BayouLife Magazine November 2019 by BayouLife Magazine

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NOVEMBER 2019

56 18 /GRANNY’S RECIPE Granny Shares Her Recipe for a Cheesy Pumpkin Bread

128 / STONE BY STONE It’s More Than Building a Home, It’s Building for Family

26 / SARAH’S LAUGHTER Sarah’s Laughter Support Group is Creating Comfort and Healing Through the Power of Connection

144 / THE WORD ON THE STREETS Faith. That Simple Word Best Describes Bill and Georgia Street, This Month’s BayouIcon

56 / LEA’S OF LECOMPTE Georgie and Lea Johnson’s Grandson, Toby Traylor, Has Continued the Tradition of Delivering Delicious Food

158 / INSIGHTFUL SONGWRITING After Struggling with Addiction, Depression and Anxiety, Briana Calhoun Sought a Relationship with God That Opened Doors

82 / PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE These Stories of People Who Have Overcome Odds are Sure to Inspire

176 / DAMN NEAR DIED Simply Lou is Back and She is Here to Tell Us How Her Life Changed in August

98 / THANKSGIVING HARVEST This Season, Gather with Friends and Family Around the Table for These Scrumptious Seasonal Offerings

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196 / BAYOU ARTIST With a Renewed Sense of Purpose, Shelly Nealy Has Poured Her Heart into Becoming a Full-Time, Professional Artist

/ TRUE COLORS A P R I L 2 0 1 8220 Rich Fall Hues in Luxurious Furs and

180 /OVER THE LEVEE Kristin and Harris Brown Have Embedded Their DNA into Their Cuba Farm Home

Textured Textiles Are Must-Haves for This Season 226 / BOOK OF PHILANTHROPY Make Your Imprint on Someone's Life This Holiday Season by Giving Your Time and Financial Contributions to Deserving Non-Profit Organizations 244 / BRILLIANT BAUBLES From Gemstones in Bold Hues to Brilliant Diamonds, These Looks Are Perfect for Holiday Giving

HERE IS AN EPIDEMIC IN

our country, and our small community is no exception. The last three months I’ve been treated for squamous cell carcinoma which appeared as a small scaly spot on my face. Today, we got the news that my husband also has SCC. I want to urge everyone to go have a skin check. It only takes about ten minutes, and skin cancer is easily cured with early detection. Plus, there are preventive measures to help lower the risk of recurrence. So, use those health benefits before the year starts over and schedule a skin exam today. Dr. Janine Hopkins diagnosed my skin cancer and has been instrumental in helping guide me through the process of treatment and recovery. She, along with many other local dermatologists, are trained to recognize and treat those who have developed skin cancers. Don’t delay – schedule that exam today! When you first meet Georgia Street, you are instantly mesmerized but her sweet demeanor. As the executive director of the Ronald McDonald House, her enthusiasm for serving others is equally matched by her husband of over fifty years. Their love of service and commitment to our community is why Georgia and Bill Street are this month’s BayouIcons. See their story on page 144. Every November we print our Book of Philanthropy. This holiday season, we urge you to make on imprint on someone’s life by giving your time and financial contributions to deserving non-profit organizations. On pages 226-242, you’ll find several charitable

organizations throughout the north Louisiana region. Whether you are making a personal donation or looking for a group to volunteer your time, these non-profits make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors, children and more. It’s said that the secret to a successful business begins by surrounding yourself with successful people. I work with some of the most creative, fun and loving people that I know. I have a talented team of writers and photographers, and my staff is constantly bringing new ideas to the table. My sales executives genuinely care about their clients, and love seeing businesses succeed. This month, I am truly thankful for my team. I am thankful that my children are healthy and that I have a supportive and kind husband who goes out of his way to show me how much I’m loved. I’m thankful for the community that we live in, and my amazing family and friends. I’m truly thankful for God’s grace, and for each day that we are able to celebrate our lives. This Thanksgiving season, set a goal to help a non-profit organization, to meditate and take time for yourself, to show those around you how much you care for them. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Thank you for keeping it local, and happy Thanksgiving. Also, happy birthday little sister! Love and thanks ~

Cassie

BayouLife 1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Amanda Singley amanda@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maré Brennan Brandi Chambless Dan Chason Laura W. Clark Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner April Clark Honaker Gregory Hudgins Val Irion, MD Rebecca Johnson

Paul Lipe Erin Love Madeline Marak Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller Evelyn O’Neal Georgiann Potts Kay Rector Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Julie and Heber Tuft Vanelis Rivera Judy Wagoner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Andrew Bailey Kelly Moore Clark Prajal Prasai ON THE COVER Thanksgiving Harvest-Dishes from local eateries photography by Kelly Moore Clark BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 14,00 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag. com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts or other materials. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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The Plant Show Century Next Bank Hosts an Art Exhibit

E AT CENTURY NEXT BANK INVITE YOU TO OUR 19th annual December art exhibition and to join us at our artists’ reception on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at our main office at 505 N. Vienna Street in Ruston. This year’s show is titled “The Plant Show” and will feature artwork from 20 talented women in the north Louisiana region. Participating artists this year include Victoria Smith Amos, Javanah Barnes, Cara Beth Buie, Melanie Douthit, Christiane Drieling, Nicole Duet, Bailee Golden, Erin Hannah, Inique Harris, Khalilah Kersey, Madeline Marak, Pankita Patel, Indigo Patterson, Skylar Taylor, Skylar Vickery, Bianca Walker, Abi Watson, Karen Webre, Caroline Youngblood, and Elizabeth Zanca. Many people find great joy in their green thumb, spending hours in the flower or vegetable garden, pulling weeds and tending to insects. Others love houseplants, carefully taking cuttings and propagating new “plant babies” in the window. Of course, some have the proverbial “black thumb” and can’t seem to keep anything green alive in their house. Most everyone, though, appreciates the beauty of our lush and colorful Louisiana springtime or the fragrance of a bouquet of cut flowers. Plants and flowers are added to almost every special event to add texture and beauty. This year’s artwork will include paintings, drawings, photographs, hand-lettering, fiber, and sculptural works. The artists come from a variety of backgrounds and methods of art-making, but all are unified through this year’s theme of plants. We will see them as both primary and secondary subject matter, but an element of plant life will run throughout the show. Viewers will see largerthan-life zinnias from Monroe-based painter Caroline Youngblood and lovely hand-tinted roses in a photograph from Ruston-based artist Karen Webre. Other plant imagery will be less representational, such as in the sculptural work from Louisiana Tech University student Skylar Taylor and acrylic painting from Grambling State University student Bianca Walker. In an exhibition such as this with many artists involved, it will be such a pleasure to view the variety and creativity on display.

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In 2000, when Century Next Bank opened its building on North Vienna Street in Ruston, the idea of an annual art show was implemented as a way to highlight the wealth of talent in our communities by featuring artists from our area. Ruston artist Patricia Jones, a steadfast supporter of the arts and our annual art exhibitions, helped organize the first exhibition which featured realist painter Albino Hinojosa. In the years since, we’ve shown more artists than we can count! Some of the highlights of recent years include “Sense of Place,” a photography exhibition that was organized by Kate Hilburn and Patricia Jones. In 2017, we partnered with the North Central Louisiana Arts Council (NCLAC) for “Mapping out the Future,” a group show where each artist created a piece that began with a topographical map. Upon selling artwork from the exhibitions, artists are encouraged to donate a portion of their sales to NCLAC or to the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Both art councils are nonprofit organizations that provide arts programming and add cultural value to this special region that we call home. Century Next is devoted to community involvement, and considers this annual exhibition a way to promote regional artists as well as to provide opportunity for the community to view and engage with the artists and their works. The arts provide an essential quality of life component, so supporting arts and culture is an essential part of our charitable giving. This giving also includes encouraging our employees to attend and support cultural events, as well as time and efforts given in service on nonprofits arts boards. We welcome the public to take time to view the artwork in “The Plant Show” exhibition. It will be on display the entire month of December during regular business hours. We are certain you’ll find something to appreciate and a new artist to discover.

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumni: John & Cindy Cameron

HILE BOTH WERE STUDENTS AT ULM, JOHN, a junior accounting major and Cindy, a sophomore business student, met at Cindy’s dad’s accounting firm where John was working as an intern. John graduated from St. Frederick High School in 1975 where his teachers encouraged him to consider the growing field of accounting. During his time at ULM John served as president of Delta Sigma Pi, a nationally recognized professional business fraternity and enjoyed intramural sports. John appreciates the time his teachers invested in him, particularly in his field and knows firsthand how prepared the students are from ULM. Cindy graduated from West Monroe High School in 1977. At ULM she pledged Kappa Delta, attended the Baptist Student Union, and played the flute in the spring band. Cindy remembers her time at ULM as some of “the best days” of her life. She formed lifelong friendships through sorority life, and feels her education prepared her to use her gifts for grief ministry and running the foundation established in memory of their son, Jason. Both John and Cindy credit their professors for mentorship and kindness. Cindy remembers Dr. David Byrd (chemistry) for his patience and willingness to help, along with Dr. Beryl Franklin (biology) who challenged his students to be better. Don Weems taught Cindy economics, and she recalls a kind-hearted, uplifting person who, even years later, always “made you feel important.” Cindy spent ten years in the dental field prior to working with a direct sales company where she served in upper management. John became a CPA in 1980 and after working for several firms, founded Cameron Hines & Company in 1999. John remembers Dr. Maynard Dolecheck who taught Quantitative Methods, as one who encouraged his students to participate in campus activities, and to take full advantage of the college experience. Dr. Joseph Defatta and Mr. John Luffey taught John accounting, and were both personable and encouraging to him in his major. It was Luffey who hired John for the internship at Luffey, Little and Company, the firm he shared with Cindy’s father. Tragedy struck in 2005, when the couple’s son Jason was killed in a car accident the summer after his junior year at West Monroe High School. Jason was a fun-loving, devoted to Christ student who always carried a black leather Bible to school to pray with other students. Cindy says many assume she and John started The Jason Paul Cameron Foundation; however, it was the idea of a group of West Monroe band moms. On November 21, 2005, what would have been Jason’s 18th birthday, unsure of how to greet the day, the Camerons opened their

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home to Jason’s friends, family members, and fellow students who came bringing $18 in memory of Jason. And thus, the Foundation was born. Word got out, and within six weeks, the Foundation had over $18,000 in donations! The Foundation’s scholarships honor students who live their lives the way Jason did, serving their community, school, and church. Since 2006, the foundation has awarded over 300 students with $164,000 in scholarships. Cindy and John are told that West Monroe students consider this scholarship a high honor. After experiencing the loss of a child, the Camerons recognized the need for support during grief. Through the Foundation, they are able to reach out to others facing tragedy or loss by providing grief resources to families. Other ministries of the Foundation include providing youth camp scholarships, supporting local student mentoring programs and area music arts programs. The Foundation’s yearly newsletter is always answered with the funds needed to serve this area. Every dollar that comes in goes right back into the community. Since its inception, the Foundation has given back through all its areas of ministry totalling over $325,000. Cindy and John are thankful their son’s legacy endures in the Foundation, and that so many people benefit from his testimony. Jason was taking a summer class at ULM in 2005 at the time of his death, and Cindy believes he would have chosen ULM after graduation. Cindy and John are active members of the ULM Alumni Association; John has even been one of the shrimp boil cooks at alumni events. They have found a way, through God’s will, to give back after an unthinkable loss. The couple has two other children, Jonathan and Julia, also a ULM graduate. The Jason Paul Cameron Foundation continues to help students attend college, recognizes the needs in our community, and gives back in Jason’s memory. For more information on the foundation visit: www.jpcfoundation.com. 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.

St. Francis Medical Center

Permanent Heart Implant is the Only FDA-Approved Device for the Reduction of Stroke Risk

HYSICIANS RECENTLY PERFORMED THE INSTITUTION’S first implant of the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device on a patient with atrial fibrillation (AFib). St. Francis Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Northeast Louisiana to offer the WATCHMAN device as an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular AFib). People living with AFib have an increased risk of stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 2.7-6.1 million people in the United States have AFib. With the aging of the U.S. population, this number is expected to increase. Symptoms of AFib may include: • Irregular heartbeat • Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding) • Lightheadedness • Extreme fatigue • Shortness of breath • Chest pain The CDC estimates AFib increases a person’s risk for stroke by four to five times compared with stroke risk for people who do not have AFib. The WATCHMAN device closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced, and over time, patients may be able to stop taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. “The WATCHMAN device is a novel alternative for patients with non-valvular AFib at risk for a stroke, especially those with a compelling reason not to be on blood thinners,” said Kristin Wolkart, President of St. Francis Medical Center. “We are extremely proud to offer our patients the latest technology and innovation for atrial fibrillation as it offers potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment.” The WATCHMAN device has been implanted in more than 50,000 patients worldwide and is done in a one-time procedure. It’s a permanent device that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day. “People with atrial fibrillation are at significant risk of stroke, which can have a serious emotional and psychological effect on them,” said Mellanie True Hills, founder and chief executive officer, StopAfib.org, a patient advocacy organization for those living with AFib. “It is important for patients to be aware of and understand recent medical advances and treatments that can help with stroke prevention.”

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For more information on the WATCHMAN device, call Elizabeth Riddle, St. Francis Structural Heart Program Coordinator at (318) 9664595, talk with your physician or visit: www.watchman.com. ABOUT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart (atrium) beat too fast and with irregular rhythm (fibrillation). AFib is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting more than five million Americans. Twenty percent of all strokes occur in patients with AFib, and AFibrelated strokes are more frequently fatal and disabling. The most common treatment to reduce stroke risk in patients with AFib is blood-thinning warfarin medication. Despite its proven efficacy, long-term warfarin medication is not well-tolerated by some patients and carries a significant risk for bleeding complications. Nearly half of AFib patients eligible for warfarin are currently untreated due to tolerance and adherence issues. ABOUT STROKE Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die. Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary clot. Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.: • Face drooping • Arm weakness • Speech difficulty • Time to call 911 Beyond F.A.S.T., other symptoms you should know include: • Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause NOTE THE TIME WHEN ANY SYMPTOMS FIRST APPEAR. Medical options exist that may reduce the long-term effects of stroke if administered soon after the onset of stroke. If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!

Confidence and Satisfaction The Woman’s Clinic Offers Expanded Services For Women’s Health and Beauty

OR DECADES THE WOMAN’S Clinic has served Northeast Louisiana and every woman who lives here represented by our name and a logo. As Northeast Louisiana continues to evolve, so must we. The Woman’s Clinic will continue to provide the best OBGYN care in the region, but we will do it with a new logo and color scheme. Everyone needs a face lift from time to time. However, while we may look different, we will continue to be the premier OBGYN clinic in the region. We’ve also made some changes to our website to make it easier for our patients to use. Please take a minute and look around. You may visit the website at thewomansclinic. net. The origin of The Woman’s Clinic can be traced back to a 1961 handshake between Dr. Richard Vines and Dr. Ed Brown. Out of that handshake, grew one of the most trusted and respected organizations in Northeast Louisiana. Now the Woman’s Clinic is the premier OB/GYN clinic in the region. In 1970, Dr. James Wolff joined and was followed soon there after by Dr. Ronald Shemwell and the clinic took off from there. We now employ 10 board certified/board eligible physicians and three Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners across four locations in Monroe, West Monroe, and Ruston. We get to experience the joy of seeing new babies brought into the world every day. We have the duty of making sure that every woman who comes into our clinic is well taken care of and we have the honor of getting to become part of our patient’s lives. We see women at their highest highs, lowest lows, and everywhere in between.

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Knowing this, The Woman’s Clinic takes a compassionate, education-based approach to care. We want you to feel comfortable as well as informed. If you are going to trust us to be such an important part of your life, you deserve to be treated like an important part of ours. As the premier Woman’s Health Clinic in Northeast Louisiana, we are structured to meet the healthcare needs women face in today’s world. Our team of ten board certified or board eligible physicians and three women’s health nurse practitioners are here to treat a variety of symptoms and provide many different services. A few of them are listed below: • Aesthetics • Birth Control • Bone Density • Cancer Screening • Colposcopy • Endometriosis • Family Counseling • Fibroids • Gynecological Surgery • Gynecology • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding • Hormone Therapy • Infertility • Menopause • Minimally Invasive Surgery • Obstetrics • Osteoporosis • Ovarian Cysts • Pap Smear & HPV Screening • Pelvic Pain • Preconception Counseling • Prolapse

• STD Testing & Treatment • Ultrasound • Urinary Incontinence • Well Woman Exam We also provide our patients with a patient portal. We know the world can be a busy place. Sometimes its tough to make the connections to get what you need. At the Woman’s Clinic, our patient portal will help you make those connections on your own time. We have been privileged to provide care to and serve the woman of Northeast Louisiana. We are excited to continue that in the future. Please give us a call at (318)3884030 or visit our website at thewomansclinic. net. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We will post some informative and some fun content. The Woman’s Clinic is here to take care of you. Pictured Above – Bottom Row: Dr. Erin Gullatt, Dr. Sara Klug, Dr. Dawn Pennebaker, Dr. Adrienne Williams; Top Row: Dr. Amber Shemwell, Dr. Jason Wilson, Dr. David Bryan, Dr. Terry Tugwell, Dr. Won Lee, Dr. Laura Petty

Giving Thanks Living Thankfully

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

ET OUR LIVES BE FULL OF BOTH THANKS AND GIVING” is a frequently expressed sentiment particularly, this time of the year. It is a quote that hangs in the foyer of my practice as a gentle reminder to everyone who enters the building the power of feeling thankful and being giving. November is the month that houses Thanksgiving, the national holiday set aside to give thanks. It is a holiday acknowledging the spirit of giving thanks for all that we have. In addition, it is a reminder to focus on all the good in our lives, the people we love and on what lies ahead. The power of thanksgiving improves our state of mind and physical health, boosts our self-esteem, enhances our relationships, enriches our lives, makes us happy and keeps our hopes and spirits elevated. With all that is going on in the world: mass shootings, homelessness, hunger, drug epidemics, unemployment, questionable health care reform, discrimination, political concerns, divisiveness, terror attacks, devasting wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, it’s a world some feel is in such disarray they have questioned thankfulness. Then closer to home are everyday pressures, and problems: job insecurity, financial challenges, marital discord, gun violence, mental and physical health concerns, increased medical expenses, bullying, increased suicide rates, circumstances that result in our experiencing anxiety, depression, fear, apathy, doubt, despair, frustration, confusion, conflict, disregard and resentment. Life shows us there is always something that is not as we would like it to be. Although, there are times and situations when some wonder why be thankful, others feel it is in times of crisis when it is especially necessary to look for good and to give thanks. Whereas, it is not always easy to feel grateful during trying times, it is often out of tragic times that we develop a greater appreciation for good. It is during difficult times that we nurture relationships, unite communities, respond to violence, weather storms literally and figuratively and refine and deepen our perspectives on living thankfully. In essence, when we have endured the hiccups and survived the atrocities of life we are most grateful for offerings of thanks and giving. The power of thanks and giving is transformative not just at Thanksgiving but throughout our lives. Thanksgiving is more than a verbal expression of appreciation but is giving thanks through

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action. Many of us have been socialized to say thank you routinely. When giving thanks, offer others a sincere well thought out thank you. Remember to appreciate the small things or the things taken for granted like fresh air, clean water, and the freedom to express your emotions. Pay it forward…give to others as a result of your thanks. Be mindful that the national holiday called Thanksgiving started out of suffering and hard times and people coming together to share their harvest in response to the struggle. Difficult times continue for many, consider what you can do to help others. Develop a grateful attitude and heart; gratitude provides us with a broader perspective on life to avoid being overwhelmed by temporary although difficult situations. Our feelings of fulfillment and emotional well-being are boosted by both giving and receiving thanks. The feelings associated with giving and thanks are contagious, because of our thankfulness, we are more likely to want to give to others. Giving thanks is a personal decision. It is your choice as to how you give it, when you give it and who you give it too. The spirit of Thanksgiving is more than a single day holiday. The act of giving and receiving thanks can occur more than at the peak of the holiday season; it can be a lifestyle experienced throughout the year. Taking time to celebrate Thanksgiving helps us to stop and acknowledge all that is good even in times of turmoil. The act of Thanksgiving happens when we least expect it, when we need it most. It occurs openly with mass attention and quietly in intimate moments. As we prepare our holiday feast and ready ourselves for family and friend filled gatherings, this Thanksgiving let us stop, reflect, take a deep breath, look around and give thanks for all that we are, for our family and friends, for the lives and experiences we have and the circumstances we endure. May we embrace the meaning of the holiday and live thankfully. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 2485 Tower Drive, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com

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Che e sy P ump k i n B read Ingredients: 3 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup oil 2/3 cup water 3 1/3 cups all purpose flour 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 2 tsp soda 1 tsp salt 1 can pumpkin (large) 1 cup raisins

Cream Cheese Filling: 1 8 oz package cream cheese 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups sifted powdered sugar 1 cup chopped nuts Mix well and spread between pumpkin bread slices.

Cream sugar and eggs. Add oil and water. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. Add pumpkin, nuts and raisins. Grease and flour (or spray with baking spray) 4 coffee cans or 2 large loaf pans. Fill 2/3 full. Bake for 1 hour at 325 degrees. May take longer depending on oven.

recipe by Evelyn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal and photo by Kelly Moore Clark

Your One Stop Shop

Washington Wine & Spirits and Doe’s Eat Place Offers Wines, Spirits and Food for Thanksgiving

HANKSGIVING! A TIME FOR GIVING THANKS AMONGST family and friends, overindulging on dressing and pumpkin pie and drinking delicious wine. A Thanksgiving spread is vast and eclectic with different flavors coming from all directions, meaning there are loads of pairing options. Wine should not only complement the food, but also the celebratory feeling of togetherness. Here are some fantastic wines for you and your loved ones to try this Thanksgiving. SIMONET BLANC DE BLANCS This fine cuvee begs for celebration. It’s made with 100% Chardonnay grapes that express themselves with sophisticated freshness. The first sip is like biting into a fresh green apple, then finishing beautifully with white peach and bright citrus. Simonet is lush, creamy and round with an incredible amount of effervescence. This wine can act as an impressive aperitif when guests arrive, or as a memorable last glass over fresh baked apple pie. EBERLE SYRAH ROSÉ Eberle rosé will please and surprise any wine lover. Fresh peaches and raspberries fill your nose while flavors of ripe, sweet strawberries and spices wash over your palate to keep things interesting. Eberle’s Syrah Rosé is a standout wine to pair with a variety of diverse food selections. A glass of this rosé with deviled eggs, green bean casserole, baked ham, or oven roasted turkey will send your taste buds into a Thanksgiving frenzy. BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES SÉLECTION GEORGES DUBOEUF This wine has a nice red berry perfume and floral bouquet. It bursts on the palate with massive amounts of dark cherry and ripe, juicy blackberry. Beaujolais wine works so well at the Thanksgiving table. It’s kind of like a gymnast-- incredibly flexible and surprisingly powerful. With Thanksgiving dinner, that flexibility is critical since the range of flavors and sweetness of traditional dishes pushes the boundaries of conventional wine pairing. This wine has relatively low tannins and a lighter body style, yet it’s still strong enough to accompany sausageinfused dressing, and won’t be washed away by buttery, delicious vegetables. To say the least, it’s an all-around champion. SOLENA GRAND CUVÉE PINOT NOIR Oregon Pinot Noir is extremely versatile. You can pair them with just about anything. Solena’s lively aromas of plum, cherry, and rich blackberry syrup entice the nose while the velvety mouthfeel gives way to flavors of dark fruit with elements of toasted almonds, tobacco, and clove. A lovely green bean casserole with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce will complement this pinot noir beautifully. Are you a fan of brussel sprouts? If so, I 20 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

highly recommend pairing this wine with a side of roasted maple glazed brussel sprouts. The earthy components, as well as the direct fruit flavors, bright acidity, and subtle sweetness balance perfectly with this dish. Enjoy! 2017 ROMBAUER ZINFANDEL Zinfandel is a Thanksgiving natural and Rombauer Zinfandel is an absolute treat. This classic wine greets you with fierce aromas of blackberry and raspberry then slowly melts into deeper aromas of clove and spice. Lush flavors of blackberry jam, juicy plum and savory vanilla flood your palate while touches of white pepper invigorate your taste buds. Plush tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish. This Zinfandel and turkey is a classic pairing. It adds a beautiful moisture to even the driest turkey. Rombauer makes a strikingly good partner for your dressing. It will stop you in your tracks! ALVEAR SOLERA 1927 PEDRO XIMÉNEZ This lovely sweetstyle Pedro Ximénez is a divine dessert wine. It is rich and complex with an intoxicating nose of prunes, molasses, coffee and chocolate. Concentrated fruit shines on the palate. Alvear Solera is incredibly weighty, lush and dense. It’s satisfying silky touch is entirely mouth coating and finishes beautifully with a meandering ribbon of dark chocolate. Enjoy this with your favorite Thanksgiving dessert surrounded by your family and friends. It is the perfect finisher for a fantastic day of celebration, love and great food. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! If you’re looking for a new component to your Thanksgiving feast, we’ve got you covered. Washington Wine and Spirits offers the Doe’s Eat Place uncooked steaks and twice baked potatoes to take home for your next dinner or event. We also offer whole loins to broaden your dinner options. Come on by your one stop shop and get your steaks, potatoes, wine and spirits. We thank you for all your continued support for Doe’s Eat Place and Washington Wine and Spirits. We are open Monday-Thursday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am-10:00 pm. 6 oz Filet - $9.75 14 oz Bone-In Filet - $39.99 20 oz Ribeye - $21.24 1.5 lb T-Bone - $20.99 2.5 lb Porterhouse - $39.98 2-5 lb Sirloin - $9.99/lb

10 oz Filet - $16.24 1.5 lb Bone In Strip - $20.99 2 lb Bone In Ribeye - $35.98 2 lb T-Bone - $27.98 3 lb Porterhouse - $47.97 Twice Baked Potatoes - $4.99/each

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TAVR

The New, Less Invasive Alternative to Open-Heart Surgery

N FEBRUARY OF 2019, GLENWOOD Regional Medical Center became the first hospital in the region to perform groundbreaking TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) procedures. TAVR is an innovative new procedure for cardiac patients who may be high-risk or too sick for traditional open-heart surgery. It is also approved for low-risk patients who are symptomatic with severe aortic stenosis. It allows a new valve to be inserted within the native, diseased aortic valve. The TAVR procedure can be performed using one of many approaches, the most common being through a small incision in the leg. It uses a catheter to replace a failing heart valve, making it much less invasive than open-heart operations. Glenwood uses the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter heart valve to treat high-risk and intermediate-risk patients with aortic stenosis (AS), one of the most common heart valve diseases. Aortic stenosis impacts more than 2.5 million Americans over the age of 75 annually. Without treatment, half of the people who feel sick from this problem die within an average of 2 years. Yet many patients refuse or are denied open-heart surgery, the traditional treatment for aortic stenosis. Compared with open-heart surgery, patients who undergo TAVR spend less time in the hospital and can recover more quickly and get back to their everyday activities. “By using TAVR, we’re saving lives and allowing our patients to spend less time at the hospital and more time at home with the families they love,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, president of Glenwood Regional Medical Center. OVERVIEW OF THE DISEASE Aortic stenosis is a progressive disease,

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which means it gets worse over time. It’s typically measured as mild, moderate, or severe aortic stenosis. As a result of the reduced blood flow, the body does not get the oxygen it needs, which may cause symptoms. Many patients initially appear asymptomatic, but on close examination, up to 32% exhibit symptoms. The symptoms below are typically associated with severe aortic stenosis but are commonly misunderstood by patients as “normal” signs of aging. SYMPTOMS OF AORTIC STENOSIS • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • Difficulty walking short distances • Lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting • Swollen ankles and feet • Rapid heartbeat • Chest pain • No longer taking part in physical activities, you used to enjoy There may be no outward symptoms. These could also be symptoms of heart failure. If you have any of these symptoms and have been diagnosed with heart failure, ask your doctor to also test for aortic stenosis. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE HAS AORTIC STENOSIS? Over time, the leaflets of your aortic valve become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close. When the leaflets don’t fully open, your heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to your body. Eventually, your heart gets weaker, increasing the risk of heart failure (when your heart cannot supply enough blood to your body).

MAJOR RISK FACTORS Factors associated with aortic valve disease include the following: • Increasing age • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Smoking DIAGNOSIS In addition to a physical exam, severe aortic stenosis is diagnosed in several ways, the most common being an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray of the patient’s heart, and cardiac catheterization (angiography). TREATING SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS Treatment for aortic stenosis depends on how far your disease has progressed. If your stenosis is mild, medication may be prescribed to help regulate your heartbeat and prevent blood clots. However, if the severity of your stenosis progresses, your doctor or cardiologist may recommend replacing your diseased aortic valve. Severe aortic stenosis cannot be treated with medication. The good news is that now, with the TAVR procedure available exclusively at Glenwood Regional Medical Center, open heart surgery is not your only option. To learn more about the new, less invasive TAVR procedure, and the comprehensive heart and vascular services at Glenwood Regional Medical Center, contact Jaclyn Green, TAVR Coordinator at 318-329-4462.

The Humble Beginnings A “Crazy” Lady, Three Men, and Two Squirrels BY BRANDI CHAMBLESS

HE LIVELY GROUP OF 35 CHILDREN SCURRIED TO THEIR places to listen intently to a Bible lesson in the basement of the South Grand Monroe, Louisiana home. Wrapped in coats, the group had made its way through 18 rooms of former grandeur to the basement where there was still no central heat. Rhonda Grace was at the helm of it all when with each step of ministry she thought this is what the Lord has for me. But it wasn’t the final work. There was more to come and she could not have imagined all that was in store. Grace Place was a concept that leapt from Rhonda’s heart into the community of Monroe following her God-given assignment of working in a halfway house in New Orleans, with hard-core drug addicts and prostitutes. But this time, God had called her home to Northeast Louisiana where in its humble beginnings she did not imagine Grace Place would have become the soup kitchen it is today. “I had no money to start this ministry,” said Grace who launched the mission on September 11, 2001 as the Twin Towers were falling. “I saw the South Grand home and the Lord made a way for me to acquire the space through a lease.” A lease, by the way, in which she also agreed to initiate the repairs with her own hands. “One day as I was laboring over the repairs, I was startled by three men approaching me,” Grace said. They appeared to be non-threatening strangers and wanted to know who would be crazy enough to take on a task like this. “We want to know who this crazy lady is that is repairing this home. Who are you?” After Grace spilled out the dreams God had given her for the ministry, each man reached into his wallet and gave her $100 bill. “That’s the day I knew the Lord was going to make it work,” said Grace. The men were John Rea, Dix Johnston, and Dickie Crowe. Grace lived in, while renovating, the vast home that in its day would have been a beauty, but there was nothing beautiful about it anymore except the bones and perhaps someone’s old memories from another place and time. But Grace could see a diamond in the rough and hear the heartbeat of a ministry grand enough to minister to people that needed it most. “I thought I would be opening doors to minister to street prostitutes again; however, the Lord sent me educated women that were fleeing

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abusive marriages and significant other relationships,” said Grace. She continued to minister to the women as well as repair the home. The children’s ministry was growing weekly as they met on Mondays and Thursdays in the worst of conditions, but Grace said it didn’t stop the children from coming to a place where they could be fed something everlasting. Meanwhile, the evenings found Grace heating bathwater in a large commercial coffee urn and carrying it upstairs to an old clawfoot tub for at least a year while the community joined in to lend a helping hand with repairs. “It was still a cold house in the winter and a hot house in the summer with its share of plumbing issues,” Grace said. But that, along with the two elusive squirrels living in the house, did not deter the ministry from growing. Once the opulence of the home had been restored, the lease was lost and the booming ministries of Grace Place relocated from an 18room home to a 4-room home where the ministry continued for seven and a half years. The circumstances made things difficult to continue, but the ministry forged ahead when later the Lord spoke again to Grace, “Feed my people!” Grace said God showed her a commercial building on Jackson Street and told her that it was going to be the place. Grace laughs at her response to this day, “I said, ‘But Lord, it’s an ugly building.’” Again, reminding God of her lack of resources to make it happen, the God of miracles made a way where there was no way and Grace knew it would be okay. This very building is what is known as Grace Place today and hosts the soup kitchen that feeds 300 daily, as well as a clothes closet. Many of the original helping hands who embraced the vision of Grace Place are still involved, including John Rea who supplies copy paper, Dix Johnston who continue to minister, and others such as local attorney Larry Mullens. A host of volunteers from the community and surrounding churches continues to support the mission of Grace Place. What once started with the vision of one lady who turned out to be right and a team of just the right believers has made a lasting impact on Northeast Louisiana!

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SARAH’S LAUGHTER Sa ra h’s Laug h te r suppo r t g roup i s crea t i ng com fo r t and heal ing t h rough t he powe r of connect ion. The Mon roe g roup has al lowed women to step out of t hei r com fo r t zones and talk about t hei r ci rcumstances wi th othe rs who have bat t led in fe r t i l i t y o r su f fe red chi ld loss o r misca r riage.

ar ticle by STARL A GATSON photography by PRASAL PRASAI

“You don’t understand the value

of a ‘me too’ until you need it,” declares Leslie Bauman. She believes the power of connection is life-changing, and that belief, coupled with divine intervention, motivated her to bring a Sarah’s Laughter support group to the Monroe community. Bauman first discovered the faith-based nonprofit organization at the Choose Joy conference, where its founder, Beth Forbus, was a featured speaker. Though Forbus’s work and words sparked her interest, it was not until attending the conference again a year later that Bauman knew she needed to become a part of Sarah’s Laughter. “When it came down to it, I almost didn’t go, to be honest,” she admits. “My husband literally put me in the car kicking and screaming. We went and, come to find out, Beth Forbus was the lead speaker for the conference that year. The first night, Beth spoke, and it was like immediately I knew why I was there. I felt like God was like, ‘This is why Cody put you in the car — because you needed to hear Beth speak.’” Since its establishment in Baton Rouge in 2006, Sarah’s Laughter has grown to include support groups in cities across the United States and Australia, and by the time Forbus had finished speaking on the first night of the conference, Bauman was determined to add Monroe, Louisiana, to the list of Sarah’s Laughter locations. She spent the rest of the weekend shadowing Forbus and other women involved with the nonprofit, learning all she could about leading support groups. After the conference, Bauman returned to Louisiana on a mission to make Sarah’s Laughter part of her home community. Knowing she couldn’t do it alone, she recruited her longtime friend, Beth Hendricks, to help make this new dream a reality. “I said, ‘What can I do to help you?’ and she said, ‘You can be my co-leader.’ That’s not really what I meant when I said how can I help you,” Hendricks recalls with a laugh. “But anyway, it’s been wonderful; it really has been.” Making the decision to lead the support group together was one that made perfect sense for Bauman and Hendricks, not just because they shared over 20 years of friendship, but because each woman also had a personal connection to the mission of Sarah’s Laughter through her own experiences with infertility and miscarriage. “That was a huge, huge moment in our friendship,” Bauman says of Hendricks’s agreement to join her. “She and I have been friends since middle school, so we’ve been friends for a long time, but our infertility journeys were very different.”

The details of the two women’s stories differ, however, both Bauman and Hendricks knew they could use their past experiences and the emotions they felt to connect with the women they would encounter through Sarah’s Laughter. “I personally battled infertility,” Hendricks says. “I still don’t have any children, but my circumstances are a little bit different. I’m not married anymore, and that’s not really the path that I’m on anymore, but it was for about four or five years at least. I know what it’s like to be in the trenches of all of that, and I can kind of go along with other women experiencing that and cry with them, understand what they’re saying. Just to be with somebody else that gets it is something that’s really important to me.” Bauman says she believes through forming bonds with others who have walked similar paths, women will find healing in ways they would have never expected. “It’s very isolating,” she says, remembering how she felt as she walked through miscarriage. “I call it, like, a quiet loss, because people remember it right then when it’s happening, but quickly, life passes for everyone, and it moves forward, as it should. But for you, it feels very standstill, and you don’t feel like you’re ready to move forward, and everyone else around you is.”

heir personal experiences fueled their passion for Sarah’s Bauman and Hendricks have partnered with The Woman’s Clinic Laughter, and the two quickly got to work getting the to distribute two different kinds of boxes, one for infertility and the support group off the ground. The conference Bauman other for child loss and miscarriage. Each box will contain a journal, attended was in June, and by July, she and Hendricks had bracelet, candle, bath soaps, and informational cards about Sarah’s signed a contract with Sarah’s Laughter, solidifying their Laughter and the sponsors who contributed to the boxes. They will commitment to becoming group leaders, and secured a location to also include packages of seeds for families to plant, with forget-me-not hold meetings. Though they were unsure of what to expect, the two seeds to honor the memory of a child and mustard seeds to represent women hosted Monroe’s first Sarah’s Laughter support group meeting hope and faith in the midst of the infertility journey. Inside the boxes later that month. “We didn’t even know if anybody would really will also be wooden clinging crosses, hand-carved specifically for come,” Hendricks admits. “We had about 20 girls show up, which was Sarah’s Laughter by men at a Ruston correctional center, and Bible truly amazing to us.” verse cards, which are inspired by the cards Bauman’s own friends The duo’s goal was to provide a space for women to feel heard and family left around her home to help her through a difficult season and understood in the of her life. midst of difficult journeys, Though the boxes are and so far, Sarah’s Laughter intended to bring more has done just that. Bauman women to the support and Hendricks lead the group, Hendricks says she group once a month and is less concerned with the have even created a private group’s numerical size and Facebook group to allow is more focused on letting local women to remain area women know there is connected to one another a space for them to be loved in their everyday lives. The and supported. She says, two have worked to create a “Ultimately, I just want casual environment where people here to know that each woman in attendance there is something available feels accepted and free to to them.” share her story. “It’s kind The Monroe Sarah’s of been a learning curve of Laughter support group trying to figure out what has allowed women to works best for our girls,” step out of their comfort Hendricks explains. “It’s zones to tell their stories, always different because and Bauman believes that, we never know who’s despite the heartbreaking really going to be there or circumstances that lead what circumstances they a woman to a meeting, have going on. So, it could she will never regret Bauman and Hendricks have partnered with The Woman’s be somebody is just really coming. “It’s an amazing having a bad day, and our community to be a part of. Clinic to distribute two different kinds of boxes, one for time ends up being kind of It’s a community nobody infertility and the other for child loss and miscarriage. Though concentrated on them and wants to be a part of, to be the boxes are intended to bring more women to the support going through that stuff honest. Nobody wants to with them, or it could be, come to a Sarah’s Laughter group, Hendricks says she is less concerned with the group’s like, a time where you are meeting — you don’t want a numerical size and is more focused on letting area women celebrating the great things reason to be there. But once know there is a space for them to be loved and supported. that are happening.” you’re there, you have no Now, with over a doubt why you’re supposed year of experience under to be there,” she says. their belts, Bauman and Hendricks continue to navigate the ins and Since its establishment in Monroe, many local women have outs of leading a support group while looking ahead to achieve their found solace in Sarah’s Laughter. The private Facebook group has 182 next goal: providing comfort boxes for local women going through members and counting, and approximately 50 of those women have infertility, miscarriage, or child loss. They hope the boxes will not only attended a meeting. Through this unique community, Bauman and let their recipients know they are loved but will also bring attention to Hendricks have seen unexpected and meaningful friendships formed Sarah’s Laughter. and the brokenhearted encouraged, further affirming their belief in “They’re trying to help us get our word out about our meetings the healing power of connection. and into the hands of people who desperately need to come to a meeting in the life journey they’re in,” Bauman says of the boxes. “Not Sarah’s Laughter meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at 220 to build a meeting, but to help people get where they need to be and DeSiard St., Monroe, LA. For more information, visit sarahs-laughter.com. not feel alone. And the second part of the box is to put things in the hands of people to help them heal.”

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Dr. Henry Zizzi General Surgeon

R. HENRY ZIZZI WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NATCHEZ, Mississippi, where he sparked an interest in medicine and all things science-related at a very young age. His first jobs were spent working in hospitals as an orderly or alongside respiratory therapists, and through this experience Dr. Zizzi realized he loved the environment and healing those in need. He was interested in learning the mechanics of the human body, and Dr. Zizzi transformed his interests into a successful career in the Northeast Louisiana area. He is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University, and continued his education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, where he also completed his residency. During his time in medical school, surgery particularly caught his attention when he realized what one person can do with two hands. Surgery is an art form that requires the surgeon be adept and dexterous, and as a selfprofessed perfectionist, Dr. Zizzi knew he had a talent for operating. He ultimately chose general surgery because it allowed him to treat conditions of a wide variety and gave him the opportunity to hone his skills, as well as helping and potentially curing his patients. Though his residency was stressful and required a tremendous amount of training, Dr. Zizzi never considered any other field of medicine. For the last 21 years, Dr. Zizzi has been practicing General Surgery in the Monroe/West Monroe area. After completing his training, he joined the practice of Drs. William Ferguson and Tommy Lolley, who have both since retired. Dr. Zizzi believes in more than just treating his patients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he leads with his heart, as he knows many people walk into his office scared and concerned. Even minor procedures deserve a surgeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utmost attention to detail, and his experience enables him to perform surgeries with precision, accuracy, and trust between him and his patients. Dr. Zizzi takes a significant amount of time getting to know each individual while answering questions and alleviating concerns. He often uses diagrams or sketches to educate patients so that they know exactly what to expect before entering the operating room. Dr. Zizzi treats his patients with respect and compassion, as he understands how important the doctor-patient relationship is to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-being before and after surgery. If you ask his patients, the quality that distinguishes Dr. Zizzi is his bedside manner. He spends as much time as necessary with each patient and answers any questions they may have. Patients

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appreciate the consistency in his office, and they often remark that he is so thorough in his explanations that he answers their questions before they can even ask them. His main goal in an office visit is to keep the patient informed and comfortable, as he is well aware that the experience of undergoing a surgical procedure is hard enough. As a general surgeon, Dr. Zizzi is trained to operate on multiple areas of the body, and the most common procedures he performs involve the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, appendix, and gallbladder. Theses gastrointestinal procedures are most commonly performed with a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. He also performs thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as weight loss surgery. Along with these procedures, he treats benign and malignant diseases of the breast, which is a significant part of his practice. Outside of the office, Dr. Zizzi has a variety of interests besides medicine. He married his best friend, Deborah, and he has five children whom he adores. He enjoys studying and speaking foreign languages as well as traveling to countries outside the United States to practice his skills. Dr. Zizzi is also the lead singer of Code Blue and the Flatliners, having performed with this locally popular group since its inception in 2002. He actually attended NLU on a choir scholarship, which was a very fulfilling part of his college education. To top it off, he has a passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine, and his family says his homemade pasta is to die for. Dr. Zizzi has a way with people, and he treats his patients how he would want a physician to treat his own family members. While not every procedure is life or death, anxiety due to having surgery is real, and Dr. Zizzi takes the time to reassure his patients that he will take care of them to the best of his ability. With his hands, he heals the body, and with his heart, he builds long-lasting relationships with his patients. Dr. Henry Zizzi 102 Thomas Road, Suite 203 West Monroe, Louisiana 318-387-1812

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FISHING

With Kenny

Shad vs. Crawfish…Competing with Mother Nature

ar t icle by K e n ny C o vi n g to n

love bass fishing in the fall and winter months. The start of hunting season means the number of boats on the water diminishes significantly and that is a good thing for die hard fishermen like me. Over the years fishing during the hunting seasons, I have had phenomenal days on the water without seeing another boat. The competition from other fishermen is much less of an issue than what you might have during other times of the year. However, the biggest competitor is Mother Nature herself. One of the more popular phrases you hear in fishing is “match the hatch.” If bass are feeding on shad, then an angler needs to fish shad imitating lures. Crayfish, bream or whatever the source of food the bass are feeding on, by using lures that closely mimic their prey, your chances for success become better. Or do they? Bass are predators by nature but that doesn’t mean they can’t get finicky. Beginning in the late summer/early fall, bass feed heavily on shad. As fall turns into winter and then into late winter they will begin to feed heavily on crawfish in preparation of their upcoming spawn. This is not to say bass will pick feeding on shad over feeding on crayfish. I have caught fish feeding on shad with crawfish pinchers showing in the back of their throats. But in general, I have found this time of bass will feed more heavily on one or the other. Once shad start to migrate to the backs of coves, pockets and creeks, bass will move back with them because the abundance of shad makes for an easy meal. Once the height of this movement takes place, suddenly these fish that were so easy to catch a few weeks earlier become less willing to strike an artificial lure. So what changed? The overabundance of a natural source is the issue. When the schools of shad become so overwhelmingly large often time’s bass will feed from the bottom of the school. They won’t come to the surface or feed upwards in order to strike a lure or to eat an individual shad. There is no need to exert that energy when they can simply follow along underneath a school of shad and pick off one at their leisure. Another scenario that happens in the fall when shad schools are at their largest, the fish that will break the surface to feed on them usually have so many targets to choose from, picking out, tracking and striking an artificial lure is the last thing they would consider. The amount of shad can trigger this as can the size of the shad they are feeding on. When you are throwing a shad imitating lure among thousands of the real thing, the odds aren’t in your favor. Matching the hatch is a good concept but in reality can be frustrating. When it comes to bass feeding on crawfish, this is a year round 32 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

phenomenon. And why not? A crawfish to a bass is equivalent to a human eating a steak. Bass that feed heavily on shad tend to feed more often than those who feed on crawfish. Crawfish are high in protein and during the colder months will keep a bass full for longer periods of time, making their feeding times much shorter than during the warmer times of year. Quality of the meal over quantity needed to fill an empty stomach is a good analogy. Side note: Speaking of crawfish….the Kentucky spotted bass that populate the Ouachita River will seemingly swim past a shad to eat a crawfish. I can honestly say I have caught more bass on a crawfish colored crankbait in the fall of the year on the river than I have any other lure. Are you ready for the contradiction? When I fish the river lakes and the creeks that can be found up and down the Ouachita’s system, I catch more bass on a shad colored crankbait than I do a crawfish colored one. Even more interesting is I usually catch more largemouth bass in the creeks and river lakes and more Kentucky bass in the main river. All bodies of water are different when it comes to fish populations and their feeding habits. It has been my experience the later in the year and the colder the water the bass feeding on crawfish are usually bigger and easier to catch than bass that are targeting shad. Shad feeders tend to nomadic and unpredictable in their locations while bigger fish will remain in one location to feed rather than cover water feeding on baitfish. So now we have addressed the shad vs. crawfish debate, what about lure choices? These lure choices will work regardless of the type of water you are fishing. Water clarity this time of year is generally clear except in smaller bayou systems so the color schemes are universal as well. Here are four lures that will catch bass no matter the body of water or if they are feeding on shad or crawfish: SPINNERBAIT What is fall bass fishing with a spinnerbait tied on one of your rods? It is easily the number one choice for catching active bass feeding on shad and there is no sense in getting too complicated with our lure of choice. A 3/8 ounce double willow leaf spinnerbait with a chartreuse/blue/white skirt is all you will really need. Retrieve speed can be critical. The more active the fish the faster you want to fish the bait. CRANKBAIT The lure that applies to both crawfish and shad feeders is the crankbait. I like a medium diving lure such as a Norman Middle N or a Bandit 200 series crankbait, both lures will run 6-8 feet deep. Your basic shad patterns are good but one of my favorites to throw this time of year is a “firetiger” pattern. This color works extremely well when fishing river systems like we discussed earlier or off colored water. A stop and go retrieve is very effective this time of year. CHATTERBAIT I almost put this lure as a cross between a spinnerbait and a crankbait due to its versatility. With the chatterbait an angler can cover a lot of water and effectively fish different depths. Don’t get overwhelmed with colors, it’s either black/blue or a shad pattern, either in the 3/8 version. One will usually work when the other one doesn’t. My favorite trailer of choice is a small boot tail swim bait that compliments the color you choose to throw. The best way to fish a chatterbait is to retrieve it with a slow steady retrieve and keep it out of sight. JIG Arguably the greatest crawfish imitation ever created, the jig also works well when targeting bass feeding on shad. Simply change up your color schemes to a shad color, match your trailer, and keep your retrieve off of the bottom and you have the perfect shad imitation. For bottom feeding bass looking for an easy crawfish meal a black/blue jig with a matching soft plastic trailer will catch fish anywhere you can launch your boat. Well it looks like we have run out of time this month. I hope, between the shad and the crawfish debate, we were able to give you some ideas on how to put more fish in your boat this fall. There is no better time to be on the water! If you are out in the woods please practice safe hunting habits and if you happen to be on the water, please catch one for me! See you next month!

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Historical Impressions

A REASON TO GIVE THANKS

or many people, the ideal family Thanksgiving image that most comes to mind is that of Norman Rockwell’s famous Thanksgiving dinner painting, “Freedom From Want.” Following the standard that Rockwell’s painting establishes, Thanksgiving is typically a day to stay home and gather with family or friends for quiet enjoyment of all that we are blessed with as citizens of this great land. It goes without saying that those who serve our Country and their families do not always have this same opportunity for a family gathering. Whether deployed overseas or assigned duty that day, many servicemen and servicewomen get little to no opportunity to enjoy the thanksgiving traditions that most of us take for granted. And the families of our absent military experience a larger-than-normal void on those special days when they know most other families in our Nation will have the opportunity to gather with all of those they love the most. Some comfort offered to today’s families comes with the ability to keep in touch with absent loved ones using voice or video phone calls. In past times, families might not even know where their loved ones actually were on Thanksgiving much less have a chance to speak with them. Families who still have members that were alive during Word War II can hear first hand what the Thanksgiving holidays were like during that war. For the rest of us, two of Rockwell’s other Thanksgiving paintings with military themes are particularly poignant. “Thanksgiving: Girl Praying” appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on November 27, 1943. The setting of this painting is war-ravaged Italy. A young girl has rags tied around her feet and a US Army First Sergeant’s olive drab coat draped over her shoulders. She has not buttoned the coat against the cold, so the soldier may have just given it to her a moment earlier. There are broken stone columns, a broken chain and other debris lying on the ground. The girl is saying grace over a mess kit full of food. Whatever rations the mess kit holds, they are certainly tastier and more substantial than whatever the poor girl had been living on in recent times. This Italian girl may not know of the American Thanksgiving holiday but she is thankful for the Thanksgiving meal given to her by some generous soldier. During World War II countless American families sat down to Thanksgiving dinner and prayed that their family members overseas would come home safely. With this painting Rockwell may have comforted some families by helping them understand more clearly why, and for whom, their loved ones were in harm’s way. And that something as simple as a warm body and full belly is a lot to be thankful for if fortune was not in your favor.

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“Thanksgiving: Mother and Son Peeling Potatoes” appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on November 24, 1945. This painting is of a soldier, recently returned from combat during World War II, enjoying the company of his mother as they prepare a Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner they prepare is likely the first real Thanksgiving feast the soldier will enjoy in a very long time. The man’s happy anticipation of the meal is evident because one of the most loathed Army duties is Kitchen Patrol, KP; which soldiers ruefully claim stands for “keep peeling.” Yet here is this soldier gladly peeling potatoes with his mother. Norman Rockwell had authentic models for this painting. Dick Hagelberg was a real veteran who had seen combat action during the war. He had been deployed for five years with the 9th Army Air Corps. Dick flew 65 daylight bombing raids over Europe, including supporting the D-Day invasion. His mother, Sara Hagelberg, was very thankful to have him home safe and sound. They both knew many mothers and sons had not fared as well during the course of the war. Norman Rockwell’s paintings are copyrighted but a quick Internet search using the above provided titles will allow you to see these moving images. As I earlier mentioned, not all of the men and women currently serving in our military will be fortunate enough to receive a coveted pass to travel home for the holiday, or otherwise be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family living on base. Many will be on duty, many overseas, and many still living under combat conditions. These heroes, and also our first responders, should be in our prayers as we say thanks for the blessings and bounty that we enjoy as gifts from the Almighty. Our blessings are kept preserved for our quiet enjoyment only by the service and sacrifices of our military and first responders. I humbly ask that you remember those who safeguard our Nation in your Thanksgiving prayers. Unless you have served in combat, you likely have never been afraid to live where you do like the young Italian girl most surely did. You likely have never begun each day with the thought that if you are not aware and careful, you could be killed. You likely have never stood in a street as night approached desperately trying to find shelter before you freeze to death. You likely have never doubted that you will have something to eat each day. We are Americans blessed with safety and prosperity and Thanksgiving is the holiday to celebrate that fortune. It is only right to remember and pray for those who gave and continue to give us our ability to be so thankful.

BY GUY MILLER Vice Chair Emeritus - Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

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Cathi French Roberts & Lori French

T U R N T H E TA B L E S

ressing our table is much like preparing for a play or presentation. There is a director, a cast of characters, and various set props, dedicated music and beautiful, flattering lighting. All the right elements make a dinner memorable, but more than that, planned table settings can and do elevate conversation and time well spent. Try looking for a different take on your table coverings. Imagine a needlepoint tapestry as a base for your table along with a Belgium linen throw, a fine lace coverlet and/ or a lavish antique fabric. It might be the theme (or lack there-of) could be layered, lush and mismatched. If it seems wonderfully odd, then allow your base of a vintage curtain panel or overlapping grass cloth placemats to be just that. Memorable and different. Baskets can be a textural addition to your formal china and give your surface space a visual treat. Get creative and use your baskets beyond bread servers. A remarkable

collection of objects that re-kindle memories from travels immediately start dinner talk. It goes without saying that everyone looks better in candlelight, so always have a generous stack of beeswax dripless candles stashed in your cupboard. Reale Crema Balsalmico Pomegranate used as a glaze is the newest appetizer that is easy and delicious to quickly prepare for arriving guests. Along with an offer of wine or a cocktail, thin cracker wafers spread with cream cheese and topped with this delightful spread is a tasty â&#x20AC;&#x153;go-to.â&#x20AC;? Arriving with a hostess gift of a small gourmet spread, jelly or specialty oil is always welcome. If you are the host, allow your guests to mingle and relax before gathering for the sit down. Let your play and its characters evolve though out the evening until the final curtain is closed. Your guests will definitely want an encore!

FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041 36 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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B AYOU DR I N K S

Festive Fall Cocktails

This repertoire of festive fall cocktails is sure to wow guests this holiday season. From whole cloves to a pumpkin liquor, these seasonal sippers combine fall’s boldest flavors.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Tray and napkin from Material Things Dapper dude Joshua Mitchell

PAPER PLANE Doe’s Eat Place 1 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon 1 oz Aperol 1 oz Tattersall Americano 1 oz fresh lemon juice Served in a coupe with large lemon spiral.

THE LADY ROSE Trio’s - Made by Kendall LaRochelle 4 oz Rose wine A squeeze of fresh Lemon (Quarter) 2 oz of Cucumber Juice 1 oz Champagne A refreshing rose cocktail with notes of fresh mint, lemons and rejuvenating cucumber. The hints of rose paired with bubbly Brut champagne invigorate your tastebuds.

HOT BUTTERED RUM

POINSETTIA COCKTAIL Portico Bar & Grill

For the Hot Buttered Rum Batter 1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened 3/4 c. brown sugar 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg pinch ground cloves small pinch of salt

2 oz cranberry juice 2.5 oz champagne 1 oz trip sec Orange or lemon peel Served in champagne flute.

Place butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in small bowl. Mash together with the back of a spoon until well combined. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. For Each Mug of Hot Buttered Rum 2 Tbs Hot Buttered Rum Batter 2 oz. Dark Rum 6 oz. Boiling Water whipped cream ground cinnamon cinnamon stick

PUMPKIN SPICE MARTINI Waterfront Grill 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka 1.5 oz Bailey’s 1.5 oz p umpkin liquor or syrup Cinnamon/nutmeg on rim Dip martini glass in water, and then spin in ground cinnamon/nutmeg to rim glass. Shake or stir liquid ingredients and pour into rimmed martini glass.

Place Hot Buttered Rum Batter (prepared above) in a mug. Add rum and boiling water. Stir until butter mixture is melted and fully dissolved. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.

MULLED WINE Tonore’s Wine Cellar

MOSCOW MULE

Combine all ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Gently bring the wine to a low simmer over mediumlow heat. DO NOT BOIL. Heat for approximately 1520 min, stirring occasionally. To serve, carefully ladle the mulled wine into serving glasses, leaving spices behind. Garnish with additional orange slices, cranberries and cinnamon, if desired.

1 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 oz lime juice crushed ice or ice cubes 1/2 cup ginger beer fresh mint, for garnish Add all ingredients to moscow mule tin cup. Garnish with fresh mint.

1b ottle Red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon 1/2 c brandy 1 orange sliced 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 4 whole cloves 2 whole star anise 2 whole cinnamon sticks 2 Tbsp brown sugar

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NCLACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ARToberfest

On Friday October 18th, people gathered at the Ruston Farmers Market for ARToberfest, North Central Louisiana Arts Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest fundraiser. With over thirty volunteers serving beer to over five hundred guests each year, this community event is a must. Both home-brewed and commercial craft beers were available to beer enthusiasts. Delicious food was offered by several local food trucks, and live music kept guests mingling all evening. This event was definitely one for the books and we are looking forward to it next year!

On the BayouScene

1 Anna Crawford and Patrick Green

2 August Bidacovich and Austin Walker 3 Caitlon Blevins and Paige Babineaux

4 Avery Maness, Jamie Bimble and Macie Branch

5 Jessica Slaughter, Madeline Marak and CaraBeth Buie 6 Cullin and Kristi Bishop

7 Denise Green and Nichole Hinton

8 Madeline Marak, Emma Melville and Nicole Duet

9 Matt Castillo, Barton Crum and Christan Thompson 10 Gillian Barrett and Ashley Smith 11 Jacob and Tori Davis

12 Kristin Cline and Jennifer Henry

13 Lindsi Hanchey and Meg Moore

14 Matthew Reed, Ben Finch and Collin Sanford 15 Martha and Tim Tate

16 Nate Trisler and Tyler Pierot

17 Sarah Smith and Chris Boquet 18 Naomi Baker

19 Taylor Gearge and Katherine Payne

20 M allory Chapman and Austin Bethany

21 Madeline Marak, Mike Leblanc and Emma Melville

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B AYOU BE AT S

Album In Review

Doug Duffey and BADD’s new album, Play the Blues, made its chart debut in October. The album celebrates the craft of these musicians as they seamlessly snap through the winding path of playing the blues. ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA

As Run D.M.C. noted in his 1986 album Raising Hell, “It’s tricky to rock a rhyme… that’s right on time,” but when it comes to Doug Duffey and BADD, rocking a rhyme is seemingly as easy-going as deciding which dark shades to style for a gig. Their new album Play the Blues made its chart debut in October and immediately began climbing the charts, particularly on the Roots Music Report, the National Contemporary Blues Charts, and the Louisiana Blues charts. As Duffey would put it, it’s been a “gud mawnin, chirren.” Duffey and the musicians of BADD—Ben Ford (bassist), Adam Ryland (drummer), and Dan Sumner (guitarist, vocalist, percussion)—are turning heads with their fresh nine-track LP packaged with one hundred percent original Louisiana blues, Delta soul, R&B, bayou funk, and swampadelic tunes. Play the Blues launches with a guitar-driven, twelvebar blues kicker titled “The Things We Used to Do.” Duffey’s voice, notoriously on the edge of a Dr. John gravely rasp, whisps though lyrics like, The things we used to do/ I can’t do them anymore. The track’s groovy stylings 42 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

adequately grab, cementing the album’s sweeping progression. Often described as “shufflin’ biting Louisiana blues,” the album runs the gamut of blues subgenres. In “Evil,” backbeats are reminiscent of Chicago blues, while in “Have You Ever?” the Memphis influence is heard in Ford’s walking bass line. The middle of the album eases into a sordid, back-alley slow blues rock with “My Drivin’ Wheel,” lowering the tempo and really emphasizing the space between notes. Songs like “Big Easy Street Blues,” in which Duffey’s piano is obviously highlighted, are also marked by his ability to effortlessly complement the other instruments in the band. The final track and BayouLife favorite, “A Memory Left To Lose,” closes like a sermon, an elegiac, nostalgic farewell to his congregation. This aggregation celebrates the craft of a genre steeped in novelty and inflection, not to mention the prowess of musicians that seamlessly snap through the winding path of playing the blues. The album can be ordered on Amazon and is available on all streaming platforms.

Monroe’s Newest Lash Studio Amazing Lash is Now Open

MAZING LASH STUDIO, THE NATION’S LARGEST and fastest growing eyelash extension franchise beauty brand, has opened its new studio in Monroe, LA and is the first studio to come to Louisiana. The studio is locally owned and operated by Darrell Nordan and Emily Stansbury. To celebrate, there will be a grand opening/ribbon cutting event on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 10:30am. Nordan and Stansbury would like to invite neighbors and local businesses to the new studio to tour the space and mingle. There will be complimentary food and refreshments, as well as give-aways. At Amazing Lash Studio, they offer four, proprietary, eyelash styles: natural, sexy, cute and gorgeous. Their lash stylists have lots of experience helping guests find looks they love—they’ll be happy to help you too. Amazing Lash Studio provides clients semi-permanent eyelash extensions in private lash application suites, and recently announced the launch of two all-new offerings available in studios nationwide: Featherweight LashesTM and Lash Lift. Featherweight Lashes are an innovative eyelash extension product that offers women a lighterweight option that is full of beauty, and the Lash Lift treatment lifts and elongates the natural lash as an alternative to applying extensions. Founded in 2010, Amazing Lash Studios apply semi-permanent eyelash extensions with a proprietary, patented process to the clients’ own lashes, replicating the curve and size of natural lashes. The concept began franchising in 2013 and to date has over 200 open studios in 29 states. In 2018, Amazing Lash Studio earned the rank of #5 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises, #327 in the Franchise Times Top Franchisors list and #260 on the Inc. 500 in its inaugural year. The brand landed #4 in the 2019 Franchise Times Fast & Serious, #344 on Entrepreneur’s 2019 Franchise 500® list and No. 71 on Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises. Lashes are offered at afforable price, a full set is only $89-99. We also offer “twice as amazing” membership program to keep your lashes refilled. They have four styles: natural, gorgeous, sexy and cute. No matter what style, it’s the same price. They also offer upgrades and the new featherweight lashes. Lastly, a volume lash would be perfect if one desires a fuller look for perhaps a special occasion.

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They also have top of the line products available like: • Eyelash Foaming Cleanser • Eye Makeup Cleansing and Protein Removal Pads • NatureLashes • Protective Lash Coating • Long-Lasting Eye Liner • Amazing Lash Mascara • Clear Brow & Lash Gel. “Darrell and I appreciate all the kindness from the community during our training. We have a great staff of stylists and consultants who are trained to make your experience amazing. They can answer any question you may have. Once you walk into the studio, our team members strive to make each guest experience perfect. We want you to leave feeling beautiful!” states Emily Stansbury. “We could not be more excited to have such a dynamic brand to be associated with, also to be the “first-to-market” in Louisiana with the member based concept. This was such a unique business model, and I knew I wanted to be part of it and to be partnered with Emily. Our journey thus far with Amazing Lash studio has been a fun and excited one. We are excited to make our clients look beautiful, grow our studios and support each other,” stated Darrell Nordan. Amazing Lash Studio Monroe, LA is located at 2020 Tower Drive Suite 101, Monroe, LA. The studio is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information please call (888)404-LASH or visit https://www.amazinglashstudio. com/studios/la/monroe/monroe/. Be sure to follow Amazing Lash on Facebook and Instagram. Their mission is to create lasting beauty and confidence through passion, dedication and excellence so their guests will look and feel amazing.

Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE “At some point in a woman’s life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time. After that, she is free to become whoever she truly is.” The novel follows Vivian Morris, a privileged girl who moves to NYC in the 1940s. A college dropout, Vivian claims, “I didn’t understand what I was doing at college, aside from fulfilling a destiny whose purpose nobody bothered explaining to me.” She moves to escape her parent’s disappointment and finds herself immersed in the theater world of showgirls, night life, and debauchery. And Vivian positively revels in the excitement of it all. She moves in with her Aunt Peg, owner of The Lily Theater, and forms connections with the stars by sewing their costumes. She makes mistakes, she makes friends, she discovers the power of her sexuality, and she learns to not apologize for any of it. When a scandal puts her lifestyle and reputation at risk, she retreats inside herself and finds the courage to live her life out loud without fear of others’ judgment. Her journey is backdropped by the highs of New York City living during World War II. Society is adjusting to its new normal of rations and men fighting abroad, all while women are forced to take up the slack and challenge previous notions of femininity. Vivian’s willingness to not only embrace change but often steer it sets her on a path of redemption and what it means to truly live.

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The characters alongside Vivian give the novel its color. They’re ahead of their time, even in liberal New York. Celia, the gorgeous showgirl who introduces Vivian to nightlife and the company of men, is a girl taking full advantage of her youthful beauty, sometimes to her detriment. As Vivian describes Celia, “She’s had many husbands, but only one of them was her own.” Aunt Peg is a woman who loves the theater saying, “When I was a young girl, I honestly believed a life spent in the theater would be nothing but fun. And God help me-it was.” Peg’s optimism about life is refreshing. She’s not naive, just knows it’s easier to let things go. Edna, the aging star at the Lily defines grace and elegance and teaches Vivian about marriage and womanhood, “It’s best you learn now: most marriages are neither heavenly nor hellish, but vaguely purgatorial.” Marjorie, the young daughter of immigrants, possesses a maturity beyond her years and becomes a lifelong confidant, the counter to Vivian’s privileged upbringing. Gilbert, the renowned author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” has once again taken readers on a whimsical escape, a novel about girls becoming women, but ultimately becoming themselves. Vivian realizes, “I have never loved the people I was supposed to love,” and finds the alternative more interesting, more true, and more meaningful for a woman hell bent on defining life on her own terms. She makes us want to break the rules, if only for the liberty to say we did.

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We’re Going Shopping

Big Creek Trade Days Has Everything You Need for Your Holiday Shopping

OSIE MORRIS AND CONNIE WATTS CAN BE considered trade days visionaries. According to Rosie, “My husband and I bought this piece of property several years ago, a piece of property that housed a bunch of chicken houses. We thought ‘What are we going to do with all these chicken houses?’” Not to be deterred, they gathered several friends and sought their input as they started visiting other trade day’s locations. One in particular, in Fredericksburg, Texas, had turned an old turkey farm into a monthly trade show and flea market. Rosie thought, “This is what we can do with our property.” With that newfound confidence, and with the help of family and friends, the clean-up began on what is now the venue for Big Creek Trade Days. Shortly after the restoration was complete, Rosie and her team started visiting other shows and gathering vendor contact information. After that, they hosted an open house where they pitched their concept to this new vendor audience. The plan worked and as a result, Big Creek Trade Days now hosts approximately 100 indoor vendors, with capacity for another 130 outside ones, a number that varies depending on the weather. “When we sought our permits, we had to divide two of our 20,000 square foot buildings into four 10,000 square foot ones. Now, we have four indoor facilities for our vendors. We also added a man cave so husbands/men can have a place to sit and watch sports while their wives shop!” In addition to the flea market vendors, Big Creek Trade Days also hosts five food vendors and a “no waiting” bathroom facility. Always resourceful, they even used old feed troughs for sinks! Another accommodation that their visitors enjoy is the paved asphalt walk-ways that make the grounds accessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers. “After we opened, one of the best compliments I heard was when someone told me they could tell a woman designed the property,” said Rosie. “That’s when I knew we had something.” Another cool service offered is for shoppers who make large scale or heavy purchases and don’t want to carry them around all day or want to continue shopping. Explains Rosie, “All of our buildings have Walkie-Talkies and when a customer makes a large or heavy purchase, one of our team members will pick it up and hold it for them at the office until they are done. At this point, the customer can drive straight to the office to pick it up.” Team members also drive around on golf carts

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throughout the property, to provide assistance to customers needing a “lift” to the bathroom or their vehicles. They are about to install an old dinner bell at the trolley stop, so a customer can “ring” for a ride while they sit and wait on the benches. No detail has been overlooked at Big Creek Trade Days, as they even have an EMT on site for any medical emergency that might present. “We certainly hope we don’t have to use them, but we have the security of knowing someone is available should a customer need immediate medical assistance.” Want to visit Big Creek Trade Days? You are in luck. This monthly show is the weekend before the second Monday of every month, except in November, when there are two, as they host a Black Friday weekend show. For a customer, or a vendor, you can count on 13 shows a year. The next show is November 8, 9, and 10th and the Black Friday weekend is November 29th and 30th. Need to Christmas shop? Join Big Creek Trade Days December 6, 7 and 8th! Friday and Saturday hours are from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m and Sunday hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is only $5.00 per car. Want to be a vendor? You are also in luck. The application process for vendors reopens in January and the entire process is online. Visit bigcreektradedays.com for all the details. Not sure what you are looking for? Big Creek has you covered as they have vendors that sell antiques, furniture, any and all vintage items; rustic, shabby chic, primitive, glassware, pottery, metal arts; salvaged items, handmade, specialty knives, farm implements, tools, sporting goods, custom handmade jewelry; wood working, specialty art, seasonal art, home, garden and outdoor décor; trendy apparel for all ages; accessories and baby items, the list goes on and on. It will suffice so say that if you can imagine it, they probably have it at Big Creek Trade Days. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s a great time for a little “retreat” to the country. So, gather your family and friends and get ready for a shopping experience that will be both memorable and productive, as you check those people off your list who are hard-tobuy-for! Big Creek Trade Days will be your one-stop-shop for your holiday shopping!

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MORE THAN A VESSEL: TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH article by Laura W. Clark

asping for air, I jumped out of bed at 3 a.m. during my seventh month of pregnancy with my firstborn. Before this jolt, I had been sleeping. Now fully awake, I forced myself to sit on the edge of my bed. Breathing was difficult, my heart was racing, and I felt an overwhelming urge to escape my house. I nudged my husband, and said, “I think I’m having a heart attack.” My husband had never seen me like this, and he agreed we should seek medical attention. We rushed to the ER as I reclined in the front seat, filled with panic. When we arrived at the hospital, the staff immediately treated me, connecting me to various medical devices and asking me questions. The ER doctor soon approached my bedside, laid a hand on my arm and said, “You’re going to be just fine. While the symptoms are similar to those associated with a heart attack, that’s not what happened tonight. You suffered a severe panic attack.” I instantly felt ashamed. I apologized for wasting the doctor’s time, and he said, “The heart racing, the shortness of breath—all of those symptoms are very real. You suffered tonight. Don’t apologize.” I asked him how I could suffer a panic attack while asleep. After all, I was asleep, so what could have scared me? He explained that pregnancy hormones—mixed with a predisposition to anxiety—never sleep. I experienced several more panic attacks during that pregnancy, once while happily watching my guilty pleasure, Dawson’s Creek. While I was preoccupied with my television, my subconscious was cooking up a different kind of episode. Fortunately, I delivered a happy, healthy baby boy. I assumed the anxiety would dissipate after delivery, but it did not. I remember trying to take solace in the fact that I didn’t have postpartum depression (PPD), which is marked by feelings of despair, inability to bond with the baby, and feeling disconnected from reality. Nope, none of those descriptors fit. What did I feel? My heart was constantly racing, my mind was always scanning for possible dangers to the baby, and I felt like I had to be constantly busy—cleaning bottles, sanitizing pacifiers, washing clothes, and checking to ensure the sleeping baby was breathing. While rocking my son at midnight, I googled my symptoms. Once again, almost none of the symptoms associated with PPD fit. Then 50 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

I came across the term, postpartum anxiety (PPA). I wanted to hug my computer. I read that 25-35 percent of postpartum anxiety cases begin during pregnancy, and usually continue after the baby is born. I soon sought treatment and was given the best advice from my general practitioner: “Taking care of yourself IS taking caring of your baby.” I delayed having my second child for several years due to the terrifying panic attacks associated with my first pregnancy. During my second pregnancy, I was determined to feel good both for my health and the health of my baby. After conducting exhaustive research and consulting with an excellent psychiatrist, I decided to take a low dosage of anti-anxiety medicine. Even though I was five years older, the second pregnancy was much easier because I was able to remain mostly calm throughout my pregnancy.

Learn from my experiences:

- Consult with a physician. If you need to take medicine during your pregnancy, do not feel guilty. It’s easy to succumb to the guilt and occasional judgment of others, but have faith knowing you are doing the right thing for you and your baby. - If you experience a panic attack, do jumping jacks. You might feel silly, but a person doing jumping jacks isn’t dying. Then, take deep breaths. - Confide in a friend. I consulted with a dear girlfriend throughout my second pregnancy. She made me feel immensely better each time we spoke; she made me feel less alone. Advances in both PPA and PPD are being made, but awareness needs to increase. My first pregnancy was in 2014, and I am just now writing about the experience. We fight the stigma by starting discussions. When I told my mother I wished I could just “get over” the anxiety, she said, “If you had a broken leg, we would treat that. This is no different.” We cannot change how our bodies respond to pregnancy or life in general. But, we can treat ourselves better by seeking medical guidance, finding comfort in friends, and letting go of the guilt. Laura W. Clark, owner of Vivian’s Voice, LLC, a communications consulting company, can be reached at findyours@viviansvoice.com

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Vantage Health Plan Expanding Medicare Advantage Product to Arkansas

OUR FAVORITE HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY IS growing! We are excited to announce that two of our Medicare Advantage plans will be available to six counties in Southern Arkansas starting in 2020: Ashley, Calhoun, Chicot, Columbia, Lafayette, and Union. One of the plans is a $0 premium plan which includes prescription drugs and other benefits not covered by Original Medicare. For the past several years, Vantage has been working to create a robust provider network in Arkansas. During the 2020 Medicare Open Enrollment Period in October, residents in the six counties listed above may enroll in Vantage Medicare Advantage plans with the same low prices and great benefits as Vantage plans in Louisiana. These plans will have an effective date of January 1st. “We are excited to offer our products to a wider population. With this expansion, we’re providing choices to residents of these six counties that didn’t exist for them before. We hope our new members in Arkansas will enjoy being part of the Vantage family. We’re looking forward to helping them get the quality, affordable healthcare they need,” said Dr. Gary Jones, President and CEO of Vantage. Vantage’s expansion into Arkansas is the beginning of a strategic plan to bring affordable, high-quality care to the states surrounding Louisiana. What’s so great about our Medicare Advantage plans you ask? Over-the-Counter (OTC) program credits as well as transportation benefits, just to name a few. For the past four years, Vantage has included these programs in our Medicare Advantage plans along with low copays, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, and free fitness memberships. Our hope is that the use of these programs make healthcare easier and more accessible to our members. Many Medicare members find it more and more difficult to get out of the house regularly or find transportation to the drug store or their medical appointments. By utilizing these benefits, Vantage members can take more control of their health, leading to healthier habits like medication adherence (taking medications as prescribed and required) and keeping regular medical appointments. Improving health outcomes saves members time, money, and stress. These programs give help to members when they need it and enable them to focus on what matters most to them.

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There are many choices for health insurance out there, but what makes Vantage different? Besides the commitment made almost 25 years ago to be a driving force in the market for affordable insurance, Vantage believes in quality - in the products it offers and in the employees who make it possible. Vantage believes in giving members the most benefits for their investment, the best customer service in the industry, and the highest level of care. You have a choice. When it comes to your insurance, choose the health insurance that’s invested in its people and invested in you! ABOUT VANTAGE HEALTH PLAN Vantage Health Plan is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) formed over 25 years ago by physicians who wanted to improve healthcare and help lower healthcare costs. Vantage prides itself in offering friendly, excellent customer service and high-quality healthcare products. Coverage is available to members who live or work in any of the 64 Louisiana parishes and, beginning January 1, 2020, select counties in Arkansas. For more information, please visit VantageHealthPlan.com or facebook.com/VantageHealthPlan. Vantage Health Plan complies with all applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic. ATTENTION: If you have limited English proficiency, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-704-0109 (TTY: 1-866-524-5144). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-704-0109 (TTY: 1-866-524-5144). ATTENTION: Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez 1-866-704-0109 (TTY: 1-866-524-5144).

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B AYOUST Y L E

Hats Off to Fashion

Looking for the perfect hat this holiday season? Invigorate your wardrobe with one of these stylish hats from area boutiques. On Mallory - Herringstone’s, Black hat - Simmons’ Sporting Goods, Blue hat - Dusty & Company, Light gray hat - The Nude Nomad

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

B AYOU E AT S

Lea’s of Lecompte

Georgie and Lea Johnson’s grandson, Toby Traylor, has continued the tradition of delivering delcious food and mouth-watering pies in a casual, down-home atmosphere at the Monroe restaurant. ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRAJAL PRASAI

It all started in 1928 in Lecompte,

Louisiana. “Before the Great Depression, before the Second World War, before air conditioning, television, all-you-caneat salad bars or the Internet, there was Lea’s Lunchroom,” the lengthy biography published on the restaurant’s website humorously claims. Since then, this small town diner with a limited menu—ham sandwiches, special-of-the-day, Louisiana coffee, and homemade pies—has become the pie capitol of Louisiana and stretched to Monroe in the form of Lea’s of Lecompte, owned and managed by Toby Traylor. Lea Johnson, the establishment’s namesake, never intended to create a landmark restaurant. His parents were plantation owners, tending to crops and raising hogs. Lea, an established mechanic, grew tired of the long, hot hours of automobile repair work and acted on a hunch. He began to trade cars for restaurant furniture—two countertops, five stools, one coal-oil stove, and a coffee pot. Not long after, he hired a “skinny, redheaded, seventeen-year old high school graduate” called Miss Georgie to manage the café. In 1939 he married her because, as he jokingly disclosed, “he was tired of paying her a four dollar-a-week salary.” Serendipitously, it was from her side of the family that the restaurant’s pie recipes originated. “They were really the perfect team in our restaurant,” says Traylor about his grandparents. Lea spoke to everyone that came through the door and was even known to yell a greeting from across the restaurant. “You’re in the right church and I’m your preacher,” recalls Traylor. Second to the food, Lea’s “gift of gab,” as Traylor

calls it, is probably what drove so many people to visit the restaurant. He was the kind of character people wanted to hang on to, including acclaimed longtime host of The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson. In November of 1989 while Traylor was away in marine boot camp, Lea was invited on the show. He greeted Carson by asking, “Which one of your wives did you have dinner with today?” And followed with, “You’re a regular rascal, just like I am.” Traylor’s grandmother’s personality was more subdued than her husband’s, but she was the work force behind the restaurant. She’d wake up at three in the morning, make breakfast for eager customers, then turn around for lunch prep. “She worked like I can’t even imagine,” says Traylor, adding that in the early years of the establishment she was the only staff in the kitchen. When additional staff were hired, she still worked alongside them. “It’s imperative to be in the trenches with your employees,” asserts Traylor. While Traylor maintains he has more of his grandmother’s personality at the Monroe location, he credits his wife Emy with carrying the loquacious flair his grandfather was known for: “I can cut her loose in a room and I don’t have to say a word. I just stand behind her and she takes care of everything.” Twelve years ago, Traylor and his family decided to move to Monroe. He was attending Northeast Louisiana University at the time, now the University of Louisiana at Monroe. “There was something about Monroe that I really liked,” he says. So on July 5, 2007, they opened Lea’s of Lecompte. Originally it was the same menu as the

Lecompte location—ham sandwiches and nine pies to choose from. But they quickly learned that in order to compete with neighboring restaurants, they’d have to expand the menu. “That was a hard choice,” says Traylor, because there is a running joke in the Lecompte restaurant that you only order a burger to get a rise out of Lea. He was notorious for kicking people out if they ordered a hamburger. One of the Monroe burgers is called the Roll Over, because Traylor claims his grandfather “would roll over in his grave if he knew we had hamburgers here.” The Monroe restaurant also has a Hitchhiker Ham Sandwich to honor the depression-era hitchhikers that Lea would serve. Homage is paid to the original location through the furnishing, as well. Traylor brought chairs and bar stools from Lecompte, partially to relive snapshots of his childhood like customers sitting on the counter leisurely drinking coffee. But there is no real way to duplicate Lea’s Lunchroom, which is why Monroe’s version has established its own identity, and the customer base is largely to thank. “That’s what makes this restaurant special in Monroe—the customers. The regulars are like family,” says Traylor. Even their staff, some of which are work-release employees from the Ouachita Correctional Center, are deep-seated in the restaurant family. “They are great girls that have made poor decisions, decisions anyone can make,” says Traylor. Many of these women stay at the restaurant after release, with some customers buying them furniture for their house. “It’s sweet and special,” beams Traylor. As the saying goes, numbers don’t lie and when it comes to Lea’s pies, the proof is in the eating. In 1963, Lea’s sold over 4,000 pies in less than twenty-six days. With a daily average of selling ten to twenty pies per day, it’s no surprise that in the seventies they recorded averaging about 78,000 pies per year, which includes wholesale orders. Not only are their pies listed in the Louisiana Hall of Fame, but in March 2001, the Louisiana Legislature also proclaimed Lecompte the Pie Capitol of Louisiana. Both restaurants use the same pie recipes since their inception. While the Lecompte crowd indulges on the pecan variety, Monroe customers are chocolate pie fans. “They love our meringue pies. We’ve just gotten so good at doing those meringues,” comments Traylor. BayouLife agrees. The meringues come out high and WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 57

PI E

H E AVE N

Daily flavors usually include coconut, lemon, chocolate, banana, apple, peach, cherry, and pecan. The seasonal flavors to expect are all-time favorites like pumpkin, mincemeat, sweet potato, blueberry, blackberry, and dewberry.

C AT F I S H

LE A’ S

Pan seared catfish over grits and smothered in gumbo.

fluffy, the fillings are made with fresh eggs and milk, and the crust is made in-house from scratch—the real deal! Daily flavors usually include coconut, lemon, chocolate, banana, apple, peach, cherry, and pecan. The seasonal flavors to expect are all-time favorites like pumpkin, mincemeat, sweet potato, blueberry, blackberry, and dewberry. It will suffice to say, it’s never a complete meal at Lea’s without a slice of pie. ecompte may be known for their lunch menu, but the Monroe crowd has fallen in love with Lea’s country homestead-inspired, breakfast menu. If their country, salt-cured bone-in ham doesn’t make your mouth water, then their hash browns will do the trick. “People come just for these hash browns,” says Traylor, who uses his grandmother’s recipe. During the weekend, they’ll take it up a notch by serving hash brown casserole. BayouLife recommends their stuffed biscuit: a buttery biscuit stuffed with egg, cheese, your choice of sausage, bacon, or ham, and covered with sausage gravy “It’s a gluttony biscuit,” says Traylor. Their lunch menu is seasonal at the moment. Traylor recommends starting your lunch experience

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with a great “coming home food,” red beans and rice. Soon they’ll have homemade dumplings on the menu, straight from his grandmother’s kitchen. “My grandmother, the real cook in the restaurant, that was her meal for us as kids,” recalls Traylor. “We’re not a diner per se,” mentions Traylor. While they serve quick comfort food, they also serve quality dishes, like the Catfish Lea’s: pan seared catfish over grits and smothered in gumbo. It’s a stockpile of goodness,” exclaims Traylor. Lea’s kitchen cooks meals as if they were cooking for someone they love. “Customers realize that. Their mouth knows that this was different,” says Traylor. Customers have taken note, but not just about the food. A recent Facebook review praised a much more intriguing quality of the restaurant: “Saw a waitress give plate of food to a homeless man and I will return to eat here again and again because kindness is the most important virtue I admire in a business.” While most reviews praise the food—“Those pancakes… those PANCAKES!!!”—some reviews appreciate the unhurried atmosphere that speaks to a “character and soul” that most franchise restaurants have yet to replicate. “It is a place

to savor and work your way through a good meal,” remarks an appreciative customer. Lea’s of Lecompte is grounded in Louisiana’s history in its own way. They’ve had every governor walk through their door, including current Governor Bel Edwards. Other political notables would frequently meet at the Lecompte location, and Traylor humorously recalls a comment Attorney Bill Boles once made to him: “At one point, the state was probably run from Lea’s.” Beyond a vantage point of Louisiana culture, Lea’s is a tradition to be carried on, which is Traylor’s call of duty: “When you’re a kid and you want to be out playing, you don’t want to do this. But as an adult, you realize it’s a family tradition. It’s your own personal culture. It means more to you.” There’s a lot of pride and love infused into family tradition, and that’s what Lea’s serves day in and day out— country food at its finest! Lea’s of Lecompte is located at 319 Louisville Avenue Monroe, Louisiana 71201-5825. They are open Monday-Sunday 7 AM-3 PM. Follow them on Facebook to find out about lunch specials and monthly offers.

B AYOUKID Z

She Took Charge of Her Story

SHE OVERCAME Powerful. article by Cindy G. Foust

appy month of Thanksgiving, readers, as I write this column while I sit in my pumpkin patch and admire all my pumpkins. I mean, how many of you knew I was related to Charlie Brown and his great pumpkin? Incidentally, that is absolutely not true, but I felt I needed something to get your attention this month and I thought a column on how to grow your own pumpkins would do the trick. It was either that or write about fall fashion tips for women, because we all know that is something I am definitely an expert at. Especially since I have to ask my daughter which shoes to wear with my outfit, or worse, how to put on the new liquid eye liner I recently discovered. On Facebook. Seriously readers, it’s all the rage in Hollywood, so hey, it must be good, right (insert eye roll here)? I do hope, all kidding aside, that you and your families are enjoying the cool crisp days we are having… cool and crisp in the 70’s, that is. I just can’t talk about this lack of fall weather anymore, because I just want to sit on my patio and drink hot tea and watch my donkey, but it’s impossible to get in the fall spirit with the ceiling fans still blowing you off the patio. And sweat trickling down your back. All while you are

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still wearing shorts and flip-flops. Right? By the time this magazine lands in your driveway, we will be just a few short weeks from my personal favorite holiday of the year. It’s hard to believe it’s been an entire year since I wrote about turkey and dressing and

sweet potato casserole, but indeed it has. But, November truly is a month when I try to just slow down my life and the lives of my family members, and take it all in. And, while we are slowing it down a notch, we should really try to dial in on the sentiment of this month, and what it really means to be grateful. Oh, and kind. Sound like a Hallmark movie, yet? Around my house, we really do talk about having an attitude of gratitude and well, I’ve actually written about that in columns past, and I periodically use this platform to discuss this attribute. This month, however, I really felt

compelled to write about a recent experience, so bear with me, readers, you know how I like to yarn a good tale (forget Charlie Brown, I sound like Jane Austen) and then tie it all together at the end of the column. Okay, so here’s what happened. A few months ago I got a call from a good friend, just out of the blue. This is someone I have been friends all of my life, but because of the busyness of life, I don’t get to see or talk to her as often as I would like.The conversation started out light enough, just a checking in kind of call, but by the end, things had progressed to a heavier conversation, and one that left me very introspective (this never bodes well for my readers). You have those friends, right? The ones that can call you at any time, any day and you pick right up where you left off? It’s really cool because they are sort of like a security blanket in your war chest of friends. I like that analogy even if I just made it up. Of course we all do, and on this particular morning, when the conversation turned, as it always does, to our children, well, I was reminded of how lucky I was to have the friends I do. As conversations go, we started discussing our kids, updating each other on their lives and suddenly my friend got a little

quiet. I don’t exactly remember the trigger point, and it’s not really important, but whatever it was it prompted my friend to share with me the struggles her young daughter had been going through. I listened quietly while she talked about her child’s learning disability that not only made her academic life challenging, but also impacted her social life, as well. As I listened to my friend “beat herself up” about the recent diagnosis and her not knowing how long or how severely her child was struggling, I also heard the cries of a mother who was just relieved that her determined child was overcoming. For you see, on the outside, this child seemingly had it all… she’s beautiful, kind, athletic, funny and has a plethora of supportive family and friends. But the key word here is seemingly… because not everything is always what it seems. My friend discussed how her daughter had over the years developed coping skills, but on the inside, she was oftentimes hurt and embarrassed. Sadly, these situations sometimes resulted in her being left out or made her feel uncomfortable. I say this routinely in this column, but parenting is not for the faint of heart and we all have our struggles with our kids, right? So motherto-mother, my heart ached for my friend and for their family, because as a parent, we only want our children to be mentally and physically healthy, right? But as the plot thickened, and the story continued, I began to see the real beauty in this yarn of a tale, and that is how her child has persevered. Maybe it’s because she has two strong parents who support and encourage her, but this young girl took charge of her story and made it her own. She set goals; she put in the extra work; she overcame. Powerful. And the parenting (and adult) lesson for the rest of us? Don’t be quick to judge someone based on what you’ve heard or what you see, because we never know what someone is dealing with in their life.

Internal struggles aren’t visible, and most of the time we aren’t privy to the whole story…their story. Don’t get me wrong, readers, I have been guilty of it, too, but this story, this one conversation has been a notch on my learning curve. That’s right, I still have a learning curve, and at 53-years old I still consider myself a student of life, and sometimes I don’t get a very good grade. It’s hard to admit that I, too, jump to conclusions, form opinions based on other’s perceptions, when I’m perfectly capable for forming my own. But the real truth here, the good stuff if you would, is we all get a chance, every day to fix what might be broken. My friend’s child decided to fix what was broken in her life, to not be a victim but rather a warrior (as a reminder, I was once a Woodlawn warrior, and a former Miss Woodlawn Junior High) and push aside the negativity and focus on the positivity (that sounds like a really bad song or greeting card). We all have struggles and just because we have the capability of putting on a “happy face” and going about our lives, doesn’t mean that things are really okay. Not for us, not for those around us, and we have the opportunity every day to refrain from harsh judgment and just focus on trying to be a good friend; an attentive ear; a support system. And while we are at it, just having a grateful heart for the life we’ve been given, even the struggles that we go through make us stronger (some of us should be able to bench press a Buick, can I get an A-MEN?), right? As we stand on the cusp of the most wonderful time of the year, take some time with your family to be thankful and grateful but also to be mindful…be sensitive…be kind. That’s a lot, right, even for adults. But you never know who might be in your lane, in your path, that might need a thread of kindness. I am grateful, readers, for my brave friends, who allowed me to share their story, their learning curve, that might, in some small way, help enhance yours.

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Holidays in CedarTown

Celebrating 30 Years as North Louisiana’s Premier Holiday Shopping Market!

E HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US NOVEMBER 7TH through 9th for Holidays in CedarTown. For the 30th consecutive year the Ruston Civic Center will be a holiday one-stop-shopping destination for area residents. Holidays in Cedartown, a project of the Cedar Creek School Parent Club, will once again provide North Louisiana with an amazing marketplace that will allow you to jump start your holiday shopping. Our three-day market kicks off on Thursday, November 7th from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. with exclusive shopping and the Take a Bunch to Lunch event sponsored by Origin Bank and LPI. Guests will be served a variety of delicious lunch bites provided by area chefs and restaurants that include Crumbs Catering, Devine Wine & Spirits, Newk’s Eatery, Ponchatoulas, Roly Poly, Rotollo’s Pizzeria and Uptown Downtown. In addition to sampling some of our area’s best food, guests will enjoy one-stop holiday shopping in a convenient and festive location. Each Take a Bunch to Lunch ticket will be placed in a drawing for some amazing door prizes provided by our vendors. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance at Cedar Creek School or online @ cedarcreekschool.org – click on the Holidays in CedarTown logo. Entering the Ruston Civic Center, you will find an engaging holiday marketplace decorated by the Lauren Roebuck Design Team. Over fifty booths will be overflowing with holiday gifts for every person on your shopping list. We are pleased to provide a unique shopping experience that includes vendors from across the south: All About the South, All of us Soups and Dips, Birdwell’s LLC, Catwalk New York, Callie’s Corner, Color Street, Cricket’s Grace Boutique, Duke’s Honey, E Pullin Artwork/Mallory Patterson Design, Eris Wiggins Jewelry, Garden Baby, Glitz & Glamour, Harp Strings, Imperfect Dust, Laura Glen Lawson, Lauren Roebuck Designs, Matilda Jane/Pink Magnolia Boutique, Monogramming Gypsy, Mr. P’s Tees, North Forty Woodworks, OH! So Chic, Patton’s Downtown, Patton’s Ruston, Pearlie Sue, Rodeo Boutique, Ruston Fitness Boutique, Scentsy Fragrance, Sugarplums & Vintage Market, Townsend House Gifts, Usborne Books and More and Vintage Variations. Holidays after Hours is Thursday, November 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Holiday music will enhance the evening of shopping and complimentary appetizers and beverages will be provided by area restaurants and caterers that include BBQ West, Ben Christmas Catering, Beau Vines, Copelands, Devine Wine and Spirits, Iron Cactus, Portico,

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Roma Italian Bistro, Social Bites and Traina’s. Tickets are $15 and will be available for purchase in advance @cedarcreekschool.org – click on the Holidays in CedarTown logo. A limited number will be available at the door. Of course, you will want to bring your little ones out Saturday morning for Jingles and Jammies between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. featuring breakfast - compliments of In N Out Donuts, Valley Services and Oak Farms along with story time and Bash Booth photos with Santa. Each child will also receive The Night Before Christmas Activity book. Admission for Jingles and Jammies is $10 and may be purchased in advance @cedarcreekschool.org - with a limited number available at the door. North Central Louisiana Arts Council will once again be on hand Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to create an adorable Christmas craft with your children. Holiday treats will be provided by D Q Grill & Chill. Admission for this fun filled afternoon is $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. In recognition of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs as they match up against North Texas for their homecoming game on Saturday, November 9th, all fans wearing their team spirit wear will receive free general admission Friday from noon till 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00p.m. In addition, all area educators and veterans will receive general admission on Saturday, simply show your I.D. Visit Holidays in CedarTown and it may just be your lucky day! Make sure you purchase your raffle tickets for the iPad and Apple Watch package. The raffle is sponsored by DQ Grill and Chill and Durrett Law and Title. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10 and the winner receives both items. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the three-day event. Who wouldn’t be delighted to find both items under the tree? Holidays in CedarTown is a project of the Cedar Creek School Parent Club. For sponsorship, merchant or ticket information contact Cedar Creek School at 2400 Cedar Creek Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270. 318-255-7707 ~ www.cedarcreekschool.org facebook: @holidaysincedartown Tickets available online @ cedarcreekschool.org - click on the Holidays in CedarTown logo. Cedar Creek School practices an open non-discriminatory admission policy.

Holiday Season in Ruston Ice Skating, Holiday Art Market, Shopping Happy Hour and More

T’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR IN charming Downtown Ruston. Along with twinkling lights and crisp weather, the holiday season brings a series of special events, family activities, and shopping specials during November and December in Ruston, Louisiana. Want to get a head start on your holiday shopping? Downtown Ruston will be hosting its Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 21 from 5-8 p.m. to kick off the holiday shopping season. Enjoy refreshments, special promotions and extended hours from participating stores. Ruston’s walkable downtown makes Christmas shopping painless and fun – plus you’re sure to find something unique in one of the charming local shops. We’ll be lighting up Downtown Ruston for the holidays at our annual Kickoff to Christmas on Saturday, November 30th. Join us in Railroad Park from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for the traditional tree-lighting ceremony, complete with a giant light switch, as well as letters to Santa, kids’ crafts, photos with Santa, and a festive Christmas concert by Lisa Spann & Company. November 30th is also the opening day of Ruston’s Artificial Skating Rink, located at the Historic Fire Station parking lot in downtown. The skating rink is a family favorite and can be enjoyed throughout the month of December every Thursday-Sunday. Admission is $10 per person for an hour of skating, and the rink is open during the following hours: Thursdays 4:00– 9:00 p.m., Fridays 4:00-9:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., and Sundays 4:00-9:00 p.m. The rink also hosts special events all month, including a hockey night with the Shreveport Mudbugs and Cookies with Santa. Follow Downtown Ruston on Facebook for specifics on the skating rink and related events. If you love to find artistic and one-of-a-kind pieces to give as gifts, be sure to check out North Central Louisiana Arts Council’s (NCLAC) all-new Holiday Arts Market on Friday, December 6th from 2:00-9:00 p.m. NCLAC is taking your favorite local artists and getting cozy at the Norton Building in an open-air market. You can expect live music, kids’ activities, door prizes, food trucks and much more. Come do your holiday shopping all in one place with curated giftable handmade items. More information can be found at nclac.org. The Downtown Ruston community will also be providing plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. During the week before

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Christmas (December 16th -20th), participating downtown shops will be offering a special deal every day of the week from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for a “Holiday Shopping Happy Hour.” Don’t miss this time to finish up your holiday shopping while taking advantage of some amazing deals and discounts. Also on the list of must-do holiday activities is catching the year’s Christmas play at the Historic Dixie Theater in downtown. This year, Ruston Community Theatre presents, “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” on December 5th - 8th. As the locals will tell you, there’s nothing quite as festive as RCT’s annual holiday show. For ticket information, visit rctruston.org. You can’t have the full Ruston holiday experience without driving through Lincoln Parish’s only drive-thru Christmas lights display – Lincoln Lights Up the Pines. This year’s display will be open on December 5th - 7th from 5:30-10:00 p.m.. The entire family will enjoy twinkling lights, lively holiday scenes and Christmas decorations as you drive through beautiful Lincoln Parish Park. Perhaps one of the best parts of this fun holiday attraction - it can be experienced from the comfort (and warmth) of your vehicle. Admission is $5 per vehicle/$10 for buses. Could there possibly be any more festive fun this holiday season in Ruston? Yes, it can! On Saturday, December 14th you can catch the annual Ruston Christmas Parade rolling through Downtown Ruston at 2 p.m. This year’s “Christmas at the Movies” theme is sure to inspire some floats and costumes to remember. Be sure to drop by Railroad Park before and after the parade to get your tasting tickets for the 3rd Annual “Battle for the Paddle” Chili Cook-Off. With so many lively holiday celebrations taking place in the next several weeks, it’s easy to see why Ruston is one of the most magical places to make your holiday memories. For more information on Downtown Ruston’s holiday events, visit facebook.com/ downtownrustonla.

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Stress Diminishes Happiness Does Thanksgiving Celebrations Increase Stress? BY THOMAS ESTIS, PH.D.

S THANKSGIVING A TIME TO BE THANKFUL OR IS IT TIME to be stressed out with everything one wants to accomplish? What direction is your focus? Is your focus contributing to thankfulness or elevating your stress? Whatever one focuses on, possesses the person. Cartoon characters afford wonderful learning tools and prime examples. Yosemite Sam repeatedly expressed his hatred and desire to rid the world of Bugs Bunny. Frustrated Elmer Fudd was equally possessed with getting rid of that “scwewy wabbit.” The Coyote spent endless efforts trying to catch the Road Runner. Each character was a prisoner of the focus of their object and the related emotions. Can you imagine inviting these personality characters to your Thanksgiving Dinner? Stress has been defined as any demand placed on the body or the brain. Consequently, it is probably impossible to accomplish anything without placing stress on the body, the brain, or both. All blessings are usually realized through challenges. Is the word “stress” being misused? How many times have you said or heard someone say, “I am so stressed out!” Incorrectly identifying the actual tasks, inappropriate strategies, and/or lacking the proper tools or assistance increases “stress” and/or creates an entirely different “stress” causing problem. Is stress the problem or is it the object of one’s focus and the related behaviors and emotion(s)? The wrong focus diminishes the ability to experience happiness. A worried mind is associated with one’s focus and can deprive a heart of happiness. A grateful heart can be the antidote for worry. Bill Wilson, credited as a founding member of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), is recorded to having said, “Henrietta, the Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease (alcoholism), that I just want to tell other people.” Bill was very thankful and he credited God for having done for him what he could not do for himself. He changed his focus from the problem to the solution. This is the foundation of the 12-step recovery program. Every person suffering from alcoholism/addiction became addicted by initially perceiving it as fun and/or a means to cope with something they were not willing to address. Needless to say, the alcohol or other drugs became the problem. Therefore, the person who enters recovery does a paradigm shift. What has been the focus as a solution, the alcohol or other drugs, becomes identified as the problem. The person

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becomes willing to redirect his/her focus. Step Two is redirecting one’s focus from a false self-reference to God’s true self-reference. Step Three is making a decision to surrender one’s will and life in that direction. That foundation results in freedom, autonomy linked to a new specific point of reference. Hazelden printed a paper titled Toward Spirituality describing the continuum between negative and positive spirituality. Perhaps, Bill Wilson and possibly others would have titled the paper “From Alcoholism, Toward God, Toward Recovery, Toward the Discovery of Life.” The journey toward resurrection or transformation and thankfulness usually begins in a miserable place of awareness with oneself. One has repeatedly increased shame (low self-esteem feelings of inferiority and incompetence) and guilt (numerous and recurring assaults on one’s morals, values, and ethics). The consumption of alcohol or other drugs may have been intentionally consumed in astronomical amounts attempting to “kill” one’s conscience in order to stop feeling as guilty or to keep from withdrawing. One may have done havoc to all and any relationship, to the job or career, to finances, to home, and to oneself. In this benighted heartache, God still speaks to the suffering soul and calls the person back from utter annihilation. Imagine two images at the Family Thanksgiving meal celebration. One, you or a loved one is still incarcerated in the alcoholism/addiction. The person has shamefully disappointing secrets and endeavoring to be somewhat socially cordially while calculating an exit as soon as possible to self-medicate the thoughts and feelings. The other image, imagine you or a loved one is in recovery and there are no shamefully disappointing secrets and no urgency to leave the family gathering. Actually, thankfulness and closeness are being enjoyed. We at Aimwell Addiction Recovery Center desire for you and/or a family member to experience the joyful delights of a recovery life discovering the fullness of one’s existence. If alcoholism, addiction, or some other impasse is inhibiting or diminishing the focus of your life, please contact us. May you and your family members experience a joyful Thanksgiving Celebration. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Selecting Tile and Stone Custom Carpets and Interiors Provides Quality Products

USTOM CARPETS AND INTERIORS PROVIDES Northeast Louisiana homes and businesses with quality products that include carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile along with a team that will help you create a beautiful, custom space. Whether it’s new construction, a small upgrade or large remodel of your existing space, we can help bring your ideas and dreams to life all while working with your style and budget needs. SELECTING TILE AND STONE Not only is tile gorgeous but it’s also very practical. Tile is basically an inert surface of baked clay, metal or stone. It’s easy to keep clean and tends to guard against the growth of fungus, mold, and mildew. Your options are virtually endless with all the colors, textures, shapes, and sizes available at Custom Carpets and Interiors. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? What color? Do you want a pattern or bold graphics? What finish? Is a beveled or straight edge best? Will it be a focal point or a backdrop? There are endless possibilities for tile in your home. Your Abbey Expert will work with you to select the perfect look for you and your lifestyle. From beginning to end, every step of tile design is important. Picking out the right color, shape and material is just as important as its installation. The layout of your tile can make it a stunning supporting piece or an eye-catching center of attention. Learn how to change the perception of your room and take your design to the next level. Whatever you choose, it’s an architectural statement that will last for years. CERAMIC Ceramic Tiles come from clay that is fired in a kiln. Left as is, it is called un-glazed and is limited to the natural colors of the clay. The tile can be glazed and fired a second time to create a matte, semi- gloss, or high gloss finish with a large range of color options. Glazed Tile has better stain and moisture resistance than un-glazed tile. Be aware that high gloss tiles are more slippery and prone to showing scratches than textured or matte finishes. Un-glazed Ceramics are highly slip resistant but must be sealed to reduce staining. PORCELAIN Porcelain is a form of ceramic but made of a sandlike material and fired at higher temperatures. The coloring is seen throughout the tile and creates a durable, non-porous, scratch resistant product that can withstand extreme temperatures. This makes them an excellent choice for indoors and outdoors. The term porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably. GRANITE Granite is the hardest stone floor available. Being

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formed from magma, it is nearly as hard and durable as a diamond. Choose from thousands of colors in a multitude of shades. Due to its moisture and scratch resistance, it is a great choice for kitchens but can be used on any floor, on walls, and counters. MARBLE Marble flooring is classic and elegant. It is naturally created inside the earth when heat and high pressure crystallize limestone. Marble adds sophistication to any space but because it is more porous than granite, it is more susceptible to scratching and moisture. A below surface sealant and a surface finishing treatment are important steps to minimize scratching and prevent potential moisture damage. To keep it looking lavish, regular care and maintenance is required. GLASS The way glass tiles shimmer and change in the light gives off a sleek and radiant finish to the room. They are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and pools, but not limited to those areas. Loved by designers, glass feels ultra-modern and high end. Glass tiles resist stain, moisture, chemicals, mold and mildew. It is non-porous and will not fade. Special glass flooring tiles are made strong, slip-resistant and withstand wear. They come in different sizes ranging from 1” to 18” and a variety of shapes, colors and finishes. MOSAICS Mosaics are tiles sized 2x2 or smaller and can be used as borders, countertops, walls and even flooring. They come in many shapes including squares, circles, ovals, tear drops and an endless array of patterns and colors. Mosaic tile can include stone, metal, glass, ceramic, porcelain and a combination of any of these Decorative mosaics typically have a higher gloss. Mosaic tile is the cherry on your sundae; the finishing touch of your flooring or design project. Now that you’ve made an investment in the beauty and comfort of your home, protect that investment and extend the life of your new tile by taking the time to care for it properly. Invest in good, quality rugs at your entryways. To avoid stubborn grout stains, try to clean up spills as quickly as possible. These protection tips along with regular sweeping and mopping will sustain the beauty of your tile and add lasting brilliance to your home décor. The single most important part of your project is to make it your own. By determining which floor works best for your lifestyle and working with our team, your home or business will be inviting and stylish for years to come. Call us today at 318-323-6094 to get your project started.

Trio’s Perfects New Menu Come Get Dinner, Catch a Game, or Brunch it Up at Trio’s

RIOS DINING HAS MADE A NAME FOR ITSELF IN THE Monroe community and it’s only getting better. Great new menu items have been added to their dinner, bar and brunch menus. They have revamped their entire look and ambiance creating a warm and inviting place for everyone to come enjoy their night or just to grab a few drinks. Let the enthusiastic bartenders fix you a drink specifically customized for you. This fun and friendly atmosphere is great for dinner, hanging out or brunch on the weekends. Whether you are seeking to dine and unwind, hang out with friends on a Saturday afternoon, or if you’re looking for a place to watch your favorite team play, start your Sunday with brunch and bottomless mimosas. The Trio’s restaurant staff is ready to make your dining experience cozy and memorable. The space alone embodies a sleek ambience, from the metallic string curtains to the tasteful mood lighting. This local favorite is already known for its top of the line steaks and gourmet specials, but this month the Trio’s team is about to take their menus up a notch. For about a year, Trio’s has been conceptualizing, tasting, and perfecting distinct lunch and dinner dishes for their new menu. While they plan to keep popular, top featured items—artichoke dip, Trio’s pasta, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes—the new items range into the eclectic. A few novelties to expect from their refashioned lunch and dinner menu includes amazing Woodard’s creamy lobster and crab stew, perfectly seared tuna nachos topped with fresh mango salsa, fresh lobster tail, and Wagyu beef. These fresh new items will sure create a party on your taste buds, making you want to come back for more. Trio’s wide ranged menu caters to the most picky eaters to the adventurous food enthusiasts. Coming in to watch a sport’s game? The bar area is getting its own makeover. Along with a revamping of their handcrafted concoctions (adding six more cocktails to the menu as well as primping their wine list), the bar is adding its own menu. Their upscale creations for bar patrons are sure to keep anyone around after halftime. Start with the Loaded Onion Rings, hand-cut and hand-battered onions, topped with jalapeño, bacon, and spicy in-house cheese sauce. If you are more of a potato person, order the Trio’s Favorite Fries, characterized by its slow roasted pork topping. On a lighter side, try the Chicken Skin & Fresh Thyme appetizer. Sundays are also going to get a whole lot of TLC with a Prime Rib Roast entrée and a selection of pastries, for the brunch enthusiast with a sweet tooth. 72 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

We’ve all had those days were we want great food but don’t feel like getting ready or want to go out in public. Trio’s has the perfect solution for those days, a drive-thru. Trio’s drive-thru has everything you want when you want great food but are in a hurry or don’t want to get out. Call in and order and your food and they will prepare and have it waiting for you at the window when you arrive. Trio’s definitely tries to make your life fun, easy and convenient. A new year is almost upon us, and Trio’s Restaurant is already making strides to keep things interesting for 2020, but you don’t have to wait until January 1st to grub on their new creations. The new menu will be available November 1st. Gather your crew and enjoy yourselves at one of the best places in Monroe to meet and eat with friends. So whether you are in the mood for a night out, want somewhere to catch the game, need an intimate spot for a date night, or grab a quick meal from the drive through, Trio’s is the place! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for constantly changing deals and specials. Here is what one customer had to say about Trio’s: “Each time I come back home, I try to stop in if I have time. The drinks are awesome, the food is great (shrimp and grits are what they should taste like), and I’ve been coming to Trio’s since it opened in 1995. The ambience at Trio’s is what you think of when you hear the word ambience. It’s a great Saturday afternoon spot to hang out, get a drink, and watch a ballgame when the LA heat gets unbearable or you can’t shop anymore. I have always received good service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and makes you feel like family even if it’s your first time there. I’m proud to say that I’ve witnessed respect given to older couples or even bar patrons that you don’t see everywhere by many young waiters and waitresses. I may be a little prejudiced, but I think Marley does a great job making all her customers feel like they belong there and it’s her pleasure to help them. Trio’s, The Mohawk, and Johnny’s Pizza.... the LA trinity of Good Eats in Monroe.” - Lorie L. Trio’s Restaurant is located at 2219 Forsythe Ave. Monroe, Louisiana. They are open Monday-Saturday between 11 AM to 11 PM and Sundays between 11 AM and 7 PM (bottomless champagne brunch served from 11 AM to 3 PM). View their online menu at www.triosdining.com and take advantage of their drive-thru window.

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I REMEMBER back when a definition of education was expressed as the “ Three R’s” a r t i cl e by PAUL L I PE

happiness. As we show responsibility, we are rewarded by His I REMEMBER back when a definition of education was expressed blessings. as the “Three R’s” – “reading, (w)riting, & (a)rithmetic.” A proper Consider this – if, in fact, we do have the right to have everything education involved being able to read, to write, and to reason logically provided for us, who is responsible for securing those things? It is a (which is what “math” helps develop). This month, as we approach grave mistake to think that God has given these rights and, therefore, Thanksgiving, I want to suggest that we can develop a more grateful He must guarantee them. Well, just what does God owe us; what are spirit by considering a different “Three R’s” – “Rights, Rewards and our rights under His jurisdiction? Since each of us has sinned and has Responsibilities.” Hopefully this will enable us to foster a deeper come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), we are guilty in His sense of gratitude relative to those things which have blessed our sight and have earned, not His favor, but His judgment. When we lives. understand things from that perspective, thanksgiving is the result. Our society has sought to indelibly print on our minds the thought We understand that all the spiritual AND material blessings are not that we have an almost unlimited array of rights: the right to a free some things that we have earned and deserve, but are privileges from education, the right to free health care, the right to good housing, the His grace. right to affordable transportation, the right I think it is this simple: by His grace, to a guaranteed income... the list goes on He gives us what we have not merited; and on and on! The only qualification for and by His mercy, He does NOT give us meriting these rights is that one be born. what our sins deserve. What we receive But if I embrace such a philosophy, how from Him by grace is not only eternal will there ever be created in me a feeling of life through His Son, but also every thanksgiving? If all these things are mine temporal blessing that enhances our lives “by right”, where is there any reason for – none of this is earned, but is His gift gratitude? Without a grateful heart, we are to us. Furthermore, by His mercy, those less than we ought to be. who have faith in Him do not suffer the Those who promote this “rights” consequences of their sins – these are agenda will tell you that these are atoned by the sacrifice of Jesus on the “constitutional rights.” But are they, really? cross. A comprehension of this will grow The Declaration of Independence, adopted a thankful heart. by the Second Continental Congress, If what the Bible says is true (James 1:17 affirms this: “We hold these truths to be – “Every good and perfect gift is from self-evident, that all men are created equal, “BY HIS GRACE, HE GIVES US WHAT above, coming down from the Father…”), that they are endowed by their Creator WE HAVE NOT MERITED; AND BY HIS what is our responsible reaction to His with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of MERCY, HE DOES NOT GIVE US WHAT goodness? Perhaps it could be summed up in two notions = a deep sense of happiness.” Any coherent reading of that OUR SINS DESERVE. ” gratitude and a disciplined obedience to statement should make it evident that it is His will. Since it is God Who shows us such benevolent kindness, we too much of a stretch to say that the above-mentioned “rights” are ought to show our thanks in seeking to honor the Lord by living a life Constitutionally guaranteed. of commitment to Him. God has endowed us with the right of “life, liberty and the At his inauguration as President of the United States John Kennedy pursuit of happiness.” First, notice who is the actor in this process said, “Let us not ask what your country can do for you, but what you – God, not government. God graciously gives us these rights, and can do for your country.” Perhaps as Thanksgiving Day approaches, the government’s responsibility is to protect those rights. It should we might rephrase his statement to say, “As we remember all that be observed that happiness is not a right, but it is the “pursuit” of God has done for us, let us ask what we can do to thank Him?” happiness which is guaranteed. Here, rights are balanced with May you have a genuinely thankful Thanksgiving responsibility – we are to pursue, to make an effort for, to seek 74 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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B AYOU E AT S

Holiday Harvest

Be prepared for hungry guests this Thanksgiving with a beautiful and delicious cheese and meat board. We love mixing sweet and savory, but there are no rules when it comes to assembling your holiday harvest. For our board, Taylor Bennett chose beautiful cheeses like this white Stilton cheese with cranberries, and smoked cheddar. Pair it with fresh rosemary, local honey, seasonal fruits and vegetables and salty pretzels. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

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BAYOU O U TD O O R S

MR. KLEEN

he first time I met Darryl Garnett I was impressed. As the owner of Videolink and Childview, he came to me in my days at Duck Commander and literally solved every surveillance need we had at the time. I didn’t fashion him a hunter but within 10 minutes, I knew this guy knew what he was talking about. You can’t talk to Darryl without immediately knowing that his world revolves around his wife, Wendi and his kids, Natalie, Emily and Layton. Layton was a star at West Monroe High School as a linebacker who went on to play at LSU and has landed at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Emily and Natalie are outstanding students and have been in high demand as models as both took their looks from their mom. Great kids who love their parents. To see them as a family unit is refreshing as these girls certainly turn heads and require steady shotgun guardianship from Darryl. Darryl and I became great friends and through fishing trips and many jaunts to the deer stand, I soon realized that this man was not only a good guy, he was a predator. I asked him to join my club and it was the best decision I have ever made. Wendi tells off on him as his prowess for cleaning supercedes his business ability as this man is a cleaning machine. The first time they came to my camp, he immediately set out to show the rest of us just what needed to be done to make a camp presentable. I remember when I came to the camp after Darryl had been there a couple of days unsupervised. My room, my gear and my UTV’s were spotless. I thought my wife had taken over. The floors were spotless, my gear was organized and for the first time, I could find what I was looking to find. That cleaning mentality spread to my deer stands and to how the camp yard looked from day one. He is the ultimate member. Not caring if it is his stuff and just working to make it better for everyone, this guy takes care of business. Such was the case when he (through his surveillance expertise) hung a camera on the main road at our camp. We have deer, hogs and all sorts of critters feeding within 20 yards of our place. Not only has it stopped the poaching and joy riding from those that don’t understand private property, it has become a great enthusiasm builder for members who want to see critters. Three years ago, Darryl came to me and told me he was on a good buck. I kind 78 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

BY DAN CHASON

of rolled my eyes as I have heard that quite often from other members. Darryl camped out on a fine deer and sure enough shot this deer at 10 yards. The deer scored 143 and you would think it was another day at the office. He then set his sights on helping the kids in the camp to get a deer. That is one thing that always impressed me about Darryl. He can be on a decent deer and then straight away share location, time and method to harvest that deer for another member or kid. It has not affected his success at all. What he has done is to help us all in our quest to get that deer we all are hunting. What I learned from Darryl is that like other hunters, he relies on game cameras and supplemental feeding. He is in the woods year round, whenever his busy schedule allows. This year, he put out over 20 cameras with feed and then backed off into 4 key stand areas for bow and gun hunting. “I try to find a deer. I hunt a deer, not just deer.” This was evident when we were all on the trail of the big buck that Darryl harvested. He had whittled down the time and day when he had the best chance to harvest him. “I like watching the weather. My favorite time to hunt is right after a rain. For some reason, when you have a good rain, the deer, especially the good bucks tend to move heavily right after a downpour.” This is evident when you sneak a peak in his room. There are multiple Frog Togg rain suits, descenting sprays and you will always find Darryl in the wash room cleaning all of his gear before the next hunt. “I won’t tell you that you can’t kill a good deer and not worry about scent. I believe that if you understand that if the weather says a straight north wind, that does not mean it won’t swirl and a buck get you scent. I stay as scentless as I can... hunt hard and am very careful of how I get in and out of my hunting area.” This is quite evident as Darryl is usually the first hunter to leave and the last to come in after a hunt. He will walk you to death if you follow him. But walking has its perils. Last year, I had opted to stay home with mama as it was windy and not the wind I needed to hunt my prime area. Darryl called one morning about 9 a.m. and asked if I could come get him. He was perched up a tree with no bullets and there were 8 hogs at the base. As they say, “what had happened was.” You see Darryl knew where a big buck was bedding and decided to put the sneak on him. What he didn’t account for was a huge mama pig with piglets bedding nearby. Darryl had left the

camp with 2 bullets for his single shot rifle. When a pig rushed him, he successfully laid it down. Well, here comes mama and up a tree Darryl went. Long story short, he claimed the mama pig, but not after growing a new bunch of grey hairs. I won’t talk about the prior incident with a hog “as big as a Volkswagen” he encountered earlier in the year, but rest assured this one thing. I guarantee that Darryl will not be caught again with 2 bullets and one weapon. A great guy, awesome businessman and one person I admire for his attitude towards a common goal.

Dating with Children Modeling Healthy Relationships as a Single Parent

ATING WHILE YOU HAVE CHILDREN CAN BE TRICKY but it can also be a chance to model healthy behavior. I was a single mom for almost a decade, while my husband was only single for a short time before we met. Although our dating experiences were very different, we both took steps to ensure our dating life had a positive impact on our children. As a follow-up to our last article on blending families, here are a few things we learned that helped us navigate the waters of dating while being a parent. STAY BALANCED After the loss of a spouse it is easy to make children the center of our world. What starts off with good intentions may end up having a negative impact on children. Many studies show the importance of modeling healthy adult relationships to our children. Avoiding them can create an unhealthy dependence of the parent on the child and can rob our children of a chance to learn from us firsthand. According to Dr. Margaret Paul of Psychcentral.com, enmeshed parenting, where your children become your entire focus and sole purpose in life, may cause unintended long-term effects on children. Some children may take on the burden of your happiness while ignoring their own. Other children may feel trapped or controlled and become withdrawn, angry, and even resentful. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is modeling a full life, and this includes healthy relationships with other adults. Adversely, It’s easy to get wrapped up in your dating life. Save your swiping for after the kids go to bed and limit dates to a reasonable amount of time. Your kids will benefit from seeing you as a well-balanced adult who takes time for yourself to make connections with others, as long as it doesn’t consume you. DETERMINE STANDARDS IN ADVANCE When I started dating, my children had just seen me suffer through a devastating divorce caused by infidelity. I decided before entering the dating scene not to date people who had been unfaithful. This isn’t to say people who have made mistakes don’t deserve forgiveness, but it’s okay to take your experiences and learn from them. Stack the odds in your favor so you don’t face similar painful situations. Do your research on potential dating partners and make wise choices about who you bring into your children’s lives. I did extensive research, stuck with my list of important qualities, and am beyond grateful I ended up with such an amazing partner. INTRODUCE WITH CAUTION Most experts recommend waiting a while to introduce young children to romantic partners. It can be confusing to kids when they get attached to someone who suddenly doesn’t come around anymore. If keeping this part of your life separate feels inauthentic, try involving kids in group activities without 80 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

differentiating between your platonic and romantic interests. This allows them to experience healthy interactions with your friends, yet prevents disappointment if things don’t work out. DON’T WASTE TIME Your time is too big of a commodity, especially as a single parent, to waste any of it pining over what could have been. When things appear to not be working out, don’t be afraid to move on. While heartache can be painful, your children deserve a parent who can be present. One of my best friends was recently dumped over text. She allowed herself to feel sad and angry for a short period of time but before the kids walked in the door, she sent an upbeat, wellworded text letting him know there would be no circling back. Show your children you respect yourself too much to spend one extra second on someone who doesn’t have your best interest in mind. They will learn from your courage and ability to heal and move on. LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS Kids have impeccable intuition. With my current husband, our first date was spent talking mostly about our kids. I could tell he cared about his boys more than anything on the planet. I knew he was awesome but also knew he would have to pass the test of my kids (they had down-voted many a suitor). The second time he came to town I was off running a youth conference for church. I thought he would have other dates lined up (he had already taken out several of my friends), but instead he asked if I needed any help around the house. We had just had a yard issue that my twelve-year-old was home trying to take care of on his own. Heber showed up, grabbed a shovel, and spent the next several hours helping him out. When I got home the first thing my son said was, “you need to marry this guy.” So I did! Listen to your kids- they can sense a person’s true character from an unclouded, pure perspective. We wish you the best in finding happy, healthy relationships that benefit both you and your children and would love to hear your experiences at www.tuftpediatricdentistry.com. Love, The Tufts Julie & Heber Tuft teach parenting classes for Parenting with Love and Logic. Heber is a Pediatric Dentist who has dedicated his life to serving children and Julie is a former teacher, school administrator, and owner of an event planning business. For more ideas for kids, check out their blog at www.tuftpediatricdentistry.com

PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE s to r i e s by M E R E D I T H M CK I N N I E p h oto g ra p hy by PR A JAL PR A SA I

CH RI STO PH E R CO PE L AN D

orn to a farmer and a home economist, Christopher was the surprise sixth child. At only 12, Christopher lost his father, grandmother, and a close family friend in the span of three months. He was told to grow up fast, and he did. He started drinking to numb the pain and never stopped. His family had no history of substance abuse. Christopher found his demons all on his own, and he was a functioning alcoholic. He got his college degree, then his cosmetology license. He built a business from scratch; three different spa locations in Arkansas. He became a Master hairstylist, landing one of the most coveted jobs in the business, as a stage educator. He traveled all over the country, and was treated like royalty everywhere he went. They provided wardrobe, and people waited on him hand and foot. He was an on-stage educator at hair conventions with up to 5,000 people in attendance. Christopher was the “rock star of hair,” and with the lifestyle came backstage carts full of liquor, all he could consume. It was just part of the lifestyle. After decades in the business, his joints in his hands started to deteriorate. The doctor would inject him yearly, but after ten years of shots, the effects wore off. The doctor said Christopher had the hands of someone who had picked cotton for 80 years. He had an arthroplasty on both hands, each with a nine-month recovery. He was out for 18 months, and his clients moved on. He was home alone, stressed, and liquor stores were right around the corner. He drank his pain. His occupational therapist suggested painting as a way to rehabilitate his hand, and an outlet for his emotions. In 2008, Christopher woke up to blood pouring out of his ears, nose and mouth. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. He quit drinking cold turkey for seven years. But when his brother died in 2015, Christopher couldn’t handle the loss. When he called and said he was sick, Christopher rushed to his bedside, stayed with him for two weeks, and then his brother, the one who stepped up and became his father-figure, died in his arms. He immediately started drinking

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again, abusing prescription and street drugs. Again, he wanted to numb the pain. Anytime he felt like things were looking up, that he could handle it, life would knock him down again. But he missed who he was, and he didn’t like what he’d become. Christopher had been a respected businessman, and now he was a shell of his former self. He told his therapist he wanted a change, and he was referred to Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center. He went in weighing only 145 pounds; he left three months later, much heavier and sober. He was living the life of a recovering addict, going to meetings and following the steps, and then the cirrhosis flared again. He was in a coma for a week and woke with no cognitive skills. He slipped into a coma twice more. He couldn’t turn on the TV. He saw the plate of food, wanted it, but couldn’t grab it. His mind worked, but his body refused. He remembers thinking, “If this is how I’m going to die, just do it already. I don’t want to live like this.” One year ago, Christopher was sent home on hospice and round-theclock caregivers. He on the transplant list, but his body was wearing down. After two weeks in bed, he remembers getting on the floor and talking to God, something he’d never really done before in this way.

“Show me what’s for me. Use me or take me.” He didn’t expect an answer, and especially not one so quickly. The next morning, Christopher woke up, went out to his car, and started driving. He’s been up on his feet ever since. The doctor says he’s a walking miracle. His liver numbers have returned to normal. His college degree is in psychology, and his hands won’t allow him to do the grueling work of styling hair any longer. He needed a new purpose, a fresh start, and he went back to painting. Now Christopher is an art therapist in area rehabilitation clinics and hospitals as well as in his studio in Little Rock. He is able to help people, the same as people once helped him. It feels good to give back, to be semi-healthy again. He loves meeting with clients, talking about their problems and letting them paint through their pain. It’s a better option than how he used to cope. He knows what they’re going through, and he’s happy to be alive. He feels like he’s really living now instead of just going through the motions and hiding behind a facade. His life has been quite an adventure, the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but he’s thankful for all of it.

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Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.

SI D E PPI N E T TE

n November of 2017, Sid and Denise Eppinette’s world was turned upside down. Sid was out duck hunting when his boat was struck by negligent minors. It was foggy, and the water was congested with boat traffic. He and his passengers had pulled over on the bank when the boat was T-boned, and Sid was knocked out in the water, instantly paralyzed. AMR could only get as far as the boat dock, and the EMTs had to be motorboated to the scene. His wife Denise remembers being awakened to her cell phone ringing and someone pounding on her door at 4 a.m. No one knew yet if Sid was alive. She debated whether to wake the kids, but didn’t know if and when they’d see their dad again. Sid spent ten days in the ICU at St. Francis Hospital. He suffered a spine fracture, multiple rib fractures, a lacerated liver, and had two feet of his intestine removed. Sid was transferred to TIRR Memorial in Houston for his inpatient therapy. Since the trauma is so extreme, and the body swells in reaction, the doctors didn’t know the extent of his injuries or if he would walk again. After four days at TIRR, the doctors determined that surgery was needed to stabilize the spine by implanting a titanium rod. He spent six weeks learning to cope with his new reality, adjusting to the wheelchair, climbing in bed, loading into a vehicle, all the time trying to gain more mobility. At the end of the six weeks, the doctor said he had a 30% chance of walking again using a walker with limited distance, and Sid was surprised. He had expected less. The prediction was motivating, as Sid acknowledges he is bull-headed by nature. He knew he had to give therapy his all; what’s the harm in trying? He didn’t want to have regrets later. Denise never left his side, from the first night in the hospital to the extended stay in Houston. She learned how to care for her husband, as he needed assistance in all daily functions. Once Sid and Denise returned home, the outpouring of love and support from their family, friends, and community was overwhelming. The neighbors chipped in, all adept at different skills, to make his home wheelchair accessible. Denise’s sister Sandy took over all of Denise’s responsibilities at home. Sid’s brother Kevin handled all of the family’s finances. The Eppinettes’ world stopped, and their loved ones made sure their kids’ lives kept moving. Sid started attending therapy at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy three times a week. He progressively

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~Sid Eppinette

(quoting Winston Churchill)

got stronger, and learned how to handle his body and its limitations. As Director of Billing at CenturyLink, Sid was able to work from home, which was a blessing, as he acclimated to his new normal. Through a state grant, Sid was provided adaptive driving equipment, including hand controls and an electric seat. He was able to return to work and got a little of his freedom back. Sid looks at his experience as “just another hurdle in life.” His condition is something he has to live with; at least he is alive. He cheated death, and he’s thankful to have use of the upper portion of his body. He can still shoot a gun, and actually went hunting for the first time on the anniversary of the accident. Being in therapy made Sid realize how lucky he really is. So many patients were much worse off, struggling to breathe, having no use of their arms. It was a humbling experience. Denise insists her husband of 27 years remained upbeat, as optimism is his default. She admits she was angry, primarily at the carelessness of the accident. One person’s mistake cost them dearly, and their life will never be the same. Sid knew he had a choice. He could let what happened consume him, rob him of his joy, or he could take hold of his life, continue to do what he loves, and just find a new method for going about his life. For Sid, faith in God has provided a peace within, and knowing that God has a plan for his journey helps him to focus on moving forward. Sid’s progress has plateaued recently. He can slightly raise his left foot, has some motion in his hip flexors, and he can crawl a little on his hands and knees. He is plagued with sporadic spasms brought on by stress, weather, and emotion. He’s never had a full eight hours of sleep since taking the pain meds in the hospital, but he takes it all one day at a time. The accident was a blessing in that the Eppinettes have seen love in action. Their family, friends, work family, and community members have provided physical and emotional support. The donations, texts, and prayers keep coming. Fundraisers, T-shirt sales, all the support from local churches and schools, the response in a time of need is astounding. The Eppinettes couldn’t be more grateful, both for themselves and their children: Drake and his wife Kaylee, Chase, and Landry. Life is unpredictable, and the Eppinettes take their vows seriously. They will continue to persevere, one day at a time.

G I NA JO N E S WH I TE To whom much is given, much is required. ~ Gina White

ina Jones White knows what it’s like to have life give you sour lemons. She’s lived it, she’s lived through it, and now she’s helping others to find their way through it as well. Born in Monroe, Gina’s dad died of a stroke when she was only ten years old. Immediately she was being raised by a single mother, one who worked full time while struggling for financial stability, and the onslaught of emotions after losing a spouse. Even though what they had was basic, her mother instilled a quality education, surrounded her with a village and their lives were full of love. Gina graduated from college with a degree in Mass Communications. She took a job with State Farm that allowed her to move to Texas, and then Florida before coming back to Monroe for a position with Chase. Gina’s maternal family has a long history of Alzheimer’s, and when her mother fell ill, she and her step-father became her mother’s caretaker. Roylene, her mother, battled the illness for eight long years before she died on Christmas Day, 2011. Gina had married her sweetheart Vincent only three months prior to her mother’s death. The couple endured grief, financial struggle, job losses, and eventually infertility. Life kept hitting Gina from all angles, but she kept going. In October of 2018, Gina and Vincent adopted a little girl they named Allison Roylene, after Gina’s late mother. She is now four years old and has brought their family full circle. Gina and Vincent have not given up hope for a biological child. They are still researching their infertility issues, hoping one day God will bless them with another child. Gina notes that infertility is particularly hard for women because they’re expected to procreate. There’s still a sense of shame attached to one’s inability to conceive. Gina wants to remind readers that it doesn’t come easy for everyone. And it’s a lonely, isolating struggle, made harder when one sees pregnant bellies and healthy babies all around. Gina knows what it’s like to carry a child. She delivered a stillborn little girl in 2007, long before she met Vincent. She wants to experience pregnancy

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again. She wants the joy of holding a newborn in her arms. She wants to carry a child to term and that have child live. The Whites remain hopeful, leaning on faith and each other. In the meantime, Gina has found a new joy in her profession. In July of 2018, shortly before Allison’s adoption, Gina took a job with the Christopher Youth Center as an Outreach Coordinator/Case Manager, where she helps advocate for homeless, victimized, and runaway youth. It’s a rewarding position. It reminds her that we are all human, and we have more common threads than we realize. She loves going home at the end of the day knowing she has helped someone. The Christopher Youth Center offers housing programs for young adults to reestablish themselves through housing and financial stability. People constantly ask how and why people end up in this position, in need of other’s help. Gina reminds us that we are all one medical issue, one death, one job loss, one bad decision away from needing help ourselves. Gina knows because she’s lived on the other side of needing help. Five years ago, Gina recommitted herself to her faith and God. She promised him if he would bring her through, she would use her voice to tell her story, and she’s been doing so ever since. Her work at the Center is another way for her to advocate for the cause of others. Gina wants everyone to know that God gives us all obstacles. We can’t always see what someone else is going through, but know that everyone goes through something at different times. We all have a cross to bear. Our plan is not always God’s plan. The best we can do is give back; help those who need it; and find joy in what we can do for others. It’s lasting, and gives our lives a sense of purpose. Gina has Vincent and she has Allison. She has her strong faith, her relationship with Christ, family, friends and she has hope. She is still praying for the baby she knows God can give her. For now, she will focus her efforts on her family, on the kids at the Center who need her guidance, and the people she meets who need to hear her story.

K YLI E GWI N

alerie Gwin’s daughter Kylie is full of life. She has always been Malerie’s little mini-me. Anything Mom did, Kylie mimicked. At 5 ½ years old, Kylie contracted strep throat, and it was odd since she had never really been sick before. When they went to the doctor, Kylie was diagnosed with alopecia, an auto-immune disease that attacks the hair follicles. Her body started attacking all her cells, the good and the bad. Every alopecia case is different, and Kylie’s was alopecia areata. In July 2017, a month after the strep, Malerie noticed the first bald spot on Kylie’s head. Her hair had always been long, blond, and thick, the envy of everyone. They returned to the doctor, started steroid treatments, but eventually Kylie’s hair began falling out in handfuls. They cut seven inches off to decrease the weight, try to salvage every strand they could. Malerie did the same, mimicking her daughter now, so she wouldn’t feel alone. They would braid the hair, to keep it clean so they wouldn’t have to wash it as often, anything to prevent it from falling out. But after a while, she only had mere strands left. In April of 2018, Kylie looked at her mom and dad and said she was ready to shave her head. There wasn’t much to shave, but it was all officially gone, and Kylie has been bald and beautiful ever since. She dances, tumbles, cheers and competes in CrossFit Kids. She began wearing wigs, but with all of her physical activities, they weren’t practical, so Kylie decided she would rock no hair at all. And she does so boldly and full of pride. They’ve seen numerous doctors, and endured shots in her scalp. Kylie was sick for a year after her diagnosis, in and out of hospitals, but she never lost her spirit. She’s always happy, no matter the circumstances. She now has no body hair, no eyebrows, no lashes, no hair on her arms or even a sprout on her head. In December, Kylie will be entering a pediatric trial for a new prescription medication, the next step in the process, but for the meantime, Kylie is just living a full life. Everyone is inspired by Kylie’s spirit and perseverance. She received the Good Citizenship Award in school, and is still her sassy self, and consistently brave. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets. Kylie has to wear her disease, because a bald

head on a little girl is immediately noticeable. Through it all, to Malerie’s knowledge, Kylie has never been bullied. She has had quite a few kids ask if she is a boy or a girl, and some question if she has cancer. Malerie believes it’s important for Kylie to have these experiences now because she will always be asked about her appearance. Yes, people stare, but the response has always been love and support. Malerie is humbled by the outreach from our community. She is thankful to God, her family, Kylie’s school, and local churches. At Claiborne Christian School, where Kylie attends, a day is observed during September, Alopecia Awareness Month, and everyone wears blue just for her. She knows they support her, and she sees it all day long. Some of Malerie’s friends have even had alopecia tattoos in honor of Kylie. Churches send cards and encouraging words. Friends have small fundraisers, as alopecia is not covered under insurance, as it’s considered a cosmetic condition. All the doctor’s appointments and treatments are expensive. One friend brought Kylie an alopecia Barbie doll; another got her an American Girl doll with alopecia. It’s important for Kylie so see herself represented. The response has been consistent love and support for over two years. Malerie is not sure if it’s the people’s hearts or Kylie’s light, but it’s all been a blessing. Now Malerie can’t even imagine Kylie with hair. She worried after the diagnosis what it all would mean. How would she navigate the pressures of high school and dating? But, Malerie learned what she’s already known, beauty is inside, and we have to let go of how we look. It’s not about that. Malerie is teaching Kylie to channel her inner beauty, that she is beautiful and vibrant without hair; she can still be girly and feminine. She’s learned the little problems don’t matter, we have to love ourselves, and the beauty shines through. Kylie taught her mom that. Malerie admits she doesn’t know if she could walk around without a wig; she would lose her sense of security. But Kylie can, and she reminds her mother every day how strong she is. Kylie will be eight in December, and she’s Malerie’s little warrior. She’s her mom’s hero. Malerie admires her daughter’s strength, and how every day is a blessing meant to be lived out loud.

When I get sad or scared, I just dance those fears away. ~ Kylie Gwin

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M E LI S SA AN D M AT TH E W DOLL AR When life gives us trials I just look at the miracle of God’s faithfulness that is right in front of me ...Ayla. ~ Melissa Dollar

elissa and Matthew Dollar knew they were destined to be parents. When pregnancy didn’t happen naturally, the two sought out a fertility specialist in Metairie. The doctor said theirs was a complex case, one he hadn’t seen in over 40 years, and unfortunately that pregnancy wasn’t possible. Matthew had been born premature, at only 28 weeks. They dubbed him the “miracle baby,” at St. Francis. He spent the first six months of his life in the NICU, beating all the odds. Due to those complications early, Matthew would not be able to conceive children. Melissa and her husband were devastated. They mourned what they had imagined for themselves, that a traditional family wasn’t going to happen for them. Once they resigned themselves to their reality, they started considering adoption, though they didn’t even know where to start. Melissa ran into a friend who mentioned an adoption attorney, Terri Hoover Odom, who worked at the Center for Adoption in West Monroe. Adoption was now in the forefront of the Dollar’s minds. They had found peace in their fate, and they knew God would provide a way for them to be parents. With Melissa being a childhood educator and Matthew working in the medical field, they were committed to this goal. Matthew has worked for eight years in the NICU at St. Francis, with some of the same nurses who took care of him. He craved fatherhood. When Melissa told Matt about the adoption center, she was overjoyed, just couldn’t get the words out fast enough. The two prayed together, determined to commit themselves to the process. They filled out a profile in September of 2013, a snapshot of their life together. Expectant mothers are allowed to peruse the books in hopes of finding a suitable match for their unborn baby. Over the next several months, the Dollars received a few calls of interest, but nothing ever worked out. Then in May of 2014, the Dollars were just getting home from a dinner date, when the phone rang while they were pulling in the driveway. It was Jackie (Mrs. Terri’s assistant),and she said, “She picked you.” They were stunned, immediately inquiring when

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the baby was due. The only had four days. It was Memorial Day weekend; they didn’t even have a bassinet, because purchasing baby supplies would be too difficult if nothing ever happened. On the way to the hospital the following Tuesday, Melissa and Matthew were too nervous to even talk. They had no idea what to do or where to go. The hospital in Shreveport was under construction, so visitors were limited. It was just the two of them, about to meet their daughter. When they walked in the room, they saw the birth mother and a tiny little girl lying there. The birth mother told them she had waited for them to be the first ones to hold her. They named her Ayla, meaning “halo of light,” a name they had always imagined for their little girl. They got to visit with the birth mom for a few hours, and when she was discharged the next morning, they spent a whole day with Ayla, feeding and snuggling her, so grateful. They were allowed to take Ayla home Thursday, and Monday morning they got the call that the paperwork was finalized. Ayla was officially theirs. A year later they were in Judge Marchman’s office for the official ceremony, July 28, 2015, Ayla’s Forever Day. The Dollars are so thankful to be parents. They love all the firsts, school calendars on the fridge, all the birthdays. They never take birthday parties for granted. The whole process has been so beautiful and rewarding. The birth mother was selfless enough to want a better life for her daughter, and because of her choice, the Dollars became parents. Though it is a closed adoption, Melissa sends a yearly picture to her birth mother. Ayla is now five, and just started kindergarten. When she recently asked about being in Mommy’s tummy, Melissa and Matthew told her another lady carried her for them, always keeping the language age-appropriate. They don’t keep her adoption a secret; they’re proud of their journey. The couple calls Ayla “our everything.” Matthew was a miracle baby and so is she. The adoption was a “rough but beautiful season of life.” The impossible became possible.

Haik Humble Eye Center Advancing the Art of Cataract Surgery with Breakthrough Technology

AIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER ophthalmologists are among the first in Northeast Louisiana to implement one of the most important cataract surgery innovations in recent history. The practice now offers patients the benefits of laser cataract surgery with the LenSx Laser. For more than a decade, femtosecond lasers have helped surgeons perform LASIK with unparalleled precision and accuracy. Now the LenSx Laser brings advanced accuracy and reproducibility to cataract surgery. Laser cataract surgery with the LenSx Laser is now available with Haik Humble Eye Center’s team of ophthalmologists that includes Dr. Thomas Parker, Dr. Baron Williamson, and Dr. Drew Thomas. WHAT IS A CATARACT? If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with cataracts, you’re certainly not alone – cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, and they affect more than 20.5 million Americans over age 40. You’ve likely noticed that the cloudy vision caused by cataracts can affect your ability to enjoy activities like knitting, playing cards, watching TV, reading and golfing. A cataract occurs when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder for light to enter your eye. Cataracts typically occur naturally as you age, and they often cause blurry vision, glare and rings of light known as halos—sometimes at night and while driving. WHAT IS CATARACT SURGERY? Thanks to innovative medical advances, cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure. That means millions of patients just like you are getting back to their favorite activities every year. The goal of the operation

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is to break the cloudy cataract-affected lens into easily removable pieces, remove those pieces and insert an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in place of the natural lens. Traditionally, surgeons accomplished this by making tiny incisions in the eye using a surgical knife. Today, patients have a choice: There’s manual surgery, and there are also bladeless procedures assisted by advanced laser technology. The LenSx Laser offers image guidance for predictability and enhanced precision. WHAT IS THE LENSX LASER? The LenSx Laser is the most technologically advanced procedure for laser cataract surgery. Designed to assist surgeons in the most difficult parts of cataract surgery, the LenSx Laser increases precision and predictability – and helps deliver better results. While our eyes all share the same basic anatomy, your eyes are totally unique when it comes to their size, depth, curvature and other key features. The advanced technology behind the LenSx Laser captures highresolution images of your eyes. These images yield precise measurements and data that help your surgeon plan and perform a procedure to exacting specifications – completely customized for each of your eyes. ADVANCING CATARACT SURGERY The LenSx Laser provides patients with computer-controlled precision as it automates some of the most challenging steps of cataract surgery. With laser cataract surgery, many of the steps that are currently performed manually by hand are now performed with the precision of a laser. Computer generated images of your eye allow your surgeon to customize the cataract procedure to your exact

individualized specifications, not attainable with traditional cataract surgery methods. The LenSx Laser is an advanced technology because it’s designed to offer: • A bladeless procedure that’s personalized to your eyes • Precise, reproducible performance • Enhanced control and efficiency • A customized procedure planned and performed for you by your surgeon ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LENSES Just as you can opt for laser-assisted cataract surgery, you can also choose the type of IOL that’s placed in your eye. If you’ve suffered from astigmatism all your life, a toric IOL may be the option for you. Toric IOLs are designed to counteract your astigmatism while treating your cataract. That could mean relief from glasses and contact lenses for certain activities. If you’ve been diagnosed with presbyopia, a multifocal IOL might be what you’re looking for. Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, and can force you to depend on reading glasses. Multifocal IOLs are designed to treat your cataract while helping you see better at near and intermediate distances. IT’S YOUR TREATMENT, AND YOUR CHOICE The LenSx Laser is a great cataract surgical option for many patients, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. When it comes time for your eye care doctor to recommend treatment and replacement lens options, your eye doctor will consider a variety of factors, as well as your lifestyle and hobbies. If you would like to find out more about cataract surgery options, please contact Haik Humble Eye Center at (318) 325-2610 or visit haikhumble.com.

Fashion Reboot

Our edit of the boots that every woman should own this season. From metallic booties to knee-high snakeskin, these looks will give you the fashion reboot you need. Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

D U S T Y & C O M PA N Y

SIMMONS’ SPORTING GOODS

HERRINGSTONE’S

THE NUDE NOMAD

HEMLINE MONROE

T H E FA S H I O N O F RU S TO N

Happy Holidays From the City of Bastrop

HE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES IN BASTROP’S Holiday Open House would like to invite you to join them Sunday, November 10th from 1 - 5 p.m. Whit’s Pharmacy will be displaying all of our Christmas merchandise, including ornaments and indoor and outdoor décor for this year’s Holiday Open House. We will have men’s gifts, LSU gifts, baby gifts, Woodwick candles, garden flags and door hangers, windchimes, and home decor. We are also an authorized dealer of Poo-Pourri, Gingersnaps, Michel Design Works, and Snoozies for all ages. Our boutique section also has an amazing selection of women’s fall clothing. Don’t forget to come in and register for our free door prize. Arnett Jewelry has everything you need to get ready for the holiday season. Christmas décor, ornaments and serving trays will help prepare you for friends and family coming over. We have a wide selection of gifts, making it easy to shop for anyone. Custom monogramming is done in store. See you at the Open House! 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, designer jewelry, bath products by Niven Morgan, PJ Harlow sleepwear, and a variety of gourmet foods. They have clothing by Ivy Jane, Uncle Frank, Kut, and Liverpool and CP Shades. 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. This year they will be giving gourmet food items to the first 20 customers that make a purchase during Open House. Antiques & Accents has a little bit of everything. As its name implies, you’ll find beautiful antiques in their original wood finishes along with hand painted, distressed furniture. Also, lamps, pictures,

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and other “accents” as well as gently used designer handbags and jewelry. Elegant, beautiful, accessible and accommodating are the words that describe Park Manor. Perfect for any event or photo session. The property includes an amazing plantation home front with a brick walkway, a breath-taking bridal cottage and dressing room, and the brand new enclosed reception hall that is perfect for any season. Stop by the day of the Open House for sweet treats and tours of the property and feel free to ask Tammy to help book your holiday event at Park Manor. Steve’s Jewelry invites you to shop their holiday sale Nov. 7th through Dec. 24th. This is their largest sale of the year offering up to 50% OFF jewelry and gifts storewide. This is their 5th annual diamond give-away offering the opportunity to WIN a 1.18CT solitaire diamond ring valued at $4,000 by registering with any purchase of $200. Don’t miss their 10 day Vahan Jewelry Trunk Show with savings up to 40% OFF Vahan Jewelry, Nov 7th - Nov 16th. Shop huge savings on a large jewelry inventory including designer brands Gabriel, Carriza, Natalie K, Henry Daussi, Vahan and many others. Interested in knowing your diamonds before that purchase? Sit down with a GIA Graduate Gemologist on staff to help you make wise decisions. Serving the Ark-La-Miss for 42 years with honesty and integrity, they are a full-service jewelry store offering in-store jewelry repair, appraisals, and custom designing. Let us make your shopping experience enjoyable with personal service, great savings, and free gift wrapping. Natures Hideaway Gardens Farm/Market located at 5032 Naff Ave. in Bastrop offers an eclectic mix of gardening and vintage to inspire you to creativity in your homes and gardens, you will find perennials, shrubs, annuals, herbs and succulents. Our passion is found in shopping for that one of a kind vintage/rusty iron piece to offer to our customers. Open Tuesday-Saturday, but best for out-oftown folks to call ahead 318-281-6476 because we might be junking. See y’all at the Open House! Downs & Daughters Events is a local, family owned event rental store. We handle rentals for parties, showers, weddings or any special event you are planning. With a wide variety of linens, tables, chairs, and accessories we can handle any event. “Let our family take care of your families rental needs.”

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MEL’S CAJUN FRIED CHICKEN AND CATFISH Dirty rice made from scratch with cajun seasoned beef and pork mixed with rice.

NEWK’S EATERY A creamy, slow-simmered tomato basil soup made with fresh tomatoes and hints of carrot, celery, onion and garlic. Garnished with goat cheese, sliced basil and house-made croutons.

WATERFRONT GRILL Jane’s Homemade White Chocolate Bread Pudding is made with cubes of bread that have been soaked in a custard sauce and baked, then topped with warm white chocolate sauce.

Thanksgiving Harvest

It’s time to give thanks. This season, gather with friends and family around the table for these scrumptious seasonal offerings. photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

DOE’S EAT PLACE Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin topped with cheese, bacon bits and scallions are perfect for any holiday meal

MISS KAY’S SWEETS & EATS This holiday season let Miss Kay’s fill you up with a mouth-watering fried turkey.

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY Delicious ham baked with a honey and brown sugar glaze.

BUTTER BAKERY Classic pecan pie with pecans and filling in a flakey gluten free crust.

TRIO’S RESTAURANT Cream based stew with sweet chunks of fresh lobster tail, crabmeat and Louisiana spices.

PORTICO BAR & GRILL Strawberry spinach salad with baby spinach, fresh strawberries, feta, roasted pecans and blush wine vinaigrette.

BORDER MXICAN GRILL Two grilled quail seed with fajita steak and onions, along with Mexican rice, guacamole salad and tortillas.

for HIS temple FAMILY FOODS This classic cornbread dressing is gluten and dairy free and all organic! Housemade cornbread with slow stewed chicken stock, leaf celery, onions, garlic and local pastured eggs.

Christmas on the River 2019 Things You Can’t Miss

HRISTMAS SEASON IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME of the year. Something about the Christmas cheer, the lights, and the cool weather makes everyone feel warm inside. We love the season because Monroe and West Monroe light up like Christmas trees, and there are fun holiday events taking place all throughout the area.

THE PRETTIEST LIGHTS YOU’LL SEE If you’re a fan of Christmas twinkle, here are just a few of the locations you can go to bask in the holiday glow. Downtown Monroe & West Monroe Swags of lights dazzle above Trenton Street. The storefronts are decorated with Christmas magic, and the Land of Lights display is just behind Antique Alley with a myriad of light tunnels, trees, and characters. Lights sparkle along DeSiard Street and Christmas Cards bring a touch of artistic flair to the holiday season. Candy Cane Lane This immersive drive-thru light park in Calhoun features over a million lights with visual and musical attractions. Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Visit the Freedom Trees for a patriotic light display honoring those who serve and have served our country. ATTRACTIONS DECK THEIR HALLS See an entirely new side of our favorite local attractions when they add a touch of Christmas spirit to their already charming establishments. Biedenharn Museum and Gardens You don’t want to miss EmyLou’s beautifully preserved home covered in her Christmas decorations. The stunning EL-Song Gardens are also glitzed in holiday glam, including everyone’s favorite Poinsettia Christmas tree. NELA Children’s Museum Not only will they have a fantastic light display, but they’ll be hosting Santa’s Christmas Village all throughout the season. It’s a holiday wonderland featuring a giant snow globe, snow, a Coca-Cola Christmas train exhibit, and rides down Mount Sneaux. MERRY EVENTS So much room for festivities! Throughout the season there are some really unique and fun events going on here in Monroe-West Monroe. Be sure to mark these on your calendar! Children’s Lighted Christmas Parade Decorate your bikes, trikes, and wagons and join in the fun. Sponsored by Origin Bank. Wagon Rides Take an open air wagon ride through downtown Monroe and West Monroe. This is a perfect seat for all of the festive decorations that are on display. 102 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Live Performances So many of our amazing organizations here have prepared beautiful shows for the holiday season. Twin City Ballet, Louisiana Delta Ballet, the Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration, Moscow Ballet, Strauss Dinner Theatre and more! Outdoor Movies Bundle up with a hot chocolate and some popcorn with the opportunity for not one but two outdoor movie events in Alley Park. THERE’S NOTHING MORE FESTIVE THAN FESTIVAL WEEKEND December 6th - 8th is a very busy weekend for Christmas enthusiasts. Both parades, a fireworks display, and other holiday-themed events are taking place. Here are just a few events scheduled on Saturday, December 7th: Christmas in DOMO Enjoy an ugly sweater contest, Kid’s Talent Show, Little Miss Christmas in DoMo Pageant, Christmas Storytime, and the Christmas Pet Pageant. Since this event is at the RiverMarket, their local vendors will also be there! TWO PARADES The Annual Bawcomville Redneck Parade starts the Saturday early at 10:00 am. Catch beads, toys, and other surprises! Then, catch the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita Christmas Parade in with classic holiday floats at 3:30 p.m. Christmas on the River Fireworks Show This beautiful fireworks display will take place along the Ouachita River at 6:00 p.m. SANTA CLAUS SIGHTINGS You can’t call it Christmas without a glimpse of ol’ St. Nick from time to time. Here are just a few places you can go if you want to deliver your Christmas wish lists by hand. Santa’s Christmas Village With Santa in the name, this is a definite place to catch the big guy here at the Children’s Museum in Monroe. Check their schedule for exact hours, but this event will take place all throughout the season. There’s even a Peppermint Post Office to mail your letters directly to the North Pole. Christmas Evenings at the Biedenharn Check out the museum’s beautiful Christmas decorations at night with local musicians, live music, and photos with Santa Clause. Cookies and Cocoa with Santa Enjoy Christmas cookie decorating and hot cocoa while you visit with Santa. Post your pictures from any of our events with the hashtag #mwmholidays for a chance to be featured on our profile. Check out www.christmasontheriver.org for a full list of holiday events.

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It’s Not a Game Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop

HEN PEOPLE HEAR TERMS LIKE RED ROVER, THE Farmer in the Dell and of course Duck Duck Goose, we think of children’s games from decades ago. However, the latter has a whole new meaning today. The Duck Duck Goose Boutique is the appropriately named ladies boutique at Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop, LA. “We’ve offered great brands in casual and outerwear like The North Face and Patagonia for years, but now we have a full boutique with the latest styles and fashions women want,” said Simmons COO, Lindsey Simmons. “We carry jewelry, boots, booties, sweaters, scarves, hats and even offer plus sizes so ladies can shop an amazing selection for fall and winter styles.” The softer side of Simmons product selection can be seen immediately when shoppers walk through the front entrance. For more than 35 years, Simmons has been a staple for outdoorsmen, to stock up on their favorite hunting gear. Now, their female counterparts can find something for themselves, whether they hunt or not. Right from the moment they enter the store, shoppers are greeted with an array of casual offerings for women. The décor has been updated, and although walls and displays are still true to its roots with the more rustic appeal, there is no doubt ladies are the focus. But not everyone has time to come in, so Simmons makes it easy to shop right on their Instagram page DDG_theboutique. Online shopping has become the new norm and Simmons makes it easy for everyone. For those people that choose not to fight the traffic in the city and sometimes put themselves at risk by shopping after dark and walking through poorly patrolled parking lots, Simmons offers a great digital experience and of course, a safe onlocation environment to shop in person. Simmons’ evolvement includes an extremely robust offering to shop at simmonssportinggoods.com. Just like in the store, they have amazing sales and clearance deals for everyone. With Christmas around the corner, who doesn’t need some help saving a few bucks? To help fast paced busy lives, ladies can find many of the things already mentioned from the comfort of wherever they are. And score huge with free shipping on purchases over $99.

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“Customers often tell us how much time they could spend in our store,” says Simmons. “After more than three decades in business, that’s great to hear, because it means we’re offering a variety for everyone and they want to come back.” And come back they do. Simmons’ is frequented by droves of repeat customers for the unique product offerings, competitive pricing; and one caveat that no retailer of their kind offers throughout the season, 24 months no interest financing. It’s as easy as filling out an application. Get approved on the spot, pick out what you want, and take two years to pay for it with no interest: “It’s same as cash,” says Simmons. What else do they have? For the kiddos, there are toys and apparel ideas. For hunters, obviously everything. Camouflage clothing, check. Game calls, check. Feeders, cutlery, boots, waders, archery, firearms, cameras, stands, blinds, all that and then some, check! There is an amazing restaurant upstairs named appropriately, The Blind, and its hearty portions and original specials are incredible. If for any reason someone can’t decide on what to buy for that special someone, give them a gift card and let them have the pleasure of getting what they want and enjoying the Simmons experience. Simmons is a great solution for things on anyone’s shopping list. Fall has finally arrived and there’s no better place to discover good looking, quality clothing and more at a great price. Ladies, men, even kids, can find something they like every time they shop. For the holidays, they even offer free gift wrapping, giving shoppers one less thing to worry about. Shopping for some is a necessity, for others, it’s a treat. Everyone should have that unique experience and Simmons Sporting Goods is an incredible place to enjoy it. People often find it hard to just go in find what they need quickly. There are literally acres of selections that take hours to peruse. It may be one of the few places a lady can take her man to shop and he’s more than willing to go. He can find everything he needs and the ladies, just know that Duck Duck Goose is a lot more than a kid’s game.

Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE “A little black girl yearns for the blue eyes of a white girl, and the horror at the heart of her yearning is exceeded only by the evil of fulfillment.” This novel explores an African-American little girl’s quest for beauty in 1941. Raised with the constant reminder that she is ugly, that her black skin not only makes her less than white people, her mere presence is insulting in a society who only acknowledges pretty things and pretty people. She longs to be like the white girls, to even be accepted by the other black girls, but in a world where everyone’s status and self-worth is defined by who’s below them, Pecola finds herself at the bottom. Forced to endure crippling poverty, neglect, rape, and emotional abandonment, she sinks inside herself wanting only to see the world through pure blue eyes, a blessing reseved for a race to which she will never belong. Morrison’s prose is drenched in realism, the gritty reality of the African-American experience, told through the eyes of a little girl, the most vulnerable among us. As a white woman, I struggle to review this work, as if my whiteness makes me an unworthy critic. Her words are so tangible, I felt the emotions of each character, even though my personal experience mirrors nothing found in this book. The writing is raw. I sometimes found myself reading with one eye closed, as if I could keep myself guarded from the truth faced by the

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unfortunate characters. It’s not a novel that evokes pity, as each character is fully formed, with flaws represented alongside hardship. You feel for them, but when they make mistakes, you know why. They represent an ironic freedom, in that their skin color defines their existence and they are free to behave how they want, for they will be judged anyway. Their lives are not absent of consequences, but rather saturated in consequences related to pigmentation more so than actions. The chapters are diced into seasons, a childlike reflection of time, and the story is told out of sequence. We meet Pecola as she joins her foster family before finding out the truth of what led her there. We get the backstory of her foster family, her abusive father and hardened mother. Morrison allows readers to sympathize and judge all of them, treating them with the dignity of the full story, the same stories their contemporary white neighbors ignore. Morrison unweaves the fabric thread by thread, dissecting the underbelly of black struggle with no reprieve or redemption. She is unafraid to make readers squirm, knowing our morbid curiosity keeps us turning the page. Toni Morrison passed in August of this year, but her uninhibited words and flayed characterizations will live on in her work. She forces us to examine how far we’re willing to go to understand the plight of those whose names we do not know, but whose stories Morrison had the courage and talent to tell.

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Bountiful Setting Styling by TAYLOR BENNETT Photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

This Thanksgiving, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t treat your holiday table setting as an afterthought. As guests arrive and before the turkey is carried out, family and friends will be wowed by your thoughtful mix of china crystal and linens. Luckily, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked with Taylor Bennett to set up a rustic and elegant tablescape for the holiday season. This seasonal dinnerware creates the backdrop for family traditions. The centerpiece combines deep mustard and orange earthenware vessels from Traditions Antiques filled with plumes of pampas grass and milo. The runner is a Turkish towel from Material Things. Candles in harvest hues add a subtle light, while place cards from Nib & Flow direct guests to their seats. Like a walk in the woods, antler utensils bring the natural world tableside, while pumpkins add the finishing touch. 108 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

THE NOTE

Meredith’s Musings

Tell Me Something Sweet |

By Meredith McKinnie

e told me he loved me on a Saturday, three weeks to the day we’d met. We were standing in the short hallway of his 900 square foot apartment, under the faded fluorescent light beaming from the even tinier kitchen. I already knew it, but he said it. And I kissed him quickly, avoiding eye contact, as overly personal moments make me nervous. I returned the sentiment, and then I remember nothing from the next few hours, the blissful days of falling in love and then finding comfort in that sweet spot. But when sleepovers became commonplace, when the most comfortable spot in the world became the crook of his arm, a tradition was born. I remember snuggling in to my spot, the side of my head below his right shoulder, my leg casually draped over his knee and shin, the easy way I fit there. I tilted my head up though I couldn’t see him in the darkness and simply said, “Tell me something sweet.” And he did. He told me I was strong and opinionated, and he meant them as compliments. He told me I was beautiful and he loved looking at me. He told me I made him want to be better, and that I taught him he deserved better. He thanked me for always making him feel wanted, and that one broke my heart a little. And for years now, I’ve asked again and again, and he always indulges me. It’s our thing. His voice always drops a few octaves, almost a whisper, and frequently the response is, “I love you so much.” To which I ask, “How much?” as if he could tell me, as if he knows, as if it’s calculable, as if he could spread his arms wide enough. I don’t ask because I don’t already know, but because I don’t want the sentiment, the moment to end. So few moments are without distractions, and I relish them when they surface. I feel it’s my responsibility as half of a whole I cherish so deeply. I read the other day that couples must talk about their relationship. This is our conversation, right before bed, in our safe place; he tells me something sweet. “There’s no one I’d rather have next to me,” he’ll say. Jokingly, my response is, “I’m the only one

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here.” We chuckle; we squeeze tighter; we press our lips together; the moment is ours. It’s not a performance. It’s not being judged. He’s not convincing anyone. He’s whispering his love to the woman he loves, and I’m lucky to be the woman in the room. Sometimes I wake before him, and he sleeps so soundly, with one arm draped over his own chest or casually above his head. Our daughters sleep the same way. In their most peaceful moments they mirror the most peaceful of their parents. I love the way he loves them, not superhuman, but with patience and humor and an innate ability to de-escalate their little mini-dramas. Our two-year-old is, well, two, and is having Meredith moments, demanding her voice and her space and immediate gratification. “More Cheeeeeese,” she screams when one piece isn’t enough. Admittedly, I often yell back, “I said no.” But husband will quickly swoop her upside down and tickle her belly, making her forget all about her beloved cheese cubes. He has a way of moving the moment, shifting the narrative, and he does it so naturally, like it’s the most logical response to chaos. Now, years later, I don’t necessarily have to hear him tell me something sweet because I get to see it every day. Occasionally at bedtime, after I’ve exhausted the three chapters I could cram in before my eyes become heavy and he has finished the daily New York Times crossword, we’ll cuddle together, my head on his chest. I now occupy his left side, a change we made during pregnancy that has just kind of stuck. I admire his profile and kiss his cheek, graze my nubby nails against his chest and remind him I love him. We talk about our daughters, the funny moments one of us inevitably missed in the parental trade-offs that happen when both of us are home. I usually doze first, but sometimes, minutes before drifting off, I’ll ask again, “Tell me something sweet.” Sometimes the answer is immediate, as if he is waiting, and other times he pauses to think. I rarely wait for the answer, instead drifting off in the safe slumber of knowing I’m in love with sweetness, and he couldn’t love us more if he tried.

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Sierra Nevada Brewery Defining Pale Ale Since 1979

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

IERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. WAS FOUNDED IN Chico, California in 1979, by Ken Grossman, sparked by a longing to expand his homebrewing hobby into a real brewery. The company’s name came from the brewery’s location as well as Grossman’s love of hiking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. With $50,000 in loans from friends and family, Grossman rented a 3,000 square foot warehouse and pieced together discarded dairy equipment and scrapyard metal to create his brewing equipment. Later, he was able to acquire second-hand copper brewing kettles from Germany before moving to the larger, current brewing facility in 1989. The first batch brewed on premises was its Pale Ale, in November 1980. The following year, the brewery introduced Celebration, an IPA, which it continues to release as a winter seasonal. The company sold 950 US beer barrels of beer in its first year, and double that amount in the second. In 1982, an article was published in the San Francisco Chronicle highlighting the brewery. In addition, having its beer sold in prominent restaurants such as Berkeley’s Chez Panisse, helped establish a market for Sierra Nevada’s beer. By 1987, the brewery was distributing to seven states and production had reached 12,000 US beer barrels per year, causing the company to pursue building a new brewery. In 1988, the brewery moved into a 100-barrel brewhouse, with four open fermenters, and eleven 200 US barrel secondary fermenters. Since then, Sierra Nevada has gone on to sculpt the landscape of craft beer in the US. It is also one of the most environmentally conscious breweries in the country. The brewery is powered by solar energy, having 10,000 photovoltaic modules covering its rooftops and parking lot. In all, the brewery uses 2.6 megawatts of solar electricity on premises. It also has built a charging station for electric vehicles on its premises. The company uses a small-scale BioPro™ biodiesel processor to convert the used cooking oil from its restaurant for biodiesel use in its delivery trucks. In 2009, it reached an agreement with a local ethanol company to produce high-grade ethanol fuel from its discarded yeast. Spent grain is sold to local cattle ranchers for livestock feed; spent water is sent to the brewery’s own water treatment plant, where it is reused, mainly as drip irrigation for its fields. Over 99.5% of the brewery plant’s solid waste is diverted from landfill.

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You can’t mention Sierra Nevada without calling out its flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Truly a craft original, Pale Ale is loaded up with Cascade hops, giving it intense aromas of pine and citrus. At the time it was first brewed, Cascade hops were a brand new variety. This helped Sierra Nevada Pale Ale transform the flavor of craft beer in the US. SIERRA NEVADA PALE ALE BRATWURST Ingredients: • 12 oz Sierra Nevada Pale Ale • 3 Bratwurst • Cooking oil • 1 Small jar of sauerkraut • 2 Bell peppers (red and/or yellow), chopped • 1/2 White onion, chopped • 4 Green onions, sliced • 2 Tablespoons butter • Whole grain mustard: Yeah, other mustard will do. We just really like ours. • Hot Dog Buns Directions: Preheat an 8” skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil. Sear the brats until browned on the outside. Remove from pan and set aside. Add all the veggies to the pan except the green onions. Sauté until softened and slightly browned. Add the brats back to the pan and pour in the beer. Cover and reduce to a simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Once brats are cooked, sprinkle on the green onions and drop in the butter. Serve in the buns (toasted if that’s your thing) and dress with sauerkraut, veggies, and mustard. Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with local happenings and new product releases. In addition, you’ll find links to beer related articles, fun recipes, and much more! Find us at facebook.com/choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

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Celebrate the Season

The Merchants of Delhi’s 6th Annual Christmas Open House

T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN EXCITEMENT IS IN the eyes of every child and the spirit of the season fills the air. The Merchants of Delhi would like to invite you to spend the day with them on Sunday, November 17th from 1-5pm to truly get into the holiday spirit. Have you ever wanted to tour the grounds at the beautiful Mansion at Red Hill? This Holiday Open House is your chance. The house and the grounds will be open to the public from 1-5pm. This elegant bed and breakfast is breathtaking to behold and will also be serving tea and scones. So come visit The Mansion at Red Hill, have a small snack and enjoy a beautiful Sunday. Fall and Christmas have arrived at Philip’s Family Pharmacy and The Lil’ Boutique. One would not think to look at this location for some of the most unique, elegant items Northeast Louisiana has to offer, but one visit will change your mind. You will find dazzling displays of fall and Christmas decorations, one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor and more. If you are searching for a shop with a hometown feel, The Lil’ Boutique is the place for you. Please visit them at the Christmas Open House Sunday, November 17th. Delhi Health Center, formerly Delhi Health Mart is serving 43 years of health care needs in Delhi. Their unique gift boutique offers everything from greeting cards to that perfect gift for a child or adult. Candles by Swan Creek, Nouvelle and Niven Morgan bath products and Musee Bath Bombs are just a few of their gift lines. MySaint MyHero, Beacoup Design Jewelry or one of their purses or wallets will make the perfect accessory. Their infant and children’s department features WubaNubs, books, movies and an extensive line of Melissa & Doug toys. E.W. Thomson is so excited to be part of the town of Delhi’s 2019 Open House. This year they have beefed up their clothing lines with names such as UMGEE, Jodifl, Easel, Kankan Jeans, Yelete leggings and many more. Their gift shop is bursting with beautiful gift ideas for that special someone. They are featuring one of a kind handmade jewelry along with several other notable brands. They also have a great selection of LOV pottery and have added a new local artist who features one of a kind pottery. They have a good selection of Louisiana gifts from ROUX. Thomson’s Christmas decor is exceptional with a mixture of rustic and contemporary items to create an eclectic feel. They will be having a celebration during Open House with 20% to 50% off the entire gift shop.Please come see Susanne for help with your Christmas needs.

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The mission at The Mad Hatter Flower Shop is to redefine the classic floral design and create something spectacular, modern and stylish. Every arrangement is handmade with care using the highest quality roses and flowers to impress all of their customers. They believe that everyone deserves some luxury. The Mad Hatter strives to create exceptional floral décor for any occasion. Owner Crystal Peters has had an appreciation for the floral arts since she was a young girl, and her love of flowers has led her to become a master of the craft – always ready for the latest changes and trends. New Attitude Hair Design/Boutique LaCour offers precision hair cuts, highlights, balayage, color, and hair extensions. They offer amazing hair care products like Aveda, Paul Mitchell, Redken and more. Apart from having everything from beauty services and products, they also offer broad selection of fabulous clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and gifts for women of all ages and silhouettes. Located at 710 Florida Street in Delhi, they are open Wednesday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for special holiday hours and events at New Attitude Hair Design Boutique LaCour. Feel free to call whether you are searching for that special something, or just your everyday spectacular, their fabulous team would love to help you look marvelous from head to toe! Door prizes and savings of 20%-75% off throughout the boutique the day of the Open House. Tripp’s Work Wear opened in 2010. It has been their focus to be able to sell quality work wear clothing without breaking the bank. They started as a Carhartt only workwear store but over time, have grown to carry other brands such as Carhartt FR, Rasco FR and Caterpillar work boots. They can also drop ship certain items to your home that are not sold in stores for your convenience. Come in on November 17th to receive 10% off our your entire purchase. Tripps’ appreciates everyone’s business over the course of their operation and hopes to see you soon! Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at The Merchants of Delhi’s 6th Annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 17th from 1 – 5 p.m.

I’m thankful for my two darling girls and all the laughter they bring into my life. I’m thankful for being around for forty years, and getting to spend eighteen of those with my precious husband. I’m thankful for the hosts of friends and family that I have in my life. I’m especially grateful for my parents who have always helped me whenever I’ve needed a babysitter, a really good parental hug, or just a talk to keep me grounded. I love my little business and the staff that keeps it going, and my clients and readers that make the hard work worth it. I’m mostly grateful for God – for the times I’ve been lifted and centered thanks to His word, and for realizing in this decade of my life that my worth is inherent. - Cassie

I am thankful for my little family, my husband Andrew and my three year old, Cully. And we couldn’t do it all without help, from my motherin-law and mom, to the staff at his Mother’s Day Out. Going into my fifth year at BayouLife, I’m thankful to work for a family owned business and with a group of girls that I can call friends. I’m appreciative to live in a community that supports local businesses, non-profit organizations and each other in general. I’m thankful my BFF and fellow naut has returned to the 318. I’m also grateful for a host of other trivial things like gel polish manicures, Lizzo, heated seats, medicine balls from Starbucks and GIFS. - Ashley

I NCR EDIBLY

There are so many things I can be thankful for, big and small, but what I am most thankful for is the life I have been given. I am thankful for my family, without which this life would be impossible. I am thankful that I can get up each day, go to a job that I love, and work to provide for my family. I am thankful for my helpful husband, cuddles with my baby boys, the hearts that are scribbled on a sheet of paper with crayon that are meant for me and sweet sugars. I am also thankful for Mexican food, Netflix, wine, makeup concealer (to hind my tired mom eyes) and sweat pants! - Amanda

This year has been filled with a lot of change and growth and there are so many things to be thankful for. I am thankful for awesome parents who support me in every decision I make even when it goes against what they want; a brother who will always have my back; and a Nana who always reminds me that she has an extra bedroom if I ever wanted to move in. I am thankful to be able to wake up everyday to go to a job that doesn’t feel like “work.” This crazy work family is amazing and I am very thankful for every one of them. I am also VERY grateful for the things that make my life easier each and every day such as: TJ Maxx, stretchy jeans, Lizzo, Grande Pike Roast with two honeys, Newks Original Salad and my amazing friends and family. - Katelyn

This year has flown by and I am so grateful for all the newness and change that has come about in 2019. I’m thankful for my husband and our pets, Nala, Simba and Zazu. They each give the best snuggles and love in their own ways and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I’m also thankful for my friends, new and old, near and far. I’m especially thankful for large sweet teas, chocolate chip cookies, hand-knitted sweaters made by mom, my calligraphy pen (or an Apple Pencil with Procreate) and Netflix. - Meagan

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Rainbow City to Shreveport Experience This Magical, Colorful, Outdoor Installation of Air-Filled Sculptures

ONG KONG, NEW YORK, TORONTO, MIAMI AND now SHREVEPORT — the internationally renowned FriendsWithYou Artist Collective of Arturo Sandoval, III and Samuel L. Borkson has taken RAINBOW CITY across the globe. Now this whimsical, colorful, wonderful, outdoor experience of 40 airfilled sculptures is coming to Northwest Louisiana. Presented by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC), RAINBOW CITY Shreveport will be a place to make new friends and entertain families during a sixweek, fun-filled festival, November 2 to December 8, 2019, as the people of Shreveport celebrate the grand opening of the city’s first urban greenspace — THE COMMON Park. RAINBOW CITY is a magical place to play and make friends. It is a vibrant, imaginative, pop-art style city of giant inflatables, sometimes soaring 50 feet into the sky, where people can run, bounce and just enjoy life. It’s a Dance Party with live music on Friday night, PJs and Pizza on a Sunday evening and the annual SportSpectrum “Turkey Trot” Run Thanksgiving morning. It’s a PACE RAINBOW Weekend with “That Girl DJ,” a COMMON GROOVE Weekend with “Tipsey, the Band,” and Waffles with William (Bill) Joyce and Nicholas St. North the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The public is invited to join hundreds of community marchers, bicyclers, and costumed characters, for one of the most exciting RAINBOW CITY events taking place on opening day, Saturday, November 2, 2019. All ages are invited to join artists @artspace at 708 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport to make masks, capes, banners, flags and other parade paraphernalia and get ready to march in the RAINBOW CITY SHREVEPORT OPENING DAY PARADE. Academy Award-Winning Animation Artist William (Bill) Joyce says, “RAINBOW CITY is not just balloons and bouncy houses. It’s a place about possibility, about heart, about innocence, and hope. RAINBOW CITY is about the power of art to open up and change everyone’s way of thinking about art as a vital part of our community and culture. RAINBOW CITY is especially a place that has the power to transform children into artistically attuned adults.” “We are excited to bring the “Magic, Luck and Friendship” of FriendsWithYou and RAINBOW CITY to the people of Shreveport and their new COMMON Park. Our goal is always to share the hope of personal, physical and community transformation through our art. We plan to activate the entire city to be a part of this experience. We are excited about the possibilities and about making unique and 118 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

experiential art in Shreveport—pushing the Art to see the possibilities,” say Sandoval and Borkson. FriendsWithYou is beloved across the globe for work that reaches beyond the contemporary art world into popular culture and for their inflatable sculptures and immersive installations. Their giant “Little Cloud” led the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and their Netflix series, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, is a favorite among preschoolers. October 25 to December 21, 2019, Academy Award-Winning Animation Artist William (Bill) Joyce, will curate the first retrospective exhibition of 17 years of the Sandoval and Borkson FriendsWithYou @artspace in downtown Shreveport. Bold, colorful stripes will fill the walls of artspace and air-filled sculptures will take you by surprise amidst a gallery of FriendsWithYou art, bronze sculptures, digital designs, and films. The exhibit will be fun for the entire family, and a great way to introduce children to art that is happy and transformative, and that they can also bounce and play in at RAINBOW CITY, a few miles away in THE COMMON Park. FriendsWithYou kicked off their Northwest Louisiana artist-inresidency in April during SRAC’s ArtBreak Festival (the largest student arts festival in the south) with a student competition for the design of a new inflatable. Fourth grade student Isaiah Roberts’s drawing was chosen to be the newest FriendsWithYou air-filled sculpture. “Gumball” will make its debut at the head of the RAINBOW CITY SHREVEPORT OPENING DAY PARADE along with four giant FriendsWithYou inflatables, including the popular Rainbow King from the Netflix series. RAINBOW CITY SHREVEPORT and the FriendsWithYou Retrospective Exhibition are made possible by generous sponsorships from Ochsner Health System/LSU Health System, The City of Shreveport, The Louisiana Office of Tourism, The Shreveport Convention & Tourist Bureau, The Shreveport Regional Airport and Red Ball Oxygen. Red Ball is supplying the helium that gives the inflated sculptures their height. THE COMMON Park, with its RAINBOW CITY, is located at 869 Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport in the Shreveport Common Neighborhood. It is FREE and open to the public. Dynamic programming fills every day of a six-week festival and includes Walking Wednesdays, Food Truck Court lunches and dinners, Friday Night Dance Parties, Sunday Brunches, a Weekend Arts Market and special events. Visit www.FriendsWithYouShreveport.com for complete details.

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Doc, When Can I Play Again? Young Athletes and Sports Related Injuries BY VAL IRION, MD

IDS PLAYING SPORTS IS GREAT. ACCORDING TO DR. Cynthia Bella, pediatric orthopedist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, the benefits of sports participation include: • Increased socialization with their peers • Enhanced self-esteem • Fosters a child’s overall health and bone density • Reduces the risk of being overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and risk-taking behavior. My wife and I have three young boys all playing sports, and it is a huge part of our family dynamic. Yet, children often do get hurt, and sometimes those injuries can sideline young athletes for months or an entire season and may sour them on participating in the future. The effects of sports injuries may even linger into adulthood. We hear a lot about young athletes having serious sports related injuries. Youth related sports injuries typically fall into two categories: • Acute traumatic injuries. These injuries include things like: fractures, sprains, concussions, and cuts and they typically result from a sudden blow or force. • Overuse injuries. These injuries are also called chronic injuries because they typically occur over time and are the result repetitive training and fatigue. Overuse injuries in young athletes can be just as damaging as acute injuries, especially if ignored or left untreated and we are seeing a lot of overuse injuries in young athletes. This in part stems from young athletes electing to drop seasonal sports and focus their energies on one sport year round. Using the same muscles over and over again results in forming muscle memory and when the body is called to react differently, the muscles don’t know how to react and this often results in injury. In addition, younger athlete’s muscles are still developing and this also puts them at greater risk for injury. Prevention of injuries in young athletes is a big issue among all youth sports organizations and a big concern for the American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Several years ago, AOSSM initiated the STOP Sports Injury Program. STOP is an acronym for SPORTS TRAUMA AND OVERUSE PREVENTION in youth sport. The goal of AOSSM is to keep these young athletes out of the operating room and on the playing field. Accurate diagnosis of a young athlete’s pain may require orthopedic expertise because pain from a repetitive motion injury may develop 122 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

somewhere in the body other than the site of the injury. Knee pain, for example, could result from injury to the hip. When assessing a new patient following an injury, one of the most important things I can do is have a pretty detailed conversation with the young athlete and their parent(s) to help identify why they may be seeing me. I often ask them about what awards they have won, what championships, the best game, etc. We also talk about training, the hours, the time put into play. Once we review the information, it is often a wakeup call to the player and their family of how the injury could have occurred due to overuse and ultimately fatigue. Combine the personal history with a physical examination, and we are on the path to an accurate diagnosis and ready to discuss options. Although, surgery is sometimes the only option, operating on young athlete has special considerations. According to The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “children’s bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing,” which makes them more susceptible to injury. Growth plates, the cartilage at the end of long bones where bone growth occurs, are especially susceptible to injury that could disrupt normal growth. “A twisted ankle that might result in a sprain in an adult, could result in a more serious growth plate fracture in a young athlete,” the organization emphasized. When a young athlete comes to see me in clinic following a sports related injury, inevitably, the first question they will ask is, “Dr. Irion, when do you think I can play again?” Unfortunately, the answer to that question is rarely quick or simple. Return-to-play answers can be controversial and confusing and often involve a lot people including parents, grandparents, coaches, trainers, and health care providers. It’s really important to keep an open mind, a well-rounded perspective, and make sure that young athlete understands his/her injury and what the safest and healthiest options are (surgical and non-surgical) to insure a healthy outcome. Let’s keep our young players healthy and injury free and remember, kids should not play through the pain… keep them safe and if you suspect a sports related injury, see your family doctor and/or orthopedic sports medicine doctor. For more information about youth sports injury prevention, please visit: https://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/ Val Irion, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Dr. Irion has clinics in Shreveport and Bossier City. To schedule and evaluation with Dr. Irion, please call or visit Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana: 866.759.9679 or orthopedicspecialistsla.com

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Marsala Beverage Local Company Supports Local Community

INCE 1952, MARSALA BEVERAGE has grown to be the largest malt beverage, wine and non-alcoholic beverage distributor in the area. With two warehouses in Monroe and Ferriday, Louisiana, Marsala services all 15 parishes in Northeast Louisiana, making sure over 700 retailers get the service they deserve. With over 100 full-time employees working to build relationships with retailers and consumers, the company is consistently exceeding customer expectations. The team dynamic is vital to the company’s ongoing success, and Marsala Beverage reinvests that commitment back into the communities it serves. Marsala Beverage is a business bettering other businesses. Customers are made through business partnerships with convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars. The company is thankful for the opportunity to serve them every day. A dedicated mindset and motivation to succeed is inherent in the various partnerships. They rely on each other. Marsala helps other local businesses grow. VP of Marketing Tyler Flemister insists, “We help build their business and they allow us to build the brands we sell.” The Marsala team is composed of four integral parts. The warehouse team receives products, rotates stock, handles inventory flow, and builds loads by account. The delivery team makes sure the correct orders make it to the correct accounts, stocks coolers, keeps products fresh, collects payment, and keeps displays rotated for retailers. The sales team make sure the right products make into the right markets. They must know the demographics of their area and convince retailers to stock their products. In a dynamic market, every account

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is different. Maintaining those relationships and expanding their markets requires a united front from the entire Marsala team. The management team oversees all aspects of the company, balancing all the moving parts, including sales reps, merchandisers, and delivery drivers. And they’re all reliant on each other. Sales reps rely on delivery drivers, who rely on warehouse workers, who rely on operations, etc. The big turning wheel must remain in sync, and a friendly atmosphere ensures communication remains constant, providing long term personal and financial growth for both employees and customers. Determined and dedicated workers are the base of Marsala’s success. Before a Marsala Beverage employee enters the market place, everyone goes through an intense company training and employee development program. This program allows them to keep a constant line of communication with retailers and business partners, remain aware of shifts in the market, and enhances the employee’s carrier. Marsala Beverage employees believe in enjoying the workday, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism. While it is hard work, with often long hours, the laughs and light-hearted atmosphere make it a pleasurable work environment. Experience is another passion point for Marsala Beverage, as 35% of its workforce have been employed with the company for over ten years. As the market continues to change, Marsala Beverage continues to diversify its portfolio to ensure the consumers get the best quality products in the beverage industry. Whether it is a craft brewery, import brand, wine/spirit or a nonalcoholic brand, Marsala thrives on bringing the best products from all over the

world to Northeast Louisiana. Marsala Beverage would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to its retailers, customers, employees, and the residents of Northeast Louisiana. Without loyal retailers and firm partnerships, Marsala would not have been able to serve NELA for 60 plus years. Loyal customers to the brands and business allow Marsala to achieve its goals. Every product bought from Marsala is reinvested in the community. The public has faith in Marsala, that business will be done right, that products are good quality, that their money is being put to good use. That’s why philanthropy is so important to Marsala Beverage. The company is reliant on the people and businesses of this community, and the best way to cement longevity is to give back. So, every time someone purchases a product of Marsala Beverage, a portion of those proceeds are reinvested into Northeast Louisiana through non-profit organizations, universities and local sponsorships. Marsala Beverage is a locally-based company that employs about 100 full-time employees, which all live and support the community of Northeast Louisiana. Each employee bases his or her success on never losing sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage. com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Cooking Holiday Meals With Premium Propane and Gas Appliances from O’Nealgas

ORE CHEFS WORKING TODAY CHOOSE TO COOK with gas. In a recent survey among 100 professional chefs across the United States, 96 reported that they preferred to use gas cooktops and ovens. Even if you’re not a professional chef, it doesn’t mean you can’t cook like one. If you’re serious about cooking a holiday meal to remember in your northern Louisiana or southern Arkansas home, you’ll want to do it with propane or natural gas. Propane and gas cooking equipment from O’Neal gas gives you precise heat control, smaller energy bills, and a variety of stunning designs and options. Together, they are the perfect ingredients for homeowners who dream of having a professional-caliber kitchen. When it comes to energy efficiency, gas and propane cooktops beat standard electrical cooktops hands down. Before it is even switched on, around three times as much energy is consumed to produce and deliver electricity to an electric cooktop. When in use, electric cooktops tend to produce more waste heat as the surface continues to stay hot after it is turned off. Not so with a propane or natural gas cooktop, which stops producing heat as soon as the flame is extinguished. Kitchens are the heart of any home, so premium new propane and gas kitchen appliances make the perfect gift for that favorite cook on your list. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or starting from the ground up in a newly built home, buying from O’Nealgas provides for all your needs, including a premium selection of products, professional installation for propane appliances, and continued service after the sale. Propane and natural gas ranges and cooktops give you several advantages over their electric counterparts, including: • Instant on and off • Faster response speed • More precise temperature control • Usability with a greater variety of cookware • More even heating • Greater efficiency • Significant energy savings • Simple to clean • Inexpensive maintenance When it comes to investing in a new appliance, seeing and touching is believing. That’s why we encourage you to visit one of our amazing showrooms to explore your many kitchen and home comfort 126 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

appliance options in person. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you choose the right propane and gas kitchen appliances to enjoy for years of family gatherings. We’ll then install your appliance quickly so you can get right to work on your holiday masterpieces. Our propane and natural gas kitchen appliance lines include refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, cooktops, ranges, ice makers, and vent hoods by Viking Range and Fisher & Paykel. VIKING RANGE Viking Range is a respected appliance company with more than 30 years of industry experience that specializes in producing industriallevel appliances for the home. As one of the most respected range producers in the world, Viking continues to receive countless awards and accolades for its prestigious designs and quality ratings. FISHER & PAYKEL Fisher & Paykel is a brand that specializes in creating highperformance kitchen appliances that are brilliantly simple to use. The brand is known for its minimal efficient designs and superior quality. SEASONAL REBATES, CASHBACK AND MONEY SAVING OFFERS Just in time for the holidays, take advantage of exclusive cashback and rebate offers when you make qualified Viking Range or Fisher & Paykel purchases before year-end at O’Nealgas. Visit one of our showrooms today to learn more. Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours! As we enter into this holiday season, there is nothing we are more grateful for than our loyal O’Nealgas customers in northern Louisiana and southern Arkansas. Whether you choose O’Nealgas for our quality propane and natural gas products or our industry-leading propane services for your home or business, we promise to deliver what you need with the expertise and professionalism that you expect and deserve. To find a location or product showroom near you, and to explore all of the products and services we offer, visit ONealgas.com or call 800-259-5051.

Stone by Stone

ARTICLE BY Maré Brennan PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kelly Moore Clark STYLING BY Cindy Stone and Gregory Hudgins

Working with family isn’t always easy, but when your brother is one of the preeminent builders in North Louisiana, it’s more than building a home, it’s building for family. This is the home of Cindy and Scott Stone.

all mums, pumpkins and gourds, crotons and trailing ivy offer a bright welcome for family and friends at the entrance to Cindy and Scott Stone’s new home located in West Monroe’s elegant Versailles neighborhood on a quiet, quaint street. Large cypress columns line the generous veranda which is floored with bluestone laid in an irregular pattern. A neat feature incorporated is a graded entry making the home handicap accessible. Tall French doors and windows topped with old pine beams are perfectly proportioned with the large double front doors with its gentle arching transom. The doors and windows were sourced from Russell Moore. The home’s front façade is a brick painted in a subtle, creamy stone color in order to make the wood doors and windows stand out. The rest of the exterior brick is left unpainted for added texture. Cindy and Scott moved into the home in January of 2019, but their journey to that glorious day was a path lined with patience and thoughtfulness. Cindy relates that they sold their last house on picturesque Canyon Road over 5 years ago and took their time, really evaluating what their needs and wants were before jumping back into the homebuilding process. It doesn’t hurt that Scott’s brother is Robert Stone, one of north Louisiana’s preeminent builders. Getting on Robert’s busy construction calendar was another reason the couple endured the wait. Says Cindy, “Robert stays so busy; we waited patiently. And it was so worth the wait!” “Scott and I looked at plans and had time to really think about what we wanted,” adds the petite homeowner, who is half of the dynamic duo that created the clothing phenomenon, HerringStones. Cindy and her sister Debbie, are the original two sisters/owners of the beloved boutique, which is celebrating

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31 years in business and has expanded to include four more stores in Lafayette, Youngsville, Houma, and most recently Baton Rouge. It’s a wonder Cindy has had any time to think about building a home! Cindy credits having a great team and loyal customers who’ve become friends as the reasons for the stores’ successes. What the Stones wanted was a one-story, open floor plan home to fit their lifestyle. Scott, who is an educator, administrator and football coach, had keeping the yard manageable in size on his wish list. During the years leading up to building, the Stones would look at other homes being built and create a game plan, which they communicated to Robert and his architect, Bobby Beavers, who drew their plans. “Robert helped us a lot with plans and details that make our house so special,” added Cindy. “He has a great eye and is a perfectionist. For instance, Robert knew we would love the antique pine beams that are used in the kitchen, and he had the idea to trim out the vent-ahood with the same pine beam to match. I trusted Robert and his input in all areas of this house.” Once the construction phase was winding down, Cindy jumped into high gear to find ways to transition key pieces from her old home into this one and to find new furnishings that spoke to her in the spaces. Says Cindy, “We had so much in storage from our house on Canyon. It was like Christmas, when I went to assess what we already had. I had plenty of time to reupholster chairs, plan curtains and find fabrics that really worked for us.” Cindy and Scott say the building and planning process was like a dream. “Paul Mills, our home’s construction supervisor, was so helpful. Sandy at Key Millwork offered her expertise and guidance on our kitchen design. I love every decision we made in there. Everything has a place and it makes me feel so organized,” says Cindy as she shows off an immaculate spice drawer.

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R I G H T : The kitchen is best described by the homeowner as “comfortable and homey” — truly the heart of this home. The substantial island is topped with a quartzite with hints of grey and caramel veining. Plenty of electrical outlets for appliances are incorporated at the ends of the island. Glass upper cabinets in the kitchen show off Cindy’s collection of colorful Culver glassware.

“I love to mix old with new, finding a new purpose for my existing pieces and giving them new life with paint or new fabric” explains Cindy. Teresa Clark accomplished just that when she painted the Stones’ black breakfast room furniture a grey hue with undertones of caramel, a masterful mix of cool and warm. Adds Cindy, “I’m definitely a warm person, and usually I don’t do a lot of grey.” Window treatments, fabrics and rods were sourced from Cindy’s lifelong friend, Holly Richard at Fabulous Fabric. Drapery panels were custom sewn by Cindy’s cousin Diana Cicero, while ready made panels in the guest bedrooms were found at Fabulous Fabric. Gregory Hudgins helped pull together selections of hardware to choose from and offered his expert eye to help narrow down choices on decor throughout. Throughout the home granite and quartzite countertops were sourced from J&J Stone Fabricators. In the foyer, guests can check their look in a gilded mirror that Cindy acquired from Revival Antiques, in Scott, LA. A pendant chandelier in the foyer was found at Sunbelt Lighting in Lafayette. Gilded French chairs on either side of the antique buffet table were recovered in a neutral silk with nailhead trim. Above them are antique mirrored sconces A pair of large blown glass lamps on the foyer table were a 1st Monday in Canton, TX find. Says Cindy, “Those lamps have been used everywhere in my past houses — the bedroom, dining room and now in my foyer. They have been the most versatile buy.” An abstract painting by Teresa Clark provides a focal point in the open concept dining room. The dining room table was a find from Walsworth and Co. Vintage chairs sourced from Revival Antiques got the “Teresa” treatment when they were painted and glazed to work with the dining table. The concept of High/Low works in homes, just like it does in fashion. Says Cindy, “I like incorporating antiques with new pieces. Not everything has to be expensive.” A chandelier dripping with crystals illuminates the dining table with shimmering light. While the palette in the living room is a balance of neutrals and luxe textures, navy accessories add interjections of color. A modern fan with a distinctive windmill shape was found at Stuart Irby Lighting. A modern tonal rug in cream and navy is layered with a neutral cowhide for interest. An angel painting on a little corner table was painted by Teresa Clark in honor of Cindy’s late cousin, Charlynn Leehy. A pair of comfy swivel lounge chairs upholstered in a crocodile embossed velvet are spiced up with leopard lumbar pillows. A blue velvet tufted ottoman interjects a shot of color into the mix. A stately fireplace and mantle are nestled between a pair of built-in bookshelves, which are dressed with family photos and special mementos collected over the years. The low gold and glass cocktail table was sourced from Walsworth and Co. Not to be missed is an adorable doggie bed custom made by Holly at Fabulous Fabric for Buster, the couple’s little Shi-Poo, The living room opens into the spacious kitchen and breakfast nook through an expansive brick archway. The kitchen is best described by the homeowner as “comfortable and homey” — truly the heart of this home! Cindy loves her kitchen — especially when it comes to making her aunt’s Italian cookie recipe. “There is plenty of room to roll out my dough,” she smiles. “And the island is the perfect place to gather with friends and family.” The substantial island is topped with a quartzite with hints of grey and caramel veining. Plenty of electrical outlets for appliances are incorporated at the ends of the island. Glass upper cabinets in the kitchen show off Cindy’s collection of colorful Culver glassware. A glass front china hutch was gifted to Cindy by her late grandmother and is filled with inherited crystal and china.

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The large, walk-in pantry is accessed through double doors and is home to a well-stocked coffee station and lots of built-in storage to accommodate Cindy’s collection of serving pieces. Across the hall from the pantry and a convenient bathroom, the home’s fourth bedroom was purposed as Scott’s game room, filled with gorgeous examples of Louisiana’s bounty: Canadian and snow geese, a bobcat, trophy deer, all manner of beautifully colored ducks, big-mouth bass and more. Master craftsmen Bobby Bailey built an oversized pine barn door for a dramatic entry into the space. The room’s walls are enveloped in richly-hued old cypress paneling with old pine beams along the ceiling. Brick flooring adds to the vision that Robert had for his brother’s game room. What had been a closet on the initial plans is converted into a convenient wet bar with inset shelving on a brick lined wall. Robert constructed 134 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

an antler chandelier for the space made with the Stone men’s trophies interwoven with rustic iron. Oversized chairs and sofas provide never-wanna-get-up seating for watching games on a large screen. The master suite is an oasis of calm for the couple. The custom made headboard with nailhead trim was created in the Fabulous Fabric workroom. The bed is dressed in quilted silk velvet Bella Notte linens from Chartreuse Pear in Ruston. A demilune button tufted bench sits at the foot of the bed. At bed sides are his and her side tables that reflect the personalities of the homeowners. Lamps in an obelisk shape were sourced at Walsworth and Co. Cindy made use of existing velvet curtains, but found unique zip rods from Fabulous Fabric to hang them from. A floral upholstered lounge chair and ottoman are inherited pieces and provide an intimate reading nook.

“WORKING WITH ROBERT ON THIS H OU SE WAS SO E ASY AN D SMOOTH . WE ARE SO HAPPY TO BE IN OUR NEW HOME AND THANKFUL TO BE ABLE TO SHARE IT WITH OUR TWO SONS, OUR SON’S WIFE AND OUR G R A N D B A BY O N T H E W AY.”

In the master bathroom, Cindy points up to a treasure that is close to her heart. “It’s so special to me,” says Cindy. Acquired from her dear cousin, Charlynn Leehy, who lost her battle with cancer, the Flambeaux chandelier sets the tone for the entire room and is a bright reminder of her sweet soul. An oval free standing soaking tub was sourced from Coburn’s. The gilt mirror above Cindy’s vanity was a find from Revival Antiques in Scott. The large, glass enclosed shower features a river rock floor with and arabesque accent tile

amid a marble tile with caramel and grey veining. The shower features a convenient built-in bench seating. The outdoor cooking and grilling area is filled with special touches, like deer antlers used as hooks for holding cooking utensils. Big sectional outdoor furniture has been painted black with cushions recovered in an all-weather Sunbrella fabric sourced from Fabulous Fabric. A proud wife, Cindy gives a shout out to her husband’s landscaping prowess. The front lawn is

as manicured as the turf on Wrigley Field, with a beautiful criss-cross pattern mowed by Scott himself. “Scott installed all the landscaping, including the fountain in the back. Look at this,” she says pointing to the water feature, “He centered it perfectly on this window, so that when we are eating at the breakfast nook, we can totally enjoy it.” Says Scott of the experience of building another house with his brother, “We’ve always been really close. Before I got back into coaching, we would go out every afternoon and sit at Robert’s camp, working out the details of this house over four years. We still love to go out and decompress in the afternoons and get to hunt and fish together.” Adds Cindy, “Working with Robert on this house was so easy and smooth. We are so happy to be in our new home and thankful to be able to share it with our two sons, our son’s wife and our grandbaby on the way.”

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Let the Chick Help You Get Ready this Holiday Season Chicken Salad Chick is Going Nuts for Nutty Nana

ELCOME TO CHICKEN SALAD Chick, where we offer delicious, scratch-made,Southern-style, craveable favorites served from the heart. We don’t believe in strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet—so come in and enjoy! You’ll find fresh, healthy fare and gracious hospitality at our chicken salad restaurant. We know everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect chicken salad recipe, so we’ve created several options. If you’re a chicken salad lover, you’ll discover something here to satisfy your tastes. From simple to savory to fruity and nutty or even a little spicy, you can pick the chick that suits your mood. We have over a dozen varieties of chicken salads along with pimento cheese or egg salad, served by the scoop, sandwich, or bowl. You’ll also find delicious sides, soups, and desserts in addition to the scoops of chicken salad that started it all. Are you planning on

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bringing your little chicks along? We have a great kids menu. For quick, amazing meals we even offer convenient carryout. At Chicken Salad Chick, we use fresh ingredients and time-honored traditions. We take great pride in making our flavors by hand each morning, using only premium chicken tenderloins, and our special combinations of sweet and savory ingredients. While you are here, consider yourself an honorary chick! We believe food brings people together, so we always provide service with a smile and aim for you to leave our chicken salad restaurants happy with your meal and refreshed from time well spent. FOLLOW YOUR APPETITE & EARN REWARDS Download the Chicken Salad Chick App from the App Store or Google Play. Every time you enjoy our mouthwatering menu of fresh, scratch-made chicken salad, pimento cheese, and other favorites, you’ll

earn one point for every dollar you spend. Redeem them for special discounts, free food items, and fun Chick gear. At Chicken Salad Chick, we love to share the love. Get the App, scan your barcode, and get start earning points today! If you are planning on hosting an event, let us help cater your exciting day. Call in and order what you want from our new catering menu and we will have your food ready for you and you can enjoy you’re wonderful day with family and friends. Nutty Nana is back and she is going nuts. She is delicious served as a dip with crackers. It’s the perfect flavor for your Thanksgiving and holiday get togethers. You can also try our delicious pimento cheese balls for this holiday season. Come in and try these new items while they last. 1191 Lamy Lane, Suite 7 Monroe, Louisiana

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Just Thirty Minutes Can Take Away Years

BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, FACS - CERTIFIED, AMERICANBOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

F THE EYE IS THE GATEWAY TO THE soul, then the periorbital area (lids, brows, crow’s foot area, etc.) is the landscaping around the entrance. Periorbital rejuvenation is so basic to plastic surgery that upper eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the first cosmetic surgery procedures that a plastic surgery resident learns during his training. It is simple, straightforward, involves minimal downtime, takes thirty minutes or less and can be done under local anesthesia. There are very few procedures in plastic surgery so simple and quick that have such a profound impact on your appearance. Baggy eyelids are often the first sign of facial aging, so understandably blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. Excessive upper eyelid skin can be present as early as the late twenties in patients with a familial predisposition, but most women notice that pesky fold of redundant

upper eyelid skin in their late thirties or early forties. Well-lighted, magnified make-up mirrors don’t lie. You can’t comb your hair down to cover it. You can’t camouflage it with cosmetics. You basically have two choices: live with it or see a plastic surgeon. Blepharoplasty is frequently performed as an isolated procedure several years before a facelift. The results are predictable and sometimes spectacular. But even though the eyes may be the first to show signs of aging, the face ages as a unit. As one patient - obviously an HGTV fan - said, “sometimes, doing the eyelids is like slip-covering a chair; it makes the rest of the room look tired.” One of the advantages of consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon before having a blepharoplasty is that they aren’t focused on one procedure or one anatomic area. They have been trained in the full spectrum of facial rejuvenation techniques – from conservative to aggressive,

from liposculpting to laser resurfacing to facelifts. While upper eyelid blepharoplasty is generally quick and straightforward, the presurgical evaluation is much more involved. Often what a patient perceives as baggy upper eyelid skin is actually heavy brow skin, which has hooded onto the upper lid from gravitational descent of the eyebrow. Such a patient may need a brow lift instead of, or in addition to a blepharoplasty. Occasionally men (and sometimes women) have so much extra skin on their upper lids that it actually interferes with their peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty in these cases may be covered by insurance. Likewise, the lower lids may need rejuvenation with a combination of fat removal, skin removal, muscle suspension or lid tightening. Sometimes fat grafting, nanofat injections, hyaluronic acid fillers, laser skin resurfacing or judicious use of Botox in the forehead or crow’s foot area is needed to enhance the overall result. A board certified plastic surgeon is comfortable with all of these techniques and can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to you. So, the next time that fold of upper eyelid skin makes it hard to put on your mascara, or your wife says you look tired when you’ve had eight hours of sleep, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at (318) 388-2050 and come in for an evaluation for upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

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Grand Elegance of The Mansion at Red Hill Rare Turn-Key Opportunity

ELCOME TO THE MANSION AT Red Hill Bed & Breakfast and Event Venue. This impressive 23,846 SF property is located off I-20 in Northeast Louisiana, north of the town of Delhi. Driving out toward Delhi’s reservoir, Poverty Point Lake, a sweeping view of the four-story home seated on a natural ridge and surrounded by farmland called Red Hill beckons curiosity. The winding drive up to the mansion takes you through large iron gates which affirm you have arrived. A bridge over tranquil ponds stocked with bass and bream leads directly to the grand bed and breakfast manor. Situated on 85 +/- acres of lush grassland with groves of trees is a carriage house with 15 acres devoted to horses Millie, the Percheron grey mare, and Coco, the snow white quarter horse. The Mansion’s famed carriage rides are Millie’s pride and joy. Designed by noted Vicksburg architect Skip Tuminello, and built by luxury home

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contractor Robert Stone, The Mansion at Red Hill leaves no detail undone. Twelve massive white Corinthian columns stand guard along the perimeter of the home’s verandas. The iron work detailed balcony looks over the property giving breath-taking views. A favored spot for bridal portraits, the elegant foyer features a spiraling staircase that leads the eye upward toward a towering rotunda painted to mimic the blue of the sky. Ceiling heights range from fourteen to sixteen feet on the first floor adding to the generous volume of the space calling for an extravagant four layers of crown molding. The five bedroom, seven and a half bathroom mansion features an executive suite with a sunken, Roman-style tub, three bedrooms each with private en-suite bathrooms, an elevator for guests needing assistance, two living rooms and dining room filled with comfortable vintage furnishings, a stately formal library built of imported koa

wood, a grand staircase foyer, a rear brick courtyard filled with clipped boxwood and colorful impatients, all welcomed with the estate’s expansive front gallery. Pictures of this beautiful home do not do its grandeur justice. To schedule a private tour please call one of these John Rea realtors: Jennifer Causey at 318-261-0892, Clark Smith 318-366-4622 or Rona Stapleton at 318-2354197. They will be more than happy to provide more information on this extraordinary property that truly is unlike anything else in Northeast Louisiana. It truly is a wonder to behold and would make for the perfect home, event venue and/or bed & breakfast.

St. Francis Urgent Shares How to Fight the Flu Tips on How to Beat the Flu This Season

EFORE A PROFESSIONAL BOXER ever steps in the ring, he or she has spent months training in preparation for the fight they are about to undertake. If you plan on fighting the flu this season, you don’t have to spend months training, but a little preparation and some proactive steps can keep you from going down for the count this winter. First, try to prevent from contracting the virus. Keep your hands clean washing them often with soap or use an alcoholbased hand rub. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and avoid close contact, especially with people you think may be sick. In addition, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which are all areas that can easily be contaminated by germs. Also be sure to practice all-around good health habits like cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Finally, a flu shot is the best way to hedge your bet of not coming down with the flu in 201920. St. Francis Urgent Care provides flu shots and all it takes is a few minutes of your time to pop in and get one. One little shot could make a big difference saving you a great deal of downtime being sick and feeling horrible to boot. If you do happen to come down with the flu, the fight’s not over. See a doctor to determine the best course of action. More than likely, he or she will direct you to take it easy and drink plenty of liquids like water, juice and hot soups to ensure you stay hydrated. Get plenty of sleep—more than you normally would—to help your immune system fight off infection. The doctor might also recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) to combat the achiness associated with influenza. If you have a severe infection or are at higher risk for complications, your doctor may prescribe an

antiviral medication. Remember, St. Francis Urgent Care provides flu shots, as well as walk-in care for colds and flu. We treat minor illnesses and injuries for patients age three months and up. Conditions treated include: ear, eye and infections; fever; minor cuts that may need stitches; broken bones or simple fractures; severe sore throat; sprains and strains; vomiting and diarrhea; and more. In addition to our 2020 Tower Drive, Suite 100 location in Monroe, we recently opened our new facility at 3424 Cypress St. in West Monroe both with office hours M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Our modern, state-of-the art facilities are equipped with advanced technology including digital x-ray and an electronic medical records (EMR) systems. St. Francis Urgent Care is affiliated with St. Francis Medical Center and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. For more information, visit www. StFrancisUrgentCare.net

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B AYOU H E A LT H

Hold the Indigestion Incorporate these tips before, during and after your meal this year, and end your Thanksgiving day feeling as good as you did when you started it.

ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY SHANNON DAHLUM

hanksgiving is kind of a weird tradition, if you think about it. At my house, all the meal planning and preparation often starts at least a week before the holiday. Cranberry jelly is made a few days ahead of time, and the pumpkin is roasted a day or two in advance for the pies. The table is set the day before, with flowers and stems of greenery picked from the yard (or maybe the neighbor’s yard, but don’t tell), along with the variety of china I’ve collected from local antiques shops that only comes out of the cabinet once or twice a year. The kitchen really starts hopping on Thanksgiving morning, and we’re busy for hours, roasting and basting meat, boiling potatoes for the kids’ favorite mashed potatoes, cooking up the green beans from my mom’s garden which she canned for me, whisking up gravy, and everything else that goes along with getting this annual feast on the table. Finally, we all sit down together and “ohh and ahh” over the delicious food, and after what seems like five minutes of eating, everyone’s stuffed and groggy and there are piles and dirty dishes that have to be washed by hand. But somehow, it’s still one of my favorite holidays! Thanksgiving is a holiday that’s all about the feast. Of course, it’s about family, friends, and all the things to be grateful for, but all of that is centered around food. It seems pretty common for folks to spend most of Thanksgiving day in anticipation of the big meal, and the rest of it overstuffed, exhausted, and absolutely miserable with indigestion. But there are ways to diminish your post-feast misery, without skipping your favorite foods. Incorporate the following tips before, during and after your meal this year, and end your Thanksgiving day feeling (almost, but probably not quite) as good as you did when you started it. BEFORE THE MEAL One of the best things you can do to enhance digestion and prevent heartburn or other symptoms of digestive distress is to stay well hydrated. Water helps food move through your body in a timely

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manner, from your stomach, through your intestines and colon, and then back out the other end. Dehydration will slow this process and can prevent any of these steps from going smoothly, creating an uncomfortable backup. Chronic low levels of dehydration can lead to low levels of stomach acid, too, which contributes to indigestion and reflux. Too much stomach acid is often to blame for symptoms of indigestion, but in fact, the opposite can also be true. When the stomach doesn’t have enough acid for healthy digestion, food remains in the stomach longer than it should, some food particles don’t get broken down completely, and unhealthy bacteria can grow. All of these problems can contribute to intra-abdominal pressure, which causes food and acid to push back up into the esophagus. The esophagus isn’t lined with a protective barrier to prevent it from being burned by your stomach acid, so even a single drop of acid can irritate your esophagus. The stomach acid is what causes the painful symptoms, but the acid itself isn’t the cause of the problem; it’s the acid not staying where it’s supposed to that creates the issue. In addition to creating healthy amounts of stomach acid, water is vital for building the protective mucosal barrier inside your stomach and intestines, too. This barrier prevents stomach acid from coming into contact with and damaging the stomach itself, and also helps maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the intestines. Because this layer is composed of more than 95% water, hydration is vital for keeping it healthy. When you’re properly hydrated, this lining swells and provides a thick, protective cushion. When dehydrated, though, this mucus gel shrinks and may lose some if its effectiveness. To ensure that you’re well hydrated enough to promote heathy digestion come meal time, be sure to drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the day. About thirty minutes before meal time, have a glass of room temperature or warm water to help hydrate your stomach lining, and add a squeeze of lemon to help promote the secretion of stomach acid.

DURING THE MEAL Bitter tasting foods and drinks can help digestion by stimulating the production of saliva and stomach acid. For thousands of years, people have been making infusions with bitter roots, botanicals, fruits, or seeds as digestive tonics. These bitters were once used solely as medicines but by the late 1800’s, they became a staple in many cocktails. Incorporating a bitter cocktail before or after your meal is one way to enhance digestion, but including bitter components into the meal itself is another way to help your stomach while avoiding the alcohol. Cranberries have a very pungent bitter flavor and most likely, they already have a place on your traditional Thanksgiving table. Try a cranberry recipe that incorporates orange or lemon zest, because citrus peels are another source of digestion enhancing bitter. Herbs and spices like dill, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, fennel, ginger, cinnamon and peppermint enhance the flavor of your meal and your digestion. Season your roasted meat with thyme, rosemary, and marjoram; season carrots with fresh dill and add parsley to your mashed potatoes. Include plenty of warming ginger and cinnamon to your pumpkin pie or sweet potatoes, and sip on a soothing cup of peppermint tea while you eat or after your meal. If your meal is served with a parsley garnish, eat that, too. All kinds of bitter greens are a good choice to add to your plate, as well. Try roasted Brussels sprouts, or a salad made with kale or arugula. One of my favorite salads, served at For His Temple in West Monroe, is a kale salad with dried cranberries, and it would be delicious served alongside traditional Thanksgiving foods. At my house, we’ve always ended the meal with a hot cup of coffee. This is another bitter item that you may already incorporate every day. As long as you don’t go crazy with the cream and sugar, it can be another good way to stimulate digestion. AFTER THE MEAL At my house, the first thing everyone tends to do after filling up is head to the couch and “watch the game” (this is actually code for take a nap). Resist the urge! Sleeping slows the digestive process and is a sure way to increase indigestion. Even if you don’t fall asleep, laying horizontally with a full belly can also contribute to reflux and heartburn. Instead, take a walk or head out to the yard for a family game of croquet, kickball, or anything else that keeps you upright and moving. A study done in 2008 showed that taking a walk after eating helps digestion by speeding the rate at which food moves though the stomach. Other studies, performed in 2009 and 2013, both demonstrated that taking a 15-20 minute walk after a meal led to lower blood sugar levels. Essentially, walking helps decrease the impact the meal has on your blood sugar level, which may help prevent a sugar coma from striking later. TO SU M M AR I Z E , H E R E ’ S WHAT YO U N E E D T O D O O N T H E B I G DAY: 1. Drink plenty of water during the day (at least 2 liters) and be sure to have 8 ounces of lemon water about thirty minutes before meal time. Room temperature to warm water is ideal. 2. Include bitter foods and/or drinks to your meal. If someone else is in charge of the meal and there aren’t any bitter items included, raid the spice cabinet afterward and chew on a small handful of fennel seeds! Trust me, it works wonders. 3. Take a 15 minute walk after eating to speed up digestion. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day, and I hope you experience gratitude for your loved ones, for good food, and for healthy digestion! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 141

Dr. Jason McCourt Joins Radiology Associates Collaboration is Key to Benefit Patients

S A THIRD-YEAR MEDICAL SCHOOL student, an opportunity to shadow a radiologist was the “hook” that launched Jason McCourt’s career. A recent addition to the Radiology Associates of Monroe staff of radiologists, Dr. McCourt is board eligible by the American Board of Radiology and a member of the American Board of Radiology and the American College of Radiology. Dr. McCourt received his medical degree from LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, Louisiana and completed his internship and residency in Diagnostic Radiology at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. “I love radiology,” said Dr. McCourt. “Being a radiologist is incredibly rewarding. The imaging and the process that goes into reading x-rays, CTs and MRIs is captivating to me.”

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With his aptitude and interest in radiology, it’s no surprise Dr. McCourt chose one of the most in-demand specialties in the medical field. He completed his Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Radiology at the University of South Florida, with a special interest in sports medicine, MRI of the musculoskeletal system and imaging of rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. “During my fellowship I really enjoyed the opportunity to read studies of student athletes, and the exposure to sports related injuries that high level athletes can sustain,” Dr. McCourt said. Eight of Radiology Associates radiologists are subspecialty trained, with fellowship training in neuroradiology, interventional neuroradiology, vascular and interventional radiology, MRI, Ultrasound, CT, Abdominal Imaging, Body MRI and Musculoskeletal System.

“Collaboration is key to provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients. We all recognize that our professions complement one another, and we work as a team for the benefit of the patient, working closely with our referring physicians to diagnose and treat patients,” Dr. McCourt said. A graduate of St. Frederick High School and ULM, Dr. McCourt met his wife Kira while at ULM. They now have two boys, Mason 4, and Maverick, 2. After moving away and starting a family, it was family that brought them back to Monroe. “Practicing in a community I grew up in was also a plus,” said. Dr. McCourt. “The culture and education I received while in Monroe helped get me to where I am today. I am grateful for that and want to give back to the community.”

VASER Liposuction

Ultrasound-Assisted Lipo to Re-Define Yourself

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

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

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

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B AYOU IC ONS

The Word on the Streets

Faith. That simple word best describes Bill and Georgia Street, an unselfish and giving couple who are celebrating 53 years of marriage this year. Their faith abides in their God, in their family, and in the future, and is underpinned by a deep, abiding faith in the constancy of their own love for one another. Their devotion to these – as well as their decades long, optimistic presence serving our community – make them November’s BayouIcons. Article by Georgiann Potts Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

ill and Georgia Street share everything. Since being introduced by a friend who thought they might enjoying each other, these two have made a life together that has not only enriched them, but has also enriched everyone they’ve encountered. They love both working and volunteering together (Bill danced in the Junior Charity League’s Follies years ago and the couple still enjoys watching the video of that wonderful evening), and cherish those times when they get to play together. Grandchildren and travel offer many opportunities for these “play” times!

the most part Bill’s mom was a homemaker, devoted to her family and the home they shared together. Bill’s extended family included aunts and uncles whom Bill was very close to. His Aunt Alma and Uncle Emanuel played important roles during Bill’s high school years. While she was working on a M.Ed. away from home, Alma hired Bill to do chores for her when she returned to Crowville on weekends. One summer, Emanuel hired Bill to work in his pharmacy in Mangham. These jobs provided Bill with a way to earn extra money during high school.

B I L L’ S E A R LY Y E A R S Bill Street’s parents, Justin Eugene Street and Inez Harper Street, welcomed their second son Bill to their home in West Monroe. Bill had 2 brothers (Joel, the oldest, and Jimmy, younger) and 1 sister three years younger (Elizabeth “Liz”). They attended Millsaps School and brother Joel attended Ouachita High School since West Monroe High School did not yet exist. The younger siblings started school at Millsaps and then attend Crowville schools. One of Bill’s fondest memories is of “Petunia” --- his pet goat. Bill’s dad built a wagon so that Petunia could pull Bill around. As one might predict, the goat was not always obedient and eventually pulled Bill through a ditch. The wagon flipped over and Bill suffered a cut on his eyebrow. Such “home accidents” back then were handled by mothers armed with hydrogen peroxide and a bandaid. That’s exactly how Bill’s mom handled the injury. When Bill entered high school, the family moved to Crowville where his dad opened the Street Insurance Agency (located today in Winnsboro and owned an operated by Bill’s younger brother, Jimmy). Cooking was one of Bill’s mom’s most famous skills, and he remembers her frequently having their extended family over for feasts served on her beloved collectibles, Milk Glass dishes. While she would substitute teach when needed, for

G E O R G I A’ S E A R LY Y E A R S Georgia’s parents, George Edward Humphries and Sibyl Thornton Humphries, were delighted to welcome their first child, a daughter. Four years later, a son, Eddie, was born, and 6 years after that, another son, Randy, arrived. The children grew up in Winnsboro, living on the same property during Georgia’s entire childhood. When Georgia was in junior high school, her parents built a new house next to their old home right there. That stability was key to Georgia’s own sense of stability. Her mother was a homemaker, and her father was a small business owner – just like Bill’s. And like Bill, Georgia loved her aunts and uncles, too. Her dad’s siblings were hunters and fishermen, so there were frequent cookouts and fish frys. As for her dad, he was neither a hunter nor fisherman, but he loved tending his garden. Georgia still remembers his fresh vegetables and the wonderful pecans he would pick up for her at the “Old Home Place” in Fort Necessity. Georgia was very active in high school and remembers those experiences fondly. “I was active with the Beta Club, the Future Homemakers of America (FHA), and president of the Library Club,” she remembers. “For FHA, I remember making my purple jumper with a lavender blouse and modeling it in a school style show,” she adds. “I’m sure I would be horrified today!” Her leadership qualities were noted, and Georgia represented Winnsboro High School at the Leadership Conference at LSU when she was a senior. She loved the experience, if not the sunburn that she got while there. Georgia was not only the oldest of her siblings, but also the only girl – a birth order that Georgia says made her “ . . . very responsible and nurturing.” While birth order certainly does impact one’s personality, there were several things during Georgia’s childhood that helped shape the giving and loving person she is today. Her father was a WWII veteran, but – like so many of that era – never talked about his experiences. What

“Service is the rent we pay for living” is not only Georgia’s favorite saying, but it could very well also be the perfect motto for Bill and Georgia’s marriage. Both feel real passion for their community, and both are willing to do their part to make it the best possible place for future generations to live.

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the children knew was that their dad had spent a year in a hospital after he came home from the war, a year in which doctors managed to save his feet from what was at the time considered almost certain amputation because of their having been frozen in the war zone. Georgia’s father promised God that if his feet were spared, he would start a church. He kept his feet, and he kept his promise. Georgia tried often to get her father to talk about his wartime experiences, even buying him a tape recorder once to encourage him. He never took it out of the box. Still, there were clues. His choosing gardening over hunting, for example, may very well have reflected his desire never to lift a gun again once war for him was over. Georgia’s quiet persistence paid off eventually when he finally gave her a glimpse into that period. She learned that her dad had been in an Army promotional film while he was in London, and had also met war correspondent (and later media personality) Andy Rooney. Like so many other families, at that time the Army did not yet have rules about how many sons from the same family could be drafted. As a result, Georgia’s dad and 3 of his brothers served at the same time. His youngest brother, Tommy, was mortally wounded by enemy fire and died from bleeding before help could reach him. That tragedy changed all of their lives. The fear was rekindled years later when Georgia’s brother, Eddie, was drafted for Vietnam. He survived, but the memory of Tommy was always present, and always will be.

elementary education and library science. Although she toyed with the idea of earning a degree in psychology (those were her favorite classes), Georgia ultimately felt that elementary education – working with children – was what she wanted to do. While in school, Georgia met 5 women who were to influence her life for decades. Miss Guice, Georgia’s high school English teacher, and Mr. Hoover, her speech teacher, were both important role models. However, it was the librarian at Winnsboro High School, Miss Berry, ~ GE ORGI A ST R E E T who taught Georgia the importance of following rules and assuming responsibility. Georgia still laughs about the time Miss Berry was bragging about her being such a mature young lady for one so young. “Well, we had just had a school dance and another teacher of mine said that Miss Berry should have seen me dancing last Saturday night,” Georgia says with a giggle. “Having grown up Baptist, dancing was my ‘secret sin’. Thank goodness that is no longer so!” At college, Dr. Kathryn Vaughn, Zanona “Zip” Flynn, and Nan Copeland were all special mentors to Georgia whom she has never forgotten. “What a blessing to have these fine ladies care for me,” she says. “I discussed everything with them, and they gave me excellent guidance. They were true inspirations at a time when I needed them most.”

Motherhood is a woman’s greatest joy and challenge.

MENTORS AND THE COLLEGE YEARS After graduating Crowville High School as salutatorian, Bill learned that he was to receive the first Ouachita National Bank Scholarship to be awarded to a student living outside of Ouachita Parish. With that scholarship and his own hard work, Bill enrolled at Northeast Louisiana State College (now ULM) majoring in Business Administration and minoring in English and accounting. During his years at NLSC, Bill served on the Student Government Association (SGA) all 4 years and was the Southeast Representative for SGA. In addition, he was very involved in his professional fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon. While a student, Bill became great friends with Dr. Dwight Vines and worked in Vines’ office before Vines became university president. Georgia enrolled in summer school at Northeast Louisiana University immediately after her high school graduation. She chose a double major –

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LOVE CHANGE S EVERY THING Bill began his post-college career working as a credit manager for Houston Shell and Concrete in Houston, Texas. His brother, Joel, a geology graduate, found work there as well, and for a time Bill lived with Joel and his family. After awhile, Bill decided that Houston was too big and crowded, and he moved back to Monroe. One of Georgia’s friends from growing up in Winnsboro, Wydell Ellerman, was working with Bill at Monroe Office Equipment (where Bill would serve as chief financial officer for 24 years) and decided that Bill and Georgia should meet. After she introduced them, Bill and Georgia began dating seriously. On January 22, 1966, they were married --and not without something of an adventure! Bill had a close friend Rev. Jerry Polk (they had gone to high school together) who was a Baptist minister in Dubach, and so the wedding was planned for there. The congregation was giving their reception, and Bill’s mom was making the wedding cake. Georgia was between semesters, so she was very happy to complete her finals and prepare for her wedding.

On their wedding day, the bride and groom awakened to an unexpected (and rare) ice storm that had closed all of the roads. There was no way to get to Dubach. The happy couple quickly changed their plans and were married that same afternoon in Georgia’s home church in Winnsboro. “We changed ministers, churches, photographers, florists --- and Bill’s cousin, Marilyn Sartor, even went to the cemetery to get greenery for the wedding cake table!” Georgia recalls. FA I T H A N D FA M I LY Bill remembers with pride how much Georgia loved his parents, and how much they loved her. “When Georgia was doing her student teaching at Sherrouse Elementary School, my mother would make her an outfit each week so that she would have something new to wear,” he says. “When Daddy came to town, he would take Georgia shopping at Brookshire’s. Each time Mother came, she would bring a coconut or chocolate pie, or a coconut cake.” Bill’s mom’s cooking became a bond between the two women. Bill knew that Georgia never ate dressing because she hated it. Apparently her mom used large amounts

of sage in her own dressing, and that was the part that Georgia didn’t like. Once she tasted his mom’s dressing, Bill says “ . . . Georgia couldn’t get enough of it!” The young couple spent many weekends in Crowville where Bill would visit with his parents while Georgia did homework and school projects. They started attending the Crowville United Methodist Church where they befriended young pastor Bob Burgess and his wife, Peggy. When Georgia graduated from NLU, she worked at the Ouachita Parish Public Library’s main branch. There she had the privilege of working with Frances Flanders, and credits that time as a great experience. “I met many lovely people, and thoroughly enjoyed being a circulation librarian,” she says. When their first child Mike Street was born, Georgia resigned to become a full-time mother and homemaker. Three years later, she and Bill welcomed a second son, Chris. Bill and Georgia embraced the role of parents with joy! As their sons grew, the family could be seen at Friday night ball games (they worked the concession stand at Neville) and actively supporting the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scout camp-outs, Courts of

Honor, tap outs, and trips to Philmont (when Georgia admits to offering more than one prayer that their sons wouldn’t be eaten by a bear) all provided their sons with focused fun that was also character-building. School trips and church ski trips were always on the Street family’s list of “to do’s.” Mike is a labor law specialist practicing in Monroe, and their daughter-in-law Jennifer is assistant librarian at Neville. They have one son and two daughters. Chris does R&D for Schlumberger in Houston. His wife, Samantha, is an accountant. Both of these “next generation Streets” are doing well and bring much joy to Bill and Georgia. Bill and Georgia have always been active in their church, wherever they have lived. When they moved to Monroe and started their family, they became members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Their involvement included everything from teaching pre-schoolers to supporting the hand-bell choir. The couple team-taught a Sunday School class for two-year-olds at St. Paul’s, and still cherish memories from that time. Bill recalls, “It is such fun to run into those children’s parents today and have them comment on

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the things we did in Sunday School. They say that they still have the Christmas ornaments that we would have each child make each year in class.” Bill’s creative gifts are well-known throughout the community. Whether designing breath-taking floral arrangements for his church (“His creativity and love of God are expressed through those flowers,” Georgia says), or playing in a church hand-bell choir, Bill’s love for life and for his community is ever-present. The hand-bell choir was at St. Paul’s, and Bill was a performer in the group who called themselves “The Ding-a-Lings.” “We Dinga-Lings had so much fun traveling to special conferences on bell playing and performing for other churches trying to start a bell choir,” Bill remembers. “Georgia’s job was to pray for each one of us by name before a performance.” A CLOWN AND A CAUSE When Georgia accepted an invitation to join the Junior Charity League, she could not have known where that volunteerism would lead. Again, her leadership abilities were noted and she became president of that group. While serving as president, she was invited to serve on the founding board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). While she was serving as vice president of the RMH board, she was tapped to become the Executive Director. Today, some 30 years later, Georgia still loves going to work at this special sanctuary for ill children and their families. Her nurturing personality combined with an aura of personal warmth and caring for others that cannot be “faked” have made Georgia the perfect choice for this important community role. Even though she admits that keeping up with ever-changing technology is a challenge, she nevertheless relishes this unexpected career. “Service is the rent we pay for living” is not only Georgia’s favorite saying, but it could very well also be the perfect motto for Bill and Georgia’s marriage. Both feel real passion for their community, and both are willing to do their part to make it the best possible place for future generations to live. Although both have received numerous awards through the years for the work that they have done, none will be more precious to them than to see everyone in Monroe working together to make it the best city in Louisiana. 150 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Luxe Living on the Ouachita Downtown Monroe

HEN THE OWNER BEGAN PLANNING THE BUILD out of this incredible 1,855 sqft condominium space 5 years ago, she checked YES to ALL the finer things. The space is an upscale condo designed with everything in mind. 12 double-pane windows outline the impressive 8th story private views along South Grand Street and miles beyond. The raised Command kitchen is like no other. It features a Gaggenau Combi steam oven, convection oven and microwave, along with GE Induction Cook Top, GE Profile Refrigerator and wine cooler. Finding favor among designers, natural Quartzite countertops were chosen as the kitchen’s centerpiece. The beautiful look of marble with the durability of granite resisting staining, scratching, heat, and breakage makes for the perfect work surface for any entertaining or culinary challenge. This kitchen is practical yet elegant. How about a Baby Grand Piano as your dining table? Yes, you read that correctly. To add to the luxe atmosphere of the space designers have converted a Baby Grand Piano into the dining room table. Playing while you eat has a whole other meaning in Suite 801. Perfect to make a statement and entertain your guests, and no worries, sound boarding above and below cancel any noise from you or your neighbors. By real estate standards, yes, this condominium is a traditional one bedroom but is equipped beautifully for company with a queensized murphy bed tucked just below the library’s ladder railing handsomely showcased in the striking seer blue living room. With towering 11 ft 4 in ceilings, this living space is a breath of fresh air and perfect for hosting and entertaining. When it comes to relaxation, if the steam shower in the master bath isn’t quite enough to unwind, customize your own bathing experience compliments of Kohler’s VibrAcoustic BubbleMassage Combination Hydrotherapy Bath. Combine the sound-wave therapy of VibrAcoustic and the holistic, full-body experience of BubbleMassage hydrotherapy into one bath, truly a unique bathing sophistication. Suite 801 addresses every creature comfort you could ever imagine all within walking distance of the area’s most popular downtown destinations like restaurants, art galleries, the Downtown Riverwalk, and event centers. Downtown living is certainly at its absolute finest in RiverScape Condominium - Suite 801. To see this beauty for yourself please call Jennifer Causey at 318-261-0892 or email her at jennifer@johnrearealty.com. She would love the opportunity to show you firsthand Luxe Living on the Ouachita. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 151

Timeless Gifts

The Children’s Shoppe Offers the Best Gifts

OR NEARLY TWO DECADES, THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE has served as North Louisiana’s premier boutique for infant and children’s clothing, gifts and toys. The Children’s Shoppe provides timeless children’s fashions for girls – premie to size 16, and boys – premie to size 12. The Children’s Shoppe also carries a vast selection of must-have gifts for newborns, special events, birthdays, or just for play. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and The Children’s Shoppe is your number one stop for holiday gift giving. Santa’s elves have been hard at work stocking the shelves with this season’s best selection of Melissa & Doug toys. From inspiring role play costumes to Let’s Play House! Dust! Sweep! Mop! sets, grocery store essentials to sound puzzles, The Children’s Shoppe has a vast collection to choose from. Help inspire kids to get creative with arts and crafts toys that will spark imagination at any skill level. Choose from deluxe watercolor sets to starter finger paints, sidewalk chalks and mess-free markers. Help kids develop fine motor skills while making beautiful things with great beading and craft projects for kids of all ages. Have a tiny tyke who loves dinosaurs? The Children’s Shoppe has realistic dinosaurs in every size and color, as well as party play set with nine collectible miniature dinosaurs in a case. From dinos to tractors, The Children’s Shoppe also stocks John Deere tractors, construction site vehicles, train sets, Thomas & Friends toys, everything little boys dream of. Boys and girls will jump with joy over a PlasmaCar – no batters, gears or pedals…kid powered and kid approved for hours of endless fun. The Children’s Shoppe also carries a huge selection of unicorn headbands and accessories, mermaid jewelry and stuffed animals, llama, sloth and narwhal toys and gifts. If you have a little one that loves to look beautiful, The Children’s Shoppe has a spa-tacular assortment of scented nail polishes, beauty masks and makeup. They also have available mermaid sequin accessories, from cute reversible pillows to purses, hair accessories to clothing. Not sure what to get the kids on your list? Choose from a selection of children’s books from Fancy Nancy to Llama Llama, or develop of lifelong love of reading with coveted Little Golden Books. The Children’s Shoppe’s library is expansive and offers something for everyone. Want to give a gift that will last a lifetime? The Children’s Shoppe offers silver rattles and grooming sets, heirloom bracelets and crosses, birthstone rings and necklaces, gorgeous Christening gowns and more. These timeless gifts are just part of the reason why The Children’s Shoppe is the largest standing children’s specialty store in Northeast Louisiana. Make sure to visit us at our new location at 1926 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe, or at 109 North Trenton Street in Ruston.

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Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Disease Affecting Older Adults

LZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS AN IRREVERSIBLE, PROGRESSIVE brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5.5 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. Scientists continue to unravel the complex brain changes involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It seems likely that changes in the brain may begin a decade or more before memory and other cognitive problems appear. During this preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place in the brain. Abnormal deposits of proteins form amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain. Once-healthy neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die. Many other complex brain changes are thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s, too. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease. Some people with memory problems have a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In MCI, people have more memory problems than normal for their age, but their symptoms do not interfere with their everyday lives. Movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have also been linked to MCI. Older people with MCI are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s, but not all of them do. Some may even go back to normal cognition. The first symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person. For many, decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as wordfinding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are studying biomarkers (biological signs of disease found in brain images, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood) to detect early changes in the brains of people with MCI and in cognitively normal people who may be at greater risk for Alzheimer’s. Studies indicate that such early detection is possible, but more research is needed before these techniques can be used routinely to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in everyday medical practice. MILD ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people experience greater memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Problems can include wandering and getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behavior changes. People are often diagnosed in this stage. MODERATE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out multistep tasks such as getting dressed, or cope with new situations. In addition, people at this stage may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia and may behave impulsively. SEVERE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Ultimately, plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain, and brain tissue shrinks significantly. People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down. Source: nia.nih.gov WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 153

Butter Offers Seasonal Sweets Local Bakery Specializes in Gluten Free Goods

URING THIS SEASON OF gratitude, anyone in Northeast Louisiana that has Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance is bound to give thanks for Butter, a local bakery specializing in gluten free treats and lunches. However, even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any dietary restrictions, you will love everything Butter has to offer. The quaint bakery is located in the Vantage Tower Building in downtown Monroe and owned by Adam and Charity Jones. Charity is the head baker and has perfected so many of their baked goods - from cookies, eclairs, brownies, muffins and more. However, during this time of year, Butter offers even more with their seasonal flavors. Throughout the week, they have mini pies but you can also special order a full size pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. A favorite is the pumpkin loaf, a small pumpkin bread loaf, drizzled with cream cheese icing and sprinkled with toasted walnuts. Butter offers homemade pop-tarts and currently has a caramel apple version with homemade

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apple pie filling. There is always an iced sugar cookie option that is decorated specifically for the season. Recently, Charity introduced pecan pie bars, a buttery crust top with pecans and pecan pie filling, the perfect bite for fall! Butter has a variety of cakes throughout the week and a fall favorite is the Spiced Apple Caramel Cake. This is a spice cake with homemade apple pie filling with caramel cream cheese icing, offering a sweet and savory flavor all in one. Charity is constantly experimenting in the kitchen to perfect her gluten free recipes and is excited to now offer bread! There are currently four different kinds to choose from - sandwich bread, cinnamon raisin, rosemary focaccia and french bread. These can be ordered by the loaf and are great to bring to a dinner party or add to your table for Thanksgiving. In addition to sweet treats, Butter offers coffee, tea and other drinks as well. There are seasonal drinks like the caramel apple cider, snickers latte, pumpkin spice latte and toffee

latte, all of which can be served hot or iced. They also offer lunch during the week. You can check out their weekly menu, posted on Facebook and Instagram every Monday. Look for chili, soup, paninis, baked potatoes and more! And if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out of the office or make it downtown, you can order on GrubHub or Waitr and have it delivered directly to your home or office. Charity and her team are thankful for their loyal customers and look forward to seeing everyone during the holiday season. Be sure to stop by and grab a seasonal treat or place a special order for a dessert tray, pie or loaf of bread. Check out their Facebook and Instagram so you can see their daily pictures of the sweets they have to offer. And be on the lookout for Christmas favorites like gingerbread cookies and Christmas tree petit fours because they are just around the corner!

SOAR Campaign Exceeds $56 Million Campaign Receives Support from Community

NIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA Monroe President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., announces the SOAR Campaign exceeded its goal of $55.4 million with a spectacular sum of $56,000,985. SOAR stands for S – Students/Succeed, O – Opportunities/ Educate, A – Athletics/Achieve, R – Renovations/Build. ULM’s first ever capital campaign launched in 2014, encouraging private financial support from individuals, organizations and businesses. It funds endowed scholarships, endowed faculty and research, student-athlete scholarships, renovations and construction. The campaign closed on June 30, 2019. “ULM reached out to the community and partners and asked them to give back … for the future,” said Bruno. “The results are greater than we imagined. The goal of $55.4 million was met and then surpassed. The friends of this university can see beyond current economics and know an educated population is the only way for our region, our state, to grow.” SOAR ENDOWMENTS The Office of

ULM Advancement, Foundation and Alumni Relations reports the following funds by SOAR categories: • Students/Succeed – $10.7 million for Foundation Scholarships. • Opportunities/Educate – $24.2 million for technology, professional development and to attract and retain world-class instructors and researchers. • Athletics/Achieve – $10 million for athletics. • Renovations/Build – $10.5 million for new facilities and renovations. SCHOLARSHIPS Endowed scholarships assure that deserving students receive assistance to pursue their dreams at ULM. There are more than 400 endowed ULM Foundation Scholarships in the colleges of Arts, Education, and Sciences, Business and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy, plus the Graduate School. ENDOWED CHAIRS AND PROFESSORSHIPS An endowed faculty position recognizes exemplary achievement by

an academic or research professional. It is also the university’s acknowledgment that securing expert faculty in perpetuity is essential. ULM has 10 endowed chairs and 80 endowed professorships. OPPORTUNITIES Benefactors of the university invest in departmental programs that are meaningful to them such as the programs related to their successful careers. This funding enables opportunities to present research papers at conferences, support student internships, program supplies and other purposes. FACILITIES The Liew Family International Student Center, Football Fieldhouse, Don Beach Atrium of the School of Construction Management and Wallace Jones Golf Complex are a few of the new construction projects made possible by private donations to the SOAR Campaign. Also funded with SOAR Campaign gifts, the $1.5 million Laird Weems Center is home of the ULM Advancement, Foundation and Alumni Association. Named in honor of Billy Laird and the late Don Weems, it opened in 2018. CONTINUING TO SOAR By funding scholarships, outstanding programs, recruiting top faculty/researchers and improving facilities, supporters of ULM are investing in an increasingly dynamic, culturally rich and prosperous Northeast Louisiana. With the backing of alumni and the community, ULM continues to be the Best on the Bayou.

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Assurance Financial Gives Back Local Mortgage Company Partners with St. Jude’s

HE MONTH OF NOVEMBER IS when there is a lot of focus on giving and gratitude, but Assurance Financial makes sure they focus on these things throughout the entire year. The mortgage company is a corporate partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and gives back to the organization through numerous efforts throughout the year. Since 2018, Assurance Financial has participated in several community events and fundraisers and has 95% of their employees across the country pledge a portion of every paycheck to St. Jude’s. At their annual sales conference in January of this year, Assurance Financial presented a check for $75,000 to St. Jude’s. Locally, the West Monroe office is a title sponsor of the local St. Jude Dream Home giveaway. “Our decision to become a corporate partner with St. Jude was based on one simple truth - all a family should worry about

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is helping their child live when they receive devastating news,” said Amanda Smith, lender. Another reason is that the disease hits close to home. “In this industry, we are truly family. A local realtor’s son was diagnosed with cancer and received treatment at St. Jude’s. How can you not help an organization that is helping someone in your circle, in your family?” Assurance Financial is excited to have already committed to sponsoring the Dream Home in 2020. This month also marks Veteran’s Day, honoring men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Assurance Financial is proud to have a veteran on their team, Mike Brodman. Mike is a veteran of the National Guard and served in Operation Desert Storm. The team at Assurance Financial are experts in VA Loans, offering no down payment and no mortgage insurance, available to active duty and veterans of all

branches of the military and their surviving spouses. “We truly enjoy working with veterans because it is just another way to give back and help those that have given so much to our country,” said Amanda. Assurance Financial offers very competitive rates and will walk veterans through the process, from pre-qualifying them to getting a certificate of eligibility. Assurance Financial is proud to be a part of this community and works hard to give back throughout the year. They are involved in many local events, participate in realtor education programs, sponsor local youth sports teams, and take pride in giving back to the people with whom they live, work and do business. They go above and beyond to serve the people in our community by enabling them to buy the home of their dreams by operating with integrity and honesty and striving to exceed expectations.

Smile Stronger with Dental Implants NELA Dental

SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANTS A 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 of your favorite foods again. IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURES 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 implantretained 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. DR. VANCE COSTELLO- ABOI/ID DIPLOMATE The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry Diplomate (ABOI/ID) designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. 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. 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. Dr. Raymond has completed an implant fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA). As a member of the IDIA, Dr. 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. GET STARTED ON YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT JOURNEY We are committed to finding solutions for each patient to get the care they need and accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. Call one of our three convenient locations in Farmerville, Monroe, or Oak Grove to schedule your free consultation. Don’t forget to ask about our membership plans!

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bayou beats Throughout her childhood, familial and personal struggles mounted by the age of sixteen. Issues that began as low self-esteem became a “fullon” battle with addiction, depression, and anxiety. This battle lasted for ten years and diminished her drive to pursue music the way she really wanted to. She thought her creative life was over, but then she began to seek a stronger relationship with God, I NSIGH T F U L SONGW R I T I NG and the doors opened. She utilized her journalism degree to procure a writing spot with the Farmerville Gazette and the Ruston Daily Leader. A couple of years in, the director of a private school in Farmerville approached her to teach Spanish, a degree she had yet to take advantage of. At that point, she still wanted to pick up all the pieces from her former life, so she took the offer and is now in her After struggling with addiction, depression and anxiety, Briana seventh year of teaching. While teaching, she met her husband Jeremy Calhoun, and Calhoun sought a relationship with God that opened doors. they brought their daughter Bristol into the Now, at age thirty-four, she is focused on her passion for music. world. Finally, she is financially established enough to record her songs, and she’s more Photography by Andrew Bailey focused in executing her passion with tact and emphatic decisiveness than ever before. For Briana Calhoun, crafting music started A few months ago her passion for music was at a Shakespearean crossroads—to pursue or not and grew during her teenage years, but a long to pursue? Her overall sentiment was, “If I don’t journey ensued before she could share it with the do something now, it’s going to be too late.” She rest of us: “When you’re a teenage girl, everything decided to turn to her social media platform. “I is a catastrophe and you need something to get you thought I was taking a risk, putting how I felt out through, so my outlet was songwriting. That’s how there on Facebook,” she admits. But after the post, a it got started.” Though she picked up the guitar at few opportunities unfolded, like an open invitation age twelve, she only became serious about guitar to write with established Nashville songwriters. around age sixteen to accompany her songwriting, More is happening for her now than ever before, which blossomed thanks to her teenage angst. A and she’s noticed that it coincides with the moments three chord regimen quickly turned into more that she embraces and shares her vulnerability. She complex bar chords and nifty strum patterns. As explains, “My confidence and self-awareness is so the struggles of her teens and early twenties faded different now that I’m in my thirties. In my twenties, away, the driving force of Calhoun’s music artistry I was just so unsure of myself. I was insecure about focused on complex emotions and resolutions. my music. I didn’t have a foundation, and honestly, With an eclectic style of country, pop, Americana, I didn’t think I was good enough. Something inside and folk, Calhoun’s new EP Learn Girl is packaged me told me I wasn’t good enough.” with passion and persistence. Her recent risks have merited rewards, and her Originally born in Dallas, Texas, Calhoun mindset has drastically shifted. Not only does she moved to Louisiana at the age of twelve. She learned now know she’s good enough, she has cemented to love music at an early age due to the musical her decision to pursue a music career. “I’m not legacy of her mother Amanda McDowell, a local being braggadocious. I know that God gave me musician and songwriter, and her grandfather, a this gift, so I’m going to try to do something with pianist. “We were big into church growing up,” it. I feel like it was for a reason,” she says. Even if she says, crediting the experience with sharpening nothing happens, Calhoun never wants to look her performance, harmonizing, and guitar skills. It back and have to say, “I didn’t do what I could.” wouldn’t be until her early thirties, what some may More importantly, her dreams impact her daughter. consider a late start, that Calhoun found herself in “I want her to be the kind of girl that can do it all, the best position to pursue and create music. She and I want her to know that about herself because explains, “The one reason I’m thirty-four and just she sees it in me,” Calhoun asserts, knowing now going after my music one hundred percent is, I children learn by example. had a rough go at it during my twenties.”

Briana Calhoun

by Vanelis Rivera

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Currently, she’s in the final stages of tracking and mixing her EP at Fort Sumner,

Dan Sumner’s recording studio. “I love Dan to death, and we really work well together. He listens to me and I listen to him. He’s like the cool college professor that all the kids want to hang out with,” she laughs. The title track of the record, “Learn Girl,” represents her recent songwriting approach—relatable songs about self-empowerment and battling the punches of life. “I still have a lot of things I struggle with,” she says, but the songs don’t center around angst like in her teenage years. “Learn Girl” began as a lecture to herself in song. In the midst of beating herself up for a decision, an inner voice told her, I’m not really “Stop. Just stop. Appreciate yourself.” In an early version, the country. I’m not chorus started like a reprimand, but she ended up turning it really pop. But around, making it about lifting yourself up. The process mirrors the change in her approach to life. “When you’re sitting there you can tell I’m and you’re self deprecating, it only leads to more negativity,” from the south Calhoun notes, encouraging people to always find the good. Just when I play. as upbeat but with a call for self-evaluation, “Hangup” is about the human nature of having vices. “I think it’s funny how some people can be so judgemental about other people, but everyone has something that they struggle with,” she says. The point of the song is to illuminate the fact that just because you don’t see someone’s vice, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Regardless of what that vice may be, the song calls for listeners, in a surge of wordplay, to hang ‘em up. One of her oldest songs makes an appearance on this EP. Calhoun wrote “Whiskey” when she was seventeen, and it was simply about a bad decision to drink. “The song says it all,” she declares. It’s not a song she relates to or that represents her currently, but she remembers the moment when she woke up and started writing it. People often tell her how much they enjoy

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that song, so she added it to the EP, which also helped to show her country side. “I don’t want to not be true to myself,” she says. This song, while not a part of her present, is a piece of her past, and it helps her chances as a country writer. Though “Whiskey” is not a country song in the vein of “I fell off my horse and broke my knee,” it’s about whiskey and being heartbroken, common subjects of the country genre. “I’ve always said there needs to be a new genre called southern pop,” she claims, adding, “I’m not really country. I’m not really pop. But you can tell I’m from the south when I play.” Lately, she’s dived into the discography of Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris, making observations on the genre lines being crossed in country music. Early on, a lot of her influencers were singer-songwriters from the sixties and seventies like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor. Her chief musical influence remains her mom. “Mom has a lot of good stuff,” she says, mentioning her mom’s body of work. Calhoun has written about ten songs in the past couple months. “I actually dream a lot of my songs,” Calhoun casually reveals. A recent song in her growing body of work, “Touch Me,” was almost entirely constructed in a dream. In it, a Nigerian prophetess was revealing hidden aspects of a seated audience. Calhoun verged on leaving out of fear of what would be revealed about her, but the prophetess caught her mid-move. You, stop! Come back. The prophetess then instructed her to empty the contents of her purse and informed Calhoun, Nothing you have is yours. Everything you have has been given to you. You need to remember that. Calhoun left and found herself in a van with several people. You want to hear my latest song? She had an old school tape recorder and pressed play, revealing the current chorus of “Touch Me.” Upon waking, Calhoun used the plot of the dream in the verses—I want someone to empty all my secrets out / And know exactly what I’m all about / Maybe I’m wrong, but that could be right now / If you touch me. “A lot of artists think that you have to have a lot of drama to write good stuff,” says Calhoun. She used to think that as well, but now she knows better. Writing about troubled times is quite often relatable, but Calhoun believes that good, lasting songs should be insightful, a skill heightened by co-writing. “I tell my students when I make them do group work, you work with other people to broaden your perspective,” she says. Good songs also craft truthful lyrics, engaging wordplay, rhyme, and rhythm. “I’m a big word nerd,” she admits, mentioning a song where she took colloquialisms and idioms that included the word “kind” and strung them into verse. “You can get into my car and I may be listening to Kendrick Lamar or Nora Jones or The Band,” she says, admitting her moody music appetite. Keeping her musical choices diverse helps her write with acumen, and it keeps her music from sounding repetitive. Briana Calhoun is the type of artist that keeps her beginner guitar mounted next to her Taylor acoustic. She shadow boxes when she sings bridges to her songs and claims to do pushups in order to reinvigorate a recording session. Though her vocals have a powerful punch, she can still crack jokes about minor inconsistencies: “My voice is cracking like a thirteen year old that smokes a pack a day.” Calhoun is nestled firmly where down-toearth meets gracious talent—the framework of lasting artists. Calhoun’s songs are available on iTunes and Spotify. She released her first EP “999” in October and re-released an original single “Playing Pretend” from August of 2016. Links to her music and social media can be found on her website: www.brismusic.com. For booking information contact: (318) 331-5340. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram (@ brismusic.la) to stay tuned for a release party to be scheduled soon. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 161

Timeless and Elegant A Historical Venue to Start Your Future

ARK MANOR IS UPDATING AND EXPANDING TO BRING only the best to the brides of Northeast Louisiana. This historical venue has all of the modern amenities and it’s 150 acres of rolling hills and rustic woodlands await you and the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Elegant, beautiful, accessible and accommodating are the words that describe Park Manor. Perfect for any event or photo session. The property includes an amazing plantation home front with a brick walkway, a breath-taking bridal cottage and dressing room, and the brand new enclosed reception hall that is perfect for any season. Any weather, any season, Park Manor strives to accommodate anything and everything. Their newly renovated and expanded reception hall can host your wedding guests if the weather does not permit an outdoor wedding. Beautiful and designed to be easily decorated, the new reception hall can accommodate your guests for the ceremony as well as the reception, if need be. It is large enough for food, dancing, tables and chairs, a fireplace and a large flat screen T.V. that is perfect for slide-shows. It comes complete with its own sound system and whether it’s hot or cold outside the hall has heating and air-conditioning. Park Manor has designed the new reception hall to go with all wedding decor. A modern farm house look, with three windows at the center that were designed and built in the 1850s. These windows were installed as the focal point of this grand space and would make a beautiful background for a ceremony. The plantation home itself was built in the 1860s. Its beauty and history make it the perfect location for a wedding. The front of the house is adorned with large white columns, a balcony and grand doorway and can be easily decorated to match each brides’ particular style. The brick pathway leads from the bridal cottage all the way to the front steps up to the house and one can simply envision themselves walking down the aisle. Before the wedding, brides can get ready and enjoy the day in the private Bridal Cottage on the property. Decorated in a dreamy rustic vintage style, the bridal cottage is the perfect place for the bride and her bridesmaids to relax before the big event. Schedule your appointment now to view for yourself the exciting new changes that Park Manor has accomplished. Tammy Warner would love a chance to help you make your dream wedding a reality. Call her at 318.239.2146 or you can email her at tammy@ parkmanorvenue.com.

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Portico Restaurant is a Local Favorite Offers Delicious Food and Drinks in a Relaxed Atmosphere

ORTICO RESTAURANT IS THE place to go in Monroe for before or after a football game, happy hour, family celebrations, get-togethers and more and the holidays are no different. If you have family in town and want to get together and visit over delicious food, you can grab a table and catch up. The patio is the perfect place for those holiday office parties, groups of friends and more. Plus, it is heated so you can be comfortable and cozy. You can choose from appealing appetizers like crab cakes and fried green tomatoes, nachos, mini panini muffalettas and sesame crusted tuna. Their enticing entrees include low country shrimp, citrus salmon, redfish, Caribbean maki and tacos. Their burger options are bountiful and include their classic Portico burger, jalapeño cream cheese, bbq bacon, blue guacamole and more! Sandwich options are po-boys, corn beef melt, brisket, BLT and more. Portico offers plenty of pizzas

that include spinach, garden, chicken alfredo, margherita and cheeseburger. If you would like something on the lighter side, there are plenty of soups and salads to choose from. Portico Restaurant in Monroe is excited to announce their new lunch specials! On Mondays they have spaghetti and meatballs, Tuesday is hamburger steak, Wednesday is everyone’s favorite fried chicken, Thursday is country fried steak or chicken and Friday is chicken and dumplings. All of these are offered weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are just $10.99. They also offer dinner specials from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays are Steak Night with any steak, twice baked potatoes and a salad for just $25. You can get any pizza and a pitcher of beer for $20 on Mondays. Tuesdays are for tacos with $2 house tacos, two for one margaritas, Coronas or Modelo draft. On Wednesdays, you can get anything on a bun two for one, and celebrate Thirsty Thursday with live music and $12 bottomless house

wine. Portico has the best seat on gameday with 8 65” televisions. You can pick 2 from 8 wings, a large single topping pizza and domestic draft pitcher during all college and NFL games. Brunch is served each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone loves Portico, so be sure to get gift cards for the hard to buy for people on your list that have everything. They can enjoy their famous hamburgers, bountiful brunch and pizzas long after the holidays are gone. Now through the end of the year, when you purchase a $25 gift card, you get a $5 gift card to give as a gift or just keep for yourself. Owners Joey Trappey, Arthur Roy, and Lindsay Leavitt are excited to see old and new friends during the holiday season and invite you to stop by!

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Marty & Mark's

Local Jewelry & Watch Shop

ARTY & MARK'S JEWELRY AND WATCH REPAIR SHOP is located in historic downtown West Monroe. The shop is led by Marty Grassi along with his partner, Mark Bennett. Anyone that knows anything about jewelry, knows about Marty Grassi. He recently came out of retirement to continue to do jewelry repair. It is what he loves and what he knows. With decades of experience, Marty is well known to many in the Twin Cities as the best jeweler in town. Mark Bennett is from Start, and has over 30 years experience as a watchmaker. Together, they have opened Marty and Mark’s Jewelry and Watch Repair at 224 Trenton Street. The people of Monroe and West Monroe have trusted Marty Grassi with their jewelry for over 35 years. Marty is excited to continue his passion in a new store along with his business partner Mark. Marty is well known for being honest, an expert with jewelry, and a friend to many. Marty takes great pride in his work and never disappoints. Mark Bennett has been repairing watches for several years and is known by many as the best and only in-house watch repairmen in the Twin Cities. Mark wants to guarantee that a customer’s precious time piece does not have to be sent out for repairs but worked on right in the store. He always has a bright smile full of generosity and loves to help customers, whether it is servicing a watch or selling a Rolex out of his pre-owned selection. Mark completed Level 1 Rolex training in Dallas, Tx in 1996 and Level 2 in Litiz, PA, in 2004. Mark also completed Tag Heuer training in May of 2004. In addition to those brands, Mark also services and repairs several additional brands of watches such as, Omega, Seiko, Tag Heuer, Pulsar, Luminox, Rolex, Bulova, Elgin, Hamilton and more. Mark has been trusted by many to repair watches for over 30 years. They are the only in-house watchmaker in the Twin Cities with all of the work being done in the shop. They can repair and replace missing crystals, stems, crowns, gaskets, watch bands and bracelets. Plus, all repairs complete come with a one-year warranty from Mark himself. In addition, there is on-site battery replacement as well as free estimates. It is never too early to shop for Christmas gifts and you will defintely find something to go under the tree at Marty and Mark's. They have a selection of fine jewelry including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Their selection is constantly changing as they are getting new pieces in and can even order something just for you. Mark offers a selection of pre-owned Rolexes for both men and women. Marty and Mark’s motto is “If you treat people fairly hopefully, they’ll tell at least one person, but if you treat people unfairly, they’ll tell everyone…We promise to always do the first.” In Marty and Mark’s shop, you are guaranteed to be welcomed with a familylike atmosphere. Marty and Mark are always eager to help with any jewelry or watch repair need. With decades of experience in the industry, they are a name you can trust with great service, fair prices and expert work!

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Southern Roots Dental

Dr. Julie Simpson and Dr. Sarah Gregory Provide Individualized Dental Care

HE END OF THE YEAR IS UPON US AND NOW IS THE time to use your dental benefits before they expire. Most dental insurances allow for one to two cleanings per year as well as offer benefits when it comes to exams, x-rays, fillings and more. Make an appointment today to use your benefits before you lose them! Holidays are also a time when you want to look your best for pictures, parties and more. Surely you will be all smiles this season so make sure your teeth are bright and merry as well! Teeth whitening is one of the most asked about dental procedures. So when it came to choosing a system that was the most fitting for their office, Southern Roots Dental did not take the task lightly. They wanted to be able to offer a system that would not only give amazing results but would also make for a pleasant experience without the sensitivity that most whitening systems can inevitably trigger. After much research, the doctors discovered the GLO® whitening system and were intrigued by how it works. There are no impressions or trays involved. The Patented GLO® mouthpiece combines LED light and heat resistors in a closed system, which prevents oxygens from escaping the teeth. With each application the mouthpiece warms up to the optimal temperature to accelerate and activate the process for quicker, more efficient results. For optimal whitening results, they recommend the in-office treatment (which takes about 45 min) followed by 5-7 days of at home whitening with the universal mouthpiece that is yours to keep. You can expect to see your teeth up to eight shades whiter! The team at Southern Roots is so pleased to be able to offer a highly effective whitening system to their patients with the peace of mind knowing there’s little to no sensitivity involved. If you went through 2019 without dental insurance, Southern Roots has a plan for you for the new year. Their Plan for Health is a smart, affordable alternative to dental insurance. “We know that not everyone has access to dental insurance or the plan they do have doesn’t make sense for them, so we wanted to offer this opportunity,” said Sarah Gregory, dental partner at Southern Roots. This Plan for Health is a membership program that rewards patients for being proactive with their dental health. There are different plan options available and some of the benefits include several hygiene cleanings, exams and x-rays, as well as a percentage off dental products and procedures. There are no deductibles or yearly maximum on benefits and no exclusions for elective or cosmetic procedures. Southern Roots Dental is located on North 18th Street in the heart of Monroe. Southern Roots is led and owned by Dr. Julie Simpson and Dr. Sarah Gregory, who strive to provide comfortable and individualized dental care. Southern Roots offers a variety of preventive, restorative and cosmetic procedures. The preventive services include comprehensive exams, dental emergencies, oral cancer screenings, digital imaging, children’s dental care, sports guards, TMJ therapy and cleanings. Restorative dentistry can help to care for patients who suffer from common oral health problems and includes dental crowns, bridgework, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures and implants. Cosmetic dentistry can help achieve a dazzling smile and make positive changes to your teeth for an aesthetically pleasing smile. In addition to in-office whitening, they offer Juvéderm and Botox, as well.

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Community Organizations

ommunity organizations are an essential part of our health system for youth. They go by a number of names (e.g., nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and voluntary organizations) and often fill the gap between what is provided by the state and by the private sector. Community organizations can be dedicated to a specific service (e.g., Christopher Youth Center and emergency shelter), or they can be dedicated to a specific community (e.g., Kids First Morehouse). In each case, the community organization works at the ground level to identify a community need and develop programs that meet that need—locally. Community organizations also partner with other organizations and agencies to promote overall community health and to advocate for policy changes that strengthen the health systems in which they work. They are often called upon to collaborate with health system decision-makers in the development of policy, programs and services by raising community voices. Most importantly, community organizations are a great resource to help find answers to hard questions and are committed to connecting youth to the resources they need.

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BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

Kristie Bardell serves as the Director of the Family Health Portfolio at the Louisiana Public Health Institute—a community organization in New Orleans. She works to improve sustainability of school-based health centers, build capacity of schools to improve the overall health of students, and implement adolescent risk reduction initiatives. She works with schools, community based organizations and faith-based entities to assess and build capacity around programming, clinical services and policy changes. Ms. Bardell has over fifteen years of experience in community health developing and implementing health improvement initiatives. She is a graduate of Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine receiving a Masters of Public Health. As a native of Louisiana and passionate strategist she continues to carve a pathway to health for all in November 2019. Q: What is the most important thing parents and youth need to know about community organizations? A: Community organizations work for you. They are committed to helping improve the life of those in their communities. They provide an array of resources and serve as a major thread in the fabric of the community. LPHI strives to ensure that everyone

in Louisiana has the opportunity to be healthy and that cannot be accomplished without partnerships and support of these organizations. Multiple social and economic factors can impact the health of parents and youth, such as housing, access to health services, income and crime. Community organizations play a critical role in breaking down barriers to improve the overall health of the community. Q: How can a community organization help my child? A: Community organizations work to strengthen the family. We believe parents/ caregivers are the primary educators of their children about health related issues. We work to provide additional information to parents and caregivers to assist in those conversations while also advocating for caregivers to decide what is best for their child. Community organizations also function as partners with parents/caregivers to provide education and resources. As a team, we can help young people make informed decisions and live healthier lives Q: What are some of the advantages of calling a community organizations? A: Some of the advantages in connecting to community organizations is an increase in awareness of issues that are impacting your community along with providing

education and resources to assist in overcoming those issues. Speaking specifically to health issues there are proven linkages between health and academic achievement, therefore the need to understand and educate the community on ways to be healthy and make informed decisions about their health increases the chances of youth doing well in school. Through these organizations parent/ caregivers and youth have access to tools they need to be healthy and successful. Q: What is the best way to connect to the community organizations in my area? A: Your child’s school may have a list of community organizations that he/she may be able to get involved in or reach out to for resources. Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana is also a great resource that focuses on providing prevention programs in schools and working with parents (childrenscoalition.org). They have resources for both children and parents. You can also call or text 211 and ask about resources. They will be able to answer most questions. Q: Is finding a community organization a good first step to help get help? A: Yes! If parents/caregivers and young people are facing road blocks to health there are resources available. Often, these resources may be provided by community organizations at no-cost. Parents can begin conversations at home with their child to ensure they receive information and advice based on their family’s values and then seek out health information from community organizations to help support them in those conversations. When it comes to the health and success of our youth, it is indeed a team effort to ensure we are empowering them and their families through education and support.

“Community organizations fill the gap between what is provided by the state and by the private sector.”

RESOURCES United Way NELA 211

United Way NELA 211 is an excellent way to connect to community organizations. You can call them at 211, or you can text your zip code to 898-211. If you visit their website http://www.unitedwaynela.org/211.php you can also search a database to directly link to local resources.

Jan Daniels, Youth Development Director at the Children’s Coalition, works with middle schools in Northeast Louisiana to provide the suicide prevention program Signs of Suicide (SOS) and Child Sex Trafficking prevention (#NotaNumber). Call Jan at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition.org to learn more about how you can get these prevention programs at your child’s school.

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Dubai Adventure

Rebecca Johnson Recently Traveled to Dubai for Hair Show

RECENTLY TRAVELED TO DUBAI FOR a hair show and am exicted to share my adventure! Stepping off the curb at baggage claim, we were enthusiastically greeted by a very small woman driving a black Lexus who insisted on helping us with our luggage. She flipped the heavy suitcases into the trunk like a feather and proceeded to drive like a bat out of a cave into the most impressive city of Dubai. My week long adventure to attend the Framesi International Congress of Hair into this exotic desert had begun! Our hotel was swarming with Italians. The Milan, Italy based color company that was hosting the event attracted their own. However, we soon began to meet new friends in the industry from all over the world. Exploration of the city began with a visit to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. I highly recommend to pay the extra dirham and go to the tippy top. It was breathtaking and the view is beyond words. High tea is served at the

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top with dainty pastries that were exquisitely decorated. It didn’t take long to understand the people to Dubai like to excel in everything. Encountering interesting travelers at the top, we heard stories about their travels to other countries, but all leading to this moment to be at the top of the world. Next was Dubai Mall, the perfect place to shop till you drop! All I can say is take a credit card with high limits —- you will need it! Our next day journey took us to the city Abu Dhabi to tour Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. There was marble, flowered walls, lovely carpets, jeweled chandeliers and beautiful landscaping. One can easily see why they enjoy showing this center to tourists. Ladies need to cover their heads while visiting the mosque. Laughing at our ameteur approach to tying our scarves, some local girls rescued us by professionally wrapping our heads. And don’t let me forget the food of Dubai. Anything you want! Each restaurant

delivered a powerful punch of flavors and fresh food of course with an artful presentation. The remainder of our trip was filled with the conference. As a veteran hairdresser and salon owner our host offered what we like to see - haircutting techniques, new color processes, sharing rich shades of color, and even a rocking band from London. As a final note of the trip, I really commend the superior customer service of this city. Every experience was delivered with excellence and sincerity. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and am excited to bring the things I learned back to my own salon, Arlette. At Arlette we believe in continuing education. Styles change constantly and we attend frequent education to keep our guests moving forward with their fashion. I encourage everyone to SHOP AVEDA with us at Arlette. Aveda Christmas gifting is beautiful this year. As an Aveda Concept Salon, we offer facials, hand treatments, hair coloring, men’s styling, cutting, makeup and lash services. We also offer gift certificates, which make the perfect gift. I love to travel and always learn something as I visit new places. I encourage us all to give to one another your best and live each moment in love. See you soon and be blessed in this holiday season.

Rebecca

Decorate for the Holidays Carlstedt’s Offers A Variety of Options

ARLSTEDT’S IS GEARING UP FOR the holiday season and what better way to decorate than with fresh flowers and greenery. To accentuate your Thanksgiving tablescape, you can choose from a variety of seasonal flowers like warm yellow sunflowers, rich red rover mums and orange lillies, just to name a few. Crotons are a great accent to put on the front porch as well. They are a colorful perennial evergreen shrub with thick, leathery leaves that come in a variety of full colors. This month is also the time to order your Christmas plants, flowers, wreaths and greenery. Carlstedt’s offers wholesale prices and if you order in bulk, you can an even greater price break. Nothing says Christmas quite like a poinsettia and Carlstedt’s offers them in classic red, as well as white and pink. They offer a variety of sizes - 4.5 inch, 6.5 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch. Another favorite during the holiday season are Paper Whites, a perennial bulbous plant that flowers at Christmas. The white flowers are borne in bunches and

Carlstedt’s has the 6-inch variety. The potted Amaryllis is available in a variety of colors and is a great way to add dramatic color to your home during the holidays. Plus, they make great gifts for hostesses, co-workers, friends and more. Another potted plant available is the Christmas cactus, or the scientific name - Schlumbergera bridgessii. This is a very popular houseplant and when they bloom, they produce colorful, tubular flowers. Not only are they beautiful, but the Christmas cactus has a long bloom time and doesn’t require much when it comes to care and maintenance. Carlstedt’s offers the Christmas cactus plants in 4.5 and 6.5 inches, as well as a 10 inch basket. In addition to the plants, you can also order greenery and wreaths from Carlstedt’s as well. They offer a variety of garland in a variety of sizes including mixed evergreens, cedar, douglas fir and pine. They have wreaths from 16 inches wide to 60 inches wide. You can also order a variety of crosses, that many

people use this time of year to display at the gravesite of a loved one. You must place your order for Christmas plants, wreaths, garland and novelty items by November 10th. While they will have some available throughout the season, quantities are subject to availability. Carlstedt’s is located in the heart of midtown Monroe, just off Tower Drive, and is an importer and wholesaler of fresh cut flowers. However, Carlstedt’s sells directly to more than 20,000 customers and reaches even more with their partnerships with retail outlets like Amazon, Walmart and Wholefoods. “People don’t realize it, but we sell flowers to everyone,” owner Alice Givens explains. “If you want a beautiful work of art, then go to one of the thousands of flower shops we supply. But you can also walk right into one of our flower coolers, pick what you would like, go home and experiment and create something on your own!”

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Holiday Arts Market:

A One-Stop Shop for Local Arts and Family Fun BY MADELINE MARAK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

HE NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA Arts Council has hosted gallery walks, studio tours, and exhibitions for over 20 years connecting artists with an audience. NCLAC is looking forward to something new and different this holiday season. On December 6th from 2pm to 9pm, local artists, musicians, performers, and storytellers are getting cozy in the Norton Building to create a free, open-air arts market in downtown Ruston, Louisiana. This community-centered event will include over 20 local artists, several acts of live music, kids activities including a craft table and storytelling, a gingerbread house-building contest for all ages, door prizes, food trucks, a cocktail hour, and more. This event is all about local. It’s easy to shop local and support small businesses at NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Market because the artists and their works are so easily accessible. The community is able to speak with the artists selling their work to learn about their

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process and feel connected to the items for sale. Artists will be selling everything from paintings, photography, semi-precious stone jewelry, artisan-made soaps and essential oils, leather goods, handmade books and journals, dyed textiles, wearable art, calligraphy, and more. All of the artwork for sale is made by hand; with thought; affordably priced; and in one location. This year we are looking forward to performances by Fiddlin Tim Trio, Monty Russell, Sharissa Martinez, Katelyn Fajardo, and the Piney Hills Harmony. Cast members of the Ruston Community Theater will perform a preview of their holiday performance “Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus.” A storyteller from the Lincoln Parish Library will read a holiday tale from the library’s collection. A few of the visual artists participating and selling their work are Emily Pullin, Dorene Kordal, Hannah Gumbo, Neal Blackman, Frank Hamrick, Jake Dugard, Richard Schermerhorn,

Elaine Thompson, and more. NCLAC is dedicated to enhancing and promoting the arts. They organize exhibitions, performances, classes, film screenings, events and more that create participation in and awareness of the arts and humanities in North Central Louisiana. The Holiday Art Market, with its elegant setting of the Norton Building, melodic music, tasty treats, and bustling atmosphere, is the perfect time for everyone in the area to come together to experience art of all forms in one inviting and welcoming location. The Holiday Art Market is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council and administered by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Visit nclac.org for additional information.

Thinning Hair Solutions

Hopkins Dermatology Offers Cutting Edge Products and Procedures

AIR HIGHLIGHTS OUR PERSONAL style, acts as a security blanket and boosts confidence. But for millions of people suffering from hair loss, it can be demoralizing to their confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, Dr. Janine Hopkins offers cutting-edge products and procedures backed with scientific evidence to combat the battle of thinning hair. Dr. Hopkins uses an autologous cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, to treat patients with alopecia, the medical term for hair loss. The PRP procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blood, then extracting the plasma through a centrifugation process. Your plasma, rich in proteins and growth factors, is injected into the thinning regions of your scalp. The PRP procedure activates the hair growth phase, allowing hair to grow back where it has been lost. Not only does this procedure help restore hair loss, but also restores the integrity of the hair by producing healthy shiny new hair growth. Typically, PRP injections only take about 10 minutes, with treatment once a month

for three months. Depending on your needs, maintenance treatments may be required every three to six months. Another hair loss treatment offered at Hopkins Dermatology is based on the science of photobiomodulation. This laser procedure treats hair loss by delivering nourishing light to revive hair follicles, reverse thinning, restores natural growth cycle, and regrows hair. Typically, ScalpLase takes about six treatments, two weeks apart, and may be used with or without PRP scalp injection treatments. The ScalpLase treatment gives thinning hair new life with laser hair growth technology. Since introducing PRP and ScalpLase into the Hopkins Dermatology practice, excellent outcomes have been seen in both men and women after a series of three to five treatments. Patients with diminished hair loss have noticeable new hair growth after they have completed a series of treatments. To compliment your treatments, Hopkins Dermatology offers selections of haircare products to maintain results at home. Rx:

Replenish Shampoo and Rx: Restorative Conditioner are used for creating a healthy environment for hair regrowth and restoration. These products create volume and shine, gentle enough for everyday use. To supplement our haircare system, we have the Rx: Rapid Growth Serum. This product contains an advanced formula to support the scalpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural microcirculation to nourish hair growth. Hopkins Dermatology has teamed up with Genove, an up and coming new brand of supplements taken orally to slow down acute hair loss and to compensate nutritional deficiencies for well nourished strong healthy hair. On the Horizon, a new category of medications, known as JAK inhibitors, will be available to treat autoimmune hair loss known as Alopecia Areatea. If you suffer from hair loss, schedule a consultation with Dr. Janine Hopkins or her Nurse Practitioner, Anna Grace Livingston. Hopkins Dermatology can help you win the battle of thinning hair and restore your selfesteem.

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MUMS AND PUMPKINS AND SWEET POTATOES Oh, My!

f the month of November had a color, I think it would be orange. Think about it. Garden mums, persimmons, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are all orange and are all hallmarks of fall in the ArkLaMiss! Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are members of the sunflower family and provide a wide array of fall colors for containers as well as flower beds. Planted with annuals like marigolds, pansies, and snapdragons, mums perk up a landscape during the time of year when summer color has played out. If they survive through winter, a repeat bloom is possible as the number of daylight hours increases going into spring. In our region, mums are typically treated as annuals because maintaining them through our hot and humid summers is challenging. They perform best in full to partial sun, and in soils amended with pine bark or other organic matter to improve drainage. Lack of water on mums may delay flowering or stop growth. Water consistently but don’t saturate plants; crown and stem rots are common problems. Apply water at dripline instead of directly on the base of the plants. Mums should be spaced at least 24 inches apart to prevent leggy growth and should be protected from north winds. If placed in a landscape bed, an application of about 3 pounds of slow-release fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed area, followed by a 1inch layer of mulch of pine bark, pine straw, or similar material will ensure strong growth and a neat appearance. Persimmons belong to the genus Diospyros, which was an ancient Greek word for “fruit of the gods.” The name is fully justified. A mature native persimmon tree, Diospyros virginiana, produces a fruit that, when dead ripe, has a few rivals in terms of sweetness. I compare their flavor to a nuttier candied yam. But, they have to be dead ripe. Non-ripe persimmons are

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LSU AG CENTER

full of tannins, chemicals which make green persimmons horribly astringent. According to southern lore, a green persimmon will turn your mouth inside out. The astringency is taken away if fruit mature fully on the tree or if they are subjected to a frost while still on the tree. A dead-ripe persimmon is soft and orange like a miniature pumpkin. Wildlife can’t resist them. Neither can I! The native persimmon is dioecious (die-ee-shus), which means there are male and female trees. Flowers on male trees produce only pollen whereas flowers on female trees receive pollen and produce fruit. Several varieties of Japanese persimmon, Diospyros kaki, are commercially available and tend to be more compact trees than our native species. Most varieties are parthenocarpic. That is, the fruit are formed without pollination. Japanese persimmons are divided into astringent and non-astringent varieties but are every bit as sweet and delicious as our native. They are also great additions to fall decorations. They are excellent trees for filling smaller spaces in landscapes and have minimal

requirements for growth and fruit production. Like with any fruit crop here in northern Louisiana, Japanese persimmons require full sun and soil that has good drainage. One of my fondest memories from childhood is the pans of persimmon pudding that appeared on our dinner table during fall and winter. Here is my maternal grandmother’s recipe for persimmon pudding: • 2 cups of persimmon pulp •1 ¼ cups of sugar • 2 eggs • 1 stick of melted butter • 2 cups of self-rising flour • 1 cup of whole milk I just add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until it’s the consistency of cake batter, pour it into a greased baking dish, and bake at 375 until a toothpick stuck

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

LOUISIANA SWEET POTATOES

“ONE OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES FROM CHILDHOOD IS THE PANS OF PERSIMMON PUDDING THAT APPEARED ON “FRUIT OF THE GODS” OUR DINNER TABLE.” PUMPKINS (CUCURBITA PEPO) in the center comes out clean. The result is something between a gooey brownie and a bread. If you use the native persimmon, the most arduous part of the process is separating the seeds from the pulp. What would fall and Thanksgiving be without pumpkin pie? Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) are basically a winter squash and if given enough space, are great fun to grow in the home vegetable garden. Pumpkins prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0 to 7.0) and, because pumpkins and other squash are tender, they should be planted only after danger of frost, which will be anywhere from late March to early or mid-April for us. Start pumpkins for Halloween between mid-June and mid-July. A pre-plant fertilizer such as 13-1313 applied at a rate of about one cup per 10 ft. row may be necessary depending on a soil analysis. Two to three seeds are planted in “hills” which are spaced about five feet apart. The weakest seedlings are thinned so the strongest vines remain. Male flowers are formed first, followed by female flowers. The young pumpkin will be visible just below the petals of the female flower. Insect pollination is a must, so be cautious with insecticides. Smaller varieties are preferred for pies because they’re sweeter and less cumbersome to deal with in the kitchen. For our region, ‘Baby Bear,’ ‘Orange Smoothie,’ ‘Oz,’ ‘Small Sugar,’ ‘Spookie,’ and ‘Spooktacular’ are recommended. Mediumsized varieties such as ’Autumn Gold,’ ‘Big Autumn,’ ‘Jack-OLantern,’ and ‘Peekaboo’ are also good pie pumpkins. Varieties such as ‘Atlantic Giant,’ ‘Big Moon,’ and ‘Prize Winner’ are known for their impressive sizes. Heirloom varieties have become popular in recent years but may not have the same disease resistance as more standard varieties. Would it be fall in the ArkLaMiss without sweet potatoes? This reporter thinks not! If you’re enjoying sweet potatoes now, chances are they were grown in our own back yard as Louisiana is one of the nation’s leading sweet potato-producing states. Louisiana sweet potatoes are often marketed as “yams.” However, what we call yams in the United States are sweet potatoes and yes, there is a difference. Sweet potatoes are actually a species of morning glory, Ipomea

batatas. Yams are in a different plant family (Dioscoreaceae). Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamins A and B6, potassium, dietary fiber, and beta carotene. They can be fried, baked, candied, and put in pies. Let’s face it, sweet potato pie occupies its own level of “Dessertdom.” Sweet potatoes are fun to grow at home. ‘Beauregard’ is a popular variety that is widely available as transplants. ‘Porto Rico’ and ‘Jewel’ are two varieties that may be hard to find but will produce well in our area. Sweet potatoes are grown from slips: plantlets produced by “seed roots.” The slips are harvested then replanted in May for the crop, which takes from 90 to 120 days to mature. Adequate soil moisture is key for root initiation and potato production. Consistent watering throughout the season will ensure sweet potatoes reach a good size. Although they are harvested in fall, sweet potatoes should be dug before the first frost to prevent rot and cured in a warm, humid place for a week while they develop their sweet flavor. A common sweet potato pest is the white grub worm. Over fertilizing, poor soil drainage, and too much shade will impact yield. Setting rows relatively higher than those for other vegetables will ensure adequate drainage and give roots plenty of room to develop. All of us in the LSU AgCenter Ouachita Parish Extension Office wish you and your family the happiest of Thanksgivings!

For advice on how to make your garden thrive, go to the Ag Journal page at www.myarklamiss. com and submit your questions.I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!

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Let Tonore’s Take Care of You Schedule Your Private Wine Tasting Today

OR OVER 80 YEARS, TONORE’S WINE Cellar has been a staple in Northeast Louisiana. Bought in 2014 from the Tonore family, Russell Kicey, and his wife, Julie, have kept the tradition of providing excellent service with an expertly curated selection of fine wines, liquors and beers. From serving fine wines to serving the community, Tonore’s Wine Cellar keeps charitable giving at the forefront of the familyowned business. The Kiceys host seasonal tastings throughout the year, donating 100% of the proceeds to non-profit organizations such as: MedCamps of Louisiana, Twin City Rotary, Cancer Foundation League, Quota Club of Monroe, Krewe of Janus, ARCO, Boys Scouts, Rotary Club, KEDM Public Radio, Children’s Coalition, and Family Promise. The four main tastings include: Wine in the Spring, Beer in the Summer, Whiskey in the Fall, and the upcoming Wine for Winter. Mark your calendar for November 21, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00pm for an awesome wine tasting including: 50 labels, vendor giveaways,

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door prizes, and raffles. A suggested $12 donation will directly benefit the non-profit organization, Sip for Scholarships, a P. E. O. (Philantrhopic Educational Organization). Wanting to plan a unique and fun holiday party for you, your friends, family, or coworkers? Tonore’s now offers private wine tastings for small or large parties. This unique experience lets you expand your palate and try new wines that you may not try on your own. Call Russell today to schedule your tasting, but hurry, spots are filling fast. If you’re looking for a unique holiday gift, Tonore’s Wine Cellar can create custom baskets with an assortment of wines, craft beers, whiskey, gourmet foods, gifts, and more. Have a whiskey aficionado on your list? Tonore’s not only has great gift sets but some of the most highly allocated whiskeys available. Whatever your budget and whatever your taste, they can accommodate your needs. They will even deliver baskets to clients and friends during the holiday season. Out-of-town family members often order baskets for loved ones; it’s as easy

as one phone call. Each month, Tonore’s (along with expert vendors) hand-pick two bottles of delicious wines curated to the preference of the member(s) of the Wine of the Month Club. There are two different levels to choose from, both will exceptional wines that are off-thecuff. For an additional $5, the fine folks at Tonore’s will deliver to your door (restricted delivery area). Beginning in December, Tonore’s will offer their exclusive Tonore’s Woodford Reserve Whiskey. Personally hand-selected by staff and customers, the highly-sought after and limited quantity cask sold out last year. It’s a perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for husband, boss, or client on your list. Personalize each bottle with the recipient’s name, and Tonore’s will wrap it up for you. Stay tuned for more information. Tonore’s Wine Cellar is your one-stop shop this holiday season. Visit them today at 801 Louisville Avenue in Monroe or call 318.325.4100.

Local Shoppes Host Holiday Open House Stop by Six Local Stores and Shop Early for Christmas!

GROUP OF LOCAL STORES IN THE heart of Monroe are excited to host their annual holiday open house on Saturday, November 9. They invite you to join them, enjoy snacks and drinks and get your Christmas shopping done early! Check out each shop and what they have to offer HAVEN Haven is a great design shop that offers luxurious bedding, elegant accessories to complete your home, and a wonderful selection of distinctive gifts for all ages. This shop is curated by owner and interior designer, Sandy McMillan. They now offer curbside pickup for when you are in a hurry and need a quick gift. With their beautiful, complimentary gift wrap, their customer service can’t be beat! PALETTE HOUSE Palette House offers a variety of furniture, home decor, gifts and art, but it also offers something unique - the expertise of owner Margaret Moses. While the store is celebrating its third year in business, Margaret has 21 years of interior design and retail experience. A local artist in her own right,

Margaret has an eye for detail and her shop reflects her own aesthetic - modern, uncluttered and elegant. WOODSTOCK GARDEN AND GIFT The little shop on 3rd Street in the heart of the Garden District has a new owner, Claire Gordon. She has introduced new decor, gift items, fresh flowers and more. Claire’s vision for the new Woodstock is to feature regional items from some of the places she has lived and discovered local artists, gifts and more. Items can be found from Louisiana, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Texas. You can still find quite the selection of pillows, candles, lighting, baby clothes and blankets, and local favorite, Mr. P’s Tees. ARTISTIC DESIGNS Artistic Designs custom frame shop offers the largest variety of beautiful mats and frames in the area. They carry clean modern lines, colorful inlays, traditional classics, weathered woods and forged metals just to name a few. Their years of experience help them guide you through the

design choices to select the perfect combination to complement your art and your style. From basic, decorative framing to shadow boxes to museum quality, archival materials and techniques, Artistic Designs can cover all your needs. Stop by and see their new location at 1131 Forsythe Avenue. THE MUFFIN TIN The Muffin Tin is the area’s largest bridal registry and gift store. They carry unique and handcrafted gifts from local artists in Louisiana as well as Mississippi. Check out their selection of gourmet food. They can even create the perfect gift basket for that hard to buy person on your list. They have amazing candles and bath products for men and women from Niven Morgan, Archipelago, and Simplified. The Muffin Tin also has specialty kitchen gadgets and cookware from Le Creuset. LEGACY Whether searching for an impressive treasure or a unique and trendy “happy” for under ten dollars, Legacy of Judy C. Martin is the one-stop shop to take the hassle out of your holiday shopping and entertaining. Choose from their eclectic array of tabletop, home décor, Louisiana items and works from local artists. Shop their ladies’ clothing, jewelry and accessories boutique and never pay retail, so treat yourself! With their 46 year family tradition of offering quality gifts at affordable prices, engraving available and free gift wrap, Legacy has the perfect present for everyone on your list.

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Simply Lou DAMN NEAR DIED article by Lou Davenport

wish I could tell you that I have been on tour with the Rolling Stones for the past two months but, although I wish that were true, it ain’t. On August 10th, my whole life changed in a matter of seconds. I woke up, started to get out of bed and couldn’t walk. My knees gave out. I knew I was in some kind of trouble but wasn’t sure what kind. I crawled to my couch, found my phone, and called my daughter, Carolyn. I told her I needed her to bring me some ginger ale and cheese crackers. She thought I sounded weird, so she and my son-in-law, Ty, came on over (with the ginger ale). I figured I must have the stomach virus and I would be okay. When they saw how awful I looked, they called Paige, and she and Matt rushed over. Of course, I argued with them about how I didn’t want to go to the hospital, and to just leave me alone. I could not win that argument, and Matt threw me over his shoulder, (yeah, like Fabio) and carried me to the backseat of Carolyn’s ride. By then, I was talking “all out my head,” and sure didn’t know how sick I truly was! 176 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

I don’t even remember getting to the hospital. Sometime later I finally came around in ICU on the second floor and was confused as to why I was there. I noticed I had a central line and all kinds of IV bags hanging from it. I told everyone I saw that I felt like I looked like Keith Richards! Well, I wasn’t just sick, I really had “damn near died.” They told me that I’d had a heart attack! I told them, “NO, I HAD NOT,” and they assured me I HAD! I was dehydrated, had colitis (NOT the stomach virus), was septic, all with a touch of pneumonia, and weak as a sick kitten. Then I got it...I was sick, real sick, and I was some kinda scared! There were all kinds of doctors coming in and out, and like I said, I was “crazy!” I talked to them all, saying all kinds of crazy things. I think my kids wanted to put some duct tape over my mouth, but I do remember being very nice and gracious to everyone in the ICU. The big discussion seemed to be when and who was going to do a heart cath on me. It took days, and I couldn’t have any food or water, and I was getting pretty cranky. FINALLY, they wheeled me down

and did the cath. Yep, they were right, I had definitely had a heart attack at some time or another. To this day, I can’t remember having one. And after that cath, I finally got that water I had been begging for. They brought me “the clear diet,” and it was just bad. I ate my Jell-O, though! I had a cat scan and found out how hard of a head I have. I’d fallen down a few times, and they wanted to see if I’d done any damage to myself. Luckily, I come from a long line of “hard heads,” and I guess that comes in handy at times! And, you do NOT want to mess around with colitis of any kind. It’s some bad stuff. All I am gonna say is IT IS BAD. Just believe me. It’s horribly bad, and I lost 20 pounds. I guess on about day three or four, I got sent up to the fifth floor and stayed there a week to recuperate from my glorious long list of ailments. I don’t remember much about it either, except the view was beautiful from my room, and everybody was very nice. I was still, as John Prine sings, “Crazy as a Loon.” They did start letting me have real food! HALLELUJAH! They kept talking about

sending me up to the 7th floor for rehab whenever a bed became available, and all I wanted was to see my dog, Walter. The day came when I had recovered enough to be moved, and there was a room for me on the 7th floor. First of all, I have to say I met the sweetest group of nurses up there, and they took the very best possible care of me. I was there so long, I consider several of them dear friends, now. They also have some of the hardest working therapists, OT and PT, and they worked me over! There was no giving up with them! I’m not saying therapy was easy, but I just tried my best and some days I did better than others. They wouldn’t let me give up, and by the time I finally got released, I was walking with a walker! Every time I was out walking the halls, I told everyone I was a “stalker with a walker!” The days did get long, but I had visits from so many people I just love and don’t get to see often. There were friends from my days living in Aberdeen, Mississippi, and some from Vicksburg. I got cards, flowers, and a basket full of goodies that two of my cousins put together. The other cousins all visited and called, and I couldn’t have asked for so much love and support. It was a situation where you could say “It was the worst of times, but it was the best of times.” I can never say thank you enough to them all. I learned to NEVER take anything for granted and always be thankful for your family and friends. How thankful I am to the good Lord for giving me another chance. There’s a great song by Rodney Crowell that says it better than I can: “IT AIN’T OVER YET. I’LL SAY THIS ABOUT THAT. YOU CAN GET UP OFF THE MAT, OR YOU CAN LAY THERE TIL YOU DIE. IT AIN’T OVER YET, THAT’S THE TRUTH MY FRIEND.”

During my lengthy illness and stay in the hospital and after I was “set free” from rehab, my daughters took care of business! I am so proud of them and so thankful I have them. At the moment, I stay with Paige during the week and with Carolyn on the weekends. They say they have “joint custody” of me! They are tough on me though, in a good way. Mama hasn’t got to goof off and not do what she’s supposed to do on their watch. I did get some strange “side effects” from my wild array of illnesses. I no longer have high blood pressure, and I don’t have to take medicine for that anymore. Can I get an amen? I’d rather have salads than fried chicken. Coffee doesn’t taste as good as it used to and I would just rather have water. I lost 20 pounds but I wouldn’t recommend the “diet” I found myself on. I watch football now, and have become a huge LSU and Saints fan! Pretty soon, I’ll have to “fly solo.” The good Lord gave me a second chance and I sure want to appreciate every day of it. Carolyn, Ty, Paige, and Matt have cleaned out and packed all my stuff, and I will move before long. I just can’t climb the steep steps to the house I have loved living in for the past eight years. I’m also not the gardener I used to be. It’s okay, as most of my plants will live on at Carolyn and Paige’s. I’ll have a few of my favorites to take along with me. My cats are going to live with Paige, and I think they will be very happy there. Plus, I can see them whenever I want to. As for Walter, he’s going with me, I need my buddy! To all my St. Francis 7th floor friends...Shelia, Tammy, Cowlena, Mr. James, Charity, Larry, Erika, Rhoda, and all my other sweet and wonderful friends, “GOLD STARS” FOR EVERYBODY! I love you all! And to all of y’all, take care of yourselves! Never, ever take one good thing for granted! See ya next month with part two of this ongoing adventure of mine!

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A True Hometown Restaurant Waterfront Grill is Involved in Our Community

OR OVER 20 YEARS, THIS LOCAL restaurant is not only one of Monroe Louisiana’s favorite places to dine but it has also become part of this wonderful community. Every aspect of the restaurant is infused with a sense of community and hometown pride. The walls are adored with ULM memorabilia, large windows on the back wall provide views of the patio overlooking the bayou, and the cuisine itself is a statement of Louisiana. With the holidays right around the corner, Waterfront Grill would like remind everyone that this is the season of giving and there is never a better time to give back to our community. Here are a fews of the local organizations Waterfront supports in our town if you are interested in donating for the holiday season: • Ronald McDonald House • St. Vincent De Paul

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• Pilot Club • Lab Week • St. Jude’s • Susan G. Komen • National Guard • Wesley Foundation • Red Cross • Children’s Coalition • Chennault Aviation Museum • Teen Challenge • Area Churches • March of Dimes • Med Camps • ULM They also give Teacher Appreciation donations, participate in discount cards for all high schools and frequently donate food to the DeSiard Street Shelter. The Weems family has mastered the grill and has created a special niche that customers, whether they be a local resident or passerby,

find delectable. With a casual setting on Bayou DeSiard and a menu featuring the highest quality steaks and assortment of savory seafood dishes, it’s not hard to see why Waterfront Grill has lasted so long. Waterfront Grill has perfected their menu with items that can appeal to any clientele, all without the use of a single frier. One of the most popular dishes of on the menu is the Catfish DeSiard, which was once featured in Southern Living Magazine. This dish consists of baked catfish topped with seasoned bread crumbs, green onions, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms and shrimp and is truly a mouthwatering combination of flavor and texture. Waterfront Grill also provides catering services for holiday parties or business functions. You can find them next to ULM’s campus at 5201 DeSiard St., open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For reservations or advanced orders call 318-345-0064.

Haven Hosts Holiday Open House Local Shop Offers Exclusive Gifts and Curbside Shopping

ARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR Holiday Open House! Join Haven, The Muffin Tin, Palette House, Woodstock, Legacy, and Artistic Designs Saturday, November 9th from 10 AM - 5 PM. Visit these shops for wonderful gift ideas to get you in the holiday spirit. Haven will have specials throughout the store, refreshments, and door prizes. Can you believe holiday shopping is already here? There will be Black Friday and Small Business Saturday specials that you will not want to miss. Be sure to support your local shops and businesses this holiday season. These are the businesses that support your schools and events and the money stays in the community by choosing to shop local. Ordering family Christmas cards through Haven is so easy! They have several books in the shop to look through or, if you want to shop from home, you can check out www. haven.printswell.com and use code SITE1119 for 20% off November 7th – 21st.

Haven is the gift destination for everyone on your list. Whether you need a small happy for several friends or a large gift for someone special, Haven has it all. Their offerings include items in all price ranges. Exclusive gift lines are still valued at Haven and they work hard to maintain their selection of items that differ from other local shops. This fall, Haven has expanded their bath collections and introduced a new line called Yuzu, a small boutique bath company from San Francisco. Essential oils and natural products envelop their salt scrubs and shower fizzes. They always have an amazing selection of pajamas and this season does not disappoint. Pajamas in soft cotton jersey, bamboo, and cotton prints are new additions this fall; with coordinating robes available in some of the styles. Whether you prefer lightweight or a heavier, warmer style, Haven has both. Their variety of slippers includes two new styles this year.

Their larger teen section is sure to be a hit this season. Pajama pants, initial necklaces, jewelry, and fun paper gifts are just a few of the new debuts this fall, with great price points to match. Haven’s new line, Scout, has an excellent collection of wristlets, cosmetic bags and ID cases in fun colors. Perfect for birthdays and gift giving! Don’t forget about GiGi New York, the exclusive, stylish, well-designed leather bags that are made in the USA. Always great for gift giving or for yourself. These classic styled totes, crossbody bags, clutches, and clear stadium bags are just a few of their offerings this season. Personalization is also available. With all these new product offerings and their exceptional customer service, Haven is truly Monroe’s Premier shopping destination and always offers beautiful, complimentary gift wrapping. Remember, curbside shopping is now available. Just text or call 318-267-7577 to shop. Stop by Haven today to find that ideal gift or something special for yourself.

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L E F T: A large cypress tree was sourced in Oak Ridge for the home’s fireplace mantles. There was so much tree left over, Harris had the idea to cut it into a giantsized quarter round and fitted into the corners of the living room on either side of the 52’ tall fireplace made with stacked stone from Arkansas.

Over the Levee and Through the Woods Grounded and with a sense of service to make a difference in our world, Kristin and Harris Brown have embedded their DNA into their Cuba Farm home. ARTICLE BY MARÉ BRENNAN

STYLING BY KRISTIN BROWN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRAJAL PRASAI

R I G H T: French doors lead out to the screened in porch which runs the entire length of the second floor. Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture creates intimate coversation areas and a ceilingsuspended bed-sized swing is a highly coveted perch.

arthy and elevated, the Brown’s home rises above the banks of the Ouachita River, where fawns, foxes and red-tailed hawks are part of their daily views. The threestory cabin, clad in a green stained cedar with an architectural metal roof, is the perfect setting for a Thanksgiving feast – over the levee and through the woods. To understand the depth of the Brown’s connection to the land, one must first start in the beginning. In the 1970s, the area known as Cuba Farm was Ouachita River bottomland filled with old growth hardwood trees and part of the original Monroe gas field discovery. “I started working on this land when I was 15 or 16 right after my dad bought Cuba Farm, which was a part of the larger Cole Estate, in 1981,” says Harris. A cicra 1974 map on the wall near the couple’s kitchen shows the boundaries of the original Cole Estate which stretched north along the river to Sterlington. “There was a rusted out VW bug, where the house sits now. I think it may have been Murray Biedenharn’s.” laughs Harris, who would go on to build a duck pond and a private landing strip for flying in and out of the property. A self-professed “veteran river rat” and consummate pilot, Harris would park his seaplane conveniently at his dock on the river for quick jaunts to sandbars along the Ouachita. “I’ve had a lifelong attraction to the river. This land supports the lifestyle that I love. Out here on the farm, there’s whitetail deer hunting, bass fishing and the opportunity to be in the woods everyday,” adds the naturalist, who has served on The Nature Conservancy’s Board of Trustees for the past 8 years. His brother, Denis, built a home on the farm back in 1986, and Harris followed suit in 1990. “I designed this house after a home I saw on San Juan Island. It was tall and narrow with porches that went the entire length of the house,” says Harris. Bill Mattison drew plans for the one bedroom home. The home’s signature large-paned, tall windows provide picturesque views of the river and surrounding countryside and swaths of light that bathe the interiors. As a bachelor farmer, Harris built the original raised cabin in 1990 on the land he had cleared and worked as a teenager. Reminisces Harris, “The original power was provided to the house via feeder lines from an old gas field on the property.” The home was expanded in 1995 182 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

with help from contractor Joe Holyfield and completely renovated in 2008 with Robbie Smith’s RESCO construction company. During the 2008 renovation, Robbie Smith sourced antique, random-width pine planks for the floors and reclaimed antique exposed beams to use throughout. The rhythm of the river and nature surrounding the Brown’s home is a huge part of Harris’ life story, says Kristin, a board member for Louisiana’s Audubon Society. “He is intricately connected to this land.” As is she. The couple met in 1998 at the Folklife Festival in downtown Monroe, where mutual friends had gathered to listen to bands. The farmer and the graphic designer soon discovered their intrepid spirits and smarts were a match, celebrating their marriage with a reception for friends and family at their home down the levee and in the woods. “Harris built this house when he was in his mid-20s,” explains Kristin. “It was a true cabin in the woods. This house is an evolution and has taken on different personalities and grown with us over the years.” Only during a few brief hiatuses have the Browns not lived riverside. They moved “to town” and lovingly restoring a Greek Revival classic on the shores of Phillips Bayou that was featured on the cover and pages of the May 2016 BayouLife Magazine. The call of the wild and life on the river proved irresistible to the couple who sold their ‘city’ house and moved back to the ‘country’ in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, the couple experienced life in Kenya on Lewa Conservancy, where Harris worked with The Nature Conservancy, helping cattle farmers find best practices and sustainability. While there, Kristin put her skills to work for BeadWorks, designing marketing materials for the non-profit group that markets traditional African crafts and creates jobs for women. After their move back to Cuba Farm in 2016, Kristin, an awardwinning graphic designer and floral arranger, used her masterful sense of color to set a mood. She is also known for her ‘form follows function’ aesthetic and took their return to the woods as an opportunity to make their environment even cozier and more functional. Initially, walls on the main floor had been painted “Beehive,” a Martha Stewart color, with white cabinetry in the kitchen topped with a honed black soapstone counter. Kristin sought change, laughing that

she was “entering her dark phase” as she chose a deeper palette that reflected the dark waters of the Ouachita that flows just beyond their back door. “Iron Mountain,” is the Benjamin Moore hue used throughout the home on the kitchen island, on all doors, on built-in cabinetry and the guest bedroom walls. Newly planted landscaping by David Roach incorporates native Louisiana iris, agapanthus, and a fern garden in addition to mature plantings that surround the generous steps that lead to the second floor entrance. The couple has accumulated quite the menagerie at the farm, which at varying times has included horses, chickens, mules, goats, sheep, a couple of cats, and, of course, their five dogs — four blue heelers, Sadie, Maggie, Piper and Bandit, and a Great Pyrenees named Cotton. The younger pair of heelers are certified world travelers, having made the trip to Kenya with Harris and Kristin during their tenure at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. According to Kristin, Piper and Bandit were of great help on Lewa, keeping roving bands of monkeys at bay and accompanying the Browns on daily rides to spot wildlife. Once inside the home, the foyer table is set with a collection of oversized green glass jars from Traditions. A figurative painting by Wendy Delaney reflects the greens of the glass. The yummy scent of fall fills the home via Joanna Gaines’ candles from Target. Transoms over the doorways to the guest room send extra light from the bedroom spilling into the foyer. The guest bedroom walls, painted Kristin’s favorite inky shade, are punctuated by large windows overlooking the river and property and are dressed with artwork by Beth Welch from Levee Gallery and a graphic piece of outsider art, by artist William Hemmerling. Velvet floor to ceiling curtains add a layer of softening texture. The ceilings are covered in warm wood planks, adding to the coziness factor.

T H I S PAG E : A vignette between the dining room and living room area features an Emily Sartor painting from the late 1990s, stools sourced from Karla Katz Antiques on Magazine in New Orleans, and a fall floral arrangement by the homeowner using bittersweet. The stone hawk is from Traditions. R I G H T: The guest bedroom walls, painted Kristin’s favorite inky shade, are punctuated by large windows overlooking the river and property and are dressed with artwork by Beth Welch from Levee Gallery and a graphic piece of outsider art, by artist William Hemmerling. One of Brad Arender’s Katrina Houses is above the linen upholstered headboard.

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As president of the Twin City Art Foundation, which is the nonprofit tasked with governance for the Masur Museum, Kristin has a front row seat to the bounty of area artists and encourages us to support them. The Masur’s Off the Wall annual fundraiser is one of her favorite events as evidenced by the number of pieces procured from the event that grace her walls and shelves. Louisiana artists form the basis of the couple’s art collection and their home includes works by George Rodrigue, Michalopoulos, Brad Arender, Emily Sartor, Wendy Delaney, Susan Johnston, Glenn Kennedy, Julie Crews, Caroline Pellegrin, Deb Luster and Rhea Gary, among many others. One exception to the Louisiana rule is a painting of an egg carton Kristin acquired at a Utah outdoor art festival. She describes being drawn to the piece in a booth, turning around to leave, only to feel the tug to go back and get it. Kristin’s advice to collectors: “If something is speaking to you, you better grab it, or you will regret it later. I wasn’t going to make that mistake with this piece.” With the Brown’s collection informed by Kristin’s love of American artists Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth, she describes the experience of going to Wyeth’s studio which has been converted into a museum. “Looking out into the fields beyond his studio was like looking at one of his ethereal, realistic paintings; seeing what he saw,” says Kristin. While attending a meeting in Boston, Kristin slipped out of a workshop in order to see a Hopper exhibit. “I would do it a thousand times over,” she says of the experience of being immersed in a retrospective of Hopper’s social realism. The exhibit was curated chronologically, with works like his iconic “Nighthawks” filling walls with images of urban and rural landscapes populated with people. “I’ll never forget, though, the last painting was of an empty room,” she says of Hopper’s last work, “Sun in an Empty Room.” A large cypress tree was sourced in Oak Ridge for the home’s fireplace mantles. There was so much tree left over, Harris had the idea to cut it into a giant-sized quarter round and fitted into the corners of the living room on either side of the 52’ tall fireplace made

with stacked stone from Arkansas. At three stories tall, the fireplace begins at ground level and soars to the rafters. “We are fire people,” says Harris. “We don’t miss an opportunity to build a fire.” A pair of majestic elk antlers and an iron tree of life take center stage above the mantle. Comfortable seating around the fireplace encourages conversation and lingering longer. The unique sofa table behind the Restoration Hardware sofa was found at The Whimsey Shoppe in Dallas. According to Kristin, the table is an antique French work bench that has been repurposed. A large glass wine jar was also sourced from The Whimsey Shoppe. The couple’s bookcases are like an open book into lives lived with distinction. The large built-ins in the living room downstairs are filled with memories: crystals from Arkansas, the state where Kristin’s mother is from; a commissioned painting of Harris’ blue heeler puppies by Leigh Buffington; horns from Africa; McCarty Pottery birds; and Judith Peck’s insect portraits on silver leafed canvases. All of these are mixed with treasured black and white photographs of the couple’s families and treasured tomes. To accommodate Harris’ 6’4” frame, he specifically requested taller than average counters in the kitchen and for his bathroom vanity. The kitchen island is even a little bit taller. The oversized island features a wood butcher block style top and an undercount prep sink. Pendants that illuminate the kitchen island are Restoration Hardware. Kitchen cabinetry is topped with black matte soapstone countertops. A large apron front farmhouse sink provides ample room for clean-up from large parties. In the mudroom, an apron front sink dressed in a black and white toile skirt and cabinetry topped with an elegant quartz countertop provides ample space for flower arranging or fish cleaning. Overhead task lighting above is provided by galvanized tin pendant lamps. Kristin’s vintage watering can collection is displayed on open shelving. Wellies by the back door are at the ready for a walk around the property. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 185

butler’s pantry with glass paned doors on upper cabinets glows like jewels with the couples’ crystal and serving pieces and provides extra counter space and storage space when entertaining. Set for a Thanksgiving feast, the Browns are ready to welcome family and friends for the holidays. Adds Harris, “This house parties well. You feel like you are away from the world, when you are out here.” Kristin has set her Thanksgiving table with a variety of gourds and pumpkins found at Whole Foods and Home Hardware on N. 18th. Fiddlehead fern-inspired silverware and china are set in anticipation. The farm table, found in Forney, Texas and made from reclaimed barn wood, can seat up to ten revelers with ease. According to Harris, five guys were required to get the table up the stairs. Chairs are upholstered in a neutral linen with a nailhead trim. A family heirloom chest topped with marble is situated beneath a large canvas, “Apples and Pomegranates,” by the late Glenn Kennedy. “Wishbone,” a painting on paper by PJ Mills, was an Off the Wall purchase and was expertly framed by Lenece Laseter. 186 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Over 200 years old, the stand-up desk was acquired while Harris and his siblings were attending schools in Virginia. The desk commands one of the dining room walls with a bold painting of a car by Michalopoulos above it. French doors lead out to the screened in porch which runs the entire length of the second floor. Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture creates intimate seating and a ceiling-suspended bedsized swing is a highly coveted perch. Custom cushions of grey outdoor Sunbrella fabric piped in white adds cool comfort. Kristin found the twin bed-sized swing at P&M Hardware in West Monroe and had it custom painted. An antique skinny French farm table from Traditions paired with galvanized café chairs sets the scene for fun outdoor dinners, where the homeowners and their guests often gather al fresco. Bird’s nest and maidenhair ferns and containers were found at Parterre. A “Glammocks” hammock, made in Columbia, South America, features large tassels and provides an irresistible spot for lazy afternoon naps listening to the sounds of the river and feathered fauna.

At the top of the stairs, Kristin and Harris’ office and loft library is a warm, masculine space offering yet another window into the couple’s loves. The built-in bookcases are styled with the couple’s black and white photography collection interspersed between treasured first editions of classic literature. A Deb Luster silver gelatin print of a St. Gabriel Penitentiary prisoner and her pet frog draw you closer. Collected specimens from the natural world are artfully arranged on the shelves: a feather from a red tail hawk, naturally shed antlers and a wasp nest found on the farm. Acquired in New Orleans, a Keith Carter photograph, called “The Fortune Teller,” depicts a bird that is presented a box of fortunes and he chooses one for you, says Kristin. On the third floor screened porch, Kristin has assembled a comfortable seating area for spending time at the canopy level of the forest and overlooking the terraced deck down to the river with a bird’s eye view. Kristin had a vintage metal slider sofa powder coated with a custom grey paint color. Cushions for seating were made from a Sunbrella toile and French ticking sourced from Restoration Hardware. A metal table base was a Parterre find for which Kristin had J&J Stone Fabricators make a granite top. An OLY faux bois table was sourced from Tish Miller. Half of the third floor porch was enclosed to create a workspace for Kristin. “Harris calls it my ‘Wood Duck Hole,’” laughs Kristin about her own little tree house. “To create my office, we simply put

up solid walls and windows and left the original flooring from the screened porch,” says Kristin. “I had to carve out a place where I could do my botanical arts projects and keep them out of Harris’ way.” This is her space for creativity, amid the treetops, where she can step outside to take breaks on the screened porch. The pendant task lighting over her workdesks is by School House Electric. In the master bedroom, a custom half-tester cypress bed designed and crafted by Olivier, a Natchez furniture maker is dressed in a silk velvet coverlet and luxe pillows. A treasured painting by Susan Johnston, entitled “Blustery Winter,” takes center stage above the headboard. “I’ve always been attracted to the melancholy feeling in this painting. It’s a very Wyeth feeling I get from this,” points out Kristin. Bedroom walls were given a new grey coat and lush, pillowy soft carpet adds warmth underfoot. Antique French botanicals from Traditions ground the lofty space. Reclaimed cypress barn beams follow the angles of the soaring roofline. In the en suite master bath, a gilded starburst mirror sourced from Nick McKinney adds feminine glamour above the tub. The glass walled shower features a textural river rock floor. The couple’s his and hers vanities are custom sized to fit her petite stature and his height. Giving is synonymous for the Browns, whose lives have been committed to protecting our planet, whether it’s along the Ouachita River, the Gulf Coast or across the globe on the grasslands of northern Kenya. And for that we give thanks.

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Integrating Antique Pieces Into Your Home Traditions on Trenton

BY GREGORY HUDGINS, DESIGNER AND COLLECTOR

URE THE DOORS DON’T ALWAYS stay shut. Sometimes the knobs are a little “won-key.” As a collector and designer, those tiny inconveniences are what makes living with antiques interesting. I am told so often by my clients that people no longer want antique furniture. To this I completely disagree. Sure, no one wants everything that a previous family member has owned and in today’s world of Marie Kondo, where everything is tossed out to the curb, I see the frustration of merging old with new. Most of today’s homes are 50 shades of Gray on Gray on Gray, with the exception of the odd deep green of a Fiddle Leaf Fig tucked into a sunny corner. Here are my recommendations for learning to integrate well curated antique pieces into your home. My top advice for any purchase is to always buy what you love. The purchase or the item does not have to make sense. If the

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object or piece of furniture “calls to you” then buy it. If you love it you will find a place for it in your home. When buying antiques, find something that interests you. Be it the piece itself or the provenance of the piece. Provence is a record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or quality. Most antique dealers can tell you the provenance of the piece. These stories and histories are what really interest me in the antique furniture and decor. Once you start asking questions the more the piece really comes to life and you can really know the long history of items. No home is complete without a “collection.” I have clients that collect oyster plates, antique books, crystal rose bowls, Chinese porcelain, ginger jars, etc. While traveling how wonderful it is to happen upon something that you collect. I know that antique stores can seem overwhelming, but

if you have a small collection of something, asking about it will help ease antique store interactions. Most antique dealers are in the business because it is something that they truly love. Ask any of them and they will all tell you, it’s in their blood. Once while touring a small castle in France that was filled with incredible treasures and antiques, I asked the owner of the castle, “What was it like to know that he owned all that?” He told me that yes he does own it but he was more like a custodian or caretaker of the castle, and that the pieces were there for many generations past and will be there for many generations in the future.

A “Pawesome” Place for Your Pet Lefebvre Veterinary Medical Center

EFEBVRE VETERINARY MEDICAL Center, located in Monroe, Louisiana, has proudly served the community for three decades. Our professional and courteous staff seeks to provide the best possible medical, surgical, and dental care for our valued patients. We are committed to promoting preventive health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. IT’S NOT JUST ROUTINE TO US Our staff of compassionate and caring professionals will monitor your pet before, during, and after surgery, taking exceptional care to ensure a safe and complete recovery. We take pride in providing unmatched care for patients, as well as their owners. From spaying or neutering procedures to higher risk surgeries, our team treats each operation with care and precision. No procedure is routine, and we give each patient personal attention to ease fears and recovery time. We focus on each patient’s safety, pain

management, and employ the most current surgical practices. LVMC is the first to offer minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to Northeast Louisiana and southern Arkansas, allowing your pet an easier and quicker recovery than the traditional methods of surgery. HOME AWAY FROM HOME Conveniently located near Forysthe Avenue in North Monroe, our boarding facility offers lots of love and all of the comforts of home for your pet. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable in knowing that your pet will receive the highest quality care when boarding at LVMC. We do not take this responsibility lightly, and we pride ourselves in the special attention and love that is provided to each and every pet that is left in our care. Our guests are continually supervised by our veterinarians and monitored by trained veterinary assistants. Our boarding accommodations are not just for your K-9 family members. Our cat

condominiums offer spacious room to sleep and play. Natural light, soft music, perching areas, connecting condos, toys, and soft bedding are some of the added touches to help your furry feline feel relaxed during their stay. OUR TEAM IS READY TO HELP Our goal to our patients is to provide the highest quality health care and wellness services available. We believe that this, coupled with your love and care, will help your pet live a longer, happier, and healthier life. Our goal to our clients is to provide access to state of the art diagnostic capabilities, medical care, and surgical services. We also believe client education is the cornerstone of preventive medicine, and that we are your best resource for advice and answers to questions about your pet’s health, behavior, and nutrition. Contact us online or over the phone. We offer flexible payment options. We accept Care Credit, Scratch Pay, a variety of pet insurances, and we are happy to set up a flexible payment plan.

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Choosing the Right Jeweler

Dupont Jewelers Has Over 50 Years of Service

HEN OWNING A JEWELRY store, you’re always asking yourself, What are customers looking for in a Great Jewelry Store? What do customers want? If you’re looking to buy jewelry, consider the reputation, support after the sale, warranties, and value. Price doesn’t always reflect value. You are maybe purchasing a gift to celebrate a special event in someone’s life, communicating your feelings or commitment to someone. Some purchases require adjustments, knowing the person your gifting will be taken care of, is very important. If you are looking to restore or repair jewelry, in-house jewelry repair is important. Selecting an experienced jeweler trained in Gemology will ensure your gemstone won’t become unnecessarily damaged. If you have an idea for a custom-tailored piece of jewelry, the jeweler should have a history of designing and creating beautiful jewelry. Jewelry designers can help you make the best decisions for durability and elegance.

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They give you options and customizations you may overlook. Then other considerations like a good reputation, timely repair schedule, friendly and informed salespeople, security, warranty policies, and insurance for your jewelry when left to be redesigned or repaired. These are all weighty concerns in choosing a jewelry store. A Case for Dupont Jewelers For over 50 years, Dupont Jewelers has been selling jewelry in North Louisiana, so ask people about our reputation. I am fortunate to have a very special person working with me Kay Bolthouse. Kay has been restoring, repairing, and designing jewelry for over 30 years. She has worked with me for over 15 years. Kay is, without a doubt, one of the best in her field. She is pleasant, smart, trustworthy, and very gifted. Everyone loves working with Kay. We both have gemology training and have over 30 years of experience designing jewelry. No jewelry repairs are mailed out to people we don’t know.

Kay and I do all repairs in our store. All jewelry is insured and secured in our safe at night while in our store. We have a free warranty that is part of every sale. It’s a very simple warranty. If your ring breaks or you lose a stone, we will replace or repair free of charge, until I am no longer in business. (some restrictions apply) If you purchase your ring from us, we professionally clean your ring as often as you like. We will completely refinish your ring and re-apply rhodium, if necessary, once each year. When buying a ring from us, this is just the start of our relationship. My focus during the last few years has been designing engagement rings, bracelets, wedding bands, and pendants for customers. You can view many of these designs at www.DupontJewelers.com. Click on the catalog tab. If you read this ad, please text ‘saw it’ to 318-541-8569. The next time you’re doing the jewelry thing, I hope you will think of us as a Great Jewelry Store.

James DuPont Trade • Restore • Redesign • Create • Sell 1874 Forsythe Ave in Monroe 318.855.4695

Aiming for Excellence

An Inclusive, Interactive, Interdisciplinary Approach to Care BY DR. JOHN D. “JODEY” EDWARDS, NCC, LPC-S

HEN REFLECTING ON THE past 20 years of clinical experience as a mental health professional, educator, and clinical supervisor, I have come to appreciate the diverse and unique nature of my experiences and training. These experiences, along with countless interactions with others in this diverse field, have led me to a much more profound appreciation of a truly integrated, collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to mental health care. My experiences, both past and present, are substantially supported throughout the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. The ACA encourages clinicians to strive to establish positive and collaborative professional relationships with other professionals with whom a client is working. Over the past six years, my position as a professional counselor at Family Solutions Counseling Center (FSCC), where I have had the

opportunity to expand my knowledge base and clinical experience as a clinician. Also, during this time period, I have continued to teach both face-to-face psychology courses at CCS and ULM, as well as teaching graduate courses in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at ULM as an adjunct Assistant Professor. It was initially through my early experiences that I recognized the importance of collaborative care, but it has been through my experiences at FSCC that I have been able to truly appreciate what a genuinely inclusive, interactive, interdisciplinary treatment team approach to mental health care can do to facilitate positive treatment outcome. As a professional counselor and clinical staff member of the FSCC team, I have come to better understand the interactive and complex nature of mental health treatment. As you can note based on what’s written above, I have had the opportunity to engage in various forms of training, but due to certain limitations, there

have always been missing pieces. At FSCC, those missing pieces have been integrated in; therefore, a genuinely inclusive, interactive, interdisciplinary treatment team approach to mental health care has been established, and true collaborative care is available. There’s plenty of strong data to support collaborative care, and one does not have to be a professional to see that it makes sense from a commonsense perspective. This approach tends to lead to better, and typically longer lasting outcomes, as clients are able to access all aspects of mental health treatment within one unified and collaborative setting. As a professional counselor working within the FSCC interdisciplinary treatment team, if I am considering any type of referral, be it referral to marriage counseling, psychological testing, psychotropic medication review and/ or management, etc., I am able to consult with referral sources in person and in a confidential manner. Within the FSCC interdisciplinary clinical team, we have direct access to fully licensed and experienced professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, addiction counselors, counseling and clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and family nurse practitioners. It is important to note the term “direct access” as this is indicative of the treatment approach that has been shown to be the most successful overall approach to mental health care.

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Feasting at for His temple

Local Restaurant Offers Gluten Free and Dairy Free

OVEMBER IS HERE AND THAT means fall, family get togethers and feasting, but it doesn’t have be 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! During the busy holiday season, they take the stress and mess out of your kitchen by offering casseroles available for order. Beginning November 4th, you can check out the for His temple website to see what they have to choose from and place your order by November 19th. They offer 3 different types of dressing - bread and sausage, traditional cornbread and shrimp and grits. - as well as traditional favorite casseroles like string bean, corn, broccoli, praline sweet potatoes and more. All come in either a regular or large size casseroles. for His temple also offers some dessert options like blueberry cobbler and pecan pie. for

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His temple also offers appetizers and party platters available for order as well. You can choose from Paleo Sausage Balls, Ceviche, Balsamic Bruschetta, Chicken Salad Sliders, Mediterranean Hummus Dip, Quinoa Pizza Bites, Empanadas or Sausage Puffs. Owner Dana Milford is proud to not only offer gluten free and diary free options, but to offer locally sourced food. “We work with nearly a dozen local farms and offer local honey, chicken and duck eggs, beef, chicken, pork, lamb and goat, as well as seasonal vegetables & microgreens.” said Dana. “We strive to offer local food that is seasonally available. We have such great relationships with our local farmers and they are part of the reason we have been able to serve such nutrient dense, tasty food for the past four years.” Since their inception, for His temple has grown to not only offer lunch during the week, but also gluten free and diary free

groceries, host farm to table dinners and offer monthly workshops where participants learn about Kombucha, micorgreens, herbs & more. 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, baked potato soup and more. Dana shares the menu each Saturday on Facebook, Instagram and their website so you can see what is being offered Mon-Fri. The menu changes every 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!

The Paper Market Celebrate Everything Fall!

N THIS SEASON OF GRATITUDE, THE Paper Market is thankful to be your local one stop shop for all things paper and party supplies. For the past 9 years, 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. 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 with Thanksgiving arriving this month, that means Christmas is just around the corner. The Paper Market has their 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. They also offer personalized gift tags and stickers for Christmas gifts, making it easy to label who your gifts are from. Its also never too early to plan your Christmas cards. You can order yours directly on The Paper Market’s website, where you can upload your family pictures, choose from a variety of designs and ship directly to your home. It’s the best of both worlds – shopping online while also supporting a local business. 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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Celebrating 45 Years as a Family Business Skyjacker Suspensions

T IS AN EXCITING YEAR FOR Skyjacker Suspensions. 2019 marks the 45year anniversary of the company. Lonnie McCurry, Sr. and his wife Nell McCurry started the company in a shop in his backyard. The name at the time was Lonnie McCurry 4 Wheel Drive Center. He got into the business because there was a need for improving the hobby he and his friends enjoyed so much which was racing and mud digging. He realized early on that if he wanted to win he would need higher trucks and bigger tires. Fabrication was always his passion. So a hobby turned into a business and in 1974 they created Skyjacker Suspensions. From there Skyjacker grew from a one bay garage into an international manufacturing warehouse. Skyjacker has gotten to be a part of some really cool things like: Law and Order SVU, having the official jeep in the Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, supplying numerous celebrities suspension lifts for their

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rides, and so much more. Lonnie was even named in the top five of off-road industry’s most influential people, along with many racing championships and various awards with SEMA and Ford. Lonnie and Nell have always loved the industry, but they have never forgotten where they started and the local customers who support them. Skyjacker is constantly supporting local teams and individuals throughout the year. They also are constantly supporting charities and other ministries. The Lord always comes first for them as individuals and as a company. As the company grows in the industry, it also grows in the family business aspect. There are over 10 family employees within the company, including their two children, Lonnie McCurry, Jr. (President) and Cindy Acree (CFO). It is a blessing to Lonnie and Nell to have their family a part of the business and that they all have the same love and

passion for family as well as the industry. Skyjacker is one of the few companys left in the industry that is still owned and operated by the original owners. That in itself is a huge accomplishment. Skyjacker continues to strive to stay ahead of the game in the aftermarket industry. They were one of the very first ones to provide the market with a true suspension system for the 2018 Jeep JL and again for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Quality is their biggest goal and they have continued to strive for that since day one. As Lonnie, Sr. says, “Do it right the first time.” Skyjacker is thankful for the community and its support over the years. They are looking forward to the next 45 years.

Sun Enthusiast Develops Melanoma

Buddy Hill Credits Dr. Bart Liles for Calm, Successful Recovery

UDDY HILL’S CHILDHOOD adventures took place on a 24-foot sailboat underneath the Cape Cod sun. His parents always insisted that their blonde, fair-skinned son—who usually only wore a hat and shorts while on the boat—apply sunscreen. While Buddy, now 77, has remained vigilant about wearing sunscreen since childhood, a visit to the dermatologist never occurred to him. “Fortunately, I have always been very healthy. I am one big freckle with lots of little spots, and I love the heat,” Buddy said. “My daughters have always urged me to see a dermatologist, but my mentality was to visit the doctor when I was sick or in pain. And, nothing was wrong.” In October of 2018, Buddy spoke to his primary physician about a small leg bump resulting from a cut that did not heal properly. His doctor referred him to Dr. Bart Liles, a

surgeon at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana. Upon meeting Dr. Liles, Buddy was struck by his demeanor. “He is a great person to keep you calm. He explains everything that’s going on, and he is very comfortable to be with. I instantly felt that I would be okay after meeting him.” Dr. Liles removed two suspicious spots, neither of which were malignant. Buddy, of West Monroe, visited his primary physician again in November and mentioned a lesion that he first discovered about five years ago. The small lesion, located on his back and about the size of a dime, would sometimes break open. However, the spot wouldn’t irritate him, so he would treat it with a band aid and forget about it. Upon hearing this, his primary doctor referred him to a dermatologist who later diagnosed the spot as stage one melanoma. The skin cancer diagnosis meant surgery, so Buddy requested the expertise of Dr. Liles

once again. Dr. Liles operated on Buddy twice more, removing a total of six melanomas from his shoulder, lower back, and arm. The incisions, one of them eight inches long, are now barely noticeable. “I’m amazed at what he did,” Buddy said. Throughout the process, Buddy remained calm in part because of how Dr. Liles, who Buddy describes as “kind,” made him feel. “When he removed the stitches—and I had an armful of them—he knew which ones would hurt, and he would warn me. He made me part of the conversation, and he spoke to me in terms I could understand. I would not go to anybody else,” Buddy said. “We had a nice relationship, and life is about relationships. I think that’s what you gain from him.” Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning beds increases one’s risk of developing melanoma. While melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, melanoma frequently develops in areas that have been heavily exposed to the sun. The first melanoma signs are changes in existing moles or new and unusual growths. In addition to Dr. Liles, the clinic is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor and Dr. Patrick Smith. Contact the clinic today with any questions you have about melanoma or other surgical needs.

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B A Y O U A R T I S T With a renewed sense of purpose, Shelly Nealy has poured her heart into becoming a full-time, professional artist. Article by April Clark Honaker Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

ometimes in life people have to rediscover their purpose. For artist Shelly Nealy, this has certainly been true. As a kid, she loved being creative, coloring, and playing. She loved what she loved, and art was her favorite class, but adulthood brought some unexpected setbacks. Although she’s confident she’s on the right path now, and it’s wide open, that hasn’t always been the case. For Shelly, becoming a full-time, professional artist has been a long road. When it came time for her to go to college and choose a major, she was at a loss. She hadn’t seriously considered art as an option, and her mom Marcia Nealy took her to Dallas for aptitude testing. According to Shelly, the results were a bit unexpected, and her mom wasn’t happy with them. The first suggestion given was that Shelly should be an actress. Shelly said her mom looked at the tester and said, “‘Nope, try again.’” When the follow up suggestion involved playing tennis, her mom said, “‘One more time.’” Finally, the tester suggested that Shelly become a teacher. She and her mom didn’t balk at that idea immediately, and Shelly enrolled as an education major at Louisiana Tech University. Soon after starting college, Shelly decided she needed a break. Being an education major and college in general didn’t seem to be the right fit at the time. Shelly was determined to explore the world, so she took a hiatus to travel. For part of her travels, a friend joined her. They traveled all over the American west and beyond, figuring things out as they went. Shelly said, “We were two dogs and two girls just going down the road.” At one point in their journey, the pair found themselves low on cash and in need of gas in Hailey, Idaho, so they improvised. They dug out some paper from the back of their car and decided to make art with whatever natural resources they could find. They used mostly dirt, twigs, and berries, but the resulting art was good enough that they were able to sell it for cash and continue on their way. Although this story is just a snapshot of a moment from Shelly’s life, it captures who she is as a person—her willingness to dive into life with unbridled trust that everything will work out. “My whole life I think I’ve just had my mouth wide open at what I’ve experienced and seen,” she said. “Life is amazing, and it is what you make of it, and I want the rest of mine to be awesome!” When Shelly had satisfied her appetite for travel, she decided to return to Louisiana Tech, this time as an art major. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in 3-D design in 2002 and said, “I feel like I had the best of the best teachers.” At the time, the art department faculty at Tech included Kevin Kennedy, Peter Jones, Robert Berguson, Charlie Meeds, and Edwin Pinkston. Shelly compared the group to the Rat Pack and credits them not only with inspiring her and giving her the technical skills she needed but also with teaching her about the history and meaning of art. After graduation, Shelly wasn’t sure how to proceed professionally, but she wasn’t ready to stop learning. In fact, she considers herself a perpetual student, and at the time, her penchant for learning led her to a workshop with renowned sculpture artist Patrick Dougherty at Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village, Colorado. According to Shelly, she’s the type to sign up for opportunities that sound great without really thinking about the logistics. When she got to Snowmass, she found that the other students had made lodging arrangements at the ranch, but space was limited, and they were fully booked. As a result, she was forced to camp in the woods nearby. Still, it was a great experience, perhaps even better because she was surrounded by nature. Shelly said the 198 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

workshop was a way of testing herself and confirming that she could take art seriously, but she still didn’t have a plan for how to proceed afterward. At the time, her mom, being practical, suggested that she expand her fine arts education by learning some decorative painting and faux effects skills. Shelly was game, and the two of them traveled to New York to learn these skills together. Afterward, they founded Great Walls Artistic and Decorative Painting, and they’ve worked together on a lot of projects since, including some of the finishes at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana, and the restoration of the Vantage building, which was built as the Virginia Hotel in the 1920s in downtown Monroe. According to Shelly, faux techniques and decorative painting include a variety of finishes from plasters and glazes to numerous textures and marbling, and she’s always learning about new methods and new media. In fact, she’s been to trainings in Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Jackson, and New York, and her most recent training involved a new, “green” product that she said is so safe you could eat it. With all this special training and years of experience, Shelly can make a backsplash look like granite or make wood look like copper. The possibilities are endless. In a sense, Shelly’s a magician—an illusionist—but she tends to think of what she does more as alchemy.

“I love experimenting with everything,” she said, “and mixing things that are not supposed to be mixed together,” but she added, “It’s also about turning something not as valuable into something more valuable.” And this idea carries over into her fine art as well. Working in decorative painting requires a lot of problem solving and trying different things to get the desired look. But more times than not, Shelly discovers something she can use in her other art. Although decorative painting is more of a “job” and fine art painting is more personal, the creative processes overlap and inform each other in surprising ways. “I’m always open to trying everything,” she said. “I wanna learn everything and know everything, but I want to experience it on my own.” Sometimes when she combines certain media they need time to react, but afterward, she said, “It’s like opening a present.” Experiencing these surprises alongside her mom over the last several years has also been a special kind of gift. Although her mom has stepped back from painting recently, Shelly continues to carry on their work. “It’s my bread and butter,” she said, “and this [fine art] is like the icing on the cake.” It wasn’t until three years ago that she decided to take the leap and become a full-time professional artist, making fine art and meeting clients’ decorating needs with art as well. 200 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

For the six years prior, Shelly taught at the Montessori School of Ruston, focused on being a mom, and worked as a decorative painter with her mom, but she didn’t do much painting for herself. Some of those years were especially hard for personal reasons, but she said she couldn’t be more thankful for the “gift that came out of it.” Shelly firmly believes that lessons turn into blessings, and said, “I try to be grateful for everything that is happening in my life at the moment.” Since deciding to focus on her art, Shelly has felt a renewed sense of purpose. “This has always been my purpose and my passion,” she said, but she put it aside for a time and had to rediscover it. She believes everyone has a gift and that it’s our job to figure out what it is. “God put me here to be an artist,” she said, “and I’m making it. It’s better than the American dream. My work is my church, my meditation, and my life experience.” To commemorate the changes she’s undergone in the last few years, Shelly has a tattoo of a phoenix rising from the ashes on her arm. “I’ve transformed,” she said. “I went through metamorphosis, and now I feel like my wings are open. I can’t believe I’m doing this for a living.” In a sense, making art has brought her back to life. Throughout the transformation, Shelly has looked to the words of some of the most inspirational figures of our time for support

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and advice, including Dr. Wayne Dyer and Steve Jobs. According to Shelly, Dyer helped her realize that life is a choice. He said, “You’ll seldom experience regret for anything that you’ve done. It is what you haven’t done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it.” For Shelly, everything hinged on the moment Dyer convinced her to stop wasting her time and to choose happiness in the face of hardship. “Staying positive through the hard stuff is a challenge,” she said, “but I’m working on that all the time. I like challenging myself.” Although this lesson is a great life lesson, it also plays a role in Shelly’s art. As an artist, she’s never complacent and refuses to allow her work to be confined to a single style or category. “It has become more complex as my life has,” she said, “and everything is really different because I’m always working in the moment.” Shelly also makes it a point to surround herself with likeminded people. She is part of a co-op of women artists who meet once a week to work on projects together. They meet at Fringe in Ruston, Louisiana, and in addition to Shelly, the co-op includes Abigail Edwards, Annie Richardson, Beth Holland, Danni Jones, Kate Hilburn, Laura Lewis, Patricia Jones, and Maggie Jones Boudreaux. As a group, they challenge and support each other. Shelly said that together the women and Fringe are like a sanctuary—a safe place to learn, create, grow, and discuss while living in the moment. Shelly’s in-the-moment mindset also means that she’s always on the lookout for inspiration, and she’s just as likely to find it in a song lyric or a walk in nature as she is to find it in on the side of the road or in a storm gutter. Nothing is off limits. “My life is eclectic. I love it all,” she said. “Everything in my life is like that. If you’re open to receiving, everything can come in. It’s there. You just have to let it happen.” Shelly is also a Christian. She strives to follow Christ’s example and likes to listen to other voices of our time to support herself personally and spiritually. She believes in the power of love and the Law of Attraction. “What you put in is what you get back,” she said. She has a lot of love to give and wants to receive it back. One of the ways she shares her love with the world is through her painting. She pours love into every one and said she never paints while angry. In this sense, her work is truly a labor of love. Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” He encouraged people to continue searching for the work that fulfills them until they find it, and he was confident we would all know it when we did. Shelly certainly did. “Being able to use my art as a tool to heal, to transform, to grow is the greatest gift that my art gives me,” she said. “To be free to explore on that blank canvas is total freedom. It’s wide open. You can do anything.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 201

Local Eatery Celebrates Mel’s Cajun Fried Chicken and Catfish

HILE MEL’S CAJUN FRIED CHICKEN & CATFISH IS celebrating three years in their current location this month, they have been serving fresh food throughout Northeast Louisiana for nearly 5 decades. The owners, Mel and Della Ardoin, are originally from Jennings, Louisiana and made their way to North Louisiana when they took over Danny’s Fried Chicken. Then they opened Mel’s Diner in Winnsboro and ran it for 18 years. Mel and his family have been serving customers in the current location located just off the Millhaven exit. Mel is at the restaurant every day its open to ensure the great food and customer service his patrons have come to expect. He and his wife, along with their son, Shannon, see customers that have become family. “The restaurant and food industry is all I know and I truly enjoying serving people,” said Mel. “We have some people that come and eat here three times a week. They know they can get good food at a fair price in a clean environment with friendly service, and that is what we pride ourselves on.” Mel's is excited about expanding to another location in Delhi that will be opening soon. One of the most popular items on Mel’s menu is the chicken tenders. They are never frozen so they are fresh and come with a delicious white gravy as a dipping sauce. Mel’s is proud to serve Louisiana Farm Raised Catfish from Haring Catfish from just down the road in Wisner, as well as fresh Louisiana shrimp that are hand battered in a cajun batter. Over the years, Mel and his family have perfected their recipes and they make their own dirty rice, coleslaw, red beans and rice as well as tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. Mel’s offers a variety of chicken piece dinners, as well as a chicken fried steak, fried shrimp, fried catfish and a pork chop dinner. You can choose from 8, 12 and 16 piece buckets of chicken, as well. Sides include French fries, fried okra, dirty rice, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, rolls and mashed potatoes and gravy. For lagniappe, Mel’s has Natchitoches Meat Pies, boudin balls, fried green tomatoes and apple and lemon pie for dessert. They also have daily lunch specials, like a seafood plate or chicken sandwich, that rotate each week. Mel’s is located next to the E-Z Mart off Millhaven exit 124 on Hwy 594 in Monroe and are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. “The restaurant can hold around 70 people and we are packed during lunch because people know they can get in and out because they have a limited amount of time on their lunch break,” said Mel. You can also place a to-go order by calling 318-343-6400. Mel’s fresh chicken and seafood is perfect for tailgating, family get togethers and upcoming holiday parties. Stop by and say hello to Mel and his family today!

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Fourth Annual Pumpkin Fest Join Us for a Fun Filled Day at the Park

BK DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS IS PARTNERING with the City of West Monroe to present this Festival on Saturday, November 9th. When you can smell an Autumn dancing in the breeze and the sweet chill of pumpkin and sunburnt leaves, it’s time to celebrate with music and dance, arts and crafts, games, prizes, and of course, great food! With the help of the city of West Monroe, we are expanding our event to make this the largest and best to date. Kiroli Park will be filled with vendors, food, entertainment, arts and crafts and so much more. Be sure to arrive early as the first 500 people will receive a swag bag filled with goodies. You also don’t want to miss the raffles with great door prizes provided by our vendors. This is a wonderful family event for all ages. There will be games and activities for adults as well as the kiddos. The day will be filled with live entertainment. We welcome special guests Miss Louisiana and rising local talent Ricky Rowton featuring songs from his newly released album. Performances by the DBK dancers, several area school dance and cheer groups as well as ULM Hawkline with special appearance by “Ace.” A huge thank you to Vanguard Realty for being our Stage Sponsor! We are super excited about our new CHILI COOK OFF. We are looking for the best chili in town with a prize gift basket worth over $100 filled with goodies and gift cards from local eateries. Send your favorite chili chef to vie for that #1 spot. Once you fill up on that awesome chili you can move on over to our college game day area featuring a large blowup screen so you can cheer on your favorite team. Thank you to Serenity Home Care for this great new addition to the festival! The entire day will be filled with shopping from numerous local vendors and eating as much as your heart desires of great food and baked goods from 318 Food Co with their signature brick oven pizza from a FOOD TRUCK. The Crazy Popper with all those yummy selections, Delta Roux n Que, Newk’s, CC’s Coffee, Firehouse Subs, Cajun Will’s Corndogs, Miss Kay's Sweets & Eats and yummy treats from Uptown Downtown are a sample of some of the participating eateries. The kids can enjoy games, prizes, and jumpers. Our pumpkin patch will feature a great photo area for family portraits by Albritton Photography. Hayrides on Landry Vineyards big trailer will be a favorite for sure. Thank you to 88.7 The Cross/ Power 92.7 for helping promote this event. Join us as we celebrate all things pumpkin and fall and enjoy a family friendly community event for all ages. For more information on available sponsorship levels or vendor packets, you may email dbkpumpkinfest@ yahoo.com. DBK Dance Performing Arts

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Stay Warm and Cozy at Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats West Monroe Bakery Offers Seasonal Specials and Hot Coffee

APPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats in West Monroe. Our cozy shop on Antique Alley is the perfect place to host your holiday party. We’re open from 11-3 on Mondays, 8-3 on Tuesday-Thursday and 8-6 on Friday and Saturday. We serve everything you’re looking for, be it breakfast, lunch, coffee, sweets or early dinner on the weekends. We also offer extensive catering options and custom bakery items. Call us today at 318-582-5872 for more information. HOLIDAY SEASON SPECIALS Miss Kay’s loves to party, so let us help throw yours. Don’t want to worry about cleaning up a mess after the company Christmas party? We can host your event at our picturesque location on Antique Alley. We have experience in all kinds of dishes and types of service, including plated dinners, buffets, showers, casual gatherings and more!

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If you’ve already got your in-laws coming for Thanksgiving, you don’t need any more stress. So let us do the cooking! We’ll deliver to your home or business so you can relax and enjoy your guests. This holiday season we’ll have several Thanksgiving dishes ready to order, including: • Whole smoked turkeys or hams • Cornbread dressing • Macaroni & cheese • Sweet potato casserole • Broccoli rice casserole • Sweet potato pie and apple pie • Chocolate cake and pumpkin caramel cake Each item may be ordered separately or as part of a Set The Table package which includes one of each item. COOLER WEATHER CALLS FOR HOT COFFEE!

Whether you’re jonesing for a drip coffee or a hand-crafted espresso drink, we’ve got the brew for you! Warm up with an Apple Chai-der or a pumpkin spiced latte. A great fall treat is an Affogato, a scoop of your favorite gelato topped with a fresh espresso shot. Our large windows offer the perfect view of historic downtown West Monroe, a perfect spot to sip and relax while doing your Christmas shopping on the Alley. Or gear up for those pesky final exams while soaking up our free Wi-Fi and a cuppa joe for those long study hours! We can accommodate nearly any budget or vision with the catering services of our specialist, along with tasty sweets made by our degreed pastry chef. Got a better price somewhere else? Talk to us, we’ll do our best to match it with quality ingredients and customer service. Remember Miss Kay’s when you’re shopping this holiday season!

Treating A Hidden Condition Robert D. Marx, M.D., Your Hometown Urologist

ENS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE living with overactive bladder (OAB) and chronic fecal incontinence (FI). These conditions not only disrupt everyday life, they are embarrassing to talk about. So people tend to keep them hidden. Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering from these conditions find relief. OAB and FI are more prevalent than many other common conditions. When people with OAB and FI finally seek treatment, they are often unhappy with the results. Here’s why: dietary changes and physical therapy can be ineffective, medications often cause unpleasant side effects or patients don’t realize other options are available. Medtronic therapies can help people with bladder and bowel control issues get their lives back. They are potentially life-changing

options for any patient with OAB or FI who isn’t responding well to first- and secondline treatments. More than 70% of patients with OAB discontinued medications within 6 months and many people with bladder and bowel control issues do not seek treatment. Medtronic offers a proven therapy for treating OAB and chronic FI. Medtronic Bladder or Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStimTM system, also called sacral neuromodulation (SNM), is clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of both OAB and chronic FI. Unlike conventional treatments, SNM works by gently stimulating the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles, lower urinary tract, anal sphincter, and bowel. This is thought to restore the bladder-brain and bowel-brain communication pathway, resulting in significant improvements in quality of life.

Unlike other treatments, SNM allows patients to experience the therapy during a short evaluation before committing to it. It is a minimally invasive procedure, 3 to 7 day assessment and helps determine likely longterm efficacy. Complications can occur with the evaluation. Patients should be instructed on operating the test device and given other precautions related to the evaluation as well as activity restrictions. 84% of OAB patients are satisfied with SNM therapy. Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. If you are suffering from OAB or FI please call their office for an appointment today.

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Starting Christmas Early This Year Aiming for a Stressless Gift Giving Season

OR MANY, NOVEMBER EVOKES memories of food, family gatherings and football filled weekends. For others, November is a reminder of the looming stress that comes with holiday shopping. Christmas is a time for giving, but the stress of finding that perfect gift can be both challenging and overwhelming especially when you want to give a gift that has meaning and is more than just presents from a store. Fortunately, special gifts are what Sew Southern Embroidery in Rayville is all about. Stroll through Sew Southern Embroidery and you will find a variety of items that can be personalized. They truly have something for everyone. “Embroidery is in our name, but it’s certainly not the only thing we do.” says Amy Gladney, owner. Sew Southern also offers custom etched cutting boards, personalized glassware, etched casserole dishes and insulated beverage holders, among other things.

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While all of the items are personal, many of them are also very practical and reasonably priced. In particular, the etched casserole dishes. “There’s no guessing whose dish this is,” Gladney says laughingly. “This dish will make it home from someone else’s kitchen!” In keeping with the personal touch, Gladney often spends time “brainstorming” with her customers to learn what is important to both the giver and the gift recipient. “I hear many people say the hardest part of Christmas shopping is finding something for the person who ‘has everything’. That’s my job...to help others make Christmas personal.” Sew Southern even has a new website we are putting together for that purpose: makechristmaspersonal.com. In addition to custom gifts Sew Southern also offers a number of unique baby items. Embroidered heirloom baby quilts, custom bibs and burp

cloths and even etched “sippy cups.” Sew Southern Embroidery is your local stop for all your embroidery needs. Whether it’s your favorite team or your company logo Sew Southern can make it happen as well as creating unique, handmade gifts for all the special people in your life. They are ready to help you make Christmas personal again. Stop by the store at 725 Louisa St. in Rayville, call and speak to Amy personally or simply visit their website at SewSouthernOnline.com. Be sure to place your Christmas orders soon!

Champagne and Shopping Event Gives Back to the Community

HE ANNUAL CHAMPAGNE AND SHOPPING EVENT IS back for the fourth year in a row and this year will be bigger and better than ever! The event features local vendor booths and will take place on Small Business Saturday, November 30th at a new location. “We are excited about our new location - the Krewe de Rivière den,” says Judy Babb, event organizer. “This space will have plenty of room for all of our vendors and give the community the opportunity to view the newest Mardi Gras Krewe’s den.” “We have many returning vendors as well as some new ones,” said Judy. “This is a great opportunity to support local makers and businesses for Shop Small Saturday and get some of your Christmas shopping done.” And of course, there will be complimentary champagne for everyone to enjoy, as well! One of the returning vendors is Audie’s Wood Bowl works, featuring beautiful hand made bowls in a variety of sizes. Another interesting returning vendor is The Name People, Marvin and Beth Crain. They print an 11”x17” Name Armorial, containing the history of the first time the last name was ever recorded in history, details about where and how the name traveled from country to country and how it reached America. Other vendors include hats, scarves and beanies from Creations by Carmen, handmade soaps and body washes from MaMere’ Potpourri, unique interchangeable jewelry from Snaps & Moore, Senegence and Lipsence, Carolyn’s Microwave Bowl Warmers and Stella and Dot. Art makes for a great gift and you can grab some pieces from local artists including Christina Fox Banda and more. Vendor booths are still available. If you are interested in having a booth, contact Judy at judy.kelsey@gmail.com. Admission is $5 and there will be door prizes drawn every 15 minutes! The money generated at the door will be split between two non-profit organizations - the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana and the Krewe de Rivière. The Krewe will use the funds to build floats and pay bands to play in their inaugural Mardi Gras parade on February 8, 2020. The Twin Cities Krewe de Rivière is an all inclusive, community-based Krewe dedicated to the historical and traditional concepts of a Mardi Gras parade as an avenue for individual creative expression. They encourage local citizens, along with local businesses and neighboring communities to become involved in the activities and they contribute to the culture and heritage of Northeast Louisiana. The Krewe has many exciting plans for their first parade including the Louisiana LunaChicks, a female dance group and the 318 swampers, a group of men with moves whose motto is to drink beer…and dance. Judy is thrilled to be able to present the Fourth Annual Champagne and Shopping event to the community and looks forward to seeing everyone shopping local for two great causes! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 207

Don’t Miss this Fabulous Holiday Shopping Event Head to Shreveport for the 45th Annual Les Boutiques de Noel

HE SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY Opera Guild will host its 45th annual Les Boutiques de Noel, the premier Christmas shopping event in Northwest Louisiana, Thursday, November 21 through Saturday, November 23, 2019, at a new location: the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. The event will host merchants, shops, and service providers from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee. In addition to the merchant booths, shoppers can look forward to special performances and events throughout the weekend. Special performances during the day include cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and a children’s style show. Three special events (with shopping) are scheduled: a patron cocktail party on Thursday night, Friday Fun Night Happy Hour with Christmas Elvis themed #notyourmothersopera, and a children’s event with Santa on Saturday morning. Note: special event tickets required.

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Les Boutiques de Noel is organized by the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild. “We are excited to host Les Boutiques de Noel this year at the Shreveport Convention Center.” said Michele Hardtner, Shreveport Opera Guild president. “Our great group of merchants and mix of special events will make for a funfilled day trip or overnight for out-of-town shoppers!” Proceeds benefit the Shreveport Opera, currently in its 71st season. The Guild is the single largest contributor to the Opera, having given almost $5 million over the years through Les Boutiques de Noel. These funds support annual Opera productions as well as the Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX) program. The SOX artists, made up of four singers and one pianist, are selected at auditions in New York City. This program in Shreveport is one of the few season-long Resident Artist programs in the country. The SOX artists present between 150170 educational performances every year

to students throughout the region and also perform in the mainstage productions. This year the Shreveport Opera will present Man of La Mancha on November 9 and The Marriage of Figaro on April 18, 2020. Regular shopping hours will be from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Attendees can buy a daily general admission shopping ticket for $10.00 or a threeday shopping ticket for $20.00. Senior (65 and over) and military tickets with a valid/current identification are $5.00. There is no charge for children under twelve. Tickets are on sale now at lesboutiquesdenoel.com or may be purchased at the door. Valet parking will be available and there will be free parking in the Shreveport Convention Center parking garage. Additional shopping and merchant information can be found at the Les Boutiques de Noel Facebook page or on the website at www. lesboutiquesdenoel.com.

Children’s Christmas at the Shoppes

Join Local Businesses as They Give Back to St. Vincent de Paul

RING YOUR KIDS FOR A DAY OF fun! The Shoppes at Cottonport, Darling Dearman and Building Futures are teaming up to host a children’s holiday event on December 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Shoppes at Cotton Port has new owners, Cotton Port Properties, a local real estate management company owned by Tommy Block. The space boasts 7,000 square feet of retail space and houses Darling Dearman, Linen and Label, Sew Suzy, Stash, Freebirds and over 25 vendor booths offering an eclectic mix of fashion, home décor, furniture, and gifts. Darling Dearman started as a hand embroidered kids clothing label and has since added developmental toys for all ages, Freshly Picked, and Christian based gifts/ toys for children. Current brands include Fat Brain Toys, Educational Insights/Learning Resources, and Melissa and Doug. Owner, Anna Giannobile Dearman, is a certified

occupational therapist employed by Building Futures. “I strive to stock unique toys that are fun for children and families, but are also addressing skill sets to help improve activities of daily living and school skills.” “We have parents of clients at Building Futures ask us for recommendations on what types of developmental toys to gift their children for Christmas, birthdays and special occasions. We see this as an opportunity for all parents and caregivers to speak directly with pediatric therapists for their recommendations and see the toys in person,” said Dearman. Building Futures Pediatric Therapy was started by Jennifer Kelly Reeves in 2005. They offer occupational, physical and speech therapy services to children from birth to 21 years of age and have clinics located in Monroe and Ruston. “Our staff is excited to be a part of this opportunity! Our therapists will be available to answer questions and offer advice on developmental and age appropriate

toys that are on display in Darling Dearman’s adorable children’s boutique” said Reeves. Building Futures employees will also be assisting Mrs. Claus and Santa in helping your child construct an adorable Christmas craft and decorate a cookie while you shop. A percentage of the proceeds will go to The St. Vincent de Paul Society Angel Tree program. This program has been providing Christmas gifts for children in our area for 30 years who may not otherwise receive Christmas gifts. They strive to provide at least one toy for each child to open on Christmas day. “This year over 500 children submitted applications and we are excited to be able to contribute”, says Dearman. Follow Building Futures, Darling Dearman and Shoppes at Cotton Port on Facebook for more information regarding the event. See you there!

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Feet In The Street

There were feet dancing in the street at the Monroe Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) first ever Feet ‘n the Street Fundraiser on Saturday, September 21st, in West Monroe’s brand-new Alley Park. The event featured two of Northeast Louisiana’s favorite musical groups. The Mike McKenzie Band opened the event and Lisa Spann and Company closed the show. “This event was a first step for the MSO in making a better connection between the orchestra and our communities,” said MSO Executive Director, Craig West. “We wanted people to be able to experience a great time with music they already know, and maybe introduce them to a group of great musicians that they might not know.” To help make some of those connections, wine and beer were served to participants by several of the symphony’s longest-tenured musicians.

On the BayouScene

1 Camille and Al Peterson, Christine and Wilson Rambo 2G iovanni and Patricia Rocha 3 Janice Nelson, Amelia Haynes and Alex Jungina 4A ndi Gay, Steve Katz, Shelly Rankin and Mike Inzina 5R obin Ozburn, Megan and Justin Williams 6D r. Craig West, Barry Stevens, Dr. Derle Long and William Joiner

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Cotton Country Shoot Out

On October 5th, The Junior League of Monroe held their third annual Cotton Country Shoot Out at the Cottonland Gun Club in Mangham, LA owned by Glynn and Mendy Kiper. Teams competed for bragging rights in a sporting clay tournament and enjoyed lunch sponsored and catered by Miro’s all while giving back to women and children at risk in the community. The event was made possible by the following sponsors: Kiper Farms, Sanson Family Medicine, Shaw Oxygen Co., Armor Seed, Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment, ARKLA Recycling, Jay Morris for Senate, and Stewart Cathey Jr. for Senate. The following businesses provided door prizes: Not Just Pie, Trapp’s, Doe’s, Walk On’s, Happy Days Car Wash, and Simmons. The planning committee consisted of: Melissa Kiper (Chair), Kandice Hunter, Liz Hammett, and Lindsey Cossey.

On the BayouScene

1 Thomas Murry, Robert Smith, Steve Murry, TW Wallace and Katie Montou 2C huck Traylor, 1st place shooter 3W eb Phelps, Mike Lemoine, Mike Barenger, and David Batterton 4B rad Shell and Eli Gable 5P articipants shooting 6K andice Hunter and Jordan Raborn

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Dentistry from the Heart

Arrow Dental hosted their Annual Dentistry from the Heart event on October 11th. This day, the staff at Arrow Dental pays it forward to the community that is so wonderful to them by offering free dental care to patients that do not have the means to pay for regular care. Patients were seen on a first-come, first-serve basis and were able to choose a free cleaning, free exam or free tooth extraction. Dr. William C. Johnston, Dr. Leigh Ann Robinson and Dr. Carson Rutz were on hand to provide care to over 70 patients. There were even ULM Nursing Students on hand to help. On the BayouScene 1 Terri Robinson, Alli Hebert, Pam Masoner, Dana Ford, Jennifer Adcock, Chere Bennett and Britney Pardon 2 Courtney Stockton, Marquita Heckard and Kim Dennis 3 Tanya White and Patricia Putnam 4 Jennifer Baldridge and Jennifer Adcock 5 Dr. Leigh Ann Robinson, Dr. Carson Rutz and Dr. William Johnston 6 Courtney Stockton, Erin Ferguson, Kim Dennis, Pam Masoner, Tanya White, Jennifer Baldridge and Marquita Heckard 7 Samantha Kindrix, Marquita Heckard, Billie Greggs, Jana Allen and Terri Robinson

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ULM Alumni HawktoberFest On October 10th, the ULM Alumni Association held its second annual HawktoberFest at the Laird Weems Center. It was a lovely evening as the temperature cooled off and allowed alumni and friends to enjoy the outdoor event on the patio overlooking the bayou. Guests were able to sample an assortment of craft and seasonal beers from Marsala Beverage, Choice Brands, and Flying Tiger Brewery. The event was catered by Aramark with traditional German braturst and homemade pretzels. Josh Madden provided musical entertainment while B&L Marine offered sunset boat rides. Guests were encouraged to continue the celebration and attend a ULM football watch party as the Warhawks took on Texas State that evening. The ULM Alumni Association offers many events to network and connect alumni to community members.

On the BayouScene 1 Jenny Pankey, Joel Foret and Melissa Kiper 2 Michelle Brasher and Troy Drake 3 James Rogers and Ben Rogers

4 Mike Camille, Denise and Dr. Eric Pani

5 Jason Hawkins, Jeff Letson and Glenn Austin 6 Amy Keifenheim and Nate Hexom 7 Karari and Anne Hanks

8 Mary Brinkerhoff and Vee Dickey 9 Evan and Mallory Stone

10 Shamir Sadberry, Annalise Johnson and Ricky Anderson 11 Lee Edwards, Sheena Burbridge and Van Edwards 12 Kyle Acklin, Sarah Green and Caroline Courville

13 Joe and Terrie Chisholm

14 Delia Simpson and Charli White

15 Blake Lingenfelder and Trent Turner

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Life Choices Annual Banquet Life Choices held their Annual Banquet on October 15, 2019 at the Monroe Civic Center. The event was even more special as the nonprofit organization celebrated their 40th year! Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner as well as entertainment from The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Featured speakers included Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family and Donna Edwards. This local non-profit organization is primarily funded through the kindness of community through churches, businesses and individuals. Life Choices offers pregnancy tests and information in a caring and confidential environment and provides information on choices regarding unplanned pregnancy. They also offer ultrasounds, counseling, post-abortive counseling and abstinence education, all free of charge.

On the BayouScene 1 Marianne Sidders, Jenny Remsburg and Beth Van Zandt 2 Heather Dahlum and Laurie Payne 3 Adrienne and Matt Bridges 4 Aundria Price, Suzan Betts and Elizabeth Sharplin 5 Angela Turbebille, Carroll and Doris Weeks 6 John and Kristi Davis 7 Neil Riser and Jim Fannin 8 Brenda Owens, Dorothy Johnson and Diane Hawkins 9C ourtney Reebes, Brittany Blaylock and Tabitha Hendon 10 Michael and Abby Wood 11 David and Cindi Wainwright 12 W endy Newsom, Drew Farr and Ana Lopez Hale 13 David and Katy Bolls and Selena Preaus 14 Juanita Woods and Katrina Jackson 15 Heather and Rick Guillot 16 Mike Breard and Lindsey Sikes 17 Ottis and Bettye Lenoir 18 Katrina Jackson, Donna Edwards, Kathy Ray and David Nordman 19 Emma Larson Edge, Amanda Edge and Mike Walsworth

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2019 Rebel Runway

If you were fortunate enough to be sitting in the audience at the 2019 Rebel Runway, on September 24th, then you were witness to a spectacular fashion shoot. Hosted and presented by the West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club, the West Monroe Convention Center was packed with an eager audience as students sported ensembles from local boutiques. The West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors, everyone who attended and everyone who participated in the silent auction. A special thanks to all of the local boutiques that participate. You helped make this event great!

On the BayouScene 1 Kayleigh Meggs, Tatum Norris and Kynsley Ingram 2 Jessica Weaver and Shelly Kuhn 3 Randi Johns and Stacey Knox 4 Amanda Mitchell and Kacee Barrios 5 Lorrie Malone and Stacy Harper 6 Logan Poole and Lana Lee 7 Kristen Mitchell , Chrissy Banks and Jamie Walker 8 Anna Lee Snowden, Sydney Eaton, Avery Jones, Jayci Krieger and Hallie Mitchell 9 T aylor Hines and Jonathan Washam 10 Heather Frost and Savannah Frost 11 Jerri Blankenship and Lisa Hartmann 12 P enni Aulds, Krisan Briant, Dusty Teer, April McGuffee and Mickie Douglas 13 Jessica Evans, Ashley Hartmann and Rob Hartmann 14 Madison Guerriero, Addison Creekmore and Lauren Creekmore 15 Heather Gulde, Cindy Stutts and Josie Stutts 16 Karen Sanders, Olivia Sanders and Joy Carlson 17 Jace Garner, Drew Blaylock and Thatcher Moorhead 18 Emma Norwood, Staci Eaton and Jenny Jones

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W H AT I S Y O U R I N T E R I O R D E S I G N S T Y L E ?

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

arrowing down the style of home you prefer can sometimes be a daunting task, considering the myriad styles available and their nuances. And, if you are like me, there are certain elements that I like from almost all of them. With that said, I do suggest that my clients try to narrow the choices to two styles that they would like their overall home design to follow. Not only does it make shopping easier, it will make the overall look of your home more cohesive. To begin the process of figuring out which style you like, I suggest that you browse the internet (Pinterest). Begin taking note of what stands out to you. For instance, in the building of my home, I was drawn ironwork, wood details, and neutral colors. On the other hand, you might be drawn to glass, stainless steel, and bright colors. We are all drawn to certain elements that will help determine an overall style, so pay attention as you visit new places and search online. Your overall style will soon emerge. To get you started, I am listing the most popular interior styles followed by explanations of each. THE HAMPTONS Obviously named for the popular getaway location of the wealthy, it features an easy, coastal vibe that feels light and airy. It

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is usually decorated in whites, natural tones, and shades of blue. You may also see pastel colors like lilac and seafoam green. Flooring will typically be a light-stained timber floor – think whitewash and gray tones. And furnishings are usually plush and fluffy. And true to a coastal theme, you will find rattan and wicker among the details. S C A N D I N AV I A N Scandinavian style is minimalistic with clean lines and details, yet lends a warm and inviting feeling. Black and white dominate this style but you will still see pops of color that play beautifully off the modern furniture. Blonde woods and cognac leathers are an integral part of this style and you will also find brass fixtures and details along with sheepskin rugs and throw blankets. FRENCH PROVINCIAL The exterior of a French Provincial home usually features stone and pitched points with tile roofing touches such as caps along the roof line. You will typically find arched doorways and entry points. Colors are creamy whites, taupe, browns, and some grays along with wood, iron, and stone accents. This style loves intricate details whether in furniture or other elements.

ECLECTIC There will be a lot of mixing and matching in this style. Furniture will never be purchased as a set, instead pieces will be more random but compatible in color, texture, pattern and in style. For instance, you may see a modern piece paired with an estate piece. Also, no other style delivers as much playfulness in its décor and color scheme as this one. I advise choosing one neutral color and a bright accent color to begin the process of designing an eclectic space. Another design element of an eclectic space is a gallery wall. MODERN MINIMALIST The interior is spacious and uncomplicated with few walls and an open floor plan. The emphasis is on the views and light and clean square lines and details. There will never be a lot of rounded features in a modern-minimalist home. White abounds with a splash of color here and there. Furnishings are minimal and are relegated to the fundamentals only. Cabinetry will often have flat fronts and no knobs and/or pulls. INDUSTRIAL “Unfinished” details abound in the industrial designed home. You will see a lot of metal fixtures and stainless steel. Many

industrial spaces leave ducts and beams exposed. Earth tones and neutrals are a main part of the color scheme with metal accents like polished nickel. You will also see exposed brick and wood details in the industrial home. Think “Restoration Hardware” when designing this home. O R I E N TA L Oriental design is inspired by the colors of nature – strong, vibrant hues against a neutral backdrop that creates a calming, harmonious feel. Gold is often the color of the hardware and other details. Bamboo and other organic features will abound in the oriental theme. Water will be a design element as well as other feng shui inspired elements, and clean lines are a mainstay. This is another minimalist style. MOROCCAN Seating and tables are often lower than normal, and you may find floor cushions as an option, too. Strong color and pattern are usually added to a neutral mix of cream, beige, or tan, and gold and silver are mixed and matched to perfection. Bedding and furniture are typically plush with fluffy pillows; and, don’t forget the quintessential Moroccan rug. You will see curved doorways and arches as part of this interior style and lots of geometric patterns and designs. RETRO Includes décor inspired by the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s with fun and lively colors such as avocado green and mustard yellow. Furniture has an almost abstract feel, and each piece fights for the limelight. Plastic accessories will make an appearance by lamp or by chair. You will find lots of books and you may even find a lava lamp or two. Tile may be placed in a checkerboard pattern, and you could find a bit of shag carpet in the form of rugs. TRIBAL Often ignites visions of Africa with smooth, worn timbers and batik prints. Linen and desert colors will be the backdrop with touches of rusts, reds, and animal prints as the standout elements. Add handwoven baskets to every room of the tribal-inspired home and consider beading and fringe work. RUSTIC Typically natural, rough, aged and natural in design with fabrics of burlap and canvas. Reclaimed wood abounds in this style, and there is nothing modern about this design at all. Furniture is typically a bit oversized and can look handmade. Colors are typically green, beige, and earthy gray. Jute and animal hide will be found in the details, as well. TRADITIONAL Think antiques, classic art, symmetry, and design rich with history. Steer clear of white and black and opt for warm, inviting hues. The furniture will all have a specific design theme and era – mostly 18th and 19th century pieces. Molding and fixtures are detail-oriented and elaborate. You should never see anything that is lacquered, Vermeer, or laminate. Gingham and florals are typical in this design style. My design style is mostly French Provincial with a bit of Rustic or Industrial thrown in! Please share your style with me at erinlove@panachebyerin.com or on Facebook. I would love to hear from you. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 219

True colors

Rich fall hues in luxurious furs and textured textiles are must-haves for this season. Layer pieces to transition your wardrobe to a cooler season while staying in style. Find these and other great items at area boutiques. M O D E L M A L L O RY LY N N P H OTO S BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K M UA H BY M E K A B E N N E T T

D U S T Y & CO M PA N Y This color block and jaguar print top features a front tie and is paired with these super flare jeans. Accessorize with wood filigree wedge earrings, this mustard tote with laser cut design and these deep yellow faux-suede booties.

HERRINGSTONE â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S An oversized printed poncho featured in a knit design with fringe details on the back is layered over a white v-neck layering top. Pair it with jeans with patchwork details and flared, raw hems. Complete the look with black booties, layered necklaces and gold earrings.

T H E FA S H I O N O F R U S T O N This black knitted tank sweater is layered under a kimono featuring a floral motif bordered by bold stripes. Pair these tops with Spanx faux leather leggings. Accessorize with stone bracelets, gold rectangle hoop earrings and a gold and marble cuff. Complete the look with black booties with a sculpted broad heel and pointed toe.

HEMLINE MONROE This beautiful green velvet floral top is paired with a suede skirt with visible zipper detailing. Layer this look with a luxurious faux fur coat with open front. Complete the look with an over-theknee boot with exposed zipper, leather and chain necklace and handmade metallic earrings.

THE NUDE NOMAD This multicolor floral block blouse with front tie looks stunning with these highrise skinny jeans with a vintage feel. Accessorize with handmade chandelier chain earrings and textured ankle boots with deep side cuts trimmed with golden flat metallic studs.

SIMMONSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SPORTING GOODS This look is all about layers. A hi-lo tank is worn beneath an acid wash denim shirt with oversized silhouette. A comfy, yet feminine fleece bomber jacket completes the look. Pair with a super skinny dark denim, round metal medallion necklace and waterproof leather wedges.

OUR MISSION 90.3 KEDM Public Radio promotes community dialogue and enhances public life by engaging its audience through news, education, cultural and music programming. ABOUT US 90.3 KEDM and KEDM.org are connectors for all of northeast Louisiana, providing news, music and a “sense of place” for the best things in our area. KEDM was founded in 1991 by local citizens and the University of Louisiana Monroe to bring NPR News and classical music to northeast Louisiana, along with diverse local programming. PROGRAMS FOR YOUR LIFE Listen to the best of Louisiana on The Boot, KEDM’s new nighttime format featuring the best of Louisiana music, including blues, funk, soul, and roots. The Boot features music from Muddy Waters to Marc Broussard, as well as local artists and bands like Four on the Floor and The Levees. Listen to The Boot 7 nights a week; at 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and late nights on Friday and Saturday. Mornings and afternoons, listen to NPR News and KEDM News for the latest from around northeast Louisiana, around the nation, and around the world on Morning Edition and All Things Considered – all delivered in a thoughtful, measured way, free from commercial interruption. Learn about the best work of more than 250 local non-profits each year on Lagniappe, showcasing the remarkable work these organizations do in the community – offered free of charge thanks to KEDM members and sponsors. KEDM brings you reflections on environmental consciousness on Bayou-Diversity, current family issues on Time to Talk (produced with the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana and BayouLife Magazine), dealing with aging in Life Transitions, plus other diverse local segments and programs. COMMUNITY IMPACT A strong public radio station benefits our community as a whole, and elevates northeast Louisiana’s image and livability. KEDM attracts and attaches people to our region and promotes the kind of unique, authentic culture that makes people love where they live. KEDM creates the culture that the business community relies on to attract and keep young talent. The station strives to bring availability of the arts and cultural opportunities, openness to diverse people, a thriving social culture, connection to community events, and people caring about other people. SUPPORT Become a member today! Make a monthly gift or one-time donation at KEDM.org – just click “Donate.” KEDM thrives because of the support of members and local business sponsors. Local businesses reach KEDM’s educated, loyal audience as program sponsors, and receive brief mentions on the air and thanks at KEDM.org. WHAT’S NEXT Give the Joy of Learning: Put a book in the hands of a first or second grade student with every gift of $20 to KEDM. Partnering with the Read. Learn. Succeed. program of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Now through December 6. Policy and a Pint: Grab a beer and bring your question to a panel discussion on the “hot” topic that everyone in town is talking about. Tuesday, November 12th, and on the air November 19th. Topic and location to be announced.

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OUR MISSION ARCO’s mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families living in northeast Louisiana through instruction, support, and opportunity. HISTORY Founded by families who recognized the abilities of their children and the natural growth opportunities within their communities, ARCO has successfully brought individuals with developmental disabilities and their communities together since 1954. SERVICES ARCO serves children from birth to three years in its Early Intervention Program. Children and their parent or caregiver receive hands-on instruction and therapy right in their home, intervening at a time when the most significant difference can be made. These are changes that literally last a life time. Men and women with developmental disabilities look to ARCO’s support personnel to accomplish the things of adult life: a place to live safely, employment or employment training, transportation, and opportunities to use their talents to make the community better. ARCO works with individuals and families to assure that supports given are in line with their particular abilities, interests, and needs. CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT Customizing a job for every man or woman with a developmental disability that wants employment is ARCO’s goal and the focus of its engagement with the business community. With many individuals and employers already recognizing the value of this type of employment opportunity, job customization has become a typical practice for employers with area workplace needs. Learn more about this win-win by contacting Gwen Amelin at (318) 387-7817 Ext. 118. BECOME AN EMPLOYEE OR VOLUNTEER As an equal opportunity employer, ARCO provides those that enjoy making meaningful changes in the lives of others a wealth of opportunity. ARCO also has need of volunteers to help with many aspects of its mission. For information, call (318) 387-7817 Ext. 106. VOLUNTEER NEEDS Do you have a special talent? Art, dancing, fundraising, writing, yoga, etc. If you have it and want to use it to enrich someone’s life, we are the agency for you! Donating your clothing to Sassy Kats is another great way to help, did you know we have a pick-up service? BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Murray, President; William Lewis, Vice President; Steve Haedicke, Secretary, Terry M. Duke, Treasurer, Shane Bridges, Sarita Daniel, Barbara Doyle, Andrew Hubenthal, Wendell Manning, Lenard Montgomery, Kara Rider, Doug Wood Advisory Board – Pat Cranford, Ryan Hemrick, Joe Holyfield Resource Development Committee – Missy Amy, Edda Curry, Katie Dean, Jim Elliot, Courtney Hornsby, Latetao Hutchinson, Billy Justice, Malcolm Maddox, Angie O’Pry, Bernadette Rainbolt, Angie Robert, Kay Shipp, Jerome Vascocu, Ben Westerburg, Angie Jackson Wilson UPCOMING EVENTS ARCO’s Children’s Center Holiday Campaign – November thru December 2019 Become a financial partner to help support community and home based therapies for infants and toddlers with special needs. Early intervention services also provide special instruction for parents, families, and other natural caregivers to best support their child’s needs. ARCO’s Annual Membership Campaign – March thru June, 2020 Starting at just $50 you can become a financial partner, supporting the mission of the agency and assisting ARCO in providing quality services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For more information about ARCO, A Community Resource please go to www.arcomonroe.org or call Missy Robertson at (318)372-7817.

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OUR MISSION To provide services to area cancer patients and also to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation. OUR MOTTO Seldom Seen, but Strongly Felt. OUR COMMITMENT AND VISION The Cancer Foundation League (CFL) is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as the fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support LCF’s programs and services. We aim to provide direct financial assistance to NE Louisiana individuals diagnosed with cancer. The CFL is committed to improving the financial, emotional, and physical well-being of cancer patients in Northeast Louisiana (no matter where they are being treated). We hope to help lighten the financial burden so that a patient and his/her family can concentrate their efforts on fighting the disease of cancer. The CFL founded in 2002 was initially formed with a $25,000 donation from philanthropist Kitty DeGree and the contributions have grown over the years. Local volunteers work hard to raise funds to help area cancer patients with non-medical bills, such as transportation to treatment, nutritional supplements, medications, lodging during treatment and some household bills. Members of the CFL deliver Christmas baskets to cancer patients throughout NE LA each year. Since our inception, the Cancer Foundation League has spent almost $1,900,000.00 assisting over 5,100 NE LA cancer patients. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS President, Mary Linda McCann Vice President, Andrea Gay Corresponding Secretary, Heather Lee Recording Secretary, Emily Nunnelee Treasurer, Susan Harwood Assistant Treasurer, Lisa Vige Publicity, Debbie McNew Patient Services & LCF Representative, Donna Jackson Immediate Past President, Carla Costello Members at Large, Donna Davidson, Beth Lively, Ginny McMullen, Marion Willson EVENTS Christmas Basket Deliveries: December 11-15, 2019 Breast and Cervical Screening: January 2020 Annual Gala: January 18, 2020, “An Evening of Southern Elegance” Colorectal Screening: March 2020 Fashion Fusion: April 18, 2020 Skin Cancer Screening: May 2020 Cancer Survivors Celebration: June 2020 Theresa Marsala Memorial Golf Tournament: June 5, 2020 Prostate Cancer Screening: September 2020

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OUR MISSION The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. We address the needs of children and youth ages 0-18 in four main areas: Early Care and Education, Healthy Living, Parent Education and Youth Development. WHO DO WE SERVE AND WHAT IS OUR IMPACT We are headquartered in Downtown Monroe and we serve the northeast region of Louisiana which includes the following parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll. With 20+ programs that support over 11,00 children and families, we focus on providing services that build help our children be school ready and safe and healthy as they grow up. Some of our programs include Early Head Start, which provides quality childcare for children from birth through age three and serves 132 children and their families daily. Child Care Connections helps parents find quality child care and provides training and technical assistance to over 1,250 child care providers annually. Al’s Pals teaches preschool children the social-emotional and resiliency skills to make healthy choices and serves over 2,200 children twice per week. Youth Development programs such as SOS: Signs of Suicide and Not a #Number trains over 3,500 middle school students each year in recognizing the signs of depression and suicide in themselves and others as well as child sex trafficking and exploitation prevention education. Our Family Resource Center serves over 350 families annually, many of which are referred through DCFS. A full list of all programs and their impacts can be found on our website. HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Volunteer with us during Super Saturday - join us every third Saturday of the month to enjoy positive family interactions, garden-based learning and play, learn about healthy eating or drop in and help clean one of the five Early Head Start playgrounds. Volunteers of any age and ability are welcome as well as groups! Looking to “rock and read” to our Early Head Start infants and toddlers 1 to 2 hours a month? Become a Rock ‘N Read volunteer at any one of our five locations – background checks provided. Become a member – your financial gift is essential to helping us respond to our community with support most needed. - $25 would provide developmentally appropriate materials for one child in an early childhood classroom -$50 would provide 18 elementary students trained in Bully Proof prevention curriculum -$100 would provide one Early Head Start child with diapers and wipes for one week -$300 would provide 15 fathers training in Nurturing Fatherhood seminars OWN A LOUISIANA BUSINESS? Louisiana businesses can participate in School Readiness Tax Credits, a dollar-for-dollar refundable credit on their Louisiana State taxes in any amount up to $5,000. Turn your business’ tax liability into an investment in programs and people who support early care and education for children. You have the power to decide where your tax dollars go – direct the State of Louisiana to spend your tax dollars on early childhood care and education. EVENTS The Children’s Coalition Dragon Boat Festival will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the corner of Loop + Forsythe Rd. This action-packed family-friendly event brings corporations, local businesses and schools together to compete in the ultimate test of teamwork and leadership. 30 teams will compete in 40foot long traditional dragon boats on Bayou DeSiard. Community events such as Dia de la Familia, the Ouachita Youth Summit, and National Prescription Take-Back Days allow us to serve our community. Child Care Connections provides weekly 2-hour classes that are free to most early childhood educators and available for a small fee to anyone interested in early childhood care and education. Our Family Resource Center offers Triple P Parenting classes (3-week session), Family Life Skills for any parent and teens aging out of the foster system and Nurturing Parenting classes (16-week session). For a full list of events and trainings, please visit childrenscoalition.org/events 230 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

D BANK

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

WHAT WE DO There is more than enough food in America to feed every man, woman and child, yet here in Northeast Louisiana, over 69,000 people struggle with hunger. The Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Northeast Louisiana, providing over 4.67 million meals to those facing hunger in 12 parishes. This impact is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, food donors and community distribution partners. At the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, we believe no one should go hungry. OUR PROGRAMS Partner Agencies The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana distributes food to over 60 non-profit community partner agencies that operate local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger relief programs. These agencies are located in neighborhoods throughout 12 parishes in Northeast Louisiana and serve low income people in need of food assistance. Senior Program This program helps 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 currently provide Backpacks for 800 students every week at 19 Ouachita and Lincoln Parish schools. Kid’s Cabinet The Kid’s Cabinet School Pantry program distributes food right on school grounds—a readily accessible source of food assistance for low-income students and their families. Currently the program serves 3,000 children who attend 8 schools in Madison, East Carroll, and Union parishes. HOW TO HELP Donate Money For every $10 donated, we are able to provide 55 meals to those in need. Your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of hungry people living in Northeast Louisiana. Donate by mail or on our website. Donate Food Organize or participate in a food drive at your school, workplace, or civic club. Visit our website for a list of most needed items and tips for planning a successful food drive. Donate Your Time The Food Bank could not be successful without the many wonderful volunteers that pack food for our Senior and BackPack programs, assist with office work and help at events. Call our volunteer coordinator or visit our website to learn more. Open a Community Feeding Program If your church or non-profit agency would like to have a food pantry or a community meal program, we’d love to talk with you. We have information on our website that you can review to learn more, or please call 318-322-3567. Attend One of Our Events We have events throughout the year to help raise awareness and funds for our mission. Visit our website or Facebook page for a list of upcoming events. FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY. FIGHTING HUNGER. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 231

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. 2019-2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Meghan Sharp President Elect - Lauren Voorhees Communications VP - Hannah Salsbury Community VP - Kelli Cole Financial VP - Brittany Hayes Assistant Financial VP - Jessica Brady Corresponding Secretary - Jennifer Donald Membership Development VP - Allison Earl Planning and Research VP - Tiffany O’Neal Advisory Planning Chair - Angela Grubbs Nominating and Placement Chair - Kathryn Bagley Fund Development VP - Mary Francis Siggers Sustainer Advisor - Ashley West COMMUNITY IMPACT Tools and Literacy for Children: Task Force - This program 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 free or reduced lunches, conducting parents nights, providing uniforms and school supplies. In addition to support of the “adopted” school the committee funds multiple teacher mini grants annually and also funds ACT workshops for qualifying juniors and seniors in high school. 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. 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 $16.5k annually which contributes to the future of the women, children, and community culture of the Monroe Area.

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ABOUT US The Ross Lynn Charitable Foundation brings people together in unique ways that nurture mindfulness, grace, and connectedness. We are committed to growing lives that give back. Our goal is to see philanthropic work grow and produce positive effects in the communities served — and in those serving. MISSION STATEMENT Cultivating Compassion in Individuals, Families, and Communities. STAFF Jane Watts – Executive Director Dylan Sanders – Associate Director Ryan Botts – Programs and Events Coordinator BOARD MEMBERS E. Connor Peterson – Chairman Karen Logan Kelly McDade Cathy Jacobs Emily Sample

Erin Peterson Adam Miller Beth Woods Patricia Bates

OUR WORK Programming revolves around three core principles: • Fostering self-discovery • Cultivating a sense of purpose • Building community Backroads & Bayous — Annual 10mile/3mile trail run in Gilliam, LA • Participants enjoy locally sourced foods made by guest chefs, art activities for children, pre-run yoga, locally sourced beer, and live music! • Proceeds from this run will go to benefit RLCF’s work, supporting our programs in the arts, sustainable agriculture, and the outdoors. The Exchange NLA — Membership-based association of nonprofit organizations, offering resources, collaboration, and shared knowledge • Located in Ruston, The Exchange serves 30 nonprofit organizations, representing in five different parishes. • The Exchange enhances the current work of nonprofit organizations, nurtures future leaders, and cultivates new and emerging programs. For more information about The Exchange, visit exchangenla.org. North Louisiana Artist-in-Residence —Residency for artists exploring North Louisiana • 2019 North Louisiana AiR brought two photographers to Lynn Farms in Gilliam LA, exploring rural communities along the Red River. • RLCF will begin accepting applicants for the 2020 North Louisiana AiR in November 2019. Watch for updates on our websites at rosslynnfoundation.org. Back To Your Roots — Sustainable Agriculture Master Series with Farm-to-Table Dinner • In partnership with Campti Field of Dreams, RLCF co-hosted this sustainable agriculture master series in Ruston at Louisiana Tech University in 2019. • BTYR 2020 will take place at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City on March 12-14, 2020. GET INVOLVED Learn more about getting involved with RLCF on our website at rosslynnfoundation.org.

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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. OUR HISTORY Back in 2008, the founding members of Pilots for Patients (former members of Angel Flight) saw the need for Louisiana-based patients to receive medical treatment not locally available to them. Many of these patients were locals of Monroe, LA seeking treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. For many patients, especially cancer patients, this burden of an 8-hour drive to their out-of-town treatment was too physically taxing, making treatment nearly impossible to attain. So, Pilots for Patients was born. With a hand-full of local pilots, PFP set out on a mission to lend a helping hand to as many individuals in need as possible. By the end of the year with just 5 pilots, PFP completed over 200 individual flights for Louisiana based patients. WHO WE ARE Pilots for Patients is a Louisiana based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, established in 2008. We provide air transportation completely free of charge for qualified patients and requesting agencies. The volunteer pilots donate their time, fuel, aircraft and other flight expenses to fly these patients to and from their treatment facilities. In 2008, Pilots for Patients began as a small group of 5 pilots. Now, 11 years later, we are a group of over 140 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. Averaging 15-30 missions a week, Pilots for Patients has now flown over 5,000 missions and counting. Over the last 10 years Pilots for Patients has given back almost 4 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 conditions 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 nautical miles. Requests for longer distances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests can be made by qualified medical personnel online at our website. Patients can also download the necessary forms and take them to their medial 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 sevenday lead time to arrange the flights. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Philip Thomas, President; Phil Coyne, Vice President; Ryan Chappell, Director; Wayne Petrus, Treasurer; Sal Miletello, Secretary; Dr. Bruce Walker, Director; Sharon Thomas, Director; Donald Imhoff, Director; Ashley Morris, Director OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP Pilots for Patients continually balances the Pilots, Patients, and Patrons (the 3-P’s). One is not possible without the other two. We accept donations by mail and through our website and social media. We are constantly on the pursuit to recruit more pilots and spread the word of PFP throughout the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Support for advertising through word of mouth, TV, radio and social media are greatly appreciated. UPCOMING EVENTS PFP hosts an annual fundraiser called The Prop Blast: a night of wine and hors d’oeuvres pairing, along with live and silent auctions. This wonderful night of fun is an opportunity for locals to support Pilots for Patients and aid us in our mission to helping others. *Annual Date: to be announced. 234 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

ABOUT RAYS OF SONSHINE Since 1998, Rays of Sonshine has changed the lives of over 1100 women. Through the ROS addiction recovery program, countless women’s lives have become more productive, over 100 children have been returned to their mothers, and over 30 babies have been born drug free. Rays of Sonshine has fostered hope into exceptional women who have taken back their lives and started living their dreams! Rays of Sonshine is dedicated to providing quality, long-term residential care for women who suffer from substance and chemical dependency, who may also have co-occurring mental health disorders. ROS gives them the tools and structure needed to lead successful lives and reunite them with their families. Many of the women who have completed our program are now college graduates. THE RAYS OF SONSHINE OUTCOME The Rays of Sonshine desired outcome is a foundational belief change, thus creating a paradigm shift of personal perception of life. They foster coping and perseverance skills, enabling an individual to grow in accountability. ROS strengthens a participants capacity for self control and develops an ever expanding experience of healthy recovery. It takes a minimum of three months to stabilize a client, but most Rays of Sonshine participants stay with the program for up to 18 months. As clients arrive, they usually have a variety of medical needs that were not addressed during active addiction. They need physical, mental, and emotional attention. Some have legal problems, custody problems, and other unaddressed issues that must be faced. Rays of Sonshine understands that stabilization takes time. ROS RECOVERY PROGRAMS Recovery program goals at Rays of Sonshine include ensuring quality treatment and recovery support services are available, accessible, and affordable to all qualified ladies and women with children in need of services. ROS provides quality experiences within a culture of safety, support, and a sense of belonging. ROS offers a safe community environment, free of abuse, allowing the family time to get stronger and become productive citizens. LIFE SKILLS AND JOB ENHANCEMENT CLASSES Through the Rays of Sonshine life skills and job enhancement classes, their long term goal is to facilitate a client’s development into self-sufficiency. Through class participation and weekly assignments, the Rays of Sonshine staff are able to measure behavioral, educational, and life-skill growth, allowing them to personalize treatment plans to enhance assurance of long term recovery objectives. ROS also focuses on improving referrals and linkages with community agencies, support groups, and healthy social networks to strengthen client focus and commitment to health and well-being. THE ZONE - COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE & PUBLIC FOOD PANTRY The Zone is a community warehouse which distributes food, clothing and other household necessities to qualified individuals. The Zone is located at 411 South 1st Street in Monroe and is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. THE MISSION A Community Recovery Church Our church services are very casual and include a variety of activities designed for clients and their families. Church services are held every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. at The Mission, 317 N. 2nd Street, Monroe, LA 71201. COMMUNITY HOUSING Sonshine House II and Community of Hope ROS housing division serves low income women and women with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a disabling condition due to chronic substance abuse or other mental and/or medical health conditions. DONATE TO RAYS OF SONSHINE Please consider donating to Rays of Sonshine and contributing to the lives of women in Louisiana. Donations can be made monetarily, or through our volunteerism projects. There are always a variety of tasks needing attention at Rays of Sonshine. Projects such as painting, cleaning and sorting are ideal for church groups while individuals are always needed to assist with sorting and organizing food items at The Zone for our Friday distribution. During the holidays, volunteers are needed to sort toys and other children’s gifts for families. More information and a donation link can be found on the Rays of Sonshine website, RaysOfSonshine.com.

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OUR MISSION The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back. Rock Steady Boxing, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, gives people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum. THE CHALLENGE Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s. In our gym, exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant. THE ROCK STEADY BOXING SOLUTION Various studies in the 1980s and 1990s supported the notion that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm, could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living. More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic, focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and have begun to suggest that certain kinds of exercise may be neuro-protective, i.e., actually slowing disease progression. Our clients attest, and academic institutions, such as University of Indianapolis and Butler University, are reporting and documenting the improved quality of life among our boxers. Discovery of a cure may be many years away but in the last seven years, there is evidence that progress is made in all stages of the disease by those participating in the RSB program. IN THIS CORNER, HOPE Non-contact boxing inspired classes can reverse, reduce and even delay the symptoms of PD. We are learning every day that there are ways in which people with Parkinson’s disease can enhance their quality of life and even build strength, flexibility and speed. By exercising with coaches who know the ropes, you can fight your way out of the corner and start to feel and function better. These classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s, can actually lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier and happier life. ROCK STEADY BOXING AT LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY Class Schedule • Tuesday: 10AM; 12PM • Thursday: 10AM; 12PM • Saturday: 11AM To schedule an assessment to be a Rock Steady Boxer or wanting more info on volunteering contact skylar@latech.edu or 318-257-4634. “I’ve been coming since they are started here in Ruston back in October 2016 and I know it helps. The best part is our close group. Stiffness is a big part of Parkinson’s and working out helps loosen up.” -Dr. Larry Neal, retired ENT surgeon from Ruston

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The St. Francis Medical Center Foundation was founded in 2012 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady and the St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors who remain dedicated to fulfilling the mission of extending the healing ministry to those most in need. Contributions to the Foundation go directly toward making a difference in the lives of people across Northeast Louisiana. The Foundation is led by a Board of Directors who ensure adequate resources are secured to support the hospital’s critical needs to continue the healthcare mission. 2019 BOARD MEMBERS Judge Milton Moore (Chair) Bros. Larry Stafford (Past Chair) Stuart Keyes (Sec./Treasurer) Evelyn Johnson Debbie Luffey Steve Taylor Jonathan Perry John Davis, MD William Sparks

Charles Marsala Nell Seegers Amber Shemwell, MD Rev. Clarence Smith Cynthia Woodard Malcolm Maddox Hillary Sirmon Roderick Worthy Sr. Mary Ann Sepulvado

St. Francis Medical Center has been the leader in providing the highest level of care for women and children in our region. We have the area’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Level III Labor and Delivery and dedicated pediatric unit. In 2015, women and children services were identified by the Foundation board as key focus areas for fundraising efforts. Annually, approximately 1,700 babies are born at St. Francis and 500 premature babies are cared for in our NICU, which has a team of more than 75 nurses, respiratory therapists, case managers, lactation consultants, physical and occupational therapists, along with 2 neonatologists and 6 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. We’re proud to provide the most extensive pediatric services available in the region. Nearly 700 children receive services in our PICU and pediatric unit, and 600 specialized pediatric sedation procedures are provided annually. Our pediatric services consist of a dedicated pediatric unit and a new Level II PICU, the only one in Northeast Louisiana. The pediatric team, consisting of 9 pediatric physician specialists, 26 specialized pediatric nurses and staff, provides care to the entire family by putting a caring, human face on healthcare. St. Francis pediatric specialist areas include neurology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neonatology. Families come from all over northeast Louisiana, as well as Mississippi and Arkansas, to have St. Francis care for their children. We understand how hard it is for families in times of crisis and want to ensure that St. Francis is able to provide the necessary services for our sickest children. Help us contiue to provide the highest level of care and be a lifesafer. Donate today. For more information please contact Janie Milby at janie.milby@fmolhs.org, call 318-966-7730 or visit our website at stfranfoundation.com.

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STRAUSS HISTORY For over 88 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 88th 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. NEW AUDIENCE SEATING NEEDED Strauss Theatre was built in the early 1960’s and has had several improvements along the way. There is one very important asset which is in dire need of renovation – your seat! Our audience seating has endured many years of use. It’s time to replace our seats but we need help with this project. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help meet this very important need. 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: •Little Women • Baskerville - A Sherlock Holmes Mystery • How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! • Plaza Suite

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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 Captain Jerry Casey, local Corp commander, leads the Army into its 93rd year in Monroe. Captain Casey has led the local Corps for the past two years. The Army in Monroe serves 13 northeast parishes and for over 92 years has provided thousands of individuals with humanitarian care in disasters and in normal daily living situations. Right here in Northeast Louisiana, the Salvation Army is feeding empty stomachs and hungry souls. They are rebuilding broken homes and broken lives. They are offering hope to the hopeless and second chances to all. DID YOU KNOW? You may not be aware of all that the Salvation Army does in the Northeast Louisiana community. Our programs serve individuals from all walks of life. Below is a brief list of our notable programs and services: • Shelter for Men, Women & Children—housed 15,898 men, women and children last year • Community Kitchen—served 33,025 meals to hungry members of our community last year. • Social Service Once Assistance—served 2,342 individuals and families with basic social services. • Food Pantry- provided emergency food relief • Disaster Services-- provided food, water, services at Ruston and Tech after tornado hit • Holiday Assistance—Red Kettle and Angel Tree UPCOMING EVENT The Salvation Army will host a banquet on November 12, 2019 at the Monroe Civic Center. Popular and entertaining national speaker, Dennis Swanberg, will serve as the guest speaker. Dr. Dennis Swanberg is known by many as “America’s Minister of Encouragement.” He uses humor and laughter as a tool to break down barriers people have in order to promote faith and family values in a lighthearted and humorous way. He has the reputation for revealing and instilling hope and motivating people in all walks of life “This banquet is the first one in a number of years to be held in Monroe and is being held to inform the public and celebrate the many services the Salvation Army provides to northeast Louisiana,” said Christian Creed, Advisory Board Chairman. “Most people know the Army because of its disaster work but there are other services our staff provides every day. This banquet highlights the emergency homeless shelter facilities that the Salvation Army provides 365 days of the year. They provide shelter, meals and baths for men, women and children and house anywhere from 45 to 55 people each night.” Tickets may be purchased by calling the Salvation Army at 325-1755 or by ordering them from the website www.eventbrite.com . Once on the website type in Salvation Army in the Search field with the location setting as Monroe and then click on Salvation Army Shelter Banquet.

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OUR MISSION Twin City Ballet achieves and inspires excellence in dance by offering mastery of the discipline, outstanding performances and community education and outreach. We take seriously our mission to provide quality training for our area’s talented young dancers, giving them opportunities to perform and provide superb entertainment for our community. ABOUT US Twin City Ballet Company, under the Artistic Direction of Linda Ford, Gretchen Jones, Michelle Harvey and Linda Lou Bourland, is a premier regional dance company with 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 20-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. Celebration of the 50th season will be reflected in every performance during the season, showcasing Twin City Ballet’s distinct style for timeless, iconic and innovative performances. It’s going to be an exciting year full of company history mixed with exciting new adventurous works. For fifty years, the dancers of Twin City Ballet have been entertaining thousands of school-aged children from area schools and this year will not disappoint! Under the direction of the talented choreographer, Joe Istre, area children will enjoy a brand new TCB performance, The Santa Claus. As part of this iconic season, Twin City Ballet will present Act II of The Nutcracker on Gala night, a favorite of our beloved director, Linda Lavender Ford. Finally, another memorable evening of celebration involving both past and present dancers will wrap up this remarkable year. The culmination of the season will take place in April with the ballet company’s classic Ballet Under the Stars followed by a special Ballet on the Bayou event to celebrate the ballet company’s successes and contributions to our community over the past five decades. 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 Melanie Moffett, President Brandi Cole, President Elect Miranda Moss, Secretary Tashia Hines, Treasurer

Meghan Sellar, VP/Marketing Ashley Burkett Judy Cousans Paula Ford Cindy Foust Jamie Guillot Denise Harrison Kay Harrison Tashia Hines Melissa Holton

UPCOMING EVENTS December 3rd-6th School Performances of The Santa Claus December 7, 2019 Holly Jolly Children’s Breakfast with Santa - Beginning at 9 a.m. Matinee Performance of The Santa Claus- 11:00 a.m. Festival of Trees – 6 -7:30 p.m. Christmas Gala Performance – 7:30 p.m. April 17-18, 2020 Ballet Under the Stars & 50th Anniversary Celebration 240 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Mallory Meredith Miranda Moss Leslie Murphy Meredith Pilcher Meredith Smith Beth Swanner Kim Taylor Wendy Waller Breanna Young

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA For over 62 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. Together, United Way of Northeast Louisiana fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community Here are just a few examples of United Way WINS from the past year: 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 becomes more inclusive. By working with partner agency programs and coordinating collaborative and initiative efforts, United Way of Northeast Louisiana has made measurable and positive changes in the health of our community. - 8,610 individuals served participating in physical activity and/or healthy food access/nutrition programs. - 4,168 individuals with access to healthcare services and support. UNITED WE FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN It is crucial for our children to build a strong educational foundation in order to succeed as adults. The 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 that enables elementary students to become ready for middle school, and young adults have the foundation needed to enter the workforce ready to succeed. By working with local partner agency programs which share the same goal of advancing children toward a positive future, and coordinating collaborative and initiative effort, real change has been made in our community's children. - 6,793 youth served who participated in school and/or community-based out-of-school time programs and/or receive individualized reports. -2,218 youth received job skills. 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. Also, by providing effective pathways to manage current income and eventually increase that income, and to give the vulnerable population 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. - 22, 836 individuals served who gained knowledge about community resources. - 8,409 individuals served who remain in our transition to an improved, stable living situation. - 2,208 individuals served sho access affordable housing, financial products, and services. UNITED WE WIN United Way NELA Collaboratives: United Against Homelessness, Summer Enrichment Camp, Lincoln Parish Hunger Task Force, Emergency Task Force. United Way NELA Initiatives: Dollars & $ense Reality Fair, FamilyWize, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED, United Way 211, VolunteerUNITED

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OUR MISSION To strengthen and value individuals and families through professional services and community leadership with compassion and integrity. ABOUT US Founded in 1931, The Wellspring is one of the state’s oldest and most effective non-profits. The Wellspring is an umbrella organization focused on leading our community in serving people in need. Strengthening the lives of individuals and families is the tie that binds our programs together. We are steadfastly committed to the vision that has seen us now into our eighth decade – building thriving, healthy communities based on strong individuals and families. COMMUNITY IMPACT Changing our community, one life at a time. The Wellspring makes Northeast Louisiana stronger by helping individuals and families from all walks of life to overcome challenges, identify resources and develop workable solutions. Our mission is at work each day through the comprehensive, professional services The Wellspring offers: • Youth development and empowerment services – We offer mentoring, social-emotional life skills, Chase Leadership Academy, Civic Engagement Institutes, job readiness and leadership programs to youth living in Ouachita, Lincoln and Union parishes. • Therapy and Supervised Visitation – The Counseling & Family Development Center is one of the area’s premier providers of counseling and mental health services. The counseling center serves as the Accredited Sexual Assault Center 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 children in violent, abusive relationships. • Support for the homeless – We have an array of homeless and Veterans’ programs and services throughout Northeast Louisiana serving some of our region’s most vulnerable individuals and families who are homeless, chronically homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cathi Cox-Boniol, Chair Cody Bauman, Chair-Elect Aimee Buchanan, Treasurer Melissa Ducote, Secretary Rick Guillot, Member-at-Large Darian Atkins Bradley Bridges DeLayne Donnell Julie Emory Charles Gardner

Dr. Florencetta Gibson Cindy Gordon Herbert Guillory Jack Gustafson Bill Hendrix Aimee Kane Judge Wendell Manning 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. UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 5:30 p.m. Patriot Square, Winnsboro Holiday Open House Thursday, December 5, 2019, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1515 Jackson Street, Monroe For more information about our upcoming events, please call (318) 323-1505. 242 NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

G A L L E R Y of H O M E S 113 Lakeland Drive, West Monroe

113 Wilson Drive, West Monroe

2711 Bramble Drive, Monroe

Seller will pay up to $7,500 in buyer pre-paids and closing costs with acceptable offer. Beautiful home in Lakeland Gardens. 4 BR/ 2BA with 2 half baths. Kitchen has custom cabinets, copper farmhouse sink and stainless appliances. There are vaulted ceilings, shiplap, farmhouse doors and wood beams that show the rustic country look of the home. The back has a large covered deck that overlooks the lake and an above ground pool. MLS# 188822 Rona Stapleton, John Rea Realty, 318-235-4197

New Listing in Hillside Park subdivision. 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, new paint inside and out, wood floors, large utility room, storage building that is wired with electric, extra parking pad, situated on 2 lots that is completely fenced in with double gate and second driveway. There is room to park camper or RV. MLS# 190165 MLS# 188822 Rona Stapleton, John Rea Realty, 318-235-4197

Spread out in this large 5BR/3.5BA (plus game room & office) on a large lot on North Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coveted Bramble Drive. Large circle driveway offers plenty of parking for guests. Gated entry leads to large 3 car carport overlooking the large fenced backyard. Open kitchen with sub-zero refrigerator and commercial grade gas stove. Spacious master suite with large walk-in custom tile shower. This one is sure to amaze. Schedule your appointment today! $402,500 MLS#187518 Mark Sisk, RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-801-4344

66 Highway 854, Delhi

1910 Stuart Avenue, Monroe

223 South Grand Street, Monroe

This 23,846 SF property is situated on 85 +/- acres of lush grassland and a carriage house with 15 acres devoted to horses. Designed by Vicksburg architect Skip Tuminello, and built by luxury home contractor Robert Stone. The mansion features an executive suite, three bedrooms each with private en-suite bathrooms, two living rooms and a formal library built of imported koa wood. MLS# 190285 John Rea Realty: Jennifer Causey 318-2610892, Clark Smith 318-366-4622 and Rona Stapleton 318-235-4197

This stunning mid-century modern home is located across from the desired Triangle Park. The 5,443 heated sq. ft house features 4 BR and 4.5 BA, a master suite like no other with large walk in closets, joining bathrooms and an exercise room/office overlooking pool. Other features include a media room, a movie screen and a state-of-the-art kitchen, a double sided fireplace, an open dining room, large utility room, and much more. MLS#188851 Susie Husted Realty, 318-322-8268 or 318-366-1472.

Unit 201 in Riverscape Condominiums offers many amenities to please the modern day buyer. It is the be the perfect place to call home for the busy professional. A spacious condo featuring an open floor plan with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The best part of unit 201 is the breathtaking views of the Ouachita River that can be seen from every room. MLS# 188412 Jennifer Causey, John Rea Realty, 318-261-0892

223 South Grand Street, Monroe

4203 Loop Road, Monroe

GALLERY of H O M E S A historic building in downtown Monroe that has been completely renovated and revitalized. Unit 402 is a 2 BR/2 BA condo located in Riverscape Condominiums. Riverscape offers high-end security and a gym. This unit has a balcony offering amazing views, an electric fireplace and a nice open floor plan, stainless steel appliances plus much more. MLS# 188777 Jennifer Causey, John Rea Realty, 318-261-0892

Dreaming of a North Monroe Bayou DeSiard property with an unbelievable price? LOOK NO FURTHER! Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, this home also offers water views from most rooms, a dock, a 3 car garage, 2 fireplaces, a circular driveway, an office, a bonus room, a large covered patio and a fountain area. Make your offer today so you can enjoy the rest of the year fishing, boating and tubing on the bayou! MLS#189652 John Rea Realty, Kathy VanVeckhoven, 318-537-3701 and Nancy Inabnett, 318-537-2698

is a listing of local real estate properties by local realtors. To advertise in BayouLife Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery of Homes, please contact us at 318.855.3185

R&R GEMS The earrings are Lafonn sterling silver bonded with platinum, 4.68 total carat weight manmade diamonds in a vintage setting. The bracelet is Lafonn sterling silver bonded with platinum, 5.37 total carat weight manmade diamonds. The necklace is an estate piece and in 14k white gold featuring .90 total diamond weight. The ring finger features a vintage estate piece with 18k white gold with 1.35 total diamond weight and 2.5 carat emerald. The pink tourmaline is a 3 carat vintage estate piece set in 18k white gold with 1.0 total diamond weight.

Brilliant Baubles

From gemstones in bold hues, to brilliant diamonds, these looks are perfect for holiday giving. Find them at area jewelers. Model: Kayla Edwards Photography: Kelly Moore Clark MUAH: Meka Bennett MARTY & MARKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S This preowned ladies stainless and gold Rolex is worn with an 18k twotoned bracelet with 3 carat total weight. The ring is a two-toned antique style ring in 18k gold, .5 carat centerstone and 1.25 total carat weight. The necklace features 16-inches of graduated pearls with 1.5 carat pave diamond enhancer.

DUPONT JEWELERS Kaylaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necklace is a strand 8.5-9 mm gray Akoya pearls. She is wearing 1.95 ct tw diamond stud earrings set in a cocktail setting. A platinum ruby and diamond ring contains a 1 carat ruby and 1 ct tw baguette and round diamonds. The bracelet is 18k white gold diamond and Sapphire bracelet 4.5 ct tw diamond.

HOLLIS & COMPANY This gorgeous necklace features an ombrĂŠ south sea pearl strand 10-13.4 mm (37 pearls total) 14k white gold clasp. It is paired with a long necklace featuring 14k yellow gold south sea pearls in 12-15 mm tincup style. The earrings are 18k white gold and diamond south sea pearl earrings 0.40 ct tw and 12-13 mm.

Most people know to pair a red wine with a red meat and white wine with fish, but Thanksgiving can have a variety of food so pairings can get confusing. We asked our local wine experts to give us some advice on what wine or spirit to serve with our classic Thanksgiving meal, making the perfect meal taste even better! Strawberry Salad LA VIELLE FERME ROSÉ RESERVE This lively sparkling rosé is crisp and fragrant. The bright strawberry flavors will give this beautiful fresh salad a new zing that will make your taste buds flutter with delight as they dance across your palate. Available at Washington Wine & Spirits

Bead Pudding CROFT RESERVE TAWNY PORT

Cornbread Dressing SEAN MINOR SAUVIGNON BLANC

This port wine has notes of caramel, raisins and cloves and is smooth on the palate, full of luscious strawberry jam flavors with an elegant finish. It pairs well with a dessert and is the perfect way to end your Thanksgiving dinner!

This is a fruity and fresh-tasting wine that’s light to medium in body. It is very aromatic and has flavors like a fruit salad of apples, melons and peaches with a dash of lemon juice so it’s not too heavy to pair with a dressing.

Available at Tonore’s Wine Cellar

Pecan Pie HENNESSY MASTER BLENDER’S NO. 3 This cognac is full of bourbon like character. Rich praline, hazelnuts, and oak mingle together sumptuously. When paired with the crust and filling of pecan pie it goes over the top. Buttery goodness emerges as the cognac pulls savory qualities from the pecan pie and in turn the pie pulls sweet notes form the cognac. An incredible and must try pairing. Available at Washington Wine & Spirits

Ham THE CALLING PINOT NOIR This wine has aromas of bing cherry, fresh raspberry and cranberry. It is medium-bodied with excellent acidity and a lingering finish, making it versatile to pair with ham, as well as various game like duck and goose. Available at Tonore’s Wine Cellar

Turkey MAZZOCCO DRY CREEK VALLEY ZINFANDEL The bright acidity and silky tannins of this wine provide a delightful textured pairing with turkey. The bold berry and truffle like qualities of this wine compliment the earthy and tender flavor of a perfectly cooked turkey. Available at Washington Wine & Spirits

Wiggin’ Out Gala

n October 3rd, patrons gathered at the O 9th Annual Wiggin’ Out Gala at Davison Athletics Complex. Cathi Cox-Boniol emceed the event, while Jukebox BOOMers kept the crowd entertained all night long. Wiggin’ Out raises money all year long to provide underpriveleged women, men and children in North Louisiana that are battling cancer and have little to no support in purchasing wigs, headwear, lymphatic garments and prosthetic bras. The Wiggin’ Out Gala is the biggest fundraiser for this non-profit organization, and continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year.

On the BayouScene 1 Kristen Dickinson, Brandy White, Casey Warford, Ashley Hamlin and Jennifer Rader 2 Sissy Tolar and Heather Boddie 3 Robin Younse and Karen Bozeman 4 Marsha Petri and Meagan Konkol 5 Ashley Able, Victoria Sexton and Charissa Rachal 6 Jade Brashear, Kim Kavanaugh and Alice Byrnes 7 Angela Yarborough and Jessica Hughes 8 Courtney Benton and Deidra Adair 9 Sheila Robertson, Paula Wright, Melisa Rudd, Rhonda Cook and Julie Morris 10 P enny Hart, Cindy Ludwig, Hillary Hohlt, and Prestin Ludwig Smith 11 Donna Lewis and Pam Jenkins 12 Jennifer Gantt and Sharla McLuski 13 Jennifer Spurlock and Ashley Hamlin 14 Lisha Sike, Lou Cruse, Monica Allison and Donna Kemp 15 K erri Hull, Emily Kabbes and Maddie Patton 17 Kelli Wade, Leann Dye and Keri King 17 Kathy Lowery, Beth Rinehart and Karen Rinehart 18 Bri Wimley and Jordan Graham 19 Jessica McLelland, Kimberly Lynn and Ashley Randie

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Bayou Buzzworthy

The Junior Garden Club of Monroe hosted their October meeting at the home of Susie Husted on the banks of the beautiful Bayou DeSiard. Members enjoyed learning about floral arranging from Taylor Bennett of Finefolks, and even created a festive fall pumpkin arrangement with seasonal flowers donated by Carlstedt’s Monroe. The group is planning to donate fresh herbs to the Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Home as part of their November meeting.

RIVER OAKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

River Oaks School recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Alumni returned to the school to celebrate the school’s annual homecoming on Friday, October 11. They mixed and mingled in a tent as they watch the Mustangs take on Glenbrook. The fun continued on Saturday with alumni getting together at Mustang Sally’s, hosted by the Friends of River Oaks School. River Oaks is located in Monroe and is a Pre-K through 12th grade private school, striving for excellence in Academics, the Arts and Athletics.

Myrt Hales, Jr. recently celebrated 40 years of Law Practice and a reception was held on Thursday, October 10th. He currently practices law at Hales & Strickland Law Offices in Rayville, alongside his son-inlaw, Josh Strickland. Everyone enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch at his office on Julia Street and the Richland Chamber of Commerce was on hand to commemorate the day with a ribbon cutting.

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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 1 Kane Hodder Meet & Greet Evil Visions Haunted House brings you Kane Hodder! The legendary horror actor behind Jason Voorhees, Victor Crowley & More. For 2 nights only, come meet the man behind the mask. With Meet & Greet, Photo Ops & Autographs Available! Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House 501 DeSiard St., Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM ULM Baseball Hackers Classic - Golf Tournament The ULM Baseball Hackers Classic will be held on November 1st at the Calvert Crossing Golf Course. Limited to the first 30 teams. Venue: Calvert Crossing Golf Course 515 Hodge Watson Road, Calhoun Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM November 1-3 Evil Visons Haunted House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Black Out You've heard the stories, You've felt the fear, Now Join the scare for 2019 as Evil Visions brings you The Aftermath! 10 Years after the Campus Carnage outbreak find out what Evil lies within these walls! See Evil Visions in a whole new light... without lights! Join Evil Visions for their Blackout Nights, where they crank up the intensity scares by turning off all the lights.... can you survive? Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House 501 DeSiard St., Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM Cost: $20 November 2 Wild Wild West Enjoy a street party to benefit the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group. Venue: Alley Park 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM Cost: Tickets: $30 Tables start at $300 Blues, Brews, and BBQ It's not difficult to draw visitors

to the scenic Ouachita River, but it doesn't hurt to throw in the promise of good music and food. Top it all off with some ice-cold beer, and you've got a perfect event. Attendees will enjoy the sounds of blues experts on the Louisiana Lottery Stage while shopping artisans and food vendors and sampling delicious beer. There will be a rib cook-off this year as well with a $250 cash prize winner. Venue: Downtown Riverwalk 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: $15 Phone: 318-807-1735 ULM Football vs Arkansas State Join in on the fun and watch ULM take on Arkansas State. Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 4:00 PM Cost: $15-35 Phone: 318-342-1000 2019 Taste of the Twin Cities Taste of the Twin Cities is in its 24th year. The Pilot Club of the Twin Cities will host its 24th annual Taste of the Twin Cities from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the West Monroe Convention Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. Join them for an event you know and love showcasing local restaurants featuring samples of delicious food and retail exhibitors offering opportunities to shop from an array of specialties. And don't forget the always popular silent auction! Venue: West Monroe Convention Center 901 Ridge Avenue, West Monroe Hours: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: $15 Phone: 318-396-5000 Ainsley's Angels 4th Annual Rollin On the River This event is unique in that the course always include assisted athletes competing in race chairs AND able-bodied athletes! The Ainsley's Angels Race series benefits children and adults with disabilities.

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100% of all proceeds will go directly back to Ainsley's Angels of America. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Phone: 318-325-9160 Stars on the Bayou QuesTECH Learningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fundraiser Stars on the Bayou is a regional talent show featuring talent in three age categories and one special bonus category. In conjunction with the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts (SYAA) and The Radio People, Stars on the Bayou, scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 6-10:00 P.M. at the HUB Music Hall in downtown Monroe, is a familyfriendly event. Venue: the HUB Music Hall Hours: 6-10 PM Phone: 318-322-6000 November 3 Twin City Marathon The Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau along with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana are excited to bring you a tour of our two cities via the Twin City Half and Full Marathon race. The course is certified USA Track & Field/Boston Marathon Qualifier All profits of this half/full marathon will be awarded to non-profit(s) selected by the race planning committee local to the Monroe/West Monroe, LA area. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Hours: 7:30 AM Phone: 318-325-9160 Antique Alley Open House Annual Open House. Stroll the Alley on a beautiful Fall Afternoon and enjoy refreshments, music, and more. Shop antiques, boutiques, specialty shops, & more. Antique Alley has something for everyone. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Cost: Free

November 7 Hops for Hunger Enjoy some locally brewed hops while helping to fight hunger in our community this holiday season! Dance the night away to the music of Six O'Clock Traffic. Their horn section will get your movin while the Flying Tiger Brewery heroic beer gets you groovin. $10 cover benefits the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. Bring money for the Bahr Food truck by Chef Cory Bahr, beer specials and auction. Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery 506 North 2nd Street, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $10 Phone: (318) 547-1738 November 7 - November 9 Holidays in CedarTown For the 30th consecutive year the Ruston Civic Center will be a holiday one stop shopping destination for area residents. Holidays in Cedartown, a project of the Cedar Creek School Parent Club, will once again provide North Louisiana with an amazing holiday marketplace that will allow you to jump start your holiday shopping. Venue: Ruston Civis Center Hours: Nov. 7th - 9th Phone: 318-255-7707 Webisite: www.cedarcreekschool.org November 8 A Night In Wakanda Enjoy a night of storytelling, music, and poetry for the culture. Venue: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum 1051 Chennault Park Drive, Monroe Hours: 8:00 PM Cost: $30 Phone: 318-342-8889 November 9 Holiday Open House A group of six local stores in the heart of Monroe will be hosting their holiday open house. They invite you to join them, enjoy snacks and drinks and get your Christmas shopping done early. The shops included are Haven, Palette House, Woodstock,

Artistic Designs, The Muffin Tin and Legacy. Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM 4th Annual Pumpkin Fest Join DBK Dance and Performing Arts and the City of West Monroe for their 4th annual Pumpkin Fest. There will be food, games, fun, entertainment, and so much more. Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Phone: 318-396-4016

November 9th and 10th. On-site registration will be $40.00 per race. Junior fees will not increase. Second race per day is $10.00. No late fee for second race. Event held under USA Cycling event permit number 20192995. Kids race will be held on a shortened course. Any question contact Ricky 318-789-8766 of Cole 318-282-9951. Venue: Lazarre Park Corner of Hamilton and Thompson, West Monroe Cost: $40

Delta Veterans' Expo & Celebration Veteran's Day is not only a time to celebrate all who have defended our country, but also time to make sure they have all the resources and support they need to succeed. Delta Veterans will have people there representing educational, occupational, and volunteer opportunities in our area. Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe Hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Phone: 318-547-7817

November 9 – December 31 Freedom Trees The Freedom Christmas Trees are 5 lighted trees at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum set to honor the service of the men & women of the 5 branches of the US military. The trees will be lit on November 9th and stay lit until December 31st. Venue: Chennault Aviation and Military Museum 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe Cost: Free Phone: 318-362-5540

ULM Football vs Georgia State Join in on the fun and watch ULM take on Georgia State. Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 4:00 PM Cost: $15-35 Phone: 318-342-1000 November 9 - November 10 Cyclocross on the River The Cyclocross on the River is

November 10 Bastrop Holiday Open House Get into the holiday spirit and get started on your Christmas shopping with this fun event in the City of Bastrop. Local stores are keeping their doors open on Sunday the 10th from 1-5pm to help get Christmas started. Door prize, hor d’oeuvres and discounts will be given the day of and it’s sure to be a great time.

Venue: City of Bastrop Hours: 1-5 PM Cost: Free November 12 Salvation Army of Northeast Louisiana - Emergency Homeless Banquet This is a banquet to raise awareness of homelessness in NELA. The guest speaker is Dennis Swanberg. Enjoy a dinner, speech and recognition of upcoming Salvation Army events, and the Red Kettle kickoff. Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Cost: Individual ticket-$45 Reserved table of 8 - $500 Phone: 318-325-1755 November 14 Delta Waterfowl Banquet The Annual Northeast Louisiana Chapter Delta Waterfowl Banquet will be Thursday, November 14th at the Monroe Civic Center. AJ Gallagher is the title sponsor and tickets are on sale now, email Joe King Montgomery at joe.king@tfns.com. Hours: 5:30 PM Phone: 318-381-3065 Beer & Bards Beer & Bards takes place on the 2nd Thursday of every month at Enoch’s Irish Cafe and Pub. It begins at roughly 7:00pm and lasts anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. Anyone with questions or who wishes to read can reach Jack Heflin, ULM English Professor and

Beer & Bards Host, by either sending a message on the Beer & Bards Facebook page or contacting him directly at heflin@ulm.edu. Venue: Enoch's Irish Pub 507 Louisville Ave, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: 318-388-3662 Moscow Ballet This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets, and soaring birds, don't miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. The New York Times "Hot Ticket!" Celebrate this cherished holiday tradition and relive the dream with Tchaikovsky's timeless score. Get tickets for the whole family now. Venue: Jack Howard Theater 401 Lea Joyner Expy, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM Cost: $29-$79 Phone: (318) 329-2225 November 16 Super Saturday – November Join Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana for Super Saturday. They will be celebrating their youth volunteers with opportunities for service-learning hours as well as hosting activities for children. They will have playground cleanup, garden maintenance and more! As always, this event is free

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and open to the public. Venue: Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana 117 Hall Street, Monroe Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-323-8775 Heart of a Tiger 5K Be sure to make it to Flying Tiger on November 16th for the 2nd Annual Heart of a Tiger 5K and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run. Proceeds to benefit the John Clarke Perry Foundation. Kids Fun Run will start at 9am and the 5k will start at 9:30am. Flying Tiger will be family friendly and open all day. They will have jumpers, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, as well as auctions and raffles for some amazing prizes. Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery 506 North 2nd Street, Monroe Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: 5K Run/Walk; $30, 1K Kids Fun Run: $20 Phone: 318-547-1738 Blue Jean Ball Come enjoy live music, dinner, bar, silent auction and several contests throughout the night. Family Promise of Ouachita will be crowning King and Queen of the Ball so come in your best blue jean ball attire. This event supports their mission to provide the services and shelter to assist families in their transition from homelessness to in a home as a strong family unit! Venue:111 Cotton Street, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM November 17 The Merchants’ of Delhi 6th Annual Christmas Open House Come out to shop the Merchants of Delhi’s 6th Annual Christmas Open House and truly get into the Christmas spirit. With seven merchants in the town participating it is sure to be an afternoon you don’t want to miss. Have a wonderful afternoon strolling the streets of Delhi, LA, shopping and tasting delicious sweet and savory treats. There will also be door prizes and special incentives going on this Sunday only. Venue: Delhi Hours: 1-5PM November 18 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

will make its journey from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. by way of a cross-country tour involving more than 25 communities along the way. Join as the tree makes a special stop in Monroe, LA on November 18th. Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway Hours: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Phone: 318-329-2225 November 21 DoMo Stroll Stroll through the heart of downtown Monroe! This stroll will take you through downtown, restaurants, bars, and businesses. Enjoy happy hours, live music, karaoke, a piano bar, concerts, dances, and other special events! Businesses on this stroll include: Evil Visions Haunted House, Brass Monkey Pub & Patio, 2 Dudes Brew & Que, Taco Street, Kahlo Tapas & Tequila, Restaurant Cotton, and Miro’s! Venue: Downtown Monroe 100 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-3254 Champagne Stroll Come Down to Downtown West Monroe for Champagne & Shopping. Participating Stores: Shoppes at the Rialto, Cotton Port Antique Mall, Potpourri de Tante Marie, Traditions Antiques, Eleven 26 Boutique, Hoot n Hollar, Malcomb's Woodcrafts & Treasures, The Mother Hen, The Nude Nomad, Rusty Nails and Pearls Boutique, Coco's Mercantile, The Rustique Gator, The Spice and Tea Exchange, Trenton Street Antiques, Shoppes at Cotton Port, First Glimpse Ultrasound + Boutique, Trenton House, The Flower Market, Bon Temps Classical Pilates Studio, Walsworth & Company. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM November 22 Brides, Beaus and Bubbly ULM Event Services Departments presents their annual premier bridal event, Brides, Beaus and Bubbly. You can enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer as you meet with the area’s premier wedding vendors. You can purchase tickets at the door or on Eventbrite. Venue: ULM Bayou Pointe

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1 Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM Cost: $10 per person November 22 – December 31 Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Light Park Candy Cane Lane is a mile-long wooded drive decorated with over One Million Christmas lights. Candy Cane Lane will be open daily Nov. 22 - Dec. 31 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Venue: Candy Cane Lane 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $20 Family Vehicle $40 Commercial Vehicle Phone: 318-801-2935 Christmas at the Biedenharn Enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the Biedenharn Home and Elsong Gardens thanks to the Monroe Garden Study League. Be sure to come by during regular museum hours to take your family special events throughout the season. Venue: Biedenharn Museum & Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive Hours: Tues-Sat 10:00AM-5:00PM Cost: Adults $7; Military/Senior $6; Child/Student (thru HS) $4 Phone: 318-387-5281 November 23 Santa Stop 2019 with Sunny 98.3 For the past 14 years Sunny 98.3 has hosted Santa Stop. They welcome you to meet Santa, enjoy food, games, prizes and make great memories! Venue: Stephens Media Group 1200 North 18 Street, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-398-1983 ULM Football vs Coastal Carolina Join in on the fun and watch ULM take on Coastal Carolina. Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 4:00 PM Cost: $15-35 Phone: 318-342-1000 Denim and Diamond Fundraiser The 2019 Denim and Diamond Fundraiser will be November 23rd at the Monroe Civic Center! They will have a Cochon de lait by Dan Blakeny! Dance all night to the incredible music by Dr Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monsters! There will be a silent and live auction, lots of games, and raffle

tickets for a Louis Vuitton overnight bag! Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM Phone: 318-329-2225 November 23- December 22 Santa's Christmas Village Don't miss out on Santa's Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum. Santa's Village Includes: Cookie decorating, Visits with Santa, model train village, Make and Take holiday ornament, Snow Shows, Festive light display, Rides down Mount Sneauz, Photo ops, the new giant snow globe, and all exhibits! Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum 323 Walnut Street, Monroe Hours: Thursday-Friday 5pm to 8pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm Sunday 1 pm to 6 pm Cost: $8 per person Phone: 318-361-9611 November 29 Children’s Christmas Parade sponsored by Origin Bank A night-time parade featuring children in costume on decorated bikes, floats and wagons! The parade is open to all pre-school and elementary school age children. Parents must be present. Prizes for best decorated float, bike and costume. Rain Date: Dec. 6. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Cost: No Fee but Donations to the Children’s Coalition are Welcome November 29-30 Open Wagon Rides Through the Lights Landry Vineyards is once again providing its wonderful wagon so everyone can take a ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe. The 30-minute rides begin at 5 PM every Friday and Saturday nights beginning Nov 29. The ride begins at Commerce Street and ends at Wood Street. Venue: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe Hours: 9:00 PM November 29 – December 25 Christmas Wishing Tree Write down your wish or prayer at the downtown Christmas Wishing

Tree! Over the next few days, your wish or prayer will be put in the tree. Something wonderful happens when we all wish and pray together. The Wishing Tree will be in Bry Park at the corner of Desiard and South Grand Street. Come stop by and write down your wish! Venue: Bry Park 110 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: All Day Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-3254 November 30 Champagne and Shopping The Annual Champagne and Shopping Event is back for the fourth year in a row and this year will be bigger and better than ever. The event features local vendor booths and will take place on Small Business Saturday, November 30th at a new location, the Krewe de Rivière den. There will be local vendors selling wares just in time for Christmas, as well as complimentary champagne tastings. Proceeds from the door benefit the Krewe de Rivière and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. Venue: Krewe de Rivière Den 300 Ouachita Avenue, Monroe Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM Cost: $5 Downtown Holiday Stroll Join the Downtown Monroe Alliance on Nov. 30th for its first ever holiday stroll from 2:00 PM 7:00 PM. Get in the Christmas spirit by strolling down Desiard Street with the launch of the holiday shopping season. Come out and enjoy the culture of Monroe through food, arts, shopping, and music. Santa Claus will even be making an appearance.Don’t miss out! Venue: Downtown Monroe 100 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-3254

November 30 – December 31 Christmas Tree Stroll Enjoy a variety of Christmas trees decorating by local businesses. The Christmas Tree Stroll will be available for viewing from Nov. 30th to Dec. 31st. This year’s participants include The ULM Alumni Association, Chennault Aviation Museum, African American Museum, NELA Children’s Museum, and the Krewe of Janus! Venue: Downtown Riverwalk 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: All Day Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-3254 November 3, 4, 9, 10 CA Studio's the Play Called Noah's Flood Don't miss out on a showing of The Play Called Noah's Flood at the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens! At the end of the fifteenth century, the little town of Frogsham near Chester, England, musters its dubious resources to mount the Corpus Christi play of Noah and the Flood. This medieval play-within-a-play presents a town full of characters who mirror their Biblical pageant counterparts, including the Seven Deadly Sins. It also provides a humorous glimpse of 15thcentury stagecraft and the timeless panic of performers who must go on before the play is ready. Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Phone: 318-387-5281

Holiday Outdoor Movie What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas lights? The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone! Venue: Alley Park 200 Natchitoches, West Monroe Hours: 5:30 PM