churches and you can serve as a the contact person for Life Choices in your church. • Prayer – On your own or with a Bible study group or church, you can intentionally and specifically pray for Life Choices, the staff and the girls participating in our programs.
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OUR MISSION It is Louisiana Delta Ballet’s goal to bring quality ballet to North Louisiana in order to educate our young people in arts enjoyment and appreciation as well as to enthuse the community at large in the passion of ballet. We strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation for dance performance and to further the growth of the arts through the development of an audience sensitive to the importance of all artistic undertakings. ABOUT US The Company consists of pre-professional dancers from a sixteen parish area of North Louisiana. LDB has become a vessel for dancers to pursue a professional dance career and has also contributed to an increase in the appreciation for the arts in the community. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Downhour, President Gene Crain Lacy Miletello McCarthy Jeanine Ballance, Vice President/Secretary Scott Crain Mike McGee Cruse Flowers, Vice President/PR Joan Edinger Lamar Walters Connie Walden, Treasurer Dr. Dan Holt Rochelle Wiliams Josh Barham Courtney Hornsby Deborah Colvin Evelyn Johnson STAFF Missy Crain, Artistic Director Elmarie Wessels, Assistant Artistic Director Colette Boutwell, Business Manager UPCOMING EVENTS A Very Merry Oz Christmas Join Dorothy, as she is swept away to the North Pole on Christmas Eve and re-discovers her Dear Friends in the Land of OZ! Dorothy soon realizes there really is no place like home for Christmas! December 12-15, 2017 – Special School Performances Call 318-345-1155 to reserve your class today! December 15, 2017 – Gala Performance Monroe Civic Center’s W.L. Jack Howard Theater Patron Party 6:30 p.m., Theater Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Contact the LDB office at 318-345-1155 Dancing with the Louisiana Stars February 2, 2018 – Monroe Civic Center Arena Cocktail party 6:00p.m.| Performance begins at 7:00p.m. Salsa your way into the Monroe Civic Center’s Arena and cheer on your favorite local celebrity as they compete for the 2018 championship title! Reserve your table today by calling 318-345-1155 Power & Grace, The Easter Celebration! Sunday, March 25, 2018 | Palm Sunday 3:00 p.m. Beautiful dancing coupled with local Ministers and vocalists to bring you this one-of-kind Easter experience! Call 318-345-1155 for Tickets! Special Church Group Rates! For more information or to buy tickets, visit louisianadeltaballet.com.
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OUR MISSION Monroe Renaissance is a non-profit organization made of volunteers working to stimulate and make possible the re-awakening of downtown Monroe through community participation, resulting in an enhanced quality of life. ABOUT US Monroe Renaissance is one of the key groups responsible for the current transformation of the downtown area. In 1999, the group was organized to raise money for the Riverwalk area, on South Grand Street, across from the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. After raising $1 million for that particular project, the group continues to organize and fund beautification efforts and events to grow and revitalize downtown Monroe! Recently, Monroe Renaissance has focused on the restoration and revitalization of the Garrett House. The group acquired this historical building from the Monroe Town Committee of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Louisiana and is located on South Grand Street, past the Rivermarket. The building dates back to circa 1840 and has survived floods, fires, storms and neglect. The group restored the interior to make the building functional and part of the downtown revitalization. Monroe Renaissance has partnered with Arrow Public Art and made the Garrett House a stop during the Downtown Gallery Crawl. The house has been open during downtown events, allowing the public to make use of it. Below are some more of the projects and efforts that Monroe Renaissance has worked on in recent years - • Raised $1 million from private donors to fully funded the Riverwalk area on the Ouachita River, which led to the current River Market • Donated the Riverwalk to the City of Monroe • Donated $19,200 to the City of Monroe to complete the RiverMarket area • Donated funds to Louisville Avenue Beautification Project • Created and organized the bi-monthly Downtown Pub Crawl, which highlighted the downtown restaurants and bars and brought thousands of participants to the area • Coordinates, produces and funds the annual Independence Day and Christmas Firework displays • Partnered with Monroe Garden Study League, Acme Brick and The City of Monroe to create brick planter on the end of Art Alley and beautify the area • Funded trees to be planted along Desiard Street and Art Alley • Organized “Pink Out Downtown” for Breast Cancer Awareness month • Coordinated and funded the “Finding Home” mural, painted by local artist, Nicholas Bustamante • Hosts annual “Up on the Rooftop” holiday party • Coordinated “Walking in a Window Wonderland,” a partnership with the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and local junior high and high school art classes to decorate the windows along Desiard for the month of holiday season • Funded and organized the “Light up the Night” effort to decorate the downtown area with white Christmas lights for the holiday season • Coordinated and funded beautification efforts of Bry Park • Coordinated and funded beautification efforts of crosswalks areas throughout downtown • Funded benches on Art Alley, in honor of local artists • Funded and installed downtown signage including historic sign on Art Alley and welcome sign at Bry Park • Upcoming 2017 Christmas card competition with middle and high school art classes, as well as the University of Louisiana Monroe • Grant recipient from the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau for Christmas activites Monroe Renaissance is always looking for volunteers to help with their revitalization efforts. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Monroe Renaissance at 318-807-1177 or MonroeRenaissance@gmail.com.
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There’s a magic to the theatre that you can only experience when that red velvet curtain rises. And the Strauss Theatre Center has been raising the curtain on exciting shows featuring local talent for more than 86 years. 86 YEARS Theater captured the fancy of Twin City residents as early as 1929 when a drama club was formed and Shakespeare was read at meetings. In 1932, the group met in the Hotel Monroe and wrote a charter. Dues were $1 per year, and Little Theatre of Monroe, Inc. was officially born! Over the next 30 years, these theatre enthusiasts were gypsies, finding performance spaces wherever they could. Clifford M. Strauss decided this would no longer do and, knowing that the enthusiastic community would support it, launched a building drive-in 1959. Construction was completed on April 13, 1961. Damn Yankees opened the season and starred Life Members Dr. George Brian as the devil and James R. “Buddy” Henry as a singing ballplayer. The enterprising group even secured uniforms from the REAL New York Yankees. In 1961, Little Theatre had a new address, and the playhouse also had a new director, Richard M. Clark. The exciting new theatre was the first community theatre in the country to secure the rights to produce the Broadway hit, Bye Bye Birdie because a Monroe boy, Slade Brown, had produced it on Broadway. History repeated itself in 1988 when Little Theatre was the first community theatre in the country to receive the rights to produce the smash off-Broadway hit, Steel Magnolias, because a local friend of the theatre knew the playwright, Robert Harling, who was from Natchitoches. In 1967, Camelot thrilled audiences, and that summer a director from Winston Salem, N.C. was hired. His name was Chris Ringham, and the next 30 years under his leadership would see great growth and progress. Now, both Main Stage and Young Troupe productions are produced by a talented staff, hundreds of volunteers and a large, supportive membership who have continued to be a strong artistic force in Northeast Louisiana, serving thousands of adults and youth. Our desire for quality theatrical experiences remains as strong and constant today as it was when that small group of enthusiastic community players wrote our charter 85 years ago. A.C. FUND For the past several months we have been struggling with air-conditioner issues. Now, the unit that cools our stage area has completely gone out and must be replaced. The estimate we have received for replacement exceeds $35,000. Our actors, musicians, and technicians on and around the stage area have been suffering through some very warm temperatures. It has also affected our audience. The cost of the air-conditioner replacement far exceeds our budget and leaves us with greatly reduced operating funds for the current and future seasons. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help meet this very real need. WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Advertise – Space is available in the playbills for each of our shows. Consider advertising your business with us and support the theatre while Audition – Audition notices for all shows are posted on our Facebook page, Instagram and on our website. Past experience on stage is a plus but it’s definitely not required. Call our box-office for more information. Donate – We rely on the generosity of our friends in the community to continue to bring exceptional live entertainment to our stage. Please consider making a tax deductible donation today! Sponsor – The cost to produce each of our fantastic plays, musicals and dinner theatres is largely underwritten by local individuals and businesses. This is a fantastic way to share your love of the theatre with employees, family and friends. Volunteer- Whether it is helping with set design, lighting, sound or greeting fellow theatre go-ers, there is a job for just about everyone. Contact our box-office to see how you can help! Tickets can be purchased through our website strausstheatrecenter.com or by calling our box-office (318) 323-6681.
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TREATS
This holiday season get your loved one a sweet treat from these local jewelers. Whether it’s a little arm candy or a radiant rock, these pieces are sure to make her swoon. Photography by Martin G Meyers
DUPONT JEWELERS
Pear shaped emerald 1.5 ct diamond; Opal ring- 18k yellow gold 1.25 ct diamond; Oval Amethyst ring 18k yellow, ½ ct diamond; Peridot 1 ct diamond, 14k white gold; Oval Sapphire ring 1.3pct .83 ct diamond, 14k yellow gold; 1.5 ct round yellow diamond necklace 14k white gold; and Pear shaped blue topaz ring ½ ct diamond 194 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
HOLLIS & CO. JEWELERS
18k rose gold diamond ring with .70 carats; 14k rose gold diamond bangle bracelet with .85 carats; 14k rose gold diamond cuff bracelet with .33 carats; 14k rose gold man’s wedding band; 14k rose gold brown and white diamond earrings with 2.15 carats; 18k rose gold diamond cross with rose cut and round diamonds, 1.74 carats; 14k rose gold diamond bangle with .83 carats; 14k rose gold diamond bangle with 1.72 carats; 18k rose gold diamond pave circle of life necklace with 1.59 carats; and selection of rose gold and diamond stackable rings WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 195
B AY O U E AT S
THE LOG CABIN For twenty-one years, this Cajun-inspired restaurant has served “the flavor of Louisiana” to the Ruston community and beyond. Article by Vanelis Rivera and photography by Martin G Meyers
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inutes away from exit 86, Log Cabin Grill and Market--a Ruston staple--is ready to appease any grill-lover’s cravings. Since 2005, coowners Johnny Gaudet and Chris Garriga have created a frontier of food in a family friendly, homestead setting, a ‘good vibes only’ dining experience. The family oriented focus that resonates at “the cabin” has its roots in another Ruston staple-- Ponchatoulas. For twentyone years, this Cajun-inspired restaurant has served “the flavor of Louisiana” to the Ruston community. It was founded in February 1996 by Johnny, who later partnered with Chris in 2004. Chris, affectionately referred to as “Moose,” began working for Johnny as a cook while attending Louisiana Tech University. Johnny took Chris “under his wing and taught him the ropes of the business, food preparation and customer service,” allowing Chris to realize “his passion for the business.” The “family vibe” at Ponchatoulas grew effortlessly between
patrons and employees, particularly because it was a hub for LA Tech students. Moved by and deep-seated in the closeness of this dynamic, Chris began to shift his career focus. After Chris graduated from LA Tech in engineering, he told his mother that he wanted to open up a restaurant, a surprising change, but not necessarily a transformation of character. Chris has “always had a drive to be successful” and “always wants to be better and do better,” affectionately recalled his younger brother Michael Garriga, currently manager of the Log Cabin market. Michael is the kind of guy that has no problem sharing a beer with a stranger. Like his brother, he also worked at Ponchatoulas as a LA Tech student, working his way up from dishwasher to kitchen manager. Michael ended up not pursuing a carreer in marketing, but decided instead to attend culinary school in Baton Rouge. He weighed his odds as a ‘win win,’ wisecracking that “worst case scenario, I’ll just be a good cook for my future wife.”
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he brothers may have strayed from their degrees, but not from their family heritage. Born into a “big Italian family” from Shreveport, Louisiana, Chris and Michael witnessed the communal joy while sharing food at a family table. Michael recalled, “Every Sunday when I was growing up, we would go to our Uncle Vince’s, and there would just be a big layout. Lasagna, spaghetti, Italian sausages, sugo.” Family and comfort food became synonymous for the brothers, the foundation for their approach to food and service. “The best time’s when you get with your family and you eat, you tell stories, and you embarrass each other, you probably argue a little bit, but nothing brings people together like food,” added Michael. Michael’s culinary talents are not wasted as manager of the Log Cabin Market. Part of SMOKED BABY BACK RIBS
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and his grandmother “cooking up a storm,” Michael is a self-proclaimed “mad scientist” in the kitchen. The siblings often collaborate on market and menu items, constructing a medley of recipes. “We come up with a recipe, we try it out, we see how it does and if it’s awesome, we roll with it… It’s really exciting.” While Michael is hands-on, Chris has been known to jump into the kitchen. “He can rock the grill like nobody I know. Whenever we get busy, he helps everyone out and then goes back to doing paper work and everything. He’s a jack of all trades.” A willfulness to pursue “good food and fun,” is the centerpiece of this establishment, which originally was a log cabin home. Thirty years ago it was converted into a restaurant, later purchased by Johnny and Chris. The exterior holds true to its name, while the interior is a modernized casual-rustic feel. Oak and walnut-shaded wood floors, columns, and walls establish the low-key, “set you at ease” atmosphere. Antique trinkets line window-topped shelves, grooved steel panels serve as room partitions, and a vintage white-washed door separates the bar area from the dining hall-- A well-balanced space for an equally balanced menu. Between the appetizers, salads and spuds, Mesquite grill dishes, Tex Mex dishes, specialty sandwiches, burgers, American classic dishes and desserts, Log Cabin’s dine-in menu makes it
considerably difficult to just choose one dish. In fact, Michael suggests that a table should order different dishes in order to sample each other’s food. New patrons are encouraged to begin their Log Cabin food experience with their BBQ chips and dip, layers of BBQ beans, chopped beef or pork, cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon bits with jalapeño peppers and served with tortilla chips. Another exceptional starter is the spinach and artichoke dip, a simple classic made with creamy cheeses and served with tri-color tortilla chips. Highly praised by Michael are the Cajun roasted potatoes, slow-cooked “until they crisp up real good,” then seasoned and topped with cheese, sour cream and bacon bits. The Mesquite grill items are must-have picks, especially for first time diners. Log Cabin receives all of their meats from US Foods, a company based in Chicago. They are incredibly proud of their 22 ounce bonein ribeye, Choice aged Angus beef grilled to order, and served with a side salad, bread and your choice of either Cajun roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, spud, hand cut fries, loaded baked potato salad, baked beans, mashed potatoes, or loaded mashed potatoes. Smoking their own meats -- beef, pork, ribs and half chickens -- is another source of pride for Log Cabin. Smothered in their homemade Bourbon BBQ sauce and seared on an open flame, the Mesquite smoked baby back ribs are Michael’s second entree endorsement. While not marketed as a Mexican restaurant, the Tex Mex menu can stand alone. The quesadillas reign at the top of Michael’s list, mostly because of the savory grill options-- BBQ pork, sausage, chopped beef, sliced beef or fajita-style chicken or beef. Choose the jalapeño cheese tortilla and enjoy this classic served with a side of queso, which Michael confidently claims could “challenge” anyone’s concerning flavor. Confidence in their menu items is exhibited on their website in the form of advertising videos. One in particular correlates to a standout entree, homestyle favorite, chicken fried steak. The video’s view from the kitchen shows the straightforward preparation, from the tenderizing of the meat, double breading and the deep frying. Yet, the simple artistry of the dish is in its finalization, cream gravy poured over a freshly goldencrisped steak and your choice of side and side salad. The ‘noms’ are real. The Mesquite grill may take center stage in the kitchen, but the unexpected stars of the Log Cabin menu can be found in the dessert menu. Namely, their selection of bread puddings, which use the homemade bread pudding mix that originated in Ponchatoulas. The peach bread pudding with a Foster’s
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PEACH BREAD PUDDING
sauce is a testament to Chris and Michael’s daring food choices. It was made popular during Ruston’s Peach Festival and kept on the menu by popular demand. While they also make a donut bread pudding and blueberry bread pudding, it’s Michael’s most recent ‘sweet-vention’ that goes unmatched-- the Oreo bread pudding. A bite of this warm and gooey ‘joy capsule’ is sure to warrant more than one order. Thanks to the Log Cabin market, you don’t have to wait for the next dine-in experience to fill your cravings. Impressively stocked, you can choose from take-and-bake items, fresh meats, drink mixes, cafe baking and sweets, spices, herbs and sauces, Cajun specialty items, gluten free items and gift items. The take and bake items include bacon jalapeño macaroni and cheese, chicken and sausage jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and crawfish sherley. Meat lovers should be excited at the display of homemade sausages, jambalaya stuffed quail, seasoned ribeyes, filet poppers and stuffed pork. Some take and bake items are market-only items, such as Michael’s lasagna, which showcases his grandmother’s sauce. Offering a stand-alone dining experience isn’t one man’s work. The business is about supporting and investing in people. Log Cabin strives to take care of its workers and take care of the community. They look for employees that they can invest in and that will, in return, invest back into the business. Michael credits the success of the restaurant to the unity of the employees and customers, an effort embodied and perfected by longtime manager Meg Brown. A manager at Log Cabin before it was bought by Chris and Johnny, she’s the kind of woman who knows people by name and leads by example. “A lot of people have a right hand man,” affirmed Michael, “[Chris] has a right hand woman. She helps my brother with everything under the sun… she is one of the best people I’ve met in my life.” Proof of their success shows on their Facebook page, Log Cabin Mesquite Grill. Customers have raved about the restaurant’s high marks on TripAdvisor, the friendly and attentive food service, and specific dishes from the menu and market, such as the steak and loaded baked potato, the chicken fried steak, boudin and the smoked chicken. Following them on Instagram grants customers access to giveaways, food specials and new food items. Recently, they promoted their new breakfast menu through a contest. The eagerly awaited menu takes effect on October 25th. Select, local only, draft beers are also highlighted on their Instagram profile to further promote an important focus of the restaurant best depicted by their featured hashtag: #eatlocal. Online services have also taken the form of an app. With the online order option, you can order days in advance, an especially nifty feature for large parties. Be assured that your food will get expedited once it hits Meg’s desk. Log Cabin is located at 1906 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, Louisiana. Open from Sunday to Thursday between 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday between 11AM to 9:30 PM. Visit their website http://logcabingrill.com, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or reach the restaurant at (318) 255-8023. 200 NOVEMBER 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
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Downtown River Jam On October 5th, beer and music lovers gathered downtown for the fall installment of Downtown River Jam. Attendees enjoyed music by local favorites The Waterboys and headliner The Josh Love Band. As the sun set, the cooler weather was perfect for dancing. New brews from Abita and Flying Tiger were available to sample, courtesy of Choice Brands, as well as some favorites from Yuengling and Nola. Downtown Monroe and West Monroe were buzzing as the crowds migrated back and forth between Art Alley, Bry Park and Antique Alley. It was a great night to experience local culture.
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1 Delia Simpson and Kurt McEnery 2 Ava Grace, Cody and MJ Deville 3 Terry Kincaid and Laurie Daniel 4 Morgan Decelle, Kelli McEnery and David Fluke 5 Kori Clowers, Melanie Jones and Cyndi Tatum 6 Julie Salter and Karen Hart 7 Janna Taylor and Jessica Roberts 8 Sondre Swan, Pashen Sims and Courtney Collins 9 Nicholas Norris and Helen Wilkinson 10 Vanessa Dartlon and Paul Holzem 11 Scot Humes and Magan Bass 12 Tara Elmore, Tammie and Glen White 13 Lee Deal and James, Rebecca George and Brayden Wright 14 Lacy Bagbey, Alyssa Akers, Lauren Rappold, and Jey Smith 15 Fred and Charlotte Broadway 16 Jay Duncan and Kacey Nelson
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CABIN FEVER Get outdoors this fall with these looks from area boutiques. Over-the-knee boots and comfy cardigans take center stage in seasonal trends. Special thanks to Melanie Massey Groves. Photography by MARTIN G MEYERS Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Hair and Makeup by MEKA BENNETT Model MALLORY LYNN
DUCK & DRESSING
Layer up this season with this ‘it’s been emotional tee and army camo shirt. Throw on a long charcoal cardigan and thick knit scarf with fur trim for cold nights. Finish the look with these high waisted bootcut jeans in a faded wash and frayed cropped hem and burnished leather loafers.
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HERRINGSTONES
This fall add a punch of color to your wardrobe with this plushy cord moto jacket in a slouchy silhouette. Layer it over a gorgeous lightweight poplin blouse featuring a high neck with crochet detailing. These black mid-rise jeggings are paired with these purr-fect leopard booties with scalloped topline. Accessorize with a crystal and leather necklace and black granite cocktail ring.
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THE FASHION OF RUSTON
Get cozy in this caramel and grey color block sweater. Throw on a plush grey cardigan and denim mid-rise jean with contrasting side stripe and dark blue wash for an evening at the cabin. Accessorize with these soft full-grain leather boots and Jenny Bird gold disc earring.
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THE FLEURTY GINGER
Break the chill in this plum top with lace-up neckline and plaid cardigan with roll-up sleeves and pockets. Pait it with your favorite pair of high-waisted olive distressed leggings. This stylish hat is fuzzy and fun and features a fur pom pom. Accessorize with a closed toe strap bootie in gray and layered necklaces. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 207
CROSWELL’S BOUTIQUE 139
This multi-colored patterned faux fur vest is a show-stopper when layered over an off-white blouse with button neckline. Throw on this darling full button down corduroy mini shirt for a casual date night or outing with girlfriends. These stylish cowgirl boots with turquoise stitching and swinging fringe will help put your best foot forward.
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ELEVEN 26
This bell sleeve top features lace embroidered details on the front with a mock neck and is layered with a berry-colored nubby bouclĂŠ yarn cardi with ruffle cuffs. Throw on a pair of high-rise skinny fit jeans and a knee-high boot for a touch of elegant sophistication.
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K-SERA BOUTIQUE
One glance is all it takes to fall for these fierce black leggings with lace-up detail. Add a creme blouse with choker neck and long roll-up sleeve cascade cut faux suede jacket. Accessorize with this white studded slingback kitten heels and silver crescent earrings.
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THE NUDE NOMAD
Sweeten your seasonal look with this cream knit sweater with floral embroidery detail pulled over an oversized ombre plaid shirt. Add a fun touch with this brown suede button-down mini skirt, velvet quilted purse, layered necklaces and suede knee-high boots with velvetlace corset detailing at the back.
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HEMLINE MONROE
Add a fashionable twist to a classic staple with this cold shoulder summer white sweater paired with this gorgeous grey and white faux fur jacket and luxe faux leather mini skirt with hem-to-hem front zip closure with daring side split. These sleek suede over-the-knee boots complete the ensemble.
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FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE
We love this super soft and slouchy American-made raglan tee featuring artwork from The Steve Miller Band album Book of Dreams. For cooler weather, throw on this boxy cropped denim shirt and black super flare jeans with frayed hem. Accessorize with a vintage Western black leather belt and choker and chunky cable-knit beanie.
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Dentistry from the Heart Arrow Dental Center hosted its 5th annual Dentistry from the Heart event on Friday, October 13. This free event was open to patients that were 18 years and older who cannot get dental care elsewhere. Over 100 patients were seen and received exams, teeth cleanings and extractions. Dr. Johnston and his staff look forward to serving the community through this outreach each year and would like to thank the volunteers that make this possible.
On the BayouScene 1 Tanya White, Jennifer Smith and Gerry Johnson 2 Dr. Kevin Williams and Dr. William Johnston 3 Susan Seanor and Britney Pardon 4 Amanda Strange and Dana Ford 5 Marquita Heckard and Amy Stewart 6 Tyra Carprue and Tuyet Ho 7 Gary Johnson and Dr. Leigh Ann Robinson
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Bark in the Park
On Saturday, October 7, Ouachita River Valley Animal League (ORVAL) held their Annual Bark in the Park 5k and 1K walk and 1K fun run with your pet. The event began with a blessing of the pets and after the race was completed, pups and pals gathered to hear winners, grab their goodie bags, get some nibbles and socialize with other pet owners. Participants help ORVAL to continue its Animal Assistance Programs. Many thanks to all of the sponsors who help make this possible.
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On the BayouScene 1 S hannon Embanato, Roux, Joey Embanato and Emerson Glover 2 Stormy and Keira Van Horn 3 Alisha Eppinette with Jett 4 Kristi May and Sophie 5 S kyler White, Landa Cartwright, Kim Baker, Sean Patrick Baker, Ian Baker, with Sam and Yoda 6 Sadie Edler and Mac Anderson with Oliver and Chloe 7P aige Harrell, Alicia white, Dr. John McClendon, Denise Kindrix, Keira and Stormy Van Horn 8 Jody King and Kristen Lambrecht 9W illiam and Michael Sandifer, Kody Chase and Dixon Sandifer 10 Rachel and Stuart Sitton and Rosie 11 Kendal, Tracy, Cameron, Darren and Cason Oglesby with Jameson and Clark 12 Kelly Louviere, Brenda Hudson with Gunner Louviere 13 John Gentry with Effie and Morgan Thompson with Benji 14 Karen Knoeck, Rhonda Emaus and Simran Emaus 15 Oliver and Chloe 16 Carlin Davis with Ms. Betty 17 Lisa and Kelly Anderson 18 Amanda Daniel, Erin Love, Dani Chase and Kathy Whipple 19 James Sharplin and Theda Birdsong 20 Debbie and David O’Neal with N.D. and Libby 21 Cheyenne Comer and Brixton
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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com November 2 Cooley House Foundation Lecture Series The free Cooley House Lecture Series continues with “Saving Louisiana’s Treasures” presented by Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation Executive Director Brian Madison Davis. Davis, a Ouachita Parish native, will detail the efforts of the Louisiana Trust to preerve our state’s historical houses and buildings. Davis also will provide resources for tax credits and legal protections involving the renovation of historical structures. Venue: Ouachita Grand Plaza Hours: 6:00 p.m. Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 November 3-4 The Mousetrap A group of strangers is stranded in a boarding house during a snow storm, one of whom is a murderer. The suspects include the newly married couple who run the house. A spinster with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman, traveling on skis. He no sooner arrives, when the jurist is killed. Another famous Agatha Christie switch finish! Chalk up another superb tale of intrigue for the foremost mystery writer of her time. Venue: Strauss Theatre for the Arts Hours: Friday and Saturday 7:00 p.m. Cost: $30 plus tax for Adult/$10 for Student Phone: 318-323-6681 November 4 Holiday Market The 2nd annual Holiday Market in 2017 was a great
success! For its third year, it will feature a wide array of vendors to help attendees prep for the holiday season all at the Origin Bank Downtown RiverMarket. Shoppers looking for home décor and holiday decoration delight and attendees can find everything on their gift shopping list at the Holiday Market. Venue: RiverMarket Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free Admission Phone: 318-807-1735 Landry Vineyards presents: Smackwater Landry Vineyards winery outdoor concert featuring Smackwater. A mix of Classic Rock and R&B music will have you, family and friends dancing all night. Make sure you pack your lawn chair, blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy the outdoor show. Venue: Landry Vineyards Hours: 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cost: Adults: $10; Ages 13-18: $5; Children 12 and under: Free Phone: (318) 557-9051 Ainsley’s Angels 2nd Annual Rollin on the River 5k This 5k race supports Ainsley’s Angels. Early packet pick up will be Friday, November 3 at Fleet Feet in Monroe. Location: 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Cost: $25-30 Phone: 318-325-9160 November 7 Gluten Free Friends Support Group Meeting Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Vantage Health Plan will be sponsoring Gluten Free Friends support group meetings. Meetings are held semi-annually and this month’s key speaker is Chris McKnight, Chef/Owner of The Fat Pelican, who will also cater the meeting. RSVP by October 31. Venue: Vantage State Building
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Rooftop Garden Admission: Free Phone: 318-361-0900 ext. 22371 November 9 Romeo is Bleeding Indie Film This award-winning documentary follows Donté Clark, a young poet transcending the violence in his hometown by writing about his experiences. In a city haunted by a fatal turf war, Donté and the like-minded youth of the city mount an urban adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with the hope of starting a dialogue about violence in the city. Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Dixie Center for the Arts Admission: $5/$3 for students Contact: 318-255-1450
November 9-11 Holidays in CedarTown Kick off your holiday shopping with Ruston’s premier shopping market featuring an assortment of vendors and special events. Location: Ruston Civic Center Contact: 318-255-7707 November 10 Veterans Day Celebration Come out and express appreciation to local veterans. This event includes a parade, ceremony in Railroad Park and flyover to celebrate Veterans Day. Time: 10:00 p.m. Location: Railroad Park Admission: Free to attend Contact: 318-255-8621
Rock the Railroad “Red, White and Blue” The Veterans Day festivities continue Downtown Ruston with a downtown backyard BBQ! Come out for live music, food, tailgating games and a pep-rally featuring Champ, LA Tech Cheerleaders and Regal Blues! Come show your support for all our service men and women do for our country! Time: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Location: Railroad Park Admission: Free to attend Contact: 318-255-2031 An Evening with the General Hear the story of Major General James Whitehead, Jr.,-- the first African American Lockheed U2 pilot. More details coming soon! Venue: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum Hours: 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Cost: TBA Phone: 318-342-8889 November 11 2nd Annual High Cotton 5k This 5k is the kick off for the Cotton Land Marathon. Run the beautiful trails of Kiroli Park the day before the full marathon! Venue: Kirloli Park Hours: 8:00 a.m. Cost: $25 Phone: 318-396-4016 AVC Anime Festival AVC Anime Festival is a one day event being held to celebrate anime and manga, as well as general pop culture and animation, while bringing together a diverse list of guests, vendors, artists and fan groups, in an affordable, family friendly environment. Venue: Monroe Civic Center Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: starting at $5 Phone: 318-329-2225
Cost: Entry fee is $5 or $3 with valid military ID with children 5 and under are free. Phone: 318-235-6958
Veteran’s Day Parade and Picnic Bring your children, friends, and other loved ones out for a great day of festivities! Our Veteran’s Day parade is a fun, family-friendly event for everyone. We have games, a parade and a free food! Sen. Mike Walsworth and Congressman Ralph Abraham will be speaking. We’ll also be having a Jambalaya Cookoff! Food will be served at 11:30. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Hours: 10:30 a.m. Cost: Free Phone: 318-325-9160 22nd Annual Taste of the Twin Cities The Pilot Club of the Twin Cities annual Taste of the Twin Cities will showcase local restaurants featuring samples of delicious food and retail exhibitors offering opportunities to shop from an array of specialties! And don’t forget the always popular silent auction! Venue: West Monroe Convention Center Hours: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cost: Ticket prices vary. Phone: 318-396-5000 2017 Food Fight on the ‘Front ESA Alpha Gamma Chapter is hosting the second annual Food Truck Competition, Food Fight on the ‘Front! Attendees are invited to enjoy the nice weather while watching local food trucks battle it out for the best in the biz title. Entry fee allows one vote for your favorite (People’s Choice). Try samples from The Cookout, 2 Dudes Catering, Catfish Charlies, and many more! There will also be a Celebrity Judges Award. Enjoy live music, face painting, a jumper for the kids along with other vendors with items to purchase. 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
November 11-December 31 Freedom Trees Start off the season with the tree lighting ceremony of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Freedom Trees honoring veterans with a patch, ribbon, medal or photo from their military service. On November 11, the trees will be turned on at a Special Ceremony at 5 p.m. Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Hours: 5:00 p.m. nightly Cost: Free Phone: 318-362-5540 November 12 Cottonland Marathon This course showcases the best of West Monroe including beautiful Kiroli Park and historic Antique Alley. The only thing makes this course even better is running it twice. The course will be 2 loops through the beautiful city and will be a US Track and Field Certified Course as well as a Boston Qualifier. Runners can run either a full or half marathon. Venue: Kiroli Park Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cost: $90 for the half; $105 for the full Phone: 318-396-4016 November 13-January 5 Christmas Tree Decorating Contest YOU be the judge! Eight local charities have each decorated a Christmas tree for display inside the main terminal of the Monroe Regional Airport. Vote for your favorite by placing a donated item (canned good or other listed item) in the bin directly across from the charity’s tree. Viewing will be open and free to the public. Don’t miss the Celebrity Judging on December 18 featuring Mayor Jamie Mayo and Miss Louisiana Laryssa Bonacquisti! Venue: Monroe Regional Airport Hours: Airport Operating Hours Cost: Free Phone: 318-381-5684
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November 15 The Ian Quiet Review and Stonerpop at Sal’s Saloon! Stonerpop are an electropop duo from Louisiana with a sound as diverse as the culture they represent. The project consists of Maudie Michelle, who’s thoughtprovoking lyrics, calming voice and quirky synth melodies find a home Continued on Next Page tucked within the sonic assault of Jimmie Manueva’s instrumentation and haunting backing vocals. The Ian Quiet Review sports a swagger rarely found outside Louisiana by blending various ethnic motifs with hard pumping drums, fuzzy bassy tones and any instruments they can get their hands on. Venue: Sal’s Saloon Hours: 9:00 p.m. Cost: $5 Phone: 318-322-7100
November 16 Champagne Stroll Sip, Shop and Save. Antique Alley is hosting their 4th Annual Champagne Stroll. Come out for a fun evening event, enjoy the Christmas Lights and SHOP your favorite stores. Additional savings on your purchases at select merchants. Grab you girlfriends and Shop The Alley! Venue: Antique Alley Hours: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cost: Free Phone: 318-388-3920 Golden Oldies with Denene Stringfellow Denene Stringfellow, “the man with the ‘golden voice’,” will be performing. alongside Rita Spillers on the electric piano, your favorite golden oldies. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Dixie Center for the Arts Admission: $20 Contact: 318-255-1450
November 18 Geeks Along the River Enjoy a variety of vendors ranging from not-at-all to totally geeky! Food trucks and vendors will be on site all day. Activities will be available for all ages, including a Magic the Gathering tournament, video game competitions, a cosplay contest and MORE! Venue: RiverMarket Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free Admission Phone: 318-329-3254
November 18-December 23 Santa’s Christmas Village Bring the family to make holiday memories at The Children’ Museum! Decorate a Christmas cookie, play in our “snow,” write a letter to Santa, ride Mount Sneaux, make/take an ornament, play in the museum and visit with Santa. Ice skate (extra fee) and enjoy the Tree Jay’s musical show outside, too. On December 23, Santa’s Christmas Village will be closing at 6 p.m. to give Santa time to get back to the North Pole. Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum Hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m., Saturdays 10-8 p.m., Sundays 1-6 p.m. Cost: $7 per person ages 1 and up, skating $5 per person Phone: 318-361-9611 November 19 Kari Jobe Garden Tour Kari Jobe, joined by Cody Carnes, will perform at the Jack Howard Theatre during The Garden Tour. Venue: Jack Howard Theatre Hours: 7:00 p.m. Cost: $15.95-39.95 Phone: 318-329-2225 November 23-December 31 Holiday Lights at Christmas on the River Don’t miss the lights in
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Downtown Monroe and West Monroe or TreeJays at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum each night. Walk through the tunnel of lights at the Land of Lights, reminisce at Throwback Christmas and delight at the Roe City Riverboat. Venue: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Hours: 5:00 p.m. nightly Cost: Free November 23-26, 30-December 3 Candy Cane Lane Candy Cane Lane is a drivethrough Christmas light display located in Calhoun featuring over one million lights on a mile-long wooded road. Venue: 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun Hours: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Cost: Family vehicle- $20; Commercial vehicle (vans) - $40; no trailers Phone: 318-801-0670 November 25 Holiday Outdoor Movie sponsored by Centric Federal Credit Union What would be better than a holiday movie in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas lights? Popcorn and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. (*Rain Date: December 23, same time) Venue: Antique Alley Hours: 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free to attend Phone: 800-843-1872 Outdoor Karaoke Want to express your inner Adele or Bruno, Miranda or Luke or just watch a wanna-be on stage? Come join the fun in Antique Alley. Venue: Antique Alley Hours: 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free to attend Phone: 800-843-1872 November 25-26 Louisiana State Games: Youth Football Championship Join the fun at the Louisiana State Games Youth Football Championship. This event will be taking place at various high school fields. Venue: Ouachita Parish High School Cost: $350 per team, admission
cost varies Phone: 318-343-2769 November 30-December 1 Lincoln Lights Up the Pines The entire family will enjoy twinkling lights, lively holiday scenes and Christmas decorations as you drive through beautiful Lincoln Parish Park. Don’t miss this fun holiday attraction to be experienced from the comfort (and warmth) of your vehicle! Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Lincoln Parish Park Admission: $5 per vehicle, $10 for buses Contact: 318-255-2031 November 30-December 2 “A Christmas Carol” Watch as Ruston Community Theatre brings to life the timeless tale of “A Christmas Carol.” Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Dixie Center for the Arts Admission: $12/$6 for students Contact: 318-255-1450 Enjoy your stay in MonroeWest Monroe! We at the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau hope you have a great stay here! Please feel free to call us at 800-843-1872 if you have any questions. You may also stop by our offices at 601 Constitution Drive, West Monroe for brochures, coupons and additional information. Visit www.monroe-westmonroe. org for information about events in Ouachita Parish and visit www.rustonlincoln.com for events in Lincoln Parish.
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