BayouLife Magazine November 2021 by BayouLife Magazine

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98 42 / HOLIDAY COMFORT FOOD

NOVEMBER 2021

It’s time to give thanks. This season, gather around the table for a Louisiana Thanksgiving feast full of flavor and seasonal offerings.

52 / BAG IT UP

We like the way these bags work into autumn’s wardrobe. From petite bucket bags to quilted purses, these totes are too hot to handle. Find these and more at local retailers.

58 / TEA TIME

There is a lot to fall in love with this time of year. These teas are no exception – warm your body and your soul with these bold flavors.

60 / CAMPFIRE COCKTAIL

With colder weather upon us, there’s nothing better than a good Old Fashioned. Whether you like it neat or with a little punch, these craft cocktails are sure to tickle your taste buds.

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70 / TOP IT OFF

Hats are the perfect accessory for your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to complete an outfit, or a cover-up for a bad hair day – you can’t go wrong with these super chic hat choices from area boutiques.

98 / LYNDA MCGEHEE

Lynda McGehee has spent a lifetime building relationships, personal and professional. Whether caring for her family or for the thousands of individuals who have enjoyed the services of the Ouachita Council on Aging (OCA) during her tenure there, Lynda has always focused on others.

APRIL 2018

72 / GAME DAY GRUB

Football season is here, and we’ve gathered the greatest grub from area restaurants. Feed your family and friends with the best of Northeast Louisiana.

82 / LIVING IN COLOR

Some call Sharon Heath brave for living in such bright pigments, but her motivation and inspiration have been what we should all aspire to breathe into our own lives.

130 / FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB

At Flying Heart, top-notch craft beer is matched with a welcoming environment that keeps customers and employees alike full engaged and wrapped up in the fellowship of their community.

181 / TEXTURED TREASURES

From little black dresses to waffle sweaters, embroidered jackets to velvet suits, these looks from area boutiques are seasonal treasures.

BayouLife

hankfulness. When Trent and I moved home from Austin, Texas back to Louisiana, we really weren’t sure how we were going to feel about it. We knew that it would be great to be back near family, but most of our friends already had kids...and we were really late to that game. To look at how things have evolved in the last 13 years since we’ve been back is incredible. Our community has really changed, we have leaders providing opportunities for economic growth and cultivating the arts in our region. There is something to do every week (remember to check out our calendar every month), and that is a far cry from where we were just a short year ago. I can’t say there aren’t times I’ve been discouraged. I’ve had some losses over the last year...heck, I lit my hair on fire at our food shoot this month when I leaned into a taper. (But, the picture sure is pretty). Life goes through ebbs and flows, but one thing that has really resonated with me is gratitude. I’m thankful for God in my life, for my family, for my friends, my co-workers... my community. BayouLife Magazine gives me an outlet to express my gratitude to the people in this community. I love highlighting people, businesses and places that make Northeast Louisiana a great place to live. This issue, especially, gives us the opportunity to spotlight some of our local philanthropic organizations that are integral in helping those in need. From disaster relief through the United Way to food donations from the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, these organizations are at a critical need for monetary support for their programs. If you are looking for a way to make an imprint on someone’s life this holiday season by giving your time and financial contributions to deserving non-profit

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com organizations, we’ve compiled a list on pages 164-180 of several charitable and arts organizations throughout North Louisiana. These organizations make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors and children. Be thankful this holiday season and give back in a profound way. This month we have some great articles, including Georgiann Potts’ interview with our BayouIcon. After 32 years of advocating for the seniors the Ouachita Council on Aging serves, Lynda McGehee has decided that it is time for her to retire. The prospect of celebrating her 81st birthday next month reminds Lynda that she needs more time to visit her children and her grandchildren. Lynda’s tireless devotion to faith, family, and area senior citizens is why she is BayouLife’s November 2021 BayouIcon. Read her story on pages 98-104. Also, make sure to check out our feature on the Black Creatives Circle. The BCCNL was created to give local black creators a place to show up and show their work, be empowered, and inspire one another. Read their article on pages 130-134. We have so many great articles, delicious food features and fun Thanksgiving ideas in this magazine. We hope you truly enjoy reading it. Make sure to get out and vote, to love your neighbor and to SHOP LOCAL!

Cassie

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nils Borquist Dan Chason Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Paul Lipe

Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Glenn Miers Guy Miller Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Moore Clark Andrew Bailey Jeron Strickland

ON THE COVER Still life with pears photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK styled by TAYLOR BENNETT BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

Thanks for Giving Celebrating Life’s Gifts

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

HE HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR associated with gift giving. A time when society’s focus is on the needs and wants of others and people are more intent about donating and volunteering. It is a time when many regard the spirit of giving as a meaningful act exercised during a favorite time of the year. It is an expression of generosity and kindness some ideally wish could be bottled and released throughout the year. Each year in this country we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is a time symbolic of thankfulness, sharing, unity and giving. Thanksgiving Day is a specific time in which we pause from the daily challenges to celebrate all that is good and all that is right in our lives and in the lives of others. Giving thanks or ” thanksgiving” in its purest sense is beneficial to all. The act of giving is a universal way of expressing interest, appreciation, support and gratitude. ” Thanksgiving” frequently referred to as gratitude, is considered to be one of the strongest character traits linked to mental health. It has been found that giving is a significant part of human interaction that ultimately affects one’s emotional well-being and psychological health. Giving serves as a way we can offer life’s gifts of love, warmth, satisfaction, understanding, respect and togetherness. It tends to make you feel happier and can positively change your attitude and perspective about life. Giving is a way of indicating and acknowledging how we feel about a person and/or circumstance. The act of giving for the giver can create feelings of happiness, increased self-worth, improved self-esteem and social connectedness. Giving in its true and pure sense is a selfless act of love, a gift of yourself and a show of acceptance resulting in the development of positive emotions for both the giver and the receiver. Like many, therapist, I am interested in positive emotion, how it is experienced, and how it is expressed. I encourage clients to consider the experience of “thanksgiving” and giving thanks as a positive gesture. All too often, people are focused on challenges not resolved, opportunities overlooked, failed attempts and troubled relationships. Frequently, one enters therapy to address feelings of fear, loneliness, disappointment, poor productivity and uncertainty. I have observed when clients are asked to consider what they are thankful for in their lives (often overlooked, in the midst of turmoil) they report experiencing an emotional shift that is empowering and rejuvenating. Recently, an older client shared with me their battle with numerous setbacks. They also talked about their comebacks. As a result they step outside of 8 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

traditional gift giving and give where it helps the most I was reminded, that gratitude is a motivator of positive behavior. Soon we will be approaching the holiday season with all of its’ offerings, meanings, thoughts and feelings assigned to it. Over the past 19 months the world has drastically changed and is continuing to change. Due to the state of the world the back drop for the holiday will be clouded by uncertainty, health care challenges, a national rise in mental health issues amongst the young and old, increased unemployment, political division and educational concerns. Life shows us being thankful can be complicated particularly during times of crisis. It reminds us that the act of giving changes with circumstances. Life also teaches us that it is essential to express thanks for as bad as things may be at the moment, there are conditions for which we are grateful which can ultimately turn our lives around. In essence, when you feel gratitude in your life you will experience an emotional shift. Take time to pause from the challenges of life and take note of your own mental and physical health. Hold on to what you need to hold on to and let go of what you need to let go. Life is a precious gift that has been shortened for many dear to us. Focus on the people for whom you are grateful. End each day with a reflection on what is good in your life and what is good for your life. Express gratitude for the gifts you are able to give and the gifts you receive. Give unconditionally and genuinely. Share the gift of a kind gesture and a smile. Develop a list of random acts of kindness and select in memory of a love one or charity group to be beneficiaries. For the sick, lonely and isolated give the gift of quality time. Giving can be contagious, model the act of giving. Strengthen interpersonal relationships with gifts of listening. Share the gifts of your talents and creativity. Stop and take note of the gifts around you. Provide the gift of forgiveness. Give thanks for the gifts you have been given by giving in return. In these difficult times it is believed thanks and giving goes a long way. Remember, “giving of yourself” is a priceless and invaluable gift for both the giver and the recipient. In the spirit of thanks-giving, let us be safe together, healthy together, happy to be together, more protective of one another and more resilient. May our lives be full of both thanks and giving. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumnus: William Smart

ILLIAM SMART’S PARENTS ENCOURAGED education. Donna and Roosevelt Smart knew that opportunity began in the classroom. Growing up, William watched his father work two jobs for 30 years. Working with his hands meant relying on his health, and William learned he needed something more reliable. William attended Wossman High School, and wasn’t allowed the same freedom as other neighborhood kids. When the street lights came on, the Smart children reported home. William didn’t understand it at the time, and felt that his parents were overbearing. As a successful adult, he knows that doing the right thing means making sacrifices. In the sixth grade, William started playing the clarinet; he fell in love with music. He played in the Wossman band throughout high school and was a member of numerous clubs. His mother kept mementos of all his school activities, dog-earing yearbook pages donning her son’s smile. As the pictures show, William is a people person; he thrives on interaction and making change. He likes to give and is still learning how to receive. His heart is always with people, bettering the experiences of others. After high school, William began working like his father. He needed to make money and landed an entry position with Brookshire’s Grocery. Corporate executives frequently visited the warehouse and an interaction with one superior changed William’s life. He asked William if he had any issues at the warehouse, and after William listed a few, he asked what William was going to do about it. William quickly realized that to make a difference, he had to find a seat at the table. Without a college education, advancement options were limited. William enrolled at ULM in 1990 on a Brookshire’s scholarship. He was lured by the University’s exceptional business school. Balancing full time employment and school was difficult, and William often took breaks from his classes. In 2001, he graduated with a bachelor’s in business and he values that degree more than anything in his life. He finally had his golden ticket, and he’d earned it himself. William pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. The philanthropic efforts of the organization appealed to William. He particularly enjoyed working with other young men in the community, serving as a mentor that so many young men needed. William found himself in a position to give back and has never stopped. He views success as something to share, and providing guidance to the next generation is essential to

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the community’s growth. William is proud to be from Monroe, proud to be a graduate of the local university, and is invested in growing this region from within. After 27 years with Brookshire’s, William’s final position was as a Logistic Operations Manager; he had clawed his way to the top and planned on retiring with the company. Then God stepped in. In 2019, William served on the Monroe Housing Authority Board and was actively seeking a replacement for the longtime director who was retiring. The board instead suggested William was perfect for the position. He was stunned, having never imagined a new career path, but he couldn’t deny the potential. He would be in charge of having a direct impact on the lives of his community, a chance to make positive change. Working in public housing allows William to help people holistically, providing a hand up to those that need it. Young people need someone rooting for them, and William knows the power of someone else believing in you. The Smarts always told William he was special, and one Sunday morning they said they were proud of him. The thought still brings William to tears. As a ULM graduate and member of this community, William sees firsthand the University’s impact on the region. ULM brings diverse groups of people to the area, benefitting from the accumulation of unique perspectives. Learning from other backgrounds and experiences allows us all to work collectively for the greater good. Every evening after work, William drives though the ULM campus on his way home to his wife of 28 years Mishelle. He thinks back to his time on campus, how he learned the value of time management and the functionality of multitasking. He learned to dive into challenges and never question his potential. He walked away from ULM with an “I Can” attitude. The ULM warhawk is a symbol of flight, of rising above, and a college education afforded William the wings. The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships, and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/alumni.

The Gift of Life Celebrating the Different Seasons

N LIFE WE GO THROUGH SEASONS. WE BEGIN OUR LIVES with such innocence. We are amazed at our unfamiliar surroundings. I often wonder what my first thoughts were when I first entered this world. Was I already sizing up the room for a makeover? Was I critiquing the delivery room’s color and awful florescent lighting? What would my first words eventually be? As time has gone on over the past 50 years of my life, there have been many seasons of different extremes. There have been times of sorrow, times of happiness, times of depression and times of success. There have been moments filled with hope and those of worry. There have been journeys to peace and departures from pain. Amongst those is grief. Grief is hard to define. The wave of emotions that grief brings are unlike any other. There is no timeline on when it will end or if it ever will at all. For 50 years I was fortunate enough to have both of my parents, Ron and Jan Downing in my life. On September 21st, that all changed when my dad passed from a lengthy illness. He was a man with such great vision but spent the last few years of his life blind and bedridden. He often saw what others didn’t see. He lived all 74 years of his life in Ouachita Parish with a passion for preserving history and assisting in restoring historical gems in our downtown areas. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge of ancestors of all races that settled on either side of the Ouachita River. His forefathers were the first judge and mayor of Monroe after the Civil War. He even got Endom Bridge named in their honor as they were responsible for its construction to expand commerce. As a child growing up, we didn’t really appreciate his love of this history and antiquing. My sister Sarah and I, spent more time in Natchez, Mississippi, and any antique shop in a 200-mile radius for many years. Little did we know that this would be an asset to our futures and my nephews, Paul, Garrett and Jaxon, as well. His love of history and our downtowns are what brought forth the existence of Revival Design two years ago. Over the two years, we have survived economic strife, a pandemic and a tornado in this old 1920’s building. He always taught us about survival. I equate even the darkest times in my life when he bowed out as a great lesson in making me who I am today. Both of my parents gave me the tools to survive and knew when to let me figure it out on my own.

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I will say it was not the easiest route or journey that I took, but in the end they were there. What saddens me most is that he never got to see Revival or the historical restoration projects I worked on over the last 5 years of his life with his lack of sight. As I begin my next season without my dad, it is my hope that I can continue to bring his knowledge, stories, and vision to life in our downtown areas and with Revival. As he was a man who liked to work behind the scenes than in the spotlight, he also chose to leave this world and be laid to rest the same way. He wanted no funeral of mourning and sorry. He just wanted to be remembered for his legacy. Respecting his wishes, he is with his Endom descents at the Old Monroe City Cemetery with no service. He lived life on his own terms and loved his community. With so much passion for live and the past, our family has chosen to celebrate his life on his 75th heavenly birthday at Revival. We invite all family, friends, and anyone in the community whose life he touched or inspired on November 12, 2021, at Revival from 4pm to 7pm for food, fellowship, and music. Just as we enter this life, we also depart it. All the things we have collected over the years are left behind to be divided, discarded, or sold. The things we cherished during our fortunate time on earth are of no value to us any longer. Our families and friends must task themselves with disassembling this massive collection of antiques and treasures. While they may hold many sentimental memories for us, they are just stuff to others. At Revival we love to share in the seasons of your life by assisting in selling your interior furnishings and outdoor treasures. In this journey of life, we all make purchases on impulse. Some things are timeless while others are trendy. What we may want to discard, just might me a wonderful addition to someone else’s homes. We are available for pickups and drop offs. Our hours are Tuesday- Saturday 11:00 am- 5:00 pm. Call us for an appointment. As we begin our 3rd year at Revival and a new season, we will continue to celebrate the gift of life. Join us for our Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 7th, from 1pm- 5pm and check out all the amazing new gift lines and classic antiques for those in your life. William Ronald Downing | November 12, 1946- September 21, 2021.

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Eat, Drink and Be Thankful Surround Yourself with Good Company and Better Whiskey

HE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US AND WITH THANKSGIVING right around the corner we thought it would be a great time to highlight some great products that pair well both with food and catching up with friends and family. They say the greatest bottle of wine or spirits is more about who it’s shared with than what’s in it, but we want to make sure that what’s in the bottle is exceptional. We’ll start with some wines that will take your taste buds on a journey, especially when paired with food. Let’s begin with lighter fare and appetizers. Nola Grace Cellars Sparkling Pinot Grigio is perfect for getting the conversation flowing and compliments a variety of salads and cheese boards. This bubbly wine is semi-sweet with tart green apples, fresh pear, and a lively playfulness on the tongue. This is a bright and crisp wine that will satisfy a variety of wine lovers. Next up we have Peitan Albarino from Spain. Albarino is known as the queen of Spanish grapes. The growing season for albarino is long, allowing it to ripen slowly in concert with the ocean breeze, and gives it zesty acidity and a slight saltiness. We find that the flavors of lemon and lime with the natural iodine from the ocean breeze make this wine a brilliant pairing with turkey. The mouth watering acidity in this mingles excellently with roasted or fried turkey. We really love this with a spicy cajun style turkey as it cuts through spice in just the right way. If you’re enjoying a prime rib or steak for your holiday meal, you’ll need a hearty red to go along with it. Zyme Oseleta comes from Veronia, Italy where oseleta is indigenous to the region. It is only produced from a very small handful of producers where it is used mostly for blending in the region’s classic Valpolicella, but is bottled as a single varietal by only two. This wine has a strong tannic backbone that makes it a great pairing for red meats with fat. The nose opens with a delicate flourishing of violets underpinned by cassis, plums, and dried red berries. On the palate we get everything from the nose and more with a rich, textured mouthfeel. The finish is endless and makes this wine a true experience in a glass. These are allowed a long time to mature before release as current vintage is from 2010 and this still has years and years of life. Our final wine is the Coto de Hayas Garnacha Centenaria from Spain. Garnacha or grenache is a fantastic varietal during the holiday season. The nose and palate are full of cherries, strawberries, cacao, and have a gentle touch of spice that leads to a long rounded finish. A great compliment for roasted ham or lamb dishes.

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For dessert, we’re going to turn our eyes to spirits. We love bread pudding this time of year and Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye Whiskey is awesome alongside it. Many of you have enjoyed a glass of Rabbit Hole, but we feel their rye is somewhat overlooked. This is a fantastic pour that opens with baking spices, toasted oak, vanilla, and candied orange peel. These flavors continue onto the palate where they are joined by gentle cinnamon and spiced caramel. The finish is full of gentle spice and more candied orange peel. The Boxergrail rye plays beautifully with the spices and sweetness of a great bread pudding. Our next product is Laird’s 7 ½ year old brandy. Laird’s is our nation’s oldest distillery and has been producing apple brandy for over 300 years. This particular selection is bottled at 80 proof, making it an easy sipper that is incredible by itself. We really like this with pies or tarts. The nose opens with pepper, dark fruits, cacao, and of course, apples. The mouthfeel is gentle and silky with caramel, baked apples, vanilla, and baking spices. The finish is smooth with added notes of crystalized ginger and sweet aromatic tobacco. We think you’ll find the flavors surprising and we highly recommend trying this in the classic Jack Rose cocktail. Finally, we love a good cup of coffee after a big meal and we have a tasty addition for it with Bumbu Rum Creme. We suggest using this in place of standard creamer. Made with Barbados rum and fresh dairy, this velvety rich liqueur has flavors of coconut, nutmeg, chocolate, cinnamon, and toasty vanilla that, depending on how much you use, can make a cup of coffee into its own little sweet treat. Come by and see us throughout the holidays where we are here to help you find anything wine and spirits related, be it for a party, gift, pairing, or just for yourself. We hope that you have a wonderful month and look forward to assisting you. As always, thanks for letting us be your Spirits Guides here at Washington Wine & Spirits. Doe’s Eat Place Washington Wine & Spirits 300 Washington Street, Suite 110 Monroe, Louisiana

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“Movie stars are movie stars are movie stars. Sure, we all fade after a while. We are human, full of flaws like everyone else. But we are the chosen ones because we are extraordinary.”

aylor Jenkins Reid captures a lifestyle like no other. I read Daisy Jones & The Six last year and was joyfully immersed in the world of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. In this novel, Evelyn Hugo’s world is Hollywood, the shameless, fascinating, and intoxicating give-and-take between actors and audiences. Evelyn, a stunningly beautiful girl from Hell’s Kitchen is determined to fulfill her mother’s dream of fame and stardom at any cost. Before legal age, she hitches a ride to Los Angeles, intent on becoming one of the angels of Hollywood. She knows her body is her superpower and relies on its currency to seize opportunity. The title alone lets readers know Evelyn will break many hearts, including her own, but her honest account of her faults and willingness to indulge them sets her apart from the other fame-seekers. Now 80 years old and a recluse from public life, Evelyn contacts the editors of Vivant, and is offering a tell-all story as long as the writer is Monique Grant, a low-level employee awaiting her own shot at critical acclaim in the journalism world. Monique is recently separated, living alone, and unsure of herself. Her editor Frankie and Monique are both stunned by Evelyn’s insistence on Monique, as the coveted exposé is suited for more seasoned writers. When

Monique shows up to interview Evelyn, she finds the woman just as stunning as decades prior with a sharp intuition and a hidden agenda. Evelyn acknowledges she chose Monique for a particular reason, but refuses to say why until Monique agrees to write her full life story and risk her job at Vivant in the process. As Monique learns more about Evelyn’s life, she finds herself inspired by a woman who conforms to please the public, yet refuses to apologize for hurting others. The salacious tales of each husband and divorce and the truth behind the real love of Evelyn’s life is made for tabloid headlines. “It’s a hard business reconciling with what the truth used to be and what it is now.” The distinction between public and private life is often hidden in the shadows, and Evelyn’s tragic story explores the choices we make and irrevocable consequences. The women form a genuine bond, Monique gravitating to Evelyn’s ruthlessness, and Evelyn to Monique’s humanity. When Evelyn’s life finally intersects with Monique’s, the results will change the course of both their lives. “Accepting that something is true isn’t the same as thinking that it is just.” This novel is one of Reid’s first books, and it is written for a broad audience. Whenever I see book recommendations online, this title always makes the list. Readers seem to love the intrigue and honesty while drawn into the glitzy world few of us ever experience. While it is fiction, the story has the appeal of an Elizabeth Taylor documentary, a life beautiful in riches but somewhat tragic in reality.

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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Don’t Skip Your Favorite Foods Dental Implants from NELA Dental

ELA DENTAL IS THANKFUL FOR SMILES MADE stronger by dental implants. If you have ever struggled with eating your favorite foods, NELA Dental’s team of highly trained dentists can provide the best dental implant option to fit your situation. So don’t skip the turkey or pecan pie this year, give NELA Dental a call and schedule your free, dental implant consultation today. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR IMPLANTS? A single-tooth, dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or a bridge. A proper dental implant coupled with a replacement tooth or bridge will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. For those with missing or decaying teeth, dental implants can improve your smile not only cosmetically but structurally as well. Implants provide a stable and durable base for restoration so you can start to enjoy all your favorite foods again. An implant-retained denture is a denture attached to implants inserted into the jaw. This is different from a regular denture which rests on the gums. Denture wearers often find their dentures can be held in place with dental implants for added comfort and stability. Some patients even experience improved speech; a welcomed benefit for many. Implant-retained dentures may provide patients with more confidence. Another major benefit of implant-retained dentures is the ability to enjoy foods previously considered off limits. However, there are some limitations on certain foods. Your dentist can explain these eating “do’s and don’ts” during your appointment. YOUR HOME FOR “TEETH IN A DAY” With Teeth in a Day, you can get your dental implants completed in just one day! NELA Dental is your home for this One & Done, dental implant services. In fact, it is one of the few dental practices offering this procedure in the state of Louisiana. NELA Dental always strives to utilize the best in advancing technologies. Through the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D printing, dental implants can be placed, and long-term temporary teeth can be printed and placed in one day. This process allows for more chewing ability and much less pain while healing. It also allows you to test drive your teeth so you get the teeth you want.

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BRIDGE THE GAP While dental implants are becoming the tooth replacement method of choice for many dentists and patients, fixed dental bridges are also another very effective solution. The purpose of a dental bridge is to fill the space left by a missing tooth. The bridge is a unit that usually consists of two dental crowns attached to neighboring teeth and one or more artificial teeth to fill the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge is a fixed permanent solution that acts as a placeholder to prevent surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space. It also solves the cosmetic problem of missing teeth. HIGHLY ACCREDITED DENTISTS Dr. Vance Costello is the only practicing dentist in North Louisiana with the ABOI/ID board certification, and one of only four ABOI/ID Diplomates in all of Louisiana. Certification by the ABOI/ID attests to the fact that a dentist has demonstrated knowledge, ability, and proficiency in implant dentistry through a rigorous examination process. The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry Diplomate (ABOI/ID) designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Costello worked tremendously hard for nearly a decade to achieve this prestigious designation. In addition to this accreditation, Dr. Costello has completed the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s Comprehensive MaxiCourse and is Fellow of the AAID. Also, he’s an instructor with Advanced Implant Educators (AIE) and Implant Know-How. Dental implant know-how also extends to NELA Dental’s Dr. Daniel Raymond. Raymond has completed an implant fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA). As a member of the IDIA, Raymond continues to build his continuing education portfolio as he works alongside industry experts to learn about the latest practices and techniques in order to provide his patients top-level results. START SMILING STRONGER TODAY Whether it’s for dental implants or a check up, visiting the dentist is the key to overall good oral health. NELA Dental wants to make that financially easier for our patients. That’s why we offer membership plans to help alleviate the cost of some procedures. We accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville and Monroe, schedule your appointment.

Let Us Give Thanks

The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group - Upcoming Events

IS THE SEASON TO BE THANKFUL! WE ARE SO grateful for our beautiful clients and the support from the community we received this year. To show our gratitude, we will be doing Thankful Thursdays the entire month of November! We will be posting a poll every Monday on the St. Francis Medical Center’s Facebook page, and everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for fun giveaways each Thankful Thursday. We will also be celebrating National Botox Day on Wednesday, November 17! One lucky winner will receive 50 units of FREE Botox ($49 injection fee applies)! You will not want to miss these fun giveaways, so make sure you are following via Facebook! Alle members will also receive double points for any Botox treatments the entire week of November 15-21, 2021. If it’s time for your next Botox treatment, book your appointment to take advantage of this offer! While you’re here, plan to get some holiday shopping done as well. On Monday, November 29, we will offer Cyber Monday deals. Our facial kit bundles will be available for purchase and OxyGeneo facials will be 25% off! There will be two options for the facial bundles. Skinceuticals bundle will include a Microexfoliating scrub, Biocellulose masque, and Phyto Corrective masque for $99. The Obagi bundle will include a Cleanser, Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish, and Hydrate Luxe for $150. Be sure to come by and put a dent in that holiday shopping list. The facial bundles or OxyGeneo Facial will make a perfect gift! Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming Christmas Specials and Holiday Open House! PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT In the spirit of National Botox Day, we wanted to highlight two products that compliment injectables: HA intensifier by SkinCeuticals and Elastiderm Facial Serum. As we age, elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid levels decline. With this decline, you may start to notice more dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. HA Intensifier by SkinCeuticals helps to amplify your body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid by 30%! HA intensifier helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and other lines and wrinkles by hydrating and adding smoothness, and plumpness to your skin. This serum can be used daily and compliments injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers. This product is one of our favorites and easily incorporated into your daily routine. Another amazing product we love here at The 20 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Medical Spa is the ELASTIderm Facial Serum by Obagi. This serum contains a bi-mineral complex, zinc, copper, and malonate. These three ingredients together are designed to promote the necessary stages for developing healthy elastin. ELASTIderm Facial serum can be used on the face, neck and décolleté. When you purchase either of these products during the month of November, you’ll receive 25% off! TREATMENT HIGHLIGHT NEW! Geneo Detox Facial The OxyGeneo facial is a 3-in-1 facial, combining cleansing, exfoliation, oxygenation, and infusion simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin. We currently offer the Geneo Revive (anti-aging), Illuminate (Vitamin C), Balance (Charcoal), and Hydrate options here at The Medical Spa, but are excited to announce a NEW option, The Geneo Detox. The environment can be harsh on our skin. We experience daily external factors such as pollution, UV rays, and allergens. Who wouldn’t want a good detox from the environmental stressors? Geneo now has a facial specifically designed to do repair and protect your skin, replenishing health and that beautiful glow we all love. The ingredients found in the new OxyGeneo Detox Facial are suitable for every age, skin type, and season. Green tea extract, copper gluconate, marula oil, citric acid, gorgonian extract, and white-water lily extract are all the ingredients found in this new facial. The green tea and copper both have powerful antioxidant properties to repair and prevent damage. While the marula oil fights free radicals, the citric acid and white-water lily extract smooth and moisturizes. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Whether you’ve experienced the Geneo Glow with us before or this will be your first time visiting us, we can’t wait to share the Geneo Detox with you during your next facial appointment! Come by The Medical Spa this month to take advantage of our specials, events, and to find out more about the medical grade skincare products, and treatments we offer! We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. This location offers complimentary valet parking, privacy, and easy access for clients. Also, be certain to follow us on St. Francis Medical Center Facebook page and Instagram so you can be up to date on all the new and exciting things happening here at The Medical Spa.

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The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

“How well do you know the people who live near you? How well do they know you? Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead?”

ulian Jessop, an artist recluse from his former life of glitz and glamour, wakes up every morning and debates rising from bed. He wonders if anyone else is lonely and disillusioned with life. He writes in a notebook what he’s feeling, and challenges the reader to add his/her own story, and to keep it going. The hope is to spread honesty, and the almost eighty-yearold is grasping for a life raft, a reason to keep floating. Julian’s “Authenticity Project” notebook makes it into the hands of several characters, all inspired from the people who have read and written inside the notebook before them. Monica owns a cafe and wonders if she will ever find love and have a family. Hazard is a struggling addict sickened with the monotonous cycle of his life. Riley hails from Australia and is anxious to see the world and interact with different people. Alice is a social media influencer and new mom who is finding it difficult to keep up appearances for hundreds of thousands of followers who expect perfection. The Authenticity Project notebook acts

as a string tying the group together, and as they learn more about each other, they learn the most about themselves. The story is written in a bubble of sorts, with very few characters outside its nucleus. The characters lack development, and while the facts are stated, the characters remain hard to relate to. While there are few surprises in the narrative, they come across over-manufactured and unbelievable. Several times reading the book, I found myself skimming for dialogue, as not much happens in between exchanges. This is more than a light read; it’s too light. It’s meant to be a feel-good novel, and while it does present feelgood moments, they’re so few and lacking in substance that they left me feeling empty. Admittedly, I prefer a book with a good amount of meat, but even when a narrative is entirely reliant on plot, I expect the plot to do its job. Not every book needs to have a defined message, but this one attempts to, but falls far short. Some may describe this novel as an escape, but it’s not somewhere I would want to return. Authenticity is a noble concept, and a book with such a powerful word in the title should pack more of a punch. I was drawn to this title because of the word and the idea of strangers finding common purpose. The premise of the novel is more convincing than the actual story. For those in search of a light read, you could find better. I would give this book 2 out of 5 stars.

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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rench designer, Jacques Garcia, avant garde with his signature work of interiors and garden, has devoted himself to the spell of appearances. Topping the list of well known examples of his style is a favorite stop, Hôtel Costes in Paris. A luxury property in the heart of the city, the courtyard café and restaurant with adjacent bar is a visual feast. Upon arrival, you are drawn into the cocoon of deep crimson velvet curtains, cozy dark corners and impeccable service. Simplicity combined with sophisticated elements are what makes his spaces unique. The low-lit nooks and mix of fabrics and textures create a personal feeling. Small trinkets and casual vintage photographs are scattered about and placed on Louis XIV oversized gilded sideboards. The balance of the columns in the dining space is juxtaposed against the whimsical curve of the iron chairs. The priceless porcelain vases filled with loose wildflowers help to solidify his stamp. Points of soft lamp and candle light offer a moody modern intention that is mixed with 24 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

grand French design and a sophisticated feel. Through his avid research into the rich holdings of historic French architecture and design – Jacques as a young man became enthralled in his research of royal residences. Harmony, comfort and elegance are his signature and he holds a strong belief that hotel suites should be designed with the true intimacy of your home. Known for drafting a lobby of inviting sunken chairs and unique statement art, his use of the finest materials and best craftsmanship do not make his spaces untouchable. Anything but, actually. His distinctive brand of touching all the senses is mysterious yet comforting at the same time. Jacques Garcia’s unique art as a designer continues to thrive by making us aware of his subtle imprint. He himself coined the term and mood of his work, the “Spirit of Place.”

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

FIRST TO FIGHT

Historical Impressions

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

n November 10th of each year approximately three million men and women celebrate what they believe is the most significant date in the history of the United States military. The backstory behind the reverence for this particular date begins in 1775. The escalating tensions between Great Britain and it’s American colonies finally led to open conflict on April 19, 1775. British troops were ordered to secure the arsenal at Concord, Massachusetts and the first shots of the War for American Independence were fired on that fateful April morning. Benedict Arnold, a then-captain in the Connecticut militia, proposed a plan to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety to seize Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York. Arnold knew Ticonderoga was poorly defended and was the key to eliminating British control of Lake Champlain as a transportation route for military troops and supplies from Canada into the heart of the New England colonies. The Committee of Safety issued him a colonel’s commission on May 3 and militia forces of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont were placed under his command for the proposed operation. After taking Ticonderoga, Arnold led a small Colonial force north up the Richelieu River on a bold raid to capture Fort Saint-Jean. Arnold and his 35 raiders captured the fort along with a shipyard and a newly launched sloop. The sloop was armed with twelve guns and renamed Enterprise. Enterprise was, at first, the most significant warship in Lake Champlain. As such it became the flagship for the Colonial squadron that was tasked with maintaining American control of the lake early in the war. Later during May 1775 the Connecticut Committee of Public Safety consigned £500 to Arnold to pay for his military operational needs. This payment was “escorted with Eight marines well spirited and equipped.” These men had been enlisted as Connecticut

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Marines and are sometimes referred to as the “Original Eight.” Also in May, and after becoming an American warship, Enterprise enlisted eighteen militiamen to serve as marines. As the summer progressed there were colonial marines not only in Arnold’s Lake Champlain flotilla but also in General Washington’s naval fleet and on chartered colonial privateers. As with British Marines of the time, colonial marines were basically soldiers assigned to naval service to fight aboard the ships and to maintain order. By early October, John Adams and other members of the Continental Congress and colonial governments were demanding Congress establish a national navy. On October 13, 1775, Congress finally authorized its Naval Committee to empower a squadron of four converted Philadelphia merchantmen and two smaller vessels as the Continental Navy. Following up on this decision, on November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” for service as landing forces with the fleet. Once again John Adams was a lead proponent for this need and wrote the actual resolution. With the adoption of Adams’s resolution, also on November 10th, the Second Continental Congress awarded a Captain’s commission to a man named Samuel Nicholas, appointed him Commandant of the Continental Marines and authorized him to raise two battalions of Marines. Nicolas was at the time the owner of Tun’s Tavern in Philadelphia. Nicholas had the tavern’s manager, Robert Mullan, serve as his “chief Marine Recruiter.” Nicholas’s grandfather was a member of the Tun Tavern Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and the relationship between Mullan, Nicholas and the Tavern has resulted in Tun Tavern being acknowledged as the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps. The first Continental Marine company was composed of one hundred Rhode Islanders who were recruited because they were outstanding marksmen.

Eventually 200 more men were recruited and enlisted as Continental Marines. These first Marines were deployed aboard Continental Navy vessels as sharpshooters. As the war progressed the role of Marines evolved to service as infantry units and security troops aboard naval vessels; specifically to conduct offensive and defensive combat during boarding actions and to defend the ship’s officers against mutiny. Serving on land and at sea, the Continental Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious landing on March 3, 1776 where under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas they gained control of Forts Montagu and Nassau in New Providence, the Bahamas. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the war for American independence. As the last of the Navy’s ships were sold, both the Continental Navy and Continental Marines were disbanded. The Naval Act of 1794 reestablished the United States Navy. The “Act to provide a Naval Armament” of March 18, 1794 specified the numbers of Marines to recruit for each authorized frigate and beginning in 1797 Marines were enlisted by the War Department for service in the newly-built ships. In preparation for the Quasi-War with France the United States Marine Corps was formally resurrected on July 11, 1798. Marines took part in many operations over the next few years including actions against Barbary pirates. While fighting on ‘the shores of Tripoli’ during the Battle of Derna in 1805 Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon and his Marines hoisted the American flag over the Old World for the first time. The adoption of Adams’s resolution on November 10th is now observed as the official birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Each year on November 10th, Marines around the world celebrate the most significant date in the history of the Corps. Semper Fi Marines!

R E M E M B E R

H O W W E L C O M I N G M Y M O V E T O D E L H I WA S

convinced that He had emptied I REMEMBER how, back in His storehouse of treasures! the summer of 1962, the gracious Well, I certainly have treasured folks in Delhi warmly welcomed the care they have provided me me to their community. The during the several months since summer before, I had served my loss. as student pastor for the Delhi They have shown their love Presbyterian Church and had and concern by sacrificing their enjoyed that experience very time and interests to spend time much, so after finishing my final with me, seeking to help me cope year of seminary training, I was with my burden. pleased to accept the invitation So, as the day of Thanksgiving to return to Delhi as pastor of the approaches, I don’t have to go church. The reception I received, searching for something for not only from members of the which to be thankful. I shall be church but also from many others thanking God for family and in the town, was something for SO, AS THE DAY OF THANKSGIVING friends and for the love that they which I was genuinely thankful. APPROACHES, I DON’T HAVE TO GO have expressed, and continue to In fact, as I contemplate express, for me. celebrating Thanksgiving this SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING FOR Even given the long list of month, one of the things for WHICH TO BE THANKFUL. things for which we should be which I am particularly grateful thankful, I suspect that your list is the blessing of having good will be similar to mine in that friends. Through the years, the names and faces of my friends have changed as individuals moved family and friends will be near the top. Thank the Lord for family away from our area and others relocated here, but I have always and friends. When I begin to think of my friends and of their tremendous been fortunate to have those who were good friends to me. encouragement to me over the years, there is one name that stands The value of having good friends is especially appreciated out above all the others. That name is Jesus. He has been such a when we face situations that are very joyful or that are particularly good friend to us that a hymn about His friendship has been trying. They make the happy times even more special, and they ease the pain of difficult ordeals. This was so true recently when I lost my written and is often sung in our churches. The title of that hymn wife in her battle with cancer. She was the best and dearest human is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” He is the One who said, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for friend I have ever known, so the burden of my loss was tempered by the love and support of my special friends, especially those his friends.” (John 15:13) It was shortly after Jesus said these words from the church and from my neighborhood. During her lengthy that He did precisely that – He sacrificed His life to atone for our illness, we were inundated with food, good wishes, expressions of sins. Yes, what a friend we have in Jesus! If you are in need of a good friend, let me recommend that you concern, and things as simple as a hug. This awesome support in a trying time sustained me and still helps me immensely as I adjust make friends with Jesus. Sometimes when we are in special need of a friend, our family or our neighbors aren’t able to be there, but to the change that Linda’s death brought about in my life. Knowing Jesus has promised, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) that I have friends who love me and are praying for me provides an There is a lot for which we should be thankful, and chief immeasurable comfort for which I am deeply grateful. As special as my friends are, I suppose my family has been even among those things are our families, our friends, and especially our friend who loved enough to sacrifice Himself for us. more exceptional. I am exceedingly thankful for my children and grandchildren. When the Lord gave them to us, Linda and I were

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o p in io n e x p re s s e d is t h a t o f t h e w r it e r

ULM Investiture

The University of Louisiana Monroe celebrated ULM’s 9th President and 90th Anniversary on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Bayou Pointe. The event was a night to remember with performances by 8 -year old Olivia Chandler who wowed the crowd with her performance to “The Greatest Showman,” accompanied by the ULM choir. Elegant ULM Hawkline dancers soared through the crowd of state representatives, university supporters and donors. Along with memorable performances, over $1 million in future scholarships were offered to over 2,300 3rd graders from Ouachita Parish to enhance the educational opportunities for this region. This project, in partnering with the United Way, provided a book authored by Cindy Foust and beautifully illustrated by Srdjan Marjanovic. Printed on the first page of the book was a “2031 Centennial Scholarship” award, amounting to $500. Speeches were given by Dr. Berry’s son and daughter and Dr. Berry sent everyone out for an evening of fireworks to conclude the evening.

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On the BayouScene

1 Dr. Ron and Christine Berry 2 John and Debbie Luffey 3 J essica Hale and Robert Smith 4 Anne Lockhart and Lisa Miller 5 Vincent and Gina white 6 Stephen and Kristen Hill 7 Barry Delcambre, Freeman Stamper and Cindy Foust 8 Scott Foust, Jay and Staci Mitchell 9 Grant and Danielle Tolbird 10 Juanita Woods and Dr. Pamela Saulsberry 11Emily and Senator Jay Mooris 12 Dr. Ron Berry and his children, Michael and Alea 13 Adrienne LaFrance-Wells, Mike and Nell Calloway 14 Leazel McDonald, Erika Cheung and Janet Durden 15 Bubba and Sharon Chaney 16 Bill and VIcky Crutzer 17 Toby and Alberta Green 18 Victoria and Chris Ringo

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BAYOUTRENDS MATERIAL THINGS

FABULOUS FABRICS WASHINGTON WINE & SPIRITS

BENNETT JEWELERS

HEMLINE MONROE SIMMONS SPORTING GOODS

RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA

THE NUDE NOMAD HAVEN

HART FOR STYLE

REVIVAL DESIGN & CONSIGN

SONNY PANZICO’S DUSTY AND COMPANY PARTERRE HOME

DUPONT JEWELERS

PALETTE HOUSE + PLUME HERRINGSTONES

WALSWORTH & COMPANY

GREENWITHENVY

From olive to emerald, these items from area retailers w i l l h a v e y o u g r e e n w i t h e n v y. P l u s h p i l l o w s a n d f a l l fabrics help transition homes, while forest green clothing will brighten up your wardrobe. 32 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

THE PAPER MARKET

HOLLIS & COMPANY

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Renewing Your Spirit A Letter from Pam Lavender of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes

T’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT FALL IS ALREADY HERE. DAYS are getting shorter and starting to get cooler, and the holidays are around the corner with holiday decorations hitting the shelves the week before Halloween. This time of year adds an extra measure of pain to those already bearing more than they can. There is an empty seat at the table and the heaviness of all the ways the one you love is missing make traditions seem unexciting. Death, illness, massive life events all sour the season in ways those outside your loss cannot understand. Whether you have always loved the holidays, or avoided them, the first several seasons after a loss or big life event can truly hurt. So many people want to make this a good holiday for you. Part of your family want tradition to stay exactly the same, others want to change everything. Conflicting desires, broken hearts, lots of attention when you would rather just hide under the sheets until the holiday is over. You may find yourself feeling more emotional, isolated, or that you’re going backward as you face new challenges as the holidays approach. Grief is like a roller coaster with many twists, turns, ups, and downs. One minute you may be doing okay and the next you’re not doing so well. So, it is important to recognize triggering thoughts and the feelings they bring up. Then, find healthy ways to express your feelings by talking with someone, keeping a journal, or joining a support group. Now is the time to start thinking about what you can do to occupy your time this winter. Talk with your family and make a game plan about how you will support each other should feelings emerge, as well as how you will spend the holidays. Sometimes changing things up is the right thing to do. For instance, if you always hosted the big dinner at home, go out to dinner instead. Take time to share stories with family members and friends. But don’t wait for someone else to start the conversation about your loved one; because he or she may worry it will only upset you. Opening up will let others know its okay to jump in and reminisce. A new tradition you can start is to honor that special person and do something in their name. The list is unlimited on the lives you can touch in their honor. For instance send flowers to the nurses who took such good care of your dad. Buy winter coats for a local charity in your friend’s name. Make a donation to your local food bank. Give blankets, food, or toys to an animal shelter or rescue organization in memory of your pet. If your loved one was a Veteran contact the

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local Veteran’s Nursing Home with many opportunities to choose something that’s meaningful to you or the one you lost. Stay healthy; make sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water each day. Most importantly, be mindful that you are a survivor, and that you can and will get through this difficult time. Attitude is the most important tool we have in coping and adjusting to a death of our loved one. Ten percent in life is what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it. Take a minute each day for one good inhale/exhale, and ask yourself how you are doing and ask yourself what you need. The holidays are going to hurt, my friend, this is just a reality. If you are missing someone who should be part of the festivities, this season will add to your grief. Please, please keep in mind that there is no right way to grieve. Every person and every family member grieve different. Emotions are going to collide especially during the holiday season when the emphasis is on rebirth and renewal. So, care for yourself. Listen. Reach out where it feels good to reach, curl in when you need to. Make this season as much of a comfort to you as you can. Pamphlets entitled “Getting Past Christmas” which offers insights and tips in preparing for the holidays as well as healthy ways of caring for ourselves during the upcoming holidays and a poem titled “My First Christmas in Heaven” are available at all Kilpatrick Funeral Home locations, you are encouraged to stop by at your convenience and pick up a copy. Your loss is not forgotten, and we are thinking of you and your family during this holiday season. Merry Christmas, Pam Lavender, Director of Grief and Community Outreach Kilpatrick Funeral Homes

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

Are You at Risk?

These three tests may indicate your future risk for disease.

hen you think about ways to measure your health and risk for disease, cholesterol and blood pressure likely come to mind. We know that these measurements are correlated with health outcomes, but many studies have also shown that physical strength and mobility are also very strong indicators of future disease risk. Here are three measures of long term health you can test and work on yourself. GRIP STRENGTH Grip strength is a simple but powerful predictor of future disability, morbidity, and mortality in all age groups. A population study conducted in 17 countries reported that grip strength can predict all-cause mortality, specifically cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, even more than systolic blood pressure. A 2018 study found that grip strength was an accurate predictor of cognitive function in both people in the general population and those diagnosed with schizophrenia. More recently, increased grip strength has been associated with greater Covid outcomes, as well. You can improve your grip strength with grip trainers, tennis ball squeezes, farmer carries with dumbbells or kettlebells, hanging from a pull-up bar, etc. However, it’s not the strength of your hands that directly impacts your ability to fight off disease, but grip strength is one of the strongest predictors of overall muscle strength and endurance. Strong hands generally indicate a strong body, and a greater muscle mass is what’s protective when it comes to long term health. Rather than sitting on the couch squeezing tennis balls, regularly lift heavy things. When you work on improving your overall strength, your grip will improve, too, and so will your long term health. S I T-T O - R I S E T E S T A 2012 study of 2,002 participants, aged 51-80, correlated long term health outcomes with a sit-to-rise test. Participants were challenged to start in the standing position

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and lower themselves to a seated crisscross position on the floor without bracing themselves with their hands, knees, arms or sides of the legs. They then had to rise back to the standing position, again without the aid of other body parts. Those who could both lower and rise without assistance scored a perfect 10. Every time another body part was used for support, one point was lost. After performing the test, participants were followed for approximately six years. During that time, 159 of the participants had passed away, and it was found that those who scored 0-3 on the test had a risk of death that was five times higher than those who scored an 8 or above. The sit-to-rise test is a measure of relative strength, mobility and coordination. When you spend most of your time seated in chairs, wearing supportive shoes that limit movement and muscle engagement in your feet, you may lose the full range of motion in your hips and ankles. Along with mobility, your strength and balance may be lost, as well. To improve your sit-to-rise score, prioritize consistently moving your body. Walk, stretch, bend, twist, and incorporate bodyweight squats and lunges. Spend less time sitting in chairs. Get up and down from the floor using whatever assistance you need and work toward gradually using less assistance. WA I S T T O H I P R AT I O No one likes carrying around excess body fat (the fat loss industry in this country rakes in billions of dollars every year) but carrying excess fat around your midsection can be even more damaging to your health

than it is to your ego. If you have healthy insulin levels, body fat will be distributed fairly evenly throughout your body. If you’re insulin resistant, however, which leads to higher insulin levels, much of this fat will accumulate around your internal organs and you’ll see it as an increasing waist line. This is called visceral fat, and it greatly increases your risk for cardiovascular disease and every other modern metabolic disorder. Here’s how to do get your measurement: measure the circumference of your waist at the midpoint between the bottom of your ribcage and the top of your hip bone. Then measure your hips, around the widest part of your rear end. Now divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement; this is your waist-to-hip ratio. Compare your result with the chart below to see where you fall on the disease risk spectrum. Keep in mind that these numbers have been determined based on current populations. “Average” doesn’t necessarily indicate that all is well. Studies of preWesternized populations have indicated that most people had a ratio that fell in the “excellent” category. As these cultures shifted to modern eating habits, the majority grew larger around their waists, and the average number shifted up. What is now considered “excellent” used to be the norm, and what is now the “average” is clinically understood to indicate a higher risk of insulin resistance, and therefore, an increased risk of all modern metabolic diseases. To decrease your waist-to-hip ratio, managing insulin and stress are key. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits, minimizing your consumption of processed carbohydrates, and incorporating strength training to increase insulin sensitivity are a few good places to start. There is no easy button when it comes to maintaining health and increasing longevity. If you want to see some improvements on any of the tests above, the solution is the same: move your body regularly to encourage strength, mobility and coordination, and eat plenty of foods as they’re found in nature, while avoiding an excess of processed carbohydrates.

GENDER

E XCELLENT

GOOD

AV E R AG E

AT R I S K

MALE

<0. 85

0.85 - 0.89

0 .9 0 - 0 .9 5

0 .9 6

FEMALE

< 0 .7 5

0 .7 5 - 0 .7 9

0.80 - 0.86

0.87

WO R K S M A RT E R , N O T H A R D E R

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

o matter where your workspace is located, you should enjoy spending your time there. It goes without saying that it should be organized and productive, too. If it isn’t, you stand the chance of working harder instead of smarter. If this space doesn’t inspire and motivate you to create your best work in an efficient and timely manner, stay tuned. My tips below should help. BEGIN BY DECLUTTERING. This shouldn’t be a very timeconsuming task. I simply want you to clear off your desk and create a clean slate to begin. In the end, you want your work area to be clean and clutter free, so always begin by removing anything that doesn’t serve a specific, work-related purpose. Some items will be trash, while other items will need only to be relocated. The clearer our desks, the clearer our minds. CREATE SMART SYSTEMS. Take note of all the possible ways you could store and organize your things. Maybe you need a new paper filing system so work will not pile up on your desk in the future. I love to color-code tasks and items. Coding not only reduces stress, it also makes everything else easier! It works for calendars, file and anything else that may come across your desk. Here is an example: PINK - Organizing jobs ORANGE - Design and styling jobs GREEN - Custom home jobs BLUE - My son’s schedule PURPLE - My daughter’s schedule BLACK - Personal appointments RED - Trips or days out With this system, you will know, at a glance, what is coming up, what you need to be prepared for and why. I cannot stress enough how well this system works. CREATE AN IN-AND-OUT SYSTEM FOR PAPER. Flat surfaces tend to attract stacks of paper, so don’t let that happen by going vertical. In other words, use some stackable trays or hang baskets vertically on an empty wall to sort through mail. As soon as mail comes into your home, categorize it by the action that needs to be taken, such as bills 38 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

that need to be paid, invitations that need responses, etc. And then, the most important step in this process is to schedule a day and/or time to complete the tasks. My day is Friday. Every Friday I go through my “in-and-out” system and take care of each item. KEEP A NOTEPAD READY! Every person, no matter the occupation (a stay-at-home mom is an occupation), should have a notebook handy at all times. I cannot tell you how detrimental it is for you to try to remember everything you have to do each day. If you do not write it down, you will inevitably forget something. I know you have been there and done that, so starting today, grab a notebook and write everything down when it pops in your head. When you complete the task, check it off, and reap the benefits. REARRANGE YOUR SPACE OFTEN. This stirs up new possibilities and prevents your work life from becoming stagnant. It also gives you the chance to reevaluate your systems and create new ones. CLEAN OFF YOUR DESK AT THE END OF EACH DAY. A clean desk invites you to start fresh each day and will end the feelings of being overwhelmed. DON’T FORGET TO CREATE BEAUTY! Finally, you must make your area inviting and beautiful so you will want to spend time there: 1. Add pictures and art that inspire you. 2. Employ a corkboard to serve as an inspiration board! This might be one of the most important things you can add to your workspace. After all, if you can dream it, it can happen! 3. Greenery always livens up an area, and it will help clear the air of toxins. However, if you don’t have a green thumb, a faux plant will suffice. 4. Add a rug underfoot to make the area warm and inviting. 5. Burn your favorite scented candle or diffuse your favorite aromatherapy mixtures. 6. Set aside an area where you can replenish your thirst or grab a snack. Now, start working smarter instead of harder! Cheers! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or content ideas at erinlove@ panachebyerin.com.

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using a Texas craw colored jig, I like a black neon colored trailer. I don’t contrast my colors too much however, I have had good luck using a green pumpkin or a junebug colored trailer with a black/blue jig. One additional jig note in fall fishing, don’t forget a swim jig. This is deadly when fished around dying grass, lily pad stems, shallow banks or laydowns. The swim jig is an excellent shad imitation and a great tool when bass no longer hit moving baits like a spinnerbait or a Rat L Trap. I use shad color skirts paired with a white crawfish trailer. Once the water temperature goes below 55 degrees I switch to a boot style swimbait trailer.

Fishing With Kenny

THE SHAD, CRAWFISH CONNECTION FOR FALL BASS FISHING article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON

ne of the more common beliefs held in bass fishing is when fall sets in is that, bass focus their feeding habits on the overabundance of shad that appear throughout our lakes and rivers. While to a certain degree this is true, I have also found this time of year is an excellent opportunity to use crawfish imitations and colors. While shad are usually the dominant forage during the fall and early winter, crawfish are still a valuable resource in a bass’ diet. Crawfish provide more nutrients, aren’t digested as quickly as a shad or other baitfish and are much easier for a bass to catch. In addition, bass feeding on crawfish don’t have to spend near the energy as a bass chasing shad, so fish targeting crawfish don’t have to feed as often. I have noticed the bigger fish I catch this time of year, especially when it gets colder, often times are feeding on crawfish. That’s not to say that larger bass don’t feed on shad because they do, but the crawfish scenario has happened enough for me to take notice. One of my #1 theories in my fall and winter tournaments has always been: shad lures for numbers of bass, crawfish lures for quality bass. So now that we have put this month’s column in motion, let’s explore the lures I use to exploit this particular theory I have. First of all, the number of lures I choose to use this time of year is probably less than any other time and are all you would need on the deck of your boat regardless of the body of water you fish. These select lures can be effectively used as crawfish or shad imitations and have proven to be solid fish catchers:

A JIG The most effective lure ever created for cool or cold water bass fishing is a jig. I have found it to be deadly in the fall. To keep things simple, I keep the size of my jigs basic, it is either a 3/8 or a ½ ounce version and usually have both tied on. I determine my jig size based on water clarity. The clearer the water, the heavier jig I prefer. In stained or muddy water I will use the lighter version. When you are jig fishing the rate of fall is critical, no matter if you are fishing trees, docks or casting it in treetops. As far as colors go, my first choice is always black/blue this time of year. I will use other colors such as Texas craw in dirty water or a California 420 skirt that I make for clear water lakes like Caney or Claiborne. When it comes to picking out jig trailers, keep things basic. I try to match my trailer to the jig I am throwing, for example, if I am 40 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

A CRANKBAIT I target bigger bass when I am throwing a jig, but the true workhorse this time of year is a crankbait. The squarebill crankbait craze we have seen over the past several years has made a lot of fishermen put down their standard crankbaits. I think this is a mistake because I believe I catch more fish on a standard crankbait this time of year than I do with a squarebilled one. When I use the term “standard crankbait,” I am referring to those styles such as the 200 Series Bandit or the Norman Middle N. The former of the two has caught more fish in this state than probably any other crankbait ever made, the latter of the two is my personal favorite. Both lures are effective fish catchers and allow you to cover a lot of water effectively. What makes crankbait fishing so effective is you can mimic a crawfish or a baitfish based strictly on the color of the lure you are using and in the depth of water you are fishing. If I am focused on shad I can throw it around areas such as creek channels, flats, standing timber, where shad are in abundance. If I want to mimic crawfish I can choose a crawfish color and pick areas where my bait can dig up the bottom and leave a trail such as an escaping crawfish would do. For whatever reason I have found, no matter if I am targeting a crawfish or shad forage, a chartreuse color based crankbait will catch fish no matter what body of water you are fishing in the fall. A lot of fishermen I know like a chartreuse with a black back crankbait but my personal favorite color is Firetiger. Another key to this lure is to fish it on 10-12 lb. monofilament, this line size will definitely catch you more fish. A CHATTERBAIT For whatever the reason, if I am catching fish on a spinnerbait, I can’t catch them on a chatterbait and vice versa. I am still learning the nuances of the chatterbait and I must say, it is a lure that stands on its own. As late fall turns to early winter, I have found the chatterbait to be another exceptional fish catching tool. It not only catches numbers but it also can catch the biggest bass in the area you are fishing. And what’s even better? It’s easy to fish. A chatterbait is the ultimate cast and retrieve lure. I have fished it every way you can imagine but I still catch more fish just simply fishing it. No fancy rod movements or stop and go retrieves, just throw it out and slowly bring it back to the boat. I believe this natural presentation is what makes it such an effective fish catcher once the water cools down. Because of the blade movement, no matter the water clarity, the fish can find it and eat it. Now the question of “does it resemble a shad or a crawfish.” To me it does both. With the chatterbait I can throw either shad (spot remover or chartreuse/white) or crawfish (orange or red) colors. The chatterbait is an excellent complement to a jig and surprisingly both lures are very similar in how they can be fished. I can crawl them along the bottom or I can swim them in and around grass and both can be very effective when fished around shallow laydowns and isolated tree tops. Well, it looks like we have run out of space for another month. I hope we were able to share some information with you that will make your next trip to the water more productive. With the weather turning colder and hunting season in full swing, please be careful in the woods and on the water.

HOLIDAY COMFORT FOOD It’s time to give thanks. This season, gather around the table for a Louisiana Thanksgiving feast full of flavor and seasonal offerings.

FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS Organic sweet potatoes with a delicious praline topping. Available in family-style servings.

DOE’S EAT PLACE Looking for the perfect Louisiana gumbo? This chicken and sausage gumbo from Doe’s is roux-licious.

photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK styling by TAYLOR BENNETT

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY This brunch breakfast quiche is the perfect way to start your day. With a golden brown crust and fresh eggs, it will have you craving quiche all day.

COTTON RESTAURANT Venison Schnitzel on a bed of sweet potato mash, topped with a tower of fried onion rings, with brussel sprouts and spiced pecans and. a bacon-bourbon drizzled on top.

MAGIC GRILL MONROE & WEST MONROE Magical roast beef po-boy served with fresh cut fries, inhouse french bread and award winning gravy.

PORTICO BAR & GRILL Blackened catfish fillet with a zest of lemon and topped with shrimp and Portico Sierra sauce, served with green beans and corn.

TRAPP’S RESTAURANT A trinity of veggies, sautéed in a rich buttery cream sauce and thickened with a blonde roux topped with cajun boiled shrimp makes up this etoufee exceptional.

JAC’S Craft Smokehouse Turkey on the menu? Let JAC’S Craft Smokehouse take care of the work for you. Their famous house smoked, 100% all natural turkey breast perfectly seasoned with expertly crafted house seasoning.

MIRO’S RESTAURANT A generous seafood platter with fried catfish, seasoned fried shrimp, and crispy fried oyster, served with fries.

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY

NEWK’S EATERY Warm your soul with Newk’s Loaded Potato Soup. A creamy chowder of potatos, chives, bacon, sour cream and melted cheese. Garnished with onions and bacon bits.

Need a beautiful and delicious dish for your next holiday gathering? This toasted pecan and cranberry cheseball will be the hit of the party.

Happy Holidays From the City of Bastrop

N SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH, MERCHANTS IN Bastrop will host their annual Holiday Open House from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Put on your shopping shoes and join local businesses in a fun-filled afternoon of shopping, dining and holiday spirit. Whit’s Pharmacy will be displaying all of their Christmas merchandise, including ornaments and indoor and outdoor décor for this year’s Holiday Open House. They will have men’s gifts, baby gifts, Woodwick candles, garden flags and door hangers, windchimes, and home decor. Whit’s is also an authorized dealer of Duke Cannon, Gingersnaps, Michel Design Works, and Snoozies for all ages. Don’t forget to come in and register for a free door prize! Arnett Jewelry has everything you need to get you ready for the holiday season! Beautiful jewelry, Ronaldo bracelets and more make the best gifts and Arnett’s happily gift wraps! Fun Christmas earrings are perfect to complete your holiday outfits and we have a huge selection. Need the personal touch? Arnett’s monograms and engraves. Visit our gourmet section for yummy treats, dips, cheese straws and more. Let Arnett’s help you with everything Christmas. Come see us today! Tucked away in Morehouse Parish, The Flower Tree has been delighting clients with their custom arrangements for homes and special occasions for over 40 years. In addition to fresh and silk designs, the shop features gift lines highlighting southern made décor. Stop by the day of the open house to get started on your Christmas shopping. Christmas ornaments, home décor items, candles, party type foods, jellies, soup mixtures, Christmas pic frames, cheese platters, Christmas aprons for adults and children and Christmas tee shirts can all be found at Pearce Pharmacy. One of their biggest events of the year, The Holiday Open House is always loads of fun. Their friendly staff is always ready to help. Gift wrapping is also available! The Market has a great variety of gift items including candles, new lines of designer jewelry, PJ Harlow sleepwear, and a variety of gourmet foods. The Market is fully-stocked with the ever-popular Niven Morgan Christmas candles and bath products. They have

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clothing by Ivy Jane, Uncle Frank, Kut, and Liverpool and Crown Linen. They also have furniture and a wide selection of unique home décor. Now carrying Consuela bags and Swig Life products. As always, The Market will have refreshments. Steve’s Jewelry invites you to shop our HOLIDAY DIAMOND SALE, Nov 4th - Dec 24th, and save up to 50% off jewelry and gifts storewide. Be sure and register for our 7th Annual Diamond Giveaway to win a 1ct solitaire diamond ring or pendant (your choice) valued at $4,000 with any purchase of $200. Don’t miss their once a year Vahan Trunk Show, Nov 4th - Nov 13th, featuring over 100 bracelets to choose from at savings up to 40% OFF select styles. Serving The ArkLaMs for 44 years, let them make your shopping experience enjoyable with personal service, great savings, and free gift wrapping. Opening in November, Vintage Willow Treasures Past & Present will be providing a unique shopping experience for those attending the Holiday Open House. Not only do they offer unique vintage pieces, they also have new gift items, and home and garden decor. Stop by and check out a variety of vendors offering clothing, jewelry, beautiful plants, dried arrangements, vintage furniture, and an assortment of items for home and garden. Visit us on Facebook for more details. Tuhmara’s is a fun family-owned boutique. Stop by their Holiday open house to enjoy some tasty refreshments and to enter for door prize giveaways! Come by to shop for yourself or knock out some of your Christmas list. They carry women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Tuhmara’s also has a large selection of Bed Stu bags that will be the highlight of anyone’s Christmas! Check them out on social media or at tuhmaras.com for more information! Stop by Roma’s Italian Bastrop located downtown, on the square at 124 S. Washington St., for a quick refresher while shopping. With their catch phrase, “Nothing fancy, just great Italian food” you know you are in for a treat. They serve fresh Italian cuisine and are a family owned and operated bistro that prepares each dish cooked to order. Pastas, pizzas, subs, soups and more can be found at the little bistro on the corner. For any questions call them at (318) 281-2382.

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Meredith’s Musings article by M E R E DI T H MC K I N N I E

I. Love. You. The way the “I” rolls off the tongue and the “Y” rounds the lips into a kissing pose makes the words discernable across the room. We’ve all had an “I love you” that took us by surprise. The unexpected “I love you” floods the body with butterflies. Someone loves me and feels it enough to tell me so. It’s flattering and humbling and sometimes leaves us feeling obligated to say it in return. The “I love yous” can be tricky. We want them, but from the right people, at the right time. I’ve always wanted to be shown more than told. I’ve learned that’s not true for everyone. We say it casually to our friends, “Love you,” when saying goodbye. Taking the I off the opening makes it seem less personal, less intimate. Intimacy still makes people uncomfortable, even with those we’ve known for years. Saying it is important, but them knowing it is most important. It’s that balance of saying it enough, showing it always, and meaning it most. My dad told me he loved me on a telephone call when I was a teenager. He may have told me before, but that’s the first time I remember. He had begun to work out of town, and hearing our voices was his only connection to home. Perhaps it made him more aware of his love, more certain that we knew. I remember smiling when I hung up, being a little stunned. I shouldn’t have been. I knew he loved me. He worked for us, took care of us; the words weren’t imperative for me. But they were for my sister. She told me she needed to hear it. That was one of my first realizations that my experience didn’t speak for everyone else. My first husband never missed any opportunity to tell me, but he missed all the opportunities to show me. The routine made it less special. Some find comfort in consistency. I didn’t. The words allowed him to show me how unloved I was. He felt better for saying it, so I resented the words. “I love you” meant “I can hurt you” and still feel okay about it. The frequency of the words added insult to injury. He didn’t love me. He didn’t love himself. I doubt he ever even knew what love meant. He had to have seen it; perhaps he wasn’t paying attention. Perhaps I had to learn to love myself enough to get out of a relationship where I wasn’t loved. I know who loves me now. I pay close attention. And rarely does it have anything to do with them telling me. The words mean they want me to know that they know. But I already do. Husband shows me daily. Works are his love language. We have this routine where he waits on me before bed. He’ll tuck me in, stroke my forehead, and kiss my lips, ever so softly. As he cuddles in beside me and nuzzles the side of my cheek, he sometimes says the words in a soft, whispery voice. He says them in an exhale, as if it’s his last effort of the day, the last thought of the day. Sometimes I don’t respond. Our breaths in cadence serve as my reply. I don’t need an “I love you” at the end of each phone call. I prefer the randomness of the sentiment, as if something I did reminded him how much. I like the butterflies of the unexpected even from the most expected source. I tell myself I love me by taking care of myself. I’ve had a few, “I love yous” in the mirror. I cried once, sad that I needed to make eye contact with myself, that I needed to be reminded. It’s important to remind myself that I’m enough, even from my harshest critic. We pick ourselves and each other apart. We’re quicker to criticize than compliment. And better still, we resist compliments. We have a hard time giving and receiving love. It’s the most natural emotion, and yet it’s the one we complicate. We should give love more, without question or doubt or expectation. Love without looking for it in return. If the words need to be said, say them, but make sure the actions back up the sentiment. Show me you love me. Just telling me is too easy.

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Max Porter Provisions Northeast Louisiana’s Newest Men’s Mercantile

ECENTLY OPENED AT 206 TRENTON STREET ON historic Antique Alley is Max Porter Provisions, a men’s mercantile offering everything for apothecary to apparel, general store items to unique gift ideas. Parters Laurie Cochran and Cassie Livingston worked alongside Taylor Bennett to create a space in the old Mojoware store that would appeal to men looking to shop for themselves or women looking for unique gift items for the men in their lives. Décor gathered from estate sales, Lonesome Pine Home and vintage family memorabilia set the stage for Max Porter. When asked about the name of the store, Livingston said, “The store is named for my father-in-law, Max Livingston, who we lost to leukemia in 2011. It’s a tribute to our family roots – acknowledging the hard-working, veteran who devoted his life to family and country. Most of the items that we carry in the store are made in America – if they aren’t, they’re small batch, sociallyconscious brands.” Among the brands that Max Porter Provisions carries is Paige jeans, a premium denim company that manufacturers all of their clothing in America. The Ampal Creative is another diverse line of socks, beanies and hats that are exclusively made in the USA. Shoppers can find a range of sauces and rubs from distributers like Hoff & Pepper and BBQ Rubdown, along with drink mixes from award-winning El Guapo Bitters. “The store definitely had ‘every man’ in mind when we were purchasing products,” says Cochran. “Whether you describe your style as western, modern, rustic, old-school, metro... our store has something for you.” A favorite of the owners are the candles from Manready Mercantile. “Manready was really the inspiration behind the store. A friend put it on our radar, and the next time we visited Houston we really fell in love with the products. My husband loves the room sprays and candles – these were the first orders that we placed for Max Porter,” says Livingston. There are also candles and fragrances from Guy Fox, an under-the-radar company that offers affordable and unique colognes that are warm and full of zest. Looking for a new razor? Supply offers an injector-style blade cartridge which allows you to reload the razor with ultra-sharp stubble-slicers, without ever touching a blade with your hands. Pair it along with Educated Beards delightful beard-grooming kit to keep your facial hair in place. Both of the companies, along with Duke Cannon are favorites of Livingston and Cochran’s husbands.

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While Max Porter Provisions is carrying apparel, their clothing selection is well-curated and there are only a few brands that will be in the store, these include Paige, DL1961, Pendleton, Richer Poorer and Howler. “There are so many great apparel stores in North Louisiana, it was important to us to keep this section of our store limited. We have a waxed canvas jacket from Loyal Stricklin that we are in love with. There are also boxers from Richer Poorer, socks from Ampal Creative, and fun hats from Sendero Provisions. Our husbands definitely weighed in when we were ordering clothing, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the unique apparel that we have.” Leather goods is among one of the largest selections of gift items in the store. There are some beautiful, hand-crafted leather goods like wallets, belts, dog collars and leashes, bags, coaster, trays and more. “The Atticus duffle from Will Leather Company is my favorite item in the store,” says Cochran. “With plenty of pockets for organization and a dedicated shoe compartment, its roomy interior will hold all your essentials and more. It’s the right size for an overhead compartment and leather strap make going through the airport a breeze.” Even though the leather bags are a must-have, Max Porter also has a vintage camo print bag line from another local manufacturer that is perfect for fall travels. When you are making your Christmas lists this year, make sure to stop in and visit Max Porter Provisions. “We are so excited to be opening this store in our community. We genuinely found a need for a store like this, and feel that we will evolve to become a shopping destination for Northeast Louisiana.” says Livingston. “We are so happy that Bradley Castle will be running our store. He has a wealth of product knowledge and experience. Our shoppers will really love meeting and working with him.” Max Porter Provisions is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. The phone number is 318.737.7742 and you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Store hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

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B AY O U FA S H I O N

Bag It Up

We like the way these bags work into autumn’s wardrobe. From petite bucket bags to quilted purses, these totes are too hot to handle. Find these and more at local retailers. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Clockwise from left: black bucket bag from Hemline Monroe, fringe accented purse from Duck Duck Goose inside Simmons’ Sporting Goods, black woven bag from Palette House and Plume, small hobo bag from Herringstone’s, plum, quilted bag from Dusty & Company.

B AY O U H O M E

Perfect Pear Whether you’re incorporating pears into an arrangement, using them for a seasonal dessert, or setting up a still life – this fantastic fruit is a fall favorite. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

This still life incorporates three varieties: Crimson, Bosc and Bartlett - all available during winter months.

HARTFORSTYLE A Passion for All Things Vintage

T ONLY 18 YEARS OLD, HARTLEY WALDROP HAS already established herself as a local entrepreneur through a passion for all things vintage. A self-professed lover of fashion, Hartley tagged along with her parents to estate sales and flea markets growing up, repurposing old clothes to create her own style. She adores everything 80s, including movies, music, and the big hair. Her hobby-turned-business is environmentally conscious and allows Hartley to express herself and share her talent with others. Hartley attended Northeast Baptist School and was active in band and volleyball. She served as the Social Media coordinator for the school, documenting games and events online. She instinctively knew how to market and create worthy content. On her personal pages, she documented her outfits each day, highlighting her unique style, a stark contrast to the uniforms required on campus. Hartley is attracted to the unordinary, the styles of the past that have been out of vogue so long they’re back in. Putting her own twist on those styles has made her online shop a smashing success. She dipped her toe into business by simply posting her thrift finds on Instagram. Surely someone out there shared her sense of style and perhaps seeing it online would prompt people to buy her stuff. The response was overwhelming, and she quickly realized she had the makings of a successful business. Coming from a family of business owners, Hartley didn’t fear the unknown. She knew her idea had promise, and she believed the right customers would find her clothes. Her “Momager” Heather Green is one of her biggest supporters. Heather accompanies Hartley on thrifting trips, frequenting flea markets and taking pictures of finds for the page. Heather trusts her daughter’s eye for style. When the operation became too big for Instagram, Hartley launched her website, a solid source to promote her products in one place. The page features vintage clothes and decor items, each with its own unique flair. Alongside the fashion, she features vintage mugs, wall art, jewelry dishes, and polaroid cameras, just to name a few. Hartley announces “drops” once or twice a week on Instagram, promoting traffic to her page for new items. She often relies on themes - past hits include Fall, 80s, 70s. If it’s old enough, it sells. Sometimes Hartley will add her own flair to a vintage item, a denim patch here a fancy hem there, making each product new in its own way.

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Hartley has gotten to know her customer base. Now when she goes thrifting, she has her customers in mind. It’s not all about just buying what she loves. For instance, vintage windbreakers are really hot right now. Hartley can’t keep them in stock. When she finds old T-shirts, she bleaches them, giving the shirts the appealing acid wash look. Mom jeans are all the rage, particularly the high-waisted Levi’s with the brown tab in the back. “Dad sneakers” are popular, featuring an all-white, chunky design. Hartley knows what’s in style and can often predict what is about to be. It’s a talent that has served her personally and professionally. Centralizing all her products in one place has streamlined what can quickly become a cumbersome process. Hartley designed the website herself, relying on her uncle’s business acumen along the way. The website is a place for everyone. Hartley is focused on expanding her customer base. Her business motto is: “Where one’s heart is found within one’s style.” While Hartley believes in herself and her products, she has been pleasantly surprised at the reception. People love her style and support her business. Balancing school and a business is a lot of work, but Hartley believes in the business’s future potential. Currently on scholarship at Northwestern State College, Hartley is pursuing an online degree in business, no shocker, and is adapting to life in the classroom and the online marketplace. In the future, Hartley foresees her endeavor evolving, both in style and access. She would like her own storefront one day, putting her newfound business knowledge to in-person use. Her parents are incredibly supportive. As virtually an only child, Hartley’s parents expect the best from their daughter. She is driven, but enjoys having fun. She loves to travel and experience new places. Seeing new spaces and places up close influences her style choices. Though a young entrepreneur, Hartley is no less a major player in the online marketplace. Website: hartforstyle.com Instagram: hartforstyle Facebook: hartforstyle

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B AY O U H O M E

Tea Time

There is a lot to fall in love with this time of year. As it turns cooler, we tend to seek warming recipes and seasonal spices. These teas are no exception – warm your body and your soul with these bold flavors. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Some of our fall favorites include: Daily Defense Herbal Tea which combines chamomile, peppermint, sage and lavender; Spiced Chai Maté which has warm chai notes and a hint of tropical fruit; and Decaf Earl Grey Tea which features Black Ceyon tea leaves blended with a touch of Bergamot and splash of orange peels. Available at The Spice & Tea Exchange.

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B A Y O U C O C K TA I L S

Campfire Cocktails With colder weather upon us, there’s nothing better than a good Old Fashioned or whiskey drink to warm things up. Whether you like it neat or with a little punch, these craft cocktails are sure to tickle your taste buds. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

WHISKEY MARSHSMASH W H AT Y O U N E E D : 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 8-10 marshmallows 6 oz Bulleit Rye whiskey Splash single malt whiskey

M A P L E O L D FA S H I O N E D

DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan, heat water and sugar until its dissolved. Add marshmallows and increase the heat to medium-high, stirring marshmallows frequently until dissolved. Strain the marshmallow simple syrup into a container, removing the leftover solids. In a glass, add Bulleit and splash of single malt whiskey. Stir in 2 oz. of marshmallow simple syrup to taste. Add ice, garnish with toasted marshmallow, and enjoy!

DIRECTIONS: Combine maple syrup and bourbon in a shaker. Shake and strain over ice. Add 4 dashes of Regans’ orange bitters. Add an orange peel and cherry for garnish.

( F R O M D O E ’ S E AT P L A C E )

W H AT Y O U N E E D : 2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon 3/4 oz Maple syrup 4 dashes of Regans’ orange bitters

Bayou Buzzworthy

Nifty Fifty! Cummins and Fitts has officially completed 50 adoptions this year. Cummins and Fitts stated “We are thankful that we have been able to work to ensure that so many children have found their forever families. Thank you for supporting Cummins and Fitts. We can’t wait for the next 50!”

The Fat Doctor ribbon cutting event was held at their new location, 1900 Auburn Ave, Suite D, on Monday October 18th. The Fat Doctor is a physician monitored weight loss clinic offering weekly accountability and support. The program utilizes a 3-pronged approach: Ketogenic Diet, Intermittent Fasting, and targeted exercise. At the weekly check-ins, patients can get a vitamin B-12 injection, accurately measure their current rate of fat burning, and tweak their individual weight loss plan to optimize success.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe was named Southeast Tourism Society’s 2021 Tourism Office of the Year! This team, led by Alana Cooper, can accomplish anything from successfully launching a new tourism brand during a pandemic to safely hosting a number of sporting events and everything in between! Congratulations on bringing a little hardware back to the 318!

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Let’s Talk Knees and Hips Featuring Chase Lobrano, MD

HASE LOBRANO, MD IS A BOARD certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction-hip/knee. Dr. Lobrano always knew he wanted to go into medicine and started working in medical clinics and hospitals in his teens and throughout college. During medical school, orthopedics was a natural fit leading him to an orthopedic residency and his fellowship in adult reconstruction-hip/knee. OSL recently sat down with Dr. Lobrano and asked him about two of his favorite surgerieship/knee replacements… here’s what he had to say: OSL: Dr. Lobrano, why did you decide to specialize in adult reconstruction- hip/knee? CL: Being able to replace a patient’s hip or knee and allowing them to get back to what they want to be doing is just unbelievable… I love that I get to do this. Giving patients a new lease on life is really rewarding. OSL: What are the most common complaints you hear from patients about hip and knee pain? CL: For the hip, most patients complain about lateral(side) pain and groin pain. For the knee, most complain of medial(inner) sided pain. OSL: What are the most common causes of hip and knee pain? CL: Most folks over 60 are going to begin experiencing some hip and knee pain due to wear and tear and arthritis. For the hip, another common cause is Trochanteric Bursitis; for the knee, another cause is meniscal pathology. OSL: What can a patient suffering from knee or hip pain expect at their first clinic visit with you? CL: We’ll start with a physical exam, x-rays, and a good talk. I really need to know how their hip and knee pain is altering their daily activities and quality of life.

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OSL: When is it time to consider total hip/ knee replacement? Are there other options to consider prior to surgery? CL: When pain is preventing you from doing everyday activities, you are relying on a walker or cane, your knee or hip joint is hurting whether you are sitting still, laying down, or at rest and/or pain is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. Often, by the time a patient comes to see me in clinic, they have exhausted all conservative options; however, we can consider options like injections and physical therapy. OSL: What happens once a patient decides to have hip/knee replacement surgery? CL: Total joint Replacement Surgery is a big decision and a decision that I want my patients to make with as much information as possible. Prior to your surgery, we will have you come in for some additional imaging tests and pre-op lab work. I am a talker- it’s important that we connect and are on the same page about your surgery. I want to know what you expect from me and want you to know what I expect of you. OSL: If a patient needs both a hip and a knee replacement, which surgery should the patient have first? CL: I recommend a hip replacement first. OSL: There is a lot of information about the different surgical approaches utilized for total hip replacement, which approach do you utilize? CL: I primarily utilize the direct anterior approach hip. Keep in mind… the best surgical approach for your hip replacement is the approach that will treat your specific problem. OSL: Do you utilize the Stryker Mako Robotic Total Joint Replacement technology? CL: I do- particularly for total/partial knee replacement. I was introduced to the MAKO technology in my fellowship and after

joining Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and working with my partner, Dr. Atchison, I really became introduced to it. I explain to my patients that utilizing the robot gives me a cheat sheet before surgery- it gives me a preoperative template and plan that offers me a better idea of what I am going to encounter. It provides for less soft tissue releases, which is all around better for everyone. OSL: How long does a patient have to stay in the hospital after their total hip or knee replacement? CL: Most patients will spend one night in the hospital and will be up walking and working with a physical therapist just a few hours after surgery. Most hip patients report immediate relief from pain postoperatively. It’s important that patients do not over do it after surgery for the best long-term results. I recommend postop physical therapy to patients following knee replacement and as needed, for those following total hip replacement. Patients will have a 2 week follow up appointment with me after their surgery. Typically, patients may resume driving in 3 weeks and may return to work in 6 weeks. Keep in mind, every patient’s recovery is their own… we are working towards your best outcome, and we must factor in the specifics of your lifestyle and your goals. OSL: What is the most common thing you hear after your patients have had their total hip/knee replacement? CL: They are so happy they did it and wish they had done it sooner. Chase Lobrano, MD has clinic locations in Shreveport and Bossier City. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lobrano, please contact Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana: (866)759.9679 or orthopedicspecialistsla.com

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B AY O U H O M E

Festive Tablescape This Thanksgiving, take the time to set a beautifully arranged tablescape with items from local retailers. Gorgeous velvet pumpkins, unique stemware, ceramic turkeys and florals abound in this seasonal setting by Taylor Bennett. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Taylor started with a beautiful arrangement of mums, cappuccino roses, and foraged oak leaves from Carlstedt’s. Two ceramic turkeys from Material Things take centerstage. Gorgeous velvet pumpkins from Palette House and Plume are dispersed throughout the setting. Unique stemware with wooden stems and antique silverware are from Revival Design and Consign, while gold cloth napkins and gorgeous dinnerware are sourced from Walsworth & Company. Glassware with gold rims from Haven complete the tablescape. We hope this serves as inspiration for your Thanksgiving gathering.

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B AY O U R E C I P E

Baked Brie

As families get-together for the upcoming holidays, this fruity and savory baked Brie recipe is a must-have. Easy to make at home, this dish combines seasonal jam with a delicious, buttery dough.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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W H AT Y O U N E E D :

1 sheet of frozen puffed pastry, thawed 1 13.2 oz round of Brie Cheese 1 red pear, sliced thin 1 tablespoon pear jam 1 tablespoon fig jam 1 cup slivered almonds 1 tablespoon butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon of water

DIRECTIONS:

Scrape rind off outside of Brie. Place sheet of thawed pastry onto a cool surface and put Brie on center. Thinly slice pears and arrange slices on top of the Brie. Cover pear slices with pear and fig jam mixture. Fold corners of puff pastry over jam, and seal edges of dough. Snip off corners with scissors, and seal. Place into a butter-coated oven proof baking dish. Put pan into freezer for 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Whisk 1 egg with a teaspoon of water. Place almonds a butter in a sauce pan, and toast. Remove pan from freezer and coat puff pastry with egg wash. Place pastry pan in oven. Turn pan every 10 minutes for 20-30, as ovens vary, till golden brown. Sprinkle almonds over top of baked Brie, and return to oven for 3-5 minutes. Allow to rest for a few minutes, but be sure to serve warm.

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B AY O U FA S H I O N

Top It Off Hats are the perfect accessory for your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to complete an outfit, or a cover-up for a bad hair day – you can’t go wrong with these super chic hat choices from area boutiques. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME

HERRINGSTONE’S

DUSTY & COMPANY

THE NUDE NOMAD DUCK DUCK GOOSE inside Simmons’ Sporting Goods HEMLINE MONROE

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NEWK’S EATERY Supreme pizza made with pepperoni, Italian pork sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, red onions, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella and pizza sauce, topped with fresh basil.

HARING CATFISH Crispy catfish fillets sourced from Haring Catfish - locally raised in Franklin Parish.

FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL Natchitoches meat pies with a savory Louisiana remoulade sauce, perfect for game day gatherings.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK BAYOU GRILL Some of NELA’s best selection of wings, including lemon pepper, buffalo, BBQ and garlic parmeson.

This freshly-made pimento cheese ball is coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon, surrounded by Ritz crackers.

UNDERDOGS Hot-boiled crab legs, and a plated dish of blackened shrimp with bacon cream sauce over hot water cornbread.

THE PLATTER This charcuterie board from The Platter features fresh fruit, mini gerkins, cheese cubes, an assortment of deli meats and crackers.

GAME DAY GRUB

Football season is here, and we’ve gathered the greatest grub from area restaurants. Feed your family and friends with the best of Northeast Louisiana. photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK styling by TAYLOR BENNETT

Brewed for the Holidays 600 Years of Belgian Heritage

HE FOLKS AT STELLA ARTOIS® are extremely proud of their Belgian roots. Their story can be seen on every bottle of Stella Artois. If you look closely, hints of their origins are proudly displayed. By 1366 roots of Stella’s brewing tradition had been established in the city of Leuven, Belgium– which is also where the original Den Hoorn brewery was founded. Den Hoorn laid the foundation for the quality taste and standard Stella Artois is known for. The symbol of the Den Hoorn Brewery is proudly displayed in Stella Artois’ cartouche to this day.

SEBASTIAN ARTOIS Sebastian Artois was admitted to the Leuven Brewer’s Guild as a Brew Master in 1708, and only nine years later purchased the Den Hoorn brewery. In memoriam, you can find his last name on the brewery and every bottle of Stella Artois around the world. ORIGINALLY BREWED FOR THE HOLIDAYS The Artois Brewery was so beloved internationally and locally, a special batch was created as a Christmas gift to the people of Leuven. That special batch was the first to officially include “Stella” in its name. “Stella”, meaning star in Latin, pays homage to this original occasion, accompanied by a star on every bottle. So next time you see a bottle of Stella Artois, take note of the rich history paired with the rich flavor on and in every bottle.

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HOW TO POUR PERFECTION Pouring the perfect Stella Artois® is key to enjoying the perfect Stella Artois®. The brand’s time-honored nine-step ritual helps ensure that consumers everywhere are served as they would be in Belgium. After hundreds of years of brewing experience, there is only one way to pour a Stella Artois® and it is important that all those who serve Leuven’s gold standard lager pay as much attention to serving Stella Artois® as we do to brewing it. Not only has it been proven that correctlypoured Stella Artois® results in satisfied consumers and increased brand loyalty, but bartenders, too, become true brand ambassadors once they have mastered the art of serving Stella Artois®. The annual Stella Artois® World Draught Master Competition – established in 1997 - heralds the importance of this pouring ritual. Bartenders from around the world compete to demonstrate their beer-serving prowess before a panel of distinguished judges who carefully scrutinize each and every step. STELLA MIDNIGHT LAGER A brewery with a history that dates back nearly 100 years has ventured out from its popular Pilsner with a limited-edition dark lager. In time for the holidays, Stella Artois has introduced Midnight Lager, a 5.4% ABV beer that’s available in 12oz bottle, 6-packs. Midnight Lager pours a dark, jet black with a brown frothy head from a 12oz bottle. This appearance is the result of the beer’s use of roasted dark malts that are quite evident in the aroma of the dark lager. The beer’s roasty

qualities bring forth dark chocolate and coffee notes on the palate that is balanced by the use of Herkules and Saaz hops STELLA SOLSTICE Stella Artois, a brand of Anheuser-Busch, released Solstice Lager, the brand’s first-ever limited-edition golden lager. Inspired by the summer solstice, the lager contains notes of citrus essences and is triple-filtered for a smooth, crisp finish, the company says. It also has a malty sweetness, has an alcohol by volume of 4.5 percent, and is 105 calories for a 11.2-ounce bottle. The limited-edition imported beer is available in six-packs and 12-packs. Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage. com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Pennington Financial, LLC Asset Protection Planning for Seniors Needing Long Term Care

ARAH AND JIM HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF themselves as average, hard working Americans. They were high school sweethearts, married and had three children. Jim had a long career in sales, and Sarah was a stay at home wife and mom who volunteered in her spare time. They expected to enjoy a quiet, but well-deserved, well-planned retirement. Things went well until five years ago when a specific incident changed everything. Sarah tripped in her garden and fractured her hip. She underwent surgery; it seemed she was on her way to recovery after receiving inpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy sessions during the Medicare allotted 100 days. Just when they both thought everything was on track, Sarah had another major setback. She suffered a massive stroke. Through everything Jim was at her side, but Sarah’s health continued to deteriorate. Eventually, it was necessary for Sarah to be admitted to a nursing home for residential care. The funds in Jim’s retirement plan didn’t include the cost of both their home and a nursing home residence of an additional $60,000.00 per year. Now, three years later, Jim is sick with worry that he will outlive his savings and is uncertain where to turn for help. For most retired Americans, the possibility that they may have to someday live in a nursing home is a very difficult thought. The reality that they may have to give up all of their hard-earned life savings and their home makes it even worse. Today, the cost of nursing home care is high; the average cost for nursing home care in Louisiana is approximately $5,000 per month, or $60,000 per year. At this rate, it is very easy to spend-down a family’s life savings in a short amount of time leaving little for the “at-home” spouse to live on. New government rules make it even tougher for nursing home residents in need of financial assistance to qualify for Medicaid benefits. The new rules changed the “look back” period from three to five years. This means, when one applies for Medicaid, he/she will need to disclose all gifts made during the five years prior to the date one applies for Medicaid. The penalty period was also changed. Under the new rules, the penalty period does not begin until the applicant spends-down all their assets and then applies for Medicaid. Because of these changes, it is even more important than ever to plan early. Three years might go by quickly, but five years, not so fast.

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To qualify for Medicaid, one must complete and submit a detailed, multiple page application and provide proof of all financial transactions. These transactions include, but are not limited to, banking, CDs, stocks, bonds, income, expenses, annuities, etc., for the previous sixty months or five years. Mistakes and/or inadequate completion of the application can result in approval delays costing the family thousands of dollars, or worse case non-approval of the application altogether. The laws around Medicaid qualification are extensive and confusing. However, there are numerous exceptions that can be applied to help protect one’s assets if used properly. Often, hospitals and nursing homes will offer to help with a Medicaid application for you at no cost. This may work well for an applicant with no assets. Unfortunately, it may be devastating for the applicant, spouse and family if there are assets that the family wishes to preserve and protect. Even with the best intentions, hospital and nursing home staff do not have the knowledge necessary to determine whether you can truly qualify for Medicaid benefits. This is the time when working with a knowledgeable professional can help clients/residents receive fair consideration of deserved benefits much sooner. This article was written and submitted by Chuck Barber of Pennington Financial, LLC. He has over 10 years’ experience as a highly qualified Financial Estate planner with a specialty in asset protection. Other services include Pre-Retirement planning, Post Retirement planning, Long-term Care insurance, Life insurance and Annuities, Registered Investment Advisor services, and Notary Public. Visit our website for additional information: www. Penningtonfinancial.net Pennington Financial, LLC is located at 1900 N. 18th St. #211 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-4690.

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ULM Alumni Association to Honor DeAndre Alexander at the Annual ULM Alumni Awards Brunch

HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE ALUMNI Association will host the annual Alumni Awards Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 23rd, as part of ULM’s Homecoming festivities. The Alumni Awards Brunch will be held from 10 a.m.-noon at Bayou Pointe Event Center. Tickets can be purchased online at alumni.ulm. edu/events or by calling 318-342-5420. This year, the brunch will also incorporate the Alumni Association Annual Meeting. At this event, recipients of the prestigious Rising Young Alumni and Golden Arrow awards are recognized for their commitment, advocacy, and dedication to the Alumni Association and the university. Alumni and community members nominate recipients, and a committee reviews submissions and announces award winners. The Rising Young Alumni Award was established in 2013 and is given to an alumnus involved in community organizations and philanthropy, a general supporter of their community, and actively seeks ways to positively impact ULM programs and influence others on behalf of ULM. This year, the Alumni Association will recognize DeAndre Alexander. Alexander received his Bachelor of Science in General Studies from ULM in 2008 and holds an M.S. in Sports Administration plus 30 from Grambling State University. While attending ULM, he was a standout basketball player under legendary coach Mike Vining.

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Alexander carried this experience with him to Arcadia High School, where he is currently employed and has previously coached state champion sports teams. Alexander has served as an elected public servant in various capacities, including a city councilman, one of the youngest in Louisiana, and Bienville Parish Constable. Alexander currently serves on the ULM Board of Directors, is a Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce Top 40 and under 40 Young Professionals nominee, and is deeply involved in his hometown of Arcadia. Alexander volunteers in programs such as Men Standing Up against Domestic Violence and Tea Time for The Cure Breast Cancer. He is the founder of Calling All Young Men, which stands up to gun violence, and the Adopt-A-Son Mentoring program for ages 7-16 in Arcadia and surrounding areas. Alexander was nominated four times during the call for nominations for this award.

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Yuengling Brewery The Newest Offerings from America’s Oldest Brewery BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

HE STORY OF YUENGLING IS THE STORY OF THE American Spirit. It’s a tale of shared dreams, individual tenacity and an unwavering dedication to standards of quality. Like many American stories it starts amid the dreams of countless young immigrants looking for opportunity and emerges from the strength and will of one family, determined to build their legacy in a new country. Nestled among the rolling Appalachian foothills, the D.G. Yuengling and Son Brewery is located in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Today, the company proudly boasts an unmatched record of continuous operation since 1829 and the longest uninterrupted history of management by a single family in the country. Yuengling is best known for its flagship beer, Yuengling Traditional Lager. Famous for its rich amber color and medium-bodied flavor with roasted caramel malt for a subtle sweetness and a combination of cluster and cascade hops, this American original delivers a well-balanced taste with very distinct character. Born from a historic recipe that was resurrected in 1987, Yuengling Traditional Lager is a true classic. Born from six generations of brewing expertise, FLIGHT by Yuengling is the next generation of light beer that brings even better taste, with low carbs and calories, to the refreshment category. Yuengling is “Raising the Bar” by pouring more than 190 years of brewing expertise into crafting and redefining what consumers deserve in an upscale light beer. With 2.6 grams of carbs, 95 calories, and 4.2% ABV (alcohol by volume), FLIGHT by Yuengling is a crisp, easy-to-drink beer that can be enjoyed year-round. “Recognizing an opportunity in the light beer category, we have been working to deliver an upscale refreshment brand that fits within the active lifestyles of today’s consumers,” said Jennifer Yuengling, Vice President of Operations and 6th generation family member, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “Our family brewing business was built on providing consumers with a high-quality, great tasting drinking experience for social occasions. We have spent more than a year perfecting FLIGHT by Yuengling, taking the taste of this light beer to new heights, and can’t wait for our fans and light beer drinkers to try it.” Fans of fruity beer have a new option to sample from the triedand-true brewers at Yuengling. The brewery debuted its mango-

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flavored pilsner Raging Eagle this year, an addition to their lineup that the brewers are calling disruptive to the beer scene. Yuengling Raging Eagle Mango Beer is a Pilsner made with natural mango flavor for a refreshing taste. Brewed with classic hops, Raging Eagle Mango Beer lands at 6.0% ABV. America loves beer and America loves chocolate, so Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery, and Hershey, America’s most beloved chocolate brand, joined forces to bring the best of both worlds to their fans with a limited-edition Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter. This collaboration gives consumers the opportunity to savor and indulge in this unique beer just in time for the holidays. Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter is a fresh take on Yuengling’s 200-year-old Dark Brewed Porter. Available for a limited time only, don’t miss your chance to enjoy it! Sip this seasonal treat on its own (available locally on draft and in bottles) or try it in this great holiday cocktail recipe. YUENGLING HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE JINGLE PORTER Ingredients • 1.5 oz. Amaretto liqueur • 2 oz. condensed milk • 3 oz. Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter Method 1. Add amaretto and condensed milk to a cocktail shaker 2. Dry shake without ice for 20-30 seconds 3. Add beer and ice and throw a few times (throwing is essentially straining the liquid from one shaker to another to emulsify the ingredients 4. Strain into a beer glass 5. Garnish with ground cinnamon (optional Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

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LIVING IN COLOR

Some call Sharon Heath brave for living in such bright pigments, but her motivation and inspiration have been what we should all aspire to breathe into our own lives—the primal, God-given need to express our authentic selves, completely and unapologetically. ARTICLE BY

VANELIS RIVERA AND PHOTOGR APHY BY KELLY MOORE CL ARK

n a world inundated with minimalist décor trends—clutter-free spaces, neutral tones, functionality over style, and accessorizing with restraint—one Rayville resident is going rogue and filling her crisp-white, southern, Acadian-style home with opulence in color and texture. With such a traditional exterior, walking into the home of Sharon Heath is a jolt to the senses, akin to Dorothy opening that door and stepping into a wondrous land of color, in combinations most homeowners might shy away from. Some call Heath brave for living in such bright pigments, but her motivation and inspiration have been what we should all aspire to breathe into our own lives—the primal, God-given need to express our authentic selves, completely and unapologetically. Sharon and husband Tyler Heath grew up in the area; she was raised in Start and he in Rayville. The couple began as high school sweethearts and married young, moving their lives to Jackson, Mississippi, where Tyler worked as a respiratory therapist while pursing a doctorate in dentistry. There, Sharon was managing a couple of boutiques, gaining a stronger foundation of color and texture combinations. As if preparing for her dream home, the pair would antique shop fervently, storing pieces of furniture away. “We’re pretty traditional people, so we knew what kind of home we’d eventually like to have.” On her 30th birthday, her hubby gave her papers to the three acres that would become their forever

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home. A serene plot facing the majesty of the bayou is what they have been waking up to now for close to sixteen years. While the house was built by BRACO Construction Co. some parts of the building process were a little more intimate. The shutters on the front porch were built by her father-in-law Tom Heath and the white shutters inside of the foyer and den were from the Women’s Ministry Union Building, affiliated with First Baptist Church of Rayville, a building dating to 1927 and later renovated in the early 90s. “That is something I have tried to fill my home with over the years. I love art and furniture that may tell a story or has special meaning,” she says. “Obviously, I love textures,” Sharon laughs as she glances around her dining room filled with pops of bright shades streaming from walls, furniture, paintings, and an impressive collection of uniquely created ceramic pieces by the talented “Seedsters” from the Mustard Seed, a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities based in Brandon, Mississippi. Ironically, Sharon doesn’t usually wear a lot of bright clothing, but she dresses her home with it. “My eyes are just drawn to color,” she says. In her home, a variety of hues compel the senses, beginning with her walls which are a delightful pea green. “It goes year-round with everything,” she says, but most importantly it makes her happy. One of her first color influencers was a designer from Neiman Marcus who visited the boutique she worked for at the time. He would take the weekend to decorate the windows, changing the palette and aesthetic given the season. “I learned

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AT RIGHT: A collection of MacKenzie Childs’ black and white checkered ceramics inhabit the dining room’s wide bookcase hutch and kitchen area, along with uniquely created ceramic pieces by the talented “Seedsters” from the Mustard Seed, a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities based in Brandon, Mississippi. BOTTOM PAGE: A natural attraction to a variety of shades and tones will usually lend itself to art. The Heath’s home and a hallway adjacent to the dining room and kitchen, have walls brimming from top to bottom with a gleeful assortment of art of all sizes.

a lot with him because I did not go to school to be a decorator,” she says, though she confesses that as a child when her parents left her home alone, they’d come back to a completely rearranged home, compliments of a restless impulse and a creative mind that would forever have an instinct for design. “I loved to play house,” she adds, taking a pause to remember a quote by Iris Apfel, American interior designer and color queen: “When we were small children we all played dress-up and everybody had a good time. So why stop?” That childlike fancy has translated to having dishes out at the ready (as if a party could be in tow at any given moment) and decorating the space with other beautifully designed dinnerware.“I love MacKenzie-Childs,” she says pointing to the black and white checkered ceramics inhabiting the dining room’s wide bookcase hutch and kitchen area. A natural attraction to a variety of shades and tones will usually lend itself to art. “Whenever we go on a trip, I always look for a local gallery with local artists,” Sharon says proudly, taking me to a small hallway adjacent to the dining room and kitchen, whose walls are brimming from top to bottom with a gleeful assortment of art of all sizes. “This is from an artist in Florida. This is from an artist in Mississippi,” she pauses at each allowing them to be rightfully admired. She stops at a portrait of a young girl with bubble-wide eyes. “She has an interesting story,” she says, referring to the artist. In the heat of battling cancer, Lila Graves went to Mexico to die. There, she occupied her time by street painting. Months went by, and she realized, “I’m not dying.” Heath pauses to reflect on the tale before joyfully continuing to point out pieces as she name-drops states from other past artistic hauls: Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia. Accumulating home furnishing has been Sharon’s specialty and one that is best admired in the piano room. The cozy space located close to the entryway is hallmarked by bright tan walls with a light-green undertone 86 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

TRANQUIL SPACE: Unlike the rest of the home, the only room that is understated is the one made for winding down, the couple’s bedroom. The neutral tones include the greyish-taupe walls, eggshellwhite headboard and wall-length curtains, and elegant dark gray, Bella Notte bedding.

and features a wood piano adorned with family pictures, a velvet, forest green sofa, and a whitewashed brick fireplace decorated with whimsical figurines by Moni McKee of Sharon’s favorite animal, the bunny. The color combinations crescendo at the living room, where a number of pastel hues mingle with bright bursts of lime green, canary yellow, and guava pink. Sharon often gets asked whether her husband minds the pink. “He does not mind at all,” she asserts. “His mother decorated with pastels.” Accent pieces in the living room include two custom-made, bright pink upholstered lounge chairs and a vintage, light-chartreuse green upholstered loveseat. Unlike the rest of the home, the only room that is understated is the one made for winding down, the couple’s bedroom. The neutral tones include the greyish-taupe walls, eggshell-white headboard and wall-length curtains, and elegant dark gray, Bella Notte bedding. At the foot of the bed two antique lounge chairs with chocolatebrown fabric and leaf cut-outs complete the softspoken, leisurely feel Sharon was envisioning for the end of her day.

OUTDOOR HAVEN: Another kick-back area of the home is the backyard, an idyllic panorama of the bayou, manicured lawn, clusters of beautiful Sweet Drift rose bushes, and a few patio sectionals to mellow out and enjoy the majesty of nature. A grand outdoor brick fireplace stands among their outdoor haven, where during cool evenings, the family tends to congregate to make campfire favorites like s’mores and hot dogs. 90 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Another kick-back area of the home is the backyard, an idyllic panorama of the bayou, manicured lawn, clusters of beautiful Sweet Drift rose bushes, and a few patio sectionals to mellow out and enjoy the majesty of nature like their grand outdoor brick fireplace where, particularly during cool evenings, the family tends to congregate to make campfire favorites like s’mores, which is a “big deal” for them, and hot dogs. The pool area is naturally frequented by their grandkids, as well as the black and white playhouse that once belonged to one of their daughters. Closer to the water, a shady arbor is perfect for decompressing, romantic evenings, or fellowship with friends. When not laying back in their many areas of relaxation, the family tends to enjoy the land by way of their golf cart: “We were actually running around last night on the golf cart and we saw an alligator in the middle of the lake.” When Sharon was living in Jackson, she worked with about a dozen women she ended up referring to as her “Mississippi mamas.” This group of creators and decorators became Sharon’s bedrock for her approach to design. “They introduced me to the arts.” While their influence is palpable around the house, there is no denying that much of Sharon’s knowhow is a gift she has always possessed. “And I’ve always been told I just have a natural eye for things, you know... I think that I might see colors different than other people,” she says adding, “and some colors just appear more vibrant to me. I don’t know, I get really excited about textures and prints and color.” The key to her selective intuition is an affinity for what she sees: “I always tell my girls if you do see something and you don’t just love it, put it back. Don’t buy it.” There’s an unmistakable joyous emotionality to how hues flow from one room to the next. Even when considering where to place the number of art pieces she collects, it’s all based on gut feeling and a simple motto she learned from her “Mississippi mamas:” “If you like it you better get it and you’ll find a place to put [it].” While there is something to the adage less is more, visiting Sharon’s home almost acts like a rebuttal. Many of her friends, those same admirers that have called her “brave” for coloring outside the lines, have come to embrace the overstimulation that always results in joy. At Sharon and Tyler’s home, there is always something to eat and music playing from Sam Cooke and Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga. “They’re happy. Everybody’s happy,” Sharon says about those that benefit from her hospitality and love for entertaining. “I wanted people to come in and feel special. And, you know, that’s always been my word for years. Special.”

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Are You on Your Gift List?

The Woman’s Clinic Wants to Take Care of You

HIS HOLIDAY SEASON IS SURE TO be filled with family gatherings, holiday parties, and every social gathering you can imagine. Before you start shopping for everyone on your holiday list be sure to take care of you first. The Woman’s Clinic Medispa can help you achieve your goals this holiday season. From body contouring for fat reduction to Botox for your crows feet, we have you covered. We even offer BioTE Hormone Therapy to help you feel great! Claire Shemwell, RN is our dedicated ZO Expert who is also certified to perform a wide variety of cosmetic procedures in our office. These procedures are minimally invasive and affordable, with proven results. We offer a free consultation with Claire so patients have the opportunity to work with her to develop an individualized protocol to address their concerns, while keeping their budget and lifestyle in mind. We use the ZO Skin Health product line by world renown dermatologist Zein Obagi, MD to prep the skin, tailoring each step to the specific

person’s needs. These products bridge the gap between therapeutic treatments and daily care, allowing patients to experience continuously healthy skin regardless of their age, ethnicity or unique skin condition. Our wide range of cosmetic office procedures cover the gamut of skincare needs. Sublime Skin Tightening & Contouring targets telltale signs of aging. Unlike conventional laser treatments, Sublime offers virtually painless and fast treatment for sagging and wrinkled skin. Sublative Skin Rejuvenation is an advanced technology that uses radio frequency to deliver an effective and controlled fractional treatment to address wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, laxity, large pores, and textural irregularities on the skin. Velashape III is a noninvasive aesthetic tool that can smooth out your skin and get rid of your cellulite and shrink fat cells without pain or downtime. CO2RE Intima is a laser treatment used to address various intimate needs of our patients including mild urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, cosmetic issues, and other concerns.

Kick off the holiday season feeling your best. The physicians at The Woman’s Clinic are certified BioTE providers. With the BioTE method you can age healthier and live happier. Using our subcutaneous pellet approach to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, some patients report feeling symptom relief in as little as four weeks. Our BioTE Certified Providers customize each dose of pellet therapy to the patient’s needs. The BHRT pellets that The Woman’s Clinic uses are made to replicate the hormones men and women lose as they age. BioTE research has shown that the BioTE Method of pellet therapy has helped thousands of people feel their best and achieve hormonal balance. BioTE Method uses bioidentical hormone pellets which contain bioidentical testosterone or estrogen. We have been privileged to serve the women of Northeast Louisiana and are honored to be named Best MediSpa two years in a row. To fit your individual needs, there are lots of ways to get more information on ZO Skin Health products, the cosmetic procedures, & BioTE: • Go online to www.thewomansclinic.net • Message Claire directly through our patient portal for fast, convenient scheduling • Call us at 318-388-4030, option 3 Follow us on Facebook for live videos, product giveaways, and amazing promos!

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The Holidays are Right Around the Corner In Downtown Ruston

T IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT CHRISTMAS IS RIGHT AROUND the corner. November is packed full of exciting events to get you in the mood for the holiday season in Downtown Ruston. November 4th from 5-8 p.m. stop in and visit many of our Downtown Merchants for Holiday Open House. This will be the first event of the holiday season and you can get a jump start on your list of gifts for everyone on your list. Many of our merchants are participating in the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber and Downtown Ruston’s Shop Early, Shop Local campaign. When shopping for gifts this year, finding things local is your best bet! During November, Downton Ruston and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce have partnered to encourage everyone to Shop Early and Shop Local this holiday season. When you spend $20 or more with participating merchants, you will be entered into a weekly drawing for $100 in gift cards to local merchants. Thanks to the generous sponsorships from Jim Taylor Auto Group and RocketFast Car Wash, you will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for $1,000. The grand prize winner will be announced at the Kick-off to Christmas event in Downtown Ruston, November 27, 2021, at 6 p.m. Our Loyal Blue Weekend events continue with a family football movie night at 6 p.m. at the Historic Fire Station on November 12th. Thanks to Experience Ruston and the City of Ruston, the game-day shuttle offers you a ride to The Joe when the Bulldogs play! Catch the

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shuttle at the shuttle stop in Downtown Ruston. The shuttle starts two hours before game time and ends one hour after the game. This is a great way to get your shopping and dining in all before the kick-off. Our traditional event “Kick-off to Christmas” will be full of fun this year! Be sure and join us as we light the Tree in Railroad Park. You can also expect a visit from Santa, our Shop Early, Shop Local prize winner announcement, and art activities for the kids. Our Downtown Carriage Rides will also begin on November 27th and run each Friday and Saturday evening through December 18th. December 4th the NCLAC Holiday Arts Market will be at the Norton Building, The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be December 11th, and Cookies with Santa will be December 18th. These next few months are packed full of family-friendly things to do in Downtown Ruston. To keep up with all the events and activities, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @downtownruston. We are looking forward to seeing you Downtown!

Achieve Good Health at the Surgery Clinic of NELA It Can Be Tempting, but Don’t Ignore Nagging Health Issues

LL OF US AT THE SURGERY CLINIC of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season—full of happiness and health. We are truly thankful you continue to trust us with your care. Speaking of health, we want to remind you how important it is to maintain your health during the pandemic and beyond. To improve your wellbeing, we encourage you to embrace all that our clinic offers—from general surgery to weight loss surgery to vein care. It can be daunting to seek medical care during the pandemic, but rest assured our clinic follows all COVID-19 safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. It can even be tempting to delay medical care when not facing a worldwide pandemic. However, the long-term ramifications of prolonging medical care simply aren’t worth it, as health conditions can worsen when left unattended. Janet Hendrix endured pain—an aching leg and a swollen ankle—for more than a

year. Janet, an ophthalmic technician for over 40 years, spent a considerable amount of time on her feet, which exacerbated the problem. Finally, she decided her quality of life needed to improve, so Dr. Bart Liles performed a minimally invasive vein procedure. While the West Monroe native planned to recover the day after her appointment, she soon realized it wasn’t necessary. She was left with a bruise, and most notably: no pain. Today, Janet is active and grateful for her life, which she said has improved tremendously. She wants others who suffer from vein disease to understand how simple the procedure is and the profound impact it can have. “I can’t say enough good things about this procedure and Dr. Liles. I recommend him to everyone I see. He’s very capable, and he knows the very best treatment for the patient. He’s kind. He made me feel very comfortable and explained to me exactly how the procedure would work,” Janet said. “Before the procedure, my biggest concern was downtime, because I

really didn’t have any. I remember thinking, ‘There’s no way it can work like this, but it did.’” Janet suffered from saphenous vein reflux, a condition that leads to varicose veins, which resemble raised, enlarged vein branches. When vein reflux is diagnosed early with a simple ultrasound, our surgeons can prevent other veins from becoming problematic. Untreated vein disease can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even deep vein thrombosis, which can be life-threatening. We are grateful that Janet sought treatment when she did. As we enjoy and appreciate this holiday season, remember one of your greatest blessings: your health. Prioritize your wellbeing and book a consultation with our clinic today to ensure you are in good health. In addition to Dr. Liles, the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic today with your questions about general surgery, vein care procedures, or weight loss surgery.

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Bayou Grill for the Holidays Treat the Whole Family This Holiday Season

AMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED, Bayou Grill is quickly becoming a staple in local cuisine! The Hegwood family created the ideal atmosphere for food and family. From the moment you walk in the door, you feel like you’re back home visiting relatives. Courtney and her mother Renee make sure every customer feels like they are old family friends, all while serving up some delicious Louisiana favorites! Located across from Bayou DeSiard, this hometown restaurant sets the scene from the parking lot all the way to the kitchen. Jim and Renee Hegwood are the proud owners of this favorite local spot, but the whole family pitches in. Courtney and Renee run the dayto-day operations; while Jim, Jimbo, and Charlie are there to lend a hand. From the first mouthwatering po’boy, made with their homemade roast and gravy, to the last freshly battered seafood at night, the Hegwoods are all hands on deck which wouldn’t be

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complete without Renee’s grandkids, the real stars of the show. If you’re really craving some downhome Louisiana cooking, be sure to try one of their seafood plates. Selections include boiled shrimp, stuffed crab, frog legs, fried shrimp, and catfish. Renee will be the first to tell you that if you’re a newcomer, try it all! Each member of the family has their own favorite dish, but that dish may change daily. To get a little taste of all the flavors cooking, check out the Bayou Platter! Loaded down with catfish, frog legs, stuffed crab, and fried shrimp; this taster platter is an absolute musthave, especially for a family table. Renee and Courtney were sure to think of the kids, too, offering a good selection for a great price. The Hegwood family has really made this a fun spot for the whole family! Fish Platters, fried appetizers, burgers, and wings may get you in the door, but the family dynamic will keep you coming

back! The best wings can be ordered bonein or boneless, Choose from lemon pepper, BBQ, garlic, or parmesan. Another popular menu item is the Hurt Attack, including one pound of fresh Angus beef, bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and mayo, with your choice of a regular or jalapeno bun. Appetizers include: fried mushrooms, fried pickles, banana peppers, hand-cut gravy fries, or cheese fries - all hand-battered to perfection. Onion rings, spicy fried green beans, crab kickers, and mozzarella cheese sticks are available as well. Stop by and check out one of these southern battered and fried dishes or call ahead to order take home for a family night in. Bayou Grill even offers catering services to really make your big occasions and holiday gatherings a hit. Let the Hedgwood family make your family gathering extra special this holiday season.

Look and Feel Your Best Louisiana Center for Women’s Health

HEN YOU DON’T LOOK YOUR best, you’re not going to feel your best. Over a period of decades, our clinic has acquired the equipment and expertise to offer a palette of state-of-the-art procedures to maximize your appearance. We strive to offer our cosmetic services and procedures at affordable prices, which represent real value in today’s world. These various high-tech services can be obtained at our private clinic here in the Monroe area for a fraction of the charge for the same procedure in other cities. We are aware that our patients are interested in getting the best value, and we are structured to deliver this. HYDRAFACIAL Everyone can benefit from the Hydrafacial procedure. It is inexpensive, gives immediately noticeable results, only takes about 30 minutes, and has no social downtime. The procedure is extremely pleasant and relaxing. We have the latest Hydrafacial equipment and a dedicated

technician to perform it in a private setting. The procedure minimizes skin discoloration and brightens skin tone, instantly minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is saturated with antioxidants and peptides to maximize skin glow. Uncover a new layer of skin with exfoliation and resurfacing. VASER LIPOSUCTION We are among the earliest adopters of Vaser Liposuction in the world. In fact, we have taught and demonstrated this unique procedure for doctors from as far away as Seoul, Korea. Vaser liposuction uses a very small incision of less than 1/4 inch to emulsify and remove fat. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia, saving the expense of a hospital or surgery center. The results are immediate, unlike various noninvasive treatments which may or may not work.

HORMONE PELLETS Hormone pellets have helped thousands of men and women achieve hormonal balance for restoration of their health. We offer hormone pellets and hormone testing in our clinic. The pellets look much like a grain of rice and are placed under the skin where hormones are released as they dissolve over a period of months. For most people, this is the easiest way to replace missing hormones. If you have fatigue, depression, anxiety, decreased sexual performance, muscle wasting, insomnia, or weight gain, it might be appropriate to have your hormones checked. STATE-OF-THE-ART LASERS Our clinic has state-of-the-art lasers for the treatment of numerous medical and cosmetic problems. Unfortunately, this involves too much information to include in this space but will be detailed in future articles. BOTOX, FILLERS, COSMECEUTICALS We also offer Botox, Juvederm fillers, and various cosmeceutical beauty correcting formulas, all priced competitively. Please call 318-387-3113 if we can provide you with additional information.

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Lynda McGehee ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POT TS PHOTOGR APHY BY K ELLY MOORE CL ARK

ynda McGehee has spent a lifetime building relationships, personal and professional. Whether caring for her family or for the thousands of individuals who have enjoyed the services of the Ouachita Council on Aging (OCA) during her tenure there, Lynda has always focused on others. She comes by that impulse honestly. Lynda’s mother, June Golson Eby, is 102 years old and is the oldest living member of the Junior League of Monroe, back in the day known as the Junior Charity League. Lynda remembers as a child going with her mother (then in her 20’s) as she delivered milk to mothers who were unable to get it for their babies. Her maternal grandmother volunteered at Glenwood, and her father always volunteered at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, working on anything that needed attention and mowing the lawn. Today Lynda is preparing to retire from the Ouachita Council on Aging where she has spent her entire professional career. After 32 years of advocating for the seniors the Council serves, Lynda has decided that it is time to go. The prospect of celebrating her 81st birthday next month reminds Lynda that she needs more time to visit her children and her grandchildren. Lynda’s tireless devotion to faith, family, and area senior citizens is why she is BayouLife’s November 2021 BayouIcon.

ynda’s parents came from different backgrounds, and those differences helped them create a family that blended well with people from all walks of life. Lynda’s paternal grandparents were Eugene Silver Eby and Stella Crosley Eby. John Christian Eby, her father, was born on Cottonport Plantation, one of several plantations the family built in the area. Cottonport encompassed virtually all of present day downtown West Monroe. His grandmother’s home was on Jackson Street in Monroe where St. Francis Medical Center is located now. In 1915, the family donated land on which Crosley Elementary School was built. In 1934, the family lost everything in the Depression. Even so, it left its mark on West Monroe in the form of street names --Stella, Crosley, Eby, Clayton, and Vernon. Lynda’s maternal grandparents were Dr. John Wesley Golson and Neita Webb Golson. Dr. Golson was a dentist whose first office was in Mangham. Later he moved his office to West Monroe where he became a wellknown medical professional. As was the case for so many at that time, the family struggled early on. Lynda’s great-grandfather, William J. Webb, owned a building in West Monroe where he operated a restaurant on the first floor and offered lodging on the second and third floors. That building in known today as the Hamilton House Inn and Lynda’s greatgrandfather’s portrait hangs there. The City Drug in West Monroe (where her father was a soda jerk) was the setting where Lynda’s parents first met. The two graduated from Ouachita Parish High School. Her mother went to Northeast Center, Louisiana State University (as today’s University of Louisiana Monroe was known then) and was featured in the 1937 Chacahoula as a favorite. Lynda’s dad went to Sewanee, The University of the South and graduated with a degree in chemistry. Very Like the Waltons of Television Fame It was on his way home after his graduation from Sewanee that Lynda’s father first learned that the family had lost Cottonport Plantation and were having to move. At that moment he became the family provider for them all. In 1938, Lynda’s parents married at the Golson home (at ten o’clock at night) in West Monroe on North 2nd. Lynda’s father had managed to buy the Bernstein home on Texas Avenue in south Monroe, and that is where the family moved. Here Lynda grew up, living with her great-grandmother, grandparents, her mother, her father, and her brother. Her sister Leah was born in 1958 and was reared on Marie Place where the family moved in 1957. 100 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

There are three siblings in the family, and Lynda is the eldest. Her brother, Chris, is an electrical engineer and worked in Texas before moving back to Monroe to run the family business. Her sister, Leah, has worked for over thirty years for a gas company. Both married (sadly, Chris’ wife is deceased) and have children. Their mother was a stayat-home mom who managed a very busy household with both seniors and the young living together. “Mother has been a caregiver her entire life, and even now at 102, she asks her sitters if they are comfortable or need anything,” Lynda says. Lynda remembers her childhood as being absolutely the best! Because so much of her family lived together, she had lots of attention. Her maternal grandparents took her and Chris fishing, to the movies, out to eat, and even bought her a horse! Lynda also enjoyed visiting her grandfather’s sister near Cadeville – the place where she would ultimately rear her own children for 22 years. Although the family did not have a lot of material things, the children did not feel deprived. They were given a variety of “gifts” by different family members – each special in its own way. A love for music and poetry was one. Her maternal grandfather sang in a quartet so trips to visit family in Delhi were “filled with singing”, according to Lynda. One grandmother read poetry and nursery rhymes to the children, and another introduced them to classical music and ballet through concerts at Louisiana Tech and ULM. There were plenty of simple pleasures, too, such as building forts on the lot behind

FAMILY HISTORY Lynda’s father was born on Cottonport Plantation. This home on Trenton Street in West Monroe is where the Eby family lived for many years.

their house with Chris and neighborhood friends. In many ways, Lynda’s childhood and family influence were two key factors that led her to her successful career with senior citizens. “My mother gifted me, through her example, of the importance of caring for others,” Lynda recalls. “My father gave me the example of a good work ethic coupled with a good education.” Both of these served Lynda well later in life when she cared for her daughter, June, who has Multiple Sclerosis and her husband, Harry, after a long illness. Lynda’s father started John’s Trading Company in 1943 to support the family. It

started with “a handful of stove parts he had gathered up” which he sold and then bought more. Over time (over 75 years) it became a well-known hardware and furniture (new and used) store in the area. He financed his own accounts, allowing those who were less fortunate to pay over time. Her dad supported the community, often supporting baseball teams and buying the players’ uniforms. “Most importantly, Mama and Daddy taught me racial equality,” Lynda says. “I try to incorporate that in both my personal and professional life every day.” An abiding faith was also among the gifts the family gave. Today Lynda realizes how much she has relied on her faith in God throughout her life. “One of my fondest memories is of getting ready for church every Sunday and waiting with my great-grandmother, Kate,” Lynda remembers. “We would be ready, waiting for everyone else so we could go A MOTHER’S LOVE to Grace Episcopal Church for worship. June Golson Eby, Lynda’s mother, has been a We always sat on the third pew on the caregiver her entire life, and even now at 102, she asks her sitters if they are comfortable or right – Grandma Kate’s pew.” need anything, In 1954 Lynda’s father was asked by The Reverend John M. Allin to start a church on the southside of Monroe. That church, St. Alban’s Episcopal, remained on the southside for years until the congregation moved to the present location on Deborah Drive. Love Comes Calling After graduating from Neville High School, Lynda attended Mississippi State College for Women for two years. She loved every minute there, even as she faced the truth that medicine was not going to be her career based on the challenges that math and chemistry posed. “When I got to Organic Chemistry, it was like Greek to me!” Lynda recalls. “I came home, enrolled at Northeast Louisiana State College, and majored in sociology and minored in English.” That decision was to change her life. It was there that Lynda met Thomas Harry McGehee (aka “Harry”) at the Presbyterian Student Center. Harry was from Zachary and a pharmacy student. Lynda says that it was not love at first sight. However, there was something about Harry . . . and so she asked him out on their first date (a boat ride for a college church group on the Ouachita River). Six months after they graduated, they were married at Grace Episcopal Church. Following their reception at Bayou DeSiard Country Club, the two honeymooned on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. Harry had less than a week off, so after a brief wedding trip they went to a rented apartment in Shreveport to begin married life. Not long after, Harry accepted a job from E.W. Thompson Drugs in Delhi and they happily moved there. “It was a great move since my aunt, uncle, and cousins lived there,” Lynda says. “Our son, Lionel, was born in the Delhi Clinic.” When Lionel was two and Lynda was pregnant with their second child, the family moved to Monroe and Harry bought a store in Sterlington. Their second child, Beth, was born at home – delivered by Harry! In 1966 the family was on the move again, this time to Zachary, Harry’s hometown. They had two more children, Amy and June, and lived there until 1975. That year 102 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

they moved to West Ouachita parish and built a home where they lived over 20 years. It wasn’t until Harry developed some serious health issues that the family moved to Country Club Road in Monroe. Lynda lost her beloved Harry in 2016. Harry had practiced pharmacy for 50 years. “He supported me in everything I did, be it work or otherwise,” she says. Today their children are all doing well and are happy. Lionel is an Episcopal priest and interior/exterior designer, Beth is an occupational therapist, Amy is an archivist, and June has worked in drafting and design. All live out of state, so visits aren’t as frequent as Lynda would like. “My dream – for our children and grandchildren -- is that they will find whatever it is that makes them happy and fulfilled,” Lynda says. A Career Finds Her From 1962-1988, Lynda was a married, live-at-home mom – her earliest dream. Although she had gone with her father to their store on occasion when he

LIFETIME OF LOVE Lynda met Thomas Harry McGehee at the Presbyterian Student Center at Northeast Louisiana State College. The two married and had four children.

would show her the different things that he did, she never worked there. When she was 48, she decided to enroll again at Northeast just for personal enrichment – not for credit. After that first semester and convinced that she could work towards a second degree, Lynda was ready to get credit for the work she was doing. Dr. Chris Johnson talked with her and suggested that her having grown up in a household of older people might be an excellent background for enrolling in the gerontology program. Lynda took the GRE and began taking classes. When her courses were completed and it was time to do an internship, Lynda was placed at the Ouachita Council on Aging. It was a superb match. Here Lynda found not only her career, but also a job that would allow her to grow. She reported to OCA Director Joe Nastasi for 12 years and then applied for the directorship when he retired. Thirty-two years later, she is preparing to retire from an extremely important tenure there.

There have been major challenges at OCA that Lynda has had to address. One was finding enough money to build a new facility (OCA had $1.5m and the lowest bid was $2.2m). “We met that challenge by writing letters asking for donations and by getting a line of credit at a local bank,” she says. “The whole community stepped up!” Another was how to furnish the new facility with the furniture and supplies for the seniors to use when they came in for activities. “Met that challenge by seeking donations of furnishings and landscaping,” Lynda remembers. “Again, the community stepped up and agencies offered furnishings that they were no longer using.” A third major challenge was paying off the loan for the building and contents. “We met this challenge by making all of our loan payments on time and establishing the Shindig – our major fundraiser,” Lynda says. “And we ‘burned the note’ at our third Shindig!” Meeting major challenges was just one part of the job. Lynda was also responsible for advocating for the seniors that OCA serves. She worked tirelessly with the Northeast Legislative Delegation to keep them apprised of issues important to seniors and often traveled to Baton Rouge on behalf of the senior population. “Because we are federal- and state-funded, every year it seems councils on aging must present at the Legislature in order to seek funding for the population that was ‘the greatest generation’,” Lynda explains. “Some legislators don’t seem to grasp the idea that when seniors come for activities, the real reason they are here is for socialization – or as I like to put it –fellowship.” There is one memory that Lynda especially loves about her time at OCA. She and the late Shirley Cagle (OCA Assistant Director) took a tour bus of seniors to New Orleans. Their driver, Denver Populis, was a memorable character who made everyone’s trip more fun. Shirley and Lynda nicknamed him the “Greek Cajun” because he was Greek but spoke like a Cajun. Late one afternoon when a tour was finished, Populis asked if they wanted to go to Fats Domino’s home. They laughed and said, “Sure!” Populis drove to a small house, parked, and walked up to the fence gate. He spoke to a gentleman on the porch and within moments Fats Domino came out and climbed up in the bus. “He had on navy blue silk pajamas and walked the aisle of the bus, shaking hands,” Lynda remembers. “When he was about to leave, I asked him to sing a little bit of ‘Blueberry Hill,’ it was unforgettable!” Pandemic Complications Require Creativity The need for seniors to be able to congregate and enjoy one another’s company became even more obvious with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding creative ways to continue both providing services to their seniors and communicating with them was at the top of the list of “to do’s” for OCA. Using guidance from the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs, they created a “grab and go” meal. Their caterer provided nutritionally balanced frozen WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 103

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DEEP ROOTS Kate Crosley McLain’s home on Jackson Street, Lynda’s great-granmother, was located where St. Francis Medical Center is located now. In 1915, the family donated land on which Crosley Elementary School was built.

or pre-packed meals that participants could pick up at the OCA drive-through. OCA also enlarged their calling list and engaged others to help make calls just to check in and make sure they didn’t need anything. In spite of every challenge – financial or natural disaster --- OCA has not had to cut services completely. They have been able to sustain programs in spite of losing 40% of their funding when Hurricane Katrina hit. Transportation costs rose as gas prices went up. “Sometimes you have to get creative,” Lynda explains. “Several years ago, we realized that we could serve frozen meals and deliver more efficiently by giving our Mealson-Wheels participants 5 meals for the week instead of one hot meal a day. The frozen meal may not be as attractive but the recipient knows it is nutritionally balanced and that there is food for five days.” Life After OCA With retirement looming and a heart filled with love for the seniors and OCA staff, it is time now for Lynda to think about herself for just about the first time in her life. At the top of her personal “to do” list is traveling to visit family in Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Florida. Sometime in the future, Lynda plans to establish a permanent home in Florida. Lynda doesn’t have a hobby per se, but she admits to being a huge sports fan. She loves to spend “down” time watching football, tennis, golf, college basketball, and volleyball. Hockey and soccer have yet to charm her. A self-described “cradle” Episcopalian, Lynda was baptized, confirmed, and married in Grace Episcopal Church. The high altar there was given in memory of her grandmother’s sister, and the cross there was given in memory of Stella Eby’s son, Vernon. There is even a window there that was rescued from a fire in the original church on St. John. No doubt, following her family’s tradition, faith will continue to be at the center of her life. Confucius wrote, “Old age is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.” Countless citizens in our area aged 60 and older have been “gently” helped in their transitions into the world of the elderly by Lynda McGehee for over three decades. They and their families are deeply grateful for the care and meaning to their lives that she has given to each and every one. 104 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Are You Due For a Checkup? Come Visit Us for Your Next Appointment

F OUR TEAM HERE AT BAYOU DENTAL GROUP HAD OUR way, we’d see every single patient of ours at least twice a year for routine dental cleanings and exams. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. We understand that life gets pretty hectic. With work, school, and kids, it’s sometimes hard to find the time for regular dental visits when you have so many other responsibilities competing for your attention. There are all sorts of reasons people might not make it to the dentist regularly. Maybe it’s a busy schedule, maybe it’s fear, or maybe you’re embarrassed about the state of your oral health because you’ve stayed away too long. The fact is, professional dental care can make all the difference when it comes to achieving and maintaining your healthiest smile. That’s why Dr. Finley, Dr. Henderson and our highly-trained hygienists want to make sure you know just how important it is that you visit our Monroe, LA dental office for routine checkups! WHY PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CHECKUPS MATTER Gum disease creeps in slowly to destroy your oral health, often without you even realizing it’s happening. That’s why professional dental care matters more than anything. In our Monroe dental office, you’ll find highly-trained hygienists who have the experience and professional tools to give your teeth and gums the deep cleaning necessary to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t reach with your toothbrush and dental floss at home. Dr. Finley and Dr. Henderson can then thoroughly examine your mouth and catch any signs of dental problems. With technology such as digital X-rays, they are able to catch the things that threaten your oral health that you can’t see on your own. We also offer dental sealants and fluoride treatments for added protection against tooth decay and cavities. These are just some of the ways a dental professional can make the difference between a glowing, healthy smile and dull, damaged teeth and poor oral health. PREVENTION IS YOUR SMILE’S BEST DEFENSE! The best defense your mouth has against harmful bacteria is prevention. That may begin with your daily oral hygiene at home, but that’s only half of what it really takes for strong, healthy teeth and gums. You need help from professionals like you’ll find here at Bayou Dental Group. Our passion is helping patients get healthy and stay that way, but we can only help if you come to see us for regular cleanings and exams. Without vigilance and proper professional dental care, there is only so much you can do at home to maintain lasting oral health.

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Get Smart. Eat Catfish.

Haring Catfish Offers Locally Raised Catfish

OR THREE GENERATIONS, THE HARING FAMILY HAS BEEN blessed to raise only the finest catfish. While their operation is based right here in North Louisiana in Wisner, they provide their farm raised and grain fed catfish all over the country. They are constantly working to bring the safest highest-quality catfish to plates across the United States. And now, there is even more of an importance placed on sourcing local food. Additionally, with shortages of beef and chicken, catfish is not only an easily locally accessed product, but it is packed with nutrients as well. Catfish is a low calorie, high protein seafood that’s a great source of nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Try some of these recipes this summer and find even more available from The Catfish Institute at USCatfish.com.

CATFISH DIP | SERVES 10-12 2 pounds U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets 2 quarts water 2 tablespoons salt ½ cup liquid crab boil 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Worcestershire 2 teaspoons dried dill weed ½ teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Juice of 2 lemons 1 cup green onion, finely diced ½ cup celery, finely diced ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced ¾ cup parsley, chopped ½ cup pimentos, drained Salt and black pepper, to taste Fresh dill and lemon zest, for garnish

Bring water, crab boil and salt to a boil. Add fish and return to a simmer 5 to 7 minutes or until done. Remove fish and refrigerate until cool; flake into small pieces. In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth. Add Worcestershire, dill, basil, cayenne pepper and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crostini and garnish with fresh dill and lemon zest.

ONION-CRUSTED CATFISH | SERVES 8 8 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 cup French Fried Onions, crushed

Combine flour, salt, cayenne pepper and lemon zest in shallow bowl. Dredge fillets in flour mixture and press in crushed fried onions, coating well. Brown fillets over medium-high heat serving side down for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn fillets and cook 3 to 4 more minutes or until done. While fillets are cooking, make Pecan Sauce. Place fillets on plate and serve with sauce.

Pecan Sauce for Onion-Crusted Catfish ½ cup butter 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ½ cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons lemon juice chopped Melt butter in small saucepan until bubbly and slightly browned. Add pecans and cook 1 minute to lightly toast. Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; add parsley. Spoon over fish. 106 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Walsworth & Company Seasonal Décor, Furniture and More

HE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE, AND IF YOU’RE looking to update your home with seasonal décor, are in search of the perfect accent chair, or need a gift for your Thanksgiving hosts, Walsworth and Company is the destination. With a beautiful designed storefront on Antique Alley in West Monroe Louisiana, anyone looking for the perfect piece to compliment their home’s style is sure to find exactly what they need at Walsworth. Local interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has been a downtown staple since opening its doors in 2014. Featuring a premier decorator showroom, Walsworth and company offers selections from furniture, bedding, and lighting, with fully customizable and unique pieces from The MT Company, Uttermost / Revelation, Wesley Allen, McKinley Leather Furniture, Riverside and Universal Furniture allowing you to commission pieces that reflect your unique style and specifications. Their walls are adorned with curated works of art, intricately designed mirrors, and unique wall hangings all complemented by plush sofas, coffee tables, dining and bedroom furniture. In addition to their vast selection of furniture finds, Walsworth & company has a robust collection of accent pieces fit for any space; from area rugs, throw pillows to vases and coffee table accessories. With such a vast selection, it’s no surprise that Walsworth & Company is the decorator destination for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Along with providing the Twin Cities with one of the most distinct home decor assortments, the team at Walsworth and Company have created Down the Aisle, the premiere wedding registry of Northeast Louisiana. Down the Aisle is a transformed space, boasting more than 1,400 square feet devoted to “must-haves” for the modern bride. The reimagined space incorporates original architectural elements such as exposed beams and original hardwood elements to create an accent wall. Down the Aisle exudes a romantic vibe and classic elegance, continuing in true Walsworth and Co. fashion. 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, and Orleans. Other gift ideas include: Jewelry from designers Ronaldo and Mariana, as well as pajama sets from PJ Harlow and Barefoot Dreams. With fall and the holiday season upon us, Walsworth & Company is sure to have all of the items you need to complete your shopping or wish lists. After shopping, simply leave the wrapping to the professionals; where you can always expect a beautifully wrapped gift anyone would be thrilled to receive. Whether its time for a new accent piece, holiday home makeover, or if it simply time to pamper yourself. The staff at Walsworth and Company are fully prepared to assist you. Walsworth and Company, your home decor and gift headquarters, located at 311 Trenton Street in downtown West Monroe. Open Monday - Saturday 10 AM- 5:30 PM. Follow us on Facebook for design inspiration and product updates! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for design inspiration and product updates!

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IN THE GARDEN T

is the season for sweet potatoes! The LSU AgCenter is a leader in sweet potato breeding and variety development! Dr. Julian Creighton Miller started the country’s first sweet potato breeding program right here in the Pelican State. Sweet potato varieties like ‘Bayou Belle,’ ‘Beauregard,’ ‘Evangeline,’ and ‘Orleans’ among others are all varieties commonly encountered in commercial trade. Are yams and sweet potatoes really different? Yes, it turns out. True yams and sweet potatoes are very different plants. The names are often used interchangeably because both refer to starch-filled, tuberous roots that, in the case of sweet potatoes, are loaded with beta carotene. Some yams are, too, but not all. Botanically, they are quite different. Sweet potatoes are really morning glories, just like moon flowers, cardinal vine, and the favorite heirloom called ‘Grandpa Ott’s.’ These are all species in the dicotyledonous genus Ipomea. Yams, on the other hand, are in the monocotyledonous genus Dioscorea. White potatoes, or Irish potatoes, are members of the nightshade family that produce underground stems (tubers) and are unrelated to either sweet potatoes or yams. Sweet potatoes have been staples of the Deep South diet for generations. Being excellent sources of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, they’re among the most nutritious of crops. They are also very easy to grow and make a nice addition to a home vegetable garden if adequate space is provided. “Slips” are sprouts that are produced by seed potatoes. The slips are pinched off and can be either stuck directly in the prepared ground or can be put in a jar of water until they produce new roots. Once vines start running, stand back! They run all over, so will need plenty of room in a home garden situation. In mid-spring, rows for sweet potatoes should be built into beds that sit well above the surrounding ground. This ensures plenty of space for tuberous root development and good drainage. A pre-plant fertilizer application of four or five pounds of 8-24-24 per 100 ft. row will be needed in soils of medium to low fertility. Fertile soils and soils high in organic matter shouldn’t need fertilizer. Plants should be spaced twelve to fourteen inches 108 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

< Photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter

> Once vines start running, stand back! They run all over, so will need plenty of room in a home garden situation.

Sweet potatoes have been staples of the Deep South diet for generations. Being excellent sources of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, they’re among the most nutritious of crops.

^ Be watching for the Treasure Island series, new releases from the LSU AgCenter in collaboration with FitzGerald Nursery of Kilkenny, Ireland. These are both ornamental and edible sweet potatoes! ‘Kaukura’ produces potatoes with orange flesh from purple-leafed plants.

“The LSU AgCenter is a leader in sweet potato breeding and variety development! Dr. Julian Creighton Miller started the country’s first sweet potato breeding program right here in the Pelican State.”

apart in rows that are three to four feet apart. Useable sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest in 90 to 120 days. Potatoes left in the soil will continue to grow and can develop a tough, woody texture. Cure potatoes by storing them in a warm, humid area for about one week. In addition to the first-mentioned varieties, heirloom sweet potatoes are available from a number of online sources. Ornamental sweet potatoes are favorite additions in ornamental beds and containers. Variety in foliage shape and color gives interesting texture while the vines make great “spillers” for the containers and the fronts of beds. Be watching for the Treasure Island series, new releases from the LSU AgCenter in collaboration with FitzGerald Nursery of Kilkenny, Ireland. These are both ornamental and edible sweet potatoes! ‘Kaukura’ produces potatoes with orange flesh from purple-leafed plants. ‘Makatea’ produces tubers from plants that have the familiar chartreuse foliage. Once you have plants, you’re all set because cuttings root very easily. So, enjoy Louisiana sweet potatoes this holiday season, and enjoy just how versatile this staple of the Deep South is!

Market) in West Monroe. The sale will start at 9:00 p.m. and will feature springblooming bulbs specifically adapted to our area! Saturday, January 15th: The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners will hold their 12th annual January gardening seminar, at the West Monroe Convention Center, featuring as keynote speaker Dr. Susan Pell, Deputy Executive Director of The United State Botanical Garden. Drs. Heather KirkBallard of the LSU AgCenter and Allen Owings, Senior Horticulturist with Bracy’s Nursery will also speak. Admission is $20.00 and seating will be theatre-style with social distancing, unless other COVIDrelated protocols are in place at the time. Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd,: The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners will hold their annual spring plant sale at the West Monroe Convention Center. Be sure to join us on Saturday, as we will have a special guest. You won’t want to miss this sale! Watch for more information as time gets closer!

Let’s check the calendar. Saturday, November 6th: The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners will hold their fall bulb and plant sale at the Market at Seventh Square (West Monroe Farmers’

Tune in to Louisiana Living every Tuesday at 4:30 for In the Garden with Kerry Heafner of the LSU AgCenter.

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10 Common Hearing

Loss Symptoms Audibel The Hearing Center

OT SURE IF YOU HAVE HEARING loss? That’s not uncommon. Hearing loss symptoms are subtle and typically emerge slowly. It frequently takes years for people to realize they have hearing loss. Also, we simply don’t test our hearing enough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “less than half of adults who reported trouble hearing had seen a healthcare provider for their hearing in the past five years.” There’s really no reason we shouldn’t test our hearing more. But short of having your hearing tested, there are many signs that indicate you most likely have hearing loss. Here are 10 of the most common hearing loss symptoms. 1. You ask people to repeat what they just said. Asking for repetition occasionally is normal, especially if you weren’t paying attention, the speaker is talking from a distance or their lips are covered. But if you are asking people to repeat themselves often, it may be a

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symptom of hearing loss. 2. Everyone around you seems to mumble. A common complaint of people who have hearing loss is that others aren’t speaking clearly. If you find yourself thinking people are mumbling and are hard to understand (and not just your teenage son), that could be a sign of hearing loss. 3. You struggle hearing in noise. If you have trouble hearing in restaurants, group situations or at parties, this is a very common sign of hearing loss. 4. You need to turn your TV up loud to hear it. Do you argue with others about how loud your TV is? Do you need to mute it to have a conversation with the person next to you? Unless you’re listening from another room, it’s most likely evidence that you have hearing loss. 5. Hearing on the phone is difficult. Depending on conditions (where you are, the connection quality, etc.) hearing on the phone can be challenging even for normal-hearing people. But if you feel like you cannot hear on

the phone even when conditions are ideal, this may be a symptom of hearing loss. 6. People have said something to you. Often times, friends and loved ones notice our hearing loss first. So If folks close to you are commenting that you aren’t hearing well, it’s probably worth looking into. 7. You fatigue easily after long periods of listening. People with hearing loss have to exert extra energy to focus on and follow conversations, which can lead to mental fatigue. If you find yourself struggling to follow long periods of listening, you may be dealing with hearing loss. 8. You avoid social engagements and activities. Social isolation is a real consequence of hearing loss, as many people who struggle to hear choose to avoid events and activities where hearing clearly is important. 9. You misunderstand what people say. Hearing or responding to something incorrectly can be more embarrassing than not hearing it at all. For example, mixing up words such as rose for road, wife for white, or if you’re missing important intonations. If that’s happened to you, it’s wise to test your hearing. 10. Family history of hearing loss. If your family has a history of age-related hearing loss, chances are you’ll have hearing loss at some point, too. If you do have any of these hearing loss signs and want to confirm it, we recommend you call to schedule your free, no obligation hearing test.

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

URKEY, FOOTBALL AND REST– Thanksgiving is the perfect time to schedule a vasectomy. While you may have to refrain from participating in the annual family touch football game, it’s a great time to enjoy family, delicious food and a long weekend of rest. Vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a no-

cut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure. THE VASECTOMY PROCEDURE IS NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE. Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Not shaving the area • Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to minimize swelling • Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding AFTER THE VASECTOMY After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens

to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure. If pain persists beyond one week, an anti-inflammatory may be used. This can happen, but Dr. Marx usually refers to this as being “tender and touchy up to 6 weeks.” Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Patients are also advised to keep the area dry for a week in addition to other care instructions. If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx. Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

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Dupont Jewelers

Trusted Jeweler Since 1952

T’S HARD TO BELIEVE MY STORE on Forsythe has been open for nine years. My father started in the jewelry business in 1952. I grew up working in the jewelry store as a thirteen-year-old, then when I was sixteen, I went to my first jewelry school, Holland School for Jewelers in Selma, Alabama. Later after high school, I attended Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, where I studied Jewelry Design and Gemology. The thing I enjoyed the most at school was hand fabricating jewelry from a flat plate of metal. This technique ensures the finest quality jewelry possible because the metal has structure. The metal is dense and hard, making it much less likely to tear when worked. Jewelry you will find in a jewelry store is mass-produced by a process called lost wax casting, but this process produces a product where the metal has no structure and is much softer. An example is when a ring bends easily on the bottom. Fabricated metal doesn’t bend, dent, scratch, or wear out like commercial

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jewelry. It also takes a higher polish than cast jewelry because it is so much harder. Hand fabricated jewelry will last for generations, where a cast piece typically lasts twenty to thirty years. I have exclusively been constructing handmade jewelry for the last ten years, customizing jewelry to my customer’s taste. There is nothing I enjoy more than creating a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry made without a model or mold tailored to the specification of my customer. Over the last ten years, I have designed hundreds of engagement rings, wedding bands, and jewelry commemorating special occasions like the birth of a child or an anniversary. If you come in soon, we may have time to make that special handmade one-of-a-kind gift of a lifetime before Christmas. This Christmas, we will celebrate sixtynine years since my dad Edwin Dupont opened our jewelry store in Rayville with an Anniversary Sale. Our inventory has never been more extensive or more unique, and

customers can save up to 50% on any purchase from our stock. So now is the time to take advantage of our Anniversary Sale while the selection is the best. We have tennis bracelets, stud earrings up to two carats, beautifully designed pendants, and rings. Layaway available. From a customer: Molly says, “The most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen! Thanks, Mr. Dupont, for your exceptional talent and creativity for my 24th wedding anniversary! I’m still in tears and shock over the magnificent brilliance and clarity of every stone! 8 carats of eye-popping diamonds! God is good!”

– James DuPont wwww.DupontJewelers.com facebook/dupontjewelers Trade - Restore - Redesign - Sell Dupont Jewelers on Forsythe in Monroe Makers of Handmade Fine Jewelry

Diabetes Myths and Facts

From the St. Francis Medical Group

N THE LAST 20 YEARS, THE NUMBER of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled as the American population has aged and become more overweight or obese. Below are some common myths and facts provided by the American Diabetes Association. Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes. Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Fact: The answer is not so simple. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain.

Myth: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease. Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Myth: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is low in saturated and trans fat, moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit. Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Fact: Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key. Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate. Fact: If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. The key to sweets is to have a very small portion and save them for special occasions so you focus your meal on more healthful foods.

Myth: You can catch diabetes from someone else. Fact: No, diabetes is not contagious. Myth: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. Fact: You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. Myth: If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor says you need to start using insulin, it means you’re failing to take care of your diabetes properly. Fact: For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Myth: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they do raise blood glucose (also called blood sugar) and need to be included in your meal plan. There are many ways of managing diabetes to enjoy life and live an active life. Work closely with your healthcare provider to advise you and closely monitor your diabetes.

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Guaranty Bank

Building Relationships Through Community Banking

LMOST EVERY CORNER. YOUR smart phone. Many discount stores. These are places where you are likely to find a bank. Finding a bank is simple. Finding a bank that understands your needs, your preferences and your way of doing business is more challenging. Yes, it’s true that all banks do pretty much the same thing. The difference is truly in the relationship! WELCOME TO GUARANTY BANK. Here, your credit decisions aren’t made in faraway places or by some faceless decisioning software. We actually take time to truly analyze your situation. We work with you to find solutions. After all, who knows your goals better than you? Here, we offer a robust digital banking experience through traditional online banking, mobile banking and a smooth suite of cash management services. You may think community banks aren’t sophisticated enough

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to offer the digital options you need to manage your finances. Think again! Here, we offer our own credit cards which are underwritten, issued and serviced inhouse. Imagine that? Here, we offer a straightforward lineup of deposit accounts tailored to fit the needs of our personal and business clients. Here, we offer a wealth of banking experience and expertise, ready to work for you and your business. Our lenders have decades of experience ready to work for you and your business. Here, we offer personal loans, small business loans, commercial loans and home loans. What do you want from your bank and your banker? If you’re not getting it with your current bank, it’s time for a change. We would be honored to visit with you in a way that is most convenient for you. By the way, our lobbies are open!

In Monroe, contact Jeremy Harrell, Donna Faulkenberry, Chris Noren or Mark Holyfield at 318-388-8115. In Sterlington, contact Johellen Maddox or Hank Pipes at 318-570-6500. In West Monroe, contact Bill Crawford, Crystal McDougle or Scotty Robinson at 318396-4300. If you are outside of Ouachita Parish, our other offices may be reached by calling: Delhi 318-878-3703, Oak Grove 318-428-5580, Rayville 318-728-3256 and Tallulah 318-5745300. Personal Banking. Business Banking. Digital Banking. Local. Really. Since 1966 | gbankla.com Monroe | West Monroe | Sterlington | Delhi Epps | Oak Grove | Rayville | Start Tallulah Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

The Paper Market

Thankful to Be Your Local Party Store

HANKSGIVING IS ABOUT gathering with family and friends, celebrating our blessings and showing gratitude for the gifts we have. In this season, The Paper Market is thankful to your local one stop shop for everything paper and party supplies. For the past decade, The Paper Market has been the go-to place for everything from balloons to tablecloths and everything in between, and this holiday season is no different. You can find a variety of festive paper products perfect for Thanksgiving. There are a variety of napkins and plates that feature turkey silhouettes, leaves, plaid and all things fall. “We even have paper linen napkins, which are more substantial disposable napkins, perfect for holidays,” said Amy Robinson, owner of The Paper Market. “Our cocktail napkins are great for hostess gifts or teacher happies during this time of year!” The store’s styrofoam cups have become a staple at Northeast Louisiana

get togethers and Thanksgiving is no different. You can grab a sleeve for guests and even order customizable ones with your family’s name, monogram or whatever you please. The Paper Market also offers an ecofriendly version with their clear frosted tumblers. When it comes to setting the perfect tablescape for Thanksgiving dinner, The Paper Market has plenty to choose from. There are fabric fall patterned and plaid tablecloths, both disposable and reusable, and kraft table runners. Plate chargers not only prevent messes and retain heat in dishes, they also add a festive pop to the table. Add a special touch with place cards for your guests and food labels for all the casseroles, dips and dishes. Plus, there’s a variety of chalkboard pieces so you can display the menu and more! You can also choose from different containers and baskets to creatively store and display your utensils, napkins and serving pieces. The Paper Market has plenty of items to add to add to your family’s kid table

this year. Children of all ages will be entertained with a paper placemat or table cloth they can color. There are also fun and festive accessories like turkey headbands, photobooth props and turkey cupholders. Another Thanksgiving trend is Friendsgiving and The Paper Market has napkins, plates and more for this special get together. If you are hosting Thanksgiving and don’t want to spend the day cleaning up afterwards, The Paper Market can help with that too! “We have a variety of premium quality plates, utensils, wine glasses and serving pieces that will allow you to accommodate your guests beautifully without the dread of doing the dishes!” said Amy. And you can send everyone home with full hearts and bellies with stylish leftover bags that have fun sayings like “It’s even better the next day!” And with Thanksgiving arriving this month, that means Christmas is just around the corner. The Paper Market has Christmas wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon, tissue paper and tags ready so shop early to get exactly what you want for your gift wrapping needs. Personalized stationery makes a thoughtful gift and now is the time to order for the special someone on your list. The Paper Market is thankful to be your local paper and party supply shop and looks forward to continuing to celebrate everything with you!

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SIMPLY LOU CLOWNIN’ AROUND article by LOU DAVE NPORT | images by ANDREW BAI L EY

ast year, as many of you know, my cousin, Lisa Trussell and I planned a party for our uncle, J.B. Humphrey who turned 100. We had to follow the strict guidelines the VA had set because that was when the Coronavirus was almost at its peak. We definitely understand that those were for the veterans as well as us, so everybody would stay safe and healthy. Last year, we had to wear masks, be “socially distanced,” and only have 15 family members. We also had only 20 minutes to have an Honor Guard, the ladies from “Southern Grace” sing four songs that were related to the 40’s and have enough time to read all the honors, proclamations and speeches that Uncle J.B. was honored with last year. Thankfully the director, Markeeta, helped read most of them. And as the ladies were singing their last song, we heard the Aeroshell Team that’s based in Mound, Louisiana start their flyover. I’m getting chill bumps right now remembering those planes going over doing all kinds of aerial acrobatics. Since we could only have fifteen family members, I sent everybody that wanted to see the air show to the parking lot at the old North Monroe Hospital. My daughter and son-in-law went over to the bowling alley and probably saw the planes better than we did! This year, when Lisa called the VA to see if we could have another party, surprisingly they said we could do whatever we wanted. Lisa had already gotten Uncle J.B. out when there was an old WWII plane named “Doc” at the airport and they along with, her grandson, John Wallace (who is a real plane “nut”) got to go for a ride! So, we knew that all the VA residents had had their vaccines so it was nice that he could go up in that old plane. The news was there and actually interviewed John Wallace! Right now, family members can make appointments to go see them and actually talk to them, if you wear a mask. Lisa and I got to talking about another party for his 101st birthday and we came up with a “clown” theme. That was about the only thing that we didn’t have time to tell last year. He was a member of the Barack Shriner Clown Troop and was known as “Beeker the Clown!” We all call him “Uncle Beeker,” not uncle J.B. so that name he choose for his “clown name” meant a lot to us all. 116 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Lisa called Nell Calloway and she gave us a pavilion outside the museum and set up tables and chairs. Since we choose a “clown” theme, I bought some vinyl tablecloths and napkins in multi colors, in keeping with the clown theme. And we wanted some music, so I knew just who we needed! Mason Howard! He’s a young local musician who can play just about any instrument, and just about any song you can think of. Speaking of Mason, the first time I saw him perform, he was Johnny Cash when Josh Madden’s band did the “Legends” show at the Flying Tiger and he was dressed in black. If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought he was a young Johnny Cash. He also plays the saxophone with the horn section when Josh and Joel Jordan were “The Blues Brothers!” Since my mama loved Johnny Cash, I knew that’s who we needed. I called him and he was free to play that day. I went ahead and booked him right away! We also decided to bring the food and Lisa made her delicious pulled pork and baked beans and my cousin Beverly Comeux brought her world famous potato salad. My son-inlaw donated some buns since he’s a bread man! So once again, we started making phone calls and found out the Shriner Clown Troop could come so we wanted them to greet him as his son, Phillip wheeled him over from giving his oral history at the Chennault Aviation Museum. He had no idea they would be there and you could tell by his face, he was surprised that many of our family members were there. One of the clowns even brought an album full of pictures of the clown troop and there were some of him as “Beeker.” Debbie brought an 8 x 10 picture of him as the clown in his full clown makeup and outfit and his actual clown costume! We set one of the tables with that picture and his costume, a card I made that had a Shriner fez on the front that everybody could sign, a floral arrangement that had I used solidago (that looks like bitterweed) and some bupleurum that has tiny yellow blooms and is very “flowy.” I painted some dowels in “circus colors” stuck those in and finished it off with a crepe paper “fold out” that looked like a clown collar. I also put several other pictures of him and one of all my aunts. Lisa ordered his cake from Albritton’s Bakery in West Monroe

and they went way beyond what we could have imagined. It was a chocolate cake with white icing that they had decorated with red icing to look like a circus tent and even found a picture of a Shriner fez and make a fondant of that to have on the side of the cake. It had a top layer that had “Happy 101” and that cake tasted even better than it looked! The only thing we didn’t count on was the wind. If I hadn’t had the help of my cousins, Allen and Patrick, we’d have not gotten those tablecloths to stay on. But, since it was “breezy,” the weather was perfect. The last table I did was for my mother. Her birthday was October 9th, a Saturday this year. She and my uncle were the best of friends so we thought we’d honor her, too. What a lot of people don’t know is, my Mmama was an artist, too, with a degree from LA Tech in Art Education and Elementary Education. She taught 3rd grade for many years at West Side Elementary in Bastrop. In 1968, she’d done an oil painting of a clown and gave it to my cousin, Mike, to decorate his room in their new house. Luckily, Mike gave it back to me several years ago and I used it on her table. I made a flower arrangement with flowers that were as close to black eyed susans, her favorite flower, that I could get, and some yellow colored pompom mums that had brown centers with some of the left over buplerum. I even clipped some stalks of corn that had come up under my bird feeders! I also had my favorite picture of her and some pictures of me, her and my dad. My daddy’s family was very close and my mama and daddy even got married at Uncle “Beeker” and Aunt “Cy’s” house and so did Lisa’s mama and daddy, my “Uncle Punkin” and Aunt Faye. I added that wedding picture of my parents and the painting she had painted of the clown and her table was just beautiful. Mason Howard was set up right before I got there and he started playing “Happy Birthday” when my uncle was wheeled out. We all

sang, too, then, Mason played for three hours! He only stopped long enough to come and eat lunch and when the party was over, I sent him a container with plenty of the leftovers. He was playing with Dead Reckoning later in the evening and I knew that kid had played needed something good to eat before he had to go perform again. Dead Reckoning is a local blue grass band that sometimes gives free concerts outside in Kirby Rambin’s front yard. If you get a chance to go see them or Mason, please do! You’ll be so glad you did! For the rest of the party, everyone was able to sit around and talk to Uncle “Beeker” and to everyone else. Everybody signed the card I had made with a Shriner Fez on the front. The best thing for me was just getting to sit back and listen to Mason play. When he played “I Walk the Line,” one of my mama’s favorite songs, I’ll admit I got a little tear. She died in 1974, right after I got married and was expecting my first child, a daughter I named Carolyn after her. It’s funny that Carolyn is a teacher just like my mama and Adam and me are both artists like she was. Paige makes the cutest embroidered sayings and funny faces so she got the creative “gene,” too. She also has my mama’s big brown eyes! Everytime I look at her, I see my mama. Lisa and I are both worn out today, but, it is a “good worn out!” And, if our uncle makes it to 102 and he very well could, we’ll do something fun again! As my cousin and his grandson said, “Papaw will probably outlive us all!” I think he might be right! Many thanks to Mason Howard, Albritton’s Bakery, Chennault Aviation Museum, Nell Calloway for the beautiful plague they gave him, all my cousins that helped and especially to the Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Home for letting us take our uncle out to have such a wonderful birthday!

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Deep Clean for the Holidays Professional Cleaning and Lawncare Services

ITH MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, Maria Vallejo and the staff of Maria’s Queen Clean pride themselves on their reputation, one built on honesty professionalism and responsibility. The family-owned and operated cleaning and lawn care service business was founded with your cleanliness needs in mind. They have lived in Monroe for 17 years with their two daughters, Ivania and Zoe. For years, the team at Maria’s Queen Clean has been serving the Monroe, West Monroe and Sterlington communities, providing personalized cleaning and lawn care services year-round. As the holidays are approaching, you may be finding yourself overwhelmed with school schedules, events and get-togethers. Maria’s Queen Clean is happy to be of service when it comes to residential cleaning, and it’s the perfect time to schedule a deep clean right before family comes to gather. The deep clean package includes: • Oven • Refrigerator • Detailed dusting • Special event cleaning • Move-in/out cleaning • Windows in/out cleaning • Blinds in/out • Fans • Baseboards Maria’s Queen Clean is not only known for exceptional cleaning, they also have top-notch lawn care services. It’s autumn, which means crisp air, football and falling leaves. If your lawn needs some upkeep, the professionals at Maria’s Queen Clean are happy to bag leaves, provide basic lawn maintenance, hedge management, yard cleaning, edging, trimming and much more. Maria’s Queen Clean has also expanded their cleaning and lawn care services to include commercial clients. Maria’s Queen Clean promises to extend the same level of quality and service to their new commercial clients, one that their residential and landscaping clients have come to expect. The team of Maria’s Queen Clean is highly trained, respectable and trustworthy. Maria and her staff currently provide commercial cleaning services for several local apartment complexes and professional office spaces, and are always looking to bring in additional clients. Maria would like to express her gratitude to her customers stating, “We are so thankful for our customers who have allowed us to take care of their homes, businesses and lawns. We look forward to continue working with clients in Northeast Louisiana and giving back to our community, the way they have given to us.” For a free personalized and customized quote, call (318) 801-2335 and schedule an appointment today. Follow Maria’s Queen Clean on Facebook and check out their excellent Google reviews from many of their satisfied customers.

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Skin Solutions

Put Your Best Face Forward This Holiday Season

H E S TA F F AT D E R M A M E D I Q I S H A P P Y TO offer patrons with options to help them feel and look their best as we navigate through our crazy lives. As we approach Thanksgiving and a season of gratitude, Dr. Sowma and the friendly staff at DermaMediQ want to show their appreciation to all of their clients. Starting November 8th, join the staff of DermaMediQ as they host their Fall Specials Week celebrating over 13 years in business with offers that only come around once a year. Find discounts on fillers, specialty treatments and skincare items that will not only lift your skin, but also your spirits. The holidays are the time when you want to put your best face forward, literally. And DermaMedicQ can help you do just that. Whether you are taking family Christmas cards, going to a holiday party or hosting family and friends, you can ensure you look your best this holiday season! For the past sixteen years, Dr. Saidi Sowma-Fakhre has been providing medically supervised beauty regimens at DermaMediQ. Dr. Sowma is Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine and is dedicated to providing quality skincare to men and women of all ages. She locates which areas of the face can benefit from treatments such as fillers, without over-treating. The result is a natural, rejuvenated and refreshed face for every patient. Her attention to detail sets her apart from other doctors, and her friendly demeanor will leave you feeling comfortable and relaxed. She provides non-invasive aesthetic treatments that includes Botox®, Juvéderm™, Emsculpt, Radiesse, Kybella®, Bellafill, Restylane, Fractora, Morpheus BodyTite Pro, Lumecca, Diolaze, Thermashape, acne treatment, Sclerotherapy (for spider veins on legs), Obagi Blue Peel, Obagi Skin Care products, laser hair removal, permanent makeup, Photofacials and prescriptions for Hyperpigmentations. The staff at DermaMediQ not only has an eye for aesthetics, but the medical knowledge necessary to safely provide patients with the relaxed and rejuvenated look they want. Combined, they have over 50 years of experience! After you complete your procedure at DermaMediQ, you can choose from a variety of quality skincare products they offer to keep your radiant glow! They carry Jane Iredale, a line of completely natural cosmetics made exclusively from micronized minerals and pigments, perfect for sensitive skin. DermaMediQ also carries Regenica, a skincare line designed to help repair damaged skin and Obagi, a line of products backed by 30 years of science and innovation. No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. Sowma and the amazing staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face and body forward! Their friendly staff is currently taking appointments by phone and ensuring the health and safety of their patients by taking all necessary precautionary measures. For a full list of procedures, and all the great products and services that will be discounted during the week of November 8-12, call their office at (318) 807-1060. For more information including before and after images, visit their website at dermamediq.com.

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Holidays on the Alley

November and December Events on Antique Alley

NTIQUE ALLEY IN WEST Monroe features boutiques, specialty shops, antiques and eateries! Our selection of shops allows you to find items from past and present from Europe to America, children’s clothing to ladies apparel, housewares to gourmet spices, and handmade crafts to custom jewelry. Stroll down Antique Alley and you’ll be ready to spend the day shopping, dining, exploring, or walking through history. Caution, it may take more than one day. Thankfully, we have a bed and breakfast right here on the Alley! With the holidays at our doorstep it’s time to mark your calendars for all our upcoming events! More information can be found at: facebook.com/antiquealley-westmonroe or facebook.com/downtownwestmonroe. NOVEMBER 7 | 1-5 PM Holiday Open House on The Alley – Shop our Certified Merchants!

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NOVEMBER 18 | 5-8 PM Champagne Stroll - Enjoy an evening of Shopping and Sips of Champagne at participating merchants! NOVEMBER 18 | 5:30 PM ULM Rally on the Alley – Join our ULM Warhawks for a community pep rally in Alley Park! NOVEMBER 27 Shop Small Saturday & Holiday Outdoor Movie – Support local by shopping small. Shops open until 7 PM. | Free outdoor movie in Alley Park starting at 5:30 PM. DECEMBER 2 | 5-8 PM Downtown After Dark and Downtown Art Crawl – Late Night Shopping, Art, and Festivities

DECEMBER 4 | 8:30 AM-6 PM Christmas On the River Festival Day Downtown – 5K, Live Music, & Food Trucks in Alley Park | Kiwanis Parade at 3:30 PM | Fireworks at 6 PM DECEMBER 10 Children’s Lighted Parade – Gather in Alley Park starting at 5:15 PM for a Children’s Light-up Parade! 6 PM Parade Start | Lighted bikes, wagons, & battery-powered cars welcome! DECEMBER 18 An Artisan Christmas: Market Music & Holiday Outdoor Movie | 11 AM-3 PM Artisan Market with Music in Alley Park. | 5:30 PM – Free outdoor movie in Alley Park The merchants at Antique Alley are ready to assist shoppers with all their holiday needs. Stay tuned to the Facebook pages for updated information about events and specials going on throughout the months of November and December. Antique Alley is Northeast Louisiana premier outdoor shopping destination.

Cigar Event Slated for November 11th Omerta Cigar Co. Welcomes Joel Resser

RADITION RETURNS TO OMERTA Monroe on November 11th, 2021. Oveja Negra Cigars and Omerta have a storied and rich history on their own, the former Governors Cigar and Pipes was home to two of Oveja’s most successful Store exclusives, the Governor and the First Lady, which developed a cult following amongst avid fans of the brand. Now under the guidance and ownership of Omerta Cigar and the management of Adam McConnell, we return with our first in-store event in several years. Territory rep Joel Reser, will be in-house from 5-8pm, and we will be featuring favorites old and new. This time around we will be rolling deep with our event only NBK Lizard King from our Black Works Studio portfolio and our Santa Muerte Barrio Santo from the Black Label side of the family. This looks to be a tremendous event and we look forward to seeing friends both old and new, as we feature great deals, raffles and good times to be shared by all.

Originally established in Oklahoma City in 2015, Omertà Cigar was founded by six cigar aficionados with a vision of providing other enthusiasts with a robust selection and superior lounge experience. From that vision the Omertà lifestyle emerged and expanded to include multiple cigar shops, a whiskey bar, and a cigar friendly dive bar in the greater Oklahoma City, Tulsa and now Monroe. The mantra at Omertà is “ Your lounge experience is our strength.”, a concept the team has readily embraced. In conjunction with providing a robust inventory and expert staff recommendations Omertà’s location provides its members with a unique atmosphere that exudes a vintage ambiance flowing to the rear lounge area which has been renovated to include modern seating, a fully stocked beverage area, two 65 inch wall mounted televisions, as well as two state-of-the-art air purification systems. The staff at Omertà prides itself on creating a superior lounge experiences, encouraging

a sense of community, and appreciation for commonality among its members. The Omertà lifestyle encourages community, solidarity, and appreciation for commonality among members. The team at Omertà supports the concept of community and encourages patrons to enjoy, unplugged. Due to heavy use of social media and the pandemic, there is a substantial decrease in opportunities for people to make genuine connections, interactions, and the creation of shared experiences. Cigar lounges, specifically Omertà aim to provide enthusiasts with this long forgotten practice. Their focus on creating an external community stems largely from their commitment to employees. The Omertà brand is managed by a Combat Disabled Veteran, something the small business prides itself on. The business extends this commitment by providing medical benefits to employees, a practice not commonly seen in their industry. We invite you to stop in and experience the Omertà lifestyle. Located in the historic Monroe garden district at 1004 North 3rd Street. Open Monday- Saturday 10-8. Lounge membership opportunities are available. Be sure to follow on social media and check-in frequently for the latest news and upcoming events. You can also shop online at www.purocigarhouse.com.

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B AYOUKID Z

The Words We Speak Can Be as Powerful as the Actions We Make article by Cindy G. Foust

ello faithful readers and happy fall…these past few weeks had actually felt like we were finally getting some fall weather. And then we weren’t. But alas, we find ourselves in the month of all things turkey and dressing and sweet potato casserole…and I can hardly wait. I love this time of year, friends, when the days get shorter and the season starts to change. Change is a good thing, right? Or it can be when you embrace it in the right way. Do you ever hear someone say, “Well, that’s the way we’ve always done it?” Yeah…me, too. But “the way” it’s always been done sometimes needs a tweak or even a major overhaul and it helps to have the have the mindset that allows for that change. Well, that’s my soapbox for this month’s column. No, that’s a lie…my soapbox is a little wider and taller this month and I have my reasons, none of which I will share, but let’s just say someone I love very much has been going through a tough spot. We all have them, right? It’s the way of the world and we know it. As a community, and even on the larger landscape, we have all had a tough time this past year and a half. And just when we think it might be the “tail end” of this thing, then someone young and beautiful and smart and loving goes to be with Jesus after a 44-day fight with this dreadful virus. Amy is my distant cousin, you know, the one you grew up with but after you got to the “adulting” stage, you sort of went your separate ways? But thank the good Lord for Facebook (am I actually saying that?) and the way this platform allows us to keep up with those we lose physical tough with over the years. Facebook can be very powerful when used

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as a resource, rather than a platform to air your grievances with your ex, every now and then, someone posts something that jumps off the page that is both compelling and useful. Compelling and useful when you or your loved ones are hurting or need encouragement or perhaps gives you a little healing when your heart is broken. And it isn’t a caramel white chocolate pumpkin bar. No, it’s one of those little posts (thanks Hester Jane) that is so full of advice you think you are hearing from Dear Abigail Van Buren. Anyone remember her? Advice columnist? Yeah, after this article, Cassie might actually ask me to become Abigail Van Foust because this little snippet was titled, “20 Things We Should Say More Often.” Yes, I stopped scrolling when I read the title because I was intrigued by the heading and wondered what in the cat hair I need to say more often. The first thing is probably the most obvious and that is quite simply, “I love you.” By the way, it’s not “love ya” or “love you,” rather, the entire phrase, “I love you.” Can’t get any plainer than that folks, and perhaps it needs to be said to someone you are cross with or have a conflict with. Listen, we are living in the time of uncertainty and insecurity and there shouldn’t be any room in our lives for conflict. And trust me, I am speaking to myself just as loud and proud as I’m speaking to each of you. And what a great example for our children, to hear us not just saying it to them, but allowing them to hear us saying to family and friends. It’s 3 of the most underused words in our language but should be 3 that we wear ourselves out saying. The next one that jumped at me was “I believe in you.” This one

is everything because these 3 words have the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life. It doesn’t matter our age, friends, we all need to hear that someone believes in us… and our children need to hear that we believe in them. Because we do…whatever it is that they are trying to put their minds to. Next is “You are worthy.” Gosh, this one made me tear up because readers, we are all worthy…no matter our lot or our station in life, we are all worthy of the lives we’ve been gifted. And allowing these 3 words to flow into the minds of our children, with so much that they have to deal with in their friend relationships, they need to know that we feel they are admirable and smart and all the things that chisel away at their esteem. Which really goes hand in hand with the next one and that’s “You can do it.” No matter what our loved ones, adult or children, are going through or maybe trying to accomplish, they need the confidence and support that tells them they can do whatever they set their minds to. We all can. It’s basic, but powerful to hear. Next, and one that I need to hear as well, and that’s “Even if we disagree, we can still be

friends.” This is another one that turned me into a big ole’ crybaby. You want to talk about basic fundamental tenets of a relationship, these words are in that lane. Listen, we aren’t going to agree on everything with those we love, and even when I’m right all the time because I know I am, I have to admit that there will be times that someone doesn’t agree with me or share my opinion. I really can’t imagine a time when that would be the case, but okay, I need to be open to those differences and accept that not everybody likes the Grevillea in the same adoring way I do. It’s okay to be have differing opinions, just don’t let those differences put a wedge in a relationship that is more important than what kind of chicken salad you want to put on the sandwiches. And finally, on the list of 20 things we should say more often that I have condensed to 5, is three of the most powerful words in the English language and that’s “I forgive you.” All the other 4 are certainly related to this one but these are the words we need to be able to say fluently. When someone wrongs us, talks about us or hurts us, we feel instinctively that we must be on the defense. And I don’t know about you friends, but someone can hurt

me but when they hurt my child, it’s much harder for me to forgive. But I’m working on it. Am I done with my soapbox yet? I think so… but as we enter the season where we should stop and take a minute to think about the things in life that we are grateful for, the things in life that we give thanksgiving for and the things that we can do to help others, let us remember that the words we speak can be as powerful as the actions we make. I realize that saying “I love you” is much easier than “I forgive you” or even more difficult, “Do you forgive me?” but in the end forgiveness is key to moving us out of a rut that can take over our lives. Say it, but more importantly, do it. Choose your words carefully, readers, use them wisely and be the example for your children that teaches them the power of the spoken word. Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger.

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

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Spherion Staffing & Recruiting

Helping You Navigate the New Hiring Market

OOKING FOR A NEW JOB IS STRESSFUL, EXCITING, and exhausting all at the same time. Spherion is here to help every step of the way. We take the time to get to know you and your career goals, so we can find the best match for you. But a lot of staffing companies say that, don’t they? We’re different and we’re proud to be. Through the month of November, we’ll be giving away $2500 to employees during our Spherion Get More! Giveaway. All you have to do to be eligible to win is work through our office. Each week that you work, we’ll send you a digital scratch-card. If you win, you’ll be prompted to claim your prize and your winnings will be added to your paycheck. Why work with Spherion? We go beyond the resume. We do more than just place you in a role: we find you the ideal match. To do that, our recruiters take the time to get to know you— the real you. They’ll work to understand your skills, ambitions, and working style to find you the perfect fit. We only show you jobs that suit your qualifications, and we check to make sure that your personality meshes with your new team and your new manager. We’ll also ensure that the company where we place you aligns with your professional and personal goals. At Spherion, we’re invested in your career—not just finding your next job. Besides taking the time to really understand your needs, we provide ample resources to help you grow as a professional. We want to build a foundation for a years-long partnership. Some of the positions that we are currently filling include: Customer Contact Representatives (we’ll be hiring 150 individuals between now and the end of June 2022 for a local power company); General Labor/Manufacturing/Warehouse; and Professional Direct Hire positions including Accounting/Bookkeeping, Legal, Banking, and more. Let us be your partner. Finding and securing the right resources for your company will always be a challenge. Let the dedicated Spherion team in your local market help you build the right team. We work hard and we work fast, so reach out and let us know what you need. Then we’ll get to work. Every Spherion office is locally owned and operated and Spherion West Monroe has been in business for 25 years. That means we know the local market inside and out, understand trends and changes that might affect your business, and can move more quickly than a nationally owned staffing agency. Whatever position you’re looking to fill, our local teams have the connections and insights needed to find the area’s most capable talent. Local ownership means our revenue flows back into our community and it means that your Spherion partners are incredibly motivated to help their friends and neighbors—like you—succeed, and to help their communities prosper. If you are a business searching for Top Talent or an applicant seeking employment opportunities in our area, the team at Spherion looks forward to working with you.

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Assisted Living with Memory Care Is In Demand Dealing with Dementia is a Specialized Service

URRENTLY, MANY PEOPLE ARE seeking an assisted living community for a family member, and in some cases, are faced with seeking memory care for a loved one who can no longer live at home alone. In their search, evaluation of the atmosphere, caring culture, helpful activities, and essential services are all being weighed as important factors in making a decision. The Gardens at Georgia Tucker have taken carefully planned steps to ensure provisions of a gracious lifestyle for adults who need assisted living, and for adults who require care taken a step further with memory care services. During mid- to late-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s, one of the most unsettling aspects when taking care of someone is when communication impairment affects their behavior. Sometimes people can end up behaving in an aggressive or violent manner as a result of the symptoms brought on by the

disease. Memory care experts and assisted living specialists are trained to know how to respond in an effective and calm nature. While living in a memory care setting, one of the most common reactions is wanting to “go home.” The “home” reference may or may not be the last place of residence; it can even be the home where the individual was raised as a child. That’s why residents are encouraged to have tangible reminders like photos and special keepsakes that can help reposition the person when moving in. Deciding when the timing is right to relocate a loved one into memory care is not always easy, but some indicators include being troubled by simple math, falsely accusing people, repeating things, having past due bills, and not being able to judge situations appropriately – all caused by the decreasing functionality of brain cells. It’s undeniably one of the most difficult periods in any family setting.

Finding the right senior living community takes time, and that’s why the Georgia Tucker administration staff is pleased to show you around, answer any questions, and provide helpful information for you or a loved one. Call 318-538-0040 to schedule a tour appointment, and visit GeorgiaTucker.com for more details. Reservations and lease deposits are being accepted now for the Phase II assisted living and memory care apartments. There are one- & two-bedroom assisted living apartments, as well as one-bedroom memory care apartments. The Memory Care services include all the expected amenities along with an individualized plan of care to maximize quality of life. Full accreditation and a certified staff ensure proper attention. The unparalleled comfort, convenience, and amenities of The Gardens At Georgia Tucker assure residents of an environment that can truly be called home.

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Automated Alarm

Our Family is Committed to Keeping Your Family Safe

UTOMATED ALARM HAS BEEN committed to serving Northeast Louisiana for over 25 years with custom designed systems. These systems focus on security and life safety systems for residential and commercial applications. Our staff has industry led training in system design and installation standards. We provide free consultation to aid you in assessing and mitigating your security and life safety vulnerabilities. We understand that every customer has specific requirements and are committed to aligning the best practices, topshelf equipment, and professional installation to bring you the best value and coverage. We are a family owned and operated business, committed to keeping the residents of Northeast Louisiana safe and secure. Technology is opening the way for home and business owners to have more automation solutions available at affordable prices. Our security alarm systems can integrate cameras,

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door access, and lighting and temperature controls through an app on your smart phone. Studies have shown that homes with a video doorbell can reduce burglaries up to 55% as a third of burglars use the front door. The Department of Energy indicates that programmable thermostats can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10%. Cameras systems are becoming more common at residential and commercial locations as affordability increases. They aid in deterrence, assist in monitoring activity at entry/exit points, blind spots, and avenues of approach on site. Camera systems have become invaluable to law enforcement in solving burglary cases that currently have a solve rate just over 13%. Most burglars live nearby and generally operate between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check with us at Automated Alarm to see how you can remotely view live and playback footage. Over the past 25 years we have maintained

an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Automated Alarm is in compliance with all known state regulations for employee licensing and insurance through the State Fire Marshall’s Office. We are proud members of the Northeast Louisiana Homebuilders Association and Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association. Being a local company, we are involved in volunteering labor and parts for St. Jude, Chennault Air Museum, and local police and fire departments. Our primary mission is to provide low voltage technology solutions for residential and commercial applications with integrity through fair business practices, tip of the spear technology and equipment installed with professional practices. We strive to serve our customers through a shared passion of safety and security. Automated Alarm wants to remind you that security starts with a hard target mentality. Light up your location, lock your doors, remove objects that restrict visibility, and have a trusted agent check your mail and pick up your newspaper if you are out of town. If you have a security alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm system — Alarm systems are only useful when you remember to activate them. With the holidays right around the corner, there is no better time to install a new security system than now. We look forward to the opportunity to serve as your security and life safety company.

Haven is Stocked with New Merchandise Holiday Open House November 11th

VERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT HOW the supply chain will affect the shopping this holiday season. Haven prepared early! They ordered from lots of regional vendors to ensure good stock and have been fortunate to receive all their fall merchandise. With a stocked store, they are ready to help you find the perfect gift for anyone on your list! Whether it is design accessories, lamps or exceptional gifts, they have it all. Apparel debuts include a line of lightweight ponchos with coordinating long sleeve shirts made in the USA. Even team colors for Warhawks and LSU are available. Another new item is a light weight Ruana in several Nneutral colors, perfect to throw on with jeans. Cashmere and velvet ponchos are back in several colors. Barefoot Dreams never disappoints. It is always an amazing gift to give and to receive! Stylish cardigans in the softest bamboo, several styles of loungewear, new pajamas, slippers, socks, and of course their amazing throws in

solid colors and safari prints are available. The baby section has a new display of Bella Tunno dinnerware with fun sayings. Their “Buy one/Donate one” program gives back with every purchase. Haven always has the best assortment of stuffed animals! Pair one with a Barefoot Dreams or Little Giraffe blanket or select a book for a wonderful gift. Haven wants to accommodate shoppers by staying open later during the week. In November and December, they will be open until 5:30, Monday-Friday. During December, Haven will be open longer on Saturdays and open on Sunday afternoons. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are two great opportunities to support your favorite local businesses. This year consider shopping local more than online. This ensures local businesses are there for you year around. This year Haven will have a gift for the first handful of customers who make a purchase on Friday and then again for the first group on Saturday. Each purchase will also be entered

for a chance to win a door prize! On Cyber Sunday, they will be offering a shipping special on their website ShopHavenMonroe.com. They are always adding new products! This is a great way to shop local and ship Christmas gifts to out-of-town family and friends. Haven strives to provide great customer service and they always offer beautiful complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase. If you need gift ideas, you can use their “Text to Shop” service. Just text 267-7577 and their staff is happy to send you pictures and pricing on any items. Also, check out their Instagram and Facebook for merchandise posts every day. New videos of the shop are now posted. Holiday Open House is just a couple weeks away. Join Haven, Palette House & Plume, and Woodstock on Thursday November 11th from 3-7 to kick off your holiday shopping! New merchandise is in every area of the shop! Be sure to mark your calendars to stop by!

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Azalea Estates Assisted Living and Retirement Community There is Always Something to Be Thankful For

ITH THANKSGIVING RIGHT around the corner, we are especially grateful to care for our seniors who have chosen to live at Azalea Estates. In the last two years we’ve seen new rules, restrictions and policies that we’ve all had to adapt to meet. It is important to remember that with these changes, we keep in mind that it is important for all of us to remain hopeful for the future. Azalea Estates continues to care for their residents, as they always have, and to strive for services, amenities, and programs designed to keep their residents as active and independent as possible. While our communities’ surroundings and home-like atmosphere are wonderful, what truly sets Azalea Estates apart is our staff and their understanding of the true meaning of service to our residents. Brooke Taylor has been appointed the new Executive Director of Azalea Estates. She comes to community with a background in nursing and 16 years specializing in geriatrics, alzheimers and dementia. Leslie

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Bates, the Executive Assistant/Business Office Manager, has been with Azalea Estates for 14 years and is well-loved by the residents. While there are new faces on board, one thing that remains the same is our dedication to resident care. Our goal is for you to walk into one of our communities and say, “It feels like home.” We strive to accommodate all of our residents and make them feel at home. We offer studio, one bedroom, or two bedroom apartments. We also have our secured “Legacy Wing.” The Legacy Wing provides care for residents with dementia and alzheimer’s disease. We want our residents safe and comfortable while living at Azalea Estates. Some of the accommodations we provide are weekly housekeeping and laundry service. We also provide transportation to and from doctor appointments. There are scheduled daily group activities, weekly social outings, family dinners and special events. We offer restaurant-style dining for all meals in our dining room daily. We want the transition into

assisted living to be easy. Our living options include: • Retired living • Assisted living • Memory care • Respite care Few other senior living communities can compare to the lifestyle, features, amenities and outstanding value that Azalea Estates offer each resident. The very best way to learn about us is to call and learn about our communities, have a meal with us, meet our residents and staff and see how much fun we have. We are especially happy to announce that we have lots of new activities planned in the upcoming months, and would love to have some volunteers from the community to stop by and play bingo or do crafts with our residents. If you or a group are interested in volunteering, please contact Brooke Taylor at brooke.taylor@ssmgrp.com. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Azalea Estates.

DCHC Mental Health Services

How Intentional Gratitude Can Improve Your Mental Health

E ALL WANT A HAPPY LIFE. A GOOD JOB, A PERFECT family, financial stability, and a great social life! And in this indefinite pursuit of happiness that is mostly like a mirage, how often do we spare a minute to be thankful for what we already have at this very moment? For many, Thanksgiving is a day where we practice gratitude and thankfulness. But what if we extended this practice beyond the Thanksgiving table and into our daily life? Taking a few minutes every day to cultivate gratitude – actively, intentionally and consistently – is a scientifically proven technique to live a happier, healthier life. A growing number of studies show that developing an ‘an attitude of gratitude’ can have a positive and long-lasting impact on our mental health. By consciously practicing gratitude, we can train the brain to attend selectively to positive emotions and thoughts, thus reducing anxiety and feelings of apprehension. What’s more, tapping into gratitude can help you solve problems, be more creative, build resilience, and even strengthen your immune system. The simple act of reminding yourself of the positive things in your life – even as simple as the roof over your head or food on your plate – can invoke feelings of thankfulness and optimism that make managing stress, depression or anxiety easier. In fact, research has found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed, even if their life circumstances are objectively more challenging.

Gratitude is definitely a practice – no different than learning any other new skill. Especially during a pandemic when many of us are more worried, anxious and stressed than we have ever been, finding reasons to be and stay grateful can sometimes be a challenge. Life can test us in ways we feel we’re not quite prepared to handle. If you are feeling stressed and find it difficult to look through a lens of optimism, the Mental Health Care Team at Delhi Community Health Center can help. Our Mental Health Professionals specialize in a variety of therapy techniques to help patients learn how to better manage stressful life situations, address emotional challenges, and improve their mental health. Services offered include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Talk Therapy), Marriage & Family Therapy, Life Coaching, Addiction Medicine, EDMR Therapy & more. The DCHC Mental Health Care Team wants to help you in your pursuit of happiness and be with you along your journey to cultivate an attitude of appreciation. When we are able to find the parts of our day for which to be grateful, something in us shifts for the better. Sometimes it can be more challenging than others, but we can try to find the place of gratitude in all situations - and can usually find it - if we look hard enough. The DCHC Mental Health Care Team wants to help you find the silver lining. Contact us at 318-878-8656 for your confidential consultation. Learn more about our Mental Health Services & meet our Mental Health Team by visiting www.dchc-delhi.com.

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BLACK CREATIVES CIRCLE Members of the BCCNL gathered at the Masur Museum of Art for the current exhibition, “Many Rooms: The South Got Something to Say.”

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Black Creatives Circle

Black female politician and author Shirley Chisholm once declared, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” The Congresswoman’s guidance has been echoed and shared countless times over the decades, encouraging many to show up in spaces they or others like them have not previously occupied. But what is one to do when the table for which he is looking doesn’t yet exist? Why, he takes a cue from the Black Creative Circle of North Louisiana (BCCNL) and builds it himself! Article by STARLA GATSON Photography by JERON STRICKLAND | STRICKLY US

he BCCNL was created to give local black creators a place to show up and show their work, be empowered, and inspire one another, filling a need the organization’s vice president, K’Shana Hall-Davis, noticed fairly quickly. “When I went to certain events in the area, I never really saw anyone that looked like me as the artist,” she explained before adding, “I’m not saying it didn’t exist; I’m just saying that wasn’t my experience.” That was not just her experience, though. Vitus Shell, BCCNL president and a visiting assistant professor at Louisiana Tech University, remembers returning to Monroe after having spent a few years heavily involved in the Memphis art scene. The presence of black creatives, he recalls, seemed to be few and far between. “Monroe is 65 percent black, Bastrop is 70 percent black, Grambling is 90 percent black; most of these towns have a large percentage of black people, but not seeing a lot of black folks at these art events was a little troubling to me,” he says. “I wanted to see more people who look like me.” Hall-Davis and Shell’s observations and experiences led to a desire for a space for black creatives to meet and share ideas — a table at which they could comfortably sit. This desire, paired with their connections to other local creators like Erin Davenport, led to a gathering of black artists at the African American Museum, marking the beginning of what is now the Black Creative Circle. “Vitus pitched the idea, and I was like, ‘Cool, let’s roll with it!’” Davenport, a local radio personality and BCCNL public relations coordinator, says of the first meet-up. “We talked to other black creatives we knew, and we were like, ‘This is something that we’re trying to do. Let’s just meet up and talk about some things.’”

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hough the first gathering at the museum occurred in 2018, the Black Creative Circle of North Louisiana wouldn’t make its formal introduction to the public until January 2020, when the organization established a social media presence and launched projects, initiatives, and events. Since its debut, the BCCNL has completed a Black Lives Matter mural and provided The Shop, a series of virtual workshops that allow attendees to explore new concepts and learn skills of their trades from expert creators. The organization even hosts bi-weekly Creative Convos to make space for the area’s creators to have curated and themed discussions of topics relevant to the black artist. “It’s all supposed to bring forth opinions,” Davenport says of Creative Convos. “Anybody can join in the conversations, from expert to novice artists.” When Davenport says anyone is welcome, she means it. In fact, all three BCCNL board members do. Despite having the word “black” in the name, people from all backgrounds are invited to attend its events. The emphasis, however, will be on showcasing the talents of black creatives, teaching and appreciating elements of black culture, and amplifying black voices. “Don’t just come to us during Black History Month,” Davenport encourages. “We are black 365. We have things to say 365. We can teach and educate.” Of course, the teaching and educating to which the University of Louisiana Monroe graduate refers come in the form of conversations and workshops, but these aren’t the only ways the Black Creative Circle is speaking to the community. The organization’s group exhibitions, like the “Many Rooms: The South Got Something to Say” at the Masur Museum of Art, for example, also manage to show the public what the Circle is all about. The exhibition, which is on view until November 6th, features work from four BCCNL members, including Shell, Hall-Davis, Rodrecas “Drék” Davis, and Benicia King. It gets its name from a New Testament scripture, John 14:2, that says, “My Father’s house has many rooms,” and an award acceptance speech given by André 3000 during which the rapper triumphantly declared, “The South got something to say.” Each artist used their work to take a closer look at the lives of black people in the South. Shell’s work, for instance, depicts black bodies as subjects that are worthy of both honor and respect, while Hall-Davis used her art to address the need for black women to make time to rest and be taken care of. Drék Davis’s work speaks to survival as a black person in America and the perils that often make their way into black communities, from displacement to oppression, and Benicia King’s photography pays tribute to “the veneration and regality that she ascribes to her fellow churchgoers” and the self-expression that often occurs within the walls of a place of worship. The four artists’ pieces come together to create a show that makes a larger point: black creators are very much a part of the North Louisiana art scene, and they’ve got plenty to say. Since the Black Creative Circle’s “Many Rooms” show drew the largest reception crowd the Masur has seen in over a decade, it seems the community is receiving the message loud and clear. While Shell says he doesn’t know exactly what is pulling the public to his and his colleagues’ work, he believes the fact that each showcased artist is an established North Louisiana 132 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Above: Artwork by Benecia King, which pays tribute to the veneration and regality that she ascribes to her fellow churchgoers. At right: Artwork by Drék Davis which speaks to survival as a black person in America and the perils that often make their way into black communities.

resident plays a huge role in the exhibition’s popularity. “I’m from Monroe; K’Shana is from Chicago originally, but she went to high school here and has built a good following; Mr. Davis is a professor at Grambling; and Benicia King is from Grambling and went to high school in Ruston,” he explains. “I think it was just the fact that all of us are local people, and it was the first time for them to have an all-black show at the museum.” Though Hall-Davis says she didn’t expect the recordbreaking reception, she isn’t surprised so many have shown up for “Many Rooms.” Like Shell, she agrees that each artist being a local has made it more impactful to some. She explains, “If you show the community, especially our community, that this is out there — yes, we do this; black people who look like you and went to the same school as you do these things, and you can, too — they will come and support.” Now, as the exhibition at the Masur Museum comes to an end, members of the BCCNL are looking ahead, eagerly anticipating what will come next for the organization. The group already has a few things penciled into the 2022 calendar, including a group exhibition at the African American Museum in February, and beyond that, each of the Black Creative Circle’s board members has their sights set high. “I’m hoping we continue to move out to different parishes and get more artists from different areas,” Shell says. “Eventually, I would love for us to have a building, a space where artists can meet, we can have community projects, we can have exhibitions, and we can invite other artists from other places. That’s my vision.”

Hall-Davis’s vision for the BCCNL is similar, as she’s also got dreams of a brickand-mortar location for the group. She also says that she hopes the organization begins working more closely with North Louisiana’s youth. “We’ve gone to several community events, and we’ll pass out art kits to kids because we want to encourage them to keep going,” she says. “Some of those kids’ parents might not be able to buy them art supplies or might not see it as something that’s important. And it is important.” Ultimately, she hopes the BCCNL can help let each member of the community, from the youngest to the oldest, know just how significant all forms of artistry truly are. She gestures around the coffee shop in which she sits before adding, “We would be nothing without the creators. From the music that’s in here to the masonry to the woodworking of the table to the paintings on the wall, somebody creative had to design all of this.” Davenport believes the work the organization has done and will do has the potential to change the narrative about North Louisiana. “I don’t know where the group will go, but I know we have the potential to do so much,” she says. “We want to bring so much flavor to this area. So many people talk down about Monroe specifically and northeast Louisiana saying everything good is down south, in Memphis, or Atlanta and asking why we can’t have that stuff here. It does take a certain group of people to bring that type of stuff here. We can do so much. We can help so many people.”

Drék Davis

Benecia King

K’Shana Hall-Davis

Vitus Shell

At Left: Artwork by Vitus Shell, which depicts black bodies as subjects that are worthy of both honor and respect. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 133

“We want to create a safe space and a community for us to get together and talk about our processes or the struggles we’ve been having or maybe some of the roadblocks we’ve faced that only come specific to us as black creatives.” Rodrecas, and Vitus who can easily be like, The people the Black Creative Circle helps are, of course, the creators of all kinds ‘Erin, you’re tripping. You got this, and you know what you’re doing.’” — painters, musicians, dancers, fashion Shell’s sentiment is similar to designers, culinary artists, and more — who Davenport’s, saying the support of this attend the events and the patrons who get to community of creatives helps push him experience the art. But Shell, Hall-Davis, and Davenport each agree that, even as organizers forward. “Just know I have a support group helps me continue to do what I like for the group, they benefit from the work of doing. It pushes me, it motivates me, and the BCCNL for different reasons, too. For Hall-Davis, the BCCNL is an opportunity some of the conversations we have spark other ideas for work. One of the things I to serve others, and that’s something she’s really believe is that, in order for this area been passionate about for as long as she can to move forward, it’s going to have to be remember. “It’s not just about exposure,” creative folks that think about what that she says of the group. “We want to create looks like.” a safe space and a community for us to get To find out more about the Black together and talk about our processes or the Creative Circle of North Louisiana, see struggles we’ve been having or maybe some when you can next join in on the Creative of the roadblocks we’ve faced that only come Above: K’Shana Hall-Davis used her art to Convos or The Shop, or to discover how specific to us as black creatives.” address the need for black women to make you can be a part of what the organization Davenport says the Circle’s members time to rest and be taken care of. is doing in the area, be sure to check out often affirm her and her abilities, giving her the group’s social media profiles. Find the confidence in her creative and professional BCCNL on Instagram at @blackcreativecirclenl and like the “Black pursuits. “I have plenty of ideas, and plenty of times, I have talked Creatives Circle of North Louisiana” page on Facebook! myself out of them,” she admits. “But I have people like K’Shana,

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Serenity Care Providers

Home Care Assistance Wherever You Call Home

T SERENITY CARE PROVIDERS, WE UNDERSTAND the challenges and concerns when considering the option of home care. Leaving home can be disruptive and depressing for some. For those wanting to remain in their home, whether a private residence, assisted living facility, or other setting, Serenity Care Providers wants you to have that option. Home care offers many benefits. Home, wherever that may be, is a place where care recipients are accustomed to making decisions and being in control. Home is a place of familiarity, comfort and allows for a greater sense of autonomy. Care recipients may achieve better sleep, and greater control of anxiety and pain. They may also be less likely to experience confusion and infections. But most importantly, care recipients are the focus of the caregiver and receive one-on-one care. Serenity Care Providers’ caregivers are trained to assess factors that contribute to sustained health and recovery. Caregivers focus on the goals and wishes of the client. In other words, caregivers practice person-centered care. Caregivers can ensure the client receives adequate nutrition, takes their medication as required, and assist the client with personal hygiene tasks. If that’s not enough, caregivers will

also provide housekeeping, accompany individuals to the doctor’s office, grocery store, mall, and run errands. We want you to have peace of mind knowing you can trust Serenity Care Providers to bring professionalism and honesty to your family. Our services are designed to enhance the lives of our clients while giving friends and family the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one is safe. If you or a loved one needs an extra hand, call Serenity Care Providers and let us assist you in finding the answers you need. You can also visit www.serenitycareproviders. com to find more resources and information regarding personal care services. Serenity Care Providers 2417 N. Seventh Street West Monroe, LA 71291

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Cajun Flavor on the Ouachita

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

HEN IT COMES TO CAJUN FOOD, IT’S HARD TO FIND anything better than the Trappey brand. The Trappey name has been synonymous with Cajun food and Louisiana for over a century, 119 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 six years, Joey Trappey has been operating one of the most successful restaurants in our area. In the last year, Paden Roberts has joined the Trapp’s family as general manager, adding great customer service and experience to the staff. Trappey 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 meltin-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 $10 including Ella’s Sunset Salad, Trapp’s Cheeseburger, Nonk’s Jambalaya, or Red Beans and Rice. 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

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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 12 oz. ribeyes and four sides for just $40. On Wednesdays, its 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 make it ideal for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and luncheons. The 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.

Fieldhouse Bar and Grill

Local Restaurant Offers Fantastic Food and Local Flavor

HE FIELDHOUSE BAR AND GRILL is the brainchild of a member of an old Louisiana family. Restaurant entrepreneur Joey Trappey grew up in Cajun Country as a part of the legendary Trappey’s foods dynasty. As a result, Joey was no stranger to good eating or good business. After graduating from high school, Joey made his way to north Louisiana to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe. While at ULM, Joey was very active in the sports program playing both football and basketball. Monroe began to feel like home. Once he graduated from ULM with his MBA, Joey saw an overwhelming need for a family-friendly, casual eatery near campus where locals could enjoy affordable, quality food and drinks. “Before the Fieldhouse, there was really nowhere like it to go after the game to carry on the celebration. I saw a need for a place that had great food and great service where people could be comfortable. So at age 26, I started a restaurant,” he explains.

After investigating possible franchises, Joey didn’t feel like any were a fit with his vision, so he dipped back into his food background, and The Fieldhouse was born. Due to the location’s proximity to campus and Trappey’s background on the football field and basketball court, the sports theme was an obvious choice. Giant screens adorn the walls of the eatery and are tuned to various sporting events. The laid-back establishment offers two dining rooms and a prominent bar area with a suitable selection of draft and bottled beers, wine and mixed drinks. However, it is the allstar menu that keeps patrons coming back. The most popular entree is the signature Fieldhouse burger. Although there are several other burgers to choose from that include distinctive toppings, the tried and true version remains the best seller since the restaurant doors first opened. The burger includes American cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickle. You can make it your own by choosing from a wheat, jalapeño or soft pretzel bun. The

po-boys are another classic favorite and feature Leidenheimer French bread straight from New Orleans. And their wings never disappoint! “Our wings are the largest size available here,” said Joey. “It means a lot to provide our customers with a quality product for a good price. There is never a substitute for quality.” The menu also includes appealing appetizers like mozzarella sticks, eggrolls, fried pickles, fried okra, boudin balls, meat pies and more. There’s sandwiches, salads, quesadillas as well so everyone can find something they like! With seven 42 inch televisions, three 13 inch personal booth tvs and an 8 foot projection screen, you won’t miss any of the action with football season just around the corner! Part sports bar, part family restaurant, The Fieldhouse is all southern hospitality, fantastic food, and local flavor.

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Shop Franklin First

Christmas Events to be Held at Historic Downtown Winnsboro

HE WINNSBORO-FRANKLIN Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Parish Tourism believe shopping locally improves local economy - we want people to come and see what Franklin Parish has to offer. We have great shops, wonderful restaurants and many events throughout the year. Between the Chamber of Commerce, Franklin Parish Tourism, the Old Post Office Museum and the Princess Theater, we offer the people of Franklin Parish and surrounding communities oppurtunities to come together for fun, learning and growth! We are proud to announce that the children’s parade is back in action this year! This parade, a favorite among the local kids, will be held on Thursday, December 2nd at 6:00 PM. The line-up starts at 5:00 PM in the parking lot behind the Princess Theater located at 714 Prairie Street. The children will march through downtown Winnsboro and

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Prairie Street, where it will end at the Old Post Office Museum. Once at the Old Post Office Museum, enjoy hot chocolate hosted by White Ford, and visit with Santa! This year marks the 18th Nighttime Franklin Parish Christmas Parade! Join us for the Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Parish Tourism’s annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 3rd at 7PM. The parade will resume its tradition and a big fireworks show over Landis Park will take place after. Anyone interested in participating in the parade with a float, an antique car, band, or a commercial vehicle can stop by the Chamber of Commerce’s office on Tuesday’s and Thursdays from 10:00-1:00 or call Lisa K. at 318-729-9398. Don’t forget to shop Franklin first. Enjoy shopping at our Downtown businesses as they will be having “Parade Day” specials

the Friday of the big parade! To name a few, here are some of our downtown businesses: Stephanie’s Jewelry, Southern Glam Boutique, Madea’s, The Rusty Bucket, Rust and Bling, The Coffee Shop, Painted Pony, CLW Furniture, Winnsboro Office Supply, Main Street Trends, Every Occasion and Uptown Fashions. These small businesses are looking forward to having you shop local, and welcome the community to this great lineup of family-friendly events. We can’t wait to see the return of all the smiling faces. The Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Parish Tourism wishes a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Stylin’ In The Streets Fall Fashion Show Saturday October 9th, Dusty & Company and The Hub Music Hall downtown Monroe hosted Stylin’ in the Streets fall style show. Local boutiques set up pop-up shops for you to shop some favorite, a fall fashion show showcasing different boutiques in the area and special performances by some great local talent. All proceeds from this amazing event went towards the Zoey Renee Project and I will Carry You.

On the BayouScene

1 Eden Tackett and Ellie Dyess 2 Hally Poole, Katherine Williams, Rachel Meachum and Rachel White 3A nicia Hammond and Dorothy Jackson 4 Paula Bennett, Kyndell Wilson and Michelle Wilson 5 Jessica Dumas, Carmen Morrow and Caroline Marrow 6 Madison Andrews and Tenequa Thompson

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Feasting at for His temple

Local Restaurant Offers Gluten Free and Diary Free

OVEMBER IS HERE AND THAT means fall, family get togethers and feasting, but it doesn’t have to mean being unhealthy! for His temple family foods is a local restaurant located in West Monroe, just off Trenton Street that prepares and serves healthy, nutrient dense, gluten free and dairy free foods that all taste great! Beginning November 10th, you can check out the website to see what they have to choose from and place your order by November 18th. They offer 3 different types of dressing - a traditional bread, cornbread and shrimp and grits - as well as traditional favorites like string bean, corn, broccoli and more. All come in either a regular or large serving. for His temple also offers some dessert options like blueberry cobbler and pecan pie. For His temple has recently partnered with Seventh Square Coffee, and plan to open a coffee bar November 2nd inside the dining room of for His temple. Nick Carlson, the owner, sources high quality beans, roasts and blends them in small batches and makes artisan

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coffees featuring high quality ingredients. Nick has been at the West Monroe Farmer’s Market for several months building a loyal customer base and is now bringing his coffee business inside to grow more! For His temple customers will now be able to get coffee anytime and enjoy that after lunch sip. Seventh Square’s hours will be Tuesday-Saturday 7-2. In addition to Seventh Square, for His Temple has added a new line of local sweet treats by Mylk Belly. Allison Porter Cook is the mastermind behind the amazing treats! Things like Keto donuts, Blue bites and a Twyx bar just to name a few. Every treat is chock-full of nutrient dense, high quality ingredients and every one features a super food such as bee pollen or spirulina. Mylk Belly treats will also be featured in the Seventh Square coffee shop. Dana is the chapter leader of the local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a source for accurate information on nutrition and health, always aiming to provide the scientific validation of traditional foodways.

People seeking health today often condemn certain food groups — such as grains, meat, salt, fat, sauces, sweets and nightshade vegetables — but the Wise Traditions Diet is inclusive, not exclusive. By leading the local chapter, Dana can not only share the information from the foundation, but connect consumers with local farms and practitioners. Now that cooler weather is here, for His temple is excited to start serving their soulwarming soups. These include butternut squash, kale and sausage, chicken tortilla, pork and mustard green soup and more. Dana shares the weekly menu on social media so you can see what they have to offer each week. You can also sign up for their newsletter and be in the know for what is going on each month. And if you can’t make it in for lunch or need dinner in a pinch, you can always grab a single serving meal out of the cooler or a family size dinner out of the freezer. Stop by and see Dana and the friendly staff at for His Temple to see what all they have to offer!

Seeing is Believing

What a Difference Quality Employees Can Make BY GLENN MIERS

S WE TRAVEL AROUND IN search of the next adventure, many of us are fortunate enough to encounter unique experiences. Over recent months, traveling and activities outside the home have increased significantly. Schools are at near capacity. Football stadiums are filled with cheering fans. RV Parks are seeing campers and retailers are finally back on the road to a new normal. Louisiana is home to many of these great things and one of the most unique venues resides in Bastrop, LA. Simmons Sporting Goods is a retail store, rich in clothing and equipment for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. That said, it’s so much more than that. It embodies the moniker of this great state as the Sportsman’s Paradise. Just the aesthetics alone are worth the occasional visit, featuring its rugged outdoor décor and rustic charm. It’s a gathering place for lunch among patrons and working-class folks in The

Blind restaurant. It’s a destination point for visitors outside the region. It’s a family-owned business that cares about its community. It’s an employer that helps to contribute to the local economy. The list of what Simmons means to so many goes on and on. By now every resident and licensed hunter for many miles knows about Simmons, but unless people visit regularly, they may not see all the things that make it special. It’s the employees that make the difference. The people that show up everyday to assist the general public in making a confident purchase are its greatest asset. They are knowledgeable about what they stock. They are attentive and welcoming to make sure their customers are comfortable. They are smart and accommodating, so that everyone feels special. Before the incredible societal changes everyone has experienced over the last year and a half, most people took these types of things

for granted. It was expected that a business would have hard working, knowledgeable, dependable employees. Simmons does and always has, but not every business can say that today. We see “Help Wanted” signs in so many places. Not only is it difficult for employers to find willing candidates to work, it’s even more difficult to find those with a proven skillset and initiative to deliver a quality work product. Too often we are disappointed with the service or value in places that were rarely in question before the effects of the pandemic consumed us. Of course, many other stores could make similar claims, but few of them have had the impact on a community and an industry, that Simmons Sporting Goods has. They employ more than 60 people. The retail location alone is 80,000 square feet after the opening of its latest addition. The subsequent warehouses and operational facilities aid in covering over a city block of real estate. Don’t settle for weak service or unqualified assistance for your next shopping experience if you don’t have to. Visit Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop, LA for hunting equipment, tailgating or outdoor fun, and even for the latest in ladies’ fashion in the Duck Duck Goose Boutique, to see what makes them different.

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FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB At Flying Heart, top-notch craft beer is matched with a welcoming environment that keeps customers and employees alike full engaged and wrapped up in the fellowship of their community.

BAYOU E ATS

VANELIS RIVER A

K EL LY M O O R E CL A R K

When Parker Kane began working at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub in Bossier City, the last thing he was thinking about was climbing the ranks into a management position. But, the attentive and caring regard he received from the administration heightened his dedication to what would become an eventual career shift. “Management showed me that they cared about me. They noticed when I would, you know, put extra work in... that really stood out to me,” he recalls. So, when the Flying Heart team ventured into a new Northeast Louisiana location, Parker was a top contender for helping lead the crew. “I did not think that I would still be in the restaurant industry at this point. I would have been out of it about two years ago. But things have been going really well here and I’m very happy,” beams Parker. Clearly, Flying Heart’s reputation extends beyond their brews, savory bites, and trendy atmosphere. At this brewhouse, top-notch craft beer is matched with a welcoming environment that keeps customers and employees alike fully engaged and wrapped up in the fellowship of their community. “It originally started in a basement” informs Parker. The basement was located in a dental lab owned and operated by Ben Hart where replacement teeth and bridges were made. When his wife Leah Hart was sent to Greenland by the airforce for a year, he needed something to occupy all his spare time, which is when he started micro-brewing in the basement. Ben and Elizabeth Pattillo joined the mix, turning the small-scale operation into a group activity. The hobby instantly became an obsession when they tried their first batch, which took four long weeks to brew. Flying Heart Brew Club was formed that same night; the moniker, a play on the last name Hart. Larger batches followed, particularly after the friends swiftly drank their initial inventory. Naturally, that gave way to experimentation and creating a variety of recipes that reflected their multifaceted flavor preferences. On one of their many nights of beer tasting, Elizabeth, always eager and determined, posed a question that would shake up their lives: “How cool would it be if we did this for a living?” Curiosities were piqued and in August 2014, Flying Heart Brewing was officially founded. The first location purchased was historic Fire Station Number 6 on Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City, ended up becoming the city’s first brewery. Doors officially opened in 2015, and they’ve welcomed beer lovers since with their line-up of seven satisfying styles as well as a variety of seasonal brews. “The area around it kind of grew with us. And it’s kind of cool, we saw a downtown kind of trying to regrow,” says Parker. With a surge in demand, conversations were circling about how to make the business “bigger and better,” which for the team meant the addition of a food menu. Jeff Judge, also the owner of The Wooden Spoon, a bakery in

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PIZZA PERFECTION The New York-style pizzas are vegan friendly, made with a New York City water profile, proofed for three days, and handtossed the old-fashioned way before making their way into the ovens to become one of Flying Heart’s sixteen options.

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Bossier City, exercised his culinary know-how helping shape a prominent section of the Flying Heart menu. “He’s the one who brought the pizza in,” says Parker, adding, “Things just kind of grew and grew and grew.” That growth ended up taking the form of scouting for another location. It was an idea they were willing to grab hold of, but at that point, nothing was “set in stone;” that is, until a chance visit to West Monroe for the city’s lively Mardi Gras parade. In the midst of multicolored beads and intricately decorated floats, they met the Mayor of West Monroe Staci Albritton Mitchell. The group exchanged ideas about reviving downtown areas, in particular, that of Downtown West Monroe, which the Northwest Louisiana natives considered to be chock-full of potential for growth. “So, we started with an empty lot,” informs Parker, who had a heavy hand helping construct the building from the ground up, laying bricks in 144 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

the back patio along with other finishing touches. “One thing we really wanted to do is give it a rustic feel where it’s kind of just comfortable for anyone,” adds Parker. Interior accents pull this vision together skillfully. Multi-toned wood wainscotting line some of the walls and frame the concrete bar top: “Some of the walls are literally just pallets that we’ve pulled apart and nailed in the wall ourselves.” Exposed ceilings provide an industrial vibe, further enhanced by reused products for decor, such as their Rahr, Wyermann, and Malteurop woven fabric malt bags with applered and forest green labels. Both the interior beer hall and exterior bench seating are spacious. Each dark wood picnic table has the Flying Heart logo carved into an edge, a small detail that depicts pride and ownership of their product, particularly by way of its location. “We want to make sure this is a place that fits the crowd. You know, it’s not just our place,” emphasizes Parker, pointing to a full-sized canoe hanging upside down over the

FOOD Sixteen pizzas to choose from, salads, jumbo wings, strombolis, wraps and desserts.

PRICE Affordable family dining with pizzas starting at $10. Child and dog-friendly.

FLYING WAFFLE A warm pearl sugar belgium waffle topped with seasonal ingredients and served a la mode.

odd coupling of roasty and sweet, to crisp, floral, and light-bodied, he doesn’t mind condoning a little mixology. he Flying Heart team pride themselves in brewing each craft beer with a purpose and passion. They have beers that pair nicely with burgers, barbecue, salads, and chicken, which is why their food menu gives customers a little bit of our dine-out favorites. Their New York-style pizzas take up the majority of the menu. To begin, their dough is vegan friendly, made with a New York City water profile, proofed for three days, and hand-tossed the old-fashioned way before making its way into their ovens to become one of their sixteen options. Flying Heart favorites are marked by their logo, such as the “Carnitas” by Jared: salsa verde, ranch, mozzarella, pork carnitas, white onions, cilantro, and chipotle cheddar. The Bre-Pow is another one for pork lovers with tomato sauce, mozzarella, slow-braised marinated pork, pineapple, red onions, and cilantro. Other alluring combos can be found in the Day Wrecker, which features beer cheese, and the Cajun which highlights crawfish rub and gris-gris sauce. Customers have also been raving about the oven-roasted, all-natural jumbo wings, served with ranch or blue cheese and your choice of sauce (chipotle cheddar, hot buffalo, garlic parmesan, Korean BBQ, candied bacon, and sweet Asian) or dry rub (crawfish and curry-flavored).

back entryway. The canoe was a donation from a fellow Antique Alley business owner. For the brewery, the gesture is one that serves their philosophy: “Letting the community and your patrons kind of shape the place.” Their layout is also specifically arranged with the community in mind. “The big thing is just making sure it’s something kind of comfortable for anyone,” says Parker, who stresses the importance of wanting to make sure nobody walking through their doors ever feels excluded or out of place. Out of their flagship labels, their very first brew is the Black Heart Ale. “It smells great when you brew it,” says Parker, mentioning its compelling black cherry finish. As far as their more popular beers, their Firehouse Blonde takes the sash. “It’s great for hot weather,” says Parker, 146 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

describing the pale brew as being light with a crisp finish. Their Day Wrecker is a Pilsner that Parker considers “easydrinking,” as it has a light mouthfeel. But don’t drink this one for lunch, because true to its name, this 10% ABV brew is not for lightweights. Not a beer fan? That won’t be a problem in this brewhouse. Most customers gravitate toward their Strawberry Shandy, a fruity and refreshing option, so good that a lot of customers mix it with their favorite beer. Parker recommends mixing one of their sours like the Kettle Sour Amber with a splash of the shandy. More adventurous drinkers may want to try a Black and Tan, which is half of their Black Heart and Firehouse Blonde. Initially, Parker was hesitant at combining brews, but after tasting a few of the complex flavors that result from the

In spite of how enticing their brews and savory bites can be, Flying Heart isn’t limiting itself to just the service industry. “Being a craft brewery, you kind of expect to be a pillar of the community... you are focused on raising money and helping causes and we’ve been able to do a lot of that here,” exclaims Parker. Recently, their Brew & Zoo event helped raise funds for the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo educational department. Zoo guests included an alpaca, hawk, parrot, python, and baby gator. Undoubtedly family-friendly, Flying Heart wants Northeast Louisiana to know they are both a brewery and a restaurant. They eagerly welcome the community to partake in making West Monroe a “better place,” as well as growing the downtown area. One drive down Commerce Street reveals packed parking and revitalization of the area, sufficient evidence to support that their service-based endeavors, much like their Strawberry Shandy, are fruitful. Flying Heart Brewing and Pub is located on 204 Commerce St West Monroe, LA 71291 and is open Monday through Wednesday between 11 AM to 9 PM, Thursday between 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday through Saturday between 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday between 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about their seasonal brews and upcoming events.

< OVEN-ROASTED WINGS All-natural jumbo wings, served with ranch or blue cheese and your choice of sauce (chipotle cheddar, hot buffalo, garlic parmesan, Korean BBQ, candied bacon, and sweet Asian) or dry rub (crawfish and curry-flavored).

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Celebrate with The Platter Local Shop Features Platters and More

Y NOW, YOU HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE BEAUTIFUL work of The Platter. Their charcuterie boards have been posted on social media and graced the pages of local magazines. Their boxes have been a hit for people of all ages and their grazing tables have been the pièce de résistance of recent weddings, gatherings and parties. With selections ranging from stuffed olives, nuts, prosciutto, ham, cheddar, gouda, provolone, Monterey, brie, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, pepper jelly, fig spread, jam, spicy mustard and a variety of crackers, there is surely something to please every palette. Some classic favorites include sandwich, charcuterie, veggie and fruit platters. But they offer a variety of creative culinary creations as well. The donut platter includes oversized cinnamon rolls, donuts, apple fritters, donut holes, fruit, bacon and maple syrup. The brunch platter has waffles, bacon, boiled eggs, fruit, muffins, brownie bites, honey syrup, jelly, scones and sausage links. And if you can’t find the perfect gift for that special someone, grab a birthday sprinkles platter with cake, rice crispy treats, cookies, popcorn, cake balls, dipped strawberries and pretzels, sprinkled with candy. The Platter has a variety of wooden trays to beautifully display their food, or you can provide your own to match a setting for a party or special occasion. And not all of their platters are “fancy.” You can grab a snack box for movie night or a s’mores box for a Friday night bonfire. However, platters aren’t all they do. The Platter also offers off site catering as well as free catering consultations. Jodi and her team can guide you to execute your vision through their consultations and will have your vision come to life with their close attention to detail. They are able to accommodate weddings, showers, game night, Sunday school functions, anniversaries, birthdays, receptions, galas, corporate events, sales rep events and more. They can do it all! With the holidays just around the corner, The Platter can help you celebrate with family and friends. You can order a Bloody Mary Platter, perfect for a boozy brunch. You can also order casseroles and family meals so you don’t have to worry about cooking. Casserole options include cajun chicken pasta, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, and of course, the classic green bean casserole. These are sure to feed your family for Thanksgiving, or just a busy weekday when you don’t have the time to cook! Stop by The Platter on 120 Blanchard St. in West Monroe to see everything they have to offer. You can call ahead to place an order or grab a prepared platter or casserole out of the cooler. The Platter looks forward to serving you and continuing to be the talk of the town!

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Hopkins Dermatology Offers Advance Hair Restoration

AIR LOSS AFFECTS OVER 80 MILLION AMERICANS. HAIR loss can cause people to feel self-conscious. Two thirds of men over the age of 34 experience hair loss. Fortunately Hopkins Dermatology offers next level non-surgical hair restoration treatments to treat your hair loss concerns.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING HAIR LOSS, ALSO CALLED ALOPECIA? • Androgenic alopecia: Men with this condition, called male pattern baldness, can begin suffering hair loss as early as their teens or early 20s. Women with this condition, called female pattern hair loss, experience noticeable thinning in their 40s or later. • Alopecia areata: often starts suddenly and causes smooth round patches of balding in children and adults. • Alopecia universalis: all body hair falls out, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. • Telogen effluvium: temporary hair thinning over the scalp as the result of stress, surgery or illness. • Scarring alopecia: permanent loss of hair in inflammatory skin conditions often result in scars that destroy the ability of the hair to regenerate. HYDRAFACIAL KERAVIVE A 3-step scalp “facial” designed to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish and hydrate your scalp for healthier fuller looking hair. This treatment can be done alone or in combination with other services for optimal results. I highly recommend this treatment not just for those who are concerned with hair loss but also for those who just want healthier hair. Products such as hairspray and dry shampoo can cause build up that could damage your scalp and hair. The HydraFacial Keravive treatment allows your scalp to breathe and replenishes a healthy shine. FOTONA SCALPLASE This Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) treatment is a state of the art laser that stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow in the scalp and stimulates metabolism in follicles, resulting in the production of new hair. This is a quick and painless procedure with no downtime. It is recommended to have one treatment every two weeks for a total of six treatments. EVO PEN MICRONEEDLING Microneedling is a therapy that has been practiced for years in the treatment of scarring and wrinkles. In recent years, however, Microneedling has also been applied to the scalp and have had positive results for hair loss. Essentially, the inflammation triggers the production of new cells. These new cells contain healthy hair follicles, enabling the growth of healthy, strong hair. It also allows deep penetration for serums. PRP INJECTIONS Platelet-rich plasma contains platelets loaded with growth factors and cytokines. These growth factors trigger cell reproduction and stimulate the hair follicles to promote new growth. The PRP is separated from a blood sample and then injected into the scalp. PRP injections are known for increasing hair count and hair thickness. While PRP is not necessarily an easy or quick fix, it is a medically and scientifically backed option for those struggling to find hair-loss solutions. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a one-and-done fix for hair loss. A successful hair growth plan usually requires a combination of treatments, depending on your age and condition, for best results. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Janine Hopkins or our Nurse Practitioner, Anna Grace Livingston, to discuss what option will work best for you at Hopkins Dermatology. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 149

Wishing You A Magical Thanksgiving Magic Grill West Monroe and Magic Grill Monroe

HE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE AND THERE ARE SOME THINGS that will always be holiday traditions... like getting a delicious po-boy from Magic Grill in Monroe and West Monroe locations. Being a pit stop for people for local flavor and the tradition of po-boys and gravy is something that Mr. Ray Pierce started over 50 years ago. In fact, the name Magic Grill was chosen by Monroe’s owner Michael Rodriguez as a tribute to him. Michael selected the “top hat” logo to represent’s Magic Grill’s top quality and top service. It is with Ray’s blessing and decades of experience that Michael has achieved his lifelong dream of owning his own grill. Michael is dedicated to providing his customers the same qualities instilled in him. Magic Grill is committed to doing things Ray’s way: fresh shredded lettuce, fresh diced onions, homemade onion rings, soft serve ice cream and to serve top quality food. Faisal and Jada Ali continued the local tradition by opening Magic Grill in West Monroe in May 2011. Things may be a little different at the West Monroe location as it is a to-go only establishment post pandemic. Of course, you will always get the same great service and Mary K’s Famous sweet tea at this little grill with a big heart - it’s just a “magic pick-up window” away. At both locations, you can find mouth-watering Magical Po-boys your choice of roast beef, hamburger, ham, fish, turkey, Philly, chicken, shrimp and ribeye meat served with fresh cut fries and the best gravy in town. If you haven’t tried the Open Face hamburger, it’s a musthave - 1 or 2 hamburger patties served with fresh grilled onions and smothered with gravy. Both locations also have a great selection of plate lunches (served all day). Choose from selections like smothered porkchops (grilled or fried), beef tips and rice, and red beans and rice with andouille sausage - all served with your choice of two sides. Got kids in tow? Magic Grill West Monroe and Magic Grill Monroe have you covered with a variety of choices for the kiddos. Chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, grilled cheese and hot dogs are all on the menu. Faisal and Jada Ali, Michael Rodriguez along with the staff of Magic Grill West Monroe and Magic Grill Monroe would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. “We are so thankful to be a part of this community,” said Jada. Magic Grill is known for embracing the community by its active involvement in the Miss Louisiana Pageant, youth sports programs, area school team sponsorships, Med Camps, Barak Shriners, Twin City Ballet, Cancer Foundation League, local school supply and toy drives to name a few. “Giving back to the community has always been a priority. It’s something we look forward to – whether it’s serving delicious food or donating to a great cause, Magic Grill supports Northeast Louisiana.” Make sure to stop by Magic Grill West Monroe located at 2500 Arkansas Road and Magic Grill Monroe located at 4331 Sterlington Road and 1210 North 18th Street this holiday season. Visit magicgrill. net for complete menus for both locations. And, remember, “Ya’ll come back.”

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ARTICLE BY NILS BORQUIST

Rescue:

I T ' S N OT J U S T A V E R B , IT'S A PROMISE.

eople who have invested their time and effort into adopting a rescued dog or cat have certainly felt the joy and satisfaction of saving a life and providing a home with food, shelter, and, most importantly, love to a new pet. Becoming the owner of a rescue pet involves hard work and dedication as all too often the pet comes from an environment of neglect or abuse, which means being frightened or mistrustful of people. Regrettably, in Northeast Louisiana, and The South in general, shelters tend to be crowded with such animals. Additionally, encountering stray dogs or even small packs, is, sadly, a common sight in the region. The lack of proper health care, which not only involves quality nutrition and necessary immunizations but also spaying and neutering, has resulted in an abundance of abandoned dogs and cats born on the streets alone as well as in homes where they are unwanted and discarded. Fortunately, organizations exist through people who selflessly give their time and money, people who care for animals by giving them a second chance at happy and healthy lives and hopefully helping them find homes where they will become one of the family. One such organization, and the individuals who volunteer to keep it alive, can be found in Monroe—PAWS of NELA. In 2003, kindhearted people volunteering at various animal shelters around the region came to the conclusion that coming together to form a group based on the rescuing of animals in conjunction with providing the basic healthcare and sterilization would be wholly beneficial to an area overrun with homeless animals. In addition, there was great concern about the numbers of animals in the pounds and shelters having to be euthanized—the rate was over 70%. From these worries and that idea of doing more to help, PAWS was born. As stated, a major goal of PAWS is to be able to save animals by helping them be rescued, but they also offer much more. Due to the preponderance of stray dogs and cats, the need for a spay and neuter program was, and still remains, paramount to lower the population of an surplus of animals potentially roaming the streets and overwhelming area shelters. In fact, PAWS gives financial support to pet owners who wish to spay or neuter but have a difficult time affording to do so. This latter goal highlights one of the noble intentions of PAWS, one that has been at the forefront of their creation, to provide spay and neuter assistance to low-income pet owners. One unspayed female dog can produce 2 litters of 6-10 puppies per year. That same female and her offspring can theoretically produce over 60,000 dogs in just six years. PAWS has funded over 13,000 spay and neuter surgeries since its inception, thereby preventing countless unwanted animals from being born and likely ending up being surrendered to local shelters or lost on the streets.

HEIDI Heidi is a gorgeous pup that loves to be mischievous and playful! She spends all day wrestling and playing with her two doggie friends before snuggling down for a much needed nap!

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LILA

DEXTER

H E AT H E R L AY L A ANNIE

WESLEY

CREED GARFIELD

G RO OT

PICKLES

FRANNY

Interested in adopting or fostering?

Cats and kittens are available through River Cities Humane Society for Cats. They can be reached at 318.343.3031 or at 5302 DeSiard Street in Monroe. Dogs can be adopted by reaching out to the Humane Society Adoption Center at 318.387.9553 or 920 Freight Drive, Monroe. Pets shown in this feature were available at time of press. Contact the local shelters to see which pet is the best fit for your family and lifestyle.

ver the past 18 years, PAWS has saved the lives of thousands of animals. PAWS does not adopt out animals directly but instead focuses on moving rescued pets out of the Northeast Louisiana region to be adopted through partner rescue groups around the country. By sending animals to places whose own shelters are empty and with adopters excited to help, the burden faced by local shelters and rescue groups is greatly eased. The organization pulls animals from area shelters as well as taking in abandoned stray animals and owner surrenders. Once rescued, animals go through a vigorous vetting protocol to become healthy and prepared to be adopted. PAWS constantly needs people willing to foster healthy animals in their homes. So many of the healed animals need a place to learn; being brought into a home and trained is an integral piece to their future adoptions. PAWS plays an important role in fostering. Actually, PAWS needs local fosters in place in order to even pull animals from the shelters and care for them. Having a destination set up allows for a smooth transition. Once someone has volunteered to do so, PAWS requires a heavy screening process to determine whether the potential fosterers and their homes are good places for the pets to develop. After passing the screening, the foster family is not simply left to teach the animals themselves. On the contrary, PAWS continues to provide assistance with crate training, potty training, and leashing. In effect, PAWS wants the dog or cat `in the best possible place for both the animal and the fostering family. One often assumed downfall of fostering is the difficulty of keeping an animal in one’s home for a lengthy time period, as much as a few months, and developing a relationship before having to let the animal go to a different home. While true, the reality of helping pets reach their eventual homes can and should outweigh any concerns. In the end, without the fosters being able to provide assistance, these animals would continue to remain in shelters until

being, unfortunately, replaced. The benefits far outweigh the detriments, especially when trying to save a life. If interested in helping PAWS by fostering, one can visit their website (http:// www.pawsnela.org/rescue.php) and fill out an application. Another way people can help PAWS is through sponsoring an animal. When sponsoring, a donor gives money, which is entirely taxdeductible, that goes solely to the chosen animal. The money is then used for clear up any possible medical issues, spay or neuter, and help propel the animal to a good home. Just as one would visit the website to apply to foster, someone wishing to sponsor a pet can do the same. A third route volunteers can take is by transporting animals to a location to meet a potential adopter or pass the pet to another transporter, like a link in a chain to get the animal home. Interestingly, PAWS works a substantial amount with two regions: Chicago and New England. While those locales are definitely far away from Monroe, one of the volunteers for PAWS, Jennifer Pesnell, stated that due to aggressive efforts to spay and neuter animals in those regions, along with stringent leash laws, the population of adoptable pets is low. With the volume of pets needing homes here, sending them to places where people both need and want to rescue is necessary and noble. Interestingly, the connection with the New England region has been in place since nearly the beginning of the organization’s birth. The link to Chicago serendipitously occurred last year when PAWS was contacted about helping move senior rescue dogs to Illinois for adoption; that group ended up finding a great match in Ruston, and thus began a wonderful new relationship with the midwest.

TATOR TOT Tater Tot is a 4 month old, female kitten. Tater Tot was rescued from a Sonic parking lot. She is now enjoying the good life indoors and loves being scratched behind her ears.

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An additional aid to PAWS that is inexpensive yet remains a steady source of funding comes from their selling of pet tags. Beyond having a pet having an identification chip surgically implanted, one of the simplest ways for pet owners to avoid losing a pet forever is to have a tag made and affixed to the animal’s collar. Unfortunately, many owners skip or avoid this easy step, so when a pet gets loose, it becomes lost without much hope of being found. As PAWS is not only a rescue group but also one hoping to help people prevent the loss of their pets, they make tags and have them mailed to owners. The tags cost $5.00 and generally take a week to be sent. Coming in shapes such as circles, bones, and hearts, and multiple potential colors, the tags are imprinted with the pet’s name and one or two phone numbers, depending on the size ordered. PAWS is regularly involved with events around the area. One of the most popular, and another situation requiring the extensive efforts of volunteers, is the annual Krewe of PAWS pet parade, which occurs as part of the Twin Cities’ Mardi Gras celebration. Being such a large event, PAWS needs 30 to 50 volunteers each year in order to pull off the parade successfully. With the Mardi Gras season only a few months away, volunteers reaching out as early as possible are of great help. The goals of the PAWS group could not be accomplished without the efforts of their Board of Directors as well as their Members-at-Large, all volunteers who work to keep the organization going year after year. PAWS is currently recruiting new Board members for 2022. Anyone interested in putting time into helping a tremendous cause, or those desiring to be a part of the upcoming parade, should certainly reach out to PAWS via their email (pawsnela@yahoo.com). Beyond the honorable path of volunteering one’s time, PAWS, as a non-profit organization, always needs funding from donors. While people indisputably remain the engine that pushes PAWS, the donations given are the fuel that keeps the engine churning. In order to save 200 dogs per year, which also includes providing them with medical care and spaying and neutering, the costs can range from 75,000 to 100,000 dollars. Annual costs for providing spay and neuter assistance to the community averages over 50,000 dollars. The struggle of keeping consistent donors, accumulating new ones, and keeping up with perpetually rising costs of health care can make it difficult to sustain this helpful and necessary group. Additionally, PAWS recognizes that people continue to give to adoption facilities, which is wonderful as they need assistance as well, due to the fact that people can actually see the “faces” of the animals on respective websites. The PAWS spay/ neuter assistance program has the chance to provide a much greater impact on companion animal overpopulation in the area communities by preventing unwanted animals from being born, but donations are harder to come by for this much needed local service. Willing donors should consider the service provided by PAWS and their efforts to keep the pet population sustainable and healthy the next time they find it in their hearts to give. As Pesnell stated, in Louisiana, sadly, there are so many dogs that need rescuing. In the past year and a half, though, during the height of COVID, an enormous rush of people wanting dogs occurred, so PAWS was able to rescue many animals over that time. Pesnell related that the group had waiting lists of rescues up North wanting PAWS dogs for families begging to adopt. While that is certainly great news, saving the lives of animals in need is expensive—it costs time and effort and money. However, families across the country are reaping the benefits of so many local citizens by being given the chance to add to their families. PAWS is a special group run by special people who have discovered the joy of being parts of a chain of happiness and support, providing a service of such magnificence that words do no justice to the elation seen on the face of a child meeting his or her dog for the first time. With so many means of supporting such a selfless society, and in a region highly regarded for hospitality, we should all willingly give of ourselves in some capacity to keep PAWS of NELA alive and strong and able to continue their gallant course of saving lives and enriching homes. 154 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Underdogs in West Monroe Local Restaurant Serves Local Flavor

NDERDOGS IS A LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT THAT features a mash up of Louisiana and traditional sports bar food. After opening in May of this year, Underdogs is quickly becoming a favorite of foodies across the Twin Cities. Appetizer options include classics like wings, mini taco nachos, buffalo chicken dip, egg rolls, mini meat pies, spicy corn nuggets and an assortment of fried platters like pickles, cheese sticks and green tomatoes. Then there’s some Louisiana lagniappe like gator bites and crawfish taters with bacon and jalapeños. The burgers at Underdogs are fresh patties made by hand with Angus beef. They even have a black bean patty option for vegetarians. Their signature burger is the grand slam, featuring three 4 oz. beef patties with pepper jack, American and Swiss cheese, hammered with crawfish tails, underdog cheese and jalapeños on a brioche bun. You can also get creative and build your own! Sandwich options include buffalo chicken, zydeco, sweet honey chicken and pulled pork. Grab a classic poboy with fried oysters, catfish, ribeye, chicken or roast beef. Everyone is talking about the David and Goliath - a poboy with stacked with shrimp, alligator sausage, lettuce, tomato and remoulade. More local flavor is apparent in the Louisiana Bowls which include beef tips, blackened catfish and blackened shrimp. You can keep it simple with a boiled seafood items like shrimp and crab legs. Paying homage to the restaurant’s namesake, there is some dog options of course! The underdog hot dog is served on a pretzel bun and can be bacon wrapped and topped with chili and cheese. There’s also the D-Batter Foot Long Corn Dog! The menu rounds out with quesadillas, salads and a kid menu. Their dessert menu has some fun fare like funnel cakes, bread pudding, brownie cheesecake and Oreo cookie cake. Underdogs is owned by Lindsay Leavitt while Kim Stokes oversees the operations as the General Manager. Lindsay and Kim both have extensive backgrounds and experiences in the food service industry. They worked together in the past and both liked the restaurant location on Constitution Drive in Monroe. While it was taken at the time, Lindsay always said he would love to open a restaurant in that space if the opportunity came up. As fate would have it, the spot did become available and everything fell into place for the pair to live out their dream! They worked together to paint and renovate and get everything ready for the restaurant to officially open in May of this year. And while there is no specific theme, they want to focus on offering good food in an inviting atmosphere. They even support local businesses by sourcing their chicken from a local business, getting vegetables from Robertson Produce, even using a local barbecue sauce. There are 15 TVs around the restaurant, as well as projector and outside dining, making it the perfect place to gather before or after a game. Underdogs goal is to provide a place for the community and they want to give back at the same time. They are passionate about supporting local pet organizations like PAWS, local schools, biker groups and more. Underdogs is excited to see you through the holiday season. Grab a friend to visit during football games and check out their nightly drink specials. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit one of the newest restaurants in town where you can try some of your classic favorites with some Louisiana lagniappe!

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Bennett Jewelers

Custom Designed Jewelry and Repairs

ORN AND RAISED IN START, LA, KEVIN BENNETT has spent the majority of his life in Northeast Louisiana. In 1994, he moved to Paris, TX and enrolled at Paris Texas Junior College in the department of Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology. Bennett graduated in 1996, and moved home shortly after where he started working for a local jewelry store in Bastrop, LA. He would work there for 22 years, and during his tenure, Bennett was seated on the board of directors for Jewelers of Louisiana for ten years. Along the way he would be named vice president and eventually president of the board. Along with this distinguished title, Kevin has won five awards in jewelry design in Louisiana – two first place, one second place and two third place awards for custom jewelry designs. In 2018, Bennett took a break from jewelry design to help on the family farm. After this brief stent in farming, he knew that he wanted to go back to jewelry work. “I always loved working on jewelry. I love the feeling of taking something that someone doesn’t like or some of the old jewelry and turning it into something they absolutely love. It’s just a passion. When you see the tears in a customer’s eyes because they are so happy from taking their mother’s or grandmother’s jewelry and redesigning it into something that fits them. That’s a feeling I can’t describe!” said Bennett. Kevin comes from a long generation of watchmakers, although he is the first generation of jewelers in the Bennett family. Kevin’s PawPaw was the first watchmaker in the family, and his dad, who primarily does watch repairs, has been doing that for over 35 years. His great uncle and cousin, Mark Bennett, is also a watchmaker. Kevin says, “I grew up watching my dad repair watches, so it was a natural progression for me to be interested in the same field of work. It’s a very intricate and detail-oriented job, but there is some freedom and creativity involved on the custom design front. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” On March 8, 2021, Bennett opened his flagship store in Rayville, LA. Although Covid set him back a year from his original opening date, he is ready to serve the community. Bennett’s specialty is jewelry repair and a custom design shop, although they do offer retail sales through their in-store catalog and website. “Chances are if someone is looking for something special, come by to see me – I can find it for you, or make it.” With years of experience, it is no doubt that Bennett Jewelers is the premier location for your custom design needs. If grandmother’s cluster ring is gathering dust in the jewelry box, or your mom’s Topaz ring needs a reboot, Kevin Bennett will transform it into a modern design sure to be as unique as you are. Bennett Jewelers specializes in: • custom jewelry design • jewelry and watch repair • retail jewelry. Find him on Facebook and Instagram and visit Bennett Jewelers at 509 Madeline Street in Rayville, LA. Call 318.417.4153 for more details.

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JAC’s Craft Smokehouse Celebrates Their One Year

T BEGAN WITH A SAUCE. TRACY CARTER, A GRILL MASTER, couldn’t find the right salsa despite tremendous efforts. So why not make his own? He went on to start his own line of sauces and seasonings. In 2017, Tracy opened his own food truck - JAC’s Tailgaters - to share his food with the masses. Eventually, Tracy and his wife Kristi opened their brick and mortar “JAC’S Craft Smokehouse,” restaurant in the heart of downtown West Monroe. Many have asked why they didn’t say BBQ and Tracy’s response has always been and will always be that there is so much you can do with fire and smoke other than your traditional BBQ. Since October of 2020, JAC’s has become a community staple. While celebrating one year at their brick and mortar has come with adversities, the two have not lost their passion to serve the community. For Kristi and Tracy Carter, that service extends to their community by way of craft barbecue. Beyond the food is the couples calling to express their love of their passion while also meeting their community’s needs. The two have generously made meals for people in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, when they would either hand out food plates or buy meals for families in order for them build memories together while cooking for themselves. What began as an award-winning gourmet sauce and seasoning business found itself being aged and enhanced into West Monroe’s newest flavorful pitstop, JAC’s Craft Smokehouse. JAC’s does serve your old favorites, but get ready to experience with JAC’s on celebrating one year with new Craft made dishes accented with a little smoke and flame. Fast favorites are the brisket melt with brown sugar caramelized onions and melted pepper jack cheese served on toasted rye bread with horseradish aeoli for dipping and the Bayou Cuban with pulled pork, smoked ham and melted Havarti cheese, served on lightly toasted New Orleans style po-boy bread, slathered with their award-winning mustard sauce and topped with pickles. A recent addition is the JAC’D up sandwich with loaded jalapeno cheese sausage, pulled pork, brisket, pepper jack cheese, slaw and pickle - a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Plus, the burgers are all made in house with 100% prime grade meat with brisket trimmings. Meat plates are create-your-own culinary combos from sliced and chopped brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, smoked ham, smoked turkey breast and plain or jalapeño cheese sausage along with two sides. Speciality coffees are available along with frozen lemonades, and pastry chef desserts as a grab-and-go set-up, but it is their contribution to the hustle and bustle of anyone needing a daily pick me up. Tracy and his crew are always experimenting with new recipes and offering specials like their smoked tri-tip topped with fresh chimichurri, served with roasted potatoes, onions and peppers, a brisket po-boy, and more! They introduced Daily Deals offering chicken and sausage gumbo, smoked brisket tip with gravy over rice, and cajun and sausage pasta more details can be found on Facebook. And on Saturdays, housemade boudin is on the menu along with live music! Tuesday nights are devoted to BBQ Bash fundraisers benefiting schools and churches. Passion goes into what JAC’s makes every day. “My wife and I seem to have a calling to help people,” says Tracy. For the couple, the restaurant provides them the means to continue serving their community and those in need. And Tracy’s approach to his food and business is simple, “We’re developing. We’re building memories one bite at a time.” JAC’s is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. Be sure to follow their Facebook page! And stop by JAC’s Smokehouse to say hello to Tracy, Kristi and their amazing team! Sit and stay awhile on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy views of historic downtown West Monroe! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 157

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Lacey Kennon Joins CFCF As the New Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

LACY KENNON APRN, PNP

EET THE NEW PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER for The Center for Children and Families Medication Management Division, Lacey Kennon. Lacey is originally from Pollock, LA. She holds degrees from Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana College. She has previously worked as a pediatric nurse at Rapides Regional Medical Center and in the pediatric ICU at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe. In May 2019 she earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University and became a licensed pediatric nurse practitioner. Earlier this year, Lacey joined Medical Psychologist Dr. Tony Young on the Medication Management team at The Center. Her addition to our team as a prescriber allows us to meet the needs of even more clients. Lacey says pediatrics has always been where she felt most “at home.” “I am continually amazed at the resilience of kids and my prayer is that I will do the most good in this population that stirs my heart,” she said. Lacey lives in Calhoun with her husband, son, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time cheering on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and hanging out with family and friends. The Center for Children and Families is an umbrella organization which includes the following divisions: Therapeutic Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northeast Louisiana, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana, and Brokers of Hope. In addition to the headquarters in Monroe, The Center for Children and Families has offices in Rayville, La., Shreveport, La., Crowley, La., and Clinton, Miss. Further job opportunities can be found at https://www. standforhope.org/career-opportunities.html The Center for Children and Families is committed to promoting safe, healthy environments through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. Visit www.standforhope.org for more information.

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BAYOUBEATS

SMACKWATER Performing entirely covers, the group of four make it their business to specialize in dance music, making them a must-snag for parties and special events. Each member of Smackwater has extensive experience playing with a slew of professional musicians. article by VANELIS RIVERA photography by ANDREW BAILEY

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“As a band, I would say that we are a classic rock, R&B band,” carefully delineates Steve Cagle, keyboardist, trombonist, vocalist, and guitarist of Smackwater band. Performing entirely covers, the group of four make it their business to specialize in dance music, making them a must-snag for parties and special events. Known for keeping their “downtime” short between songs, they pride themselves in making sure folks get their money’s worth. Each member of the band, having had extensive experience playing with a slew of professional musicians, has accumulated distinct musical know-how lending to multifaceted interests and approaches to the covers on their setlist. Whether it’s a touch of country, funk, soul, or classic rock (where their heart lies), this seasoned troupe has found their “sweet spot,” which they vigorously display in every performance. “Gosh, music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember,” says Cagle. “Folks of my generation, we grew up listening to music on the radio, then in church, and everywhere, TV, everything like that.” Eagerly soaking it all up, Cagle started by participating in the school band program in the fifth grade playing trombone, which he still occasionally adds to the mix of some songs. Horns led to piano lessons, which led to electronic keyboards, then around the age of 15, he picked up the electric bass. Faced with a surplus of bass players, Cagle was coaxed by those around him to focus on the keyboard, which led to a consistent stream

of playing throughout high school and college. “I started making money when I was 16, you know, playing gigs.” Moving around when he was younger probably helped his music acumen, especially his stint in New Orleans when he was around 19 years old. “Coffeehouse scenes were really big back in the mid-70s,” he says, recalling his piano playing gigs in the jazz capital of the world. “I’ve been playing music ever since.” Playing in different organizations allowed Cagle to meet kindred spirits. When acting as orchestra director at a local church, writing their charts for instruments, he met current Smackwater guitarist Michael Weathersby. “He’s been kind of known as the legend around here,” he says. An Arkansas native, Weathersby played for several years in Memphis, Tennessee. In Louisiana, he fronted his own variety band called Spice, but his real claim to fame came when he was recruited as a guitarist to tour nationally with Percy Tyrone Sledge, American R&B, soul, and gospel singer best known for the song “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Around 2014, Cagle and close buddy Frankie B. began performing as a duo when the band Cagle had been playing keyboard in for about eight years dissolved, as most of the band members were ready to retire. At the time, they called themselves Frankensteve. “I had a little logo of Frankenstein playing the guitar for our promos,” says Cagle. The monstrous duo was doing so well, they decided to add a drummer, changing their name to Smackwater in order to accommodate the new member. As the trio accumulated gigs, Weathersby joined the fray, along with Mark Smith, who settled in as their drummer. Mark has been drumming professionally since the age of 15 and toured internationally with many recording artists such as GG Shinn, Johnny Cash, Charly McClain, Margo Smith, Pam Tillis, Randy Travis, Bobby Vinton, and the list goes on. At one point, Weathersby, Smith, and Cagle were all in GG Shinn’s band together. “People in this state loved GG.” Then the group got word that Richard McClain was in town to do some playing. Originally from Mississippi, McClain has music history in Nashville, backing up many top recording artists. He has been on the road with Joe Nichols, Suzy Bogguss, Donna Fargo, and Percy Sledge. “His hair is perfect,” exclaims Cagle. Within two years, the band was playing festivals in at least four states, they opened up for Uncle Kracker in Mississippi, and they were also doing a lot of casinos, private events, weddings, conventions, and reunions. THE SWEET SPOT Whether it’s a touch of country, funk, soul, or classic rock (where Sweetwater’s hear lies), this seasoned troupe has found their “sweet spot,” which they vigorously display in every performance.

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BAYOUBEATS

hen suddenly, three years into the band’s run, in December 2018, Frankie B. passed away, blindsiding everyone. Suffering the blow of such a sudden loss alongside having to consider what to do with six months booked ahead, the group was at a standstill. Cagle contacted friend Billy Morris to help them fill some dates. He ended up staying with them for two and a half years. When Morris resigned this past summer, the remaining players had to decide whether they needed to find another frontman or take the lead themselves. “We looked at ourselves and said, ‘Well, we’re all singers. We’ll just go with it.” “We do a lot of variety in our band,” informs Cagle, listing the band’s musical influences as predominantly classic rock, “so Motown, gospel, country, all that jazz,” predominantly danceable hits. “We’re the band that people will hire when they want to have a good party and have a good time and fill the dance floor. And that’s what we do.” With a slew of musical experience and background, each member works their own taste into the covers selected for each performance, particularly now that each band member can take the lead vocals on any given song. When Smith is “up there,” expect Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison, Rolling Stones, “stuff like that.” They also play Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Spirit. Cagle is going to lean toward more ballads. “Richard does just some of everything,” which includes some country and possibly even R.E.M. Songs are selected based on their popularity and must be dance-floor worthy, whether they be fast-paced boogies, linedance medleys, stomping, or slow-dancing. “It’s got to fall in those categories,” explains Cagle. Another part of the process is giving a song a shot a few times. Sometimes it makes the cut; sometimes it inevitably falls off the setlist. “You want to get it under your wings and get it going,” he says. “I don’t know if you know how old we 162 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

are. We’re all in our 60s and so we know a ton of material. I tell people we could probably play for seven or eight hours straight and never repeat a song.” Even when they are not familiar with a song, playing together for such an extensive amount of time has fostered an intuition akin to telepathy. “Somebody requested a song that we’d never done as a band before and we played it and it was like we’ve been doing it together for years you know and that’s pretty much our process.” Given the amount of playtime certain songs get, personal favorites tend to fluctuate, careening in and out of their setlist. Recently, they added a few Eagles songs after they were requested at a gig in Madison, Mississippi. Wilson Pickett songs and “some old standard Stax Records out of Memphis stuff” like “634-5789,” are considered regulars. Also, a few people may recognize “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison in a majority of their performances. Recently they added “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone. Obligatory Beatles hits are prevalent, like “I Saw Her Standing There.” They’ll do about three Dwight Yoakam tunes, including “Little Sister.” They even do a little “swamp pop” and “a lot” of Creedence Clearwater Revival. They close a lot of their shows with the song “All Right Now” by the 1970s band Free. “It’s a great rock song; kind of brings the house down,” he emphasizes. Though the group plays at least three times a year at Enoch’s Pub & Grill, most of their work is out of state: Vicksburg, Jackson, the casino circuit near Memphis, Greenville, Greenwood, Meridian, Natchez, Hot Springs, Magnolia, El Dorado, and down the east coast of Texas. Though Smackwater is the kind of band you expect to hear at events with large gatherings, Cagle is particularly fond of small venues where the crowd is close. Festivals are also a compelling experience due to the short playing time and backline (the gear being pre-set on stage). Not to mention, “They’re fun!”

“I don’t know if you know how old we are. We’re all in our 60s and so we know a ton of material. I tell people we could probably play for seven or eight hours straight and never repeat a song.”

“We love playing here, you know,” says Steve, adding, “we look forward to playing more in our area.” The tight-knit group of musicians in the Northeast Louisiana community has always offered an environment of comradery. “We all think highly of one another.” Smackwater remains hopeful that things will continue to improve in our region regarding social restrictions loosening up, hopefully with a continued decrease of COVID-19 numbers. Last year, during the heat of the pandemic, the band lost about 50 jobs due to venue closures. “This year has been much better...things seem to be kind of picking back up,” he enthuses. This group of veteran musicians, with their deep well of performance experience and a continuous torrent of music knowledge, are the ticket to a smacking good time by way of songs we all know and love. Like any great party band, Smackwater knows how to get a crowd out on the dance floor. But they also know how to keep them there. Follow Smackwater on Facebook or visit their website (http:// www.smackwaterband.com) to learn more about their availability and booking. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 163

WHO WE ARE What started as a small non-profit in 2012, Ascent Health, Inc. (then Wraparound) has focused on influencing the community for good and working with children and their families in hopes of making a difference. Since then, we’ve worked with over 6,056 hurting youth and their families believing each can live an elevated life. Time and time again, love wins. It’s not about pointing out what someone did wrong. It’s about doing what we say we’re going to do and finding hope where there was none. We have watched children come into our services wanting to take their own lives and two years later been able to cheer them on as they cross a stage to receive a diploma. The situation was never easy and often we would sit in the office trying to figure out what we could do differently. There have been times when staff have cried together, sought advice and sat not knowing the answers. But each small success led to a piece of hope that moved us on to the next moment, the next wave of success, which was desperately needed to continue. At times we did not know if we had anything left to give, but we continued to love and find new ways of support. WHAT WE DO “No one had faith in me until Ascent.” We have sat across numerous mothers, often at the end of their rope. When we see their faces and hear these words, it reminds us of the differences that we are making in the lives of families in our community. Our busy lives are often filled with “What went wrong?” and “What are we going to do now?“ When we slow down, we see how strong people are. We recognize there are things we have done right. In those moments, greatness can be achieved. Over the last 8 ½ years, we have worked with numerous families, couples and individuals. We continue to be amazed at the pain and suffering so many people have endured. Every time we believe we have seen it all, we meet a family that has experienced more than we can imagine. Thinking about our own families, there have been times where we thought we wouldn’t make it. Certainly, we would fail at being parents, spouses, or to meet financial obligations. In our darkest times, community surrounded each of our families to lift us up. Ascent is about surrounding people with what they need and empowering their own strengths to meet their goals. Wraparound Services The central focus of Wraparound Services is on youth who are at risk of being placed out-ofhome or in an alternative school. Our mission is to bring hope where it has been lost. Services are available to those from ages 5-20 who are dealing with complex social, behavioral, or mental health issues. We provide individualized, family focused care understanding that each family is unique. Our team-based approach values collaboration with the family and community members, understanding that no one can achieve success alone. We know everyone has been empowered with unique gifts and responsibilities and that everyone’s story matters. It is our belief that by joining with others, lasting change and success can happen. Biofeedback At Ascent, we offer biofeedback, neurofeedback and counseling services. With a holistic approach, our goal is to help our clients tackle the root of the problem instead of just the symptoms. By doing biofeedback, the client gains awareness of what is going on in their body and empowers them to utilize learned skills in their daily lives. It works through self-regulation and incorporates technology with mental health care. In both biofeedback and neurofeedback, sensors are placed on the body and measure brain activity, temperature, respiration, heart rate, skin conduction. Biofeedback is known to help many symptoms including focus issues, sleep disorders, anxiety, addiction, learning problems, memory issues, and sensory problems. We now provide our Brain Fitness Program for COVID-19 survivors suffering from post-viral neurological issues such as brain fog, reduced concentration, and anxiety. HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL Anyone can refer a youth to our Wraparound program and the best way to do that is on our website at www.ascentlife.org or by calling our office at (318) 654-4245. Biofeedback referrals can be made by calling our office at (318) 654-4245 and asking to speak with one of our Board-Certified Biofeedback Clinicians. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 165

HELP US CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY The holidays should be a time to make happy memories with family. But they can be a very difficult time of the year for the 3,524 children in Louisiana who have experienced abuse or neglect. They are attending court hearings, adjusting to new foster homes and transitioning to new schools. That is a heavy burden for a child to carry alone. HELP MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON A CHILD’S LIFE AA Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, is a caring, consistent adult for a child who is experiencing the loneliness and uncertainty of foster care this holiday season. Children with a dedicated volunteer by their side have someone to speak up for their best interest in the court room and help them find the road home, wherever that lies. CASA Volunteers make sure that every child heals from the trauma they have endured and thrives throughout the remainder of their childhood. CASA of Northeast Louisiana is a network for 11 parishes and 5 judicial districts in North Louisiana. CASA volunteers are made up of community volunteers who have a heart for children and a desire to make a difference in their community. AS a CASA Volunteer, you can mean the difference for a child between homelessness and a safe home, between dropping out of school and completing school, between unemployment and success, between serving time and serving the community as a happy, productive member of society. HOW TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR COMMUNITY Research suggests that children who have been assigned a CASA Volunteer tend to spend less time in court and less time in the foster care system. Judges have observed that CASA children also have a better chance of finding a safe and permanent home. Children with a CASA receive more services critical to their well being and are more likely to succeed in school. By supporting children as they mature and become young adults, we reduce the likelihood they will face incarceration, homelessness, or long term unemployment. CASA programs engage members of the community to transform the lives of children who have experienced trauma and tragedy, increasing public transparency and accountability. By standing up for a child in foster care, you are changing your community, one child at time. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Because the role of the CASA is so important, extensive training is required, as well as a thorough background screening. After completion, volunteers are sworn in by a local Judge as Advocates. Once sworn in, the CASA Volunteer will act as another set of eyes and ears for the Judge - gathering information, interviewing key people in the child’s life, and reviewing important documents. These facts are presented to the Judge in the form of a court report. An Advocate Supervisor will walk each step of the way with you. The entire process is both rewarding and fascinating. CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life, with different levels of education, and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Visit us today to find more ways you can help at www.casaofnela.org or 318-3980945. We would love to share our mission with you! NEXT TRAINING BEGINS JANUARY 20, 2022

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OUR MISSION The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. We strive to provide quality education in safe nurturing environments to meet the needs in the areas of early childhood, healthy living, parenting and youth development. WHO DO WE SERVE AND WHAT IS OUR IMPACT Headquartered in Downtown Monroe, we serve the northeast region of Louisiana. With over 20 programs, we focus on providing services that educate, advocate, and care for the children and the adults who care for them. Our programs include Early Head Start, which provides quality child care for children from birth through age three. Child Care Connections help parents find quality child care, as well as provides pro-active based coaching and training to child care providers throughout the year. Al’s Pals teaches preschool children the social-emotional and resiliency skills to make healthy choices. Signs of Suicide is vital now more than ever to help middle school students recognize signs of depression and suicide in not only themselves but others around them. Students, teachers, school nurses, and community members are also trained to recognize signs and concerns in students and youth. Our Family Resource Centers provide families in the DCFS and foster care system with family skill building and visit coaching to help reunite families. U-ACT selects ambassadors to draw awareness and a plan to address underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in Union Parish. HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Volunteer with us during Super Saturday, held the third Saturday of each month. In addition to cleaning our Early Start playgrounds, volunteers can also enjoy helping with the activities in the Origin Bank Family Garden intended to promote positive family interactions, garden-based learning, healthy living, art and movement. BECOME A MEMBER! Your financial gift is ESSENTIAL to helping us respond to our community when support is most needed. Your donation and membership allow us to continue underfunded programs like Signs of Suicide, Nurturing Fathers, Youth Development and Healthy Living. You can find membership and donation information on our website childrenscoalition.org. OWN A LOUISIANA BUSINESS? Did you know you can designate your state tax dollars to stay and be used in Northeast Louisiana? The School Readiness Tax Credit (SRTC) is the ideal way to invest in the future of your community. Businesses with a Louisiana Tax ID can receive a dollar-for-dollar refundable tax credit in any amount up to $5,000. You have the power to decide to direct your tax dollars into programs that support early child care. EVENTS We encourage you to join our mailing list and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to mark your calendars for events like The Children’s Coalition Dragon Boat Festival, Super Saturday, Dia de la Familia, National Prescription Take Back Days and so much more. For more information on donations, volunteering, events, and trainings please visit childrenscoalition.org.

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D BANK

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

PROVIDING FOOD, HOPE, AND DIGNITY For many of us, the holiday season brings up memories of turkey, ham, our favorite casseroles and pies, all shared around a table with family and friends. But for the 1 in 5 people in Northeast Louisiana who struggle with hunger, the holidays can look very different. You can provide the gift of food and hope this holiday season by supporting the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. And from November 1st till December 25th, your donations to the Food Bank will be matched thanks to ATMOS Energy. The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Northeast Louisiana, providing over 7 million pounds of food annually to our neighbors who are food insecure. This impact is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, food donors and community distribution partners. Your support helps our neighbors in need put food on their tables during the holidays and throughout the year. OUR PROGRAMS Partner Agencies The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana distributes food to over 60 non-profit community partner agencies that operate local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger relief programs. These agencies are located in neighborhoods throughout 12 parishes in Northeast Louisiana and serve low income people in need of food assistance. Senior Program This program helps over 1,400 low-income senior citizens, aged 60 and older, stretch their food budgets by providing them with supplemental food each month. Seniors living on fixed incomes often have to choose between covering the cost of life-saving medications and buying the food they need to stay healthy. BackPack Program The BackPack Program provides children with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other resources are not available. We provide Backpacks for 800 students every week at 19 Ouachita and Lincoln Parish schools. Disaster Relief As a disaster responder, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana stands ready to provide immediate assistance to our member agencies, disaster shelters and community members affected by disaster. HOW TO HELP Donate Money For every $10 donated, we are able to provide 55 meals to those in need. Your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of hungry people living in Northeast Louisiana. Donate by mail or on our website. You can also host a fundraiser online to help our mission – visit our website for details. Donate Food Organize or participate in a food drive at your school, workplace, or civic club. Visit our website for a list of most needed items and tips for planning a successful food drive. Donate Your Time The Food Bank could not be successful without the many wonderful volunteers that pack food for our Senior and BackPack programs, assist with office work and help at events. We also have virtual volunteer opportunities that can be done from home. Call our volunteer coordinator or visit our website to learn more. Open a Community Feeding Program If your church or non-profit agency would like to have a food pantry or a community meal program, we’d love to talk with you. We have information on our website that you can review to learn more, or please call 318-322-3567. FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY. FIGHTING HUNGER. 168 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

OUR MISSION The Junior League of Monroe is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. ABOUT US Since 1930, members of the Junior League of Monroe have devoted countless volunteer hours to meet the needs of the people and organizations of our community. Community leaders have always looked to the JLM for leadership in starting new community programs. As a result, the JLM has often been the catalyst that turned an idea into a successful program that benefited many in our area. Here are a few examples of programs that we have started: CASA- Court Appointed Special Advocate, Teen Screen, Shots for Tots, Teen Court, Operation Abstinence, Project Child. Our most recent program is Hygiene Care Closets at 6 local schools which supply students with basic hygiene products that they may not otherwise have access to. 2020-2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President- Mary Francis Siggers President Elect- Tiffany O’Neal Communications VP- Kelsey Bohl Community VP- Carol Anne Lenard Financial VP- Suhan Wallace Assistant Financial VP- April Hammett Membership Development VP- Haley Holley Planning and Research VP- Amy Miller Advisory Planning Chair- Allison Earl Nominating and Placement Chair- Lauren Voorhees Corresponding Secretary- Melinda Minniefield Fund Development VP- Lisa Hammett Sustainer Advisor- Melissa Kiper COMMUNITY IMPACT Tools and Literacy for Children/Education Task Force - TLC is a program that addresses the overall needs of at risk children and families in our community by focusing on an adopted school each year. The committee concentrates on physical, emotional, and educational needs with initiatives like parent nights and providing uniforms and school supplies. The Education Task Force committee awards mini grants to teachers throughout our community to fund on-going classroom projects of their choice. Community Service Outreach - This committee volunteers with different organizations related to our community impact focus, Helping Women and Children at Risk. The Community Service Outreach committee aims to provide volunteer and leadership opportunities for members to advance in the league and other areas of the committee. These volunteer opportunities allow our members to see a vast variety of community projects with an immediate impact. Three main Community Service Outreach projects include Care Closets in local schools providing children with basic hygiene and care items, Cinderella Project which allows Junior and Senior girls the opportunity to select a prom dress and accessories at no cost to them and the W.E.C.A.R.E. initiative that is catered to NELA professional women in need of professional attire and career-enhancing resources free of charge. Endowment Grant Fund - The purpose for establishing the Endowment Fund was to give the Junior League of Monroe, Inc. the ability to share its resources with other non-for-profit programs, positively impacting our community independent of fundraisers. This fund allows us to grant $18k annually which contributes to the future of the women, children, and community culture of the Monroe Area. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 169

ABOUT US Life Choices is a 501 (c) 3, non profit organization, primarily funded through the kindness of our community through churches, businesses and individuals. It began in 1979 out of Dr. Meade O’Boyle’s office as an alternative to abortion. Life Choices offers pregnancy tests and information in a caring and confidential environment. We provide information on choices regarding an unplanned pregnancy. Life Choices also offers ultrasound, counseling,post abortive counseling and abstinence education. In addition, the HOPE program is designed for material assistance throughout the pregnancy and the first year of the baby’s life. All of our services are free of charge. MISSION STATEMENT Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, is a mission, in active obedience to Jesus Christ, that saves young women and their unborn babies from the consequences of abortion by: • Equipping people involved in unexpected pregnancy to make life-affirming choices by giving them information on fetal development, adoption, and the procedures and risks of abortion • Educating young people about the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage and equipping and encouraging them to live chaste (morally pure) and responsible lives; • Helping people suffering from post-abortion stress to find healing, and communicating the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ BOARD MEMBERS Mark Anyan Phillip Brooks Tom Deal Paulla Foster Rebecca Frye

Frank Hoffman Wynn Lawrence Lynn Lincecum Wendell Manning Todd Sherwin

Linda Trimble Cindi Wainwright Enaka Yembe

SERVICES Life Choices of Monroe offers the following services to girls and women seeking pregnancy counseling, abortion counseling, and abortions in Louisiana: • • • • •

Pregnancy tests Ultrasounds HOPE program Community resource referrals One time emergency assistance

Life Choices also provides speakers for groups and events and abstinence educational material for schools and churches. HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Volunteer – Serve as a peer counselor or mentor to girls in our programs. • Give Financially - Every 24 seconds a baby dies from abortion in the United States. We created our 24 club, where you can donate $24 a month to help save lives. • Group Projects – Get your church group or friends involved to make baby blankets or host a baby shower for Life Choices. • Donate – You can donate diapers as well as new or gently worn baby clothes. These items will be available for new moms participating in Life Choices programs. • Church Liaison – We work with local churches and you can serve as a the contact person for Life Choices in your church. • Prayer – On your own or with a Bible study group or church, you can intentionally and specifically pray for Life Choices, the staff and the girls participating in our programs. 170 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

OUR MISSION It is Louisiana Delta Ballet’s goal to bring quality ballet to North Louisiana in order to educate our young people in arts enjoyment and appreciation, as well as to enthuse the community at large in the passion of ballet. We strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation for dance performance and to further the growth of the arts through the development of an audience sensitive to the importance of all artistic undertakings. ABOUT US The Company consists of pre-professional dancers from a sixteen parish area of North Louisiana. LDB has become a vessel for dancers to pursue a professional dance career and has also contributed to an increase in the appreciation for the arts in the community. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Downhour, President Jeanine Patton, Vice President/Secretary Cruse Flowers, Vice President/Public Relations Connie Walden, Treasurer Josh Barham Gene Crain Joan Edinger

Evelyn Johnson Tommy Usrey Lacy Miletello Zeke Wetzell Rochelle Williams Melissa Kiper Teresa Scurria

STAFF Missy Crain, Artistic Directo Colette Boutwell, Assistant Artistic Director Elmarie Wessels , Assistant Artistic Director Parker Finley, LDB Instructor and Rehearsal Assistant Jenny Hendricks and Jennifer Thomas, Guild Presidents Mike George, Past President-Elect

ADVISORY BOARD: Barry Stevens

UPCOMING EVENTS An Enchanted Christmas “An Enchanted Christmas,” based on the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast, follows Mrs. Potts, Lumiere and Cogsworth as they take us back to a different time when there was no Christmas celebration at the Castle. Through love, giving and selflessness, we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Special School Performances, December 13-16 – 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at the Monroe Civic Center Theatre. Call 318-345-1155 to reserve your class today! Gala Performance, Friday, December 17 - 7:30 p.m. at the Monroe Civic Center Theatre. Patron Party at 6:30 p.m. Theatre doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at the Monroe Civic Center Box Office, by calling 318-345-1155 or at louisianadeltaballet.com. Power and Grace, the Easter Celebration – March 19, 2022 LDB is once again bringing back by popular demand our signature ballet. Join us as our amazing LDB dancers along with local and professional vocalists and community leaders provide you with an uplifting and inspiring performance like no other. Monroe Civic Center Theatre – 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the Monroe Civic Center Box Office, by calling 318-345-1155 or at louisianadeltaballet.com. Group rates will be available. Dancing With the Louisiana Stars – April 1, 2022 Cha Cha your way to the Monroe Civic Center Arena and watch your favorite local celebrities and personalities compete for the 2022 Championship title! Cocktails and hors de Oeuvres will be served at 6:00 p.m. (included for all table purchases). Performance and Competition begins at 7:00 p.m. Call 318-345-1155 to reserve your table. Tables sold on a first come, first serve basis. General admission tickets also available.

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OUR HISTORY The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum is a regional educational learning place where children are introduced to hands-on interaction through play. The Museum opened its doors in 1998 in downtown Monroe with 12 interactive exhibits and a commitment to offer families a place to learn and grow together. During its first full year of operation, over 15,000 children, parents and teachers visited and explored this new educational attraction. In 2004, the exhibit space doubled in size and several new permanent exhibits were added. The Children’s Museum was founded by two Educator/moms who both relocated to Monroe looking for a small southern town to raise their families and be active members of their new community. While researching the area’s needs, these educators felt strongly that the focus of their community involvement should be in early childhood education. The critical piece in the development of the museum was, and continues to be, enhancing educational opportunities for the children who are raised here. Because they love their adopted hometown and continue to see the benefits of raising their families here, they want the children who come to play to also see the benefit of raising their own families here. This is achievable by providing innovative experiences that continually engage and challenge young minds. Over the years, The Children’s Museum has expanded its programming and events to include Santa’s Christmas Village, Easter Village, educational workshops, outreach programs, family concerts, birthday parties and much much more! Today an average of 50,000 visitors come to play, learn, celebrate, and enjoy time together each year. And the future looks even brighter! A long-awaited opportunity has arisen that will allow us to partner with the City of Monroe (and surrounding region) to relocate to the center of Forsythe Park and construct a more spacious, modern museum that will meet the needs of children and families for the next generation. Follow our progress on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NELAChildrensMuseumatForsythePark SPONSORSHIPS The Children’s Museum is a not-for-profit Louisiana corporation. Major funding is provided through contributions from local, regional, and national corporations, civic organizations, foundations, grants, businesses, and individuals. Our biggest fundraisers are Santa’s Christmas Village and Easter Village. We also have sponsorship opportunities for our outdoor and drive in movie nights, free admission days, and family concerts and events. OUTREACH PROGRAMS STEM: We bring the field trip fun to you! Choose from over 30 options. Stuffee: Learn about the function of the human body and the importance healthy food choices. Earth Balloon: Walk around and inside our 16 foot globe. Review the continents, oceans, animals, and more. Healthy Heart: Identify the parts of heart, learn the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and why to take care of your heart from an early age. ADMISSION & MEMBERSHIPS $6 per person (ages 1+) | Group Rate: $4 per person for groups of 15 or more Family Memberships Include: FREE Admission for 1 year for you 4 family members. (Additional members can be added), Family Wall Plaque on display, Discounts on Summer camps and workshops and 1/2 price admission to special events including Santa’s Christmas Village and Easter Village. Cost: $125 per year ANNUAL GIVING KEEPS US GOING! For donations visit Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum through PayPal or visit nelcm.org. Come play with us in our big “Purple Box of Fun!”

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OUR MISSION Our mission is to provide free air transportation to those patients needing diagnosis and treatment at medical facilities not available to them locally. Our goal is to eliminate the burden of travel allowing the patient to concentrate on getting well. ABOUT US Pilots for Patient is a Louisiana based 501 (c) 3 non-profit volunteer pilot organization, established in 2008. We provide air transportation completely free of charge for qualified patients and requesting agencies. The volunteer pilots donate their time, fuel, aircraft, and other flight expenses to fly these patients to and from their treatment facilities. In 2008, Pilots for Patients began as a small group of 5 pilots. Now, 13 years later, we are a group of over 150 pilots reaching patients across the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. We fly patients of all ages and work closely with children’s hospitals such as Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston and St. Jude’s in Memphis, TN, and MD Anderson in Houston along with many others. Averaging 15-30 missions a week, Pilots for Patients has now flown over 6,000 missions and counting. Over the last 13 years Pilots for Patients has given back over 5 million dollars in in-kind services. A dedicated and compassionate group of office personnel and other volunteers coordinate travel for patients going to and from these medical treatment facilities. WHO PILOTS FOR PATIENTS HELPS Patients that travel with Pilots for Patients must be medically stable and ambulatory. They must be able to climb into a small private aircraft and sit upright for the duration of the flight. They must not have any medical condition that prevents them from flying in an unpressurized aircraft. No medical care is provided in flight. Pilots for Patients currently limits flights to approximately 300-350 miles. Requests for longer distances may be considered on a case by case basis, where we would link missions with other Air Care Alliance groups. Requests can be made by qualified medical personnel online on our website. Patients can also download the necessary forms and take them to their medical facility to be completed and faxed to the Pilots for Patients office. Patients can also contact the office to discuss their travel needs. We currently require a five to seven day lead time to arrange the flights. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Philip Thomas, President; Phil Coyne, Vice President; Wayne Petrus, Treasurer; Sal Miletello, Secretary; Dr. Bruce Walker, Director; Sharon Thomas, Director; Donald Imhoff, Director. OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP Pilots for Patients continually balances the Pilots, Patients, and Patrons. One is not possible without the other two. We accept donations by mail and through our website. We are constantly on the pursuit to recruit more pilots and spread the word of PFP throughout the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Support for advertising through word of mouth, TV, radio, and social media are greatly appreciated. EVENTS August 21: Pilots for Patients hosted an annual fundraiser called The Prop Blast: A Wine Pairing. It was a night of wine pairing with hors d’oeuvres along with live and silent auctions. The wonderful night of fun was an opportunity for locals to help support our patient outreach and pilot recruitment. October 23: PFP luncheon hosted the annual luncheon and awards ceremony celebrating our patients, pilots, and patrons. It was held at the PFP hangar where there was wonderful food and fellowship.

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ST. FRANCIS FOUNDATION – SUPPORTING WOMEN’S, CHILDREN’S AND CRITICAL CARE SERVICES FOR NEARLY A DECADE For nearly a decade, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation has been honored to help provide financial support for the hospital’s Women’s Children’s and Critical Care services. Funds are raised through two signature events, the St. Francis Foundation Golf Classic/Tennis Tournament, and our annual raffle, along with generous gifts from our donors and the business community. Our fundraising activities have given us the opportunity to provide cutting-edge equipment upgrades, enhanced services and expanded access to specialized care. We have also been able to rebuild our PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), expand our adult ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and add a much-needed helipad to increase critical access to lifesaving care for our entire region. Always looking toward the future, we are excited to help support the upcoming renovation and redesign of our NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). This project includes layout changes to improve workflow for our medical staff, allows for increased bonding and educational opportunities for parents and enhances the overall experience for both patients and their families. We are very pleased to be a part of helping to continue to move St. Francis Forward. The Foundation is led by a volunteer board of directors comprised of committed individuals and business leaders in our community who work to ensure adequate resources are secured to support the hospital’s critical needs to continue the healthcare mission: Stuart W. Keyes, Lumen (Chair); Judge Milton Moore (Past Chair); Evelyn Johnson (Secretary); Terri Hicks, St. Francis Medical Center, CFO (Treasurer); Christian Creed, Creed & Creed; John Davis, M.D., Radiology Associates; Tori Fisher, Antares Ventures LLC; Ashanti Jones, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Debbie Luffey, Damon Marsala, Marsala Beverage; Rolf Morstead, M.D., St. Francis Medical Center, Chief of Staff; Alise Oliver; Jessica Nugent, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union; Jonathan Perry, Chauvin Bayou Market; Amber Shemwell, M.D., The Woman’s Clinic; Hillary Sirmon, Rev. Clarence Smith, St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary; William Sparks, Sparks Nissan Kia; Mark Sutton, LA Construction Group; Steve Taylor, Car Town; Colby Weaver Walker, InterMountain Management; Ashley West, Progressive Bank, Cynthia Woodard, Kristin Wolkart, St. Francis Medical Center, Aimee D. Kane, St. Francis Medical Center Foundation and Sister Mary Ann Sepulvado, O.S.F. A leader in Women’s, Children’s and Critical Care services, St. Francis Medical Center is grateful to be able to provide such a high level of care for our region. Families come from all over northeast Louisiana, as well as Mississippi and Arkansas, to have St. Francis deliver and care for their children through our Level II OB/Labor & Delivery, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Level II Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and dedicated Pediatric Unit. Our NICU has a team of more than 80 nurses, respiratory therapists, case managers, lactation consultants, physical and occupational therapists, neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners who have been providing the highest level of care for premature babies at St. Francis for over 40 years. Our specialized neonatal transport team transports some of the most fragile critical care babies from all over Northeast Louisiana. Additionally, the pediatric and PICU team consists of specialized physicians in the areas of neurology, neurosurgery and cardiology, along with specialized pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners and staff who care for the entire family. Our adult ICU and critical care services allow us to care for the sickest of the sick. Never have these services been more needed than in the past eighteen months. However, even when our public health is not being threatened by a global pandemic such as Covid-19, these vital services are utilized by those who are suffering from trauma, stroke, cardiac arrest and many more life-threatening conditions. Access to highly specialized physicians and medical staff is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our region and we are so pleased to be able to offer this level of life-saving care. Every gift to the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation allows us to meet the healthcare needs of our community and enhance the quality of care received at St. Francis. For information on how you can contribute, please go to stfranfoundation.com or call 966-7833. Thank you for your generosity and support!

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STRAUSS HISTORY For over 90 years Strauss Theatre Center has been one of Louisiana’s leading community theatres. Plays, musicals, dinner theatres, and other artistic endeavors are produced by a talented group of hundreds of volunteers, and a large, supportive membership, who have continued to be a strong artistic force in Northeast Louisiana, serving thousands of adults and youth. In May of 1932, a group calling themselves “The Community Players” was organized and a charter was approved to formally create The Little Theatre of Monroe. The first play, “The Whole Town’s Talking,” was presented in July, 1932, at the Grand Street Theatre. Over the next several years the group presented productions at a number of locations in the Twin Cities before finding a home in 1949 at Selman Field in the old Red Cross Recreation Building. One of the most significant happenings during the Selman Field period was the realization of a dream. In the audience of the production “The Pajama Game” was Mr. Clifford Strauss, who, seeing the tremendous success of the show, offered to donate $50,000 through the Carolyn Rose Strauss Foundation for a new theatre if the theatre would match it. Match it they did and then some. The total amount donated by the Strauss Foundation was over $200,00 before the building was finished. The theatre was renamed “Strauss Playhouse” in honor of Clifford Strauss’ father, Fred “Pap” Strauss. In 1967, Chris Ringham was hired and continued in the position of Executive Director for the next 35 years. During Chris’s leadership the theatre experienced extensive growth, both in the number of members and in several major additions and renovations to the physical structure. So, here we are, celebrating our 89th consecutive season and over 400 major productions of theatrical magic. Strauss Theatre Center provides the stage for local talent across all of North Louisiana. With our volunteers and the undying support of all you people who believe in the wonder of live theatre, we look forward to providing a limitless future of highest quality community theatre. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob Chambless, President Vickie Kruzter, Vice President Kris Kelley, Secretary Everett Tolbird, Treasurer Dr. Jo Ann Alley Cassey Bernstein David Emery

Scott Frick Fred Hill Taylor Michiels Patricia Morris Zach Parker Nash Patel Tanya Taylor Pesek

Bill Rambin Ross Slacks Pam Stratton Danielle Kelley Tolbird Christal Winfield-Wheeler Megan Wilkins

SPONSORSHIPS Area and local businesses have always been the key to the success of any performing or fine arts organization. We at the Strauss Theatre Center always encourage our community to support those businesses that support the theatre. By sponsoring a show, you are helping to keep the community spirit alive plus we are advertising your business to our membership. Other benefits of a sponsorship include: • Your name in the program, on our outside electronic marquee, and all other publicity • Recognition during the curtain speech for your show • Tickets available to you for the sponsored show We are very thankful to all of our sponsors who are the backbone of the theatre that allows us to provide the quality entertainment to this community. Please call (318)323-6681, email bom@ strausstheater.com or go online to strausstc.com. EVENTS The remaining shows are: • The Man Who Came To Dinner | Nov. 4,5,6,7,12,13 | Directed by Cassey Bernstein, Moira O’Connor • Nunsense | January 13,14,15,16, 20,21,22 | Directed by Scot Baronet • The Odd Couple The Female Version | March 17,18,19,20 25,26 | Directed by Taylor Michiels • Company | April 21, 22, 23, 24, 28,29 30 | Directed by Mickey Cannon, Terri Cunningham

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OUR MISSION Our mission is a simple one: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in His name without discrimination. Every day, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we pursue that mission—serving millions in the United States and around the world every year. As a faith-based social services provider, the Salvation Army is uniquely suited to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of poverty in individuals and families. Renowned management consultant, Peter Drucker, once said, “The Salvation Army is the most effective organization in America. No one even comes close to it in respect to clarity of mission, ability to innovate, measurable results, dedication, and putting money to maximum use.” ON A LOCAL LEVEL The Salvation Army of NELA has served 13 parishes in this area for 94 years. They have provided thousands of individuals with humanitarian care in disasters and in normal daily living situations. The Salvation Army of NELA provides shelter to the needy; as well as, feeding empty stomachs and hungry souls. They are rebuilding broken homes and broken lives. The Salvation Army of NELA offers hope to the hopeless and another chance, not a second chance, to all. DID YOU KNOW? The Salvation Army of NELA provided a 24/7 shelter for homeless men, women, and children during the Governor’s shelter in place order through May of 2021. The Salvation Army of NELA provided additional feeding services during the pandemic for low income individuals and families. The Salvation Army of NELA provided PPE gear, cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, and financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by the pandemic. Listed is a summary of our notable programs and services: • Shelter for men, women, and children • Community kitchen • Social Service Assistance (Rent, Utilities and Food) • Disaster services • Holiday assistance • Youth summer camp programs • Adult rehabilitation UPCOMING EVENT The Salvation Army presents “Doing The Most Good” for the Homeless Banquet to be held on November 9, 2021 at the Monroe Civic Center. The speaker will be Tom Lowe, the senior pastor of Christ Church in West Monroe, Sterlington, and Ruston. Under Tom Lowe’s leadership tenure, the church has grown to become one of the leading churches in North Louisiana with thousands in weekly worship attendance at three campuses. Tom serves on the Board of Directors of Destiny Ministries and as a coach and mentor to pastors locally and nationally. Tom and his wife Trina have a heart to see the North Louisiana region reached with the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. They love the people they serve at Christ Church and enjoy connecting on all levels. This banquet highlights the emergency homeless shelter which operates 365 days of the year. They provide men, women, and children shelter, meals, baths, and spiritual care while adhering to the guidelines set in place due to the recent pandemic. Tickets or sponsorships for this event can be purchased by calling The Salvation Army of NELA at 325-1755 or by ordering from www.eventbrite.com. Once on the website type in Salvation Army in the search field with location setting as Monroe and then click on “Doing The Most Good” For The Homeless Banquet.

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WHO WE ARE The Simple Project is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that is dedicated to showing and spreading God's love and Word to the homeless and less fortunate in the Northeast LA area. The Simple Project was founded in 2008 with a few tables, chairs, an enclosed trailer, and a desire to do God’s will. In 2010 The Simple Project was turned over to a new board of directors, but the mission never changed. OUR MISSION STATEMENT Love and value others above one’s self, care for the poor, broken, and hurting in our community, and let those who may be less fortunate know, they are not forgotten. WHO CONTRIBUTES Each week, different Churches, Clubs, Schools, and other organizations sign up to provide a meal, drinks, snacks, and fellowship. The Simple Project provides all of the tables, chairs, and cleaning supplies. The Simple Project also provides hygiene bags, toiletries, and clothes that have all been donated. SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY The Simple Project also assist and donates to other ministries in the area. They have and continue to partner with rural church’s food pantries and meal programs, veteran’s homeless shelters, and after prison ministries to name a few. WAYS TO GIVE They are funded through the grace of God and the generosity of so many by private donations and do not receive any government funding. “We are 100% GOD FUNDED!” If you would like to provide a meal please click the Meal Train link that is pinned at the top of their Facebook page. OUR LOCATION & DONATIONS In October of 2013, God provided The Simple Project with a new permanent location at 619 Wood St. in Monroe. If you are interested in donating directly to their Ministry, or if you have questions, please message them, via Facebook or contact Brent Bearden at 318-348-3078. Board of Directors Brent Bearden - President Paul Ezell - Vice President Tonya Ezell - Treasurer Joey Cole - Secretary Pete Castaldi Nikki Castaldi Jeremy Evans Ashley Evans Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests by each of you to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

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OUR MISSION Twin City Ballet achieves and inspires excellence in dance by offering mastery of the discipline, outstanding performances and community education and outreach. We take seriously our mission to provide quality training for our area’s talented young dancers, giving them opportunities to perform and provide superb entertainment for our community. ABOUT US Twin City Ballet Company, under the Artistic Direction of Linda Ford, Gretchen Jones, Michelle Harvey and Linda Lou Bourland, is a premiere regional dance company with over 50 years of commitment to community enrichment through artistic and educational excellence. Based in the Twin Cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana since 1970, the company offers a year-round program of performances and classes providing young dancers with training by an experienced faculty and world-renowned guest artists as performers, choreographers and teachers. The company embraces all styles of dance and has become a haven for exceptional dancers from a two-state region. The company enjoys the passionate support of its Board of Directors, Professional Board, Ballet Guild, enthusiastic Arts Council, area foundations and many local, state and national sponsors. Twin City Ballet’s Honor Company includes one Artist-in-Residence, a 27-member Senior Company and support and training groups. The company’s repertoire demonstrates our dancers’ versatile training, featuring classical and contemporary ballet, modern and jazz pieces. The Twin City Ballet kicked off our season with our Twin City Lip Sync Battle on October 28, 2021, featuring amazing contestants from our community as well as our junior and senior company as backup dancers. We are blown away by the community support we see through this event. We are blessed by the Twin Cities. To kick off the holiday season, on December 4th, we will be performing the beloved classic – The Nutcracker, Acts I and II. Step back in time with us to a Christmas Eve Party where Clara receives her beloved Nutcracker. To end the evening, we will venture into the beautiful Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Twin City Ballet is thrilled to bring both acts of this Tchaikovsky classic, featuring our beautiful company dancers and guest artists, to this community. It will be an unforgettable day – featuring a Nutcracker tea, matinee, our Festival of Trees and gala performance. We will wrap up our season in the spring under the star-studded sky at Kiroli Park with school performances and Ballet Under the Stars April 21-24, 2022. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Lavender Ford, Artistic Director Gretchen Jones, Associate Director Michelle Harvey, Assistant Director Linda Lou Bourland, Assistant Director Ruth Gist, Business Manager Charlotte Crawford, Costumer Brandi Cole, President Meghan Sellar President Elect Miranda Moss, Secretary

Tashia Hines, Treasurer Melissa Holton, VP/Marketing Ashley Burkett Judy Cousans Paula Ford Cindy Foust Jamie Guillot Kay Harrison Mallory Meredith

Melanie Moffett Miranda Moss Meredith Pilcher Meredith Smith Beth Swanner Kim Taylor Jessica Thornhill Wendy Waller Breanna Young

UPCOMING EVENTS December 4, 2021 Nutcracker Tea in the Land of Sweets • 9:30 a.m. | Matinee Performance of The Nutcracker • 11:00 a.m. Festival of Trees • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Christmas Gala Performance – The Nutcracker • 7:00 p.m. April 21-24, 2022 Ballet Under the Stars, Kiroli Park

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ABOUT UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA For over 65 years, United Way of Northeast Louisiana has been the unifying force that brings passionate individuals, businesses, government entities, and non-profits together to build a stronger, healthier community. This is accomplished by mobilizing partners and resources throughout the 12-parish region in a united effort to identify and respond to our community’s most critical needs. Their agenda is the community’s agenda. United Way of Northeast Louisiana stands with residents, business leaders, and policymakers to take action and strategically invest in making a meaningful difference in the lives of people in Northeast Louisiana. This is achieved through three main aspirations – Health, Education, and Financial Stability for every person in our community. UNITED WE WIN Over the last year, more than 51,000 households were pointed toward a better quality of life through the work of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. More specifically, nearly 13,000 families were equipped with the necessary resources to be successful in school and in life, almost 12,000 households gained access to economic opportunities, and 8,000+ volunteers and partners were mobilized to cultivate healthy and safe living. United Way of Northeast Louisiana supports many essential, day-to-day services in Northeast Louisiana, and investments from the community help make this possible. In addition to United Way’s ongoing work, they are tuned in to the most urgent and pressing needs. United Way connects people to information and resources through 211, responding to basic needs like housing and food for over 20,000 people in 2020. 211 can also help with current issues such as sexual assault awareness and support and the Opioid Crisis. And when our neighbors in south Louisiana were faced with devastation, United Way of Northeast Louisiana responded rapidly, providing the community the opportunity to volunteer, donate goods, and give monetarily. Now, more than ever, United Way of Northeast Louisiana needs the support of people like you to do what they do best – fight for lasting change in Northeast Louisiana. For more information, call 211 or visit unitedwaynela.org. UNITED WE FIGHT FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Maintaining healthy and safe individuals, families, and communities in our area is one of the many priorities of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. This aspiration is achieved through two main goals. The first is that all of us live in a safe and healthy environment. The second is that our community is strong and more inclusive. By working with partner agency programs and coordinating collaborative and initiative efforts, United Way of Northeast Louisiana makes measurable and positive change in the health of our community. UNITED WE FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN It is crucial for our children to build a strong educational foundation in order to succeed as adults. United Way of Northeast Louisiana aspires to ensure that all children, youth, and young adults in our community excel after they graduate high school. This is achieved by ensuring children ages 0-3 enter preschool ready, by providing tools and support enabling elementary students to become ready for middle school, as well as equipping young adults to have the foundation needed to successfully enter the workforce. By working with local partner agency programs that share the same goal of advancing children toward a positive future and coordinating collaborative and initiative efforts, real change has been made in our community's children. UNITED WE FIGHT FOR EVERYONE’S ECONOMIC STABILITY Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive economically in our community. This is achieved through providing accessible, adequate, and sustainable resources; by providing effective pathways to manage current income and eventually increase that income; and giving those most vulnerable the chance to live with dignity and independence. All of these goals come together to support our local economy as a whole. From partnerships with agencies providing programs for positive avenues, to financial stability, to collaboratives and initiatives that teach high school student financial literacy, United Way of Northeast Louisiana continues to see positive growth in our community.

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OUR MISSION To strengthen and value individuals and families through professional services and community leadership with compassion and integrity. ABOUT US Founded in 1931, The Wellspring is one of the state’s oldest and most effective non-profits. The Wellspring is an umbrella organization focused on leading our community in serving people in need. Strengthening the lives of individuals and families is the tie that binds our programs together. We are steadfastly committed to the vision that has seen us now into our ninth decade – building thriving, healthy communities based on strong individuals and families. COMMUNITY IMPACT Changing our community, one life at a time. The Wellspring makes Northeast Louisiana stronger by helping individuals and families from all walks of life overcome challenges, identify resources and develop workable solutions. Our mission is at work each day through the comprehensive, professional services The Wellspring offers: • Youth development and empowerment services – We offer mentoring, social-emotional life skills, Chase Leadership Academy, Civic Engagement Institutes, job readiness and leadership programs for youth. • Therapy and Supervised Visitation – The Counseling & Family Development Center (CFDC) specializes in family/relational work and provides evidence based, trauma informed services for those who have experienced violence, trauma and abuse. The CFDC is the Accredited Sexual Assault Center as well as the Supervised Visitation Center for this area. Learn more about this program by calling (318) 323-1505. • Support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking – We offer comprehensive residential and non-residential services to adults and their children who are in or who have experienced violent, abusive relationships. The Wellspring is the lead agency in the Family Justice Center of Ouachita Parish and provides on-site services throughout Northeast Louisiana. • Support for the homeless – We have an array of homeless and Veterans’ programs and services throughout Northeast Louisiana serving some of our region’s most vulnerable individuals and families who are homeless, chronically homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cody Bauman, Chair Darian Atkins, Chair-Elect Cindy Gordon, Treasurer Aimee Buchanan, Secretary Donecia Banks-Miley, Member-at-Large Walter Allen Dean Baugh Judy Bell Bradley Bridges Christina Davis DeLayne Donnell

Melissa Ducote Ashley Ellis Charles Gardner Herbert Guillory Heather Guillot Bill Hendrix Katie Herring Aimee Kane Chris Thomas Tammy Washington

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES You can provide philanthropic support to The Wellspring in a variety of ways. Giving opportunities include corporate giving, individual giving, in-kind donations, honorarium and memorial gifts, event sponsorships, endowment and planned giving, and more. Donations to The Wellspring can be received over the phone at (318) 323-1505, online at wellspringofnela.org, or by mail to 1515 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA 71202. To give on the go, download the Givelify app on your mobile device and select The Wellspring! UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, November 30, 2021, 5:30 p.m. Patriot Square, Winnsboro 180 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

For more information about our upcoming events, please call (318) 323-1505.

Textured Treasures

From little black dresses to waffle sweaters, embroidered jackets to velvet suits, these looks from area boutiques are seasonal treasures.

Model: Savannah Thomas Photography by Kelly Moore Clark MUAH: Meka Bennett Reliford

PALETTE HOUSE AND PLUME This short and sassy Jacquard dress has a raised floral motif woven into the fabric, and sculptured drape that stands away from the body and creates volume perfect for holiday parties.

THE NUDE NOMAD Make a luxe statement in this olive tunic featuring alluring floral embroideries and ultra-soft silk fabrication. Pair it with a beautiful burnt orange cowl-neck camisole and lavish silk velvet pants, with a patchwork-style print and a flattering palazzo silhouette. Finish the look with nude heels and statement necklaces.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE Located inside Simmons’ Sporting Goods This comfy outfit is great for days spent with family or out shopping. These super skinny denim jeans are paired with super soft color block sweater and suede booties.

DUSTY & COMPANY Looking for the most comfortable jean around? This outfit pairs Judy Blue mid-rise skinny jeans with a soft, cream, long-sleeve tee. Layer with an oversized button-down and accessorize with a layered necklace and cheetah print hat.

HERRINGSTONE’S This blazer and pant in a rich blue hue is perfect for holiday parties or a night on the town. Wear with a mock neck satin top and gorgeous sienna scarf for a luxe look. Accessorize with purple quartz earrings and strappy heels with gold chain detailing.

HEMLINE MONROE These belted leather shorts are a must-have for fall. Pair them with a long sleeve body suit and super chic plaid woven cream jacket. Finish the look with black cheetah high-tops, a deep green hat and star threaded gold earrings.

BAYOUOUTDOORS

SMOKE POLE

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON | PHOTGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK | ITEMS AVAILABLE AT SIMMON’S SPORTING GOODS

f you examine the history of weapons and compare it to the seasons granted to hunters in our area, you will see a very definite trend. In ancient times there is evidence of various weapons for hunting. It started with lances and spears but soon developed into stick and string and stayed that way all the way up until the development and settlement of the western United States. Bows were used by native cultures as well as in medieval times. With the invention of gunpowder, it gradually moved to a more proficient but still primitive and barbaric use of firearms, cannonry and other devices that would push projectiles in a more efficient manner. Bows and crossbows even in early European countries was the choice of warriors and hunters alike. If you compare this trend to our seasons and available weapons, you will see that we start with a bow in October, then primitive firearms and then to modern weapons to hunt deer. But even bows today have lost that primitive history and can now be effective up to at least 100 yards. Purists will 188 NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

scoff at compound bows and cross bows and it does create a big challenge when the hunter decides to take a recurve bow to hunt big game animals. I respect a hunter who can be successful with a recurve as the distance is quite shortened and the pay back is the knowledge that being able to achieve this is quite an accomplishment. Compound bows now are super fast, efficient and deliver the knock down power needed to humanely and quickly dispatch your animal. There are many shapes, sizes and models to choose from with the two most popular brands being Matthews and Hoyt. These bows sport over sized cams and with the correct arrow are reliable and are prized by bow hunters nationwide. In Louisiana, the powers that be finally realized that dispatching of animals in a humane manner was more important than restricting the manner when comparing a compound or recurve to a crossbow. It used to be that the hunter had to have a disability such as shoulder issues or extremity limits to be able to use a crossbow. Now any licensed hunt can use any of the three bow choices and for

the most part in our area be able to hunt from October 1st to the end of January (state bag limits apply). Then we move to muzzleloaders. Call them a smoke pole, primitive weapon or your favorite rifle but the difference between a muzzleloader and modern rifle has one major difference: one shot capacity with no reserve ammunition in the weapon. In the old days, the smoke pole got its name as a true muzzleloader where the power (poured down the barrel in a specific load weight), then the patch to pack the round, then the ball or round was forced down the barrel with a rod or metal rod and jammed against the power. Later on the development of gun powder pellets allowed the hunter to accurately put the correct amount without measuring. The technique was the same and the concept was simple. Constrain the power and bullet/ball and ignite it from the rear causing the powder to explode and send the round down the barrel. After the shot is fired you will discover that black gunpowder produces a cloud of smoke...thus the name “smokepole.”

RANDY’S TIPS ON

GUN SAFETY Never smoke when using a primitive muzzleloader. A hot ash can set off the charge just like pulling the trigger. Always clean your gun after unloading it. Unload by removing the rear primer seal and rod out the charge and round from the rear to muzzle to prevent harming the rifling in the barrel. Make sure you have no source of a spark when dealing the removing the charge of the weapon. Clean the weapon with a solvent and relube the barrel with “gun butter” to assure the rust and corrosion is killed. Never used a spray product like oil or WD40 on your working parts of your gun. They all contain moisture. Store gunpowder in a dry, safe place. Never store canned gunpowder in the open or inside your home unless in a sealed, metal gun cabinet. Never load your weapon and transport it in a vehicle, UTV or when climbing up or down a tree stand. Never pull a loaded gun up to your tree stand. Make sure the gun is unloaded and in a case. Lastly, if you use a primitive weapon remember this big tip. A delayed charge is dangerous. If you pull the trigger and nothing happens, keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction for at least 2 minutes. Take out your primer and unload the charge immediately FROM THE REAR, not the muzzle. Randy has taken many deer with his muzzleloader and has a few tips on the actual hunt as well. He advises: Know your rifle. Shoot it regularly and know your limits. Large bullets such as popular in the in line rifles have a severe drop at long distances. Remember that and know your elevations. Keep your weapon clean. This is so important from a function and safety perspective.

The old muzzleloaders had serious flaws. One, moisture was a severe issue. This caused misfires and delayed firing. You are holding the weapon, pull the trigger and all that ignites is the flint or primer. This could mean either no shot goes off or worst yet it delays and goes off unexpectedly. The other issue was the amount of necessary gear that you must carry to hunt with this weapon. Primer, powder, ramming rod and a cleaning tool to keep the ignition port clean. Compared to a modern rifle, you only need the rifle, cartridges and a scope cover. My how things have changed! Randy Ogles from Holly Ridge, LA is a certified Hunter Safety Instructor for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and an avid muzzleloader hunter. According to him, the popularity of muzzleloader hunting has grown for the most part due to the new modern “in line” muzzleloader now legal in Louisiana. This modern muzzleloader has changed deer hunting in our area. Not only is it easier to not be encumbered with old age technology but the new weapons are safer and easier to maintain and use. According to Randy, cleanup of the modern in line weapon compared to the old style muzzleloaders is the fact that there is less gumming up by damp gunpowder in the weapon. This serves the hunter well and prevents misfires and dangerous issues when the primitive gun does not function. He notes also that the season for muzzleloaders gives the majority of us another 2 weeks of hunting compared to just modern gun seasons. I asked him for some tips on gun safety and he was very blunt about additional concerns if using a primitive muzzleloader compared to an in line weapon that uses a cartridge. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 189

Whether you decide on a .35 Whelen, .444, a 45.70 or the original primitive weapon, muzzleloader hunting in Louisiana has changed drastically. On that note, be aware that muzzleloader hunting on Louisiana numerous game reserves (WMA’s} have specific and restricted requirements to muzzleloader hunt in the game reserves. Make sure to check restrictions and rules as well as the additional licenses to hunt a WMA. I asked Randy Ogles if he could sum up muzzleloader hunting in a simple statement. I found his comments to sum it all up very well: “What I like about my smokepole is when you launch a 265 grain bullet at a hog or deer, one of two things is gonna happen. You either find him laying right there, or you missed him.” This is very true in my experiences and one comes to mind of recent. A huge 250lb hog came into my area. He fed around on acorns and just would not give me a good angle. He was facing me and I took the shot that is usually not very effective. I aimed right between his front legs and squeezed the trigger on my .444. The hog dropped as if you let the air out of him. When cleaning him, I found the bullet in his rear ham. I am super confident in my muzzleloader as it is deadly effective and does the job. Muzzleloaders have evolved to be a weapon you not only can depend on for 2 weeks a year but is one that I used the entire year with great success. Happy hunting!

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com November 3 Dungeons & Dragons Night A&H Games invites D&D players to come play their campaigns at the tables or find other adventurer's looking for a campaign! Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Venue: A&H Games, 2221 Louisville Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 353-7500 November 4 - 13 The Man Who Came to Dinner Strauss Theatre Center presents The Man Who Came to Dinner. While on a speaking tour in Ohio, opinionated and arrogant radio personality Sheridan Whiteside injures himself slipping on ice and becomes an unexpected houseguest for a prominent area family, the Stanleys. Whiteside proceeds to make brash proclamations and offer his unsolicited advice to the family members. When a romance begins between Whiteside’s assistant, Maggie Cutler, and a local reporter, Bert Jefferson, he interferes with that as well. Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Ln, Monroe

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday - Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304 November 6 Fall Bulb and Plant Sale The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Association will hold their annual Fall Bulb and Plant Sale! The pavilion is just behind the Farmer's Market! Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Farmer's Market at Seventh Square, 1700 N 7th St, West Monroe

Twin City Marathon Discover Monroe-West Monroe along with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana are excited to bring you a tour of two cities via the Twin City Half and Full Marathon on November 7, 2021. The routes will wind you through the beautiful historic downtowns of both cities, along majestic treelined neighborhoods, and over the Ouachita River. The event will start and finish at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, LA. The course is USA Track & Field certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Hours: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM Cost: Half Marathon - $65; Full Marathon - $75 Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena, 501 Mane St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 325-9160

Fall Holiday Makers and Producers Market Don't miss out on this month's Makers and Producers Market! Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Paramount Health Care, 1905 N 7th St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-4753

Yarn in the Barn with Llamas Come join Double BB Farms to learn how to turn llama hair into yarn. Hours: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Venue: Double BB Farms 1816 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 237-0827

November 4 Downtown Ruston Holiday Open House Enjoy extended hours, refreshments, and special promotions as you kick off your holiday shopping in Downtown Ruston! Hours: 5:00 PM -8:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Participating stores in Downtown Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647

November 6, 13, 20, 27 Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Free to attend Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 957-1305

November 5 Moonlight Duel for Habitat Join Ouachita Habitat for Humanity for a fun fundraiser night! Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Venue: The Terrace at Tower Place Monroe, 1900 N 19th S, Monroe

November 7 Holiday Open House Christmas comes but once a year, Downtown West Monroe invites you to celebrate with some holiday cheer for a Holiday Open House! Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe

November 5-7 Big Creek Trade Days

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Flying Heart Live with Will Maranto & the Usual Suspects Come Rock &; Roll with Will Maranto &; the Usual Suspects in the Beer Garden! Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888 November 9 "Doing The Most Good" For The Homeless Banquet Join The Salvation Army of NELA for an evening of food, fun, and laughter. Pastor Tom Lowe is the featured guest. Proceeds to benefit those homeless in N.E.L.A. by providing shelter, food, and the basic necessities. Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: General Admission: $45 Venue: Monroe Civic Center,401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway

27th Annual MedCamps Dinner & Auction Come out to support MedCamps of Louisiana, Inc by attending their largest fundraising event, the 27th Annual MedCamps Dinner &; Auction. Sponsored by: Vantage Health Plan, Scott Powerline and Utility Equipment, Mr. and Mrs. John Luffey, Jr., and Promatic. Hours: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Venue: West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave, West Monroe November 10 Karaoke at Enoch's Come on out and join the 318 Swampers at Enoch's Pub for a fun night of karaoke! Hours: 8:00 PM - Until Venue: Enoch's Irish Pub, 507 Louisville Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3662 November 11 Freedom Tree Lighting Join Chennault Aviation &; Military Museum for their Veterans Day Tree Lighting Ceremony celebrating American heroes. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe MSO presents the MSO Reed Trio Join the Monroe Symphony Orchestra's MSO REED TRIO for a delightful evening of music. Sponsored by Argent Advisors, Inc. Hours: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Cost: $10 Adults; $5 Students Venue: Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, University Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 812 6761 November 11 - January 1 Freedom Trees Get in the Christmas spirit and check out the Freedom Trees! The Freedom Trees will be lit on November 11th and run until New Years. Venue: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe Phone: (318) 362-5540

November 12 Loyal Blue Weekend: Family Football Movie Night Enjoy a family-friendly football movie screening to kick off the LA Tech home game weekend. Hours: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Free Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 255-2031 November 13 ULM Football vs Arkansas State Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Arkansas State on Saturday, November 13th! Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-1000 Veterans of Foreign Wars Freedom Run Flying Tiger Brewery invites you to come run to support VFW Post 1809! Stay after the race for a day of fun at Flying Tiger Brewery. Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Cost: $25 Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery 506 N 2nd St, Monroe November 14 Flying Heart Live with Ian Smith Join Flying Heart Brewing &; Pub in the beer garden for Flying Heart Live with Ian Smith! Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888 November 18 Champagne Stroll Stroll the Alley on a beautiful Fall Afternoon. Shop antiques, boutiques, specialty shops, &; more. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3920 November 19 to December 31 Holiday Light Displays Check out all the light displays in Downtown Monroe & West Monroe beginning at 5:30 pm each night! Venue: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe, Antique Alley, Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (800) 843-1872 November 20 Gumbo & Gaugin

Come enjoy an evening learning about French Post Impressionistic artist Paul Gauguin over a hot bowl of gumbo. All participates will complete a painting inspired by Gauguin. No art talent needed. Just a good positive attitude. Instruction provided by local artist and teacher Lissy Compton. Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Cost: $75 Venue: Compton Farms of La, West Monroe November 21 Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller A little hip-hop, a little southern rock, and a whole lot of fun! Join Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe November 26 - 27 Christmas Wagon Rides Landry Vineyards is once again providing its wonderful wagon so everyone can take a ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe! Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe Big Creek Trade Days Big Creek Trade Days hosts a special Black Friday & Saturday event to kick off holiday shopping. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304

adventure! The name of Jack The Ripper strikes fear into the heart of detectives across the world. Now it seems that a new Ripper is on the loose in Monroe and only you can put an end to the terror. Can your team of detectives scramble across town, solve the clues and crack the case before The Ripper strikes again? Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Venue: Monroe 2nd Annual Miss Christmas of The Twin Cities The second annual Miss Christmas of the Twin Cities will be held at the Monroe Convention center! This will be a fun and stress free pageant! Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Shop Small Saturday Historic Downtown West Monroe’s holiday wonderland is your home for shopping small and loving local on Shop Small Saturday and throughout the holidays! The holidays are all about family and community. Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Venue: Antique Alley, Antique Alley,100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3920

The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone! Hours: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3920 Kickoff to Christmas Join Downtown Ruston for festive activities, holiday tunes, carriage rides, the tree lighting ceremony, and a special visit from Santa! Hours: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Free Venue: Railroad Park 101 W Park Ave. Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647 November 28 Flying Heart Live with Josh Madden Join Flying Heart in the Beer Garden for Flying Heart Live with Josh Madden! Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

Holiday Outdoor Movie What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas Lights?

November 26 – December 25 Christmas at Kiroli Drive through a wonderland of Christmas lights beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas night! Restricted Vehicles: No Shuttle Vans, Buses, RVs, or Trailers, Vehicles that exceed 7-feet 10-inches high Venue: Kiroli Park, Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016 November 27 The Monroe Ripper Think you have what it takes to catch a serial killer? CluedUpp is an exciting, outdoor detective WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2021 193

BayouLife Magazine November 2021

Articles inside

TEXTURED TREASURES

GAME DAY GRUB

LIVING IN COLOR

CAMPFIRE COCKTAIL

BAG IT UP

TEA TIME

HOLIDAY COMFORT FOOD