ZOO REDUX

zooredux

For those in Northeast Louisiana, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo provides a beautiful and cherished escape into the wilds of Borneo, the depths of a darkened cavern, and a view of the African plains. Already the favorite destination for travelers in the region, the LPG&Z seeks to entice even more visitors, and with a concerted effort to refurbish the grounds, present new species, and enhance the overall experience for first-timers and zoo veterans alike, the team orchestrating the zoo renaissance appears to be on track to help guests create special memories.

ARTICLE BY NILS BORQUIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

The mere mention of certain words or phrases is enough to bring a smile to the face of children. One can see the anticipation and excitement in their faces just by uttering “It’s almost Christmas,” or “We got you a surprise,” or even something as pedestrian as “Who wants ice cream?” While these certainly do the job of hyping up both youngsters, and even those who are young at heart, very few statements can match “We’re going to the zoo!” Across the country, zoos bring joy by introducing people to exotic animals as well as heighten curiosity about what other magical creatures are yet to be happened upon by wandering explorers. Unfortunately for most families, even with over 2,000 zoos in the U.S., an extensive trip must be made in order to visit even a moderately sized zoo. For those in Northeast Louisiana, though, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo provides a beautiful and cherished escape into the wilds of Borneo, the depths of a darkened cavern, and a view of the African plains. Already the favorite destination for travelers

in the region, the LPG&Z seeks to entice even more visitors, and with a concerted effort to refurbish the grounds, present new species, and enhance the overall experience for firsttimers and zoo veterans alike, the team orchestrating the zoo renaissance appears to be on track to help guests create special memories.

One of the most recent changes at the zoo, and likely the most positively impactful, has nothing to do with unveiling a new plant or animal or ride. With the introduction of Tom Pearson as the Zoo Director on September 14, 2020, and his exceedingly high level of passion along with his vision for the future of the facility, the first step for injecting new life into the zoo has been met and then some. “It is no secret how much I love this place,” Pearson energetically remarked on a recent sunny autumn day while taking a break from assisting zoo staff to prepare for the upcoming re-opening. With clothes dirty from working in the extensive gardens, he exuded enthusiasm and anticipation while pointing out the various locations at which projects were being both planned and commencing. To say he loves the zoo is an understatement; Pearson’s involvement with the LPG&Z spans decades, and his unfailing desire to rebuild

the long-standing train ride nearly completely in its entirety, a task he oversaw and tirelessly saw through to its fruition, stands as a monumental achievement. Even beyond that accomplishment, when considering the hours, effort, and overall commitment to the zoo, Pearson’s devotion may be unparalleled. When the possibility of taking over the reins as the new Director became a possibility, he hoped for an opportunity, and he is thankful that Mayor Friday Ellis and Monroe City Director of Community Affairs Doug Seegers offered him the position. Even during a great career as a familiar fixture on KNOE as chief meteorologist, Pearson invested a great deal of time to community events, most notably the zoo’s multiple yearly functions, so it came as no surprise to those close to him that he jumped at the chance to be involved in a prime capacity. Indeed, he has wasted no time collaborating with local contractors, garden experts, and businesses to begin extensive and much-needed renovations to a park hungry for a refreshing look.

Visitors arriving at the zoo do not even have to enter the grounds before seeing long-time fixtures at the entrance, notably the statues of giraffes that have stood guard for several decades, as well as the lime green entry buildings. The changes Pearson has envisioned start right there. The buildings are in the process of receiving fresh paint, and the giraffes are being replaced by different artwork. Fortunately, as the giraffes are part of the history and legacy of the zoo, they are only being moved to a different part of the grounds. Part of the revision involves an emphasis on the Louisiana Purchase component in the name of the zoo, an aspect that Pearson rightly believes is a unique title used by no other national zoos, despite the historic acquisition being such an enormous part of the country now. With that in mind, the original pieces that will soon be in place in addition to the landscape renovations have been designed to display the natural legacy of our beautiful state. The creation is subtle, simple, and powerful, an inviting addition that will surely be met with adoration. Once inside the zoo, more changes are in store. Pearson already had several trees either moved or removed in order to allow for a more panoramic view that has previously been somewhat obstructed. Fortunately, several attractions exist that will not be going anywhere, two of which are favorites of everyone who visits: the boat and train rides. Having undergone the revamping process on multiple occasions, the train ride is a nearly 50-year-old treat. Traveling throughout the entire zoo, the ride provides patrons the opportunity to see a wide range of animals from a different perspective. As one of the zoo’s highlights, it may be matched only by the boat ride, a meandering float allowing views of various plants and trees, waterfowl, and aquatic mammals from up close. While, sadly, many issues have arisen over the years that have halted the rides, the new management team promises to maintain a more hands-on approach in order to better stay abreast of potential concerns and work in a proactive manner to preclude long-term problems. Beyond the landscaping and the ride upkeep, one, of course, thinks of the animals. Thankfully, with a supremely caring and knowledgeable staff, a crew that works tirelessly year-round, the wildlife in place is in great hands, and those that will arrive in during the upcoming seasonal change, from zoos in states such as Ohio, will find their transitions seamless and their routines perfectly preserved.

With the vast amount of work that goes into running a zoo, a tremendous amount of funding, both financially and in handson work, is required. As previously mentioned, the LPG&Z is the number one tourist destination in Northeast Louisiana, so money definitely comes through visitation; however, donations and volunteer work are also integral to day-to-day activities. Because the citizens of Monroe and the surrounding towns love the zoo so ferociously, there is no short supply of consistent donors or extra hands to help. Groups such as JPS, Woodman, and James Machine Works have been and continue to be extraordinarily generous and sympathetic to the needs of the zoo in order for it to progress. Additionally, local artisans, woodworkers, and metalworkers have donated their skills to restore or even rebuild some of the buildings that are in disrepair. In terms of clean-up volunteers, Pearson is especially proud of the support from the community. In fact, he stated that the numbers of helpers on the prior three volunteer clean-up days were, respectively, 15, over 100, and over 200! These numbers show the community support to be exponentially growing, particularly when considering that the second of the volunteer days took place the day after Hurricane Laura. When people had their own personal and neighborhood clean-up efforts to deal with, over 100 people gave their time to helping the zoo get back in order. The volunteer work also reaches beyond the local community to the larger zoo community at large. With the winds and rains, a number of trees fell inside the zoo grounds, and some destruction was incurred. Even before Pearson utilized his zoo connections to get some advice, other zoos, aware of the situation, graciously extended their help. In particular, the Fort Worth, Texas, and Panama City, Florida, Zoo Directors came to Monroe with some of their staff members to assist in rebuilding damaged animal housing, specifically in the serval exhibit where some fencing suffered structural harm, completely free. Pearson expressed such gratitude for the support provided by these arms of the national zoo family, saying that their efforts went above and beyond what could have been expected.

Another group heavily involved with promoting the zoo and assisting with its mission is the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society. The LPZS is a non-profit organization that assists the zoo in multiple capacities, including creating fundraisers and other promotional programs and activities geared towards furnishing

the zoo with supplies, tools, and financial support, as well as participating in plans to expand or alter the zoo’s land holdings, and they even will buy animals to be housed in the LPG&Z as their forever home, as in the case most recently of Tut the camel. Led by LPZS President, Maggie Generoso, who also teaches at Cypress Point Elementary School, the group takes their job of helping the zoo seriously, and the hours they put in beyond their regular jobs shows incredible loyalty and dedication. Several great ideas have been put into effect that have been beneficial to the zoo: an Amazon wish list has emerged as a tremendously valuable asset for patrons to buy and deliver needed items. Fundraisers have brought in monies that have been used to purchase updated wheelchairs as well as new bicycles with baskets for zookeepers and maintenance staff. Plans have been put into effect to renovate the Flamin’ Flamingo Café, the concessions area, as well. Along with procuring funding, the LPZS also plays a tremendous role in promoting the zoo and its special activities, primarily through their eponymously named Facebook site as well as another Facebook site called “Quit Lion Around.” The sites are consistently updated, and following the zoo is highly encouraged.

The LPG&Z has been closed while undergoing extensive rebuilding and remodeling first due to Coronavirus and more recently due to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. As of now, the plan for reopening coincides with Halloween and the annual “Boo at the Zoo” on Saturday, October 31st. Additionally, for those desiring to help, another volunteer clean-up day is planned for the Saturday prior to the reopening, October 24th. Due to the prolonged time of closure, the opening festivities have been re-christened “Fall Back into the Zoo,” a playful homage to both autumn as well as the lengthy layoff. Pearson and his team are expectedly excited about the new zoo season to come, and the reopening promises to be fun for all visitors as there will be treats for the kids, music, food, and the always enjoyable train ride. The amusement does not stop there, though. The regular cast of special events, including the Egg-stravaganza, the Zoo-bilation, and Jungle Bells celebrations will follow, and there are definitely plans create new events for the upcoming year.

For those who have grown up or have lived in the Monroe regional area for an extended period, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo owns a special place in their hearts, especially if they spent a great amount of time in the zoo over the years. The zoo is a special place, providing us with the chance to witness and interact with incredible animals and plants both from around the world and from our own backyards. In order to remain special, to be something for our kids to treasure, we need to help the zoo. We need to give our time or our money or our skills. Better yet, we need to just go visit. We need to slowly walk through, to drift in the boat, to chug in the train, and look around and listen to the sounds. It is easy to forget, with the accelerated pace of our daily lives, that we are part of the earth, part of the nature that surrounds us and is within us. Sometimes we need to remember, and going to spy on a sleeping lion, or hear the piercing yells of an animated gibbon, or even hand-feed a goat can humble us and remind us that we are a small part of this incredibly dense organism. Those at the zoo know this. Tom Pearson and Maggie Generoso and the devoted crew of workers, donors, and volunteers wish to remind us that we are an integral part of this special and unique place. They invite us to come and see, to visit, to be proud of our zoo, and to be reminded of how lucky we are to have such a wonderful refuge in our own small corner of the world.

Walsworth & Company

More Than Just a Furniture Store

IN THE SOUTH WE HAVE ALL HEARD THE PHRASE “HOME is Where the Heart Is” when describing the feelings of what makes a house a home. Local interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has taken this well known phase and put their own spin on it to show that home is where the {art} is. With a beautifully designed storefront on Antique Alley in West Monroe Louisiana, anyone looking for the perfect piece to complement their home’s style is sure to find exactly what they need at Walsworth. This locally owned and operated design shop has been part of the West Monroe community since 2014 and has grown to know and love the clients that come seeking those perfect home furnishing touches.

Walsworth and Company is so much more than just a furniture and decor store. This premier decorator showroom offers everything from furniture and bedding to lighting and bath and body products. With walls lined with beautifully selected works of art and intricately designed mirrors and wall hangings, it’s clear why Walsworth and Co. has become the decoration destination in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

WALSWORTH OFFERS:

• Custom Furniture • Bedding • Lighting • Rugs • Accessories • Mirrors • Vases • Art • Jewelry • Candles • Pajamas • Bath and Body Products • Savory Seasonings • Zu Zu’s Praline Candy Mix

Along with having one of the top decor and design selections in the area, Walsworth and Company also offers choices to find the perfect unique gift for nearly any occasion. They carry candles from Nest, Nouvelle Candle Company, Capri Blue, Aquiesse, and Orleans. Other gift ideas include: jewelry from designers Ronaldo and Mariana, as well as pajama sets from PJ Harlow, Faceplant Dreams, Ju Ju Jams, and Pretty You. When you purchase the perfect gift from Walsworth, you can also choose to have it beautifully wrapped so that each piece is presented as an elegant and high end gift anyone would love to unwrap.

If you’re in the market for anything from a new accent piece or floor lamp to an entire home redesign the creative team at Walsworth and Company is fully prepared to assist in your design desires. With an eye for detail, this team of kind and attentive home stylists are just the right people for the job. When you walk in the doors at 311 Trenton Street you will be instantly transported into a world of incredible design decor. Each room feature within the store is more beautiful than the last. Stop by Walsworth and Company on Antique Alley today and see why it has become the premier design showroom in the area!

Feel Like A Diva

Vaginal Laser Therapy

AS WE GROW OLDER, OUR BODIES CHANGE. SOME OF the signs are visible, like wrinkles and age spots. Others are hidden. For women, the changes can cause some embarrassing or painful problems. At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we don’t want you to be embarrassed or suffer alone. We can help you.

A woman’s vagina changes with age. It is also stretched while giving birth. Although the body can often heal itself, some changes are permanent. Menopause can cause dryness, which leads to painful intercourse. Hysterectomies, chemotherapy and breastfeeding can also cause changes to your vagina. Then, there’s the problem of urinary leakage when you cough or sneeze. For years, these were things that women endured. Now, a simple in-office procedure can help alleviate those problems.

The diVa laser vaginal therapy is a quick three-minute to fiveminute procedure done in your doctor’s office. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and is used by the top laser surgeons across the country. During the procedure, a diVa hand piece is positioned in the vaginal canal. It rotates, emitting dual laser beams toward the wall of the tissue to be treated. The first laser deeply resurfaces the damaged tissue and replaces it with healthy, new tissue. The second laser heats the tissue layers to boost collagen production. Collagen plays an important role in strengthening skin and helping with elasticity and hydration.

Collagen also plays an important role in stopping urinary incontinence. The collagen produced by the diVa laser helps strengthen muscles around the bladder. Urinary incontinence is a common problem for women. Although it can happen at any age, it’s more common in older women. More than 4 in 10 women who are 65 and older suffer from urinary incontinence.

Patients who undergo diVa treatment experience slight pressure during the procedure. A topical anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. After the treatment, you may notice some increased tightness and sensitivity, as well as spotting and vaginal discharge for one to three days following the treatment. You should abstain from using tampons and having intercourse for 48 hours after the procedure. It is recommended that patients get three laser treatments every four to six weeks, followed by one maintenance treatment every 12 months.

If you have questions about diVa laser vaginal therapy and whether it can help you, please call our office at (318) 387-3113. Under the direction of Dr. Leslie Coffman, our team of specialists will guide you through the process and answer your questions. Why suffer? Let us help you feel better.

he Tony Award-winning broadway musical is inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, American record producer often referred to as the “Father of Rock and Roll,” brought T together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis

Presley for one unforgettable night on December 4, 1956. This icon-studded jam session took place at Sun Records in Memphis, a detail that further pushed Madden to accept the directing position, as he has twice visited the pioneer studio, both times laying hands on one of the pianos that Jerry Lee Lewis once played. “Growing up with this music, having that personal connection to the music and musicians, you know, it was a no brainer,” he says. While an incredibly gifted musician, and one on demand throughout North Louisiana, Madden has been sharpening his scriptwriting and directorial skills, recently completing his first short film titled Death Song. “Obviously, I wanted to try something on stage, see how that would work, you know?”

Auditions were held mid-August, but the turnout was “very poor.” That left Madden with the task of having to track down players, particularly the part of Jerry Lee, which ended up going to Stephen Paul Smith. They went through the possibility of having someone play the part that couldn’t play piano, while someone supplemented the music offstage, but that was not working out. At that point, Madden was strongly considering stepping in himself: “Which meant, I was about to go on a crash diet and find some two inch lifts and try to look the part as much as I could.” Madden is a self-proclaimed purist about the artists the musical is based on. “I didn’t want to play the part or cast somebody that couldn’t look and feel the part, and especially play the piano,” Madden adds. By the second week of September the cast list had been filled, most hand-picked by Madden, the first of which was local singer/ songwriter Joel Jordan, lead singer of Astro Motel. Having already worked with him before in musical performances and in the short film, Madden knew that, from a dramatic standpoint, Jordan could find the character of Carl Perkins. “He had the guitar skills and the vocal skills, and the stage presence to pull off that character,” says Madden. On the subject of physical resemblance, Madden points to local musical talent Mason Howard, cast for the part of Johnny Cash. “Mason Howard looks like a young Johnny Cash in his early twenties. He has a slighter frame than Johnny has, but his facial features, hair color, everything is very similar, and I knew he had the musical skills to pull it off,” explains Madden, adding that the only work he had with Howard was on his low register because Howard is more a tenor than bass-baritone. One of the hardest roles to cast was none other than that of the King himself. At one point they had an Elvis, but the actor backed out because of scheduling reasons. It took Madden a week to find someone with enough strut, but when Scott Stone, playing the part of Sam Phillips, mentioned his son Asa Stone, lead singer of Jig the Alien, for the part, Madden was convinced: “Without hesitation, I knew he could do it. I’ve seen him, you know, with his band, Jig the Alien. I know he’s got stage presence. He’s got musical ability, and the personality that would have fun on stage.” What better way to cast the “Father of Rock and Roll” and the “King of Rock and Roll” than with a father and son?

From the get-go, Madden and the crew knew they were up against a few hurdles. With only six weeks to prepare before their first show on October 16th and the threat of COVID-19 looming over rehearsals, Madden quickly realized that directing was mostly a matter of problem solving. “It’s like you’re looking at something, assessing it, and trying to figure out how to solve every problem. And it’s daunting, for sure. I mean, you feel like a general on a battlefield. You’re sending troops this way and that way, and trying to fix the little problems” he says. Madden has watched his cast try to go off-book, stumble over lines, kick themselves for making mistakes, only to keep rising to the occasion; ultimately, nailing the details that have allowed them to reach a level of confidence on par with the reputation of their character. Nevertheless, a full cast of musicians playing musicians makes for quick turnarounds and, more significantly, exceptional music.

On October 2nd, the cast performed a sneak peek musical performance at Enoch’s Pub & Grill. Though most of the cast are no strangers to the Enoch’s stage, some found the task daunting. “Asa and I were freaking petrified at Enoch’s,” laughs Mason, though both nailed their performances. “Mason shocked us all,” says Madden. “Mason got out there, and just suddenly started hitting the vocal parts and sounding and looking and acting like Johnny

Cash.” Asa, who was “living his best life” as Elvis that night, refined his moves thanks to Madden’s experience as band leader to local Elvis tribute artist Todd Martin (who graciously assisted with some of the choreography), and fully transformed on the Enoch’s stage. It seems like an easy task for a musician to play another musician, yet that wasn’t quite the case when performing in a musical.

“People tell you, when you’re performing, to be authentically you. Be yourself. Don’t try to sound like other people,” says Howard about performing live. Working to perfect the voice and feel of a musical icon has a lot of moving parts, but Jordan had a different experience with his character: “It’s freeing to me because nobody knows who Carl

Perkins is, so I don’t have to live up to anything.

I can kinda just create more of the character.”

Even then, Jordan notes that playing Perkins, “a musician’s musician,” still elicits some pressure.

Out of all the cast, Smith identifies most with his character: “Jerry Lee’s entire family is all like hard core Pentecostal, as is the majority of mine. And that spirituality that’s hidden beneath the hedonism of rock and roll, I’ve lived that life.”

In total, there are eight characters in the musical, and only one is a woman--a singer named

Dyanne who is introduced as Elvis’s girlfriend, though in the real session his girlfriend was a dancer named Marilyn Evans. Dyanne is played by

Rachal Ann Graham, professional vocalist, who is no stranger to theatre, being the only experienced thespian of the group. “If you try to research female singers in the 1950s, you don’t get a lot of things turned up as far as rockabilly goes. You mostly get

Peggy Lee, who sang more jazzy kind of stuff,” says Rachal, making it a point that “women are very underrepresented in the fifties, but they were there,” a fact all too apparent on set. In the musical,

Dyanne shows up on Elvis’s arm, soaking the scene in, “but she is very much an underrated part of the group because of the fact that she is a woman, even though she is capable of exactly what they are capable of, as far as showmanship goes; she’s

not going to have that chance,” says Rachal. “It’s interesting playing a woman in a man’s world, especially in music.” As a solo artist who has graced a few local venues with her songs, Rachal has experienced “the different game” of being one of the few female entertainers in the area. Such experiences allowed her to more intimately shape the role based on her attempts to break into the local music scene for over a decade. “There’s an understanding between me and the character of what it’s like to show up and everything you do to be based on either the men in the group or what you can do as an image. Oh, she’s beautiful up there doing her thing. It’s not about the music,” she asserts. In spite of those realities, Rachal’s experience with the Million Dollar men has been one unlike most. “I have never felt so included in a group of other musicians,” she beams, praising her cast for their kindness and consideration, and admiring them deeply for their talent.

With legendary rock hits including “That’s Alright,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” Million Dollar Quartet is mostly about the music. “You have the 1927 Yankees Murderers Row of songs,” notes Jordan. The musical variety runs the gamut, but what audiences will experience is the amount of fun the musicians are having as they harmonize and jam to each other’s energy. “It’s a party,” says Jordan. Having the performance outdoors at Kiroli Park provides an interesting dimension as well, with lights going wild, Jerry Lee’s piano on fire, and Sam Phillips monologuing under a golden spotlight. The musical is comparable to a kind of surreal concert, a dedicated musician’s fever dream. The complexity of the show is not one that will be lost on the audience, thanks to the skilled direction provided by Madden, and a cast that promptly found their stage legs.

Find out more about upcoming Strauss Theatre performances by visiting their website https://www.strausstc.com or following them on Facebook.

THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE

Intimate gatherings for Thanksgiving meals are what’s on the menu this holiday season. Taylor Bennett created a beautiful tablescape by combining dried palm leaves milo, corn husks, and pampas grass in antique brass containers. The table was set with glassware from The Muffin Tin in Monroe, and apple gourds, muslin and candelabras fill in the space to create monochromatic magic.

IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

Designer Tip: Layer tableware with a simple napkin in the same hue. Top each plate with a hand-scripted menu to add a personalized touch. Special thanks to Nib & Flow for creating our Thanksgiving tablescape menu, and to the Murphy family for use of their beautiful home.

Delhi Hospital Pediatric Speech Therapy

Helping Children Find Their Voice

WHAT A THRILL TO HEAR YOU CHILD SAY “MAMA” or “dada” for the first time! And then when their vocabulary begins to expand, often in adorable baby talk. Most children may pronounce some words incorrectly when learning to speak, but if your child is still saying “gwamma” (instead of “grandma”) or “thitha” (instead of “sister”) at age 5, it could be an indicator of a speech-language disorder.

If your child’s teacher or pediatrician has recommended that you have him/her evaluated by a Speech Therapist, we can help. It’s perfectly natural to be concerned, but rest assure that Speech Therapy can work wonders for your child if they are experiencing a delay in their speech-language development. The Pediatric Speech Therapy Team at Delhi Hospital is here to help your child find their voice. We can evaluate possible delays in your child’s verbal development and create a customized plan to get your child back on track and “talking the talk!”

While Speech Therapy often helps children with trouble pronouncing certain sounds (such as those with lisps), it is not the only area of communication we address. In actuality, Speech Therapy is a broad field that can help with a variety of issues, such as: reading comprehension, memorization, and developing school readiness skills. Other children that might benefit from Speech Therapy are those who have difficulty in being understood, those who have issues with fluency (such as stuttering) and those who have trouble communicating their thoughts via speech. Ultimately, the goal of Speech Therapy is to help children communicate in a way that is clear, confident and understandable. It also aims to help children improve their skills when it comes to interpreting and comprehending language.

At Delhi Hospital, we’re passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential by making learning fun, effective, and motivating. Our Pediatric Speech Therapy Team believes in the importance of making meaningful connections with each child. We know that successful therapy is first built on forming a positive relationship where therapy can be something a child looks forward to, which is why we designed our new Pediatric Therapy Room with your child in mind. Our play-based therapy model allows our Speech Therapists to discover your child’s interests and use them to accelerate their progress. As we know, children learn best when they are engaged with someone who they are comfortable with and when they are having fun!

Do you think your child may have a speech-language delay? Don’t wait. Contact the Speech Therapy Team at Delhi Hospital today for an evaluation. The earlier we can diagnosis an issue, the less impact it may have on your child’s self-esteem, social interactions, and academic progress. Call us today at 878-6297 to learn about the power of Speech Therapy for your little one. Because while they are small, their care is a big deal. Learn more at www.delhihospital.com or follow us on Facebook @DelhiHospitalPediatricTherapy.

Catahoula’s Along Bayou Desiard

Local Restaurant offers Fresh Seafood, Burgers and More

CATAHOULA’S HAS BEEN OPEN SINCE AUGUST AND IS already quickly becoming a local favorite. And it’s no wonder with its scenic views of beautiful Bayou Desiard combined with their tasty fare. They offer a variety of appetizers including fried pickles, cheese fries, onion rings, Natchitoches meat pies and trash can nachos. Their signature appetizer is the Catahoula Dip that features Andouille sausage, braised collard greens, mixed with melted cheese and served with house fried tortilla chips.

And you can’t have a Louisiana themed restaurant without poboys and Catahoula’s are some of the best. Options include Roast Beef, Fried and Grilled Shrimp, Ham and Cheese and Blackened and Fried Catfish. There’s a nod to the University directly across the bayou with the Warhawk Cheeseburger, featuring a fresh, never frozen, Certified Angus Beef patty. Other sandwiches include Buffalo Chicken, Grilled Chicken and Chicken Salad. On the lighter side, there are several salads to choose from - Southwest, Wedge, House and Caesar. Their signature side is the Julienne Cut Fries, a thin, shoestring style French fry that is the perfect amount of crispy and crunchy.

Enjoy daily plate lunch specials like catfish and fried shrimp paired with slaw, fries and hushpuppies or half of a po-boy with your choice of a side. These specials are available each weekday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This month, Catahoula’s will start rolling out some seasonal menu items like gumbo and other favorites.

The interior of the restaurant’s decor is a nod to local sports, including ULM and LSU. With 12 televisions, you can always find a game or sporting event to enjoy. What goes better with sports than wings! They offer party wings, fried and tossed in your choice of sauces - buffalo, gochujang, lemon pepper, honey sriachia and sweet chili. Catahoula’s is proud to be the streaming sponsor of Neville High School Football. If you can’t make it to the game, you can catch the Tigers playing on the big screen at Catahoula’s as they host watch parties.

Cooler fall weather is finally here and their patio with outside seating is the perfect place to eat lunch, dinner or grab a drink with friends. Enjoy happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Current specials include $5 frozen drinks like margaritas and White Russians, as well as 2-for-1 domestic draft beer and well drinks. There’s Wind Down Wednesday with $12 bottomless house wine and Thursday Thursdays with $16 domestic beer buckets.

Now is the time to reserve your office parties and holidays get togethers at Catahoula’s. You can enjoy the company, delicious food and stunning scenery at the same time! If you can’t make it in, Catahoula’s can come to you. They offer off site catering for offices, meetings and more. They also have gift certificates available, perfect for anybody on your Christmas list this year!

Ivy & Stone Helps with Home for the Holidays

Local Store Has Home Decor, Gifts and More

IVY & STONE OPENED IN RUSTON in September and is already becoming a favorite place to find all things home. Locally owned by Jessica Phillips, the store boosts a neutral palette with creams, whites, naturals, blacks and greys. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, now is the time to get your home cozy and comfortable for guests and family. Ivy & Stone has a variety of furniture for your entire home! You will want your entire family gathered around the dining room table this holiday season and they have several options to choose from. They also carry everything you will need to put on the table - from serving pieces, decor, candles and more. The living room is the most used room in most houses and you can get yours ready with a new couch or coffee table from Ivy & Stone. Get your extra bedroom ready for overnight guests with a new nightstand or headboard. And it isn’t hard to picture the furniture in your home because the setting of the store is comfortable and cozy, making it easy to see how everything works together.

When you are getting your home ready for the holidays, Ivy & Stone can customize exactly what you need and in your budget. You can customize any size bedding and rug options to add a bit of texture and style to your rooms. The staff at Ivy & Stone are happy to help create something that works for you and are knowledgeable in interior design and consultations. And if you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, just ask! They can custom order many items.

Furniture and home decor aren’t all that Ivy & Stone has to offer. They also carry women clothes and baby gift items that are on trend. You can complete the outfit with pieces from Virtue Jewelry, a complete line of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Top it off - literally - with a hat from Ruston’s own Breck and Vale. This locally owned company is owned by Valerie Owens and features custom one of a kind hats that are quickly becoming everyone’s favorite must have accessory. They also have unique children’s toys that will be great to have under the tree this Christmas. There is certainly something for everyone at Ivy & Stone!

Weddings are happening again and Ivy & Stone is the perfect place to find something for the blushing bride. There are plenty of gift options to start a happy home. If you are a bride yourself, you will want to register at Ivy & Stone so you can pick out exactly what you want.

Ivy & Stone will host their first ever annual holiday party on Thursday, November 5th from 5-8PM. Grab your best gal pals and stop by for some treats and cocktails. The entire store will be on sale and it will be the perfect time to stock up on Christmas gifts and decor. Plus, there will be giveaways and more. Be sure to follow Ivy & Stone Ruston on Facebook and Instagram so you can keep up with future events and everything they have going on!

The Perfect Find Opens in West Monroe

Local Store has Variety of Jewelry and More

THEY SAY WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND AND that is certainly true for Tonya and Thom Hamilton. The local couple has been a staple in the local business community for years. They owned and operated a surplus store 15 years ago, The Perfect Find, where you could find returned items from big box stores at discounted prices. Then, they opened the Hamilton House, a local bed and breakfast on Trenton Street in the heart of downtown West Monroe. Directly next door to the inn, Tonya opened a retail shop at 314 Trenton Street. “We carried a variety of items, from jewelry to kitchen items,” said Tonya. “In our first year, we realized we sold more jewelry than anything. We had a variety of jewelry from trendy to nice jewelry.” Tonya eventually sold the store and the new owners moved it. But Tonya always held onto the dream of re-opening a jewelry store. Almost serendipitously, the space on Trenton Street became available and Tonya jumped at the opportunity to open her jewelry store in the space - The Perfect Find.

The store carries jewelry of all price points and there is something for everyone. One of the first lines Tonya discovered when she went to market was Melania Clara, a family owned custom jewelry company, inspired by all things vintage and beautiful. Crystal and semi-precious stone beads, combined with hand-soldered pendants are the core elements used when creating these necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Tonya also discovered Heather Ford Jewelry, inspired by nature with an elegant bohemian influence. You can also find pieces from Lock and Key, a line with a touch of modern eclecticism and international cool. By fusing Native American beading with classic ball-and-chain, this line connects the past with the present. Each piece is hand beaded and/or loomed with the ball-and-chain interweaving with the beading seamlessly. These are just some of the brands you can find at The Perfect Find. There is a variety of necklaces, bracelets, small chains and earrings in 14 karat gold, sterling silver and more. From trendy stackable rings to a classic string of pearls, they have something for everyone!

And it isn’t just jewelry either. The Perfect Find has a variety of gift items, just in time for the holidays. “We have cups engraved with Monroe and West Monroe maps on them, the perfect way to show your local love!” said Tonya. They are sure to be a hit this holiday season, as well as their line of Myra bags, featuring a up-cycled canvas bags. You can even find something for the guys like an oyster knife and a no-tip huggie, perfect for the outdoorsman on your list. “You truly can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, as well as something for yourself!” said Tonya.

The Perfect Find is now open on Trenton Street in the heart downtown West Monroe. Stop by and say hello while you are shopping local this holiday season and you are certain to find The Perfect Find!

Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Give Thanks in Everything

THIS THANKSGIVING SEASON AS the days get shorter and chillier and we feel the very first whispers of winter around the corner, our minds drift toward the upcoming holidays. Busy days packed full of joy, blessings, family and friends. Often during these busy days, we long for simpler times. Days not so fast paced, where time just seems to move slower and everyone appears calmer and more at ease. These simpler times seem to have found their way into our days here at JGS School and we are thankful. Thankful for outdoor classrooms where children sit in the sun surrounded by nature and soak in their core subjects. Thankful for the camaraderie of static classrooms, where the hustle and bustle of changing classes is not necessary. Thankful for the cohesiveness of teachers and parents working together to keep their children and school safe. Thankful for teachers and staff who are going the extra mile in taking necessary precautions in and out of the classroom to ensure our students’ days are normal as possible and most importantly keeping our school functioning with in-person teaching.

The necessary changes implemented to keep us safe have also brought a sense of simplicity and, somehow, peace into our school days. We know that in due time our schedules and days will return to normal and that is okay. For now, we will relish in this time of simplicity. We will take each day in the sun and every close friendship made in the classroom as a blessing. We will “give thanks in all things” and for “peace that surpasses all understanding!”

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year’s JGS Annual Fund Campaign, which helps support the school’s operating budget and provides funds for classroom technology, teacher retention, campus improvements and security, as well as other pressing needs of the school. The 2020-21 annual fund is off to a wonderful start thanks to our many corporate supporters, friends, parents, parishioners and grandparents. In addition to individual donations, the JGS Annual Fund also accepts matching gifts from corporate supporters. If your business or place of employment matches gifts to charitable 501c3 organizations like JGS School, we will help with all necessary paperwork. Contact the JGS School office for assistance. The success of our annual fund campaigns is due to the supportive community that JGS has been fortunate to be a part of for over six decades. Every gift is a vote of confidence in our school and in our mission. We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting the JGS School Annual Fund campaign. You may donate by filling out an annual fund pledge/donation card, available at the JGS school office, in the JGS church gathering space or printed from our school website at www.jesusgoodshepherd. org. You may also donate online at https:// jesusgoodshepherd.weshareonline.org.

Families interested in finding out more about Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School are encouraged to visit our website, www. jesusgoodshepherd.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. School tours are given every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and by appointment with our principal, Mrs. Lisa Patrick. Call the school office at 318-325-8569 to book your tour today.

LSU AG CENTER

GRATITUDE

Gratitude. That’s what this month is all about. No gardening advice this month. Rather, I’d like to sit back, take stock, and give thanks. If you had walked up to me twenty-five years ago with a crystal ball expecting to tell me my future, I imagine it would have like gone something like this: you would have found me deep in the bowels of Rankin Hall on the campus of Appalachian State University, either in the population genetics lab running enzymatic proteins of weird little fern through starch gels, or in a classroom teaching one of myriad general botany labs. You would have said, “Kerry, I’m here to tell your future.” Without looking up from my work, I would have said, “Oh yeah?” And you would have said, “Twenty-five years from now, you will be living in northern Louisiana working for the state’s flagship university, coordinating an amazing group of Master Gardeners, and meeting and interacting with your heroes like P. Allen Smith, Roger Swain, and Peter Hatch, to name a few. You will be doing a weekly television segment and be doing work that will be broadcast on national television. But before that, you will leave here and attend graduate school at Old Dominion University and Miami University of Ohio, write a chapter for a book on the natural history of the Great Dismal Swamp, meet some of the greatest minds in science, travel to parts of the country you otherwise never would have, give a paper at an international scientific meeting, and coauthor an award-winning scientific paper.” If you had told me all that, I would have laughed out loud, slapped you on the back, and said something like, “That’s rich. Let me get my gels on and we’ll go across the street and have a beer.” But, it’s happened. All of it and then some. in undergrad despite repeatedly being asked, “Botany? What will you ever do with that?” I will forever be grateful to my professors at Mars Hill College (now University) for their inspiration. A picture of my undergrad advisor hangs in my office to this day. He still speaks to me. I will forever be grateful for the paid internship I did right out of college in the long, hot summer of ’92 with the Nature Conservancy of Georgia in the Altamaha River Basin. I learned more plants that summer than I can possibly remember. I’ll always be grateful to Christy Lambert and Carl Nordman, for giving me that opportunity. Thank you both, wherever you are. I will forever be grateful to the biology faculty at Appalachian State who tracked me down in Georgia that summer and offered me a graduate assistantship. My years at App were formidable ones. My fellow graduate students like Ed Lickey, Lonnie Shull, Bennie Cockerel, Brian Padgett, Carol Hancock Craig, Dana Tamashiro, Tim Milling, and those whose names I no longer recall, all inspired me. I’ll never forget spending frigid cold nights with Tim out on the snow-laden ridges of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in eastern North America, radio-tracking northern saw-whet owls. To be out on those ridges in the depths of winter in the moonlight at that elevation was a religious experience. It was unparalleled beauty. And peace. I miss those mountains. he truth is, I’m the luckiest person in the world. And yes, serendipity has played no small role in my life and career. But, I’ve always had the good sense to weigh very carefully each decision I’ve ever made in life. For that, I thank my dad, who passed last year T I’m grateful for the year and a half I spent at Old Dominion University. There, I met Dr. Rebecca Bray, who unfortunately passed a couple years ago. She taught me how to squash root tips and get mitotic chromosome counts, a technique that served me well at Miami University of Ohio. Rebecca was not only a teacher and co-author, but she was an important confidant and at times, after twenty-two years of valiantly trying to recover from a traumatic brain injury. I’m thankful, also, that I had twenty-two years to, in my own way, say goodbye. I remember so well dad saying again and again that a person may not have all the material wealth in the world, but if he has peace of mind, he’s rich. How many of us can look back at this point in life and honestly say they have no regrets? I can. I never regretted my chosen major

therapist, through the years. I’m grateful I knew her. I miss her every day. I lived in Ohio for five years and loved every minute of it. I saw the Aurora Borealis from there. And I can’t count the winter nights I walked home from the lab, in single digit temperatures, oftentimes in the snow. It was so quiet and peaceful and gave me a lot of time to reflect. My advisor at Miami, Dr. Jim Hickey, recently passed... such a loss.I’ll always be grateful to Jim and my experiences in Ohio. Those years went by all too quickly.

But, here we are now in 2020, a year that has been, frankly, terrible. Oh, not entirely. As I look back on 2020 and the other 49 years, the good has outweighed the bad. And, no matter how bad the bad got sometimes, it could have always been much worse.

How many of us can look back at this point in life and honestly say they have no regrets?

Growing up in small-town North Carolina, we didn’t have much. We had more than some, less than others, and that’s just about where you want to be. I’m grateful to my parents for instilling work ethic into my brother and me. If we wanted something, we had to work for it. I’m grateful for the little patch of woods across the street from our house was where my interest in plants was first sparked. It where there that I learned to call plants by their botanical names, plants like Hexastylis arifolia and Silphium compositum. I’m grateful for 50 years of good health, to which I attribute longevity that runs on both sides of my family. I’m grateful that I was able to spend time with my grandfather. I can still hear him, “Reece, whatcha plant’n this year?” I wish I had had more years with my granddad, but I’m grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. He would be pleased.

I live and am gainfully employed in a community that has allowed me to call it home for the last eleven years despite my proclivity for vinegar-based barbeque sauce and ACC basketball. I am grateful for Madison, my bonus granddaughter. I hope she will always be Pawpaw’s little Monkey Doodle!

Finally, I’m grateful to Cassie and the team at BayouLife for letting me write a monthly article and to everybody who tunes in on Tuesday afternoon on Louisiana Living to watch the garden segment. Both are great fun to do.

Yes, as people have come into my life and gone from it, I am grateful for all the experiences along the road I’ve traveled that led me here. I would do it all over again. In a minute.

For all of this and more, I am truly thankful.

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

Shop All Daye Moves to New Location

Boutique Adds to Small Town Revitalization

ST. JOSEPH, LOUISIANA IS A SMALL TOWN, TUCKED DEEP IN the Delta of Tensas Parish that is known for its warm hospitality and tight knit community. In recent years, the town has seen a revitalization with shops opening, community events happening and more. The downtown area along Plank Road is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the area is home to another gem as well - Shop All Daye. This women’s clothing boutique is owned by Natalie Schauf and has recently expanded into a new space in the downtown area. Natalie started the clothing boutique as a pop-up concept and eventually opened a brick and mortar in March of 2019. In September of this year, Natalie expanded into a bigger space along Plank Road to accommodate her growing business. “We definitely needed more room and more dressing rooms, so the timing was perfect,” said Natalie. “And we are so excited to be in a building that has been around since 1927. This is just another way to grow our community and be a part of the revitalization of the area.”

Natalie found herself in St. Joseph after meeting native Bennett Schauf at LSU. After graduation, the couple returned to his hometown, married and had their daughter Harper Daye. When Natalie came up with the concept of a store, she knew she wanted to pay homage to her daughter and wanted to incorporate her middle name, a family name, and Shop All Daye was born. The store features a wide variety of unique items for women of all ages at affordable price points. “We really cater to all ages,” said Natalie. “I love that a mom and daughter can both come in here and find something for each one of them!” There is everything from everyday wear to dresses for weddings, showers and special occasions. You can always find pieces that are on trend and Natalie shares what is on trend for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. “Midi sweater dresses and boyfriend blazer and jackets are very popular,” she said. “We also have one of the biggest trends - leather. We have leather pants and joggers that are very popular.” When it comes to accessories, Shop All Daye has a selection of shoes, clutches and jewelry. “We have a variety of stud and huggie earrings, which are very on trend. We also have gold layering necklaces at great price points, most are around $20.”

The people of the St. Joseph community are proud of where they come from so its no surprise that one of the most popular items Shop All Daye carries is their BRU sweatshirts and hats, which is nod to the local waterway, Lake Bruin. During the spring and summer months, you can find swimwear, coverups, beach bags and more. For the upcoming holidays, Shop All Daye will carry ornaments, kids pajamas and toys. And just like the downtown community around her, Natalie plans on continuing to grow. “We are excited to announce we will be adding kid’s clothes in the spring!” And if you can’t make it to St. Joseph, you can reach out to Natalie about hosting a pop up event in your home for a unique girl’s night out shopping experience! Follow Shop All Daye on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with everything they have to offer!

Dine Along the Ouachita

Miro’s Features Burgers, Brews and Views

THE COOL FALL BREEZE IS FINALLY HERE AND THERE’S no better place to enjoy it than along the banks of the Ouachita River. The best views are from the patio of Miro’s located in the heart of downtown Monroe and the food is even better. The locally owned restaurant pays homage to the Endom Bridge and train track, just steps away from the patio. The menu features the River Burger, the Morning Barge, the Conductor, and the Caboose, just to name a few. You even get a $1 Fireball shot when the train comes by!

In recent months, Miro’s has expanded their menu and added even more delicious options. The homemade fried cheese may look and taste familiar as it is the same recipe as Sammy’s in Baton Rouge. Owner Roy Arthur has teamed up with Sammy Nagem of Sammy’s Bar and Grill to provide some favorites from the former restaurant. They have also added thin sliced, deep fried eggplant, lightly battered and served with ranch or marinara sauce. Another new menu item is the shrimp skewers, jumbo bacon-wrapped shrimp, jalapeno cream cheese, basil and served with sriracha glaze. Fried oysters have made it on the menu as well, and they are already very popular!

Miro’s offers a daily lunch special, with the perfect amount of food to get you full and served quickly to get you right back to the office. On Tuesdays, it is spaghetti and meatballs; Wednesdays is hamburger steak served with mashed potatoes and green beans; Thursdays is chicken parmesan over pasta; and Fridays, you can choose from fried catfish or shrimp. All lunch specials come with a drink for just $10.99.

The bar area at Miro’s is always a good time, perfect for unwinding and enjoying happy hour. Everyone’s favorite bartender, Wendy Borrow, serves up a variety of mules, frozen drinks and fruit concoctions. The drink menu features the Miro’s Mary, their version of a Bloody Mary; four variations of mules; a spicy margarita and the Velvet Hammer, made with Tito’s vodka and fruit flavors, just to name a few. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in town. Not only is the menu delicious, but there is also plenty of hair of the dog options with bottomless mimosas. Brunch is served on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

It is time to book your holiday parties, and Miro’s has plenty of space to host your friends, family or co-workers. There is a large room in the front of the restaurant that could seat a group in a private setting. Miro’s also offers catering for local offices, as well as off-site events like parties, weddings and receptions. Miro’s will be in the holly jolly spirit this holiday season. They will be hosting a Santa Brunch on Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa Claus himself will be there so all the boys and girls can bring their wish lists!

Miro’s is proud to be a part of the Northeast Louisiana community. They look for opportunities to give back whenever they can. They recently hosted a fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, with a percentage of all food and drink purchases for a day benefiting the nonprofit organization. Miro’s is proud to support local schools and high school teams as well. During this month and time of thanksgiving, Miro’s is grateful to be a part of this community and would like to say thank you to their loyal customers over the past 2 years!

I'm thankful for adoption. ~ Claire

I've had so much time to focus inward.

I really didn't know me very well. But, I see everything a lot clearer now. ~ Kaye

READER QUESTION We'd like to know what you're thankful for this holiday season.

I'm thankful for a company and

coworkers who believe family comes first and back that up with supportive action. As so many of us have had to adjust to working from home (while managing twolegged kids, fourlegged kids, spouses, etc.) this year, I am beyond grateful to work with a team that has allowed me to find a work-life balance that affords me the ability to be there for my family and still kick butt at work. ~ Emma

People love me

unconditionally. Even though I give them reasons to not. ~ Kyla

I'm thankful for answered prayers. ~ Molly I'm thankful for second chances. ~ Mandi

I'm thankful for toilet paper and spell check. ~ Lynette

The Cigar Experience Opens in West Monroe

Local Businessman Looks to Build Cigar Community

DON NANCE HAS BEEN IN THE cigar world for years. Not only is he a cigar aficionado, he has traveled the world visiting cigar clubs and cigar factories. And now, he has brought that knowledge back to the Twin Cities. This past month, he opened a local cigar lounge, The Cigar Experience. And that’s just what it is - an experience. “I have found that cigars really bring people together,” said Don. “Through my love of cigars, I have met many new friends from all walks of life - veterans, policemen, firemen, doctors, attorneys and more. What I love about cigars is that it gives you the opportunity to just sit and relax. That is something I have a hard time doing. I have a full time job, I have rental property that I own so I am often going non-stop. Enjoying a cigar is a unique, relaxing experience.”

The humidor room at The Cigar Experience has room for 200 different types of cigars and Don is adding more everyday. There is something for everyone at different price points. Their selection includes AJ Fernandez Drew Estate, Joya de Nicaragua and Arturo Fuente, just to name a few. Arturo Fuente cigars are consistently rated among the best cigars in the world. They have a reputation for unsurpassed quality, with both flavor and construction, and have amassed a loyal following among cigar connoisseurs.

The Cigar Experience offers four separate lounge rooms available. The first is a room surrounded with vintage cigar items from years of Don’s personal collection. Another room has a small intimate feel, while the third has a board room perfect for meetings and more. The fourth room is a members’ lounge with unique decor and memorabilia, a television and lockers available. In addition to the special lounge, members get 24/7 access to The Cigar Experience, 10% discount on single cigars and 20% discount on boxes of cigars for an annual membership of $400. All of the rooms have a hospital grade smoke filtration system that draws the smoke out of the room so you don’t leave smelling like a cigar.

In addition to cigars, The Cigar Experience carries pipe tobacco and pipes. And if you don’t know what the cigar aficionado in your life prefers, you can always get a gift card, perfect for the upcoming holidays. In the coming months, Don has plans to host events that the public can enjoy. In December, he is planning a tasting with local legend Karl Malone, who distributes his own line of rum, as well as Two Warriors Meadery.

A cigar truly is an experience. Not only the different bodies, flavors and strength of the cigar itself, but the people you are enjoying a cigar with. “In here, you can find people discussing their day, getting advice on their health, their vehicle, bouncing business ideas, just discussing life in general,” said Don. “It is a hub for meeting, discussion and ideas…all over a cigar, and that is truly an experience!”

Cajun Flavor on the Ouachita

Trapp’s Offers Comfort Foods Just In Time for the Holidays

WHEN 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 test 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 five 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 have become a favorite and 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, crawfish queso, fried crawfish tails, fried pickles, crab cakes and boudin bites round out the options for appetizers. There are daily lunch options during the week for only $9 including Beef Tips on Tuesdays and Fridays, Trapp’s Cheeseburger on Wednesday and Nonk’s Jambalaya on Thursday.

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 a New Orleans style poboy bread, they are dressed with lettuce, tomato and housemade remoulade. Trapp’s dinner entree offerings include a Spud Menu – this features five different choices from a Cajun Grilled Chicken Spud to an Étouffée Spud. And now that fall is finally here, that means it is time for soups! Trapp’s has a delicious bread bowl that you can fill with your choice of soup from shrimp, crab and corn bisque to crawfish etouffee. The grill menu features a smothered catfish with crawfish etouffee, pork chops and blackened tuna, just to name a few items. Tuesday nights are Steak Night with two 10 oz. ribeyes and four sides for just $35. On Wednesdays, it’s Burger Night with 2 Burgers, sides and drinks for just $12.

And don’t forget to book your holiday parties this season at Trapp’s. Their private dining room can accommodate a large group of 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 all 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.

MODERN ELEGANCE

Most people get frustrated with prequels, reboots, and remakes. Usually, the problem is conceptual. Creators get lost in trying to stay too true to the original that they miss the opportunity of reinvention, but keeping close to the original can also mean looking ahead. That was the challenge a design and architectural team had when asked to revitalize one of Monroe’s most elegant and romantic dining locations, Genusa's.

Article by VANELIS RIVERA Photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK Interior Design by SANDY MCMILLAN

ELEGANCE

OCTOBER 3RD IS A SIGNIFICANT DATE for the Genusa family. Last year, on that day, a fire swept through the restaurant, causing extensive damage, impacting their lives, and jolting their loyal customer base. This year, on the same date, the Genusa’s team posted a “burnniversary” message on their Facebook page: “Today is a day we choose to be thankful. Thankful for each other, and thankful for the opportunity to serve our community.” The message then turned to matriarch Cherry Genusa, who led the restaurant family through a distressing year with “a spirit of determination, gratitude, and above all things, love.” The team credits her with maintaining constant communication with them, rounding them up with one goal in mind--reopening the Genusa’s restaurant doors and welcoming their customers back.

Though Cherry became a pillar of strength during her family’s time of need, the initial shock was difficult to shake. “I absolutely gave up because I was so emotionally disturbed over it. I just turned it over to Sandy and the construction crew that I absolutely fell in love with,” says Cherry. Lead designer Sandy McMillan is a licensed interior designer, a title she takes seriously. “Louisiana requires you to be licensed in order to call yourself an interior designer. Very few people know that,” says McMillan. Originally from Vicksburg, Mississippi, she moved to Monroe after receiving a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Louisiana State University. Here, she opened an interior design firm, Intelligent Designs, which she has had for twenty-four years, and later opened a specialty gift boutique, Haven. The Genusa’s family had already taken advantage of McMillan’s handy work several years ago for some minor renovations to their dining room area, including a “paint facelift for everything in that space,” as well as installing new booths and light fixtures. Last year, Cherry contacted McMillan once more; this time, to provide a fresh look to their bar area. “That’s kind of the area that people really love to sit in,” says McMillan. She had the area painted, and ordered new parcels like chairs and draperies. A couple of days from finishing, the fire happened.

After the overwhelming tide of working through insurance coverage, rummaging through the demolition, and deciding on the salvageable, McMillan stepped in to help with the process of reconstructing the new Genusa’s. McMillan’s design team, which includes herself, Analise Kelly, and Taylor George, and took that opportunity to rethink every room in color, space, and function. As a Louisiana registered interior design firm, when working on any commercial project, they paid particular attention to ensure everything met commercial codes for finishes, furniture, and layout. As the Intelligent Designs team started working on this new space, they were able to use some of the pieces that had yet to be delivered those final days before the fire. Their goal was to retain the coziness patrons were used to, but with fresh, modern elegance.

Because of extensive smoke damage, B the whole building had to be gutted. So, “first and foremost,” during the planning stages, McMillan wanted to make sure that they kept some familiarity in the space, all while keeping the warm and comfortable ambiance customers have cherished throughout the years. Exploring every avenue meant considering customer flow into the space, alongside choosing the most appealing and practical finishes. Keeping with the vision of the Genusa family, one of McMillan’s loftier subprojects became creating a larger space in the wine bar and chocolate area. “Genusa sisters, Ann and Rachel, were an important part of this decision. Their input was vital to combining these two spaces into one,” says McMillan. Not wanting to make it feel like “one big, open space,” they painted the walls Tricorn Black with Sherwin Williams Outerbanks (a light gold) on the ceiling. Stylish new champagne chairs and barstools are carefully dispersed throughout the area, while materials such as exposed brick archways and columns, brass accents, and wood beams help achieve “architectural interest,” says McMillan. Connecting those sections allowed the bar area to be enjoyable from both rooms. “It still feels like two rooms, but it does feel like one larger room in some ways,” says McMillan, adding that now the bar seating circles the bar, a practical detail further embellished by beautiful pendant lights, likened to bubbly champagne bottles, around the general bar space. Noise in the wine

and chocolate room used to be a bit of an issue because the rooms accommodated larger parties. To address that challenge, McMillan’s team worked hard, conducting a few in-depth studies on the best way to remedy the noise issue. “And so we ended up doing acoustical ceiling tiles,” enthuses McMillan. Not only have they assisted the sound quality, but also enlivened the area’s character. “It just looks really stunning,” says McMillan.

There is a long list of people on Cherry’s gratitude list, as so many carpenters, plumbers, and electricians worked tirelessly to complete the project, but there are two that she claims to trust with her life. One is McMillan, the other is Bobby Smith from Tri-Group Construction whose team ensured all the new changes for the kitchen and floor plan were brought to life. “He was so on target with everything. He kept the construction flowing constantly. He would watch every paint stroke and every corner. And he was just meticulous, absolutely meticulous, with his work,” says Cherry. Though the restaurant business is taxing and time-consuming, after fifty-three years of being in the grind, Cherry found the separation traumatic. At times emotionally distraught, Cherry’s frustrations were assuaged by the follow-through from all teams involved. She praises McMillan in particular for taking charge of every step from deciding on pieces to be ordered, staying on top of shipping and delivery dates, and double-checking the installation of furniture and appliances. Now that it’s over, and the restaurant is back in business, Cherry and the Genusa family are “happy, happy, happy.”

For most, pieces of art are usually reserved for filling walls or empty shelves, but McMillan’s team, not having a lot of free wall space to work with, opted for incorporating the aesthetic in the form of light fixtures. Each space of the restaurant has an illuminating statement piece hanging from the ceiling. Perhaps one of the most underestimated elements of design within an establishment, lighting may not be at the forefront of a customer’s mind; yet, it can have a significant impact on the overall dining experience by setting the mood, helping enhance a space, and providing safety to customers. The design firm ordered pieces from a variety of vendors, having to make sure the components coordinated. The result--calm, varying dimensions of glow, strategically layered to call attention to the elegance of the arisen Genusa’s. “When you walk into the vestibule, there’s this beautiful glass fixture that greets you,” says McMillan. Walking into the waiting area and the family room, you’ll notice several lighting features, which vary from room to room--chandeliers, wall sconces, and accent lights, like wall washers. “When we went up there and turned all the lights on, I just sat there and I had chills all over me because the light fixtures are so beautiful,” exclaims Cherry adding, “It was just like it was Christmas.”

Is there a part of the restaurant that’s your favorite? “If I just had to say one thing, it would be the kitchen,” says Cherry. Between her daughters, her granddaughters, and herself, they pulled the room together, and are still in the process of rearranging and adding equipment. “That kitchen is just very efficient, and we can’t stand to see a speck of dirt on anything.” The designers collaborated with architects Brian McGuire and Robert Ellis from TAG architecture firm; together, they worked tirelessly to make sure functionality, like that of the kitchen and employee workspace, was a driving force in the changes to be made. “It is all in the function and details,” says McMillan, mentioning the addition of multifunctional booths that can be moved to allow the boardroom to accommodate larger parties. McGuire and Ellis were also instrumental in designing a new

“The building was built in 1957, and so the bones of the building were actually quite tired, to put it nicely,” says Cherry. “I don’t know whether there was any divine intervention in it. I hate to say that, you know, because I know that we all have control over our own lives, but it was time to do it.”

pathway to the wine bar from the family room, a space allowing guests to peruse the enticing wine selections Genusa’s offers while waiting to be seated.

“It has a transitional feel,” says McMillan, referring to the interior’s less-is-more approach, which combines sleek materials and layers of texture. Clearly, the result of hard work done well, Genusa’s is the comeback kid on the block. “The entire project was great to work on. I can’t say enough great things about working with Cherry because I just felt like she was very open to ideas,” says McMillan, finishing with, “We thought through every single decision that we were recommending to her, and so I think that’s why we ended up with a great space because she was willing to step out there.” The effort placed into intentionality has resulted in consistently, fully-booked nights. McMillan still has clients who have unsuccessfully been able to book an evening. “But, you know, it’s a great problem to have,” says McMillan.

The renovations to Genusa’s Italian Restaurant kept many in tremendous anticipation, but none matched that of Cherry. From the harrowing realization of destruction to the bliss of reopening, she has walked a path of great ups and downs, but that has only allowed her to reflect more deeply on the experience. “The building was built in 1957, and so the bones of the building were actually quite tired, to put it nicely,” she says, recognizing that perhaps it was time for a change. “I don’t know whether there was any divine intervention in it. I hate to say that, you know, because I know that we all have control over our own lives, but it was time to do it.” Cherry finally feels relief that after a long and arduous nine months, her daughters, “my girls,” she says, have “many, many years of a very strong, fabulous building.”

Genusa’s Italian Restaurant is located at 815 Park Ave and it is open Tuesday through Saturday between 5 to 10 PM. Follow them on Facebook to stay in the know of drink and food specials.

Rhymes Gets You Ready for the Holidays

Rhymes Renovations and Contracting Offers Custom Work and More

FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES, RANDY RHYMES HAS BEEN working on homes throughout Northeast Louisana as a licensed residential general contractor. Randy has experience in historic and vintage properties, interior and exterior work, new builds and remodel jobs of all shapes and sizes. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to mark some things off that ever growing project list. Whether you need to remodel a guest bathroom, add a back patio or update a kitchen, Randy can help ensure your project goes smoothly from start to finish. “When you are working with a licensed general contractor, it is a turnkey operation,” said Randy. “You aren’t having to research who does what for your job, find good and reputable workers, make sure they are ordering all the correct things and installing them correctly. That is my job and I oversee every project.” Most people are busy working and simply don’t have the knowledge required when it comes to construction and remodel. “My clients hire me to take care of their project and be the middle man and expert when it comes to all the different variables that come along with construction and remodel.” However, it doesn’t have to be a big project. Ready can handle jobs of all sizes including small ones like replacing doors, exterior hardscapes, gates and more.

You can call Randy to meet with him and discuss the project you are planning. He will give you an estimate and once agreed upon, he will get to work. He is licensed and insured, which is another added bonus. “Often times, people may attempt to work with someone who isn’t licensed or have insurance and when there is a problem, they end up having to hire someone else and it costs more money in the long run,” said Randy. Having work done in your home means having a variety of workers in and around your home. When you hire Rhymes Renovations and Contracting, Randy ensures your home is taken care of throughout the process.

No matter the scope of your job, Randy Rhymes can provides services to some looking to handle some projects around the house to building from the ground up, to renovating an existing home. Randy works throughout Northeast Louisiana, including Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, Farmerville and Sterlington. To experience the level of care and detail that Rhymes Renovations can bring to your next construction project, call Randy today at 318.348.4287.

Portico Monroe

Local Restaurant a Favorite for Everyone

PORTICO RESTAURANT HAS BEEN THE PLACE TO GO IN Monroe for before or after a football game, happy hour, family celebrations, get togethers and more and the holidays are no different. If you have family in town and want to get together and visit over delicious food, you can grab a table and catch up. The patio is the perfect place for those holiday office parties, groups of friends and more. Plus, it is heated so you can be comfortable and cozy.

You can choose from appealing appetizers like crab cakes and fried green tomatoes, nachos, mini panini muffalettas and sesame crusted tuna. Their enticing entrees include low country shrimp, citrus salmon, redfish, Caribbean mahi and tacos. Their burger options are bountiful and include their classic Portico burger, jalapeño cream cheese, BBQ bacon, blue guacamole and more! Sandwich options are po-boys, corn beef melt, brisket, BLT and more. Portico offers plenty of pizzas that include spinach, garden, chicken alfredo, margherita and cheeseburger. If you would like something on the lighter side, there are plenty of soups and salads to choose from.

Portico has daily lunch specials that include a side salad and drink. On Mondays they have beef tips with rice or mashed potatoes, cornbread and a side salad; Tuesday is hamburger steak; Wednesday is everyone’s favorite fried chicken; Thursday is country fried steak or

chicken; and Friday is chicken and dumplings. All of these are offered weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are just $11.99. They also offer dinner specials from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can get a single topping pizza or wings and a pitcher of beer for $20. Tuesdays are for tacos with $2 house tacos, and two-for-one margaritas, Coronas or Modelo draft. On Wednesdays, you can get anything on a bun two- for-one, and celebrate Thirsty Thursday with $12 bottomless house wine. Portico has the best seat on gameday with 8-65” televisions. You can pick from wings, a large single topping pizza and domestic draft pitcher during all college and NFL games. You can also wind down on the weekend with bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entree on Saturdays.

Everyone loves Portico, so be sure to get gift cards for the hard to buy for people on your list that have everything. They can enjoy their famous hamburgers, bountiful brunch and pizzas long after the holidays are gone. Now through the end of the year, when you purchase a $25 gift card, you get a $5 gift card to give as a gift or just keep for yourself! Owners Joey Trappey, Arthur Roy and Lindsay Leavitt are excited to see old and new friends during the holiday season and invite you to stop by!

Art Something Beautiful

Local Mom Starts Art Party Business to Spread Joy

ART HAS A SPECIAL WAY OF showing you someone’s soul, their passions, and who they are. Without the creativity and love that goes into art, life would be a lot more dull. With this thought in mind, local mom of 7 and former surgical tech, Tracy Britt, decided it was time to bring more soul and passion into her everyday life by creating a way to bring friends and family together through art. Having always dreamed of having a family business that could use her God given gifts to bring joy to others through art, Tracy knew exactly which path take in her life to make her vision a reality.

Bless Your Art was started in September 2019 with Tracy and her daughter Katie doing a few girl’s night paint parties a month. But what started as a fun girl’s night quickly burst into a calendar completely colored to show booked up nights and weekends. So in September of 2019, this Louisiana mom decided to dive fully into her business “Bless Your Art” and create the dream she’d always wanted of sharing her business with her family. To keep up with the constant influx of new creators, painters, visionaries, girls night hostesses, and party goers, Tracy decided to bring the rest of the family in on their fun. Each family member has their own unique gifts that contribute to making Bless Your Art what it is. Her husband, Jay, cuts the wood and makes carved signs and flags on the CNC router. Daughter Katie, helps plan and orchestrate parties as well as assisting with the actual parties and teaching. Owen, Tracy’s son who is an 8th grader and gifted art student, helps fill orders and loves to use his incredible talent to help his mom. Rosemary uses her incredible creativity and artistic eye for detail to help fill door-hanger orders. Daughters, Elle and Katie, assist at parties and events to get the party going smoothly with base painting. Elle even uses the skills she learned having trained in restaurants around the area to create delicious fruit and vegetable trays for an added special treat while everyone paints. Even the guys in the family get in on the creative fun! Tracy’s oldest son Garret does party prep, set up and clean up and helps with cutting and creating the wood signs. If you’re wanting a unique girls night out, the perfect office team event, or a fundraiser for your school, Bless Your Art has you covered! Tracy has created parties for every theme and every need. You can even order a customizable art bag to have fun at home while the kids enjoy painting fun and festive canvases and wood cutouts. To check out Bless Your Art in person, be sure to go to the Holiday Market on November 21st at the Monroe Civic Center. You can also catch a party at these open to the public ceramic tree parties: The Hub Music Hall on December 3rd at 6:30 PM, Crafty Skills in Arcadia on December 5th at 2:00 PM, and Paint Your Pet, in collaboration with Sarah Howell of the Artsy Pet, at The Depot Market Place on January 23rd. Bless Your Art will also have a booth in Crafty Skills and a booth at The Depot Marketplace in Delhi. All other parties have sold out though so hurry and book your spot or party today!

SIMPLY LOU

Hero article by LOU DAVENPORT

2020...

Could we in our wildest dreams ever have forseen a year like this has been? First, a deadly virus named Covid-19 appeared. We were locked down, quarantined, masked, and learned the words, “socially distance.” And of all things, a hurricane named Laura came to Monroe and made many of us refugees. As I write this, another one might come through.

But through all the highs, lows, and in betweens, there have been moments that make us so thankful to be alive, and especially to appreciate the good things in our lives. For me, I’m especially thankful for my family.

Someone once said, “When it gets down to it, all you have is your family.” I have three great children, and a big family that I adore. I’m pretty blessed.

There is someone in my family, my uncle, JB Humphrey that turned 100 years old on October 7th. We had a big celebration planned for him before the Covid-19 cancelled that. All of us were so disappointed, that he turned 100 in the middle of all this madness with no celebration.

So, a few weeks ago, my cousin, Lisa Trussell, and I were talking on the phone about how much we missed him since we can’t go see him at the VA home for now. But, as we talked we wondered how we could do something for him. He certainly deserved some kind of recognition for the life he has lived. So, we started brainstorming, not knowing where we would even start!

The two of us are hard headed (it’s a family trait) and we just knew there had to be some way, even though we didn’t know a way. But, if you ask Him, God steps in and makes a way.

We knew that whatever we planned, it would have to be approved by the Veteran’s Administration. Lisa made a phone call, then a few more, and they agreed with us that “Mr. JB” surely deserved something to mark his 100th year on this earth.

We came up with a few ideas and they approved them, but also laid down their guidelines and rules that we would have to strictly observe. For him, we knew we could, so, a party began to take shape.

We agreed to having only 15 family members, 30 minutes for the celebration, and everyone had to be masked and be “socially distanced.” We understood their concerns, and knew it was for the residents’ safety, as well as ours. We sent everyone else that wanted to be there to an empty parking lot nearby (Plan B). So, here’s the story of our getting a party planned with great style for an amazing man, and it was to be a surprise! We started calling everywhere we thought we could get what we needed. (Call and just ask... they might say no, but they might say yes!) I called Barksdale AFB to see if they would send an honor guard, and if we could get a B-52 to do a fly over. Not as easy as you might think. We were on a tight timeline and there was just too much “red tape.” So, we had to go to Plan B. By chance, Lisa’s son-in-law knew of a group of pilots that do aerial acrobatic flying. A call to “Jimmy the Pilot” (Jimmy Fondren) and we had the Aeroshell

Acrobatics Team that were going to do a show! Not just a flyover!

We knew we wanted some music from the 1940’s, so Ms. Nell Calloway from the Chennault Aviation Museum gave us the name of a group of ladies who sing just that music! They are named Southern Grace.

After a call to the National Guard, we had an honor guard! This party was shaping up to be even more than we ever imagined!

Another example of how things just somehow work out the way they need to was when we thought we had an emcee…..and then we didn’t! That job fell to me and Lisa! Yes, indeed, we were nervous, because neither of us are public speakers! But, we knew we could do it for our Uncle “Beeker.”

When the word got out, help started coming in from all over the place. He received over 400 cards and letters, some from school children who wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday. One of those cards was written by a little 3rd grade girl, and was read by Lisa to open the party.

All kinds of certificates, proclamations, and official pins and flags started coming in. The Governor even sent him a signed declaration of his 100th year, and a flag that flew over the Capital in Baton Rouge. It was unbelievable!

But, let me tell you about my Uncle. He is the second oldest living WWII Veteran in Louisiana. For his service to our country, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. He was a flight engineer on a B-59, and on his next to last mission, the plane was shot down over enemy territory. He pulled his crew out of the plane and

got them safely hid, all the while with a broken back. They had to have been so scared, but the French Resistance got there and safely rescued them, and took them to a hospital in Belgium. He was transferred to three different hospitals before he made his way to a hospital ship in Ireland. That ship made its way south, across the equator and up the eastern coast to New York, when he finally was back in the States. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

There’s so much more of his story of being a soldier in WWII, but I don’t have the room to tell it all.

When he returned home to Delhi, LA, he became a rural route mail carrier until he retired. He is now the oldest living rural route carrier in Louisiana! When both presidents of the State and National Rural Route Mail Carriers presented him with awards, one said, “and Mr. Humphrey still pays his annual dues!”

He is an amazing man, always smiling and always ready with a great story. If you meet him, you automatically love him; he’s just has that special spirit. My cousin and I learned just how loved our Uncle was putting this party together.

On Wednesday, October 7th, I got to the VA home on 165 to find the entire entrance flying big flags! Then, the entire driveway was circled with smaller flags. The VA had a special place right in the middle for him to be surrounded by flags. It was a beautiful sight! All our chairs were spaced just right, and Lisa and I even had a podium! We were all “masked up,” and ready for the party!

Now, our Uncle knew NONE of this! When he was brought out to see all the flags, family members, and many of his friends at the VA home, I couldn’t tell what he might have been thinking when everyone started singing “Happy Birthday!” Then, several of the veterans started chanting “JB! JB! JB!” He was speechless, and that doesn’t happen often!

Southern Grace sang the National Anthem a cappella as the Honor Guard presented the colors. Lisa did a great opening and one of the ladies at the VA home, Ms. Marketta, read all the certificates and awards for us. Then the ladies started to sing, and the party started to swing! Toes were tapping, and I think we all wanted to get up and dance because that music was so good!

While the ladies were nearing the end of their part of the show, we started hearing planes! All of a sudden, there was the Aeroshell Team and they didn’t do just a fly by, they put on a show! They showed up and showed out! It was unforgettable!

I did my ending, and got through it without tears, and I was very thankful for that. He knew how much he was loved, and what a hero he truly is! I was overjoyed that we were able to make his 100th so special, and that fit him so well!

But we didn’t do this alone. There aren’t enough words to thank everyone at the Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Home for all they did to help us make his birthday so special. They went the extra mile and it was as near as perfect as it could have been.

A huge thank you to the ladies of Southern Grace. They set the festive atmosphere for the party, and my-oh-my how those ladies can sing! Their last song did make me cry...but it was a good cry! Thank you, Ms. Nell Calloway, for sending them our way!

Thank you to the National Guard for such a polished honor guard!

To the Aeroshell Acrobatics Team, we salute you and thank you Jimmy Fondren and his team made sure that air show was unforgettable. Nobody will ever forget my Uuncle’s 100th. I was told that Uncle Beeker said after the party was over, “It doesn’t cost a thing to love, but it costs you everything if you hate.” Pretty wise words from one HERO of a man!

And as David Bowie sang, “We can be heroes if for just one day.”

article by Morgan Patrick Morgan and Richard G. Shrubb, Ph.D.

In August of 2019, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Shrubb introduced the Sisterhood Ceiling in an article for BayouLife Magazine (page 52). In the article, they discussed an unfinished study of the phenomenon and promised to divulge the implications and completed results of the study follow-up article. Here it is! S o what is the Sisterhood Ceiling? It is a spinoff term from the more commonly known “Glass Ceiling,” a label originated by researcher Marilyn Loden in 1978 describing what men do, knowingly or unknowingly, to hold back women at work. The difference is that while “Glass Ceiling” labels what men do to women, “Sisterhood Ceiling” is a term used to describe what women do to themselves and to each other. The premise of the Sisterhood Ceiling is that women not only do things to hold back other women at work, but also limit their own career success as well. The term “Sisterhood Ceiling” was first coined by journalist John Bingham in 2016 as he summarized research conducted by Dr. Sunny Lee studying the phenomenon of how women treat each other at work. Gender socialization and the biosocial mechanisms as described by Social Role Theory solidify the socially acceptable rules and unspoken nuances that define gender expectations in the workplace, therefore enforcing barriers and ceilings such as the Glass Ceiling, the Glass Escalator, the Good Ol’ Boy Network, the Sisterhood Ceiling, and others. Dr. Morgan Leigh Patrick, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Education Program at Louisiana Tech University, conducted empirical research utilizing Sisterhood Ceiling theories to complete her dissertation. Her premise defined the Sisterhood Ceiling as self-imposed limitations and behaviors that women project onto themselves and each other. The phenomenon covered all selfimposed limitations women exhibit that would impede their rise to leadership as well as their behaviors toward other women who have achieved success in leadership. The study deployed qualitative case study methodology by conducting face-to-face interviews with women in leadership positions to determine their perceived symptoms of the Sisterhood Ceiling as defined above. The study triangulated self-reported findings by conducting observations to validate the opinions described by the female leaders interviewed. Of note is that, although pay-gap was not a theme addressed by the study, it still emerged. Female participants regularly disclosed their knowledge of being underpaid compared to their male peers. After a review of their resumes, although marginally, the female participants had a greater level of education, greater diversity of jobs, and more years of experience per job than male participants in the study. Women interviewed also disclosed gender bias and double standards they faced compared to their male peers including (a) additional scrutiny of their work; (b) reprimands for being assertive where as men were perceived to be praised; (c) being neglected from the decision making process; and (d) accusations of using sexual allure to advance their careers. Interestingly, these gender biases and double standards were committed against women by both men and women. This female-on-female admonition is a symptom of the Sisterhood Ceiling. The study’s findings determined two distinctions of the Sisterhood Ceiling: (1) Self-Exclusion and (2) Projection of SelfImposed Limitations upon other women. The symptoms of the first distinction that female leaders perceived were low selfconfidence, lack of representation, primary family caretakers (motherhood), and the Good Ol’ Boy system. Several of these barriers and more emerged during the study, a few of which have already been described. However, the empirical evidence of the perceived symptoms that emerged for the second distinction of the Sisterhood Ceiling are limited. These symptoms are jealousy, over-personalization, and gossip. The table to the right portrays these two categories and the reactions they inspired among the women interviewed.

The first symptom of projections upon other women is jealousy. Participants in the study stated that the competitiveness women feel among each other is one explanation as to why women may feel jealous of other women who succeed in breaking the Glass Ceiling. “Why was it not me?” was a common question that female participants used during their interviews to describe their feelings of self-reported jealousy. Several participants expressed their feelings of jealousy as, “We have had to fight to achieve everything, so competition is personal for us.”

The second symptom of projections upon other women is over-personalization. The concept was used often among participants to label perceptions of women interpreting the success of other women as criticism, causing them to behave unsupportively as a result. To avoid this feeling of criticism-by-comparison, several female participants disclosed their preference for working with males over females, and female leaders regularly expressed the opinion that it was easier for them to manage men than women. Some participants self-reported a “cautiousness” women have for other women and disclosed that “women feel threatened by other women.” One female participant in the study described her experience as switching

from a “toxic all-female work environment” to an all-male work environment where she was able to “climb faster and accomplish more” as a result of her transition. She attributed her inability to rise in the “toxic all-female work environment” to women hoping she would fail so they would look better by comparison.

The final symptom of the Sisterhood Ceiling that female leaders in the study communicated was gossip within their institutions. One participant described gossip as, “Boys slug it out in the backyard and in ten minutes they are over it, but with girls, we’re discouraged from being that physical and direct, so our conflict uses words and is more indirect.” This perception is commensurate with Dr. Lee’s research that explained how boys are rewarded for direct competition, whereas girls are rewarded for promoting harmony. When this conditioning is carried into adulthood, direct confrontation can feel inappropriate among female leaders because it jeopardizes what they perceive as a responsibility to promote harmony in the workplace.

Based on the well-known biosocial mechanisms of Social Role Theory, men and women alike have been socialized to have expectations which translate into workplace assumptions. For instance, if men are viewed as natural born leaders based on these biosocial assumptions, it could explain why men are prone to facilitate each other’s leadership

Self-Exclusion

- Low self confidence - Lack of representation - Motherhood - Good Ol’ Boy

Projection of Self-Imposed Limitations

- Jealousy - Over-personalization - Gossip

success (the Good Ol’ Boy System) and may not experience feelings of negativity over the career advances of other men. Likewise, being conditioned to believe that men are natural born leaders might incline women to not experience reactions of negative paralleling with men; however, women may interpret the advancement of other women into leadership positions as being symbolic of their own shortcomings. This is no small concern because if it’s true, then women have their own biases and double standards against women. It’s relevant here to point out that, outside of the very serious issue of unequal pay for equal work, the female participants in this study did not express any of the three Projections of Self-Imposed Limitations (jealousy, overpersonalization and gossip) regarding the career success of men.

The participants in this study agreed that women who serve on boards, tackle projects together, or push one another toward a shared prize are able to more successfully accomplish goals; however, participants also stated that it is difficult for some women to engage in activities with other women without exhibiting the trifecta of the Sisterhood Ceiling: feelings or behaviors of jealousy, over-personalization, and gossip. Based upon the results of this empirical research for her dissertation, it is Dr. Morgan’s recommendation that women host focus groups often to discuss these phenomena, and to provide a safe space to converse about their lived experiences. The groups should include mentorship, salary audits, family-friendly examinations of policy, and official recognition of leadership achievements among women. While women continue to press forward in breaking the proverbial ceilings in their quest for equality in leadership, it is also important for them to remain introspective in order to unpack their own self-imposed limitations that could impede their progress towards true equality, while also making a conscious effort to remain united, regardless of differences, within the realm of the Sisterhood. For more information, look for Dr. Morgan’s research: The Sisterhood Ceiling: A Qualitative Case Study on Female Leaders’ Perceptions of the Gender Leadership Gap, which will be published on ProQuest soon. You can also forward your questions to Dr. Morgan (morganlpatrick@yahoo.com) and Dr. Shrubb (rshrubb@latech.edu) directly.