BayouLife Magazine October 2021 by BayouLife Magazine

BLcontents 50

28 28 / GLORIA CLARK

52 / THE THROW DOWN

42 / THE HOT SEAT

54 / TRICKS AND TREATS

We never know where our life’s journey will take us. Even when there are hints as we are growing up, most of us still have little idea about how we will live out our lives. Gloria J. Clark is no exception.

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These trendy room accents give new meaning to the saying, “being in the hot seat.”

48 / BOURBON STREET

This hauntingly delicious drink is perfect for fall. Combining sweet apple notes with cinnamon and a punch of bourbon, this cocktail is one to cozy up to.

50 / RAISE A GLASS

The holidays are upon us and entertaining guests is one of the things we look forward to the most. Glassware is a fun way to liven up your festive tablescape.

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Throw a little style around your home with these dreamy, chic blankets perfect for cooler weather. Snuggle up in style this fall with these items from local retailers.

114 / FAMILY VISION

APRIL 2018

Gather your goblins and ghosts for a Eeriesistable Halloween smorgasbord.

84 / SERENE SOPHISTICATE

Ronnie Walker transformed this damaged Garden District gem into a serene space worthy of its historic iconic past.

98 / TAP INTO GREAT FOOD

Tommy Stewart, owner of Five 19 Tap House & Tapas and Brass Monkey Pub & Patio, considered his travels and subsequent culinary discoveries when curating the restaurant’s menu.

134 / HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

Rebekah Boyd Lawrence moved back to Louisiana and purchased the historic Neville House. The Neville House has made her dreams reality.

148 / WALDEN LEATHER CO.

Jody Dozier started creating leather goods as a hobby, experimenting and crafting handmade goods. Fast-forward, Dozier has created his business.

158 / GALLERY TALK

From the gallery to the streets, these looks are perfect for seasonal transitions.

here’s something about our Fall Home Issue that always gives me the bug to redecorate my house. Seeing comfy fall throws, stylish accent chairs and winter white accessories is enough to spark a whim for a home makeover enthusiast. This month BayouLife teamed up with our favorite home stores and decorators to bring you the best fall décor and freshly-inspired rooms. Ronnie Walker transformed a damaged Garden District gem into a serene space worthy of its historic iconic past. The elevated palette combines rich shades of blue with crisp white walls and pops of green reminiscent of Ralph Lauren. Read his article on page 84. Tommy Stewart, owner of Five 19 Tap House & Tapas and Brass Monkey Pub & Patio, considered his travels and subsequent culinary discoveries when curating the restaurant’s menu. Vanelis Rivera met up with Stewart to talk about his newest venture on page 98. If you’ve driven down Tower Drive in Monroe, then you’ve glanced at the modern-style architectural building characterized by its sand-colored wood planks, sleek edges, and tinted windows. This prodigious construction is, in many ways, a reflection of the multi-faceted services of the familyowned InterMountain, which specializes in the management, development, and renovation of premium branded hotels nationwide. As the company kept expanding, it only made sense to create a workspace that embodied the company’s success, as well as its artistic vision and capabilities, holding true to the company’s tagline: “A business of a thousand details.” Read their article on page 114. Rebekah Boyd Lawrence moved back to Louisiana and purchased the historic Neville House. Originally built in 1905, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lawrence has always dreamed of owning a beautiful old white house, operating an art gallery and having a bed and breakfast – the Neville House

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 has made those dreams reality. Find her story on page 133. You never know until you try — that’s a statement in which Jody Dozier believes wholeheartedly. After all, if the young craftsman hadn’t decided to go out on a limb and attempt something new, his leather goods business, Walden Leather Co., may not have ever come to be. Read this month’s BayouArtist feature on page 146. As a cancer survivor herself, Gloria Clark knows firsthand the importance of the Witness Project of Northeast Louisiana, a survivors’ support network for African-American women. Once a recipient of their cancer education and resources to help cope with her own disease and treatments, Clark today is a dispenser of those gifts to others desperate for information and comfort. In recognition of her personal strength and endurance as well as that of thousands of other cancer survivors and lifers in our region, Gloria J. Clark is our October BayouIcon. Find her story on page 28. Taylor Bennett and Kelly Moore worked their magic this month to bring beautifully styled photography to the pages of BayouLife Magazine. From fun glassware to Halloween mantles, this issue is chock-full of interesting and timely articles and home features we hope you enjoy. As we approach the holiday season, remember to love your neighbor and shop local! Boo Dat!

Cassie

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn McAllister katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Kirstie Martin kirstie@bayoulifemag.com Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Cason Dan Chason Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Ashley Hubenthal Paul Lipe Lesley Loman

Erin Love Kirstie Martin Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller J. Preston Parry Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Courtney Thomas Kirstie Martin Katelyn McAllister ON THE COVER The Home of Ronnie Walker Photography by Kelly Moore Clark BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

Let the Spirits Tell a Story Surround Yourself with Good Company and Better Whiskey

T’S OFFICIALLY FALL AND IN LOUISIANA THAT MEANS hunting, tailgating and grilling in the backyard! This month we want to tell you about some products that go hand in hand with all the things you have planned for the fall and some much needed cooler weather. Here at Washington Wine & Spirits, we know how much work you guys and gals have been doing to get your camps ready for hunting season so we want to give you a quick and easy guide to some great spirits to stock up your liquor cabinets to enjoy after the hunt. Cathead Distillery located in Jackson, MS is the closest distillery to us here in Monroe. Recently we had the pleasure of making a private barrel selection that we know you will love. Our pick of Old Soul was distilled at MGP in Indiana and entered the barrel at 125 proof, then aged for 5 years entirely in Jackson at Cathead. It was bottled at 109 proof and the nose opens with toasted marshmallows, honeyed vanilla, almonds, and a touch of cinnamon. The first sip reveals graham cracker and hard caramel candy. The second taste shows vanilla, a touch of candied orange peel, and sweet marzipan. This culminates in a long finish that shows rye spice at first and then settles into chewy caramel. Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey pioneered by Augustus Bulleit over 150 years ago. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth. It is medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas and mid-palate is smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg with a finish that is long and dry with a light toffee flavor. Wheatley Vodka is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. Crafted in small-batches using a one of a kind micro-still, Harlen’s unique wheat recipe is distilled a total of 10 times, triple-filtered and bottled at 82 proof, creating a delicate and balanced profile. Pure and crisp on the nose, with a clean taste and hints of soft vanilla, Wheatley Vodka delivers the kind of exceptional quality and taste you would expect from the world’s most award-winning distillery. Redbreast is one of our favorite Irish whiskey distillers and they partnered with the 120 year old sherry house Lustau for the incredible Redbreast Lustau Edition. The nose is intensely fragrant, bursting with fat dates and prunes, red apple and a rich cakiness. The palette is

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full bodied with red berries, apples, almonds, walnuts, and balanced oak. The finish is long and sweet with honeyed berries. Next up we are going to tell you about some of our absolute favorite spirits for tailgating at The Grove at ULM or sitting on your back patio watching your favorite teams play on TV (Geaux Tigers!) These are perfect for before and after your team wins! The Bloody Buddy is a ready to drink Bloody Mary consisting of a special chili pepper infused vodka and a homemade Bloody Mary mix. It’s a carefully infused vodka with a special set of chili peppers precisely mixed with a homemade tomato juice and seasonings bottled in a single container ready to go anywhere. The Bloody Buddy brings the high quality, handmade cocktail normally found in prestigious bars and restaurants to those who want to enjoy the same cocktail in their own home. Did we mention they are the official Bloody Mary of the Saints. We wanted to shine a light on a local product from Two Warriors Meadery in West Monroe with the Battle Weary honey hibiscus mead. They tell us the name comes from the World War II B-24 Liberator of which local veteran Dr. John H. McCarter Jr. was a crew member. The label incorporates artwork inspired by the nose artwork from that aircraft. The color is a beautiful rose copper in the glass. The nose opens with tons of mouth watering red berries and gentle hibiscus. The palette fulfils the promise of the nose with strawberry, cherry, sweet hibiscus, and a lively tart pop. The finish is tart, yet gentle, with floral honey that clings pleasantly. A fantastic achievement of balance that begs you to take another drink. Be sure to get yours while supplies last as this is the last of the current stock while the meadery is being rebuilt. We can’t wait for Two Warriors to make their return! Shipwreck Vanilla Rum is blended with Madagascar vanilla extract and has a mild, oaky aroma, a rounded, robust vanilla-bean flavor touched with coffee and a cinnamon zing. Sip this amazing rum on the rocks or with your favorite soda to make a delicious cocktail that others will be clamoring over until the next party! Don’t forget that Washington Wine and Spirits offers the Doe’s Eat Place uncooked steaks for you to take home for your next backyard BBQ and tailgates. So stop on by and get your steaks, wine and spirits all in one stop! As always thank you all so much for letting us be your Spirits Guides here at Washington Wine & Spirits.

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumna: Margaret Moses

ARGARET MOSES THRIVES IN CREATIVE SPACES AND endeavors. Margaret’s grandfather, Charles Schorre, was one of Houston’s foremost artists, photographers, instructors, graphic designers, and creative explorers. She and her sister Sandra Jackson Coderescu worked on art projects in his Tangley Drive studio accompanied by jazz music. The family spent time in art galleries and in museums. Margaret gained a love of design through her perception of her mother and grandmother’s keen eye of well collected and tastefully eclectic curated homes. An appreciation for the arts and attention to aesthetics were a constant in the family. Additionally, her great uncle worked as a photographer in Texas, with his works appearing in numerous books, magazines, and videos. Her great aunt worked as an English teacher who later became a well-known Texas author. Margaret emerged from a family of artists with her creative spirit fostered from an early age. After graduating from Neville High School, Margaret enrolled at ULM. She initially declared nursing as a major but waffled with the choice. The science classes kept her interest, but after two years, Margaret transferred to interior design with a minor in marketing. The construction courses integral to the interior design program intrigued Margaret. Dr. June Conway, an integral instructor in Margaret’s education, stressed the importance of design boards. Dr. Henry Cole led the retail marketing course, and Margaret’s knowledge of design and business began to merge. During senior year, she took a job with local interior designers including Terri Kyser Trichell, Carl Tidwell, and Christy Farr. Working alongside designers with established client bases provided Margaret with the experience and confidence to pursue a change in location. She moved to Austin and managed Central Home Goods, a local home interiors store. The new environment exposed Margaret to new lines and brands, and when she decided to move back home, she brought that broadened perspective to Monroe. At the request of Tish Miller, Margaret began managing Inside Indigo in Monroe and glimpsed the retail design business from all angles. She loved working with people and making visions come alive. After 13 years at Inside Indigo, Margaret ventured out on her own, providing interior decorating services to people in the community, but she eventually wanted a spot to land. People had mentioned that she should consider opening her own store, that she possessed the 10 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

business acumen and critical eye to sustain her own business. In 2017, she opened Palette House on the corner of 3rd Street and Hilton in Monroe. Now, Palette House & Plume combines home design elements and clothing. Her partner Jansen Harvey handles the apparel side of the store, an addition made in 2020. The store’s aesthetic is eclectic, yet comfortable. Margaret keeps customer design styles in mind when purchasing and reminds everyone that even when a particular item or overall vision is not apparent on the Palette House floor, it can be created when two minds work together. As a mother of two children and one dog, Margaret understands that style must be functional. The store has options for everyone, from formal to casual. A home can be both beautiful and lived in. As a business owner, Margaret enjoys the freedom of being her own boss, but admits it comes with a lot of work. As Thomas Watson once said, “To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.” She makes her best effort to balance her work at Palette House, while continuing to take time to work on her artwork from her home studio, but first and foremost, Margaret prioritizes her family. Brent Moses and Margaret married in 2003 and have two daughters. Addison is 16 and a junior at Neville and Emma is a 14-year-old freshman. Pippa, the miniature Australian Shepherd, is the baby of the family and receives all the associated spoils. As a graduate of ULM and now a local business owner in the same community, Margaret is grateful for her hometown university. Her education at ULM helped provide the composure for managing a successful business that feeds her creative spirit. And in her own way, she can give back to the people of her community and stay true to her innate passion for design and aesthetic excellence. 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.

AS K E R I N : C R EAT I N G B EAU T Y

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

here is never a bad time to decorate -or re-decorate- an area in a home. In fact, the BEST time is when you begin feeling stagnant or stuck in any aspect of your life. I always like to refresh my home at the beginning of every new season. When you move items around and redo a space with a new furniture arrangement or new décor pieces, you will feel different, or maybe even better than you did with the old arrangement. This is so because with movement and change, you are re-energizing stagnant space, therefore creating a new and uplifting aura around your home. When was the last time you moved things around in your house? Have you been too timid to try something new? If so, let me help guide you a bit. First, I want you to understand that none of the blanket terms (Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, etc.) will fit everyone perfectly. You might like one style over the other, but it is okay to mix and match, too. The best style is one that you create and that works with your personality and aesthetic. If you don’t stay married to one design, you will feel less stressed and free to have fun trying different ideas. In fact, that is what is so much fun about redecorating for each season. For instance, last fall I went with a black and white buffalo plaid theme, but this year I wanted to try something totally different. I have been drawn to pinks and rusts, so I combined the two for this season. Remember that nothing is permanent. You can change things at your whimsy. Now, I bet you are wondering what you should do with the items you are moving but you don’t want to get rid of permanently. Here are some ideas: FIND ANOTHER ROOM THEY WILL WORK IN. Guest rooms, playrooms, and offices are typically the first places I look for extra space. TRADE OUT WITH A FRIEND FOR A FEW MONTHS. This is a great way to try different styles and save money at the same time. REPURPOSE THEM. For instance, maybe that console table can now serve as an entryway piece or maybe it can liven up that wedding picture that is hanging in your bedroom. Or maybe that stack of books will look great on the coffee table for a change. You don’t have to spend a fortune when making updates to your existing décor. There are plenty of do-it-yourself projects with items that are from stores like The Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Search YouTube and Pinterest if you are having trouble with inspiration. One of my favorite DIY projects is to take an empty frame and add a beautiful card, calendar page, or just a piece of scrapbook paper. You will be surprised at how some new artwork can change the feel of your surroundings. Besides, a season-inspired picture can often be quite beautiful. Here are a few more tips for incorporating new and/or reused items into your space: Just because a piece is designed for a certain function, that doesn’t mean that it must be used in that manner. For instance, a clock looks great leaned up against the back of a bookshelf. They don’t have to be always on a wall.

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The more personal the space, the more personal the details should be. I prefer putting wedding pictures and such in a bedroom or hallway leading to a bedroom. Leave your living spaces a bit more relaxed and comfortable for your guests. For heaven’s sake, quit buying matching sets of everything! You will have a more interesting and flexible space if you mix and match your pieces instead of having to replace the entire set when one piece gets messed up. Practice makes perfect. If you are having trouble visualizing an item in an area, play with the arrangement a bit. Get measurements and create a “faux” sofa or artwork out of cardboard and/or painter’s tape. You will be able to tell immediately if it is the perfect size for that wall or that living room. Don’t place furniture against the wall. I know putting items there seems natural. but don’t do it if possible. Instead, don’t be afraid to use furniture as a border. A room divided into several cozy areas is inviting and easier to decorate. Be sure to use décor of varying heights. Taller pieces draw the eye up and add visual interest, while shorter items ground the area. Light is a décor piece. Task and accent lighting can add warmth and personality to a space. A room full of natural light will feel welcoming and happy. Incorporate light in all rooms in some form or fashion. Fragrance is part of your home’s personality. Do you have “signature” scents? Mine vary with the seasons, but they are the same year after year. You will be welcomed with the scent of balsam fir in the winter, “leaves” in the fall, lemon and berries in the spring, and New Orleans in the summer. I can’t stress enough the impact that fragrance has on one’s aesthetic experience. A hardworking space, like a kitchen, should function well or you won’t love it no matter how many beautiful things you have in it. With that said, be sure to think of the way you want your kitchen to work and not how pretty you think it should be. Make your most used items as accessible as possible. Although rooms in your house are different, they all need to “talk” to each other to make your home feel cohesive. Make sure there are some similarities in each room. Maybe it’s the paint color that will tie everything together; or it could be the gold hardware. or the accent color you will use. Create little touches that make you smile. Maybe you enjoy little flourishes like tassels, so place them on doorknobs. Every time you enter and/or exit, you will be greeted with something you love. Maybe you love frog figurines (if you know me you know I love frogs, so I am speaking from my own point of view here.), then place them in inconspicuous places that will catch your eye, but not stand out like a sore thumb. In the end, “Creating Beauty” should be a fun and rewarding experience for you. If you get stuck or need a little push, don’t hesitate to contact a local stylist. Feel free to contact me anytime!

Home As a Healing Space Decorating for Your Psychological Comfort BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

URING THE QUARANTINE WHETHER BY CHOICE OR necessity, most of us spent an extensive amount of time in and around our homes. A year and a half at home did many things to us and for us. Home for many became a safe place in a not so safe feeling world. Despite missing the activities one does a way from home the good news is that some used this time to focus creatively on their living spaces at home. When adjusting to changes and challenges associated with social distancing and pandemic related restrictions, many had a lot of time to reflect, rethink, reassess, refresh and renovate their homes. As a result, what is inside our spaces showcases our ideas, personalities, memories, interests and values as never before. Research indicates there are real psychological effects that can occur from the décor in our spaces. Decorating ones home can play a key role in overall wellness. A beautiful environment is key to good mental health-and your home is no exception. If your home does not look good, you are more likely to experience the day with a sense of chaos, disorganization and confusion, ultimately leading to a bad mood, depression and low productivity. Décor has an effect on happiness, attitudes, and even your temperature in a given space. The environment we live, work and play in is the environment in which we survive, strive and thrive. This is when home is regarded as a “healing space.” Home is a healing space for many. It is place where you can be in your own element and have your own island of the things meaningful and special to you. Home is a collection of objects and a piecemeal of our life experiences. I am of the belief decorating for emotional comfort is more than a luxury item. It is a necessity particularly in times of instability, unrest and uncertainty. Your home should reflect your unique psychology. In the event it is not realistic or plausible to have your entire home reflect and respond to your psychological needs, identify a place somewhere in your home that is a psychological comfort zone for you. I was reminded recently of the significance of a psychological comfort zone by a client who said “no one knows me like my bedroom. It is that place where I have gone through the best and worst of times. It’s where I write, where I create, where I think about my future, where I have hidden my fears of rejection and yet find peace and comfort.” At a moment when home is not only home-it is where most everything else is happening-decorating can make staying close to home feel awesomely comfortable. Ways to make your home aesthetically appealing while being good for your mental health, your home should bolster your mental fortitude. Give your home a makeover to suit your current lifestyle, feelings and emotions. Just like we need a new look so does the space we live in. 14 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Making over the place you grew up in can be the most meaningful kind of renovation... reminisce, clean up, clear out and update. Be mindful a large budget does not guarantee you a home that is congruent with your needs. There are ways to get there, even on a limited budget. Consider a user-affordable-space formula, by focusing on your specific needs. Nature nurtures. If you are outdoorsy in nature bring the outside in with the use of plants, color choices and use of various textures. Plants add life to any design scheme while eliminating toxins and oxygenating your home. Research has shown that people often see open spaces as more beautiful than enclosed ones. A full house or space does not have to mean a cluttered space. When you declutter you will achieve a clean look and a more relaxed feel. Maintain a spacious home, not necessarily a big home. A smaller space can be deemed more beautiful than a larger one if it is better designed and well maintained. Consider lighting choices as it impacts your mood. Both light and darkness are very important to our biological clocks and a healthy circadian rhythm. Walk right in, feel at home… know your house style and what suits you. Bring your tastes to life whether it is minimalist, art deco, industrial or traditional. A wellknown local decorator helped me to creatively combine my old with my new, my artsy with my traditional, my low key sophistication with my hints of bohemian flair while living up to the belief that less is best. In essence, he advised me on decorating for my psychological comfort. Environmental psychologists have longed suggested that home is a part of one’s self-definition. How we display our homes is an extension of ourselves. This can be seen in our décor, how we arrange things and why we hold on to the “stuff“ we collect. It is a reservoir of ones’ memories and a testament to ones’ life good and bad. Home can be a sanctuary, in which one experiences positive qualities such as security, privacy, belonging and comfort, creating a healthier sense of self. I am mindful as a result of the pandemic, home can be a personal haven shielding us from the controversies of the outside world. When we cannot control the happenings of the world at large we can control what our spaces do to us and for us. Home is where we can discover what we love about life that money can never buy. As we capture the last moments of the outside summer warmth and prepare to capture the inside warmth of the fall season let us move inward and explore what we need emotionally and physically at home to experience psychological comfort. For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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“The Best of Me” by David Sedaris

“There’s a lot of talk lately about the family you choose. It’s a phrase often used by people who were rejected by their parents or siblings and so formed a group of supporters, kindred spirits. I think it’s great they’re part of a tight-knit circle, but I wouldn’t call it family. Essential to the word is that the people you’re surrounded by were not chosen. They were assigned by fate, and now you must deal with them in one way or another until you die.”

’ve read David Sedaris’ work casually over the years. Usually, the absurd title of his latest collection of essays will grab my attention, and I buy a copy on impulse. The last such copy was Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, which inevitably meant I would laugh out loud, which I did, a rarity in my chosen book topics. I enjoy essay collections because they don’t require intense attention from chapter to chapter. They can be picked up and put down whenever the mood suits me. Likewise, Sedaris writes humor casually. The subjects of his jokes are not the topics we think of as inherently funny. His mastery is in transforming the absurdity and heartbreak of everyday life into a fond memory of simply being alive. I heard about The Best of Me from a podcast interview of Sedaris. His squeaky voice is both off-putting and endearing and his refusal to take himself seriously is reminiscent of many comedians. He is just funny. He’s not trying to be. And while

Sedaris’ stories can be cringy and examine the often-ignored, his heart bleeds through the words. In his insistence of not caring, we see how much he really does. This collection of essays focuses on his family, the one he insists is not dysfunctional, though his depictions of the crew would suggest otherwise. Sedaris writes about the people he loves as though they’re fictional characters. Each flaw is harped upon and each quirk is exacerbated. He speaks openly about his mother’s death decades prior, his younger sister’s battle with depression, and his father’s physical decay in old age. Sedaris’ banter with his partner Hugh sparks each narrative with truth and humor, and Sedaris’ willingness to expose his own morbid thoughts and questionable actions make fans out of his readers. He shares what many of us fear people knowing. Frequently, throughout reading the large collection of Sedaris’ hand-picked favorites, my chuckles would pique my husband’s interest. And I would comply by reading a small passage, which often ended with my reading the entire story. I laughed even harder when voicing the narrative out loud. Sedaris’ ability to squeeze layers of humor into four-line sentences is inspiring. I’ve often wondered if his writing would translate to a stand-up act; a quick Google search of Sedaris would lead one to think so, as he’s often pictured in flowy Hawaiian shirts and loud culottes. The quirky ensembles match the mind allowed to roam wild on the page. If you’re a fan of Sedaris or are drawn to sometimes raunchy, but inherently human humor, then The Best of Me is waiting, though Sedaris would discourage your rushing on his behalf.

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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“We Keep the Dead Close” by Becky Cooper

“Harvard will change you by the end of your four years, but don’t expect to change it. It wouldn’t be surprising if an institution that prided itself on being older than the government might have behaved as though it were accountable only to itself.”

his novel is for true crime fans. Becky Cooper’s book is a deep dive into the 1969 murder of Harvard graduate student Jane Britton. The year in American history was tumultuous enough, and the front-page story of a beautiful coed bludgeoned to death in her off-campus apartment eventually morphed into a sort of urban legend. Only the case is still unsolved, and the rumored murderer is still a tenured professor at Harvard forty years later. When Becky Cooper attends Harvard in the early 2000s, she casually hears about the unsolved case, is mysteriously drawn to the victim, and begins an amateur investigation. The shirked responsibility of Harvard and the seeming intent on behalf of the university to cover for one of their professors at the expense of one of their students is compelling. Jane Britton was what you would call an extroverted recluse. When she was engaged, she was all in socially, but when she disappeared, people left her alone. As an archeology student, Jane went on summer digs, which she documented in a journal. She corresponded with family and friends via letters, exposing the whims of her emotions, either soaring or in the depths of despair. Her close friends were primarily neighbors and fellow archeology students, two of whom found her body the morning she failed to show up for general exams. One friend

remembers, “Jane was not universally beloved; I’ll just put it that way. I think an awful lot of people were scared of Jane - that more so than disliking her. It was hard to dislike anybody that fascinating, but it’s easy to be scared of her.” Becky begins by questioning those associated with the investigation decades before. She walks the Harvard halls frequented by Jane, attends the same professor’s classes, follows message boards, and reaches out to local police officers who worked the case. The deeper she goes, the more she begins to understand Jane, identifying parallels between herself and the dead stranger. The investigation consumes Becky’s life for a decade and becomes her only focus. The short chapters switch from various perspectives, some from Becky’s investigation, some from Jane’s life, and others from witness accounts before and after the incident. While there is a lot of he said/she said, Becky’s narrative pacing and explanations throughout provide clarity and meaningful analysis. The tension from Becky’s confrontations with suspects balances the 1969 dayto-day accounts from multiple perspectives. The novel is quite large, and Cooper seems to have included every tidbit from the investigation, even clarifying when she’s summarizing clues that went nowhere. Some of the details feel repetitive, but I think she tried to mimic her investigation for readers to try and decipher the mystery for themselves. The novel does conclude with a closed case, along with Cooper’s thoughts and concerns with the results. This is Cooper’s first novel and was cited on many best books of 2020 lists. “Some people are naturally predators and others are natural victims and we fall somewhere in between, not having the guts to be the first nor the humility of the second.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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246 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO AMERICA Historical Impressions

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

he relationship between Great Britain and it’s American colonies finally ruptured in 1775. Ever since the Tea Party affair in December 1773 Boston had been a nexus for pro-independence activity. British forces in America had been concentrated in Boston since the arrival of General Thomas Gage’s troops in 1774. The first shots of the American Revolution occurred not far from Boston in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord MA. In order to have any chance to win freedom from the British Crown the Continental Congress needed to intercept the supply of arms and provisions to Gage’s army. It was also recognized that the military supplies carried on British ships could benefit the Continental Army if captured. Making the situation more dire, Colonial merchant shipping was also being severely harassed by British frigates. On August 26, 1775, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a resolution in favor of a Continental fleet to be funded by the Continental Congress. The resolution was introduced in the Continental Congress on October 3, 1775 but met with opposition and derision and was tabled. As military commander, George Washington had already rounded up several ships to address the threats posed by the Royal Navy. Some of the individual Colonies also outfitted their own warships for protection from and harassment of the British naval forces. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress finally authorized the construction and administration of a Continental Navy: “Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other

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supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct. “That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate of the expence, and lay the same before the Congress, and to contract with proper persons to fit out the vessel. “Resolved, that another vessel be fitted out for the same purposes, and that the said committee report their opinion of a proper vessel, and also an estimate of the expence.” The two vessels purchased under the October resolution were the Andrew Doria and the Cabot and they were to be armed for a cruise against British merchant ships. The first ship actually commissioned as an American warship was USS Alfred which was purchased on November 4th and commissioned on December 3rd. The original Rhode Island resolution was reconsidered by the Continental Congress and passed on December 13, 1775. Under this resolution the construction of thirteen frigates within three months was authorized. The makeup of this little fleet was to be five ships of 32 guns, five of 28 guns, and three of 24 guns. During November, the Continental Navy was formally organized and Esek Hopkins was appointed the first commander in chief of the Navy on December 22nd. Congress also commissioned four captains for naval service: Dudley Saltonstall, Abraham Whipple, Nicholas Biddle and John Burroughs Hopkins. Five first lieutenants, including John Paul Jones, five second lieutenants and three third lieutenants were also commissioned. Merit and patronage were both in play for the Congressional appointments. Both Hopkins’ (father and son) and Saltonstall were political selections. Whipple, Biddle and Jones already had backgrounds in naval warfare. The first ships that sailed under the flag of the Continental Navy were the 24gun frigates Alfred and Columbus, the 14gun brigs Andrew Doria and Cabot, and

the schooners Hornet, Wasp and Fly. The official Navy officer uniform of 1776 had red lapels and a red waistcoat. By 1777 many officers were wearing an unofficial uniform with white lapels, a white waistcoat and non-regulation epaulets. With funding and manpower that was but a fraction of that available to the mighty Royal Navy, the Continental Navy fought valiantly but at great cost. The Continentals were successful in a number of engagements against the Royal Navy and captured many British merchant vessels. The Continental Navy also lost twenty-four of its vessels during the war and at one point was reduced to only two in active service. There were about 65 vessels (new, converted, chartered, loaned, and captured) that served at one time or another with the Continental Navy. Only 11 ships survived the war which ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Due to a lack of funds to maintain ships or support a navy, Congress disbanded the Continental Navy in August 1785 and sold Alliance, the last ship remaining in the Navy. For nearly a decade the United States was without a navy. Barbary pirate attacks against American merchant ships finally impelled Congress to pass the Naval Act of 1794 that established a permanent standing navy as of March 27th. The Naval Act mandated the construction and manning of six frigates. By October 1797, the first three frigates were brought into service as the USS United States, the USS Constellation, and the USS Constitution. What we know as the United States Navy was formally established with the creation of the federal Department of the Navy in April 1798. Regardless, the United States Navy recognizes October 13th, 1775 as the date of its official establishment. So Happy Birthday to the United States Navy! Please visit the Chennault Museum to discover many stories of our Navy.

A Revival Redesigning Your Life

N LIFE SOME DOORS OPEN WHILE OTHERS CLOSE. Sometimes they stay cracked for years when you should have bolted them shut. It is in these moments that we reflect. We re-examine our surroundings, our friendships, our life goals and what matters most. We re-evaluate these things with a hope that as we have grown older and hopefully wiser. I am not sure about you but, the past year and a half has truly put many things in perspective. I have removed a lot of clutter from my personal and professional life. I have found the goals and people I want to be surrounded by as I continue life. I recently took an early 50th birthday trip to Mystic, Connecticut stopping along the way in Knoxville, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Roanoke, Virginia with one of my best friends, Carmalita. I must say that in those eight days of exploration and relaxation, a sense of calm and harmony came over me. After living almost two years into a pandemic being quarantined, surviving Covid, and keeping a young local business growing and going presented its challenges. It felt like living in a bubble of an unknown reality. This trip allowed us to get out of ourselves. What was intended as a buying trip became so much more. We made new friends, visited old ones, and just lived in the moment. Besides our destination of Mystic, we have no set reservations for accommodations. It was more of a “Papa was a rolling stone and wherever he laid his hat was his home” experience. We googled destinations and if they seemed charming, we stopped in. We found the heartbeat of these areas which was in all cases the downtown areas. We explored their history, savored the regional culinary delicacies, shopped their local and embodied the areas we were in whole heartedly. It was truly a journey of reinvention and reinvigorating our souls. Only 7 years ago, she and I were connected by a car crash she was in. I was a bystander who assisted and gave her and her son refuge. Now all this time later we give each other that jolt of purpose and dodging a midlife crisis. Revival is a reflection of who I was, who I came to be, and where I see myself going. Just as I read my daily reflections and meditate, I find harmony to bring my talents to work in creating a unique and ever “evolving shopping experience in historic downtown Monroe.” I was is how I would define Revival in a sentence. November 1st will

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make the 2nd anniversary I have yet to find a clear definition to sum it up. If I could give you a few words they would be “bizarre” and “multifaceted.” Each day when I enter the showroom, I think how I can continue to redecorate, reinvigorate, revitalize, rejuvenate, redefine, repurpose, and refine to create an amazing ever-changing shopping experience for all who enter our historic space. Over the past month, we have begun finding new ways to shift in new directions. Being the dog lover that I am, we have created a new niche, Cookie and Coopers Barktique in honor of my two pampered pooches. We found some of the most amazing dog treats, toys, and specialty items that they have a lot to bark about. As we get closer to the holidays, we will continue to expand with more season finds for that canine in your heart. Another addition to our showroom is our growing children’s section of educational toys, puzzles, and games. Being a great uncle to my little Jaxon Cole, sparked a desire to give the children who enter a place and purpose to shop and explore. Expansion has also begun with our lagniappe gift gallery, bar and beverage, a book nook, and eventually, It’s About Time Costume and Vintage clothing. By far I think the area I am most excited about is my 318Tees original designed clothing line that I have been curating for nearly a decade. It is a collection of characters that embody Louisiana in all aspects. It is also a line that embraces our differences into a gumbo of harmony. They are a preface to support the series of children’s books I am writing and illustrating. A collection of t-shirts, aprons, sweatshirts, and more will be available as they crawl into our showroom in time for the holidays. As I sit writing , I remember when this very concept became only a dream in my darkest days. Its truly amazing how God provides and makes those almost impossible hopes become a reality more than a decade later. I am truly blessed and grateful to all my family, work family, friends, customers, community, and purveyors who continue to support me in all my creative visions that are now housed a city I hold close to my heart. As Revival enters another chapter and begins its 3rd year of business, Cookie, Cooper, and I are filled with peace, love, and joy. Philippians 4:13

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Fishing With Kenny THE POWER OF GLASS RODS article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON

have always prided myself on tinkering with my fishing tackle. I spend hours trying to find the best rod and reel combinations, types of line and hooks that will allow me to be more efficient on the water and throughout my tournament year, catch more fish. Overkill? Perhaps, but I believe my success ratio far outweighs any negatives. One of the best discoveries I made in fishing was the benefit of using glass rods for my moving baits. I first heard of glass rods back in the early 80’s when Rick Clunn won the Bassmaster’s Classic on the Arkansas River. Being intrigued by anything Clunn did at that time, he was the first angler that I knew of that used glass rods, specifically crankbaits, for bass fishing. The concept wasn’t really new at the time because the famous “Lew’s Speed Stick” was a pistol grip glass rod that my father used back in the 70’s. However, Clunn was using a 7 foot model for crankbait fishing and this was revolutionary at the time. With all this being said, I started looking for glass rods to incorporate into my fishing. I had never used a glass rod so I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for or the best way to use them in my fishing. But I was determined to find out. After my initial searches were fruitless I discovered a series of glass rods made by Lew’s and I immediately fell in love with how they worked on certain lures. The rods were cheap in price, 6’6 in length and weren’t much heavier than the standard graphite rods that had become the norm. My love affair with my new discovery was quick and has remained almost forty years later. The first lures I remember throwing on my new glass rods were the Bandit 100 series crankbaits. I realized very quickly the benefit for the softer glass materials and the slower reaction times that allowed the fish to get my lures better. It definitely opened my eyes. From there I began to experiment with other moving lures. Rat L Trap style baits, topwater lures, spinnerbaits, any lure that required a delayed reaction for a better hookup, I would experiment with. Not long after my initial introduction to glass rods, while fishing a tournament at Bayou Bartholomew, I was able to see the benefits of my new rods. By this time I had four glass rods added to my ever growing arsenal and as I soon learned, they were starting to pay off. In this particular tournament there was an early morning shad spawn on the cypress trees and the fish were so aggressive, when they would strike my spinnerbait I was literally jerking the lure away from the fish. Because of the quick reflex of the graphite rods I was using, I was

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feeling the fish before they were getting the lure well enough to be caught. I immediately changed my spinnerbait set up to a glass rod, and proceeded to catch the next dozen fish that bit. I knew then I was onto something. Fast forward thirty some odd years later and in my rod box I have a 7’3 Academy crankbait rod as well as two of the 7 foot models, three 6’6 Skeet Reese Wright-McGill crankbait rods, a 6’10 Veritas crankbait rod and a 6’8 Lew’s topwater rod. All of these rods are glass composites meaning they have a mixture of graphite with the glass, making them much lighter than the initial glass versions I fished with but still have the delayed reaction and forgiveness of the original glass rods. Over the years, through trial and error, I have learned which lures I like to use with each one and the best way for me to become more efficient when using them. Now that I have explained my fascination with glass rods let me give you some scenarios and the set ups that I find, when using a glass rod, to be more productive and makes for catching a few more bass: One of my favorite things to do is use braided line with my glass rods when topwater fishing. Once you get used to the combination of the forgiveness of the rod and the no stretch of the braided line, your hookup ratio will increase dramatically. The braid/glass combination allows for longer casts and better hookups on the ends of those casts. This is my choice when throwing walking baits such as a Spook or a Chug Bug and when throwing a buzzbait. Also remember, when using this type of set up, a hookset isn’t really needed. Allow the line to tighten and pull into the fish, it will surprise you how well they are hooked. Another situation I like when using a glass rod is when I am making shorter casts with squarebill crankbaits, spinnerbaits or larger topwater lures around objects such as cypress trees or boat docks. This is a when I have found using the shorter 6’6 glass rods to be very effective. The shorter rod allows for more precise lure placement and also better hookups due to the give of the rod when a fish strikes closer to the boat. I also do better using monofilament line in these situations. I like 20 lb. Big Game most of the time regardless of the lure I am using. Another good combination is using fluorocarbon line and a 7’3 MH glass rod when using bladed jigs such as a chatterbait. I don’t have a set in stone reason why I seem to get more bites with a chatterbait when using fluorocarbon but for me that seems to be the case. The longer rod is important because it allows me to make longer casts and when throwing a chatterbait, covering water is important. The fluorocarbon, much like braid, has very little stretch and allows for better hookups. One of the things I have learned when fishing this particular set up is the importance of allowing the fish to load up on your rod before you set the hook. Also of note, this is also a great rod/line combination when night fishing with a spinnerbait. I believed I have owned, used, and/or tried every model of glass rods that has ever been introduced in the fishing industry. Sadly, the better ones I have used, both Diawa and Pflueger models, are no longer in production. The initial Lew’s versions have long been out of production, as well. But there are plenty of options. Most rod manufacturers have a glass rod version of the rods they sell, which has allowed me to find suitable replacements. I have used my glass rods when throwing the locally owned Wobblehead, a jerkbait such as a Rogue or Long A, soft jerkbaits like a Zoom fluke, a swim jig and the list goes on and on. I have a select few lures I will throw 100% of the time on graphite rods but everything else, at some point in time, I can make a logical argument as to why I would throw them on glass rods. In a fishing world where it seems newer technology has taken over, it’s nice to see that some things never need to change. Well, it looks like we are out of time and space again. I sure hope we were able to share some information that will make you a better fisherperson and allow you to have more success on your next trip to your favorite fishing spot. With hunting season in full swing please be careful in the woods and on the water, take care and catch one for me! See you next month!

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Fall is here and there is no better way to freshen up your wardrobe or home than by utilizing an autumn palette. These rust-colored items set the inspiration for t h i s m o n t h ’s B a y o u Tr e n d s . F i n d t h e s e a t a r e a r e t a i l e r s . 26 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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BAYOU ICON

GLORIA CLARK We never know where our life’s journey will take us. Even when there are hints as we are growing up, most of us still have little idea about how we will live out our lives. Gloria J. Clark is no exception. Born and reared by parents who loved her and wanted the best for their nine children, Clark learned early on the importance of helping others. “My most memorable experience growing up as a child was learning from our parents how to look out for others,” she says. “Even today I am still looking out for people less fortunate than I am.” One of the ways that Clark looks out for others is through her participation in the Witness Project of Northeast Louisiana. As a cancer survivor herself, Clark knows firsthand the importance of this survivors’ support network for AfricanAmerican women. Once a recipient of their cancer education and resources to help cope with her own disease and treatments, Clark today is a dispenser of those gifts to others desperate for information and comfort. In recognition of her personal strength and endurance as well as that of thousands of other cancer survivors and lifers in our region, Gloria J. Clark is our October BayouIcon.

ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

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Motors and then as a sitter, Pearl was a registered nurse, and Henrietta was a teacher. Her surviving sister, Mary Clark-Conner, worked as a sitter until her retirement. Clark has four brothers (Isaac, Ben, William, and Robert). Isaac was a supervisor with the Chicago Transit Authority before retiring; Ben is a podiatrist; William was a mortician and a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority before retiring; and Robert is pastor of several churches. The work ethic that their parents instilled in their children is obvious from the successes that they have made in their lives. “During our childhood, our parents made sure we kept up with our schoolwork and our assigned chores around the house,” Clark remembers. “Even though our parents weren’t educated, my siblings and I were all smart. Several of us received scholarships for college to pursue our degrees.” Clark remembers several individuals who were important mentors for her during her early years. One was Mrs. Elizabeth Fields, one of the mothers at Sunflower Baptist Church where Clark attended. Clark admired her mannerisms and appreciated the encouragement to “be the best person I can be” that Mrs. Fields often gave to her. Another was her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Davis. Clark loved her pleasant personality and admired the way she dressed. But it was her brothers whom Clark credits with being perhaps the most important mentors for her. “My oldest brothers showed me their success while attending college and how it could improve my lifestyle,” Clark says. Clark graduated from Sevier High School in Ferriday with honors in 1966. Her early career goal was to be a nurse, but she put that goal aside because of her fear of seeing blood being drawn from someone else’s body. She received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 1971 from Grambling State University. In 1973, Clark earned her Master’s in Special Education from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM), and her Plus 30 from there in 1975. During her college studies, Clark did student teaching in both regular education classes and special education classes. She found that she was drawn to teaching special education. She knew that she wanted to help those students who had disabilities.

n many ways Concordia Parish represents “home” for Gloria Clark even though she lives in Ouachita Parish. Concordia is where her family first lived. Her parents, Ben Clark Sr. and Ida Green-Clark, were both born in the tiny village of Frogmore. Neither completed high school, but both were hard workers determined that their children would have even better lives than they had. After marrying, the couple settled in Ferriday. Clark’s father worked on a farm as a laborer. He planted a large garden that kept the family supplied with fresh vegetables, and raised hogs and chickens for their table. Her mother worked as a custodial worker in the local schools. Although Clark’s paternal grandparents had passed away before she was born, her maternal grandparents (“Big Momma” and “Granddaddy”) lived close by and were an important part of Clark’s growing up. “Our family gatherings during the holidays and summertime were a great fellowship,” she remembers. “It was always large and there was plenty of good food!” Clark was the oldest girl and 4th born among her siblings. With their parents’ encouragement and their own hard work, all graduated high school and several earned college degrees. Three of Clark’s sisters (Vivian Clark-Hollis, Pearl Clark, and Henrietta Clark-Williams) have passed away. Vivian worked at General

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Defining Her Life Through Education The first job that Clark remembers is babysitting – a clear indicator of her love for children. “I got this job because the people knew my parents and that we were trustworthy,” Clark says. “It taught me that I had the ability to handle small children and the patience to assist them with their needs.” After graduating from high school in 1966, Clark decided to take off a year from college and moved to Chicago where her oldest brother lived. While living in Chicago, she worked at the Montgomery Ward Department Store there. It wasn’t until her third job – as a special education teacher at Berg Jones Elementary School in Monroe – that she finally found herself in the classroom, working with the special children who needed her the most. “I had an excellent supervising teacher, Mrs. Joyce Bassett,” Clark says, “and she and those children prepared me for my 50-yearjourney in teaching,” Clark says. Later Clark became an administrator for the Monroe City School System serving as supervisor of the Pupil Appraisal/ Special Education Department. When her mother became ill, Clark retired from that position in 2004 and took a teaching position in the Natchez Adams School System in Natchez, Mississippi. Following her mother’s death, Clark moved back to Monroe and accepted a teaching position at Shady Grove Elementary School for the Ouachita Parish School System. After that assignment, Clark rejoined the Monroe City School System as a special

education teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary. Her last of having a busy career in special education, Clark has always assignment before her second retirement earlier this year was at found time to work within the volunteer sector. She served on Barkdull Faulk Elementary. “I loved teaching because I had the the Monroe Beautification Board as liaison representative for opportunity to put into practice the things that I had taught other educational activities/projects in Monroe City Schools during teachers during my time in administration,” she says. “I could LaVerne Bodron’s tenure as director there. She is also a lifetime use in my classroom the things that I had taught them about member of Delta Sigma Theta Sigma Sorority, Inc. and has served how to get the most from the children who have disabilities and as treasurer and financial secretary for the group. In addition, different learning styles.” she was chairperson for the sorority’s “Family” became a motto for Clark Black History, Founders Day, and Social throughout her teaching days. “I always Action Committees. instilled in my students that we were a Her community volunteerism has family – a family that assisted each other included voter registration drives, HIV/ when there was a need,” she recalls. “I AIDS Awareness conferences, Stop truly loved my students and wanted the Violence rallies, and community them to be a success and to achieve their litter abatement drives. Never one to maximum potential. I loved seeing my be still for long, Clark looks forward students grasp the concepts and learn to volunteering at St. Francis Medical along with their peers in the regular Center or the Ouachita Council on education classroom.” Clark’s devotion Aging as soon as she completes her to her students went well beyond the recovery from knee replacement classroom as is the case with so many surgery. “Volunteering is essential for committed teachers. “I often used my a community because elected officials personal money to see that my students cannot carry out the projects/activities could be included in all aspects of the by themselves,” Clark explains. “It school’s extracurricular activities,” she takes a whole village for a community says. That enrichment no doubt made to survive. Everyone needs to do their a significant difference in her students’ part to make a community vital and quality of life. attractive to new businesses.” Although optimistic and determined to be the very best teacher An Unexpected Detour Along Life’s Journey she could be, Clark is also realistic In May 2009, Clark received news “Women of the Witness Project have also about the challenges that came along that was to change her life: a cancer attended treatment appointments with other with teaching. The lack of supplies diagnosis. She had been careful to have women still in treatment,” Clark says. “That and materials that teachers need to do annual checkups and a mammogram so support means the world!” their very best work for their students the diagnosis was a complete surprise. was a common problem. A second, less One of her sisters had died from lung obvious challenge was the lack of proper training for teachers cancer, and two of her brothers had been diagnosed with prostate who found themselves dealing with special needs students, cancer so she understood something about the disease. some of whom required such specialized care as the ch anging Because her tumor was small, Clark elected to have a of their feeding tubes. The third challenge came to light only lumpectomy. After a year, her mammogram was normal; the recently: the COVID-19 pandemic. Dealing with special needs second year, however, revealed benign cysts in both of her children through virtual lessons created an even more difficult breasts. In consultation with her doctor, Clark decided that a environment for both teachers and students. double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery was the best course of treatment for her. Being actively involved in her Family Means Everything treatment decisions helped Clark to cope during this traumatic In 1976, Clark married Freddie Earl Bynum, Sr. in a small time. She credits the support of loved ones and dear friends as well family wedding. Though the couple would have two sons, the as her continuing work as a teacher with giving her invaluable marriage ended in divorce in 1991. Those two sons are grown support. “I was not depressed because I had a good supportive now. Freddie II (who the family calls “Earl”) drives for UPS in system of friends, family members, and church members,” Clark Lake Charles. Benji is a physician and is the portfolio director recalls. “I spent most of my time with God by speaking and for Private Sector Engagement Colorado Health Foundation in praying.” Denver, Colorado. Clark adores her grandson, Freddie III (“Trey.”) Trey is a sophomore in high school in Lake Charles. The Witness Project of Northeast Louisiana Clearly family means everything not only to Clark, but also to A decade before Clark’s cancer surgery, The Witness Project Clark’s family. For her 70th birthday, her sons and grandson of Northeast Louisiana LLC was formed in 1999. Two women, Dr. together with two of Clark’s nieces hosted a lovely celebration at Florencetta Gibson and Mrs. Bernadine Adams, had attended a local restaurant in her honor. The elegant affair was attended by an informational meeting at the University of Arkansas in Little Clark’s family and friends. “This occasion will always stand out Rock to learn about starting a chapter in northeast Louisiana. The in my life,” Clark says. “I know that being a mom is one of my Witness Project had been founded there in 1990. Together with greatest successes.” other concerned partners, they established this vital resource for For Clark, “family” is defined beyond her students and underserved African-American women. To date, there has been her biological family. It also includes the community. In spite no break in the service activities carried out by this chapter. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 31

BAYOU ICON

ver the past 20+ years, the Witness Project has met monthly at First Baptist Missionary Church. Not even COVID-19 could stop their mission. They continued meeting via conference calls, regular emails, and texts – maintaining contact with their members during this particularly stressful time. Part of the work of the Witness Project is to recruit and train women to be resources for African-American women whether they are cancer survivors or not. By educating women about breast and cervical cancer through culturally appropriate cancer education and empowerment messages, the group hopes to increase awareness. When Clark was diagnosed, the Witness Project was there for her. The members provided important emotional support, of course, but the meetings also gave Clark an opportunity to discuss her situation with others who had undergone similar experiences. “The Witness Project meetings are very informative,” Clark says. “Often there are guest speakers and consultants who enlightened all of us on the latest trends and techniques in breast health.” Within the northeast chapter there are more than 30 years of breast cancer survivorship. These women are the mentors and role models that other women need in order to work through a difficult time. “Women of the Witness Project have also attended treatment appointments with other women still in treatment,” Clark says. “That support means the world!” The Pink Ball is an annual highlight for the Witness Project members. It is a fundraiser that showcases the women who are survivors. (Clark is chairperson for the Silent Auction Committee.) Each woman is introduced and the number of years that she has survived is announced. After the introductions, Clark says that the survivors participate in a New Orleans style Second Line parade

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to celebrate their survivorship. “Watching women and men dance and parade with such enthusiasm fills the hearts of each person in the room,’ Clark says. “The Witness Project if about providing education; however, watching such a display of joy never fails to instill hope!” Looking Forward Now that she has retired (again), Clark has some travel wishes. She would love to visit Paris, Jerusalem, and Africa. Of these, Jerusalem is her first choice so that she can gain spiritual insight and see the places she has studied about in her Bible. When not traveling, Clark can be found watching old movies and listening to blues and jazz music. A perfect day? Awakening at 7:30a.m., drinking a cup of green tea, taking her morning medicines, and reading Daily Bread and her Bible. Then she would go back to bed for two more hours (with no phone calls, please). Only then would she get out of bed and prepare her breakfast. The rest of that perfect day? Watching Lifetime movies! When asked if she could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, with no restrictions, Clark quickly responded, “I would love to have lunch with Rosa Parks. I admire her and what she stood for in those days.” The conversation would be about the challenges of life and how to overcome them. The location for lunch? “The place would be at a good soul food place or nice restaurant that serves a variety of things,” Clark says. Wherever her life’s journey takes her, no doubt Clark will still be smiling and encouraging others. In many ways she has enriched (and saved!) not only her own life, but the lives of countless others. As author Mandy Hale once wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” Gloria J. Clark has spent a lifetime doing just that.

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Flower General by Carlstedt’s Fall Plants, Flowers, Wreaths and More

ALL IS COMING AND THE UPCOMING SEASONAL change has many homeowners looking for a way to update their spaces. Integrating plants into your space is a fantastic way to enhance the overall appearance of a space. Additionally, florals have been shown to boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants. When it’s time to add a pop of color to you home, Flower General by Carlstedt’s is your local floral and plant headquarters. Flower General by Carlstedt’s was founded in 1926 by Oscar G. Carlstedt in Louisville, Kentucky. More than 95 years later, under the leadership of President/CEO Alice Lindsay Givens. Flower General by Carlstedt’s has since expanded to 13 locations throughout the southeast, including locations in Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and South Carolina. The company currently runs more than 70 delivery vehicles and employs a team of more 150 members. Carlstedt’s provides many unique services and VIP systems. These services include online ordering, invoicing, photo archiving, and even networking with fellow florists, freelancers, and DIYers. Carlstedt’s is a preferred vendor for many big box stores as well, including Whole Foods, Winn Dixie, Wal- Mart, and Amazon. Through their online floral mall, FlowerGeneral.com, Carlstedt’s provides services to clients all over the world. Their team handles all the logistics, payment methods, delivery and/or in-store pickups. Flower General by Carlstedt’s has thousands of floral partners worldwide and offer an online Floral Concierge service born from their motto “Flowers Say it All!” This personalized support was designed to help customers order flowers for family and friends. A potential customer can simply log on, fill out a questionnaire with specific information on their exact needs, and a Flower General team member will contact them and help place the order. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, sympathy, or any other occasion, the Floral Concierge team helps customers share their love through the power of flowers. This unrivaled dedication to detail and customer service would not be possible without the amazing staff behind the scenes. Flower General by Carlstedt’s consider their employees to be the best in the business and lovingly refer to them as the Dream Team. Their experience and expertise are unmatched and they go the extra mile to

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make sure clients get the high-quality flowers they want and deserve. Flower General by Carlstedt’s provides the finest flowers, plants, floral supplies, and event décor to florists, event planners, and other floral professionals. They focus on each customer’s individual needs, with particular attention to every order. From fresh flowers, dried products, greenery, silks and floral accessories the team at Carlstedt’s provides it all. When looking for options to update your space this fall, Carlstedt’s recommends testing out some of the hottest floral trends of fall. Blooms are a great and easy way to add life and color to your interiors. The top floral trends 2021 are an exciting blend of juxtapositions, from bold and bright to the contrasting use of neutrals with minimal styling. Focusing on monochromatic jewel tones, gives your space a whimsical and bold statement, that adds a sense of playfulness. If you are seeking more dynamic hues, try selecting florals in an array of of orange and yellow. Another trend popping up this fall are arrangements peppered with organic and earthy materials like pampas grass or preserved roses in more demure color palettes instead. Whatever your preference, fall floral arrangements have the ability to show off some of the season’s richest hues. Whether it be red, yellow, orange, purple, or brown-colored, a multitude of plants grace lawns and homes during the fall months, and the season’s floral arrangements should be no exception. Carlstedt’s is proud to be a part of the Northeast Louisiana community. When you step into the cooler at Carlstedt’s you can see all of the wonderful fall colors. From warm yellow sunflowers to rich red rover mums to orange lillies, you can pick a variety of floral to create an arrangement for your home. They also carry an extensive line of containers and baskets to complete the look. Check out their wall of wreaths including moss, berries and more. If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for - whether it be a plant, tree or flower, Carlstedt’s can always make a special order. Located in the heart of mid-town Monroe, just off Tower Drive, stop by Carlstedt’s to see everything they have to offer. Be sure to explore their cool-weather floral pairings, sure to add a statement to any room in your home and a pop of happy this fall and upcoming holiday season!

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The Paper Market

The Paper Market Features Items for Football, Fall and Festive Decor

ALL IS FINALLY IN THE AIR AND IN NORTHEAST Louisiana that means one thing - football! Whether you are cheering on your favorite local high school, your college alma mater or the state’s beloved NFL team, The Paper Market has everything you need. The local party and paper goods store is owned by Amy Robinson and located in the Northgate Shopping Center at the corner of Forsythe Avenue and North 18th Street in the heart of Monroe. From tablecloths that mimic astroturf to a stadium setup to fill up with snacks, these items will complete your tailgate or get together at home! And you know you can’t have a good tailgate without the go-to go cup. The Paper Market has sleeves of styrofoam cups with school logos, as well as fun and festive sayings. They also make a great hostess gift or fun happy, especially going into the holiday season. The Paper Market carries items with logos for local high schools including Neville, OCS, Sterlington and St. Fred’s as well as ULM, LSU and Tech. If they don’t have your favorite team or school, you can always place a special order in the store! There are also local school notepads and stationery that make the perfect happy or teacher gifts. For years, The Paper Market has been the go-to place for all things party related and have become known for their wall of solid color tablecloths, cups, napkins, plates, utensils, bowls and napkins that you can combine to create the perfect team colors. They recently revamped their wall and while some of the products have new packaging, they are still the same great options and quality that you have come to know and expect over the years. “This is just another way we are always looking to improve the shopping experience for our customers,” said Amy Robinson, owner. “Not only are we offering high quality products at great price points, we have redesigned our wall of solid color options, making it even easier to come and grab what you need.” Football isn’t the only thing this season brings - there’s also festivals, halloween parties, pumpkins and more! The Paper Market has carries the cutest autumn plates, napkins and tableware that are perfect for church meetings, garden club get togethers and other seasonal events. When it comes to fall festivals, trunk-or-treats and Halloween happies, The Paper Market has quite the selection, from pumpkin treat bags and cellophane bags shaped like a skeleton hand. If your home is halloween headquarters, you will want to grab some

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festive tablecloths, the cutest cocktail napkins and bowls perfect for chili and gumbo. You can even create a photo booth set up, complete with decorative props and decor, making your halloween party even more memorable. The Paper Market is constantly adding new items and staying up to date to what’s on trend to ensure their customers have everything they want and need for their next party! They recently added an entire line of plaid and buffalo check pattern tablecloths that are perfect for tailgate parties, showers, outdoor dining and more. They are quickly becoming a customer favorite. Amy and her staff are always staying on top of birthday trends, ensuring they have what their customers need. From themes for first birthday parties, toddler and kids party themes to older milestone parties, The Paper Market has it all. The Paper Market is known as the place to buy balloons for parties and in recent years, they truly stepped up their ballon game. Not only do they offer regular latex balloons, they have hundreds of mylar balloons to choose from. If you want to decorate early, you can always opt for hi-float option, so your latex balloons will float for even longer. The Paper Market has also introduced balloon arches and garland, adding an extra fun element to any party or event. You may have seen their balloon creations at events like their mosaics, numbers and letters filled with a variety of balloons of different sizes and colors. Another item they have added to the mix - their own delivery van, making it even easier to have large deliveries with balloons and decor included at your party. No more worrying about strategically placing balloons in your car and worrying if you can make them all fit! No matter the fall festivity you are planning, The Paper Market has everything you need to make your party a hit! Also, it is never too early to start thinking about the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Paper Market has plenty of disposable goods to make your Thanksgiving prep and clean up a breeze and holiday wrapping paper and bags will be making their debut in the store very soon. Plus, you can drop your gifts off at the Paper Market and let their staff wrap them for you. “We love to celebrate and not only want people to celebrate all the occasions in their lives, but we want to make it as easy as possible for them to do so!” said Amy. Stop by their convenient location and let their friendly staff help you for all your party needs!

R E M E M B E R

H OW B O L D M A RT I N LU T H E R’S CO N V I C T I O N S W E R E

my convictions should it come to a I REMEMBER the great matter of life and death. In such a admiration I had for Martin Luther situation, how many of us would as I read about how he boldly stood affirm, “Here I stand! I can do no his ground in face of the great other, so help me God.” opposition that confronted him at Not a large number of us are likely the Diet of Worms – a “trial” which to find ourselves in a setting where was held in April of 1521. Called on we have to put our lives in jeopardy by the Emperor of the Holy Roman for just affirming our convictions, Empire and by leaders of the church but two groups, men and women to recant, to deny all he had written who do face grave danger every in opposition to what he considered day, come to mind. These are the errors in doctrine and practice in individuals who serve in our military the church, Luther responded with and those law officers whose job these inspiring words: “Unless puts them at risk on a regular basis. I am convicted by Scripture and Rarely do the folks who wear these plain reason I will not recant. My I WONDER IF I WOULD STAND uniforms run from danger; instead, conscience is captive to the Word FIRM IN MY CONVICTIONS they confront danger to serve their of God. I cannot and will not country or to protect their fellow recant anything, for to go against SHOULD IT COME TO A MATTER citizens. There is a sense in which conscience is neither right nor safe. OF LIFE AND DEATH. these folks remind me of Martin Here I stand; I can do no other, so Luther as, by their actions, they say, help me God.” “Here I stand; help “Here I stand!” And every time I am me God.” How different our lives and our world would be if more of us had the strength of conviction in the presence of one wearing the uniform, I always try to express my thanks to them for their brave service on my behalf. like that of Luther. So, what do you think? Are we not responsible to try to find Luther was called on to defend things which he had said - things that offended the leaders of the church. This protest of his had gotten the strength to develop and to stand by convictions that are shaped its start when, on October 31, 1517, he posted his now-famous 95 theses by thoughtful consideration of what is right or wrong, good or bad? on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He taught Rather than just “going with the flow,” may we be more like Martin at the university in that city, and these 95 statements were intended Luther with the result that we boldly say, “Here I stand. God help as subjects of debate for students at the school. Those statements me!” By taking his stand and by holding on to his convictions, Luther challenged the teachings and practices of the church of that century would become one of the most outstanding individuals in the history and lead, ultimately, to the Protestant Reformation. But the more of the world. We’ll not likely receive anything like the acclaim given to immediate result was that the Reformer’s life was in danger. About Luther, but there will be a sense of satisfaction and purpose when we a century earlier, John Hus, who preached and taught in Prague, was take our stand for truth and right. Therefore, in view of what Martin Luther did on October 31, burned at the stake for expressing concerns (similar to those of Luther) relative to what was happening in the church. So Martin Luther, by 1517, this year that day (October 31) will not be celebrated with the saying “Here I stand,” was declaring that not even the threat of death Halloween game of “Trick or Treat,” but with commemoration of the would move him to deny his faith. I wonder if I would stand firm in courage of Martin Luther, expressed in the words, “Here I stand!”

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

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Meredith’s Musings

hen I was pregnant, my mother gave me my baby book, one of those “fill in the sentence” prompters that chronicled my childhood. Mom’s attention to detail was astonishing. She kept track of every inch, ounce, dietary preference, and scraped knee, not to mention countless art projects, report cards, and honorable mention ribbons. And my mom’s humor and honesty came out, which I appreciate. But it all read glossy to me as an adult, more of a pretty picture than the reality I know to be true now. I want something different for my daughter. And so, I’ve decided to tell her the truth, the honest, sometimes ugly truth, in the form of letters. My friend Lea knows me. She got me this modern baby book during my first pregnancy, very boho chic. The vintage cover is decorated with classy arrows, and she made sure it contained pages and more blank pages for her friend, the writer. For those

first six weeks of maternity leave, I didn’t know what to do with the pages. I kept glancing at the book day after day, unsure of what to say. The pages felt oppressive, and one day, it dawned on me. Talk to her. She doesn’t understand you right now, but one day she will. And tell her the truth. Don’t set her up to feel like a failure. The first entry is lovey dovey. “Dad and I are so in love with you without even knowing you yet,” the normal stuff. At five months, when her personality starts to emerge and she responds to my commands, like we understand each other, I wonder if I could love her more than that moment. We read to her, nightly, and some of the books are fairy tales. They’ve evolved; some are about courageous women throughout history, and that makes me happy. But the traditional ones, the ones my mom read to me, that I want to share for connection, they end with, “happily ever after.” And I don’t believe in that. It’s a false promise, a half-truth, and

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H A P P I LY E V E R A F T E R article by MEREDI T H MCKINNIE

I don’t want to lie to my little girls. I refuse to set up unrealistic expectations that will ensure disappointment and self doubt. On Valentine’s Day, her first one, three days after her 6-month birthday, a personal fairytale crumbled. I cook most nights because I love to, and I get home hours before my husband, but he told me he was cooking for Valentine’s Day. I come home from the gym after 6 PM, having not heard from him, which is odd, thinking he’s probably home planning something special. When I pull into a dark house and the realization sets in that he’s not home, and nothing special is being prepared, and I’ve imagined this scenario in my head. I feel silly, and even more silly for caving to disappointment. My daughter is screaming in the back seat because she hates the dark, and I can’t get over the fact that he’s not here, that the Valentine’s Day I imagined in my head is not happening. I didn’t know how to channel my anger, and then I

saw the book. This was one of those moments where I could explode in the privacy of our own walls, snap a fake picture for social media and pretend her Valentine’s Day was the thing of social media dreams. But I didn’t. Instead, I wrote in her book. I told her how her mom felt that day, I told her the hopes I had for the evening, the disappointment, and the rage I felt I deserved for not getting the scenario I created in my head. I told her the truth. I told her how her mom was flawed and how her dad’s job didn’t respect her sleep schedule or the national holiday. I want her to know that while I love her father, while I’m thankful he’s my partner, while I know I chose the right parent for my daughter, “happily ever after” is not accurate. “Hard ever after,” is the truth, and her mama is woman enough to say so. My daughter won’t go blindly into a relationship expecting the moon; she will know she will have to reach for it every day, and find the person willing to reach with her.

B AY O U H O M E

T H E H OT S E AT These trendy room accents are giving new meaning to the saying, “being in the hot seat.” So, don’t miss out on these fiery finds at local retailers near you. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: Sleepy Hollow Furniture, Ivan Smith Furniture, Lauren Roebuck Designs, Fabulous Fabric, Palette House & Plume, Parterre, Walsworth & Company, Material Things, Haven and Bella Magnolia

No Tricks, Just Treatments Let Coleman Chiropractic Clinic Get Your Back on Track

HERE’S NO BONES ABOUT IT, CHIROPRACTIC CARE IS for everyone. With Halloween upon us, skeletons abound from candy bones to haunted house decor, but when was the last time you did something good for your bones? Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the skeletal and nervous system, and their effects on general health. Dr. Brian Coleman has provided chiropractic care for almost forty years and has been serving the area of Monroe for thirty. Recently Dr. Coleman has been joined by his son Dr. Beaux Coleman to continue the family tradition of providing quality and meaningful chiropractic care to all. Doc and Dr. Beaux, as they are known by patients, are excited to bring their family dynamic to the clinic to help treat you. The goal at Coleman Chiropractic is to make the world a healthier, happier place one person at a time by educating patients on health and wellness while providing the highest quality of chiropractic care available. It is important to understand that the human body is a complex system of organs that function in tandem with one another. Chiropractic care focuses more than just on a patient’s spine, it involves the nervous system which communicates with every part of the body. A chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which trained specialists use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of this procedure, also known as spinal manipulation, is to improve spinal motion and improve your body’s physical function. Spinal adjustments have been proven to balance the body, help stabilize the spine, allowing for better communication within the body, and by doing so patients often note improved function. Chiropractic care allows for the removal of communication hindrances within the body, allowing the spinal cord to effectively communicate with other bodily systems. Chiropractors provide patients with a primary approach for the prevention, diagnosis, and conservative management of pain and discomfort often enabling patients to reduce and or avoid the need for prescription pain medications or surgery. Remaining on the cutting edge of chiropractic technology the clinic is thrilled to announce the addition of the PiezoWave2 to their clinic. The PiezoWave2 originates from Germany and is part of the Richard Wolf Company. Following the success of the technology used

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to pioneer lithotripsy treatment for kidney stone patients, the Richard Wolf company developed the PiezoWave2. The PiezoWave2 is a Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT) device that uses radiofrequency to aid in the dissolution of fibrotic, or scar tissue, in a non-invasive manner. The equipment is not thermal driven making it safe to use on individuals with artificial metal joints. The applications for use include both acute and chronic pain associated with injuries and post-surgical recovery. The PiezoWave2 has found home in many sports training and recovery programs, with devices owned by Louisiana State University’s Athletic and Veterinarian programs as well as the New Orleans Pelicans. Coleman Chiropractic Clinic is currently the only location north of the 1-10 corridor utilizing this technology. The PiezoWave in conjunction with chiropractic care has been shown to significantly improve a patient’s quality of life as mentioned in the following patient testimonials. “I had some pain in my shoulder that wouldn’t go away. Dr. Coleman suggested I have this treatment done. I had six sessions. The assistant put gel on the area and rubbed the ultrasound style wand all around the area (bigger area than the area of pain) after making several passes, she was able to determine the damaged area. Trust me, I did too! She increased the intensity as the session continued. The session was about 12 minutes. My shoulder felt a little better after the first session and continued to feel better over the 6 sessions. I haven’t had any problems with it since. I will definitely have this procedure done again for anything else he suggests I have it done for. Absolutely worth it.” -Frances S. “I was in a bad auto accident at 26 years old, that left me unable to stand up completely. I was hunched over in pain and unable to play with my two kids. I started chiropractic care with Dr. Coleman, and I feel better now than before my accident. I was changed by chiropractic so much my husband, two kids, parents sisters, and nephews are now treating to improve their health and wellness.” - M. Elliot Treat yourself to an adjustment this fall, for more information or to schedule an appointment our clinic can by reached by phone at (318)388-2215. We are located at 2501 Ferrand Street in Mon-roe, Louisiana. You can also find us on Facebook @colemanchiropractic2501 or visit our website at www.colemanchiropractic.net.

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Home For Sale By Owner Is Using a Realtor Worth the Investment

HERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT reasons people choose to sell their home privately, but the one we hear most often is, “I thought it would be easier because several people have said they want to buy it. Often sellers think that the transaction will go smoothly when they know the buyer. In fact, it can make the process more challenging when the seller knows the buyer personally, even if they are family. A property owner can benefit greatly from consulting an agent when this is the case. It is easy to give in to negotiations for fear of hurt feelings, or even take advantage of the other’s trust and kind heart. An agent can act as a buffer during negotiations, and help the seller obtain the most for their home. The goal is a delicate balance where both the buyer and seller are winners! We want to protect the buyer and seller’s relationship and have both sides walk away from the closing table happy and feeling like they received value from our services. Another popular reason for selling a home privately is, “We thought it would be easier because less people would be involved and we don’t want to make it complicated.” A successful real estate transaction involves several moving parts, but hiring the right agent is key to minimizing stress. There are several people involved during the process that need to be contacted, scheduled, and allowed access to the property. Just think of us as your personal communications team! We communicate with the buyer, buyer’s agents, mortgage lender, home inspector, appraiser, attorney, title company, exterminator for termite inspections, cleaning staff, various contractors, parish health unit, as well as the staff that assists the people involved. That is a lot to keep up with, but these services make

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sure both clients are protected. We ensure all work is completed and everyone is happy. PRICING STRATEGY Knowledgeable agents keep up with property sales in their market and can price your home accurately. Each agent has their own pricing strategy, developed by personal experience. Home buyers can view homes with the swipe of a finger or the click of a button, and you must grab their attention with the first photo and the price. Buyers are also educated and familiar with the market now. They have the ability to look up sales data with a few clicks, and they have an idea of what the average price per square foot should be. If a property appears to be priced too high, they won’t give it a second thought. They will also continually ignore the property each time they browse the area listings. Seasoned Realtors know how to get their attention and keep it! THE FIXERS Selling a home can be stressful for many people under the best of circumstances. A considerate Realtor will listen to your concerns and help solve issues as they arise: we offer counsel on offers, advice on unique situations and keep the transaction on course by making sure deadlines are met. When we hit a wall, we keep trying and usually accomplish our goal by finding a reasonable solution that is fair and acceptable to both the buyer and seller. We know how to assist buyers with financing by recommending trusted lenders in our area. We explain the process, start to finish. We will keep you informed with updates, reminders and due dates. We make sure

you are aware of the details in the purchase agreement. We never want a client to be surprised at closing! ACCESS TO MLS We have this wonderful asset called the Multiple Listing Service available to us. It allows us to input your home listing into a database and post to all of the major home sites. It also shares directly to all of the other agents in Northeast Louisiana. Yes, we share each other’s listings. Most of us are friendswe have a common goal - to sell your home! Other agents often have buyers looking for a property just like yours. When the listing hits, they are notified and they immediately send it to their buyer. This is maximum exposure! MANAGING OFFERS We know how to properly handle three offers on your home in the same day. We won’t let you take the one because they “called first” or because one is related to your sister-in-law. We help you look at them all objectively and can put things into perspective by comparing the offers and explaining each one in detail. Details matter! OUR HEART FOR SERVICE At Cypress State Realty, we do this every day. Most of our local agents are not in this industry for money. We stay in real estate because we have a heart for service and value the relationships with our clients. We want you to be satisfied and feel like you got your money’s worth out of the service we provided. A great Realtor will provide value and prove their worth!

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

BOURBON S TREE T This hauntingly delicious drink is perfect for fall. Combining sweet apple notes with cinnamon and a punch of bourbon, this cocktail is one to cozy up to. Make as a single drink, or as a punch for Halloween night, it’s even better than Bourbon Street. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

W H AT Y O U N E E D : 1 1/2 ounces bourbon 1 ounce fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup apple cider 2 teaspoons real maple syrup 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger) 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 5 ounces sparkling hard Honeycrisp apple cider Cinnamon sticks, rosemary and apple slices for garnish Cinnamon sugar for rim

DIRECTIONS: Rim an Old Fashioned glass with cinnamon sugar and fill with ice. In a shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger and cinnamon. Shake to combine. Strain into glass and top with hard Honeycrisp apple cider. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, rosemary and apple slices.

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B AY O U H O M E

R AISE A GL ASS

The holidays are upon us and entertaining guests is one of the things we look forward to the most. Glassware is a fun way to liven up your festive tablescape, and these glasses from area retailers are our favorites. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

ClOCKWISE FROM T O P L E F T: Geometric gold martini glass from Lauren Roebuck Designs , dusty pink glass from Parterre, gold rimmed stemless glass from Lauren Roebuck Designs, ornate Champagne flute from Walsworth & Company, hammered rocks glass with gold rim from Haven, rose-colored wine glass from Parterre, glass cut crystal glass from Revival Design & Consign, faceted Old Fashioned glass from Material Things, stemless wine glass with white stripes from Palette House & Plume.

B AY O U H O M E

THE THROW DOWN Throw a little style around your home with these dreamy, chic blankets perfect for cooler weather. Snuggle up in style this fall with these items from local retailers. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sleepy Hollow Furniture, Material Things, Palette House & Plume, Lauren Roebuck Designs, Walsworth & Company, Bella Magnolia, Ivan Smith Furniture, Haven, Fabulous Fabric, Revival Design & Consign

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B A Y O U E AT S

TRICK & T R E AT S Gather your goblins and ghosts for a Eeriesistable Halloween smorgasbord. Grab the season’s most spooktacular treats for a snack tray sure to scare up every spooky guest. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Taylor Bennett created this spooktacular display by combining some of our favorite Halloween treats. From candy corn to Halloween sprinkles, chocolate dipped apple slices to Halloween Oreos, this platter is frightfully fun. 54 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

BAYOUOUTDOORS

A FRIEND INDEED ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

ack in the early 90’s we had booked a trip to film a deer hunting show with Everette Mayo at his deer lodge in North Central Louisiana. Little did I know that on that trip I would meet a man who would become one of my closest friends. While there, Everette asked me if I would be interested in including one of his customers who was apparently quite the deer hunter. We agreed and were introduced to a man named Jamie Benson from Collierville, Tennessee. I was immediately taken by the jovial and amicable man who was quick with a laugh or joke. But make no mistake, this man was and is a predator. Jamie has done well in the security alarm business and had a passion for two things: his two boys, Colte and Chance and hunting. His business success had allowed him to travel all over North America in pursuit of bear, deer and other big game animals. Most of these trips were shared with Colte and Chance who like their father, shared the love of hunting and being together. As Jamie and I sat in the stand the first afternoon, it turned out to be one of the best deer hunting trips and shows I have ever been on in my career. Jamie had scouted a green field that showed promise and decided that is where we would spend our trip that day. Remember, this was before game cameras and technology that allowed a hunter to know just what was coming in and where to set up. Jamie showed a knack for scouting and sure enough his scouting paid off. I will never forget when I first saw the buck he was after. You have to consider that I was a young TV host and most of my hunting trips up until that time had been on public land and very rarely had I seen a true trophy whitetail. That all changed when I looked up and saw a true trophy animal walking into the edge of the field trailing a doe. I’m sure Jamie was irritated with me as I was shaking like Elvis’ leg with buck fever. I could hardly hold the camera still as Jamie leveled his single shot .270 and dropped the buck in his tracks. The 150 buck was his and I don’t know who was prouder.....Jamie or me. This was the very first trophy ever filmed on our show and I could not have been happier if I had pulled the trigger. Jamie and I stayed in touch and didn’t hunt again until I moved operations to Arkansas to our new hunting lodge. Jamie was my first customer and of course, the boys came along for the hunt. My first hunt with Chance was memorable as muzzle loader season was in full bloom. The bucks were moving and I have scouted an area where a really nice 10 pointer was making his presence known. 56 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Chance and I set up in the edge of a locust tree cluster and I was fairly confident that we would have success. The buck came out as if on cue. Chance leveled the old smoke pole as the deer eased out at no more than 70 yards. At the sound of the rifle, I saw an explosion of wood as his bullet had struck a small locust tree, completely missing the deer. As we returned to the camp, Chance of course was deflated. I will never forget Jamie’s reaction to his son. “Chance, when you miss as many as your Daddy has then you can be upset. It’s a part of hunting, son.” Always the supporter and always a gentle guide for his sons, Jamie showed me that the experience was the adventure and not necessarily what game made it to the meat rack. Jamie, Colte and Chance made many trips to the lodge to hunt. We rarely hunted anything but deer but the times we spent in the woods were precisely what I envisioned if my family had taken on deer hunting as Jamie’s family did. I spent days in the duck blind with his boys, fished for bass and let them burn boxes of shells on our skeet range. All of this was done while their dad stood by with a look of pride that cannot be described. In the off season, Jamie could be found traveling the country with his daughter, Keifer who was an adamant cowgirl. Hundreds of trips and thousands of miles were logged as he juggled his work time and time with the boys to assure that his girl could pursue her dreams. Tragically, we lost Colte and during that terrible time, I tried to console my friend and give him encouragement. Jamie quit hunting for quite some time as the loss of his son was more than he could bear. The memories of hunting were just too painful. One day in December, years later, my phone rang. “Heyyyy” the familiar greeting of my friend and a simple request: “Dan, I’m ready to hunt again.” And hunt again we did. This December hunt has become a tradition as Jamie and I join on the anniversary of Colte’s death and remember him and the times we spent together. Jamie comes to my camp regularly and whether we actually hunt is not the reason. We honor the memory of a great young man and the relationships we had and memories that can never be taken away. I have hunted turkey, deer, ducks, doves and hogs with Jamie and there has never been a “bad” hunt. He is like an uncle to my grandkids and kids and his generous and giving ways are loved by all of them. They say if you leave this world with one good friend, you are fortunate. I am fortunate to have made a lifelong friend. The old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Jamie Benson is that man and I thank God for him.

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WINTER WHITES When it comes to versatility, white home accessories are some of the more desirable chic pieces of décor. These carefully curated objects are sure to elevate any room. Find these and more at area retailers. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Circular vase from Haven, triple ornamental vase from Material Things, sculptural acrylic and white pieces from Walsworth & Company, Fig + Vanilla candle from Fabulous Fabric, white crystal and glass vase from Ivan Smith Furniture, large wavy vase from Lauren Roebuck Designs, multi-opening pedestal vase from Bella Magnolia, platter from Palette House & Plume, marble candle from Sleepy Hollow Furniture, vase with moss ball from Parterre, dish from Revival Design & Consign

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SPOOK Y S PAC E S One of the most fun things about Halloween is styling haunting hearths. Taylor Bennett gathered materials from Bella Magnolia and Revival Design & Consign to create this spirited space. Bennett creates the design by layering black and white netting with black tapers in brass candlesticks, small pumpkins, foam bats, a ghoulish figurine and witches’ hats. A trick-or-treat garland completes the mantel design. Metal ant, brass beetle and garland from Revival Design & Consign. Hats on pumpkins and ghoulish witch from Bella Magnolia. Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photo by KELLY MOORE CLARK Special thanks to HEATHER GUILLOT 60 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Original A. Hays Town Located on Bayou Desiard in the Heart of North Monroe

OCATED ON THE BANKS OF BAYOU DESIARD IN THE heart of North Monroe, a timeless original A. Hays Town design is now available following a three-year renovation project completed by the current owners. The home is located at 3402 Lake Desiard Drive on a quiet and secluded street under a sweeping canopy of mature live oaks. This oneof-a-kind waterfront home is one of the legendary Louisiana architects’ few original homes in North Louisiana and represents the very essence of timeless design, graceful living and true Louisiana charm. With 6,277 heated square feet of living space, multiple covered outdoor porches and breezeways and a boat/ party house with swimming dock, the home is filled with A. Hays Town trademarks such as soaring 13ft. ceilings, antique wood and brick, oversized wood windows that flood natural light throughout and a sensible and very livable layout. As part of the complete and historically accurate restoration project, the current owners retained all of the original features of the home while updating and modernizing for today’s living standards. They also spared no expense in the design and installation of the finest fixtures and finishes throughout the entire home. The front elevation is a classic Louisiana style with a wide brick porch, enclosed front courtyard with fountain and second story balcony with iconic Bevolo gas lanterns. The grand yet understated front entrance showcases refinished wide-plank antique heart pine floors which flow throughout the house and a beautiful staircase with original custom millwork leading up to the second floor. The formal dining room connects to the completely redesigned kitchen which contains marble countertops, custom cabinetry and island, an oversized Lacanche gas range imported from France and Subzero refrigeration including wine storage. Massive salvaged antique wood beams - a Hays Town trademark - cross the ceilings of the kitchen. The pantry off of the kitchen contains custom cypress cabinetry, a coffee bar with marble countertop and undercounted Subzero refrigeration. Entering from carport, the “cypress room” contains antique Saint Joe brick floors, irreplaceable pesky cypress walls and antique beamed ceilings with a brick mantle and wood-burning gas fireplace. In addition, a powder bath with designer wallpaper and fixtures and an industrious laundry/mud room are conveniently located nearby. 64 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

The “great room” contains heart pine floors, soaring windows and a custom oversized Rumford wood-burning fireplace with imported limestone surround. The great room flows out onto the enclosed veranda/ sunroom with a wall of stunning floor to ceiling windows and beautiful views of the ground as well as Bayou Desiard. Off the great room is a wet bar featuring custom cypress cabinets, Subzero refrigeration and ice maker, exposed Saint Joe brick walls and antique wood beamed ceiling. Through the bar area, a hallway leads to a fully-enclosed walk-in wine cellar with 3,000 + bottle storage capacity, a powder bath and a study with built in cypress cabinets, bookshelves, pesky cypress walls and a wood-burning fireplace. The master wing contains an oversized master bedroom large enough to accommodate bedroom furniture and sitting area and a completely reimagined master bathroom and closet design that is one of the most stunning features of the home - truly a must see! Upstairs, the home contains three additional bedrooms, each with its own full-size walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom, all of which were completely remodeled during the extensive restoration project. French doors lead out to a beautiful upstairs rear balcony with peacock pavers and sweeping sunset views overlooking Bayou Desiard. All of the exterior trim was replaced and painted during the renovation while retaining the original antique aged lime wash finish on the exterior brick. Outside the lush grounds have been completely landscaped and contain outdoor lighting, full irrigation system and dog kennels. A brand - new cedar shake roof was installed on the entire house, per the original A. Hays Town designed boathouse. This is truly a one-of-a-kind family estate home, impossible to replicate. Move in today to this completely turn-key, renovated and restored A. Hayes Town classic on the bayou which offers much more than new construction. Owner has complete set of original hand drawn A. Hays Town architectural plans. If interested, contact Susie Husted for more images and videos on this breathtaking property. Susie Husted (318) 322-8262 or (318) 366-1472

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L to R Frankie Wheeler, Simone McMillon, Chelsea Frey, Rebecca Justice; not pictured Rebecca Johnson

It’s Time for a Boo-Tox Bash The Medical Spa

OMETHING’S BREWING OVER AT THE MEDICAL SPA! In celebration of Halloween this October, we will be hosting a Boo-tox Bash! Join us Thursday, October 28, 2021, for a spook-tacular event, where we will help scare away those lines and wrinkles that have been haunting you! Be sure to come dressed in costume as the best dressed will receive a skincare gift basket. Botox injections will be available by appointment only. During the event you can expect the following specials: • Botox: $10/unit • Juvederm: buy 1 syringe, get $50 off • Juvederm: buy 2 syringes, get $75 off each • Kybella Injections: $200 off (minimum of 2 vials) • OBAGI-C Rx: 25% off + get free tretinoin (while supplies last) • Complimentary refreshments • Free consultations Product Spotlight: The OBAGI-C Rx System is designed to promote skin rejuvenation using a combination of 4% hydroquinone and 10% L-ascorbic acid. Hydroquinone is an inhibitor of melanin and is a long-proven ingredient to reduce or eliminate pigmentation and melasma (patchy brown discoloration of the skin). L-ascorbic acid, the most powerful form of vitamin C, helps to protect your skin against free radicals, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the skin. The system includes a full-size cleanser, toner, serum, night cream, and sunscreen. Pigmentation and brightening are concerns we hear from clients. Aging skin and sun damage results in dullness and discoloration. Purchase the OBAGI-C Rx System during our Boo-tox Bash to receive 25% off and free tretinoin (while supplies last)! Treatment Spotlight: Are you suffering from a double chin or excess under-chin fat? We have a solution for that! Kybella is a nonsurgical FDA-approved injection technique using deoxycholic acid to target fat cells under the chin area. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule found naturally occurring in your body that helps to break down and absorb fat permanently. Prior to any injections, we recommend a consultation with one of our providers. They will decide if you are a good candidate for Kybella and discuss expectations. The number of sessions varies for each person. Downtime is minimum with some mild redness and swelling. MEET THE TEAM Simone McMillon, FNP-C, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners.

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She specializes in Aesthetic Medicine at the St. Francis Medical Spa. She is thankful to have been called to a profession of service and takes great pride in seeing her patients full of joy and confidence. In her spare time, Simone enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and daughter. Rebecca Justice, RN, received her Associate of Science in Nursing degree at Darton College in Georgia. She brings 9 years of nursing experience to the spa. Rebecca is excited to specialize in aesthetics and assist The Medical Spa patients with skincare and treatment options. She loves seeing the excitement and confidence the patients achieve after visiting the spa. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Frankie Wheeler acts as front office coordinator for The Medical Spa. She was raised in Louisiana and attended ULM where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Frankie enjoys assisting patients with questions about aesthetic treatments and skincare products. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Chelsea Frey, RN, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Louisiana State University of Alexandria, bridging from her Associate of Science in Nursing at Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe. She has served with St. Francis since 2015 in various roles throughout her nursing career. Chelsea helped to establish The Medical Spa and continues to assist in a part-time role as an aesthetic nurse. Her favorite part of working at The Medical Spa is helping clients to focus on their confidence and beauty by enhancing their natural features. Chelsea is excited to offer knowledge in laser treatments, OxyGeneo facials, and NuEra tightening treatments. She loves seeing the boost in confidence, the smiles, and the relaxation that The Medical Spa offers for clients. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys cycling with her family, tending to her plants, and reading. Rebecca Johnson, FNP-C, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She specializes in Family Medicine, Epic (EMR) support, and Aesthetic Medicine. She loves helping clients at The Medical Spa in achieving their beauty goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog. Our team is elated to collaborate and service our community through The Medical Spa. Come by and see us at 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406 in Monroe or schedule an appointment by calling (318) 966-3772. Learn more at stfran. com/themedicalspa.

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Strauss Celebrates 90 Years The Strauss Theatre of Monroe held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their 90th year in live theatre. The event was held on Tuesday, August 17th at the Theatre, located in the heart of Monroe on Lamy Lane. Along with a ribbon cutting, Monroe Chamber of Commerce proclamations were presented from the City of West Monroe and the City of Monroe. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis proclaimed August 17, 2021 as “Strauss Theatre Day.” A letter from John Kennedy was presented and a speech by Congresswoman Julia Letlow, recognized the significant impact the Theatre has made on the community. Strauss Theatre is the oldest, continuously operating community theatre in Louisiana. The 2021-2022 season includes Disaster!, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Nonsense, The Odd Couple and Company.

On the BayouScene

1 Taylor Michiels and Cassey Bernstein 2 Adrienne LaFrance-Wells, Dr.Joyce Zhou, Meg Keene, and James Miles 3 Jade Reynolds, Scott Frick, Kris Kelley and Stephanie Sikes 4 Sharon and Victor Kirk 5 Bob Chambless, Julia Letlow, and Danielle Tolbert 6 Donna Branson with Kris Kelley 7 Jeremy Tucker and Brittany McNarma 8 Everett and Angie Tolbird and Laura Smith 9 Alana Cooper and Dr. Bill Rambin 10 Megan Wilkins, Jean Hartzog and Nicole Goode 11 Cassey Bernstein and Bob Chambless

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Top 20 Under 40 On Thursday August 26th, The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and BayouLife Magazine recognized 57 of Northeast Louisiana’s top young professionals at the Top 20 Under 40 Celebration. The event was held at The Hub Music Hall in Monroe. The top 20 individuals were selected from a highly talented group of 57 nominees. These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work. Presenting sponsors were Origin Bank, Thomas & Farr, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg and BayouLife Magazine. Additional sponsors were City of Monroe, Heard, McElroy and Vestal, NAI Faulk and Foster, KTVE, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

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On the BayouScene

1 Roy Heatherly, Cody Bauman and Daphne Garrett 2 Anna and Jed Robinson 3 Deron and Patience Talley 4 Jon McCartney and Bryan Creekmore 5 Brittany and Joey McNamara 6 Hank and Sage Pipes 7 Debbie Cummins, Linda Bashner, Janssen Peck and Donna Miller 8 Jessica and Jacob Brady 9 Codie Poe and Corbin Legg 10 Kelli Green and Melanie Moffett 11 Elizabeth McQueen, Susie Lefebvre and Christa Harrison 12 Maggie and Ken Generoso 13 David and Emma Loyless with Frances and Jim Loyless 14 Sarah and Jared Floyd, Delia Simpson and Mona Mouton 15 Courtney Carpenter, Addison Creekmore, Madison Guerriero, Nancy Creekmore, Jeff Guerriero and Brian Creekmore 16 Jessica Brady, Hailey Pullium and Betsy Beard

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Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton Endowed Scholarship The University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation announced the Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton Endowed Scholarship for the College of Business and Social Sciences at a reception on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The event was held at the Laird Weems Center. This endowment was established with an initial gift of $100,000 by Ellen’s family. This scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton, a 1990 ULM Accounting graduate. She will be forever honored and remembered for her unwavering faith in God, sweet spirit, and desire to choose education as a vehicle to assist others. She demonstrated kindness in her community without expectation of recognition or reward. Her belief was that education accompanied with hard work could bring unlimited opportunities and achievement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that her legacy years be preserved through this scholarship fund which will support and encourage others with similar values. Family and friends, along with Mary Ellen’s husband, Jimmie and their daughters, Madison and Faith, gathered to celebrate Ellen’s life of 41 years with this scholarship fund. She always had her eye on the future, helping nurture and educate others and this scholarship will allow students to further their education through the efforts of her beautiful legacy.

On the BayouScene

1 Jimmie Stapleton 2 Thomas Hairston, Madison, Jimmie and Faith Stapleton with Brendon Simonin 3 Faith, Jimmie and Madison Stapleton 4 Dianne Beaird, Faith, Jimmy and Madison Stapleton 5 Jimmie, Madison and Faith Stapleton with the siblings of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 6 Ron and Sabrina Hogan 7 Andy Soignier, Bruce Soignier and Kaitlyn Beaird 8 Mike and Dana Estes with Jimmie Stapleton 9 President Ron Berry 10 Family of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 11 Family of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton 12 Family and Friends of Mary Ellen Soignier Stapleton

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What a Difference a Year Makes Let’s Talk to Andrew Patton, MD

NDREW PATTON, MD, IS AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON specializing in sports medicine at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana in Shreveport/ Bossier City. Dr. Patton recently celebrated his first year in practice and we decided to ask him a few questions about his first year at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and coming home to the Ark-La- Tex. Here’s what he had to say… OSL- Dr. Patton, you specialize in Sports Medicine… do you see a lot of young athletes? AP- I have seen my fair share of young athletes this past year… mostly sprains, strains, overuse injuries, but luckily most young athletes are resilient, and we can treat them without surgery, and hopefully get them back to playing quickly. A lot of people do think that because I am a sports medicine doctor, that I only treat athletes, but really anything can be a sport. A big part of my job is to help patients of all ages and all activity levels to maintain or restore their level of function. This can be the weekend warrior trying to get back to the gym, an elderly patient who is looking to maintain their independence or the young athlete wanting to get back out to the playing field. In many ways, a physician specializing in sports medicine is the new general practitioner of orthopedic health. OSL- What is your approach to care? AP- I really believe a non-operative treatment plan is best, unless an acute injury would affect a patient’s mobility long term. Maintaining a team mentality between my patient and me is so important. We must be on the same page in terms of treatment and what their goals are to achieve their desired level of function. I try to educate the patient on their treatment options and from there, the patient really dictates where they want their treatment to go. OSL- In your first year of practice, what are the most common conditions you have treated? AP- I see a lot of patients with back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain… the wear and tear, overuse injuries. Most the time the patient’s pain is interfering with their day-to-day activities. I am always a little surprised when a patient will put off coming in to see an orthopedic surgeon because they are scared that the only treatment option will be surgery. The reality is most patients will not have to have surgery and the sooner they come in, the faster we can help them get rid of the pain and restore their level of function. If your musculoskeletal

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pain is interfering with your sleep or your day-to-day activities, make an appointment! Most the time we have conservative, nonsurgical treatment plans that will offer patients a lot of relief. I have treated acute injuries, as well, where surgery is the very best option… without surgery, it really could affect the patient’s level of function long term. I’ve also done some total knee replacements utilizing the Mako Robotic Knee Replacement technology. OSL- What has been the best thing about your first year in practice? AP- The best part of being in practice at OSL is the people… new patients, my OSL partners and staff and my medical assistant, Brooke, have all made my first year in practice great. I have loved meeting patients and being able to help them get back on track with what they want to do. The most rewarding part of my field is to see my patients after I have treated them, whether it be surgically or nonoperatively, and to see them out and about at the grocery store or even back in clinic and see them demonstrate to me how much they have improved and that their level of function is where they want it to be- that’s incredibly rewarding. OSL- What have been the challenges you have faced in your first year of practice? AP- Starting a practice amid a pandemic was not ideal… any fear or anxiety a patient already has about going to see a doctor or sitting in a doctor’s office has been intensified by the threat of being infected with COVID-19. I really want my patients to know that our clinic is doing everything we can to ensure the safety and health of all. OSL- You were born and raised in Shreveport, have you and your family enjoyed returning to the Ark-La- Tex? AP- We really have. My wife, Suzanne, and I are both from Shreveport. We are the proud parents of two young boys and having the opportunity to raise our boys surrounded by our family and friends has been incredible. To schedule and evaluation with Dr. Patton, please visit: orthopedic specialistsla.com or call: (866) 759.9679.

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Bayou Buzzworthy

On Tuesday, September 21st, supporters of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway gathered to take part in the official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the 2022 campaign and continue the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year’s St. Jude’s Dream House is in the Frenchman’s Bend neighborhood and is being led under the supervision of interior decorator, Jan Stricklin. For more information, visit dreamhome.org.

Mr. P’s Tees, a local t-shirt company recently celebrated their 9th anniversary. In celebration the business created a custom designed shirt the proceeds of which were donated to a local non-profit organization. This years recipient was The Autism Society of North Louisiana and they received $1,232.00, from the sale of a brightly colored orange shirt featuring a custom sketched giraffe with the rainbow infinity symbol as it represents the diversity of the autism spectrum. Thanks again, Mr. P’s Tees!

Teamwork proved to be the difference in the USA Cycling National Championship Points Race Saturday night at Patton Sims, a student at Belmont Abbey College, relied on fellow Crusaders Giovanni Vasta and Jeremy Siedor to claim gold. The national title is the sixth in the six-year history of the Belmont Abbey Cycling program, which was founded in 2016. Sims joins Johnny Kuhfahl (three) and Nick Oestreich (two) as Crusaders who took home championships. Patton is the son of Paige and Cole Sims of Sterlington, LA. Local schoolteacher Nick Harrison has been making a stir with content trending on TikTok is set to have one of his videos featured on primetime television. A sixthgrade English teacher at Minnie Ruffin Elementary, was featured on the CBS television show “The Greatest #AtHome Videos,” hosted by comedian Cedric the Entertainer. The show features funny and inspiring video clips of people from social media during the pandemic.

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Lainey Wilson, a native of Baskin, LA, notches her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (dated Sept. 25) with her debut entry, “Things a Man Oughta Know.” “The song, released on Broken Bow Records, rises from No. 2 in its 39th week on the chart, up 9% to 29 million audience impressions in the week ending Sept. 19th, according to MRC Data. Wilson co-wrote the single with Jason Nix and Jonathan Singleton.

On September 6th, Elizabeth and Jeff Guerriero, along with daughter Madison, and a host of others treated Hurricane Ida evacuees, volunteers and fireman to lunch and snowballs at the Henrietta Johnson Recreation Center. They were able to serve over 400 hamburgers and hot dogs. Special thanks to all of the volunteers, especially Mike Caster for coordinating the event and being the grill master.

The Phases of the Moon New Brews from Blue Moon Brewing Co.

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

HE STORY OF BLUE MOON BEGINS IN THE SANDLOT Brewery at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, at the beginning of the 1995 baseball season. After earning his Ph.D. in brewing from the University of Brussels, founder and head brew master Keith Villa returned stateside with the goal of brewing well-crafted beers inspired by Belgian styles, with a refreshing twist. Amongst the many beers one fan favorite emerged, in true baseball fashion they called it ‘Bellyslide Wit.’ Someone said, “A beer this good only comes around once in a blue moon,” and thus Blue Moon Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale was born. Knowing the American palate would appreciate a bit more sweetness than the typical tartness of a Belgian Wit, Keith brewed with Valencia orange peel to accomplish the signature, subtle sweetness that we all know and love today. Initially, Keith faced skepticism for introducing this new style of beer to drinkers. At the time, the American beer market was flooded with lagers, and the cloudy appearance of the unfiltered Belgian White Style Beer was unfamiliar. He also noticed that bartenders were serving Blue Moon with a lemon slice, a typical garnish for a tart Belgian Wit. Keith knew he had a winning beer, so he persisted, handselling Blue Moon from bar to bar and adding his unique garnish, an orange wheel, to help highlight the citrus aroma and enhance the drinking experience. Eventually, Blue Moon gained recognition, winning over drinkers and inspiring brewers across the country. In doing so, Blue Moon catapulted the craft movement forward, helping to shape the modern American beer scene. Now, over 20 years later, Blue Moon is still the top selling craft beer in the US and is now also delighting consumers in more than 25 countries globally. In addition to the original Belgian White Ale, there are several new star players on the Blue Moon team. In 2020, Blue Moon Brewing Co. announced the launch of Blue Moon LightSky, a new “light” beer made from wheat and real mandarin peel for a subtle tropical hop flavor. Blue Moon LightSky has only 95 calories and 3.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz., without compromising its flavor. Mandarin peel is used in its preparation, which gives it a very refreshing citrus touch and tropical fruit that combines well with the sweetness of its malt. It comes in a sleek, easyto-carry 12-ounce aluminum can, available in 6 packs and 12 packs. 80 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Not to be left out of the fruit beer category, Blue Moon also offers Mango Wheat. Available year-round in 6 pack cans, it is a refreshing wheat beer with ripe mango flavor and biscuity malt sweetness. Its mango and honey notes make it perfect for pairing with shrimp, chicken, mango salsa, curry, or even vanilla ice cream. In 2016, Mango Wheat won the Silver Medal, Fruit Wheat Beer, at the Great American Beer Festival. Coming soon is Blue Moon’s latest creation, Moon Haze. Hazy beer is all the rage and Blue Moon has brewed this one with dried whole oranges to infuse the flavor into the beer, creating a delicious, juicy flavor and bright color. It will be available locally (year-round) later this year. Moon Haze won the Gold Medal, Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale, at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival. While delicious on its own, Blue Moon can also be used to craft delicious beer-infused cocktails. Try the recipe below for a warming fireside sipper, perfect for the cooler months ahead. BRANDY MOON Ingredients 2 oz. B lue Moon Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale 1 oz. Brandy 1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 oz. Orange Liqueur 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup Method 1. Combine brandy, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup in shaker tin, add ice 2. Shake approx. 15 seconds 3. Strain into Coupe glass, top with Blue Moon Belgian White and garnish with a lemon peel Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

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B AYOUKID Z

Shift Your Heart and Mind To A Place of Gratitude article by Cindy G. Foust

appy fall to my faithful readers who I also consider friends. I mean, we are friends, right? We have been together for so long now, we are most assuredly friends, because friends are sometimes psychologists and you have most certainly been mine for nearly 9 years. That’s 108 months of listening to me drone on about this and that… some of it good, some of it bad, some of it hilarious, some of it sensational, because, I am, after all, a famous BayouLife columnist and everyone is interested in my life, right? As I near the 9 year mark of contributing to this wonderful magazine (I know, I know, Cass… my watch is in the mail), I am all in my feels today. I actually wrote another column for this month about a fall bucket list, but I decided instead to embrace the big pink elephant in the room…my breast cancer recurrence. Because it is, after all, the month we bring breast cancer awareness to the forefront of our minds. So, I decided to use my story in what I hope will motivate any of my community family and friends who might need a nudge to have their yearly exam. By nudge, I mean shove. For me, this past year has been a difficult journey. As I type this column through tear soaked cheeks, I can’t believe where I am from where I was. I’ve shared a nugget here or there throughout my columns over the past year, because the truth is, I started out really mad and just didn’t want to talk about it. Period. Mad that I had to go through this again and mad that I had to go through chemo and then mad that I had such a successful outcome the first time but here we all are hearing the “C” word…again. Speaking to my female readers, I want to first say that if you aren’t having yearly mammograms (if you are in that age group) or doing routine self-exams, I want to stop right here and say: please do. The nudge I felt (thank you to the Holy Spirit) prompted me to have a small knot checked out. It wasn’t the news I wanted to hear, but you know what? After the shock of the news wore off, I put the same suit of armor on that I have to wear throughout my life and went to battle. Oh, I had a team…a support group that literally were the legs I needed to stand and in some instances, simply move. They prayed, loved and encouraged me through it. My husband…well, I’m surprised he didn’t get an apartment for him and our children. But he stood steadfast, as did my children…and stood in the gap for their wife and mother.

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Steadfast. That’s a word I like to type because looking back on it now, that’s how I feel now… that I am more steadfast than ever (I Peter 5:10,11) and I am going to be fine. I didn’t feel it throughout the course of last year so much, I mean, chemo, in a word, is poison. But one of my closest tribe members, who had herself gone through a similar treatment plan, Lori French, told me that I had to look at the medicine as the Holy Spirit going in to do battle for me, rather than hurt or poison me. Hummmm, that’s all I had to hear because from that moment, to this very day, I was able to replace that anger, that all-consuming rage that I initially felt, with gratitude. Gratitude for doctors, for medicine, for a treatment plan that some people don’t have, for family, for friends… for life. I am so grateful that God put a hedge of protection around me and kept me safe from COVID, from side-effects, from everything that could have set me back, and made me more steadfast than ever. You know readers, gratitude can choke you in much the same way that anger can. And that’s where I am standing today. On a platform of gratitude. When I made my mind up that this was not what was going to take me out… when I embraced the medicine to allow it to do its job, which it did, rather than resent it, I felt a literally shift in my mental attitude. I could write pages, readers, because the days were hard, especially as I neared the end of my treatment, I don’t want to minimize that for other readers who must travel a similar path, but I made it through. And here I am, looking at the approaching holiday season in a much different place than I was last year at this same time… a place of so much gratitude that my heart feels it will surely burst some days. My words this month seem feeble and frail in some ways, but I hope the message that resonates with you will be two-fold. Be proactive in your medical journey, whatever that may be and shift your heart and your mind, to a place of gratitude, for whatever circumstances you are working through. It’s hard, it is, but take it from someone who has had to dig down deep a few times in her life, nothing can replace a grateful heart that appreciates there is always someone who would likely walk in your shoes, rather than their own. Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger. You can find her blog at the

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

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Serene Sophisticate

Ronnie Walker transformed this damaged Garden District gem into a serene space worthy of its historic iconic past. The elevated palette combines rich shades of blue with crisp white walls and pops of green reminiscent of Ralph Lauren. A R T I C L E BY VA N E L I S R I V E R A

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

ABOVE: A WHIMSICAL BANQUETTE CRAFTED BY VICKI HRIVNAK ADDED TO HEIGHTEN THE WAVE OF DARK BLUE HUES WALKER SOUGHT TO SPLASH IN EVERY ROOM. AT RIGHT: THE GREEK REVIVAL COTTAGE’S CHARMING AESTHETIC WAS ONE THAT STOOD OUT TO WALKER EVER SINCE HE WAS A BOY. HE DESCRIBES THE PROPERTY’S WHITE PICKET FENCE AND SURROUNDING OLD OAKS AS “ICONIC.” 86 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

etween Riverside Drive and N 8th Street, a compact matrix of picturesque historic homes and craftsman-style cottages constitute one of Monroe’s most coveted residential communities. Streets are shaded by plush branches stretching from a variety of trees and occasional manicured crepe myrtles also casually help to line the sidewalks. Front yards are quaintly landscaped, featuring seasonal blooms and trimmed shrubs. Every home flaunts its own character adding to the unique experience of each block. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 3, 1996, the Garden District clearly has withstood the test of time, including a slew of natural disasters that resulted in a multitude of renovations to structures ranging from stately mansions to charming bungalows. Undoubtedly, the resilience of this neighborhood is due to the loving hands and attentive eyes of residents past and present. Ronnie Walker, who not long ago acquired one of these damaged Garden District treasures, describes the property’s white picket fence and surrounding old oaks as “iconic.” “I always loved this home, since I was a boy. It’s such a landmark,” exclaims Walker, who grew up frequenting Forsythe Avenue. The Greek Revival cottage’s charming aesthetic has always been a head-turner until the last tornado swept through the Twin Cities, uprooting one of the massive oaks on the property and causing damage to the east wing of the home. At the time, Walker was literally miles away from a move to the Garden District. He had just bought a “brand new home” in Sterlington, and though it was spacious and move-in ready, he didn’t feel an emotional connection. His gut told him he had yet to find his “forever home.” Prompted to “make a decision,” Walker decided to put the Sterlington home up for sale while he looked at available houses in his chosen utopia. After his first choice sold to another buyer, he ventured toward the idea WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 87

ABOVE: AN 18TH CENTURY STYLED CONSOLE TABLE PRISTINELY PLACED UNDER A WINDOW BELONGED TO WALKER’S MOTHER. BELOW: A STUNNING ALCOVE WITH A CLASSICAL SHELL NICHE HOLDS MINIMAL SCULPTURES AND A HARDCOVER COLLECTION OF BRITANNICA GREAT BOOKS.

of the white picket fence home that called to his childhood fancy. It wasn’t on the market, so it was a shot in the dark, but when he got in touch with the former owners, who were in the middle of restorations, they were eager to meet with him and start the process of transferring ownership. “And I was able to pick out light fixtures, paint colors...I got to pick all of that at the perfect time,” recalls Walker who was involved in the “fun part” of the renovations, finally moving in during December of last year. “I came of age in the eighties. You know, when Ralph Lauren was big,” says Walker about the shade of hunter green painted on the two bookshelves, ceiling, and trim work of his reading room, which he designed around three door panels that he stained and mounted on the wall. The panels are the commanding piece of the room, bookended by two shelves haphazardly lined with books and curiosities. Further enhancing the texture of the snug side room, which also acts as the main entryway, Walker finished the walls with dark-green grasscloth wallpaper. “Because I wanted the color, but I also wanted the texture,” he says, adding that the shades of green “work well” with the brick floors. 88 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

“This is the kitchen.” We walked up brick steps into dark wood panels, greeted by a luminous room lit mostly by the natural light generously pouring through kitchen windows. The white subway tile backsplash creates a classic feel accented by modern touches including the marble countertop, “big old sink,” and gold faucet and light fixtures. “I wanted to bring a little warmth into the room rather than just white and chrome.” Though minimally decorated, standout pieces are placed in exactly the right areas, namely, a late 18th century styled console table pristinely placed under one of the kitchen window stills. Walker cherishes the forty-year-old piece that belonged to his mother, praising its “beautiful” thin, tapered legs. “That’s what’s holding that girl up,” he says with a clever smile. “So, hey, I love blue. I knew I wanted to do blue in the rest of the house. I had blue in my other house in Sterlington,” proclaims Walker, pointing to Roman shades in the kitchen sewn by his cousin Vicki Hrivnak, who played a pivotal role in much of the design process. From the far corner of the kitchen, Hrivnak sat in her own creation, a whimsical banquette made even more enjoyable by throw pillows and cushions she made to further heighten the wave of dark blue hues Walker sought to splash into every room. “This is the dining room and my favorite aspect of this room is the windows,” says Walker, adding, “I never want to cover those up with drapery.” The elliptical arch windows are undoubtedly the key architectural feature of the room. “I want to be open and, you know, accessible to that nice view,” he says, making it a point to mention that he enjoys waving to his neighbors as they walk by on late afternoon strolls. Central to the room is a round dining table with upholstered chairs and a grandiose, gilded, Flemish chandelier. Lightly scrutinizing his surroundings, Walker says 90 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

to himself, “What else?” His gaze lands on a pencil and charcoal drawing of a figurine in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is displayed over the doorway leading to the hallway. “I can say this has a lot of sentimental value to me,” he says because his mother bought it for him. “It always reminds me of our trips to New York.” nother alluring detail of the house which Walker was instantly drawn to is the fireplace, located in the living room. He kept the original marble detail lining the fire pit but opted to paint the border white, keeping with the lightness emboldening each room. “Like I said, I love blue and white and…” At that moment, Walker’s rescue, an exuberant Bichon Frise leaped into an off-white accent chair decorated with a denim-colored throw pillow. “Cheeka, get down.” Walker continues to point at distinct details. A stunning alcove with a classical shell niche holds minimal sculptures and a hardcover collection of Britannica Great Books. “I love Greco Roman architecture. Neoclassic design. I mean, that’s why you’re seeing things perfectly balanced.” Here Walker refers to the art pieces strategically occupying crisp white walls. Behind the sofa towers a lovely abstract floral canvas painted by local artist Robin Hamaker. “If this place ever burns, I’m running for my mother. That is my mother,” beams Walker, bringing attention to a medium-sized canvas featuring a stoic-looking brunette adorned with a pearl necklace and red lipstick. “That painting was taken from a picture of her that I took three or four months before she died.” When Walker commissioned Whitney Causey he had too many ideas, so he relinquished control, letting her execute her artistic vision. The result, roses in the background honoring his mother’s name, Rosa.

AT LEFT: WALKER’S MASTER BEDROOM IS A STUDY OF SERENITY WITH CEILING-TO-FLOOR WHITE DRAPES COVERING THREE WALLS. THE TRADITIONAL MAHOGANY POSTER BED, WHICH ORIGINALLY BELONGED TO HIS PARENTS, ARE PAIRED WITH A DUSTY-BLUE VELVET ACCENT CHAIR AND WOOD STOOL HUNKERED AT THE END OF THE BED.

The guest bedrooms are simple and quaint, characterized by blue-hued patterned accent rugs, bedding, and wall decor. Walker’s bedroom keeps with that vision, but with a bit more of an elevated palate. Though enamored by the view allotted by all the windows in his room, he closed the shutters to the windows behind his bed. Once more, he called on the expertise of Hrivnak who fashioned ceiling-to-floor white drapes all the way across the three walls of his peaceful corner. The restraint in design creates a sleek elegance, amplified by the traditional mahogany poster bed, which originally belonged to his parents. A dusty-blue velvet accent chair and wood stool hunker at the end of the bed. Small-scale art pieces are fixed close to the bedside tables, which are adorned with stacks of books, family pictures, and mood lighting. Walker, a “huge fan” of woven, natural fiber rugs has one in the living room and bedroom, both serving the purpose of providing texture without overpowering the overall synergy of the room. “The architecture of the house is so cool. You just need to keep all of the design classic,” emphasizes Hrivnak.

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Wanting to curate his space like a blank canvas, Walker showcased artwork, furniture, and accents that created a welcoming atmosphere, one he hoped to share with friends and family, particularly in the form of dinner parties. “For me, that’s what makes a home, a place where people can come relax, feel at home, be surrounded by beautiful things. But also connecting with each other in a meaningful and purposeful way,” he clarifies. Design decisions, like inserting a banquette, were obvious choices based on Walker’s natural tendency to host. “I can’t tell you how many times he sent me pictures of all his friends just cuddled up in here,” says Hrivnak, adding, “Ron’s personality is warm and welcoming, and his house represents that.” In the past few years, Walker has also opened his home to exchange students from all over the world. His current international guest is a young man from Italy who is attending Neville High School. any have considered the park-side corner emblematic, something not lost on Walker’s friends. “I think everybody probably feels like you’ve done this home justice in a big way,” says Hrivnak, glancing at Walker. Clearly, his white-picket-fence home is not only an opportunity to maintain a piece of Monroe’s history but it has also afforded him the ability to indulge in his passion and his personality. Walker has created an intimate space that holds the most valuable aspects of life—trinkets that hold more memory than value, moments of quiet introspection, and exhilarating exchanges of hospitality with loved ones.

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Location, Services, and Amenities - A Winning Combo Fitness & Exercise Classes Lend Another Important Aspect

ESERVATIONS ARE INCREASING each month in anticipation of Phase II opening soon with additional assisted living apartments, as well as new memory care apartments at The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. Nestled in North Monroe’s historical Garden District, the residences have proven to be in high demand. Everything that has made the original facility popular continues into the next phase, plus even more amenities are being added. One of the latest features to be announced is the affiliation with locally-owned NextLevel Fitness who will provide health & fitness exercise instruction as an integral part of assisted living. NextLevel is invested in helping seniors as they age. Its health and fitness philosophy encompasses more than a work out approach; instead, NextLevel owners Will Bennett and Jacquelyn Cain believe that as people age, emotions and sound nutrition are as important as the physical. They emphasize teaching their

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clients that a healthy multi-tiered approach to fitness is necessary for longevity and health. To make health and fitness more than a weekly activity, NextLevel provides a training program around each client’s unique needs. NextLevel uses a personal, non-invasive assessment developed by Bennett to help ordinary people achieve extraordinary results. Each client at Georgia Tucker will have a unique nutritional and exercise plan, using the latest equipment furnished by the Gardens at Georgia Tucker Fitness Center. Sessions will be conducive for group encouragement and participation, while the focus remains on the individual’s specific needs and abilities. To further enhance day-to-day living, shared endeavors can include musical entertainment, movies & games, birthday parties, themed events, church activities, shopping, and other voluntary pastimes coordinated by the Activities Director. There are one-bedroom & two-bedroom apartments in both Phase I and the soon-

to-open Phase II buildings, as well as onebedroom apartments in the Phase II Memory Care building. The Memory Care services include all the expected amenities along with an individualized plan of care to maximize quality of life for your loved one. Full accreditation and a certified staff ensure proper attention for residents in this building. For the best in gracious assisted living, take a closer look at The Gardens at Georgia Tucker. Reservations and lease deposits are being accepted now for the Phase II assisted living and memory care apartments. Please call 318-538-0040 to schedule a tour appointment. The administration staff will be pleased to show you around, answer any questions, and provide leasing information for you or for a loved one. Visit GeorgiaTucker. com for more details. The unparalleled comfort, convenience, and amenities of The Gardens At Georgia Tucker assure residents of an environment that can truly be called home.

Early Detection is Key

Dr. Bakeer: Breast Cancer Treatments are Evolving

HILE BREAST CANCER REMAINS the nation’s most common cancer, treatment advancements and early detection are significantly improving survival rates, says Dr. Tomy Bakeer, a physician at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana. “There are still many misconceptions surrounding breast cancer. Breast cancer has become much easier to cure because of the surgeries now available to us. And the surgeries we offer are significantly less invasive,” he said. Breast conservation therapy (BCT) is one example of a minimally invasive surgical option. During BCT, the surgeon only removes the portion containing cancer and preserves as much breast tissue as possible. The patient may later receive radiation therapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. Hormone therapy treats breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. The most common forms of this therapy block hormones from attaching to cancer cell receptors or by decreasing the body’s production of hormones.

Hormone therapy and BCT have many psychological benefits, Dr. Bakeer said. “When people hear the diagnosis of ‘breast cancer,’ they often think they will need to have their breasts removed. With breast conservation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy, the more invasive approaches, like total mastectomies, are less common,” he said. “The less surgically invasive approach is also less psychologically invasive. Women experience less emotional trauma, which is also very important to us.” And if a mastectomy is necessary, Dr. Bakeer and his partners at the Surgery Clinic work in tandem with plastic surgeons to remove the breasts and perform reconstruction surgery, making the process easier on the patient. Early detection is key; women should begin self-exams at 25. If women have no family history of breast cancer, Dr. Bakeer suggests they begin annual mammograms at 40. He understands some women may find the process daunting, but he encourages them to remember

the broader picture. “Breast cancer research is evolving. We are always discovering something new that improves care. Where we need to improve is education. I encourage women to adhere to their physicians’ advice—keep your mammogram appointments, your gynecologist appointments, and don’t fall through the cracks,” he said. “When we catch breast cancer early, the outcome is drastically different.” Women between the ages of 25 and 30 who are at high risk for breast cancer should receive an annual breast MRI and a mammogram. This includes women who: • Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20% to 25% or greater due to family history • Have a BRCAI or BRCA2 gene mutation • Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation and have not had genetic testing themselves • Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between 10 and 30 Dr. Bakeer wants to reassure women who have questions about breast cancer treatment or testing. “The earlier you get screened, the earlier you receive a tailored plan. While breast cancer is still a common cancer, the survival rates continue to improve because research and treatment are constantly evolving, and patients are beginning to seek early detection—which is life-changing.”

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Ask Dr. McGee

Local Expert Answers Common Questions

UR STAFF IS ROUTINELY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM both new and existing patients, so we wanted to address some of those commonly asked questions and misconceptions that we frequently encounter. Q: Why is good oral hygiene important to overall health? A: The mouth is the gateway to the body. Oftentimes, neglected oral hygiene can manifest as health conditions elsewhere in the body. Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease (gum disease) to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While the links have not been fully described, there seems to be a correlation between these diseases. Yearly dental evaluations are recommended to maintain your teeth and gums and overall health. Q: If I am missing a tooth, what are my options? A: A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions. Temporary options include a fixed bridge, a flipper, a metal partial and dentures. However, dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged and implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient. Q: I need a crown but I’m not sure what to expect when it comes to the process. How long does it take? A: Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing dental crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe of dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown. On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth. Q: I get anxious just thinking about going to the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me? A: Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, and often takes the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure. Whatever your individual level of anxiety may be, our office is committed to making sure that your visit is as comfortable, quick and easy as possible. There are many solutions for dental anxiety, and we are ready to help. From communication, calming techniques and listening to music, we want to create the most calming environment we can. Depending on the nature of your procedure, various types of sedation may be available, including oral sedation. These are just some of the frequent questions we receive from our patients. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss with Dr. McGee, please contact the office. We provide services from routine cleanings and exams to complex full mouth reconstructions, offering comprehensive care for the entire family!

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Hap-pee Halloween From Your Hometown Urologist Robert D. Marx, M.D.

O YOU EVER FEEL A STRONG URGE TO URINATE EVEN when your bladder isn’t full? You like millions of Americans, may be suffering from overactive bladder. Overactive Bladder (OAB) is defined as the overwhelming urge to urinate immediately and frequently followed by loss of urine prior to reaching a bathroom. Overactive bladder occurs in both men and women and according to the American Urological Association it affects more than 30 million Americans; the actual number may be even higher, as many individuals are too embarrassed to seek treatment. Even if you have never had an accident, urgency and urinary frequency can interfere with your work and social life. Overactive Bladder is extremely common and often when individuals suffering from overactive bladder finally seek traditional therapies, they are often left unhappy with the results. Here’s why: lifestyle changes and physical therapy can be ineffective, medications often cause unpleasant side effects and patients often do not realize alternative treatment options are available. Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering find the relief they need offering cutting edge Medtronic therapies. Medtronic offers a proven therapy for treating Overactive Bladder. Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is delivered by the InterStimTM system, also called sacral neuromodulation (SNM), and is clinically

proven to relieve the symptoms of OAB. Unlike conventional treatments, SNM works by gently stimulating the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles, lower urinary tract, anal sphincter, and bowel; which is thought to restore the bladder-brain communication pathway, resulting in significant improvements to their quality of life. Unlike other treatments, SNM allows patients to experience therapy during a short evaluation before committing to it. It is a minimally invasive procedure, 3 to 7 day assessment and helps determine likely long-term efficacy. Medtronic therapies are potentially life-changing options for any patient with OAB who has not responded well to first- and secondline treatments. More than 70% of patients with OAB who sought treatment were able to discontinue medications within 6 months, and 84% of OAB patients were satisfied with SNM therapy. Medtronic therapies are now MRI compatible. The time to gain your independence from your Overactive Bladder is now! Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. Don’t suffer from OAB in silence, schedule your appointment today!

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BAYOU E ATS

TAP INTO GREAT FOOD Tommy Stewart, owner of Five 19 Tap House & Tapas and Brass Monkey Pub & Patio, considered his travels and subsequent culinary discoveries when curating the restaurant’s menu. VANELIS RIVER A

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

When Tommy Stewart quit his offshore job to work at Olive Garden, he wasn’t thinking of opening his own restaurant. He just wanted to have fun at work. “I had a friend that worked in the restaurant industry...as a bartender, and I always wanted to do that. She always made it seem like it was so fun.” Having no previous service experience, the family-friendly chain was skeptical of hiring him, so he had a round of three different interviews, but his persistence paid off when they eventually brought him in. As a shy young adult, Stewart credits that experience with helping him open up to people. In two years, he grew with the company taking on additional responsibilities. Even then, opening up a restaurant wasn’t in his purview. It would take a few more professional wanderings before ultimately opening one of Monroe’s compelling new culinary escapes. Olive Garden led to Copeland’s where he worked for six years, starting as a server and leaving as service manager. “So, I was like, ‘Alright, I think I can do this.’” With extensive knowledge of the financial inner workings of a restaurant, he applied to work at the Monroe Applebee’s when it opened. After nine weeks of training, he was promoted from the service manager to kitchen manager. Only six months in, Stewart was promoted to general manager. He stayed at this casual dining franchise for about four years, until he started to notice a particular craving. “I was like, man, I really want to do something myself.” At the time, he was going back and forth between opening a restaurant or bar, so he opted for the most familiar. In the early 2000s, he opened up Club Pink with a partner. It was an all-or-nothing deal. “We lived in Bastrop at the time, and we sold everything in our house. Had an estate sale. Put a sticker on every single picture that wasn’t personal,” he recalls. The pair stayed in the clubbing business for seven years, then Stewart had another idea. He happened across a Historic Downtown Monroe location that he envisioned for his own establishment. The massive space was sectioned in two, so Stewart concentrated on what he knew he was most recently seasoned at and opened Brass Monkey Pub & Patio in January 2016. For four years, the adjacent room remained vacant. All the while, Stewart kept considering the possibility of opening a restaurant, but he wanted to take his time in order to

IN JULY 17, 2020, STEWART OPENED FIVE 19 TAP HOUSE & TAPAS. THE RESTAURANT FOCUSES ON DELICIOUS TAPAS AND A CAREFULLY CRAFTED COCKTAIL MENU.

conceptualize something that would take hold. “I’m always nervous because I feel like Monroe only gives you so many chances to get it right. So, I made sure I got it right the first time. Brass Monkey’s success allowed him to focus on his prospective project, which would end up opening on July 17, 2020. It began with curating a menu. “What do they not have in Monroe?” Stewart asked himself. He was in search of a niche that also allowed for variety. So, he began to consider his travels and subsequent culinary discoveries. The creative process was simple. Stewart would think of a dish he had tried and put his own spin on it. One of their most popular food items, their naan flatbreads, stemmed from such an experience. “There was a place in Jackson, Mississippi. They had something similar to it,” he says, adding, “We swapped it up a little bit.” With currently ten flatbreads on the menu, it’s an easy choice for large parties that want to taste a little bit of everything, as is the spirit of the tapa: traditionally a Spanish appetizer that can be combined to make a full meal. Sharing these “small” plates is highly encouraged by the Five 19 team. The Mediterranean is sure to please a variety of palates with sliced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic herb butter, pesto, and mozzarella. In the same vein is the Creamy Spinach Dip and Chicken: grilled chicken, creamy spinach artichoke dip, and grated parmesan cheese. More familiar flavors can be found in the Buffalo Chicken flatbread (chicken breast, Colby and Monterrey Jack cheese, bacon bits, garlic butter, drizzled with spicy buffalo sauce) or the Blackened BBQ Chicken Melt (hickory BBQ sauce,

grilled chicken, bacon bits, shredded cheese, topped with jalapeno onion crisps). “I get back there sometimes and play with those flatbreads and I just mix and match,” says Steward, who encourages customers to also construct their own. Brought to the restaurant by way of Stewart’s trip to San Diego is the Teriyaki Steak Tips: marinated beef steak tips, grilled, and served with crisp, sweet potato waffle fries. Another travel-inspired menu item hailing from Jackson, Mississippi is the Tuna Poke Nachos, a craveable item on the other side of the protein spectrum from the “Sharable Plates” section of the menu that you may be reluctant to portion among friends. Here, crispy wontons are topped with ahi tuna tossed with soy sauce and scallions, fresh avocado slices, crisp cabbage, pineapple-mango pico de gallo, then drizzled with cool, spicy wasabi mayo. A food enthusiast in his own right, Stewart plays around in the kitchen, which brought about another musthave item you’d probably rather keep to yourself, 100 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

the Steak and Truffle Frittes: peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin served with parmesan creamed spinach, herb compound butter, and truffle frites. Alongside kitchen manager Emily Elizabeth Ellis, Stewart has managed to curate some of the restaurant’s most successful menu items, but their carefully crafted cocktail menu, featuring their oneof-a-kind beer cocktails, may just be what keeps your curiosity piqued. “So, we have sixteen beers on tap,” explains Ellis, who had the enviable job of tasting “each and every” one in order to dive into one of her many expert roles in the restaurant— mixologist. “Our cocktails turn out that even if you don’t like beer, it’s something that you can enjoy because it’s unique with the flavor palate,” she says. Experience beer in a completely different way, starting out with the Yuengling Shandy: Yuengling, Grand Marnier, Peach Schnapps, and house sparkling lemonade. Stewart is a fan of The Spaniard, which is a fabulous mix of Stella Artois, 1800 Reposado, Triple sec, and house lemonade.

FOOD An extensive sharable plates list, salads and Naan flatbreads, plus a dessert menu.

PRICE A variety of sharable plates starting at $9, flatbreads starting at $11, and affordable craft cocktails.

BEER COCKTAILS Experience beer in a completely different way, starting out with the Yuengling Shandy: Yuengling, Grand Marnier, Peach Schnapps, and house sparkling lemonade. Stewart is a fan of The Spaniard, which is a fabulous mix of Stella Artois, 1800 Reposado, Triple sec, and house lemonade.

ot to be outdone by the nuanced cocktails, the martinis on the menu demand more than just a glance, particularly the Salted Caramel Martini: Rum Chata, Smirnoff Salted Caramel vodka, and caramel sauce with a sugared and salted rim. “My mom always told me that I have bougie taste buds,” laughs Ellis, who raves about their in-house simple syrups and freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice for their plethora of boozy blends. Enjoying a meal or a drink at Five 19 is an all-encompassing experience, further elevated by the space. With the gifted vision of interior decorator Clint Downing and Heather Thacker from Redesign Management, the interior of the restaurant transports patrons to an age-old tavern-esque atmosphere that could make you feel as though you have left Northeast Louisiana. The romantic feel is in the details. The bar was made from reclaimed wood taken from an abandoned building in Historic Downtown Monroe. Downing snagged and reclaimed tin ceiling tiles, using them as the backsplash to the bar, which is the central piece of the space, due mostly to the vintage bar display and worn barstools. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 101

BAYOU E ATS TUNA POKE NACHOS A craveable item on the other side of the protein spectrum from the “Sharable Plates” section of the menu that you may be reluctant to portion among friends. Here, crispy wontons are topped with ahi tuna tossed with soy sauce and scallions, fresh avocado slices, crisp cabbage, pineapple-mango pico de gallo, then drizzled with cool, spicy wasabi mayo.

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SALTED CARAMEL MARTINI Rum Chata, Smirnoff Salted Caramel vodka, and caramel sauce with a sugared and salted rim.

“I didn’t want anything that looked too brand new,” attests Stewart, who partook in the artful conception of the interior by way of his own carpenter skills. “I built the tables myself. I’m a little handy,” he laughs. Adding to the timeworn ambiance are blown-up vintage flyers that Downing found in auctions. He printed some on canvas, changing a few of the words in order to fit the tapas theme. One in particular reads, “so good...I’d tapas that.” Downing is also to credit for the delightful display of small, black and white porcelain plates of varying designs, playfully arranged above the entryway. “I want it to be a social environment,” explains Stewart, who hopes that the small plate concept translates into an immersive and engaging evening between family and friends. From offshores worker to restaurant owner, Stewart is not shy admitting that he is living his dream. “That makes me proud, and happy,” he says. Driven by the evolving nature of the restaurant, alongside the many grueling hours he has accumulated in sharpening his skills, Stewart welcomes the daily challenges of his chosen career path. And, though he may not be in it just for the fun like his early years, the payoff of building a unique and well-established eatery is one he is grateful to be sharing with the Northeast Louisiana community. Five 19 Tap House & Tapas is located at 519 Desiard St, Monroe, LA 71201. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday between 4 to 11 PM, and Wednesday and Friday between 11 AM to 11 PM. Visit their Facebook page for food and drink specials. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 103

Ashley Hubenthal Joins John Rea Realty Meet Your Newest Realtor in the 318

SHLEY HUBENTHAL WAS BORN AND RAISED IN Monroe and truly has a passion for the 318! With two decades in marketing, sales and communications, she is excited to become a licensed Realtor®, an industry that is a natural fit for her. Ashley obtained her undergraduate degree from LSU in Mass Communications. “One of my first jobs was working for the local university paper where I honed my journalism and writing skills,” said Ashley. “I somewhat fell into sales when I just happened to be in the office and they were looking for a sales person. I quickly fell in love with the business of sales and building relationships with people.” Ashley went on to obtain her Masters Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism from UNO, where she was immersed in the hospitality field. She worked at a corporate event management company, where she learned logistics, design and execution of large scale events. “Not only did I learn event coordination, but I experienced thinking on my feet in high pressure situations,” said Ashley. She knew she wanted to return to her roots and moved back to Monroe in 2010, where she quickly became involved in the community. Ashley was an integral part of the downtown Monroe revitalization efforts, creating synergy with events like the Downtown Pub Crawl, the Monroe Renaissance Up on the Rooftop Party and more. Ashley is the founder of the Cinderella Project of Monroe and the creator of the Bayou Desiard Dragon Boat Festival, which has raised thousands of

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dollars for local non-profits since its inception. For the past seven years, Ashley was employed at BayouLife Magazine. She worked with hundreds of local business owners, creating and executing marketing strategies for a variety of types of businesses and played an integral role in the day-today operations of the magazine. “I truly believe that my education and experience have prepared me for my new venture,” said Ashley. “Not only am I extremely passionate about our community, but I have built relationships with a variety of people in our community - from local lenders, contractors, inspectors and more - all of which are assets and resources that I use for my clients.” With her years of experience in marketing and events, Ashley has a proactive attitude and a problem solver mindset, which can be a lifesaver for her clients. “I also pride myself on attention to detail and I work with professional stagers and photographers, ensuring my clients’ houses not only show in the best light, but sell quickly.” And as a buyer’s agent, Ashley relies on her tenacious tendencies to ensure that she finds her clients the perfect home, while making sure they are taken care of through the entire process. “I am excited to be a full-time Realtor® with John Rea Realty, an agency that I have admired for years. I have already learned so much from their experience and expertise. By working with agents that have been doing this for decades, I have tons of knowledge at my fingertips and I look forward to being an asset in our community for years to come!”

Treat Yourself and Feel Your Best Louisiana Center for Women’s Health

HIS FALL, MAKE SURE TO TREAT yourself. Over the last few decades, our clinic has acquired the equipment and expertise to offer a palette of state-of-the-art procedures to maximize your appearance and personal health. We strive to offer our cosmetic services and procedures at affordable prices, which represent real value in today’s world. These various high-tech services can be obtained at our private clinic here in the Monroe area for a fraction of the charge for the same procedure in other cities. We are aware that our patients are interested in getting the best value, and we are structured to deliver this. HYDRAFACIAL Everyone can benefit from the Hydrafacial procedure. It is inexpensive, gives immediately noticeable results, only takes about 30 minutes, and has no social downtime. The procedure is extremely pleasant and relaxing. We have the

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

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

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Home for the Holidays Achievers Does it All

E ARE WELCOMING THE NEW fall season, which means winter and the holiday season are quickly approaching. Soon, entertaining friends and family will be at the forefront of your mind, which may or may not be an exciting experience. For some, hosting these gettogethers may be stressful due to the perceived comfort of their home. For you, we hope you enjoy your home to the fullest with your family and friends this holiday season and for years to come. We are here to help you prepare for the holidays by making your home the best it can be. Since the kitchen is one of the most popular gathering places for guests, most homeowners tend to focus solely on remodeling it around the holidays. While most guests tend to visit the kitchen to help prepare meals, spend time with others and assist in other preparations, which usually means sneaking samples of the food or beverages, other guests may enjoy company around the dinner table, being entertained in the living area or visiting guests on the patio. While we consider the kitchen to be a universally

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loved room in the house, there are multiple spaces you can update to make your home more enjoyable for yourself and your loved ones. When updating your kitchen, minimalism and storage seem like they are contradictory, but they pair well. Minimalist styling has a simple elegance that will last for years to come while having enough storage space will help prevent clutter and kitchen accidents. Quick updates to your lighting can change the atmosphere, while larger updates such as new cabinets and countertops take a bit longer but have a larger impact on your home design. If you feel your kitchen is too small, consider removing a wall to expand your kitchen or create a more open floor plan. Dining and living areas are wonderful places to enjoy your company on a more personal level. While furniture updates help keep your home comfortable and trendy, consider new windows and doors to open the space with more natural light. Updated lighting can help change the atmosphere, while new floors update the look and feel of the room.

Changes in flooring and furniture can change the acoustics of the space, which can impact the atmosphere of the room, but the durability, look and feel of the flooring should be the biggest decision. In your living space, creating or updating a fireplace can be a great project. If you currently have a fireplace, updating it with a new mantle, changing the color or finish of the fireplace, or converting it from wood burning to gas are all wonderful transformations to consider. If you have a fireplace and hang things above the mantle, be aware of the heat when using the fireplace. Excess heat can damage artwork and electronics and may void warranties for certain technology. Other heat sources, such as a fireplace built into the patio, are a great option for keeping guests warm and have an inviting atmosphere outdoors. All the projects mentioned are just a few of the home improvement options the professionals at Achievers Home Improvements can and will gladly provide their advice on. Achievers Home Improvements also has financing options available and would love to help make your home the best it can be this season. Feel free to visit our showroom at 304 Downing Pines Rd in West Monroe or schedule your complimentary consultation and estimate at 318-325-0555. Visit our website at www.achieversinc.com for more information on our services because, at Achievers Home Improvements, WE DO IT ALL!

Dr. David Tran, Podiatrist St. Francis Medical Group

IRST AND FOREMOST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE for such a warm welcome to the Northeast Louisiana community. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so the southern summer temperatures are giving new meaning to my definition of what “hot” means! I am honored to serve this community through the St. Francis Podiatry Clinic. I recently finished my residency training in Toledo, Ohio, at a level 1 academic trauma center. I have completed extensive training in a wide variety of traumatic injuries to the lower extremities. With the exciting news that St. Francis Medical Center is in the process of becoming this region’s only accredited trauma center, I am looking forward to using my training and skills to treat those who need trauma services. Although I meet these patients under unfortunate circumstances, I find it truly rewarding to play a small part in their rehabilitation and, ultimately, their recovery! One of my specific interests lies in the sub-specialty of limb salvage. We are actively building a comprehensive Limb Salvage Program at St. Francis Medical Center. This program, consisting of physicians representing various specialties, will be focused on treating patients facing amputation in Northeast Louisiana. Our area has a rising epidemic of diabetes that dwarfs the statistics of most other states in the country. Because this disease can result in many problems for patients, including a higher risk of feet or leg amputation, their care can be challenging for the team of physicians working to keep them healthy. Because of

the training I received through my residency program, I have honed a unique and specific skill set to help prevent major amputations of the lower extremities. I am very humbled to fill a need in the community for a physician specifically trained in techniques of advanced external fixation, flap coverage for wounds and the complex reconstruction of these challenging deformities. I have enjoyed getting to meet so many people as I begin to settle into my new clinic. The Monroe/West Monroe community is larger than I initially thought but still offers a very “hometown” atmosphere. I am continually impressed by the strong sense of community here. I am an avid sports fan and a die-hard member of the “Steeler Nation.” I love seeing how passionate local residents are about their favorite sports teams. Being a former collegiate athlete myself, I enjoy treating athletes of all levels. During my training, I served as a consultant for several high school sports teams and am excited to continue to do so right here in Northeast Louisiana. As a former athlete, I understand being on the other side of the exam room so I can truly appreciate the passion to get back on the field as soon as possible! With my training and expertise, I can help make that happen. Dr. David Tran, DPM, AACFAS practices at the St. Francis Podiatry Clinic located in the St. Francis Community Health Center, 2600 Tower Drive, Suite 215, in Monroe; phone number (318) 966-6480.

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SIMPLY LOU FOREVER YOUNG article and illustration by LOU DAVE NPORT

’ve been wanting to write about Bob Dylan since the first of this year. Dylan turned 80 on May 14th and I’ve been listening to him since I was fifteen years old. But, after reading at least eight different books about him through the years, I thought I’d skip all the information that everybody probably knows and tell things that you might not know. Since he’s been performing since the early 60’s, there’s not enough room to list all I know about his career in one column. There’s so much that has been written both, factual and fictional, I thought I’d tell about some of the things I’ve learned about him that I know to be true. To date, Dylan has written over 500 songs and those songs have been recorded by over 2,000 other singers. He has sold millions of albums. In 1970, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of music from Princeton University. In 1988, he was inducted into the Rock and 108 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Roll Hall of Fame. He has won numerous Grammys and in 2001, an Oscar and Golden Globe award for Best Song, “Most of the Time,” for the movie, “Wonder Boys,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Toby McGuire. In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for a civilian. And in 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Dylan first decided to go “electric” at the Newport Jazz Festival and he was booed. His performance only lasted 15 minutes before he and his band left the stage. Later, he would unite with former Hawks member, Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard Manual, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko who would later be known as “The Band.” Aside from all that, Dylan is an incredible visual artist. When he first moved to New York, his first girlfriend, Suze Rotolo, noticed he “doodled” on napkins and paper a lot so she started taking him to art museums. He was drawn to the work of the artists of that

time like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. From that spark, Dylan began to draw and then paint, especially when he is on tour. Through his travels, he has painted old motels, signs and landscapes that capture the time as well. Many of the places he’s painted, he used a camera to capture the moment. But, his paintings are as timeless as the subjects he paints and he keeps getting better. Another interesting and creative side to Dylan is that he collects “junk” and turns it into beautiful works of art. He learned to weld, so, he lays out the objects until he gets the design right and then welds them all together. Some are gates, some are tables, some mirrors, some are banisters while others are just beautiful works that can hang on walls. He has a studio in Malibu that he’s named “Black Buffalo Ironworks.” He goes looking for junk wherever he tours. Which brings me to a very interesting story that my friend, Doyle Jeter told me. In fact, Doyle is who told me about Dylan’s paintings and his welded sculptures! I knew that Doyle had actually met Bob Dylan and that he had been to Enoch’s, Doyle’s bar and pub, but I didn’t know the entire story. Doyle is good friends with Dylan’s bass player, Tony Garnier. When Dylan was scheduled to play at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, the power went out and wouldn’t be fixed for several days. Tony called Doyle to ask if there was any place in Monroe that they could play that was close-by. Doyle suggested the Jack Howard Auditorium and got Tony the number. Bob also asked Tony to see if there were any interesting places or sights they could go see before the concert. The concert was immediately booked and Bob and the band came over to Monroe. Doyle made a list with a map of things Dylan could do while he was here. The band and Dylan booked rooms at the old Howard Johnson motel that was near the Civic Center. After they checked in, Doyle actually took the list and map and handed it to Dylan. Doyle said Dylan was on the second floor, walked out on the balcony and reached down and got the list from Doyle. The band and Doyle went out to eat at Ma and Pa’s, a restaurant that was in West Monroe. Dylan rented a car and he and two “wardrobe mistresses” went to all the places around here that Doyle had suggested. Dylan actually walked around what is now Antique Alley into some of the shops and ended up buying a few things at the Army/Navy Surplus store. When Dylan was checking out, an older lady who was an employee said, “Do you know who you look like?” and Dylan replied, “Oh, yeah, I get that a lot!” Later that day, Dylan did show up at Enoch’s but Doyle had put on the marquee outside “Post Party After Dylan Concert.”

Doyle had planned a private party and only invited a few friends that he knew were going to the concert and would like to meet Bob Dylan. But, because Doyle had used his name, Dylan got angry and left. He was angry that Doyle had used his name! Needless to say, Mr. Dylan did not show up at the after party but the band did and partied until 5 a.m! Dylan left the Jack Howard Theatre on his motorcycle with his tour bus following him down I-20 to Vicksburg where they turned down Hwy 61 S. to New Orleans where they’d be playing their next date. The band followed the next day on the other two tour buses. Doyle had another meeting with Dylan in New Orleans. Doyle, Yvette and a few friends had gone down for the concert and knew that Dylan and the band were staying at a small hotel, The Toulouse. They were out front and Doyle said security was tight. But, out walked Dylan and when he say Doyle he stopped long enough to shake hands. But, when Yvette saw him, she was star struck ( I would have been, too) and threw her arms around him and hugged him! Doyle said you could see Dylan recoil because he doesn’t like anybody touching him. But, he was nice and went quickly on his way. The third time Doyle met him was after a concert and his daughter, Molly went along. This time they had back stage passes and when they went back stage Dylan was in a room by himself. The band that included G.E. Smith was in another room. The band was friendly and conversation fun but, Molly got up and went out in the hall. At some point the door was locked from the outside and they couldn’t get out! After several tense minutes, the door opened and there stood Molly. When asked what was going on she said she had just been talking with Bob! After the concert, they were invited to Mulatte’s to a private gathering and Dylan was there along with his son, Jakob. Once again, Dylan shook Doyle’s hand and was very polite. Doyle talked Molly into taking one of Enoch’s cards over to Dylan to see if he would autograph it. He did! The card now hangs on the wall at the pub.

One other thing that Dylan has invested in is a distillery in Nashville. You can tour the distillery that makes “Heaven’s Gate” bourbon, whiskey and rye whiskey. The labels on each bottle feature three of the many metal gates Dylan has made. I asked some of my Facebook friends had they ever seen Bob Dylan in concert. Many have, although I have never gotten to! Robert Riddle has seen him four times, Joan Taylor has seen twice and one of those times, Dylan kept the lights on the audience, not himself! She said her son was named Dylan! Josh Madden has seen Dylan three times, one of those being at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport and he described the set to look like an old Hollywood movie set. Bob Eisenstadt saw Dylan when “The Band” was backing him in 1975, as did Paul Abraham. My cousin, Loretta saw Dylan in Jackson and said he never communicated with his audience, just walked out, sang and left. Leslie Booher says when she and her husband, David, saw him in St. Louis, his voice was very weak. Jackie Mullin saw him at the Saenger in New Orleans, and said he was great! One of my students, Ashley Nugent saw him in Lafayette and became a huge fan! My own son, Adam saw him at Jazzfest several years ago and Chelsey, Adam’s fiance’ said her parents went to see him in Jackson several years ago and he sounded horrible. They were so disappointed and many people walked out. Sandra Gay Smith saw him in Lafayette. The record holder who has seen Dylan six times is Joey Mickel! Dylan seems to be a mercurial, moody, private, and rude man but at times he can be polite, kind and generous. He’s been singing, writing, and touring for over forty years and that is not an easy thing for anyone to do. He’s a legend, but, he’s managed to stay “forever young.” Thanks to everyone who contributed to this column, especially Doyle Jeter, my friend and owner of Enoch’s Pub

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12 Reasons You Should Test Your Hearing Audibel The Hearing Center

FTER THE PAST YEAR OF LIVING SOCIALLY DISTANT and behind masks, we think reconnecting is more important and coveted than ever. Unfortunately, it’s also more challenging for those of us with hearing loss — which is the biggest reason why 2021 should be the year to test your hearing and treat it if you have hearing loss. Just in case reconnecting to life and making sure you never miss out again isn’t reason enough, let us offer up a dozen more: 1. Hearing tests are painless, frequently free, and there are online hearing tests that only take about five minutes of your day. 2. Nearly half the people who reported no trouble hearing actually turned out to have mild hearing loss. 3. Adults with moderate hearing loss are 3X more likely to develop dementia over time, and 5X more likely if their hearing loss is severe. 4. Untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of falls by 30 percent. 5. In studies, hearing loss was linked to higher risks of loneliness and social isolation. 6. If your hearing test shows your hearing is normal, you can rub it in the face of all the people who accused you of being hard of hearing. (Turns out they are mumbling, right?)

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7. Researchers think that treating hearing loss early is one of the biggest things you can do to help reduce your risk of dementia. 8. Once you’re 50, experts recommend getting hearing screenings every three years. 9. Per Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins Medicine, “The earlier hearing loss is treated, the easier it is for the brain to adapt.” 10. Hearing loss may be an early warning sign or red flag for other health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 11. Older adults who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids reported their quality of life was significantly improved. 12. Being proactive about your hearing health today will pay off hugely tomorrow and for the rest of your life!

Think you may have hearing loss? You can test your hearing for free using our online hearing test at aucibelmonroe.com. Or, find out for sure by scheduling a thorough evaluation at our Monroe location by calling 318-325-2363 or our Ruston location at 318-251-1272.

Fall Favorites at Haven Bedding and Design for Your Home

ALL IS HERE AND HAVEN IS stocked with so many amazing items this season. New candle lines, bath products, a restock on jewelry, and pajamas are all out and ready for you to see! New debuts also include beautiful design accessories, trays, and lamps, perfect for your home. The Pura Diffuser has arrived for NEST! The set contains Bamboo and Grapefruit making it a favorite for NEST lovers. The Pura device allows you to control the amount of scent in your space, schedule a time and even change between the two scents, all from your phone. Haven also has the Pura diffuser set for Lafco, which has two favorite scents of Champagne and Chamomile & Lavender. Haven has a new section that highlights the Monroe area. They have worked hard to find vendors that promote Monroe and ULM. Cute mugs, napkins, cups, and notepads let you show your spirit for our hometown. A must-have this fall is their lightweight

rain jacket that comes in several colors. Stylish, with a hidden hood, it is ideal for running errands on those dreary days. They also have a rain cape that is easy to throw on and folds up to a size that fits in your purse. Cole Haan rain jackets for men are a new addition to the guy’s section. They are a great fit and available in two colors. Several shipments of down throw pillows have been arriving at Haven over the last several weeks. Solid velvets, interesting patterns, and textures round out the assortment to add interest to your sofa or bedding. Shades of blues, greens, and earthy colors, as well as neutrals are all represented. Haven is a great place to shop for bedding. With a nice selection of coverlets in cottons and velvets, you are sure to find something you love. One of the designers, Analise or Kelly, can help you pull together a beautiful combination in your choice of colors. They have seven lines of bedding, so they are sure

to have something just right for your space. If they don’t have the size and color you need, they will be glad to order it for you and most pieces arrive in less than two weeks. With most all the coverlets being machine washable, they are also very practical. Merchandise is arriving daily and Haven always has so many great gift ideas. Their complementary wrapping provides the perfect presentation for gift giving. You can always use their TEXT to SHOP by texting 267-7577 and one of their staff will be glad to send you pictures if you are shopping for something specific. They are open Monday – Friday from 10:00-5:00 and Saturday from 10:00-3:00. Stop by Haven today!

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Dress Like a Zombie… Don’t Feel Like One Let American Mattress Outlet Solve Your Sleep Woes

O YOU WAKE UP FEELING LESS LIKE SLEEPING beauty and more like Frankenstein? Do you find yourself drifting off at work or felling like a zombie even after a night’s rest? You may be suffering from severe sleep deprivation. On average, adults require between seven to nine hours of nightly sleep. Often though, work schedules and day-to-day stressors prevent us from receiving enough quality sleep, making daily tasks monstrous. You spend about a third of every day in bed. Whether that time is spent blissfully slumbering -- or tossing and turning -- depends a lot on your mattress. American Mattress Outlet is home to several lines of mattresses including: Signature by Southerland, Thermo Balance, Scandinavian Sleep, Englander, Symbol, Evolution Sleep and Wellsville. With a range of mattresses, there is something for everyone at American Mattress Outlet. The team at American Mattress Outlet are sleep experts, and are equipped with knowledge to help customers make the best choices to improve their sleep experience. Owner Robby Compton says this, “We see people that have horrible sleep experiences and by guiding them to a better pillow or mattress that fits their sleep positioning, we can improve someone’s life, and that is what makes me and my team so passionate about this business.”

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And for our frugal shoppers, Robby promises to cut out the sticker shock, “Our tag line is ‘We are American Mattress Outlet, where you don’t have to go into debt to get a great night’s sleep’ and we mean that. We find the perfect mattress for your needs and budget without sacrificing quality for price.” The experts at American Mattress Outlet understand the importance of a great night’s sleep a pride themselves on providing their clients with a robust collection of mattresses, pillows, and adjustable bases sure to soothe even the most restless sleeper. It’s all treats and no tricks at American Mattress Outlet. This fall, let the team at American Mattress Outlet help you take your sleep to the next level! Ditch your old mattress and visit Robby and his team today at 2200 North 7th Street, Suite A in West Monroe or reach them by phone at 318.366.5565. You can also visit them online at www. americanmattressoutletwm.com or follow them on Facebook.

Creating Meaning and Forming Lasting Memories We Build Families

BY J. PRESTON PARRY, MD, MPH

HE POWER OF A “HOME ISSUE” for a magazine isn’t just updating the details of where you live. It’s about taking control of your world, creating meaning, and forming lasting memories. There are many ways this can be achieved. I fondly remember days as a struggling student where two new dog beds were a huge step forward in taking care of my family. I feel one reason remodeling may strike a deep chord with many of us is that it’s a physical expression of our nesting instincts—a way of investing what we can in providing a safe space for those we love. As a fertility specialist, I have seen some spectacular nurseries over the years for babies we’ve helped bring into this world. However, if the average six-month-old can only see several feet, I know that the elaborate wall designs aren’t entirely for them. That’s okay, after all, what is more worth celebrating? In building our two full fertility clinics

in Madison, MS, and Shreveport, LA, I’ve tried to turn them into homes, as well. While gynecology doesn’t exactly lend itself to an open floor plan; from high ceilings, warm lighting, real flowers, and comfort food for anyone coming through the door, we’ve never wanted the experience to be that of a typical medical office. Our art resonates with purpose, having egg and nest themes paralleling the roles of the ovaries and uterus, as well as water themes linked to hysteroscopy, as part of a more gentle approach to understanding the pelvis. We even have kintsukuroi pottery, which is a Japanese concept where broken bowls are repaired through gold seams, symbolizing that no matter how broken we may feel, we are more valuable in how we come back together. Also, some of the most beautiful aspects to me are things that couples never see or appreciate, such as how state-of-the-art HVAC creates air purity helping embryos thrive, which will someday become

children. However, what truly turns Positive Steps Fertility into a home is the real love and respect we have for each other and our patients as soon as they come through the door. I’ll admit I’m a bit of a nerd, so when writing about the meaning of life issues such as family, I’ll probably come across as more awkward than when I talk more technically about reproductive testing and clinical success rates. At least anyone who has read this far knows I haven’t used a ghostwriter, as they probably would have never written anything like this. However, my purpose in this world relates to why this issue of BayouLife matters. I get up every day so that couples don’t have an empty house instead of a home. Along with the whole PSF team, I hope that your world is filled with everyone that makes everything else worthwhile. Follow us on Facebook and tune in the first Friday of every month for First Friday Fertility live at noon!

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FAMILY VISION

Colby Walker Weaver and her father, Dewey Weaver, worked together to design Intermountain Renovations. Together they created a sanctuary that has become an ideal setting for the company’s growing needs. Their vision of Frank Lloyd Wright meets West Coast is a beautiful addition to Northeast Louisiana.

A R T I C L E BY VA N E L I S R I V E R A

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

f you’ve driven down Tower Drive in Monroe, then you’ve glanced at the modern-style architectural building characterized by its sand-colored wood planks, sleek edges, and tinted windows. This prodigious construction is, in many ways, a reflection of the multi-faceted services of the family-owned InterMountain, which specializes in the management, development, and renovation of premium branded hotels nationwide. As the company kept expanding, it only made sense to create a workspace that embodied the company’s success, as well as its artistic vision and capabilities, holding true to the company’s tagline: “a business of a thousand details.” Though headquarters have been located in Monroe for years, the company has its roots in Emporia, Kansas, where founder Dewey Weaver first developed his knowhow of the hospitality industry in 1966. At the mere age of 11, he would frequent the Ramada Inn every day after school to work as a dishwasher in the hotel restaurant until closing time. When Dewey’s parents moved the family to Northwest Arkansas in 1969, they purchased a motel in Springdale, where Dewey continued to sharpen his service industry skills, from checking-in guests to cleaning rooms. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1978, he moved his family to Monroe, Louisiana, and alongside his father formed InterMountain Management. Though now they boast two statement-making

structures, the company’s origins are humble. Initially, operations began in a spare bedroom of his mother’s house, but by 2019, the company was in three different buildings, two of which they were leasing. The real need for the new building was that they were officing out of three different buildings on Tower Drive and needed more space for present and future growth because they did not plan on stopping... they planned to continue to grow and evolve. “So, we ran out of space. I mean, just plain and simple,” laughingly admits Colby Weaver Walker. Walker is the Senior Lead Designer for InterMountain Renovations, one of the companies under the InterMountain umbrella. She also oversees owner relationships as well as sales and marketing for the company. The result, the approximately 28,000 square feet of pristine architectural design that’s impossible to miss. “My father and I designed this with the intent of wanting it to be something that was like nothing else that was here locally,” continues Walker, describing the exterior of the building as Frank Lloyd Wright meets the West Coast. “My dad loves Frank Lloyd Wright.” And along the way, as she was designing the new space, he would come to her with magazine clippings, which allowed her to begin creating a mental vision board, which she then translated to the lead architect of the building. “I wanted this building to really showcase our capabilities as a design team and a construction team,” she affirms.

hen conceptualizing the building, the InterMountain team kept in mind that InterMountain Renovations, comprised of design, purchasing, and project management, as well as the new construction team, would be working from that space. In other words, the building would also need to exhibit all aspects of what they do as a company. “We knew we were going to have so many people coming through here, we could say, ‘Hey, look, our design team designed that. And, we designed this.’” Unlike much of their commissioned work for hotels like the Marriott, Hyatt, or Hilton, which oftentimes require distinct brand requirements, designing their own workspace gave Walker a blank space to start from. “We were able to think outside of the box... and, so, we were able to do some really neat things and be really creative,” says Walker, considering the end result something that could “grow old with time, but not feel like it was outdated.” They were able to achieve this look pulling in a lot of natural elements like neutral walls layered with greenery, pops of color through furniture and art, and comfortably furnished lounge and patio areas. “We wanted it to be open and airy, yet be inviting. Not feel institutional, because it is big, we still wanted it to feel comfortable and like somewhere you’d want to sit and stay awhile,” she adds. 118 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

BELOW: TASKED WITH CREATING A PIECE OF FURNITURE TO ADD TO THE IMPRESSIVE ENTRANCE, KYLE SNELLENBERGER FASHIONED THIS CANOE-SIZED DESK OUT OF A 1000-YEAR-OLD TREE LOG PULLED FROM THE OUACHITA RIVER. BOTTOM LEFT: SNELLENBERGER ALSO CREATED A 28-FOOT-LONG BLACK WALNUT TABLE FOR THE BUILDING’S LARGEST CONFERENCE ROOM.

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ABOVE: THE MATERIAL LIBRARY IS COMPRISED OF FLOOR-TO-CEILING CABINETS OCCUPYING TWO WALLS LINED WITH FABRIC SWATCH BOOKS HANGING FROM HOOKS. TOP RIGHT: THE LOUNGE AREA FEATURES UNIQUE WOOD-SLAT WALLS. IN ADDITION TO MOOD LIGHTING CREATED BY DISK PENDANT FIXTURES, THE AREA IS FURNISHED WITH CUSTOM OLIVE-GREEN SOFAS, CUSHIONED ACCENT CHAIRS, AND A GEOMETRIC WOOD TABLE.

“The front door was a non-negotiable for us,” admits Walker, referring to the gargantuan pivot door (a swinging door that rotates on a vertical axis) at the main entrance. Anyone who has walked into their headquarters would agree that it’s an experience. “We wanted to make a statement when you walked into the building.” The door is one of the many elements of the lobby that was thought out. Walking in, your gaze is immediately drawn to the front desk. “Everybody asks about that front desk when they walk in,” gleams Walker regarding the impressive natural wood, canoe-sized desk. Her vision was for the front desk to look like a floating piece of wood, and though her father probably “questioned her at first,” he let her take lead. Naturally, she commissioned the masterful Kyle Snellenberger, who already had a 1000-year-old tree log pulled from the Ouachita River. Snellenberger and Walker worked closely together to create this focal piece that is really more like a work of art. Because the company is team-oriented and functions from collaboration, the main workspaces are open instead of sectioned with cubicles. That way, team members can move amongst each other. “So, this is where all the magic happens for the hotels,” emphasizes Walker, walking into the material library, comprised of floor-to-ceiling cabinets occupying two walls lined with fabric swatch books hanging from hooks. Rolling library ladders rest at each end of the shelves, a huge leap from its previous occupancy—inside of Walker’s old office. “My office was cluttered at all times. You never knew 120 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

“You can come in here. You can create. You’ve got everything that you need in one spot,” Colby says, explaining the importance of incorporating operational elements into workrooms, like tackable wall panels. what you would have to walk over or though,” she jokes. The new building clearly has afforded them more space, allowing rooms like the material library to also act as think tanks. “You can come in here. You can create. You’ve got everything that you need in one spot,” she says, explaining the importance of incorporating operational elements into workrooms, like tackable wall panels. “We have three or four different task chairs throughout the building,” informs Walker, who went to Dallas and spent two to three days sitting on chairs with the sole purpose of finding the one that would be the most comfortable for all employees. “We sat in a ton of them. Had several brought in. It was a slightly daunting task,” she laughs. Keeping in mind their employees, also took the form of a sleek dining area that is often used for entertaining as well. Modern light fixtures keep with the contemporary elegance of the design and a NanaWall (bifold glass doors) flaunting an outdoor space complete with an outdoor kitchen. “At any given moment, you may find some of our team members sitting out here with their laptops or plans on a nice day working outside and just enjoying the space.”

Another Snellenberger original is featured in the building’s largest conference room. “We didn’t want it to be just your classical, stereotypical traditional conference table,” says Walker, which was no problem for the craftsman who delivered a 28-feet-long functional monument made from black walnut driven down from Oregon. “It’s an art piece in and of itself.” The details of the room also add to the stylish harmony of the room, like the clean texture created by the wood-paneled ceiling. Keeping with the wood-slat theme is an incredibly chic lounge area seemingly straight out of Architectural Digest, featuring wood slat walls. “This was actually my dad’s idea,” says Walker. “He saw something similar in a magazine. He brought it to me and asked what I thought. I loved it! So, we figured out how to incorporate it where it made the most sense.” In addition to mood lighting created by disk pendant fixtures, the area is furnished with custom olivegreen sofas, cushioned accent chairs, and a geometric wood coffee table. “It feels like a living room,” says Walker. They encourage employees to use the area as another place to get out of their offices and think and work. We intentionally created a lot of spaces throughout the building for people to work from beyond their desk,” says Walker. Employees can take their laptops and work in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, take a break in the fitness room which features a Peloton bike. The phone systems can connect to employee cell phones, further encouraging a nuanced and holistic approach to the modern workday. “We tried to be forward-thinking with our space and with technology. We travel a lot for work and it affords us the opportunity to see a lot of different spaces in some of the most thriving cities in America. We were able to take things we have seen from our travels and incorporate them here to provide the best work environment possible for our employees,” asserts Walker who understands how difficult it can be to be creative when you are sitting in the same space you sit in every day. “So, let’s get up. Let’s get out. And think. Create.” By extending mindful practices to employees and clients alike, InterMountain has proven that they are innovative beyond the work that they are commissioned for. With a respect to all the elements that result in a successful business, this family-centered enterprise is steadily expanding, a thousand details at a time. 122 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Look and Feel Your Best Gain Your Confidence Back

HERE ARE SO MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT AUTUMN that we wait all year for — the pumpkin-flavored drinks, the holidays spent with friends and family, and the fresh displays of that pop up in the windows of all your favorite stores. Basically, fall is the season of comfort food and shopping. There is so much more to fall, though. The cold weather creeping in brings changes in sunlight, lower temperatures, and sometimes a slight change in lifestyle. All of these changes could potentially have some tangible effects on your mind but more specifically your body, no matter how bulletproof you think you are. DermaMediQ offers treatments to help keep your body in prime shape for autumn. DermaMediQ proudly offers a variety of services including BodyTite, Emsculpt, Instalift and Morpheus8 that address problem areas, giving you your self confidence back. Plus, the coming months are the perfect time to plan these procedures since you can cover up with leggings, sweaters and pants. INSTALIFT When it comes to someone who has lost weight and your skin has some drooping or you have used fillers and botox and you still aren’t getting the results you want, Dr. Sowma has a non-surgical treatment that uses micro-suspension technology to help you achieve the look you want. This amazing treatment is called Instalift by Silhouette. The Micro-suspension technology immediately lifts your mid-facial skin, including sagging cheeks and deeper nasolabial folds (smile lines) and boosts volume by activating your natural collagen production over time. The results are truly amazing. You get the lift without surgery, and the volume without fillers. MORPHEUS8 Morpheus8 is a novel technology that lets you discover new depths. It is the first and only full-body fractional technology adjusted for subdermal tissue remodeling, dermal treatment and epidermal resurfacing. Morpheus8 is the deepest lift technology with penetration up to 4000 microns. Morpheus8 is perfect for tightening specific problem areas on the body but also great for treating acne on the face. Some of the key benefits include minimal scarring and downtime and a good option for younger patients not yet ready for a facelift. EMSCULPT Emsculpt is intended for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, development of firmer abdomen. Strengthening, toning and firming of buttocks, thighs, and calves. Improvement of muscle tone and firmness, for strengthening muscles in arms. The best part is there is no anesthesia or down time. BODYTITE Body Tite is a minimally-invasive device for body contouring delivering results previously only achieved through excisional procedures. BodyTite is powered by directional radio frequencies resulting in three-dimensional tissue remodeling through fat coagulation and volumetric heating. The coagulation of fat using radio frequency induced heat results in radio-frequency assisted lipolysis. No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and the staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face forward. Call the helpful staff today to schedule an appointment or consultation to start your journey to becoming a more confident and better you. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 123

Rebel Runway: A Fashion Event Benefiting WMHS Cheer Booster Club

OCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS IN FULL SWING, and the West Monroe Rebel Football team is not the only school group that’s been practicing all summer! 2021 Rebel Runway is slated for Tuesday, October 19th at 6pm at the West Monroe Convention Center. The event is presented by the West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club and title sponsor Jayne Stagg. The annual fashion show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the cheerleaders and proceeds help support the team throughout the year. Fall and winter fashions for 2021 will be provided by local boutiques including, Blue Line Boutique, Cara’s, Eleven 26, Herringstones, Little Blue Kid’s Boutique, and Pelican State Clothiers. Rebel Runway is always a sell-out event so be sure to get your tickets early! The cheerleaders and the West Monroe Cheerleader Booster club would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support and patronage. Without our sponsors Rebel Runway would not be the success it is! TITLE SPONSOR: Jayne Stagg LOGO SPONSORS: Transmission Specialist, Blue Line Boutique, CommuniHealth, Eleven 26, Herringstones, Heather Finley Family Clinic, Newks, Ductwork Inc., Pelican State Clothiers, 4WD Specialists, Cara’s, Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Little Blue Kid’s Boutique, Origin Bank, Otwell Countertops & Flooring, Tanya Jackson Coldwell Banker, Reflections, River Dental, Faith Over Fear, Security Control, Twin City Transmission, and M & A Investment Properties. TABLE SPONSORS: Crop Concepts/Mickayla Knight Family, Jenea Freeman Family, Crystal Hampton Family, Aimwell Center, Witten Roofing, April Jones Family, Banks Family, Barron/Mitchell Family, Hogan Insurance, Diane Day, Spa Bella, Charlie Simpson, Clawdaddy’s, Nicole Leggit, Dusty & Company, Marie’s Medical Supply.

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Stepping Out in Style Gearing Up for the Fall Season

OR OVER 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. The Children’s Shoppe has a whole new selection of fall clothing in for both boys and girls. We have matching boy and girl sets that would be perfect for any family outing or family pictures. It’s time to stock up on fall clothes and The Children’s Shoppe has everything you need at one easy and convenient place. 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 a 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 batteries, gears or pedals… kid powered and kid approved for hours of endless fun. Purchasing great quality toys and investing in your children’s toys are great for their brain development. Toys get children engaged in physical activity, by exercising their fine and gross motor skills. Whether they are coloring or dressing and undressing a doll, for example, children are using their sense of touch and sight (fine motor skills) while walkers, tricycles or toy cars boost their gross motor skills and strengthen their arms and legs. Toys also help them discover balance and coordination and by being physically active, children avoid obesity and adopt a healthy life style. From the time they are born, toys motivate babies to use their feet and hands in order to discover forms, colors and sounds. Once babies know how to sit and crawl, toys incite them to be on the move. If their favorite toy is out of reach, the baby will use its muscles to try and grab it. Is your little one’s feet growing like crazy and needing new shoes every other month? We have a select group of tennis shoes from Footmates that are on sale and you won’t want to miss out! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram (@childrensshoppela) to be in the know about our new arrivals and specials. We are conveniently located at 109 N. Trenton in Ruston’s beautiful, historic downtown district and at 1826 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe.

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The Platter Celebrates Fall Local Shop Features Platters, Lunches and More

ITH COOLER TEMPERATURES JUST AROUND THE corner and leaves starting to change, its official, fall is in the air!With fall comes some of our favorite things here in Louisiana, football, friends, and most importantly food. Whether its a cozy night or a tailgate with friends before the big game, The Platter has everything you need for your next get together. For an evening with the kiddos or grandkids, grab a S’Mores platter complete with marshmallows, chocolate and a variety of graham crackers, candy and toppings. Looking for something Instagram worthy? Try a custom charcuterie board. With selections ranging from stuffed olives, nuts, prosciutto, ham, cheddar, gouda, provolone, monterey, brie, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, pepper jelly, fig spread, jam, spicy mustard and a variety of crackers, there is surely something to please every palette. With holiday events on the horizon, The Platter is your go to for all festivities, whether you are seeking individual boxes for each guests or a more interactive experience like a grazing table, which allows guests the opportunity to select items tailored to them. The Platter is perfect for all of your catering needs, whether it’s a wedding, shower, game night, school function, anniversaries, or birthdays, The Platter covers it all. Now back to football, no matter what team you’re rooting for, The Platter offers options to help fill up your cheering section before, during and after the big game. Need a quick snack? Stop by their grab and go cooler stocked with favorites like buffalo chicken dip, pimento cheese spread, a variety of chicken salads, pasta salads and jalapeño and red pepper queso. No party? No problem! Let The Platter handle lunch, with specials including southern shrimp and grits, crawfish stuffed baked potatoes, homemade spaghetti with meat sauce and roast beef poboy. Each entree comes with a veggie, salad and a drink and is just $9.50. They also have a variety of salad options like Italian, Keto Italian, Chef, Mandarin and Classic Shrimp. If you want to plan ahead for dinner, you can always order a casserole that will feed your whole family! Options include homestyle meatloaf, lasagna, cajun chicken and rice, French onion beef casserole and more! And how could we forget the sweets? The Platter offers a variety of sweet treats like homemade pies, dipped fruits, cookies and gourmet cakes in a range of flavors help to round out the menu. Whether you are looking for something for the home team, a quick lunch or a stunning table display for a special event, from sweet to savory, The Platter has everything you need. Stop by their location in West Monroe and see why The Platter is perfect for every occasion! The Platter is located at 120 Blanchard Street in West Monroe.

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Now Offering BioTE Pellet Therapy At The Woman’s Clinic

T THE WOMAN’S CLINIC WE ARE CONSTANTLY looking for innovative ways to serve our patients. The newest addition to our services is BioTE’s Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BioTE® Medical’s method of BHRT, uses pellets, which are the preferred method of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They contain bioidentical hormones compounded in qualitycontrolled facilities located in the U.S. Keep reading to learn why pellet therapy has helped thousands of patients. Age healthier, live happier with the BioTE method. Using our subcutaneous pellet approach to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, some patients report feeling symptom relief in as little as four weeks, but complete symptom relief may take up to six months. Certified BioTE providers at The Woman’s Clinic customize each dose of pellet therapy to the patient’s needs. The BHRT pellets that certified BioTE providers use are made to replicate the hormones men and women lose as they age. Research has shown that the BioTE method of pellet therapy has helped thousands of people feel their best and achieve hormonal balance. The BioTE method uses bioidentical hormone pellets which contain bioidentical testosterone or estrogen. The pellets are placed subcutaneously in the body and release a continuous stream of bioidentical hormones. Hormone replacement pellets dissolve and are absorbed into the body. WHAT IS BHRT? BHRT stands for bioidentical hormone

replacement therapy (BHRT). What does that mean? Bioidentical refers to how molecularly similar the supplemental hormone is to the human hormone. People who lack certain hormones or who have too much of a certain hormone may benefit from BHRT. WHAT ARE BHRT PELLETS? BHRT pellets are inserted subcutaneously in the upper buttocks. They are made of customcompounded hormones and binders that hold them together. Every batch of hormones is tested for potency, sterility, and endotoxins, which ensures that BioTE providers’ patients are being provided the best possible therapy to expedite their journey towards optimal wellness. WHAT IS THE BHRT PELLET INSERTION PROCESS LIKE? The BHRT pellet insertion process is straightforward, fast, and simple. First, a patient finds a certified BioTE provider. If their provider is not listed, they may nominate them to become BioTE certified. They will then schedule an office visit to have their hormone levels tested. Based on a comprehensive consultation and extensive lab work, the provider will determine if the patient is a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women. Custom pellet therapy insertion will take place either during this appointment or during a quick follow up appointment. HOW TO GET STARTED WITH PELLET THERAPY? Getting started with pellet therapy for women is as easy as calling The Woman’s Clinic and making an appointment. Or by requesting an appointment in our patient portal.

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Can Caffeine Enhance Fat Loss? B AYO U H E A LTH BY S HAN N O N DAH LU M

affeine is the world’s most popular unregulated drug. It occurs naturally in coffee beans, cacao beans and tea leaves where it serves as a pesticide to protect those plants. It’s also artificially added to sodas, energy drinks, medications, workout supplements, and even some foods. Caffeine is commonly added to supplements and drinks marketed for fat loss, but how effective is it for actually enhancing fat loss? Caffeine is a stimulant. It increases brain activity and heightens awareness. Your nervous system assumes this heightened state of alert means there must be a threat close by, so it triggers the release of adrenaline. Your

adrenaline is what gives you that boost of energy and increases heart rate. The caffeine itself isn’t some sort of magical liquid energy; it triggers your stress response, which does temporarily elevate your metabolic rate and enhances fat loss. However, when your nervous system remains in a state of chronic stress, it actually triggers fat storage and makes healthy fat loss extremely difficult. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how you experience pleasure. It provides a sense of motivation and it helps you focus. Heroin and cocaine increase dopamine levels in the brain by slowing down the rate at which it’s reabsorbed, and this is why those drugs are so addictive; it’s the increase in dopamine levels that feels so good and has people going back for more. Caffeine works in exactly the same way, lighting up the same pleasure centers in your brain, only to a much lesser degree.

In addition, your body also builds a tolerance to caffeine, meaning that if consumed regularly, you’ll continue to need more of it to feel the same effects. Over time, you become physically dependent on it and experience negative withdrawal effects if you stop consuming it cold turkey. The ways in which caffeine stimulates your brain’s pleasure centers, your body’s ability to build a tolerance to it, and the withdrawal symptoms it can lead to are what make caffeine a physically addictive substance. Once the boost in adrenaline and dopamine from caffeine consumption wears off, you’re left with a more depressed mood and energy than before and you’ll likely start craving another boost. Caffeine has a half life of six hours, which means that if you drink two cups of coffee containing a total of 200 mg of caffeine at 8:00am, you still have 100 mg of caffeine in your system at 2:00 pm. Of course, everyone responds to and metabolizes caffeine differently, so this can certainly vary. Assuming you still have 100 mg of caffeine in your body when that 2:00 pm slump hits and you drink another two cups of coffee, you now have 300 mg of caffeine in your body. Six hours after this, at 8:00 pm, you may still have 150 mg of caffeine affecting your system and disrupting your sleep that night. Even if you sleep through the night, you likely

won’t fully benefit from the deepest stages of restful sleep and you’ll wake up groggily reaching for a mug of coffee. In this scenario, you literally have caffeine in your system from morning to night and a consistently overstimulated nervous system. If you do a quick search for studies touting the benefits of caffeine consumption, there are many. A decreased risk for Parkinson’s Disease, cirrhosis, colon cancer, and gallstones have been shown with regular coffee consumption, for example. As with most things, however, more isn’t always better. According to the American Medical Association, a safe amount for daily consumption tops out at 400 mg for adults, which is the equivalent of about four cups of coffee. The FDA regulates the amount of caffeine added to sodas, allowing a maximum of 0.02% caffeine concentration. This means a 12 ounce soda can have no more than 71 mg of caffeine. However, this rule applies to carbonated beverages only. When it comes to other beverages, foods, and supplements, there is no limit to the amount of caffeine manufacturers can add. Energy drinks are completely unregulated; 5 Hour Energy shots contain 200 mg of caffeine and Bang contains a whopping 300 mg. Your body is very intelligent and it’s always working in your favor to ensure your survival. Your stress hormones serve a very important and beneficial purpose; to help you have the energy necessary to deal with imminent threats. But when stress hormones are consistently coursing through your body, they begin to have very negative consequences. Consistently elevated stress hormones enhance inflammation and contribute to the breakdown of healthy tissue.

When your brain senses a consistently elevated level of these stress hormones, it will shut down their production to protect your body. Even though you continue drinking caffeine to try and trigger another energy boost, your brain won’t allow your adrenal glads to pump out any more adrenaline. No matter how much caffeine you consume, you may continue feeling completely wiped out. At this point, you may also begin to struggle with weight loss resistance, as your body also holds on to as much body fat as possible. Fat is stored energy, and since your body has essentially gone into an energetic debt, your brain forces your body to hold onto as much of it as possible. Metabolism has slowed to decrease energy consumption and enhance energy storage. Yes, caffeine can temporarily boost your mood and metabolism, but how it impacts you depends on your total stress load. If you’re already experiencing a high level of physical and/ or mental stress, adding to the stress response through caffeine consumption will be detrimental, leaving you feeling jumpy, wired, strung out, and even lower in energy. When you’re in a resilient state of balance, with a healthy stress load and recovery, a morning dose of caffeine can give you a boost without overtaxing your system. Yes, it can have a positive effect on fat loss, too. Beware, though, because of it’s addictive quality, it’s easy to overdo in the long run. The key, as always, is to pay attention to how you’re affected by it and adjust your consumption accordingly.

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Walsworth and Company

When Leaves Start Falling, Walsworth’s Is Calling

OUR HOME SHOULD TELL the story of who you are and should be a collection of what you love. If the past year has taught us anything, it is that the right decor can really set the scene, even when you are indoors. With the fall season upon us, that means stocking your home with warm tones, cozy textures, and crisp autumn scents. Local interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has been a downtown staple since opening its doors in 2014. Featuring a premier decorator showroom, Walsworth and company offers selections from furniture, bedding, and lighting, with fully customizable and unique pieces from The MT Company, Uttermost / Revelation, Wesley Allen, McKinley Leather Furniture, Riverside and Universal Furniture allowing you to commission pieces that reflect your unique style and specifications. Their walls are adorned with curated works of art, intricately designed mirrors, and unique wall hangings all complemented by

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plush sofas, coffee tables, dining and bedroom furniture. In addition to their vast selection of furniture finds, Walsworth & company has a robust collection of accent pieces fit for any space; from area rugs, throw pillows to vases and coffee table accessories. With such a vast selection, it’s no surprise that Walsworth & Company is the decorator destination for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Along with providing the Twin Cities with one of the most distinct home decor assortments, the team at Walsworth and Company have created Down the Aisle, the premiere wedding registry of Northeast Louisiana. Down the Aisle is a transformed space, boasting more than 1,400 square feet devoted to “must-haves” for the modern bride. The reimagined space incorporates original architectural elements such as exposed beams and original hardwood elements to create an accent wall. Down the Aisle exudes a romantic vibe and classic elegance, continuing in true Walsworth and Co. fashion.

Least we forget their fantastic collection of specialty gift items; housing home fragrance brands such as Nest, Capri Blue, Nouvelle, as well as Orleans, perfect for creating the fall ambiance we all crave. If you are seeking something with a little sparkle, Walsworth & Company is home to jewelry collections from both Ronaldo and Mariana. And when you want to retreat for a fall night in, indulge with our luxurious bath collections from Lollia or Spongelle. Cap the night off in a buttery soft pajama set from Barefoot Dreams or PJ Harlow sure to induce some much deserved sweet dreams. With fall and the holiday season upon us, Walsworth & Company is sure to have all of the items you need to complete your shopping or wish lists. After shopping, simply leave the wrapping to the professionals; where you can always expect a beautifully wrapped gift anyone would be thrilled to receive. Whether it’s time for a new accent piece, holiday home makeover, or if it simply time to pamper yourself. The staff at Walsworth and Company are fully prepared to assist you. Walsworth and Company, your home decor and gift headquarters, located at 311 Trenton Street in downtown West Monroe. Open Monday - Friday 10 AM- 5:30 PM. Follow us on Facebook for design inspiration and product updates!

The Perfect Match

Harrison Paint Co. Is Your One-Stop Paint Shop

AVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR A reason to add a little color to your life? Harrison Paint Co. can offer a little “primer” on why you should add color to your walls this season. Paint is one of the easiest and quickest ways to transform any space. Whether you want to turn your room into a serene sanctuary or a shade that will shine, the professionals at Harrison Paint will help direct you to the Benjamin Moore color best suited for your space. Livability. Flexibility. Universality. These are just a few of the essentials that make a Benjamin Moore paint popular–and beloved. No matter what your color preference is, Harrison Paint Co. has a match. While grey, beige, white and earth tones dominate bestseller lists, Benjamin Moore’s saturated hues pack a punch. Looking for a beautiful jewel tone? Salamander is a gorgeous, emerald-esque green that infuses any room with sumptuous

color. Need a rich, deep color? Kendall Charcoal is a luxurious paint that pops beautifully when combined with a crisp white room. As a versatile neutral, it also works well with most color schemes. Crazy about nature? Fallen Timber imbues a natural elegance. This pure shade is a perfect combination of gray and beige, evoking thoughts of walks in timbered woods while soaking in the brisk autumn air. Still unsure of what color to choose, contact the professionals at Harrison Paint Co. This one- stop-shop has been serving the ArkLaTex since 1950. As a minority-owned small business, Harrison Paint Co. can help with all of your paint, coatings, stain, stucco and sundries needs. They are proud to be a Graco Facility Trained Service Center with two certified repair technicians. Industry specific education and training is a priority as evident of the MPI Level 1 Architectural Coating Technologists and NACE Level 3

Certified Coating Inspector. You can purchase a color sample of any of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500+ paint colors at Harrison Paint Co. There’s no better way to find the perfect paint than by brushing it on before you buy. With multiple locations to serve you, Harrison Paint is conveniently located at 1900 Cypress Street in West Monroe. They also have locations in Bossier City and Shreveport, with on-line ordering available at all locations. For more information, call them at (318) 812-0932 or visit their website harrisonpaintco.com. Looking for design inspiration? Be sure to check out their blog for the latest in design and color trends for your next home project.

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Spherion Staffing & Recruiting Celebrating 25 Years of Service in Ouachita Parish

OTHER DAUGHTER DUO, NANCY Guy and Brittany Forbis are the women behind Spherion’s success, and they are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Their business focuses on driving careers, supporting businesses, and serving the community. Although the pandemic has caused a hurdle in the staffing industry, they are still smiling and thanking God for their many blessings. I wanted to take a moment to give readers a sneak peek behind the scenes and get to know these remarkable women. BL: Take me back to the beginning, what drove your decision to start a staffing company? N: I have always been passionate about helping others. My goal from the beginning was to provide an environment where everyone felt valued and appreciated. I wanted to partner with local companies and provide a service they couldn’t get anywhere else. And after 25 years, I believe I’ve accomplished that. BL: What is it like being a mother daughter duo in the workforce? B: Well, if you want me to be honest, over

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the past 18 years, I’ve quit and been fired several times. I started working for my mom right out of high school and I thought I knew it all. I came in and tried to run the show. I wanted to be the boss and it caused quite a bit of tension. It took me a long time to see her as a successful businesswoman and not just my mom. Over the past several years, we have grown to have a mutual respect for each other and to embrace each other’s strengths and weaknesses. N: I totally agree with Brittany. There were definitely some struggles in the beginning, but we have grown into a Dynamic Duo. I think Brittany is at a place in her life that she is ready to run the show, as she’s always wanted. All joking aside, working together has allowed us to build a relationship that others only dream of. As I have watched Brittany grow into the leader she is today, I know Spherion has a very bright future. BL: What is something about Nancy that people don’t know? B: She’s my best friend and she is really

funny. She’s lightened up a lot over the years. She has a serious side but we also laugh any time we are together. Not everyone understands our humor, but we both find each other to be really funny! N: (Laughing) That’s so true! BL: What makes your business unique? N: First and foremost, we know we would not be where we are today without The Lord’s blessing. Referrals have always been a major part of our recruiting process. When someone has a positive experience, they can’t help but tell others about it. Even if we are not able to help an individual directly, we strive to provide them with an alternate solution. Over the years, our reputation has grown with us and to me, that is the definition of success. BL: The workforce has changed since opening in 1996, have any of your processes stayed the same? B: Our goal is to find the best fit for our applicants and clients, therefore, we still do face-to-face interviews with everyone. There are some things we believe should never change. BL: Where do you hope to see Spherion in the next five years? B: I’m going to leave that up to God. I have learned from the best but our future success is His will and all I can do is strive to do His work daily. N: Amen! If you are a business searching for Top Talent or an applicant seeking employment opportunities in our area, the team at Spherion looks forward to working with you.

Dr. Resham Poudel, Endocrinologist St. Francis Medical Group

FTER FINISHING MY INTERNAL MEDICINE TRAINING IN 2019, I moved to Shreveport to complete my fellowship training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at LSU Health. I have enjoyed living in Northern Louisiana and was excited to join St Francis Medical Group here in Monroe, where I would have the opportunity to serve the same patient population I learned from. As an endocrinologist, I see adult patients with ‘hormonerelated diseases’ or ‘disorders of glands that produce hormones.’ The most common endocrine problem is diabetes. Other frequently seen problems are underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroid nodule or goiter, osteoporosis, high calcium problems, adrenal nodule, pituitary tumor, low testosterone, etc. More than 30 million Americans have diabetes. High blood sugar level is the hallmark of this disease. Normally, an organ called the pancreas in our body produces the hormone ‘insulin’ which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When a person gets diabetes, the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot properly utilize the available insulin to pump the sugars from the blood into cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar remains high for a long time it damages eyes (blindness), kidneys (kidney failure), heart (heart attack), and nerves (pain, loss of sense, foot amputation). It’s important to prevent and treat diabetes to avoid these complications. There are three major types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is mainly diagnosed in children and young adults where an auto-immune process

destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas and patients need insulin to stay alive. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy, and frequently goes away after the baby is delivered; however, these people will have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and is associated with obesity, lack of activity, and a high carbohydrate diet. It also has genetic risk factors. It usually happens in middle-age and older people but is becoming increasingly more common in the young. Most of the time, there’s a phase of prediabetes where blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Almost 90 million Americans have prediabetes. We can prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes by losing weight and then maintaining normal weight. This can be achieved by eating a diet with less fat and less calories (carbohydrates) combined with regular exercise. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin and is unable to control blood sugar. This is initially treated with oral pills or non-insulin injections. With disease progression, insulin production ceases, and the person may need insulin treatment. There are a variety of medications available for treating diabetes. It’s important to choose the ones which not only lower the blood sugar levels, but are also helpful in losing weight, and improving heart and kidney health. Resham Poudel, MD practices at the St. Francis Endocrinology Clinic located in the St. Francis Community Health Center, 2600 Tower Drive, Suite 215, in Monroe; phone number (318) 966-6490.

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HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

Rebekah Boyd Lawrence moved back to Louisiana and purchased the historic Neville House. Originally built in 1905, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lawrence has always dreamed of owning a beautiful old white house, operating an art gallery and having a bed and breakfast – the Neville House has made those dreams reality. A R T I C L E BY L AU R A C A S O N

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

eville House is a childhood dream come true for owner and proprietor Rebekah Boyd Lawrence. Ever since she was a little girl the large white house on the corner of Hudson Lane and North Third Street in Monroe, Louisiana has captured her imagination. She recalls staring out the window of her mother’s car as they passed by on day trips from their farm in Calhoun to the Garden District to shop. She wondered what life must be like there and what kinds of people lived in a house like that? Pulling up it’s not hard to see why; the two-story neoclassical sears kit house towers symmetrically over the front lawn. Clad in white cypress clapboard siding with the original milk glass windows and dark green shutters, the house seems to pluck you from the present and throw you several decades back in time. The house is framed by a hand laid brick path, two aged magnolias and a second-story balcony. As you enter Neville House you’ll pass through its antique door painted green to match the shutters with a large beveled, oval glass pane and an old fashioned hand twist Shopkeeper’s doorbell. Upon entering the house you will be greeted with an eclectic mixture of early 1900s southern architecture and modern furnishings. Rebekah describes the house’s one-of-a-kind style as “Southern charm with a European vibe.” Almost the entire first floor has been converted to an open concept combined living space and quasi art gallery with dark hardwood flooring and clean white walls. Neoclassical columns frame the entryway and there are a grand total of five 136 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

mantels in the house. Three on the first floor, one in the study and two mirrored against each other in the art gallery. The other two are upstairs in the main bedroom and the den. Each mantel is finished in a unique style. The two mirrored mantels downstairs are feminine and masculine style counterparts reflecting the original design of the house, which included two first floor parlors: one for the men and the other for the ladies as was traditional at the time of the house’s construction. The kitchen features a wall papered in old New Yorker magazine covers and 12-foot shiplap ceilings. Upstairs in the main bedroom is a king-size platform bed and an assortment of Moroccan, Haitian, African, Egyptian, Indonesian, Native American, Primitive and Mexican art and antiquities. Every piece in the house, whether furniture or decor, has a history and a story and they’ve all carefully been hand selected by Rebekah. Some of the true standouts are the large black feathered, African Juju hat hanging over the mantel in the main bedroom, the clawfoot cast iron tub in the bathroom, and the historic Carriage house that Rebekah hopes to one day convert into a studio for local artists. Originally built in 1905, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built by Ernest L. Neville, local educator and superintendent of Monroe City schools. Neville House began as a family home for Mr. Neville, his wife Allie and their daughter Sarah who was born in the home. Mr. Neville was a very curious man creatively. He made wood tools by hand which he used to craft the cabinetry in the kitchen that remains today.

AT LEFT: ALMOST THE ENTIRE FIRST FLOOR HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO AN OPEN CONCEPT COMBINED LIVING SPACE AND QUASI ART GALLERY WITH DARK HARDWOOD FLOORING AND CLEAN WHITE WALLS. NEOCLASSICAL COLUMNS FRAME THE ENTRYWAY AND THERE ARE A GRAND TOTAL OF FIVE MANTELS IN THE HOUSE. BELOW: REBEKAH PURCHASED MARIO MATA’S HERON ON THE BAYOU, “LA GARZA” IN 2021. THE HERON STANDS ON THE FRONT CORNER OF THE PROPERTY AND IS HUICHOL BEADED USING POLYMER AND METAL AS THE BASE.

THIS PAGE: THE KITCHEN FEATURES A WALL PAPERED IN OLD NEW YORKER MAGAZINE COVER AND 12-FOOT SHIPLAP CEILINGS. THE ORIGINAL CABINETRY CRAFTED BY MR. NEVILLE IS STILL A FIXTURE IN THE HOME. AT RIGHT: UPSTAIRS IN THE MAIN BEDROOM IS A KING-SIZE PLATFORM BED AND AN ASSORTMENT OF MOROCCAN, HAITIAN, AFRICAN, EGYPTIAN, INDONESIAN, NATIVE AMERICAN, PRIMITIVE AND MEXICAN ART AND ANTIQUITIES.

Rebekah says his great-grandson recently discovered the tools hidden in the walls of the carriage house on a visit. Mr. Neville also had a passion for gardening. He was specifically gifted with camellias propagating his own camellia species on the property over his years of residency there. Rebekah took me to the backyard to an area behind the carriage house which she has fondly and aptly named “Camellia Grove.” In the grove you will find twelve, approximately eighty--year-old camellias flourishing several feet high. Memorabilia on loan from Mr. Neville’s great-grandson can be seen scattered about the first floor including a memorial plaque and several antique photographs of the house in its original state with a large wraparound porch and the family themselves. Rebekah says she wants the house to honor its history and serve as an education for those who come to visit. Neville House has been made and remade into various institutions throughout the years, from the headquarters for the Junior League to a psychologist’s office. Each of these new iterations of the house’s use has added an additional layer of history preserved through the peculiar landmarks each new occupant left behind. The second bedroom upstairs still has the “Waiting Room” sign affixed to its door from the psychologist’s stint in the home and the bathroom has a vintage metal Harley Davidson emblem covering the old drain pipe that Mr. Neville’s great-grandson attached from his own personal motorcycle during a renovation. Rebekah loves that the house tells its story through the quirks it has accumulated over the years. She believes that is part of Neville House’s charm.

However, Rebekah doesn’t just want visitors to be educated in the history of the home but also in the arts. There are three things she has always wanted in life: to have an old white house, to run a bed and breakfast, and to have an art gallery. Through Neville House she is accomplishing all three. The house is listed on Airbnb for rental as a chance to stay with art. Rebekah has curated a wide variety of local artists’ works and plans to rotate solo exhibitions for them as well. Neville House also participated in the Herons on the Bayou purchasing Mario Mata’s sculpture “La Garza” earlier in 2021. The heron stands on the front corner of the property and is Huichol beaded using polymer and metal as the base. She is passionate about her plans for Neville House and hopeful that opening its doors for guests will offer a window into the vibrant art scene in Monroe that many travelers miss while staying in chain hotels near the interstate. Rebekah also hopes the Neville House will help the garden district’s revitalization effort gain traction. The current exhibition in the house is the work of local Caroline Youngblood. The solo exhibition, “Riverton, 1937,” is comprised of fifteen 14” x 20” charcoal and watercolor studies; five large charcoal drawings of various sizes; seven large paintings in water media on stretched and prepared burlap; nineteen 14” x 20’ graphite and watercolor studies; and seven larger charcoal and oil paintings which she completed as a part two of the series a few years later. The first half of the series was completed in 2012 during a threemonth residency at Centre d’Art, Marnay-sur-Seine, France. These images were created using still frames from a 1937 8mm family film WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 139

ABOVE: ONE OF THE TRUE STANDOUTS OF THE HOUSE IS A GORGEOUS CLAWFOOT CAST IRON BATH TUB. BELOW: THE TWO MIRRORED MANTELS DOWNSTAIRS ARE FEMININE AND MASCULINE COUNTERPARTS, REFLECTING THE ORIGINAL DESIGN OF THE HOUSE WHICH INCLUDED TWO FIRST FLOOR PARLORS – ONE FOR THE MEN, AND THE OTHER FOR THE LADIES – AS WAS TRADITIONAL AT THE TIME OF CONSTRUCTION.

shot on their farm in Caldwell Parish. The majority of the scenes show people entering, participating in, and exiting an outdoor family gathering. Each piece offers a glimpse into lives of southerners enjoying the little pleasures of life in post-Depression Era, North Delta, Louisiana. Caroline explained that as she began studying her selected stills of film, she noticed that individual frames in the film looked like paintings. The grainy, faded nature of the old film had a watercoloresque quality to it and she was inspired to paint them. Her selections tell the story of the region’s hospitality, social customs, and culinary heritage as the family converse and sit down to a meal in an almost French Impressionist style. On the second floor a few more of Caroline’s works are on display from various other series she’s completed, including a few pieces based on some old Kodachrome slides she found in an antique store. 140 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

eville House is the Lawrence’s personal home that they have opened to the community with the mission of educating and connecting their guests to the local arts scene, established artists, and Northeast Louisiana’s diverse art culture. They hope all who pass through their historic doors at Neville House will be inspired to invest in and support the arts. The Neville House will be hosting an invitation only event called “Dinner on the Grounds: Riverton, 1937” on October 28th from 5-8pm as an opportunity for the public to tour the house, view the artists’ exhibition, meet the artists, and have dinner. Neville House will also be featuring Caroline Youngblood as their solo artist during the upcoming December Downtown Arts Alliance Gallery Crawl happening December 2nd from 5-9pm. If you aren’t one of the lucky few on the invite list for Dinner on the Grounds and you can’t make it to the Crawl, have no fear,you can arrange a private tour to view the art by contacting Rebekah Boyd Lawrence at 318-348-6045 or at nevillehousegardendistrict@gmail.com. The house can also be found on Airbnb for rental by searching in the monroe area for the listing “Stay w/ Art at Garden District Gem: Neville House.”

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Delhi Hospital: 3D Mammography Cancer Doesn’t Wait, Why Should You?

OR MORE THAN A YEAR, COVID-19 HAS DRASTICALLY changed our lives. The pandemic forced many of us to stay home from work and school. It also delayed people from getting preventative health screenings including annual mammograms. While postponing your screenings for a few months may not be too bad, it becomes more risky if it turns into a year. According to a recent study, about 4 million American women missed their mammogram during the pandemic. “Our concern is that because of this delay in care, we will not be able to diagnose breast cancers when they are most treatable,” says Gwyn Ogden, Radiology Director at Delhi Hospital. Many women who develop breast cancer experience no symptoms. A mammogram can be lifesaving by detecting cancer long before a woman feels a lump. Breast cancer detected early usually means more treatment options and a better chance of survival. With many people now vaccinated and restrictions being lifted, let’s remind and encourage your family members, friends, and loved ones to return to care. For those of us that missed our mammograms in 2020, it is time to get back to it! Don’t delay this potentially lifesaving screening any longer. The 3D Mammography Suite at Delhi Hospital is open and is taking all measures necessary to make sure our patients are safe, healthy and cancer-free. With so much attention focused on COVID-19, it’s easy to forget

about other health issues such as breast cancer, but these threats have not changed. The good news is with that routine screenings, often times we can catch problems early so that treatment is more effective. Equipped with the technology of 3D Mammography, the Radiology Team at Delhi Hospital can catch breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. In fact, this technology allows us to detect 40% more invasive breast cancers compared to the 2D standard mammogram alone. It’s too soon to predict the full impact of COVID-19 on breast imaging and women’s health, but one thing remains certain: a yearly mammogram is an essential step in early detection of breast cancer. Bottom line, it’s important to receive your routine screenings, despite the pandemic. You can be assured that the Delhi Hospital Radiology Department has increased their safety standards to keep our patients safe during their mammogram experience- including in-office physical distancing, sanitizing after each exam, and requiring all staff and patients to wear a mask. Remember, breast cancer will not wait for the pandemic to end but neither will the Radiology Team at Delhi Hospital. Don’t put your health on hold. Contact us at 318-878-6350 to schedule your annual mammogram today. Learn more at www.delhihospital.com

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Your Lounge Experience is Our Strength

Omerta Cigar Co. Offers Superior Lounge Experience and Unparalleled Selection

MERTA IS AN ITALIAN NOUN meaning, secrecy or sworn by oath, what is not a secret is the camaraderie and legacy of newly established Monroe hotspot, Omerta Cigar Co. Originally established in Oklahoma City in 2015, Omerta Cigar was founded by six cigar aficionados with a vision of providing other enthusiasts with a robust selection and superior lounge experience. From that vision the Omerta lifestyle emerged and expanded to include multiple cigar shops, a whiskey bar, and a cigar friendly dive bar in the greater Oklahoma City, Tulsa and now Monroe. Any cigar connoisseur can attest, the act of smoking a cigar is an extensive multi-sensory experience, an art form if you will. Given the ideal environment, the act of smoking a cigar can provide moments of mindfulness, calm, and restoration. Cigar lounges were inherently created to provide a refuge for enthusiasts; and the lounge experienced created by the Omerta team is sure to exceed your expectations.

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The mantra at Omerta is “ Your lounge experience is our strength.”, a concept the team has readily embraced. In conjunction with providing a robust inventory and expert staff recommendations Omerta’s location provides its members with a unique atmosphere that exudes a vintage ambiance flowing to the rear lounge area which has been renovated to include modern seating, a fully stocked beverage area, two 65-inch wall mounted televisions as well as two state of the art air purification systems. The staff at Omerta prides itself on creating a superior lounge experience for its members encouraging a sense of community, solidarity, and appreciation for commonality among its members. The Omerta lifestyle encourages community, solidarity, and appreciation for commonality among members. The team at Omerta supports the concept of community and encourages patrons to enjoy, unplugged. Due to heavy use of social media and the pandemic, there is a substantial decrease in

opportunities for people to make genuine connections, interactions, and the creation of shared experiences. Cigar lounges, specifically Omerta aim to provide enthusiasts with this long forgotten practice. Their focus on creating an external community stems largely from their commitment to employees. The Omerta Cigar Monroe store is managed by a homegrown Monroe resident and Disabled Combat Veteran, which the company is very proud to have representing them in the community. and on their management team. We invite you to stop in and experience the Omerta lifestyle. Located in the historic Monroe garden district at 1004 North 3rd Street. Open Monday- Saturday 10-8. Lounge membership opportunities are available. Be sure to follow on social media and check-in frequently for the latest news and upcoming events. You can also shop online at http://www.purocigarhouse. com.

Terri Trichel Interiors, Inc.

Make Your Design Dreams a Reality

ITH OVER THREE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE, TERRI Trichel is one of the few licensed interior designers in Northeast Louisiana. As a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with an interior design degree, Terri has a vast knowledge of design concepts and project history. Terri Trichel Interiors services includes custom window treatments, space planning, floor plans and furniture arrangement. With her professional supervision and design expertise, Terri Trichel Interiors can make any space come alive. “One misconception people have is that they can’t afford interior design services,” says Trichel. “We offer competitive pricing that works with our clients’ budgets and can work on all projects big and small.” There are times when homes’ needs and functions change based on seasons of life. A spare room that hasn’t been used in years can be transformed into an office. A playroom can be changed into a home theatre. Over the years, styles can change and need to be updated. “If you built your home twenty years ago, you may be ready to change paint colors or other design elements,” explains Terri. “Some people think they need to remodel their home but decide against it because of the high costs associated with such projects. Thankfully, there are cost-effective alternatives that can give your home long-lasting character and appeal. Working with an licensed interior designer means that you’ll have a field of knowledge and support helping guide you through the process.” Interior designers are trained to think spatially and creatively to oversee projects, anticipate problems and work with subcontractors and contractors to ensure that a client’s vision is realized. It takes years to master the process of interior design, and with 30+ years of design under her belt, Trichell can help homeowners determine their dream design, while working through the complexities of home design and remodeling from start to finish. Terri Trichell is known for incorporating beautiful, neutral palettes with eclectic furniture selections, often combining antique pieces with contemporary styles for a finished product that looks effortlessly chic. She is experienced in selecting gorgeous window treatments and textiles that ultimately add a cohesive flow to the finished project. This is what Arabelle Moore says of working with Trichell, “Terri has such a talent of incorporating the combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Her eye for color in impeccable and her interior designs are extraordinary. She accessorizes beautifully, especially with pillows that she’s fabricated specifically for the space. Terri is such a wonderful person to work with.” When looking for an experienced designer to help plan your space, lighting, furniture, and layout, as well as managing your project as a whole, look to Terri Trichel Interiors. Whether your next project is in Northeast Louisiana, or you are looking for a professional to handle design selections abroad, Trichel is available to help her homeowners find their inspiration and guide them throughout the updating, remodeling or new construction phase. Find photos from previous jobs at interiordesignmonroe.com, and call today to schedule a consultation.

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CFCF Seeks Therapist

The CFCF Offers Innovative Treatment Programs

HE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IS SEEKING family therapists in our Northeast Louisiana location. The positions are available in several of our evidenced-based programs including Functional Family Therapy (FFT,) Functional Family Therapy - Child Welfare (FFT-CW,) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST.) Each of these programs provide evidenced-based counseling services for youth and their families. Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. The Center for Children and Families has developed and implemented innovative treatment programs that specifically target fractured family relationships. Our agency is highly respected throughout the community for our excellent standard of service to both providers and clients. At the Center, we are guided by the principles of servant leadership, where the driving force of our actions is not status or power, but serving others as we pursue a common mission. Therapeutic Services has a reputation for terrific outcomes, not just because of the people that choose to work with us, but also because of the support we receive from the community. When a family feels like giving up, we seek to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to keep going. When a positive outcome feels impossible, we are able to find a way. We meet families where they are, reminding them that they are not alone. Likewise, when discouragement comes knocking at the door, we remind ourselves of the countless families who are now thriving because our staff and clinicians have invested in them. When you join The Center for Children and Families, you belong to something bigger. You are a part of a family. At the Center, we believe that personal growth is just as valuable as the job that we have been hired to do. Through our Huddle series, we explore how we relate to each other and those around us. By developing community through shared meals or taking time out to play, we find that being a part of this agency is more like being a part of a family. Our core values of community, respect, integrity, service, teamwork, Eempowerment, and excellence are the guiding principles of our organization. We believe that these values are the very foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices. Candidates for these positions must hold a Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Psychology. Preference is given to candidates who are fully licensed as an LPC or LMFT or provisionally licensed as a PLPC or PLMFT in Louisiana. These are fulltime independent contractor positions. The agency is a National Health Services Corp Approved site, with a federal student loan repayment program available for potentially qualified licensed practitioners. We are looking for individuals with a passion to serve children and families in our communities. Someone who doesn’t want to do this life-changing work alone. If you’re a qualified applicant who wants to be the hope for families in Northeast Louisiana, learn how to submit your resume at www.standforhope.org/apply.

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Cake Ribbon Cutting On Friday September 3rd, crowds of hungry sweet lovers converged on Downtown West Monroe to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting for local bakery, Cake. Chef and bakery owner Becky Thompson along with sister and bakery manager, Emily Kemp, unveiled their long awaited brick and mortar space anchoring the bustling Trenton Street landscape. The team provided custom patrons a sneak peek of their space and mouth watering samples. For your next special occasion, the team at Cake is ready and excited to serve you.

On the BayouScene

1 Becky Thompson and Emily Kemp 2 Holli Henry, Evan Thurston and Jamie McCullars 3B obbi McWilliams and Kelley Abernathy 4 Stephanie Sikes, Kris Kelley and Debra DeHart 5 Dylan Williams, Thomas Hendrix with Hali Hendrix 6 Sheila Snow and Dianna DeMoss

3 5

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B AYO U A R T I S T

A R T I C L E BY S TA R L A G AT S O N

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K

WA LDEN LE AT H ER CO. J O DY D OZ I E R S TA R T E D C R E AT I N G L E AT H E R G O O D S A S A H O B BY, E X P E R I M E N T I N G A N D C R A F T I N G H A N D M A D E G O O D S . FA S T- F O R WA R D, D OZ I E R H A S C R E AT E D H I S B U S I N E S S , WA L D E N L E AT H E R C O., A F T E R T U R N I N G O U T H I G H - Q UA L I T Y A N D F U N C T I O N A L L E AT H E R P I E C E S .

You never know until you try — that’s a statement in which Jody Dozier believes wholeheartedly. After all, if the young craftsman hadn’t decided to go out on a limb and attempt something new, his leather goods business, Walden Leather Co., may not have ever come to be. Dozier was only 15 or 16 years old when he first decided to try his hand at leather crafting. School was out for the summer and he was bored, he recalls, so why not take on the task of making a replacement for his father’s broken ax sheath? The then-teenager picked up some old shoe leather he had lying around and got to work on his first leather crafting project. The product of Dozier’s boredom wasn’t quite as functional as he hoped it would be. “It did not work,” he remembers. His efforts and try anything attitude weren’t for nothing, though. He didn’t end up with a perfect product, but a realization: making 148 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

leather goods was a skill and creative outlet he wanted to learn more about. After that, the young maker purchased his first leatherworking kit from the local Hobby Lobby. Soon, more of these kits began appearing among his birthday and Christmas gifts, he says, and the dollars he earned mowing lawns went toward purchasing leatherworking tools. It was official: he was hooked. “It started with something silly, and I just slowly worked on it and started learning more,” he says. “It piqued and kept my interest, and now I can say I have a pretty consistent hobby that I can spend diligent time on and find fulfillment and fun in doing.” Fast forward to now, when the hobby Dozier stumbled upon during his teenage years manages to do a bit more than simply bring enjoyment — it manages to put a few extra dollars into his

SINCE WALDEN LEATHER’S ESTABLISHMENT, DOZIER HAS BEEN FILLING COMMISSIONS FOR CUSTOM ORDERS ON WALLETS, WATCH BANDS, CAMERA STRAPS, KEYCHAINS AND DESK CADDIES. IN FACT, THE MAJORITY OF THE CRAFTSMAN’S PRODUCTS ARE MADETO-ORDER, ALTHOUGH FINE LINE SUPPLY, AN ART PRINTING REPRODUCTION, AND SUPPLY STORE IN DOWNTOWN RUSTON, CARRIES A LIMITED SUPPLY OF MERCHANDISE.

probably handmade wallet, too. As time went on, the East Texas native’s leather crafting knowledge grew, and his skills improved to the point of making high-quality and functional gifts, like wallets or keychains, for his friends and family. It was a cop-out to avoid spending money, Dozier admits with a laugh, but still, his loved ones were impressed with the things he made for them. They were so impressed, in fact, that they were convinced he could sell his products to others. If he was going to start a business, though, it would need a name under which to operate. That, he eventually decided, would come from a man who had inspired him before: his favorite writer, Henry David Thoreau. Walden Leather Co.’s moniker is a nod to the American naturalist and writer’s most famous work, Walden. The classic book, which was published in 1854, is filled with Thoreau’s observations of nature and simple living and was written while he lived alone in a cabin along the shore of Massachusetts’s Walden Pond. Thanks to extensive study in an English class, Dozier fell in love with the text and realized Thoreau’s comments on nature in relation to society and a higher power had struck a chord with him. “I really liked the way he was simple but profound and connected nature and being outside, which is what I love, to the way people work and the way life goes,” the literature lover explains. This, plus the experience of reading Thoreau’s words in the place they were written on a 2018 trip to Walden Pond, was enough to convince Dozier that Walden was the perfect name for his business. “I just needed a name, and this book kind of unites all of my interests and inspires people to be creative and kind of gives the summary of the human condition through natural observation. So why not choose this?” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 149

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n the winter of his freshman year of college, Dozier launched Walden Leather Co. via social media without any real expectations, just a desire to see if anything could come of his hobby. “I just made an Instagram page and thought, ‘If people like it, they like it, and if they don’t, they don’t,’” he recalls. If Dozier was going to try to sell his goods, though, he was going to be certain they were good; his first goal was simply to create products people would be thrilled to buy. “I don’t want to make anything that people would not enjoy or would feel like they were being cheated out of something, so that was one of my goals: sell something that I knew wouldn’t break somebody,” he says. It didn’t take very long for Dozier to realize this goal was being accomplished. “A lot of people did start to follow it,” he says of the Walden Leather Co. Instagram account, “and friends were asking for gifts for their dads or their boyfriend or girlfriend. When it got to that point people that were DMing me for gifts, I knew they liked it, and they would deem it quality.” Since Walden Leather’s establishment, getting messages for commissions and custom orders for the wallets, watch bands, camera straps, keychains, and desk caddies he makes has become business as usual for Dozier. In fact, the majority of the craftsman’s products are

made to order, although Fine Line Supply, an art printing, reproduction, and supply store in downtown Ruston, carries a limited supply of Walden Leather goods in-store. In the future, however, Dozier wants to be able to keep his own supply of his items on hand so orders can be shipped to customers more quickly and sold at local events. This will not only help him sell more products, but also give the Louisiana Tech senior construction engineering technology major more much-needed downtime during busier seasons of the school year when his coursework and other responsibilities become particularly hectic. More importantly, there would be more opportunities for Walden Leather Co. products to land in the hands of northeast Louisiana residents who may not have otherwise heard of the small business. With the built-up inventory of his dreams, Dozier can take his products from the mobile phone screen to the streets, setting up booths at local farmers markets and maker’s fairs — two prime locations for meeting people outside of his usual demographic and expanding Walden Leather Co.’s typical customer base. “I’d be able to reach people that are not on Facebook or Instagram or know me or my friends,” he says. “I’d like to be able to expand past my circle of college people and some adults that are in on the stuff that I’m doing. I’d like to grow that, and I think once I get to that point, I really could have an open door to a lot of different avenues.”

Until then, though, Dozier takes things one step at a time, filling orders as they come and creating new products whenever he can. As he works to continue the one-man operation he’s begun, the craftsman can be found designing product patterns and stitching and dyeing the pieces of leather he sources from Tandy Leather in Bossier City. There’s probably music playing as he works, he says, and the songs on his playlists act as a “continual engine to keep me on track.” A good soundtrack inspires Dozier’s leatherwork projects for sure, however, he admits a few catchy tunes aren’t the only things that motivate his making. The work of other artists, even those experts who work with other mediums besides leather, tend to play a significant role in his creative process, he says. “YouTube videos are really inspiring,” Dozier explains. “There are tons of people with too much time on their hands that are just making random stuff.” All sorts of creations pique his interest, especially carpenters, but one video detailing a man making a guitar from colored pencils particularly stands out to the leather craftsman. He notes that though this stranger on the internet does work that’s nothing like his own, watching this artist share his work was a positive influence. “It’s not like, a one-to-one to the stuff I do,” he says. “It’s still inspiring to watch somebody make something out of an object that would be seemingly useless for the end result.” Since Walden Leather Co. itself is the result of simply trying something new, Dozier encourages other aspiring creators, makers, and artists to step out of their comfort zones and do the same. “Don’t let your immediate hesitations deter you from giving something a shot,” he says. “It’s better to go into something, try it, and then fail rather than psych yourself out before even attempting.” After all, you never know what your attempt could lead to, he says, adding, “I was bored and you know, I tried. And I have found something that I really enjoy. If anything, that’s what a hobby is there to do; to bring you joy.” To find out more about Walden Leather Co., or to order a few handmade leather products of your own, visit @waldenleatherco on Instagram. 152 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

VAPA Presents ‘The Glass Menagerie’ ‘The Glass Menagerie’ is First Stage Play in Eight Years

IVE THEATRE RETURNED TO THE University of Louisiana Monroe with the Tennessee Williams classic, “The Glass Menagerie,” presented by the School of Visual and Performing Arts in the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. The play was directed by Mark Ross Clark, DMA, Professor of Music and Theatre. Clark said this is the first play presented by VAPA in eight years. “For this occasion, we chose one of the classic plays of the 20th century, a play that has been revived on Broadway five times, ‘The Glass Menagerie,’ by Tennessee Williams. We held auditions on the evenings of the first two days of class, Aug. 15 and 16. It is a tribute to the devotion and talent of our chosen student actors that in five weeks they have rehearsed and memorized this substantial 116-page play.” The performance was double-cast, except for of the role of Tom, played in all shows by Kade Matkins of Monroe, a junior in computer science.

THURSDAY AND SATURDAY CAST Amanda – Abigail McClung of Monroe, a sophomore in communications Laura – Rebekah Johnson of Livingston, a sophomore in pre-Pharmacy Jim the “Gentleman Caller” – Callan Saldutto from Canada, a sophomore in accounting FRIDAY AND SUNDAY CAST Amanda – Cherie Mialaret of Mandeville, a junior in public relations Laura – Abigail Hawthorne of Monroe, a sophomore in pre-social work Jim – Gabe Wright of Kansas City, Mo., a senior in pre-professional health studies. Student production staff include stage manager Sarah Johnson, a freshman in CAES, and stage crew Jonathan Hannon, Brittany Penn, and Allison Newton. ULM production staff are technical director Steven Burnside, costumer Margaret Hall, and producer Derle Long, VAPA director.

SETTING The music reflects the sounds from the post-WWII years of the late 1940s. Recordings of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and others set the atmosphere of the family living in a one-bedroom apartment in downtown St. Louis, Mo. Amanda, the mother, continues to relive her old Southern past; daughter Laura is physically and emotionally damaged, with a collection of glass figurines; and Tom, the son, is narrator, and brings home an old friend, Jim, as a blind date for Laura, who is still smitten by memories of him. All of the scenes are snapshots of Tom’s own memories of what happened at this time in his family. It is called ‘a memory play,’ woven together by recordings of great swing music sounds of the time, Clark said.

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ULM Rad Tech Students Compete At LSRT Annual Conference

NIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE Student Radiologic Technology Association in the School of Allied Health, College of Health Sciences, attended the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists Annual Conference in New Orleans in late July. The students represented ULM in competitions, matching skills with other universities, and placing in several events. The ULM quiz bowl team showed their skills by winning the championship. Quiz bowl team members are Madison Bordelon, Amber DeFatta, Gabrielle Marvin, Makiya Nettles, Sydney Rinehart, and Blake Stone; under the direction of Brett Bennett, Radiologic Technology Program Director and Associate Professor, who attended the conference with the students. Sydney Rinehart won second in the Student Essay Competition with “MRI Use in Identification and Differentiating of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Parkinson’s Disease.” Blake Stone won the Joe Schwartz Memorial Scholarship and placed third in the Student Essay Competition with “When AI Meets Mammography.”

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The Student Radiologic Technology Association also won second in the Tee Shirt Competition. Student Jason Smith gave a lecture for technologists and students entitled “Common CT Pathology and Appearance.” Bennett was honored at the event for his service to the society as the executive secretary of finance. ULM Assistant Professor of Radiology Technology Rebecca Hamm was inducted president of the LSRT and will lead the organization for 2021-22. Students attending were Alice Adams, Madison Bordelon, Maegan Callais, Amber DeFatta, David Gould, Sydnie Guidry, Rebecca Hamm, Maci Harris, Gabrielle Marvin, Raelyn McDaniel, Janet AkersMontgomery, Makiya Nettles, Alyssa Parish, Miya Reed, Sydney Rinehart, Blake Stone, Taejah Watkins, Courtnei Webster and Katie Wiley; and faculty members Brett Bennett and Rebecca Hamm.

Research Developed at LA Tech University May Soon Find Its Way Into Space.

R. SHAWN CHEN, ASSISTANT Professor of Mechanical Engineering for Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science and Institute for Micromanufacturing, and Dr. Kristopher Harris, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, have begun research into improved energy storage systems, making space flight safer for astronauts, and extending their potential exploration radius within the solar system. Chen and Harris are working with a consortium of Louisiana researchers to provide the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with a better, more efficient means of storing energy for long space flights. By improving power storage technology, the Tech team and their colleagues around Louisiana will develop an ultra-highcapacity battery that is safe for travel in lowtemperature and radiation laden environments as part of a NASA EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) grant.

Chen, Harris, and two Louisiana Tech doctoral students will work with researchers from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) and Louisiana State University, as well as Glenn Research Center and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, General Motors, and IBM on high-capacity anode development and testing, performance evaluation in a simulated space environment, and independent validations of the materials and batteries developed by the team. Over three years, the Louisiana Tech team will develop a physics-based multiscale modeling framework to predict the longterm performance stability of the proposed batteries and use the University’s new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy facility to study proposed battery components as they change over time. As the Tech teams study the lithium metal/solid electrolyte interface behaviors during the plating process and the behaviors of the local battery structures, they will develop new processes and provide

insight into microstructure design and defect engineering strategies for improved interface stability and cell performance. The final product from the consortium will be a robust, solid-state electrolyte to promote uniform lithium plating that suppresses the formation of dendrites and prevents thermal runaway for safer, more efficient battery power on exploratory NASA missions. Energy storage technology affects every aspect of a space flight, including the spacesuits that astronauts wear. Inefficient battery power can be dangerous, as it can prevent proper cooling, ventilation, and biomedical measurements. Because planetary missions will involve potential exploration in extreme environments, power sources must be able to withstand high levels of radiation as well as very high and very low temperatures. Through these battery improvements, this collaboration will provide safer, greener energy that will impact NASA and the energy storage sector for years to come. Dr. Hisham Hegab, Dean of the College of Engineering and Science, said the results of this research will impact areas beyond space exploration.

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Avery Office Space

Private Executive Suites in Downtown Monroe

HE AVERY SUITES SITE WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT IN downtown Monroe. It was operated by Cottom Haddad and the family as Monroe’s downtown super store with everything for the family from clothing to furniture to appliances to shoes. It later moved to Avenue of America. Many will recall that for a number of years, it was Charlie Calhoun’s Used Office Furniture. If you needed anything for the office, Charlie had it. In 2018, Wayne and Kathy Williamson bought the 17,000 sq. ft. building and decided that it would be a great downtown office location for small businesses, sales people, attorneys, tax preparation agents and new start-ups. Wayne created the original design and TB Architects did the rest. Wayne and Kathy named Avery Suites after one of their ten grandchildren, Avery Robertson, an eighth grader at Sterlington Middle School. The front 2,000 sq. ft. are corporate offices for the Williamson’s various businesses enterprises housing clerical, accounting and maintenance personnel with over 4,500 sq. ft. dedicated to Avery Suites 19 offices. They also have 54 climate controlled storage units under the name Will Stor. We are happy to be snuggled up next to Rustico’s boutique, except it’s too close for Kathy since she loves Kempa, the owner, and all of her clothing lines. Avery Suites are executive office suites located in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. These offices are fully furnished and offer a friendly and professional atmosphere for entrepreneurs and businesses to work and meet with their clients. Each suite has a unique phone number, personal address, and a dedicated 8-to-5 onsite receptionist. Avery Suites has two locations–one at 601 North Fifth and a branch location at North 9th Street in Monroe. Our executive suites are YOUR professional headquarters. Every executive suite comes with many amenities. From your very own climate-controlled office with a thermostat to our available conference room, Avery Suites is set up to help you succeed. Not only do you get a fully-furnished, top-of-the-line office to work and engage clients in, but we also have onsite personnel that is interested in your success! Wayne and Kathy Williamson have over 40 years of experience in building and operating multi-million dollar businesses. We have the expertise to help you kickstart your career! WHY CHOOSE OUR OFFICES • Near city government and other prominent businesses • A variety of offices choices • Offices with window options available • Individual thermostat w/individual climate control • Accommodations for connecting multiple offices together • Located together with storage facilities • Close-by office parking Avery Suites is a customized workspace for rent whenever YOU need it! Avery Suites offers ergonomic office furniture, a professional business environment, a convenient downtown Monroe location, and much, more! Go on-line to Avery Suites to rent a space or come in and we will take care of you.

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GALLERY TALK From the gallery to the streets, these looks

are perfect for seasonal transitions. Sleek shirt dresses and updated joggers top the list for fall. Find these and other looks at area boutiques.

HERRINGSTONES This classic white button-down tails longer in the back than in the front and features a neat, rounded raw-cut hem. Pair it with these black stretch pants and snakeskin jacket. Accessorize with black snake, pointed toe booties and a black hat.

Special thanks to Masur Museum of Art Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Hair and Makeup by Meka Bennett Reliford Model: Mallory Shaw

DUSTY & COMPANY Get ready for date night with this black poplin shirt dress with a high-low hem. Accessorize with a western-inspired handbag, leather and stone necklace and these crocodile-print, cream-colored booties with metal toe cap detail.

HEMLINE This leopard print minidress has ruffles in the sleeves, both smocked neckline and skirt to hug you in the right places, and the length is ideal to keep showing some legs. Pair with these toffee-colored, below-the-knee boots with block heel and red felt hat.

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME These modern olive joggers feature a crossover waistband and removable belt. They are worn with an olive utility jacket with large chest pockets. Pair with a mustard tee from S’edge, gold hoops and a crossbody leather bag (ribbed knit top bootie available from Herringstones).

EXPLORE THE LINE Living connected with our home is an intimate relationship with how we live, the things we live with, and also the things we live without. Choosing these wisely can create an environment that is filled with a sense of peace and harmony... something we all desire. The ultimate lifestyle guru, designer Norma Kamali, encourages a life that is intertwined in all aspects. She has always believed that style survives fashion and personal style is developed with time. With this philosophy, the same developed method in our homes overlaps into much more than objects or furniture. Narrowing

the selection of trends or what’s available in a store or catalog creates a unique space. Also, collecting from life experiences is what makes your house a home! It allows your things to have multiple purposes. Just as many fashion labels are promoting sustainability, the interior design industry has embraced this concept more and more. Making wise choices in your furniture, art and accessories can be one of the most sustainable things you can do. After all, you live your life within these spaces. Try and choose items for your home that are appealing, but also an investment for years to come.

I GIVE THANKS FOR A CREATIVE

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

Waterview Casino and Hotel An Experience for Everyone

F YOU HAVEN’T CROSSED THE Mississippi River to visit WaterView Casino & Hotel in Vicksburg lately, boy have we got a pleasant surprise for you! In the 5 years since we became WaterView, we have made lots of changes. We have hundreds of the hottest new slot themes, newly renovated hotel rooms (many with relaxing river views!), live entertainment in the casino every weekend, and generous portions of tasty food in our restaurants. STAY: Parts of our hotel are being renovated as you read this, as we work to continuously improve our guests’ experience. We’re replacing carpet with modern flooring, updating lighting, upgrading beds, and brightening the whole facility with a fresh new color palette. Many of our rooms feature in-room jacuzzi tubs and amazing views of the Mississippi River. So relaxing! Our room rates are highly competitive, and if you’re a player you can most likely stay for free!

EAT: The Lucky Bean is now in the space formerly occupied by The Buffet with a Blue Plate special every day for only $10. SandBar Fish House & Grill is open Thursday through Sunday featuring (you guessed it!) mouthwatering steaks, scrumptious seafood, and delectable desserts. There’s a bar right in the restaurant, so enjoy your favorite adult beverage with your meal. Reservations are recommended. PLAY: We have the friendliest staff in town and our MYEDGE card provides you with some of the best benefits around. Use your card every time you play to earn free play, free or discounted rooms, food credits, free gifts, and so much more! Our slot floor is filled with the latest themes and is arranged so you’re not sitting right next to your neighbor. PLUS: Have you NEVER visited us? Well, then it’s time for you to do just that! When you arrive, join the MYEDGE club to receive our $25 New Member free play

bonus, plus you can play a game at any of our promotional kiosks to win up to $1000 more. Has it been more than 5 years since you visited? Were we Diamond Jacks or Isle of Capri last time you were here? Then you DEFINITELY need to come see us because we will give you $25 in free play just for getting your updated MYEDGE card! WaterView Casino & Hotel is ready to welcome you. So come see what’s changed! We think you’re going to love it.

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First-Gen Students Prepare For Their Futures at TRIO Camp

HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA Monroe’s TRIO Programs Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) hosted its sixth annual WINGS College Transition Camp Aug. 11-13. The TRIO-SSS participants in WINGS Camp are all first-generation freshmen entering ULM. The camp prepares students for a successful transition from high school to college by familiarizing them with campus resources and college life. Each student receives individual guidance and support, engages in peer-mentoring activities, receives financial aid assistance, and builds relationships. Sixteen students participated in workshops and activities designed to address their academic, career, financial, and social needs. Topics covered include strategies for winning at math and biology, the hidden college curriculum, helpful tips for choosing a career, and work-study.

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The students visited Wild Country Safari in Delhi as a STEM activity. The TRIO-SSS staff facilitated a session for parents and family members, sharing information about the TRIO-SSS program and how families can support the students throughout their college years. “Research shows that first-generation students persist at a lower rate than their nonfirst-generation peers and are more likely to leave college after the first year,” said Mystee Burrell, Ed.D. Co-Associate Director of TRIO Programs. Burrell explained that first-generation students, while as intelligent and motivated as their peers, sometimes lack the resources and direction necessary to navigate the college system. “These obstacles directly affect retention and graduation rates amongst firstgeneration students and demonstrate why college transition programs like the TRIO-SSS

WINGS Camp are vital to their success,” said Burrell. ULM faculty and staff for serving as guest speakers include mathematics instructor and Director of the Math Resource Center Telitha Doke, career coach Colm Bourke, and biology instructor and Campus Employment Coordinator Alicia Rollins. TRIO-SSS is one of the eight TRIO programs fully funded through the U.S. Department of Education to assist firstgeneration/income-eligible students to remain in good academic standing and graduate with a baccalaureate degree. To learn more about the TRIO-SSS program or to apply, visit www.ulm.edu/trio or stop by the TRIO-SSS office in Strauss Hall 206.

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

PENING THIS OCTOBER AT 206 TRENTON STREET ON historic Antique Alley is Max Porter Provisions, a men’s mercantile offering everything from apothecary to apparel, general store items to unique gift ideas. Partners Laurie Cochran and Cassie Livingston worked alongside Taylor Bennett to create a space in the old Mojoware store that would appeal to men looking to shop for themselves or women looking for unique gift items for the men in their lives. Décor gathered from estate sales, Lonesome Pine Provisions and vintage family memorabilia set the stage for Max Porter. When asked about the name of the store, Livingston said, “The store is named for my father-in-law, Max Livingston, who we lost to leukemia in 2011. It’s a tribute to our family roots – acknowledging the hard-working, veteran who devoted his life to family and country. Most of the items that we carry in the store are made in America – if they aren’t, they’re small batch, socially-conscious brands.” Among the brands that Max Porter Provisions carries is Paige jeans, a premium denim company that manufacturers all of their clothing in America. The Ampal Creative is another diverse line of socks, beanies and hats that are exclusively made in the USA. Shoppers can find a range of sauces and rubs from distributers like Hoff & Pepper and BBQ Rubdown, along with drink mixes from award-winning El Guapo Bitters. “The store definitely had ‘every man’ in mind when we were purchasing products,” says Cochran. “Whether you describe your style as western, modern, rustic, old-school, metro... our store has something for you.” A favorite of the owners are the candles from Manready Mercantile. “Manready was really the inspiration behind the store. A friend put it on our radar, and the next time we visited Houston we really fell in love with the products. My husband loves the room sprays and candles – these were the first orders that we placed for Max Porter,” says Livingston. There are also candles and fragrances from Guy Fox, an under-the-radar company that offers affordable and unique colognes that are warm and full of zest. Looking for a new razor? Supply offers an injector-style blade cartridge which allows you to reload the razor with ultra-sharp stubble-slicers, without ever touching a blade with your hands. Pair it along with Educated Beards delightful beard-grooming kit to keep your facial hair in place. Both of the companies, along with Duke Cannon are favorites of Livingston and Cochran’s husbands. 166 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

While Max Porter Provisions is carrying apparel, their clothing selection is well-curated and there are only a few brands that will be in the store, which include Paige, DL1961, Pendleton, Richer Poorer and Howler. “There are so many great apparel stores in North Louisiana, it was important to us to keep this section of our store limited. We have a waxed canvas jacket from Loyal Stricklin that we are in love with. There are also boxers from Richer Poorer, socks from Ampal Creative, and fun hats from Sendero Provisions. Our husbands definitely weighed in when we were ordering clothing, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the unique apparel that we have.” Leather goods is among one of the largest selections of gift items in the store. There are some beautiful, hand-crafted leather goods like wallets, belts, dog collars and leashes, bags, coaster, trays and more. “The Atticus duffle from Will Leather Company is my favorite item in the store,” says Cochran. “With plenty of pockets for organization and a dedicated shoe compartment, its roomy interior will hold all your essentials and more. It’s the right size for an overhead compartment and leather strap make going through the airport a breeze.” Even though the leather bags are a must-have, Max Porter also has a vintage camo print bag line from another local manufacturer that is perfect for fall travels. When you are making your Christmas lists this year, make sure to stop in and visit Max Porter Provisions. “We are so excited to be opening this store in our community. We genuinely found a need for a store like this, and feel that we will evolve to become a shopping destination for Northeast Louisiana.” says Livingston. “We are so happy that Bradley Castle will be running our store. He has a wealth of product knowledge and experience. Our shoppers will really love meeting and working with him.” Max Porter Provisions is located at 206 Trenton Street in West Monroe. The phone number is 318.737.7742 and you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Store hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Max Porter Provisions will open October 2021.

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It is important for parents to always be on the lookout for significant changes in their teen’s behavior. This is usually the first sign that something is wrong and should never be ignored. It might look like your child having a shorter temper than normal or reacting very strongly to something that never seemed to bother them in the past. Change in sleep patterns is another warning sign. Maybe your teen seems to not be able to fall asleep as easily or wakes up during the night and can’t fall back asleep easily. Or maybe they are sleeping even more than normal and want to avoid getting up to do things that they normally enjoyed. Parents should also be looking for any changes in eating habits. An increase in appetite or finding that they seem to be less hungry or are eating significantly less can also be the result of added stress.

Stress in Teens BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

the Monroe area. For the last five years Lesley tress is a normal part of life at has provided counseling to families, couples, every age. In the short term, adults, and teens. Her greatest passion is stress can push a child to practice helping people incorporate their faith into the for her piano recital or inspire a counseling process to help provide the most teen to study when they would holistic approach possible. rather be out with friends, but chronic stress is different. Left Q: What are the main causes unchecked, long-term stress of stress in a teen and what can contribute to a long list of physical and mental health does it look like? A: The first thing that problems. It can also lead to we want to remember is that mental health problems such as anxiety and depression— stress is something that affects everyone. It is our body’s disorders that are becoming natural way of responding to more common in youth. Lesley Lowman is demands or challenges that may come up in our daily life. a Licensed Professional When it comes to children and Counselor at Firm Foundations LESLEY LOWMAN Family Counseling. After teenagers, the main sources of stress are typically school and fifteen years serving as a home. Stress at school might look like a big children’s minister and missionary, she made the decision to pursue a counseling degree to test or assignment coming up, an important sporting event, tryouts for a team, or conflict continue helping adults and children in new with friends or other students. Stress at home and deeper ways. She received her Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from might come from tension between parents or siblings, moving to a new place or adding a New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary new sibling or stepparent. in 2016 and shortly thereafter moved up to

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Q: Does stress affect my teen’s health and when should I be concerned? A: It is important to remember that stress by itself is not necessarily harmful. Stress is the body’s way of preparing to do something hard or courageous. In fact, there have been studies that show that how we view stress determines whether there will be a negative or positive impact. When we view stress as that extra boost to focus on a deadline, there are no negative effects on health. But if stress is viewed as negative and harmful it can cause chronic health problems over time. In the short term, the stress response can be beneficial and push a teen to study harder for a test or practice just a bit longer to prepare for a game or a concert. That stressful feeling can help provide focus and extra energy to accomplish a task, like that burst that comes when a paper or project is due the next day and hasn’t been finished yet. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is not helpful. If there seems to be no end to the things that are causing stress, then health problems become a much bigger concern. Excessive stress may present as increased headaches or stomachaches or just generally not feeling well. Over time, mismanaged stress can shift into anxiety, panic attacks and depression. That is when it is important for parents to step in and help the child choose appropriate coping skills or reach out to a professional. Q: Is there a particular coping strategy that my teen should be using to reduce stress? A: There are many different coping strategies that can be helpful with managing and reducing stress. The first and most important is ensuring that your teen is getting enough sleep. Sufficient sleep looks like at least 8 to 10 hours a night for most teens. Since you can’t add more time to the morning that

means the change has to happen at night when determining bedtime. Turning off devices and developing a routine in the evenings can help with ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Another strategy is to take a break and engage in a relaxing activity. Some ideas might be playing a game, watching an episode of a favorite show, listening to music or hanging out with friends. There are also lots of great apps for your phone that can help with mindfulness and relaxation. Regular exercise is also very important to managing stress. This doesn’t have to look like hours at the gym. It can be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood, which has the added advantage of getting out of the house and getting some fresh air. Exercise gives your body the chance to work out the tension that stress can bring and encourage the body to release endorphins and serotonin which help boost mood and make you feel happier. If stress seems to be coming from issues at home, it is really important for parents to clearly communicate what responsibility belongs to the teen and what is the responsibility of the parent. Teens tend to feel that they can or should fix things when in reality those things are completely out of their control. This is especially critical if parents are getting a divorce, but can also apply if there is job loss, major health issues, etc.

“Over time, mismanaged stress can shift into anxiety, panic attacks and depression.”

Q: How can I encourage my teen to reduce their stress levels? A: The best thing any parent can do is model healthy behavior. One way to do this is talking about how you’ve handled stressful situations in the past and what difficulties you faced. Make sure that they understand that a little bit of stress is normal but if they start to feel overwhelmed on a regular basis it’s okay to ask for help. Modeling conflict resolution is also incredibly helpful. Conflict with friends or being on the receiving end of bullying either in person or online is a regular occurrence for so many teens. Talking through these problems with your teen can be a great way to model healthy communication and conflict resolution. Teach them how to say no, and this may mean that the parent has to say no as well. Is it the best choice to play that extra sport? How many college level classes while in high school is too many? There are so many great things that your teen might be able to participate in but you should work together to set goals and prioritize activities.

RESOURCES National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1–800–273-TALK (8255) The Lifeline is a 24-hour toll-free phone line for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. An online chat option is available at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx

Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line http://www.crisistextline.org/ Crisis Text Line provides free emotional support and information to teens in any type of crisis, including feeling suicidal. You can text with a trained specialist 24 hours a day. Text “HOME” to 741741.

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

Q: What if my teen is resistant to any change? A: It is not unusual for a teenager to be resistant to taking advice from their parent. There is a general consensus that parents just don’t understand! If your teen doesn’t feel comfortable talking and/ or listening to you then it’s important to encourage them to seek out advice from an adult that they do feel comfortable with. This might be a favorite teacher, a coach, or a youth leader at church. Staying calm and continuing to provide support and encouragement is also helpful. Even if they don’t show it, they’re listening and over time will likely adopt the recommended changes. If you’re concerned that additional support might be necessary don’t hesitate to talk to their primary care provider or contact a professional counselor. When stress becomes chronic and general coping skills are not making a difference, it’s important to seek outside help and support.

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Twin City Lip Sync Battle

Join Twin City Ballet Company on October 28th at the Monroe Civic Center Arena

HO KNEW THAT OUR BELOVED TWIN CITIES ARE such a haven for superstars?! The Twin City Ballet does... In 2019, we kicked off our first ever (and epic) Twin City Lip Sync Battle, and we can’t remember the last time – or any time since – that we had so much fun. Due to the many challenges of 2020, we missed a year, but we are more than making up for it on October 28th. We didn’t think we could beat the inaugural cast, but this line-up of contestants will give them a run for their money. Tori Krutzer Fisher is owner of oil company, Antares Ventures, LLC by day, but you don’t want to miss taking a walk down the Yellow Brick Road with Tori in her legendary debut as Elton John. Dr. Amber Shemwell and Brandi Dickens spend their days caring for women and delivering babies at the Woman’s Clinic, but their performance as Heart will be nothing short of Magic, Man. Dr. Nicole West has recruited a full team from her veterinarian clinic - Corner Vet – Sterlington – and they’re ready to watch Another One Bite the Dust. The team includes Dr. Phoebe Ainsworth-Baessler, Christina Rodriguez, Dr. Kristi Marie Laffitte, Crystal Brown, Jessica Johnson, Misty Roberts, Reannon Borquist, Lindsay Miley, Reagan Wages and Samantha Flowers. Don’t miss this group of animals when they take the stage as Queen! DeRon Talley, CEO of Key Marketing Solutions and pastor of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church of West Monroe, descends from maternal grandfather, the James Brown of Folsom, Louisiana, and has been to dance like the King of Soul himself since his birth... James Brown will have you Getting Up Offa That Thing. John Majure is a crop insurance agent with AG Resource Management by day, but he’s ready to Pump Up the Jam with you as Technotronic. But we’d hate to limit John to one performer. We promise you’ll be wrecked when you see the surprise mix this performer has in store. Erica Ryan - carpool queen and amazing mom, Amanda Wooten of Keller Williams Realty, and David Bryant – outside industrial salesman with Controlworx/John H. Carter, are ready to get this Whole Shack to Shimmy when they step on stage as the B-52s! Move out of the way for Erik Stanley, because he’s ready to Get Physical... Erik may be a burly superintendent for Ohler Construction by day, but this guy is not afraid to sport some spandex as Olivia Newton-John! Say You’ll Be There for Leeanna Nelson, co-owner of Nelson Builders, Dawn Bailey, real estate and development professional, Bambi Watson, co-owner of Northeast Appliance, Lindsay Mathews, owner of Frankie Dō, and Brooke Schmitt, hairstylist at Hair Solutions, as Spice Girls. We promise, you WannaBe there for this fabulous group. 170 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

You’ll Need to Calm Down for the performance by Aimee Hayward, owner of the six Anytime Fitness locations in Ouachita Parish. Aimee is often confused for the likes of her on-stage persona, Taylor Swift, and we promise that you’ll never find another like Ai(ME)e! Who knew High School Rejects could be so cool? Joe King Montgomery, insurance agent for Thomas & Farr, Ginny Montgomery, teacher (on a sabbatical), Christine Monk, teacher, Ryan Grigson, BMOC of Twin City Pawn, Jessica Grigson, co-captain of the Learning & Development team for a national staffing agency, and Will Erwin, Area Director for Newk’s Eatery in Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston, are ready to bring the house down with a mix of Outkast, Gwen Stefani, and Van Halen. Did someone say Material Girls? Debbie Herrington and Cindy Stone, the fabulous sisters behind HerringStone’s, have been keeping our region en Vogue since 1989 and are ready to take a bow for the crowd as they make Madonna proud. Our esteemed judges for this event will include Jessica Smith, teacher at Neville, choreographer for Bengal Belles, and past winner of the Twin City Lip Sync Battle; Michael Echols, Louisiana State Representative; and Julia Claire Williams, Miss Louisiana 2021! With this stellar group of performers, they will face a tough feat of picking our first, second and third place winners. But have no fear – our crowd will also have a say in picking a Crowd Favorite with dollar votes, and the performer/performing group with the most votes taking home the trophy. Last but not least, you should not miss our comical (and unabashed) emcees, Cindy Foust, University Development Officer at ULM, AlphakidZ author, and contributing author for BayouLife, and David Cole, SVP, West Monroe/West Ouachita Market President for Progressive Bank, and perhaps more widely-known as second place winner of Lip Sync 2019 – the Justin Timberlake of N’Sync. The event will take place on October 28th at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. Doors open at 6:15 PM, and the show will begin at 7:00 p.m. General Admission tickets may be purchased at twincityballet.org. Sponsor table information is also available by contacting the TCB Board (Meghan Sellar at tclsb318@gmail.com). Some perks of the sponsor tables include hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets and access to a VIP bar provided by Marsala Beverage. All proceeds of the Twin City Lip Sync Battle will go to the Twin City Ballet. The Twin City Ballet Company is a nonprofit organization established in 1979 to enrich the cultural environment of Northeast Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Under the artistic direction of Linda Lavender Ford, the dual aims of the company are to create an exciting dance experience in the community and an opportunity for training and stage experience to talented young dancers.

The ULTRA Lifestyle Michelob Ultra Welcomes Ultra Amber Max

ICHELOB ULTRA AMBER MAX IS A 99 CALORIE, FULLER flavor beer that is crafted to remove gluten for those looking to limit their gluten intake. With a ANV of 4%, AMBER MAX delivers a superior taste like no other beer with similar claims because of its use of Rye and Oats – ingredients known to be in the ancient grain family. AMBER MAX is a superior choice for those committed to a balanced, active lifestyle. The Michelob family has been around a long time, has brought us many great-iconic beers such as, Michelob Lager, Michelob Light and Michelob Amber Bock. In 2002, they introduced Michelob ULTRA and it has actually proven to be the fastest growing brand in the business as Michelob Ultra remains the largest share gainer in the US, now for eight consecutive quarters. Appealing to active people of all ages, the Michelob ULTRA™ family promotes the “ULTRA™ lifestyle,” Michelob ULTRA supports an active, social lifestyle and is proud to be a sponsor of athletic events across the country, ranging from running and cycling competitions to golf tournaments. It’s positioning – call it inspirational for the aspirational -- reflects a clear understanding that people today, especially the younger, more affluent people that represent the brand’s target audience, are inspired to live an all-together healthier lifestyle. Not dieting or eating less fattening food, but pursuing healthier choices in all aspects of life. Since Michelob ULTRA™ was introduced in 2002, its high end American-style has appealed to the masses. People who are interested in a low carb lifestyle finally had an option to choose from when it came to beer. Its subtle fruit and citrus aromas compliment this light-bodied beer’s smooth and refreshing taste. One year after its introduction, Michelob ULTRA™ became the fastest-growing new brand in the industry and was a phenomenal hit among adult fitness enthusiasts, adult consumers living an active lifestyle, and those looking for a greattasting beer with lower carbohydrates and fewer calories. The original Michelob ULTRA™ has 4.2% alcohol by volume, 95 calories and only 2.6 grams of carbs per serving, making it one of the lowest carb beer choices on the market. But Michelob ULTRA™ isn’t the only choice when it comes to low carb brew. The ULTRA family offers many choices for a wide variety of taste. • M ichelob ULTRA™ Amber is a beer that is full in flavor and rich in color with great amber taste and 3.7g of carbs, 114 calories and 5% alcohol by volume. 172 OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

• M ichelob ULTRA™ Lime Cactus boasts a refreshing lime taste, perfect for summer days. With 4% alcohol by volume, 95 calories, and only 5.5 grams of carbs per serving it makes a great choice for healthy beer drinkers. • Made with organic grains from the country’s finest fields, Michelob ULTRA™ Pure Gold is a light lager with a superior, golden taste. With only 2.5 carbs and 85 calories, Pure Gold is triple filtered and brewed free of artificial colors and flavors. • Michelob Ultra Infusions Pomegranate & Agave is a crisp, refreshing light lager infused with real exotic fruit. The product will be released in 6 pack bottles and 12 pack cans. The beers in the Infusions line each have 95 calories and 4 percent alcohol-by-volume. • Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer has zero carbs, 80 calories, zero sugar and is six times filtered. The brand launches with three initial flavors: Spicy Pineapple, Peach Pear and Cucumber Lime, followed by a second variety pack later in 2021. • Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Introduced in 2018, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is a USDA-certified organic light lager with organic ingredients sourced from the finest farms. At just 85 calories, 2.6 carbs and a superior golden taste, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is the first organic beer from a national brewer. As of 2021, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is brewed with 100% renewable electricity from solar power. Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage Twitter: @marsalabeverage1 Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com October 1 Morehouse General Healthcare Foundation Annual Golf Tournament Take a swing at the 4th annual Morehouse General Healthcare Foundation Golf Tournament: Cost: $65 per person/ 3 person teams Venue: Morehouse Country Club Phone:(318)283-3616 Bricks in the Wall - The Sights and Sound of Pink Floyd Bricks in the Wall is a ninepiece Pink Floyd Tribute Band out of Dallas, Texas. Faithfully creating the sound and feel of a Pink Floyd show, Bricks plays to thousands every year and is the longest running Pink Floyd Tribute in the nation. Bricks is proud to be The House of Blues - Dallas, Houston and New Orleans exclusive Pink Floyd tribute show and has exclusive arrangements with other top Live Nation venues. Hours: 7:00 PM – Until Cost: $25 Venue: The Hub Music Hall 201 Washington St, Monroe Phone: (318) 325-9837 October 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31 Evil Visions Hotel Come join Evil Visions Haunted House for the 2021 haunted attraction. They have completely remodeled the ENITRE attraction for all new rooms, new scares and a new theme! Can you survive the hotel? Come find out. Hours: 7:00 PM – Midnight Cost: $15 Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House, 501 Desiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 355-1751 October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Free to attend

Venue: Ruston Farmers Market 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305 October 1-2, 7-11, 14-16, 21-23, 2831 Screaming Woods Haunted Trails Make your way through 2-miles of spooky woodland with ghosts, skeletons, vampires, and other monsters around every turn. Hours: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cost: $25 per person Venue: Screaming Woods 285 Jed Rd, Ruston Phone: (318) 245-4405 October 2-10 Red River Revel Experience North Louisiana’s largest outdoor art festival in the multi-award-winning Red River Revel Arts Festival. The nine-day event offers an extensive as-sortment of exciting and unique experiences for all ages. Venue: Festival Plaza, 101 Crockett Street, Shreveport October 2 Trey Lewis Live at the Revelry of Ruston Country artist Trey Lewis performs live at The Revelry of Ruston with an opening act from Tennessee native Brennan Burns. Hours: Doors open at 7:00 PM Cost: $15 in Advance; $20 Day of Show Venue: The Revelry of Ruston, 2647 S Service Road W, Ruston Phone: (318) 255-1008 Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival The Celtic Festival is back! Enjoy the day in Kiroli Park while live music play. There will also be all sorts of activities and artisan crafts for all ages to enjoy! Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe

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Monroe Symphony Orchestra presents 'Appalachian Spring', Aaron Copland, Composer Termed the 'Quintessential American Classic', Appalachian Spring represents the unique nature of the American experience. This is the perfect way to celebrate the endurance and resilience of our friends and neighbors over the past months. Hours: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Cost: $25 Adults, $5 Students Venue: Church of the Redeemer 715 Cypress St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 812-6761 Paint Night Grab your favorite person and come on out for a paint night at Cicada Ink & Art! Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: $30 Venue: Cicada Ink & Art South, 5114 Desiard St, Monroe October 5, 12, 19, 26 Tuesday Night Group Run Join Fleet Feet for a group walk/ run! There will be a set 3 mile course or choose your own; all paces, ages and distances invited. Hours: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Fleet Feet 1866 Forsythe Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 855-3146 October 5, 12, 19, 26 Bayou Bagz Cornhole Get ready to battle it out at The Hub Music Hall because The Bayou Bagz Cornhole Tuesday is back up and running! Hours: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cost: $20 Venue: The Hub Music Hall 201 Washington St, Monroe Phone: (318) 325-9837 October 6 Brown Bag Concert - Featuring Josh Love Josh Love should be a familiar name - the regional favorite was NELA Music Award's 2016 Emerging

Artist of the Year and nominated 2017 Best of the Delta "Best Local Cover Band/Musician. Bring a picnic or just grab a $5 box lunch on site from Newks. Mulhearn’s will provide free cookies, water, and lemonade to keep you cool! Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Venue: Palace Park 220 DeSiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6754 October 7 Flying Tiger Farmer’s Market Rain or shine, inside or out, Flying Tiger Brewery will be hosting special groups of local micro farmers and makers that you will not want to miss! From local beef, spring water, micro greens, honey, mosquito balm, vegetables to flowers, there will be something for everyone! Get Up, Get Out, but Stay Local! Hours: 6:00 PM – Until Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery 506 N 2nd St, Monroe Phone: (318) 547-1738 Painting With a Purpose Paws of NELA Fundraiser will be teaming up with Painting With a Twist for a night of fun!Come on out and paint your pawfect masterpiece. Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Venue: Painting with a Twist 1818 Tower Dr, Monroe October 7- 10 Shakespeare in Love Shakespeare in Love is directed by Cathy Airhart Webb, with musical direction/performance by Kirby Rambin and Claudia Long, costumes by Ulrich Arts, and set design by David Kaul. Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Cost: $20 Adult; $15 Student Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe October 8 – October 10 Big Creek Trade Days Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before

the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304 October 9 ULM Football vs Georgia State Cheer on the ULM football team as they tackle Georgia State this weekend! Hours: 7:00 PM – Until Cost: $15 - $35 Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Run to the Battle Spend your weekend running for a cause! Run to the Battle is a 5k and 10k event to raise funds for the ongoing global missions efforts of North Monroe Baptist Church. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM Cost: $30 Pre-registered; $35 Race Day Venue: North Monroe Baptist Church River Rat Paddle Challenge Where else do you see pirates, rats, Vikings, yaks, swamp hippies, cowboys, sharks, and patriots paddling down our river? At The River Rat Paddle Challenge, of course! The Fifth Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge on the scenic Ouachita River! Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Venue: Lazarre Park 703 S Riverfront, West Monroe Phone: (318) 243-1211 Makers and Producers Market Don't miss out on this month's Makers and Producers Market! Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Venue: 1905 N 7th St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-4753 Children's Fundays Don't miss out on this month's Children's Fundays at the Biedenharn. There will be crafts and fun for ages 3-16, so bring the kids and come enjoy the gardens! Tickets can be purchased in the Museum Store on the morning of the event! Hours:10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Cost: $5 per child; Adults enter free

Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281 Stylin’ in the Streets Join Dusty & Company and The HUB Music Hall as they present the first annual Stylin’ in the Streets. This event is a fundraiser for two local charities for Infant Loss Awareness Month. There will be a vendor shopping, food trucks, and more! Hours: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Venue: The Hub Music Hall 201 Washington St, Monroe Phone: (318) 348-5649 Moto X-Treame Circus Welcome to the original Moto X-Treme Circus Show! Get ready for a high-energy adrenaline rushing show. Combining action sports with the most spectacular circus thrill acts. Hours: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Cost: $10 Venue: Ike Hamilton Exposition Center, 501 Mane St, West Monroe Phone: (941) 870-7444 October 13 Brown Bag Concert - Featuring Josh Madden An accomplished professional musician and busy music teacher, Josh Madden has been performing at Monroe-area venues and events for almost two decades. Bring a picnic or just grab a $5 box lunch on site from Newk’s. Mulhearn’s will again provide free cookies, water and lemonade to keep you cool! Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Venue: Palace Park, 220 DeSiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6717 October 14 Jen Kingwell’s Bring Me Flowers BOM/Sit N Sew Join Material Things for a Sit N Sew session of Jen Kingwell’s Bring Me Flowers! Hours:1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Cost: $25 Venue: Material Things, 2305 Forsythe Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 699-8964 October 14- October 17 RCT Presents Clue

Come experience this reenactment of the classical drama live at the Dixie Center of the Arts. Hours: Thursday - Saturday 7:00 PM; Sunday 2:00 PM Cost: $14/Adults; $7/Students Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N Vienna St, Ruston Phone: (318) 595-0872 October 15 ARToberfest Enjoy home-brewed and commercial beers, along with food trucks, art demos, and live music from local musicians. Hours: 5:00 PM-10:00 PM Cost: $35 Venue: Ruston Farmers Market E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 255-1450 October 16 ULM Football vs Liberty Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Liberty this weekend! Hours: 7:00 PM – Until Cost: $15 - $35 Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Pumpkins in the Park Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston’s Railroad Park and see a trail of spooktacular pumpkins. Hours: 6:00 PM - Until Cost: Free Venue: Railroad Park 101 W Park Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647 Twin City Classic Chevy Club 33rd Annual Show Get ready for the 33rd Annual Classic Show benefiting MedCamps of Louisiana! All American made vehicles welcome with numerous classes for awards, door prizes and 50/50 raffle. Hours: 8:00 AM - Until Venue: Glenwood Regional Medical Mall, 102 Thomas Rd, West Monroe Kids Bike Race Join Pelican State Credit Union for the 3rd Annual FREE Kids Bike Race in Monroe! Kids ages 12 and under (and their parents) are invited to participate in this healthy and free event. Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Tower Place Monroe

1500 N 19th St, Monroe Phone: (225) 408-6338 The Chennault Gala The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Presents “A Night at the USO” Gala featuring "The Fabulous Equinox." Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy., Monroe Cost: $75 Phone: (318) 362-5540 October 19th Rebel Runway Come out and support the WMHS Cheer Booster Club as they present a night of fall and winter fashion provided by local area boutiques. Hours: 6:00 PM Cost:$40 per ticket, Tables available Venue: West Monroe Convention Center October 20 Brown Bag Concert - Featuring ULM Concert Choir ULM’s premiere choral ensemble will grace our stage today with a range as remarkable as their talent! Bring a picnic or just grab a $5 box lunch on site from Newk’s. Mulhearn’s will provide free cookies, water, and lemonade to keep you cool! Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Venue: Palace Park, 220 DeSiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6717 October 21 Sip & Sew Are you interested in pursuing your next sewing DIY but feel like a class isn't quite your speed? Then bring your projects or pick out supplies to start a new one while joining Material Things for sip at their monthly Sip N Sew event! ThisCome and go event happens every third Thursday of every month. Hours:4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Material Things 2305 Forsythe Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 699-8964 October 22 Step Into The Light Tour Come and join Grammy Award Nominee & Dove Award winning

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Newsboys, with special guests Mandisa, We Are Messengers, Cade Thompson & Adam Agee for the Step Into The Light Tour! Don't miss this amazing evening of live music! Hours: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Venue: Jack Howard Theater 401 Lea Joyner Expy, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2225 October 23 ULM Football vs South Alabama Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle South Alabama this weekend! Hours: 6:00 PM – Until Cost: $15 - $35 Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Miss Fleur de Lis Pageant presented by the Krewe of Janus Lassiez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Join the Krewe of Janus as they present the First Annual Miss Fleur de Lis Pageant. Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Venue: Krewe of Janus Den 901 Louisville Ave, Monroe Bayou Stock Get ready to get down in the bayou. Dylan Scott is proud to announce the 4th annual Bayou Stock!Come and enjoy great music, local food trucks, and fun for the whole family! Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex, 1290 LA-136, Sterlington October 24

Halloween Goat Yoga at the Farm Come join Double BB Farms for Halloween Goat Yoga! Goat yoga is for people of all ability or no ability at all. The goats will be in their costumes and invite you to participate in their costume contest! Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cost: $20 Venue: Double BB Farms, 1816 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 237-0827 October 26 Annual Biedenharn Scarecrow Competition After a one-year hiatus, the Annual Biedenharn Scarecrow Competition returns to the gardens! Hours: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe October 27 Twin City Ballet Lip Sync Battle A night of syncin’ lips and shakin’ hips to benefit Twin City Ballet Company. Hours: 7:00 PM Venue: Monroe Civic Center Arena Cost: $25 in advance; $35 at the door Brown Bag Concert - Featuring Legal & 'Lectric Closing out the series is this local guitar duo who have a song for everyone! Tommy Fields and Buddy Bryant bring a wide variety of influences and an eclectic repertoire to the Series. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Hours: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Venue: Palace Park, 220 DeSiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6717 October 28-30 Franklin Fright Night Come one, come all. Winnsboro Main Street is hosting Franklin Fright Night. This 3 night event will include a haunted house and carnival games for all. Hours: Thursday and Friday 6:008:00 PM; Saturday 6:00 - 10:00 PM Cost: $10; $1/ticket for outdoor carnival games (Saturday only) Venue: The Loading Dock 214 Fair Ave, Winnsboro October 29 Downtown Ruston Wine Walk This walking wine tasting event will take you from business to business in Downtown Ruston where you’ll find snacks, entertainment, special deals, and more! Hours: 6:00 PM Cost: $15 Venue: Railroad Park 101 W Park Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647 October 30 Boo at the Zoo No tricks here, Boo at the Zoo is back! Proceeds from this event will go towards a sloth & enclosure with future sloth encounters to come! Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cost: $10 Adults; $6 Children 2+ Venue: Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, 1405 Bernstein Park Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2138

Fall Family Date Night Gather the whole family for a spooktacular time at Kiroli Park! This fall family date night will include games, prizes, food trucks, a costume contest, and a spooky outdoor movie. Hours: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: $3 Per Person Venue: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016 Trick or Treat Through the Floats Lassiez Les Bons Temps Rouler! The Krewe of Janus invites kids of all ages to experience exciting floats and catch some treats. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Krewe of Janus Float Den, 901 Louisville Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-0230 Tails at Twilight - Zombie Apawcalypse You’re invited to a frightfully fun Halloween costume gala! Hours: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Venue: Bayou Pointe Event Center, 100 Warhawk Way, West Monroe

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BayouLife Magazine October 2021

Articles inside

GALLERY TALK

WALDEN LEATHER CO

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

THE THROW DOWN

TAP INTO GREAT FOOD

TRICKS AND TREATS

FAMILY VISION

SERENE SOPHISTICATE

THE HOT SEAT

BOURBON STREET

GLORIA CLARK