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97 31 / BAYOU ARTIST
Of the services Robin Hamaker provides through Robin Hamaker Art & Design, perhaps the most valuable is vision
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52 / BAYOU EATS
Catahoula’s is Monroe’s newest southern eatery, spawning an exceptional menu, and creating an aesthetic that compliments the bayouside view
70 / NOD TO NOSTALGIA
Wallpaper never went out of style – just out of taste. Thanks to a resurgence, perfectly patterned walls combine timeless design with new beginnings
82 / COLOR ME HAPPY
Add some spice...pumpkin, that is, to your life by painting your ghastly gourds in hot hues
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82 / EERIE-SISTABLE
Gather your goblins and ghosts for a perfect Halloween platter. Grab the season’s most spooktacular treats for a snack tray sure to scare up every spooky guest
136 / BAYOU ICONS
Those who know Guy and Loura Barr say they are one of those couples that truly inspire others --- to do their part, to do more, and to do their best
156 / MONROE OASIS A P R I L 2 0 1 8More than just a set of rooms, this local
97 / COLOR THEORY
Transition into fall with these luxe looks from area boutiques. From jewel-toned hues to sleek silhouettes, these outfits combine chic styles with bold colors
104 / BAYOU HOME
Country music superstar Dylan Scott and his wife Blair Robinson set stage for a family retreat in the piney woods of Northeast Louisiana
122 / ONE TOUGH COOKIE
Joia Clark Crowe talks to BayouLife about her journey with stage 3 triple positive breast cancer
Airbnb is a gateway to Monroe’s hosting potential and future growth. Bayou Long Beard, owned and operated by Joy Hale and Clay Caissie is an eclectic Airbnb in the heart of Northeast Louisiana
172/ BAYOU BEATS
Scotty Temple and South Bound Train is specifically southern rock country, though his bassist came up with a portmanteau that more adequately justifies the band’s sound, called “Guntry”
BayouLife
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here’s something about our Fall Home Issue that always gives me the bug to redecorate my house. Seeing gorgeous jewel-toned velvet pumpkins, beautiful pillows and fun, bold wallpapers 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. Our BayouHome features country music superstar Dylan Scott and his wife Blair Robinson’s family retreat in the piney woods of Northeast Louisiana. From soaring ceilings to contemporary design, this modern home was constructed by Rafael Lara with help from interior decorator Erin Love. Read about it on page 104. Those who know Guy and Loura Barr say they are one of those couples that truly inspire others --- to do their part, to do more, and to do their best. Guy and Loura (or “Team Barr” as they refer to themselves) have left a remarkable legacy of love for their fellow man in everything that they have done. Together in marriage for 56 years, these two have never stopped living the creed of service to others. Because of their remarkable record of professional, community, and volunteer work, Guy and Loura Barr are our BayouIcons for October. Read Georgiann Potts article on page 136. More than just a set of rooms, local Airbnb Bayou Long Beard, owned and operated by Joy Hale and Clay Caissie, is an eclectic Airbnb in the heart of Northeast Louisiana. Read Vanelis Rivera’s article on page 156. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is your reminder to have your mammogram. But, if you’re looking for inspiration, make sure to read Joia Crowe’s testimony on page 122. Joia shares her story and journey with stage
1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185
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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com
3 triple positive breast cancer. Of the services Robin Hamaker provides through Robin Hamaker Art & Design, perhaps the most valuable is vision. Whether it is an interior design project or an art consultation, Robin is able to see past what is in front of her, to envision what can be and hold onto that vision in the midst of moving parts, scattered pieces, and the sometimes overwhelming messiness of a place in progress. Read about our BayouArtist on page 31. We have to wish a happy birthday to Mr. John Benjamin (JB) Humphrey who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on October 7th. We were proud to feature Mr. Humphrey in a previous issue of BayouLife. This momentous occasion will recognize JB as the 2nd oldest living veteran in Louisiana. With gratitude for your service and much love, we wish you a Happy Centennial Celebration. Taylor Bennett and Kelly Moore worked their magic this month to bring beautifully styled photography to the pages of BayouLife Magazine. From luxurious velvets to painted pumpkins, 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 Cassie
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GENERAL MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Madison Dollar madison@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maré Brennan Nils Borquist Dan Chason Kenny Covington Lou Davenport Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Paul Lipe Erin Love
Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller J Preston Parry, MD Andrew G Patton, MD Georgiann Potts Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera Alana Wagner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Moore Clark Andrew Bailey
ON THE COVER Bayou Long Beard 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.
Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumni: Jerry Brasher
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FTER GRADUATING WEST MONROE HIGH SCHOOL in 1983, Jerry Brasher knew he wanted to stay close to home. College was the next step, but outdoor activities played a big part in his life, and he wasn’t anxious to give up his passions of hunting and fishing. Jerry enjoyed his life in northeast Louisiana, and ULM allowed him to continue his education locally. Jerry was raised a ULM fan. His father had graduated from ULM and the family held season tickets and remained very involved in campus life as community members. Like most 18-year-olds fresh out of high school, Jerry hadn’t really thought much about what he wanted to be, but majoring in business, like his father, seemed like the most logical choice. One of the benefits of a campus environment is meeting people. Jerry made new friends, and many of them were majoring in Construction Management. Jerry quickly learned the ULM School of Construction was the first accredited one in the United States. Other than the lure of studying alongside his friends, Jerry knew construction meant working outdoors, and the major seemed a more appropriate fit for the future he envisioned. His father had often kept Jerry’s hands busy building things growing up. Immediately, Jerry noticed what a tight-knit family atmosphere existed in the School of Construction. While the classes weren’t easy and the accountability expectations were high, the program thrived on teamwork and the relationships among the students and with their professors. Herb McCaskill was one of Jerry’s professors, and his wisdom and matter-of-fact personality left a lasting impact on Jerry. Mentorship is an essential part of the student/professor relationship, and Jerry credits his completion of the program to people like Mr. McCaskill. Felix Garrett also stood out, a retired professional engineer in the school. Jerry and his classmates knew Felix thought a lot of them and believed in their potential in the field. Bob Teague taught Critical Path Methods, and while the class was one of the most difficult, the sense of accomplishment was most rewarding for Jerry. It’s been over 30 years since Jerry graduated from ULM, but the lasting impact of his teachers remains. After graduating from The ULM School of Construction in 1989, Jerry worked for himself in the residential and development market for nine years. By 1998, his friend from ULM, Clint Graham, was now the CEO of Lincoln Builders and convinced Jerry to come onboard with the company. Now Jerry is the Vice President Division Manager of the Ruston Office for Lincoln Builders and runs operations for the north 8 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Louisiana market. Construction is a rewarding career. Jerry appreciates being able to drive by a building he helped construct. Lincoln Builders was the chosen contractor for VCOM Medical School on ULM’s campus. The 13-month, $32 million project allowed Jerry to return to his alma mater and give back. The VCOM Medical School is a game changer for our community and the ULM Health Sciences program. The addition will help further develop doctors to work in rural healthcare, something our community desperately needs. Lincoln Builders also oversaw construction on The Vantage State Building, The Affinity Medical Office Building, The St. Francis Medical Office Building, and the new high-tech, hybrid OR in St. Francis Medical Center downtown. Lincoln Builders’ working relationship with St. Francis spans over 40 years. Jerry is a product of ULM, and he sees the impact on employment and education in our region. He loves seeing ULM grow and expand. He is excited about the university’s new president Dr. Ronald Berry and the future of ULM. As a member of the Industry Advisory Council for the School of Construction, Jerry, along with other ULM alumni and local industry participants, want to see the school perpetuate. They advise the school on curriculum decisions and provide additional funding. The Industry Advisory Council is one of the top industry contributors to the School of Construction. Most importantly, Jerry credits his “sweet wife,” Crystal Brasher, for helping to straighten him out and make sure Jerry made it through college. The couple has two children: Morgan Brasher Forgan lives in England and works as an International Audit Accountant and Alex Brasher lives in Salt Lake City and works in Computer Information Systems. With the combined efforts of Jerry’s wife, his friends at ULM, and his professors, Jerry knows college is the best path for personal and financial success, and his ULM education has served him well over the years. 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.
Brittney BEFORE
Brittney AFTER
Nurse Transforms Her Life
Dr. walter Sartor
Brittney Loses 140 Pounds and Gains So Much More
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RITTNEY BARNETT WAS SITTING at the dining room table with her family discussing her transformation— specifically her 140-pound weight loss—when her brother said something that would always stay with her. “My little brother looked at me and said, ‘I feel like I have my sister back.’ I had to try really hard not to start crying. What he said meant so much to me, and it was true,” remembered Brittney, now 32. A West Monroe native, Brittney struggled with obesity throughout her life. “My weight made me feel self-conscious and worthless. It felt like everyone looked at me with disgust. I wanted to be normal; I wasn’t concerned about being healthier. I just wanted to fit in.” Eventually, Brittney suffered from joint aches, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. Life became painful for the full-time licensed practical nurse and mother of two small children. “The children and I would get home from school, and I would think, ‘I can’t do this. I can’t chase after them. I need to sit. My back and legs hurt.’ So, I would call out to them from my chair and tell them to be careful,” Brittney said. “But I couldn’t play with my kids. I was so out of breath. And sometimes, I just had to lie down while my husband took over. And then, I didn’t feel like getting out of bed.” When she realized how much her weight affected her children, Brittney experienced her “ah-hah” moment. Dr. Walter Sartor performed her gastric sleeve procedure in 2016, and she subsequently changed the way she viewed food. Brittney’s biggest misconception about weight loss surgery was that it would solve all of her problems. While losing weight did alleviate her medical issues, she still needed 10 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
to work on her relationship with food. “I always have to be mindful of stress eating or emotional eating. No matter how much weight you lose, you will always have stress. So, you have to find an alternative.” She hasn’t consumed a carbonated beverage since the procedure and continues to eat much smaller portions. Also, food is no longer an impulse. “Everything was always centered around food, whether we were celebrating something, or I was bored,” she said. “After the surgery, my mentality regarding food changed. If I found myself sitting on the couch, thinking about food, I made myself get up and start working in the yard with my husband or cleaning my house. Finally, food was no longer a habit.” Her healthier lifestyle influenced her husband, who also adopted a more nutritious diet and encouraged her throughout her weight loss journey. “About a year after surgery, I walked into the kitchen where my husband was sitting at our table. He looked up at me and smiled. When I asked what he was smiling about, he replied, ‘I love how happy you are now. You’ve always been beautiful to me, but now you are happy, which makes you even more gorgeous.’ I could feel myself glowing after he said that.” Her family members weren’t the only ones to notice her transformation. “I can walk, hunt, fish, hike, and camp—without pain. I’m enjoying all of the physical activity that was so difficult when I weighed 330 pounds,” she said. Brittney, a nurse since 2008, has noticed a change in her professional life, too. “Overall, I’m a happier person. I’m more approachable because I no longer suffer from chronic pain and low self-esteem.” She works at the Surgery Clinic of
Northeast Louisiana, owned by Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, and Dr. Patrick Smith. She finds her job fulfilling. “Because I had the gastric sleeve surgery, I can better educate our weight loss patients and tell them exactly what to expect. So, it’s rewarding,” she said. “And it’s a great place to work. We don’t have downtime, but we are always helping each other when necessary, and we laugh. And that’s because of our doctors. All three of our physicians are kind.” She is grateful to Sartor for performing her surgery. She said, “Not only is he brilliant, but he is always listening to every word a patient says. I experienced that firsthand. He and Marci Parker, the registered dietitian, genuinely want to see our patients succeed.” Brittney’s son, now 6, looks at his mother’s photos before her weight loss journey and doesn’t recognize the woman in the pictures. That’s okay with Brittney because now she is the person she is meant to be. “If I could describe my life in one word, it would be ‘joyful.’ I’m able to enjoy myself and live my life without constantly worrying about my weight.” DID YOU KNOW? Dr. Walter Sartor, who has been performing weight loss surgery since 2003, was recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Maintaining a healthy weight increases your energy, improves your mood, and lowers your risk of diseases, such as certain cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. Contact the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, located in downtown Monroe, to learn how bariatric surgery can transform your life. Find us on Facebook, or call us at 318-398-2984.
I REMEMBER THE HUNT OF A LIFETIME
of his two predecessors, making that I REMEMBER the circumstances hunt the most memorable in my governing my actions the day I experience. bagged the biggest deer that I Had I shot the younger buck, I ever shot. This all transpired on am sure we would have enjoyed the December 30, 1993, at the Big Buck venison, but the hunting event itself Hunting Club on the Mississippi would not have been something that River near Newellton, Louisiana. I would have recalled very often, or My son, Jonathan, a teenager at the even remembered. However, when time, and I were hunting at different the real hunters in my family start spots on the huge club. sharing their exploits, I can point Membership in that club came at to my trophy as something worthy a cost far beyond what I could afford of consideration. And all of this is on my preacher ’s salary. But the six because I passed on an easy shot and thousand acres that made up the waited for something better. club were owned by Mr. John Hogue, WE CAN BECOME SATISFIED WITH THE I share my story because deera member of the congregation where hunting season is just around the I served as pastor. He graciously LESSER AND MISS OUT ON THAT corner, and to make the following gave me a membership in the club WHICH IS FAR BETTER. point: the current coronavirus -- a membership shared by me and pandemic is impacting our lives Jonathan. Membership in the Big Buck Club entitled one to harvest two bucks, plus an additional buck in a variety of ways and how we let this to shape our behavior is important. One aspect of our lives that has been dramatically affected if he had eight or more points on his rack. By this time in the season, Jonathan had already killed one buck. is the area of public worship. At one juncture, churches were closed That meant that if we both shot a deer, one of us had to be sure that the to the gathering of their members. Then, churches were allowed to rack had at least eight points – otherwise, we would be in violation of open, but with certain restrictions. During this time, we have had club rules and subject to a fine and expulsion from the club. Neither to resort to TV or the internet in order to engage in worship. For some church-goers, this approach has its appeal. You don’t have to of us wanted that to happen. Fairly early in the hunt, a doe came by where I was stationed. leave your home, you don’t have to get dressed up, you can be more Not long after she had disappeared from the scene, a young four- comfortable in your recliner, and, if you want to do so, you can even point buck showed up following the same path that the doe had pick which preacher you want to hear. Sadly, that kind of thinking can taken. He obviously had courting on his mind. He was so close, that carry over to the time after the pandemic has ended. We can become I had an easy shot which would have removed him from the courting satisfied with the lesser (like the four-point buck) and miss out on that which is far better (the trophy buck). Corporate worship with field! However, I restrained myself, knowing that Jonathan might fellow believers takes more effort, but the dividends ought not to be shoot a deer that came up short relative to the eight-point rule. That discounted. Gathering for worship together makes us family, and the would not be good. As it turned out, he did not shoot a deer that benefits of “family” are immeasurable. My hope and my prayer is that this pandemic will not result in a weakening of our attachment afternoon, so it would have been okay for me to take the shot. Nevertheless, my decision proved to be fortuitous, because it to our churches, but will prompt us to an even greater commitment was only a brief time until a huge deer appeared, displaying a well- to the family of believers who share public worship in our churches. balanced, ten-point rack. He made the mistake of following in the steps God deserves our best, and we need to offer our best to Him. ▪
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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Enough is Enough This Fall Expect the Unexpected BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS
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S I WATCHED THROUGH THE WINDOW THE MORNING of August 27th, I like many, witnessed what would later be slated as a level 1 hurricane, the worst storm in 40 years to hit Northeast Louisiana. I watched as tree branches fell under the pressure of high winds and heavy rain. Hurricane Laura had arrived making its presence known and leaving its mark. People from miles around would be without power, which meant no air conditioning, TV, internet, or water, homes were damaged and destroyed and the worst…shelters were limited due to COVID-19. As quickly as the storm descended on this area it left leaving residents in disbelief to bounce back from this unexpected seasonal occurrence. Once again society was encountering the unexpected while searching for new ways to cope and live. It is said there is a season for all things. Fall can be an exciting time of year. It is a time of change, “getting ready,” taking charge and starting anew. Fall has a “turn over a new leaf” quality inspired by nature. This year fall has a feel of uncertainty associated with impending change. The fall season is an emotional time of the year filled with memories, traditions and customs. It is a special time when people transition emotionally and physically. When the season changes so do we. Fall is appreciated as more than a time when people transition from the heat of the summer to the cool of the winter. The season of fall is symbolic of change; this can be likened to the numerous changes society is currently enduring. How one perceives the changes in their lives depends on how the changes are experienced and ultimately how one responds. Recently a client stated, “As if my anxiety wasn’t already bad enough my doctor has now ordered additional tests. These days it seems if it is not one thing it is another, nothing seems to be right anymore.” “A parent running in for her therapy session exclaimed, “I am so stressed out, I am at my wits end. Virtual school is no joke, especially when you lose power. I have a renewed respect for teachers.” Story after story of clients suggests the mental health of America is not at its best. It reflects emotional fatigue, weariness, anxiety, heightened stress, being overwhelmed, depression, distrust, fear, heaviness, disappointment and confusion. Feelings are due to the pandemic, the hurricane, the tornado, increased illness and death, protest, delayed mail, civil unrest, divisiveness, political discord, racism and sexism, talk of the election, uncertainty about the future. I have heard many say, “I cannot wait for 2020 to end” and then quickly admit they fear the unknown of 2021. Whereas, I hesitate to speak for others, in this instance I believe I can say enough is enough, a sentiment I frequently hear and now share. 14 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Things to consider this fall when enough is enough. Recognize the unexpected is to be expected…these days we must expect the unexpected. Be mindful difficult times help us grow; for everything negative there is usually something positive on the rebound to help us bounce back. Live intentionally, make a list of the good things that have come out of COVID-19. One of the best things about social distancing as a new way of life is that it has forced many of us to turn within to those closest to us … ourselves. When the mind is overwhelmed, it lets us know with feelings of frustration, anxiety, stress or hope things will improve. How change governs your life depends on you; detox your mind freeing it of negative thoughts. If you are overwhelmed about the current state of affairs take on special projects; this football season join the NFL’s initiative to tackle racism. Focus on seasonal events and causes; October is breast cancer and domestic violence awareness month. Identify creative ways to connect with those close in heart but physically apart. There is a shift in seasons… fall has arrived. The season is one of breakthrough change; change brings about change… nature shows us this. We can attempt to fight change with resistance, intolerance, close mindedness, rejection, ridicule, discrimination, hatred, lies, violence and misunderstanding or uphold it with meaningful dialogue, unified gatherings, purposeful action and as Representative John Lewis would say engaging in “good trouble.” Fall captures change in the annual shedding and discarding of what is old allowing us to begin the work of growing into what is new. Just as nature cycles through seasons of change and transformation people transition through psychological and physical states of transformation often shaped by occurrences in nature and societal influences. I encourage all this fall to use this time shaped by societal change to dive deeper into our needs as well as the global needs outside of ourselves. To consider our differences as gifts, to push for social justice, genuine acceptance, equal rights, human understanding, kindness, respect and decency; if not for our individual selves for humanity. Change like the fall season is a natural part of life. It is unavoidable, inevitable…it occurs whether we like it, whether we are ready for it. Change is manageable. Change is beneficial. In the spirit of the fall season may we recognize when enough is enough and be open to change. For more information on seasonal change and the impact it has on mental health contact Dr. Beatrice 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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Style • Comfort • Confidence The Key to Confidence During Unprecedented Times
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HERE IS NO DENYING THAT THE WORLD TODAY IS different than it was six months ago. Our priorities have changed. Our needs have changed. Even fashion has changed. While snagging the newest and cutest fall styles should definitely still be on every fashionista’s to-do list, most people are opting for comfort over fashion. The thing is, comfort and fashion are not mutually exclusive. You can have the best of both worlds with the right wardrobe. You can sit on the couch binging your favorite Netflix show and also run out the door in confidence when something pops up last minute on your calendar - knowing that you look and feel good. When most people think of comfortable clothing, they immediately visualize leggings and oversized hoodies. Although they are both undoubtedly great, casual wardrobe staples, it is time to step it up a notch. We spoke with Madison Guerriero, owner of local women’s boutique The Nude Nomad. Guerriero said, “After four years in business, I understand the ever-evolving needs of my customers and have learned how to adapt to meet those needs. Although I’ve seen a large increase in the need for lounge wear, as expected with more and more people working from home, I have also seen a large increase in customers wanting to treat themselves to something truly special and beautiful. Getting a new outfit is like getting your hair done. No matter what is going on in your life, it gives you the much needed confidence boost to get through the day. With anxieties at an all time high, I think we could all use a little bit of that right now.” Guerriero said she has focused her buying efforts for The Nude Nomad’s Fall 2020 Collection on fashionable and flattering designs made of buttery soft fabrics. So whether it’s a cozy knit sweater or a luxurious velvet blouse, she is making sure each piece is uniquely made down to the intricate weave of each fabric and the shape of each style. Guerriero also said she will be highlighting gorgeous, handcrafted jewelry designs in this season’s collection. As a small business owner, Guerriero wants to highlight other small business owners that she admires. One of her favorite jewelry designers is Andrea Barnett, who designs one-of-a-kind handmade religious jewelry. “A fun fact about The Nude Nomad is that when I decided to go into the fashion industry, my original plan was to only have an online store, but when I first met Andrea Barnett and her son, I not only fell in love with them as people, but I also fell in love with 18 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
their timeless designs that can be passed down from generation to generation. It was in that moment that I decided to open a brick and mortar location on Antique Alley in West Monroe. And here we are four years later!” exclaimed Guerriero. Build your autumn wardrobe and freshen up your look with transitional pieces and trendy items, such as chic and sophisticated shawls, vintage-inspired handbags, buttery soft sweaters, and handcrafted semiprecious stone jewelry. Guerriero said, “I know when I feel put together on the outside, it makes me feel confident and powerful. Even when I can’t control the world around me, a new outfit is all it takes to make me feel like I am ready to conquer the world.” The truth is, it is hard to beat that feeling of putting on an outfit that makes you feel absolutely incredible and just exude confidence. We’ve all heard the saying “comfort is key.” But, what good is a key without a door to unlock? Combining trendy pieces with comfort opens the door to new fashion possibilities and allows you to feel amazing both inside and out at the same time. So, walk boldly out of that unlocked door wearing something that feels like your favorite pair of pajamas, but that is also stylish and makes your friends ask, “Where did you get that outfit?!” It may feel like things are spinning out of control lately. But when it comes to fashion, you are in control. And, you can have it all this fall. What better way to get out of the house than to visit The Nude Nomad and let their personal stylists put together the perfect outfit for you. You can also shop their Fall 2020 Collection online at www. thenudenomad.com from the comfort of your own home and have it shipped directly to you or opt for free in-store pick up. The Nude Nomad is located at 222 Trenton Street on Antique Alley in West Monroe. Follow their fashion adventure on Facebook and Instagram at @TheNudeNomad. The Nude Nomad 222 Trenton Street West Monroe, LA
T H E M O S T A S K E D I N T E R I O R D E S I G N Q U E S T I O N S A N SW E R E D
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by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com
s an interior stylist and decorator, I am often asked the same questions over and over. We all want our homes to feel warm and welcoming, but often have no idea where to start. With over ten years of design experience and implementation, I have learned new concepts from each beautiful home that I have encountered. And with each home, comes trial and error application until a perfectly styled and organized space is created. Although some design projects don’t follow the typical “rules” that you would find in design books and magazines, there are some universal guidelines that do apply, and I will be covering those in this article. Below are some of the top interior design questions answered: HOW CAN I MAKE A SMALL SPACE APPEAR BIGGER? Oh, if I had a dollar for every time this question was asked. But, don’t we all want to make the most out of the space we have? And, we all want that area to appear roomy and spacious. I know that you have heard that you shouldn’t paint a small room in a dark color, but that is actually not entirely accurate. Darker colors recede, making the walls appear further apart than they are. So, don’t always shy away from dark colors in a small space. Another trick is to make sure the furniture you use fits the space. Anything too big will eat up the space quickly. Always choose furniture with legs so you can see the floor underneath. The more floor you see, the bigger the room feels. Another trick is to angle at least one piece of furniture if possible. Furthermore, use light-reflective décor and accessories, like a glass coffee table, for instance. Other light reflective pieces could be mirrors, metallic objects, and real or faux windows. WHAT SIZE RUG SHOULD I GET? In my opinion, bigger is always better! Go as big as you can for the size of room you have. Avoid having that one island-like small rug that fits only underneath the coffee table. That small rug creates a no-man’s land where no one wants to step. The front legs of your sofa should always be on a rug, unless you have an open floor plan where the rug serves as walls. In that instance, the entire sofa should fit nicely on the rug, along with all other relevant pieces. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE STORAGE SPACE? No one has enough storage! The old adage is true, the more you have the more you need because you will inevitably fill it up. So, the first step in creating more storage space is to declutter. You should keep only the things you love, need, and use. Then you will be able to create the perfect home for each 20 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
item. Here is my first rule of thumb – are you ready? GO VERTICAL! When all floor space is used, look to the walls to create more storage space. For instance, shallow shelving is perfect for bathroom storage while framed metal wire is great for closets and garages. WHICH PAINT FINISH SHOULD I USE? This is a question where interior designers differ. I often hear some give the advice that a flat finish paint is best on walls, but I NEVER use a flat (matte) finish. It is hard to clean, stains easily, and can appear chalk-like in some colors. Instead, here is what I suggest: walls – eggshell, trim and doors – semigloss if white or off-white and satin if a color; cabinetry – semigloss if white or off-white and satin if a color. I love satin for colored paint because it has a slight sheen but doesn’t appear too shiny, which often dates the look. SHOULD I HIRE A CARPENTER OR JUST BUY MY STORAGE PIECES? I am going to say this in all caps – HIRE A CARPENTER TO MAKE A BUILT-IN STORAGE PIECE! I love for a room to be cohesive, and built-in storage is the only way to make that happen. Otherwise, you will have either mismatched furniture pieces that have no rhyme or reason, or you will have perfectly matched pieces that will look dated in a few years. But if you make it appear as though it is part of the room, it will never go out of style. WHAT SHOULD I BUY FIRST? Always start with the biggest and most-used pieces of furniture – bed, sofa, etc. Then you can work in the smaller pieces of furniture as well as the accessories as you go. Oh, and your rugs should be one of the first items purchased, too. WHERE CAN I SAVE MONEY? You should splurge on the items that you purchase first (refer to question six) and save on the accoutrements. For instance, there is no need in spending thousands of dollars on coffee and end tables or lamps and bedside tables. A good rule of thumb is to splurge on the mainstays (bed, dining table, sofa, plumbing fixtures, lighting, etc.) and save on everything else. When it comes to interior design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so choose things that make you happy. So, there you have it. The top seven questions that I am most often asked when it comes to interior design. Did I leave your question out? If so, please email me at erinlove@panachebyerin.com. I would love to help!
Strickland Interiors
Local Interior Designer Offers Design, Consulting and Styling
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AN STRICKLAND HAS SPENT THE MAJORITY OF THE last decade working to hone her skills as an Interior Designer, becoming one of the first people call when they even start thinking about building a house. “I love being able to be involved from the very beginning stages,” explains Jan. “When someone is first building their home, I am able to look at their house plans and really be able to conceptualize what the design will eventually look like. I can also help them think of things like functionality.” For example, Jan met with a client that was building a house that featured an extra bedroom. She knew the family planned on expanding so she was able to tweak some things in the room that would function better for them down the road and accommodate their future needs. In addition to function, Jan can help with all things design, of course. That includes everything from plumbing fixtures to the style of cabinets to tile work, as well as flooring, paint colors and countertop selections. “I can really walk the client through the entire process, all the way to move in day!” says Jan. THE PROCESS When a client first comes to Strickland Interiors, Jan finds out what they are looking for and what their style is to determine where to go. “If it is a remodel job, I walk through their home to find out what their style is and how this new project will flow with the rest of the house,” says Jan. “If it is a new build, clients can show me some inspiration pictures on what they are hoping to achieve and that is really helpful. I am then able to take those pictures and create collages and sketches, bring their vision to life.” One of the things Jan loves about her job is that no two jobs or clients are the same. “There is no one size fits all and nothing is the same,” she says. “Every single project, house and client are different. Their needs are different, their styles are different and the end result is different.” Jan is able to accommodate the clients needs and help them in whatever way they need. She can work with a local general contractor to ensure the project is moving along the way it should. She can accompany the client to local showrooms to select flooring, tile, countertops and more. She can select furniture and lighting that will work in the new space. And she can arrange the furniture and decor so everything comes together. Whether you are starting from the beginning of building your dream home or just want to refresh your living room with new furniture and paint, Jan can help clients out at any point in the process. “Sometimes people start out thinking they can do it all and they get overwhelmed and that’s where I come in,” explains Jan. “Not only do I know how 22 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
everything works together, but I can advise on what looks good. I can provide three options and have the client pick what they want or I can just make the decision for them. It is truly about what the client needs and wants.” Jan says her favorite part of the process is “making it happen!” EDUCATION & EVOLUTION Not only did Jan graduate from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Interior Design, she is an allied member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). This means that she completes continuing education each year to stay up to date on design trends and styles. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, ASID strives to advance the interior design profession, and in the process, demonstrates and celebrates the power of design to positively change people’s lives. “The design world is constantly evolving so being involved in ASID is important,” says Jan. “They lead conversations about topics that matter like human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being and sustainability. And then I can pass those lessons on to my clients and the design world in general.” Jan is always looking ahead and watching upcoming trends and styles. “A classic white wall color will always be in style but I think we are seeing neutrals making a comeback,” Jan explains. “Maybe moving a little away from grays and moving back towards taupes, cream and beiges.” She also says the natural look will be prominent in wood tones and bricks. “I think we will see more of a neutral and natural background or base, which gives people the option to add pops of color with pillows, fabrics and decor.” LOOKING AHEAD Strickland Interiors offers everything from full design services to paint color consultations. Important in the COVID-19 world, she offers online design consultations, where meetings and consultations can be done virtually. In addition to design services, Jan also offers Event and Party planning services as well as holiday decorating. The holiday season is just around the corner and Jan can get your home ready for Thanksgiving or Christmas, taking one of the stresses out of the season. In December, Jan will celebrate 10 years in business and she is already looking ahead with even more exciting projects, collaborations and ideas. Whether you are looking to build your dream home or want to refresh and update your current home, Jan Strickland is the one to call when it comes to design, consulting and styling!
Dr. Ronald Berry NINTH PRESIDENT OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
Dr. Ronald Berry
Named 9th President of the University of Louisiana Monroe BY ULM OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
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N SEPT. 3, 2020, AFTER A LONG DAY OF INTERVIEWS with the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors in Baton Rouge, Ronald Berry, D.B.A., was announced as the ninth president of the University of Louisiana Monroe. During his interview, Berry spoke of his vision for ULM to continue to serve as a beacon for opportunity and inclusiveness for Northeast Louisiana. He emphasized his belief in the importance of approachability and accountability in his leadership style. Berry was joined by his wife, Christine, who is a faculty member at the University. “I measure success by happiness,” Berry said. “Faculty will be excited to come to work, and students will be excited to come to learn. I’m interested in the intangibles – the lives we change and the communities we improve. We will change lives on the bayou.” Berry’s selection is the culmination of a seven-month search process. “I promise you we will work as hard as we can. We will make miracles happen on the bayou. We will change lives,” Berry said immediately after being named president. Berry, a native of Winnsboro, LA, and a two-time graduate of ULM, has served ULM for 25 years. He advanced through the academic ranks as assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor of Information Systems. Berry began his academic administration career as Department Head of Computer Information Systems, Interim Dean, then Dean of the College of Business and, most recently, Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences. A sign stating “Student Centered: Excellence Driven” hangs in his office and serves as Berry’s motto. As a first-generation student who came from an impoverished household, Berry understands and appreciates ULM’s impact on students and the communities the institution serves. Forty-three percent of ULM’s undergraduate students are Pell Grant recipients, and 31 percent of the fall 2020 freshman class are first-generation. “I believe strongly that where a student begins life does not predetermine their path through life or final destination. The vision for ULM must continue to be to transform lives and serve as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty in Northeast Louisiana and bringing true equality, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all citizens in our region,” stated Berry. As Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences, Berry has built a diverse leadership team, spearheaded the college’s academic program accreditations, received substantial external funding, made and 26 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
improved alumni relations, created partnerships locally, statewide, and nationally, and built a culture of student-centered learning. Berry has worked closely with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, serving two years on the executive board as Vice President for Membership and Vice President for Business Advocacy and six years on the board of directors. Berry served as chair of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana for two years and seven years as a board member. “It will be an honor and privilege to serve the ULM family and community as the ninth president. Throughout the search process, I was inspired and overwhelmed by the support, enthusiasm, and excitement around ULM’s future and look forward to collectively realizing our full potential,” stated Berry. Berry had his “partner, best friend, and wife” First Lady Dr. Christine Berry with him throughout the entire presidential search process. FIRST LADY CHRISTINE BERRY, PH.D., CPCU, ARM, ARE Dr. Christine Berry moved many times as a child and young adult. She has lived in eleven different states but has lived in Monroe for nearly 20 years and considers it home. Berry is the Kim Sledge Endowed Chair and Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, Director of the Small Business Risk Management Institute, and Program Coordinator for the Risk Management and Insurance program. Prior to joining ULM in 2001, Berry was a Risk Management Consultant and later the Director of Education with reinsurance brokers E.W. Blanch and Benfield Group in Minneapolis, MN, and Dallas, TX. She also served as an Assistant Professor of Risk Management at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Berry earned a B.S. in Finance from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in Risk Management and Insurance from Florida State University. She has also earned Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Risk Management and Associate in Reinsurance designations. Berry has worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Insurance during her time in Louisiana. She was appointed by Governor Blanco to serve on the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission and later served on the Property and Casualty Insurance Commission. “We want the ULM community and Northeast Louisiana to know how much their support has meant to us since even before this process began. Words can’t express how excited we are to be a part of this amazing group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community, and look forward to working together to create a bright future,” stated Berry.
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Lasting LEGACY
haring a home with your extended family is such a treasured gift. And if you are lucky enough to have a connected space where your objects, art and antiques can be reinterpreted in a new way again, it can be extraordinary. Welcoming beauty in all stages of life is such a noble intention and lasting legacy. This stunning room is just the latest chapter in the story, a brief (and beautiful) moment to reflect on the generosity, the creativity, the passion, the inspiration that is the life of Sally Hines. Living now with her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Terry Reeves, Sally’s eye for detail and worldly collections have made the transition seamless. Inspired from a painting she has loved for decades, her new linen floral bedding is a flirtatious palette of Persimmon and Watered Blue that she coupled with a liquid velvet throw. (Sourced from Material Things) Sally’s edit is a mix of comfort and sophistication. She has effortlessly paired pedigree antiques, modern classics, and contemporary objects that make a statement. And just like her, the art, accessories and objects she has chosen to bring to her new space, her new room, are ageless.
FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041
A Life Plan Community Five Things to Consider When Developing Your Plan for Retirement
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HEN YOU THINK OF RETIREMENT, WHAT DOES IT look like? Do you wnat to travel and spend more time with your family and friends? Or would you rather stay home and focus on doing what you love? Either way, most older adults want to enjoy their life and cherish their future without working. Approaching retirement age is when older adults should consider lifestyle options and begin visiting retirement communities. Start by making a plan of how you would like your retirement to look. While we all look forward to retirement, those looking for a place to live without the burden of home maintenance should strongly consider a Life Plan Community (also known as a CCRC – Continuing Care Retirement Community). A Life Plan Community is a retirement community with multiple lifestyles and levels of care at one location. These lifestyle options offered at a Life Plan Community are independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. And, did you know just over 100 miles away there is one located in Shreveport, Louisiana? The Glen, located at 403 East Flournoy Lucas Road in Shreveport, La., is a Life Plan Community in Louisiana. As a nonprofit community, The Glen has served older adults in North Louisiana for more than 120 years and has a trustworthy reputation among families and others in the community. Many benefits await the older adults who choose to move into a Life Plan Community like The Glen. Most find it can be even more beneficial to move to a community while you can enjoy an independent lifestyle that includes all of the amenities. Here are just a few benefits of choosing a Life Plan Community like The Glen: 1. One move to one campus: The Glen offers every lifestyle – independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care – all on one campus. When your needs change, you won’t have to worry about moving to a completely different location – you simply transition through the levels of care and lifestyle options available at the same address. 2. Peace of mind: It’s been said that choosing to move to a Life Plan Community at a younger retirement age is the best gift you can give your adult children and it is true! Living at a Life Plan Community can help provide peace of mind for residents and their family members because of the health and wellness services readily available to
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residents at the community. Living at The Glen, where compassionate staff and friendly neighbors form a supportive community, give the residents the opportunity to lead a more active life – without the worry. 3. Improved wellness for the body and mind: According to the 2019 Age Well Study, residents of Life Plan Communities reported their social, intellectual, physical, and emotional wellness have improved in varying measures since moving to a Life Plan Community. The Glen caters to each of the five areas of wellness with the various services and amenities provided – these include lecture series, continuous learning opportunities, performing arts presentations, fitness and exercise classes, faith-based services and new wellness amenities that will be available when Redbrook at The Glen opens in 2021. 4. Increased social activities that are readily accessible: Why stay alone at home waiting for your friends or family to call? Residents at Life Plan Communities reported to the 2019 Age Well Study that their social wellness improved since moving to a Life Plan Community. This is a very important aspect of life at The Glen. Residents at The Glen have many options to participate in which include a wide variety of activities and ways to interact with their friends and neighbors. According to the Elder Care Alliance, research has found that social support can play a significant role in overall health as people age. 5. Aging well: Life Plan Community residents have more favorable average scores on all measures of physical, social, and intellectual wellness compared to older adults in the general community, according to the 2019 Age Well Study. “Findings from the 2019 Age Well study suggest Life Plan Community residents are, as a whole, aging very well,” the study reports. (Source: https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/ importance-of-socialization-in-aging/ ) Considering these five benefits and many others, a Life Plan Community provides the best option for finding a lifestyle in retirement that is right for you. Other residents have also mentioned that a Life Plan Community can provide more financial stability down the road. Gathering information now from communities you choose will help you understand prices and finalize some of your plans for retirement. Have you checked out a Life Plan Community? If not, call The Glen and learn more benefits of how moving early can help your health in the long run. Call 318-798-3500 or schedule a tour at theglen. org/contact-us. You can also reach out by email at info@theglen.org. The Glen has so much to share!
BAYOU ARTIST ROBIN HAMAKER
VISION IN BLOOM
Of the services Robin Hamaker provides through Robin Hamaker Art & Design, perhaps the most valuable is vision. Whether it is an interior design project or an art consultation, Robin is able to see past what is in front of her, to envision what can be and hold onto that vision in the midst of moving parts, scattered pieces, and the sometimes overwhelming messiness of a place in progress. This has served Robin’s clients for her 13 years in interior design and consultation, and it has also served her. She is able to bring and maintain this vision in her work for others because she has practiced the same throughout her own life.
ARTICLE A l a n a Wa g n e r P H OTO G R A P H E R Ke l l y M o o r e C l a r k WEBSITE w w w. h a m a ke r- a r t- d e s i g n.c o m
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obin was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a mother who was a homemaker and a father who was an orthopedic physician. She grew up with a desire to learn and a creativity that was fostered at home. Though she already knew she loved art, the influence of her father’s career led her to study molecular biology at Tulane University in New Orleans, in which she earned a Bachelor’s of Science. Yet the vision of being an artist and her desire and need to create remained in front of Robin. “Art eventually won out,” she said of her decision to pursue a career as an artist after college. She still takes great interest in biology, sometimes getting the impulse to enroll in a class to satisfy that part of herself. “I would have the best drawings of molecules out of anyone else in the class,” she said with a laugh. Robin’s three siblings have similar interests and pursuits to her own. Her sister Tish Miller is also a designer, and the two often collaborate, particularly if Tish needs a piece that she can ask Robin to paint for a remodel or redesign. Cynthia Ryan, Robin’s youngest sister, is a jewelry designer. Robin’s brother, Mike Bailey, followed the route of the sciences as a medical representative. “But he’s also creative,” Robin said. “Everyone is creative, just in different ways.” Robin believes that everyone has a creative aspect and merely needs the place and the opportunity to give way to that creativity. Both of Robin’s sons also have distinctly artistic careers: her first son, Miles, is an urban designer and landscape architect in Oslo, Norway, and her younger son, Graham, works for Fat Possum Records in Oxford, Mississippi. Shortly after graduating from Tulane in 1984, Robin was offered the opportunity to open her first studio in Covington, Louisiana, so she rooted herself there for a time. She was approached by a local business owner who had an empty studio previously used for photography. Robin said that it needed a lot of work to get it into decent shape for her purposes, but she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The benefits greatly outweighed the cost. While the studio space was much more affordable for Robin than others at that time, more importantly, this allowed her to take part in an effort to revitalize the area. “I was fortunate to be a seed in planting and revitalizing downtown Covington,” she said. Thus, Robin Design Studios opened in 1985. Other studios and artists’ spaces soon began to appear alongside Robin’s studio. She said this was an invitation that she and other artists received and a pattern they followed multiple times: being offered a studio space for a lower cost in dilapidated areas in exchange for helping to breathe life back into those places. It was an arrangement that proved fruitful for everyone involved. During her time owning and running Robin Design Studios, Robin began designing restaurants. From 1990 to 1995, she helped plan and design several restaurants, most notably Semolina Restaurant in Metairie, Louisiana, and Coffee Rani in Covington. These jobs are what eventually led Robin to the interior design work that she does now. While working with these restaurants, Robin was able to collaborate with other artists and creatives. The collaborative aspects and possibilities in her work are some of the most enjoyable for Robin, in both her design work and personal art. While for interior design, this may look like hiring local vendors; in her artwork it means learning new styles from other artists. She attended an artists’ workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2016, where she had the experience of artists sharing their methods with one another. “I learned techniques that I never would’ve thought of using,” Robin said. She would love to attend more workshops and 34 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
co-ops like this so she can continue learning from other artists and growing her own range in her painting. Robin’s paintings are a way for her to process through what is happening in her life currently as well as what has happened in the past. She has an ongoing floral series titled “Flowers, Wild & Tame” that reflects her awareness of and connection to the cycles of life. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which devastated New Orleans in particular, her works took on a misty, vague, and undefined character, and she began her “Mist series.” Hurricane Katrina was just one of several significant and unexpected events that have brought periodic interruptions to Robin’s life and work, including a move to Monroe, Louisiana, in 2012 to be near her family. Yet through all of these events, she has painted, returning to what she knows and placing before herself that vision of what can and will be again. From her restaurant design work, Robin then moved to working with galleries. She served as gallery director for Brunner Gallery in Covington from 1997 to 2004 and has represented Henry Hood Gallery in Covington and LEVEE GALLERY in Monroe. Both Robin’s art and design work have also taken her much farther than Louisiana. She has traveled as far as Florida and New York to meet and consult with clients and exhibit her work. Though the series of interruptions kept Robin from formally establishing Robin Hamaker Art & Design until 2014, she began doing her current interior design and consulting work in 2007. She offers services to redesign a single room, specific features throughout the house like window treatments or cabinetry, or, as she does most often, to plan the remodel of an entire home. “We strip it down to the studs,” Robin said of her usual starting place for a project. Robin has her eye on everything from the planning of the layout to the placement of light switches, carefully and thoughtfully planning out the smallest detail to best meet the purpose of the space and the needs of the client. These fine details, she said, can be some of the most overwhelming. It is in these moments that her ability to cast and see the vision for that space is most needed and valued. Keeping this perspective is perhaps more easily done for Robin’s clients than for herself in a remodel, though. She remodeled and designed an 1850s home, drawn to the house for its character. “It was a pain to do,” she laughed, “But it reminded me of being in New Orleans, and I couldn’t pass up this house.” And in spite of any difficulty, Robin feels rewarded by seeing a space transformed. Because there are so many pieces that have to come together throughout a redesign or remodel, Robin tries to get to know her clients first. “I want to design the space to suit their personality,” Robin said of the importance of this relational aspect of her design work. She’ll talk with the client, sharing openly about herself and striving to create a space for conversation and mutual comfort. When asked about the role that perfection plays in her work, Robin said that it depends on what’s before her. The design work that she does for clients and the painting she does for herself have different audiences. Even within her design clients, the spectrum is broad in terms of each client’s expectations. Robin said there are some people who give her free rein, trusting the entire process to her once they’ve settled upon what the job is to be. Others, she said, like to be involved in the minutia of the work. Regardless of the client’s chosen level of involvement, Robin wants the finished product to meet the client’s wants and needs exactly. With her own work, however, her needs are met not only in the finished product but in the making, as well. While perfection may not be a driving force for Robin, intentionality is. Her goal in a home redesign or remodel is to create a space that feels comfortable, that truly does feel like home. She tries to bring the same feeling when redesigning commercial
spaces, as well. She will consider the setting and the service being provided, especially when working with spaces in healthcare, and see what elements can be added to create a warm and inviting environment that makes the client feel cared about just from sitting in the waiting room. Robin brings in local artwork that captures the atmosphere and brings a personal touch. She also makes changes to the seating or the colors of the room. Robin believes that even these small changes are significant for the client, especially in a place where the client may already be going through something difficult. “When they know you care, it enhances their experience,” she said. To Robin, success is relative. A successful design job is when the client feels at home. In her own artwork, a successful piece is one that conveys the intended message to any viewer, even as that necessarily takes on a subjective character for each person. Perhaps the viewer didn’t experience Hurricane Katrina, but if the “Mist series” can still communicate a sense of uncertainty, Robin is satisfied. Robin does commissions and enjoys the opportunity to help complete a space. Sometimes, she’ll even have a piece already done that fits well. But she makes sure to give herself time and room to focus on her own work when needed. Whatever changes or disruptions come next, Robin knows that painting will continue to be a constant for her. “It’s always what I come back to,” Robin said. She also said that she finds it interesting when people witness or learn what she has experienced and tell her that she’s strong. “I don’t think I’m strong,” she said, “I just think, what else can I do but keep going?” Her art helps her do just that.
You can view the wide range of Robin’s interior design and art consultation services on her website, www.hamaker-art-design.com. Here, you can also view Robin’s artwork, including her two ongoing series, and her artist’s biography. Robin is on Facebook @RobinHamaker and Instagram @robinhamakerartdesign, where you can view both artwork and previous design jobs. You can also find Robin at her studio on Art Alley in Monroe.
Getting Kids to Brush Teeth How to Make Brushing Fun
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ON’T WORRY, WE’VE ALL BEEN there… we’ve all experienced the struggle of trying to convince children to brush their teeth. Something about an object invading their mouths sends them squirming. If you have ever wondered how to get a clenched-mouthed toddler to open up, or are tired of reminding older kids to brush before bed, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, “Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning” (CDC.gov). This is especially true in our area where we don’t have fluoridated water. Here are a few suggestions from our family to yours on how we encourage our kids’ participation in their oral hygiene. GAMES If you can convince them it’s fun, kids will do pretty much anything including brushing, so turn it into a game. Play make-believe. If your child is into trucks and tools, pretend their toothbrush is a construction tool. Put it in their hands, let them play with it before it has to “go to work” on their mouth. This trick was used to convince our 3-year old nephew at an appointment that it was okay to get a cavity filled. He loved all the dental tools! Bring in favorite teddy bears or dolls to have a tooth brushing competition. Make believe you are brushing their favorite superhero’s teeth before he saves the universe. SONGS Brushing should last 2 minutes (2-3 times a day). Have a song you sing, hum, or play when brushing teeth so when it’s over they 36 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
know they’ve brushed long enough. We sang “Brush Your Teeth by Raffi” as kids. Alexa has lots of options you can dance along to while brushing. Make it a family event. Seeing mom or dad dance while brushing takes it up a level! APPS Disney Magic Timer by Oral-b is a fun interactive app for kids. Games and favorite Disney characters encourage kids to brush often and longer. Brush DJ is an app that plays songs for 2 minutes so they know when they are done. It also includes animations that encourage kids to brush. Brush Up: Toothbrush Trainer app has an animated character that teaches youngsters how to brush and lets them win prizes. Toothsavers app allows them to save the kingdom by brushing. There are many more out there so you’re certain to find one your kids love. ROUTINES, CHARTS & REWARDS We use a chart for morning routines to encourage kids to remember everything they need to do to get ready for school. There is a picture of a toothbrush for brushing teeth and they check it off when done. Allow kids to take part in selecting the reward they are working towards when the chart is complete. If you start children off as babies making brushing part of their routine, they’ll come to expect and perhaps look forward to it. At bedtime our kids are excited to brush because they know storytime is the reward! On weekends, use family movie night as a reward for getting ready for bed and brushing teeth. If a young child is adamant they brush their teeth on their own, use that as a reward for mom or dad brushing for them first.
USE DISCLOSING TABLETS If your child is old enough to know not to swallow disclosing tablets, let them dissolve in their mouth and swish them around. The dye will stain plaque and clean portions of teeth will stay white. It’s fascinating for kids to see just how much plaque they are missing when they brush. Also available are two tone disclosing tablets where old plaque shows up blue and new plaque is colored red. Brushing properly will remove the color. This will not only be fun, but will motivate them to brush better on those hard to reach places. As soon as baby’s first teeth come in they can start visiting a dentist. One of the biggest problems we see in our office is tooth decay caused by bottles and sippy cups at bedtime. Avoid sugary drinks, milk, juice in bottles and snacking at bedtime as the sugar from these sources can cause tooth decay. At Tuft Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend children brush and floss their teeth 2-3 times a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Children 10 years and younger should have the help of a caregiver when brushing due to a lack of manual dexterity at their age. Sealants can be a great option for preventing cavities on permanent molars and can be applied during a regular check-up. If you’d like us to teach your little one how to brush properly, bring them by for a cleaning and check-up. We’re here to help with any of your child’s dental concerns. Love,
The Tufts
Tuft Pediatric Dentistry www.tuftpediatricdentistry.com (318)410-0044
Trio’s Expands to Ruston Same Great Food in a Second Location
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OR OVER TWO DECADES, TRIO’S DINING ON FORSYTHE in Monroe has provided guests with sumptuous food, gratifying cocktails, relaxing ambiance, and an innovative menu. Overall, Trio’s continues to perfect the recipe for an ideal destination for friends, family, and even strangers to gather, meet, and enjoy each other’s company. While a staple of fine dining and comfort food for those in the Monroe area, perhaps the only single issue for fans of the restaurant who live in the Ruston area is the 30-mile drive. Fortunately, that concern can be laid to rest. In early September of 2020, Jenifer Johnson, the proprietor of Trio’s, opened the doors to the newest branch of the eatery. Located at 101 Pelican Boulevard in Ruston, the expansion westward brings a great deal of anticipation and joy to residents whose love for Trio’s unique offerings can now be satisfied as often as they wish. Often, when business owners attain great success and the idea for branching out enters their minds, a certain amount of trepidation may develop over concerns of potential bad timing, less than ideal financial returns, or stress over exceedingly long hours. However, for Johnson, these understandable fears did not faze her. For the previous eight years, she had eyed possible locations for a second Trio’s. In late 2019, a tremendous spot became available, and her patience for securing the highly-desired site was rewarded. Knowing that Trio’s has been and remains a favorite for those in the Twin Cities, she was also aware that many regular patrons made that long drive solely to visit her dining room. With that in mind, she purchased the second location and without looking back, implemented her vision for a Trio’s West. Happily exclaiming that the restaurant business is her passion and that the timing was perfect, and with the wish for reinvigorating one’s life through the exhilaration of taking on a formidable adventure, Johnson jumped in. If the number of first week visitors is any indication of the gratitude for her willingness to take that chance, then it appears that opening in Ruston was a great idea. In the end, Johnson stated that having a Trio’s in Ruston was not a random shot in the dark. As she lives near the area, she has fallen in love with the entire town, from its historic and diverse downtown businesses to the sprawling Louisiana Tech campus. Additionally, due to the tremendous growth of local commerce combined with the idyllic downhome cultural charm, it seemed the only place meant to house a second Trio’s. Adding in the already varied options of local restaurants, bringing in their niche menu with its blend of Mediterranean and Southern meals promises to enhance Ruston’s dining scene. In fact, the
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familiar stars of the menu that have kept so many people coming back to Trio’s time and again are to be found on the new menu as well, but Johnson also wanted to take the opportunity to add some new flair, and with the help of Ruston-based chef Toby Spring, Ruston-inspired items can be discovered sprinkled from the appetizers to the desserts. So, while the Truffle Fries certainly remain, Trios Steak Bites can now also be found. Along with the gumbo and Aegean Shrimp Salad, Ruston Trio’s has added a delectable Roasted Corn Soup and the sweet and delightful Rustic Peach and Veggie Salad, which is infused with sweet potato, bell peppers, and, of course, Ruston peaches. The Rustonian Sandwich will certainly emerge as a favorite, with its flavorful combination of sliced ham, provolone, spicy mayo, and roasted Ruston peaches. Add to these novelties the unique Pulled Pork and Peach Quesadillas, the genius Trout Mayhaw, and the irresistible weekly dessert specials created by Muriel Woodard, and anyone can see that the Ruston Trio’s is set to bring in happy guests by the droves. Oh, and although it’s not there yet, once the famous brunch menu makes its way west as well, those wishing to get into the restaurant may want to think about calling ahead! Even though the newest version of Trio’s has only been open for a short time, Johnson has been overjoyed at the response, and not only from the customers. She proudly stated that the support from the local community and businesses has been pleasant, which certainly also reflects how special Ruston is. The location doesn’t hurt either as being perfectly settled between the bustling downtown and one of the many beautiful residential neighborhoods adds to the inviting vibe. One of the driving forces that inspired Johnson to choose her location was not only her enthusiasm for the direction of Ruston, but also for that area of town and its business growth in particular. With the move to Ruston, too, she wanted to be sure that as a newly in place business owner that she did what she could for the local economy, and that included hiring Ruston residents. In fact, besides manager and steadying influence Michael Walker, every new Trio’s employee is a local. Although the Ruston Trio’s has only lived for a brief time, it appears that every facet of the business points towards a special group led by a special owner who are doing their very best to bring a special restaurant to a deserving city that is hungry to continue positively expanding, investing in their citizens, and infusing vitality into Northcentral Louisiana. Hopefully, they don’t get too full, though. I wouldn’t want them to miss out on the Salted Caramel Cheesecake.
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BAYOU HOME Jardiniere from Material Things; Tray from Haven; Fabric swatch from Fabulous Fabric, Stool from Walsworth & Company; Large planter and candle holder from Palette House; Serving utensils from Woodstock Garden & Gift; Vase from Lauren Roebuck Designs; Candlesticks from Ivy & Stone
BRASS TACTICS Brass finishing and dĂŠcor are back in style. Give warmth to your home with antiqued brass accessories and furniture. BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
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BAYOU HOME PILLOW TALK Transition from summer to fall by changing your pillows. From bold prints to leather, these pillows are our favorites. BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
Clockwise from top left: Jaguar pillow from Material Things; Paint pillow from Walsworth & Company; Textured pom pillow from Ivy & Stone; Jewel-toned pillow from Palette House; Geometric velvet pillow from Lauren Roebuck Designs; Abstract print pillow from Fabulous Fabric; Leather pillow from Woodstock Garden & Gift; Neutral geometric pillow from Haven
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BAYOU HOME Cream pillow from Woodstock Garden & Gifts; Chair from Palette House; Hexagon-patterned fabric from Fabulous Fabric; Acrylic and gold side table from Material Things; Woven Cream pillow from Ivy & Stone; Cosmetic bag from Haven; Velvet throw from Material Things; Plum-colored pumpkins from Walsworth & Company; Pumpkins with feathers from Lauren Roebuck Designs
VELVET TOUCH Incorporate this luxurious fabric into your home by adding a jewel-toned throw or a chic pillow. IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
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B AYO U D R I N K S
SPIRITED COCKTAILS Add a little Halloween magic with these crafty cocktails that are sure to cast a spell on your adult party guests. From Spooky Sangria to the Ghostly Greek, these drinks are scary-good. IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
GHOSTLY GREEK COCKTAIL from Trio’s Ingredients: 2 ounces of vodka 1 ounce of triple sec 1 ounce of lemon juice Prosecco Fresh mint
HALLOWRITA from La Catrina Ingredients: 2 ounces tequila 1 ounce triple sec 2 ounces of mango juice Margarita mix
Muddle mint into a shaker, then add ice triple sec, vodka and lemon juice and shake. Pour into flute and top with Prosecco and a few spigs of fresh mint.
Combine ingredients, shake gently and into a glass with fresh cut mango and a Chamoy sauce on the rim.
SPOOKY SANGRIA modified from inspiredbycharm.com Ingredients: 1 bottle light-bodied Spanish wine 2 cups apple cider 1/2 cup apple brandy 1 apple, chopped 1 green pear, chopped 1/2 orange, quartered and sliced Seeds from one pomegranate about 1/2 cup 3 cinnamon sticks Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate overnight.
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Vanguard Realty Expands Local Real Estate Firm Plans Vanguard Business Center
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HIS MONTH MARKS THREE YEARS SINCE VANGUARD Realty cut the ribbon on their location on Antique Alley in the heart of downtown West Monroe. In those three years, the local real estate firm, led by mother and daughter-in-law duo, Jackie Guillot and Heather Guillot, has grown by leaps and bounds. They have grown so much that they are excited to announce their new location - the Vanguard Business Center. However, they aren’t going far from their current location. The Vanguard Business Center will be located on the corner of Commerce and Natchitoches Streets, directly behind their current office, and will break ground later this year. “We definitely want to stay in downtown West Monroe,” said Heather Guillot. “We are involved in this community and this is the heart of this community so we want to continue to be a part of the revitalization that is happening in this area.” This new space will give Vanguard the opportunity to continue to grow. “This new building will allow us to serve our clients even better,” explains Heather. “Additionally, we will have room for our expanding team.” Vanguard currently has 32 team members, serving Northeast Louisiana from Arcadia to Tallulah and Lake Providence to Grayson. “Our agents are your neighbors and friends,” said Heather. “We call this community home too. We know it’s streets and neighborhoods because they are our streets and neighborhoods.” The Vanguard team has years of realty experience to work to find the home you have always wanted in Northeast Louisiana. Their current team includes: • Jackie Guillot • Heather Aulds Guillot • Shelly Witherington • Donna Minter • Danielle Clack • Connie Albritton • Justin Gwin • Tammy Gunter • Mickey Plunk Freeman • Casey Tyler • Ashton Smith • Dawn James • Linda Woods • Lakesha January • Justin Sutherland 48 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
• Michael Brakefield • Tanya Gray • Sharon Ford • Inga Chevalier • Stephanie Wesley • Stephanie Howell • Liz Hammett • Jamey Kellum • Brian Kellum • Spencer Moore • Vicki Bennett • Shannon Bennett • Mitchell West • Bo Witherington • Su Ann Dycus • Lisa Smith • Whitney Jackson, Office Manager
One of the things that sets Jackie, Heather and their team apart from other real estate agents is their ability to think outside the box, allowing them to market themselves and their listings in a creative way, reach a wide audience and, ultimately, help their clients purchase a new home or sell their property. When Vanguard first opened their doors, they had a vision for their new business. “Our goal was always to be centered on God, family and community,” said Heather. And they have done that well over the past three years. They have been and continue to be committed to Northeast Louisiana, making it a better place to live for their clients. From volunteering at The Home Coalition and Riverbend School to providing snacks and goodies for teacher appreciation, they are always looking for ways to give back. Vanguard is proud to support local schools, churches and local nonprofit organizations, which is important now more than ever. If you are looking to list your home or searching for your dream home, contact Vanguard Realty. Jackie, Heather or one of their experienced agents will be happy to help you out and welcome you into the Vanguard family!
It’s a Wrap
New Fresh Mex Location Opened in West Monroe
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F YOU HAVEN’T BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK THEN you’ve definitely heard the buzz about Monroe’s newest authentic Mexican Street food restaurant, La Catrina Mexican Taqueria. After seeing the overwhelmingly positive response to this style of fresh and authentic dishes, Owner Allen Sandoval decided to venture further into the life of a restauranteur and open up his newest twist on the original La Catrina, La Catrina Fresh Mex Wraps! This new offshoot of La Catrina Mexican Taqueria will take the dishes of Mexican street food and put a fun new spin in the presentation. Customers will still be able to enjoy the rich flavors and bold fresh seasonings, but Fresh Mex Wraps will allow for the customizing of each plate ordered. With the popularity of “build your own” taco and wrap places quickly on the rise, Sandoval saw an opportunity to give his customers just one more thing they would love. Come by for lunch, dinner, or an in between snack and build your burrito, bowl, salad, nachos, or tacos by first choosing your meal style. They even offer a wide selection of tortilla flavors including a traditional flour tortilla, a wheat tortilla, a flavorful spinach tortilla, or a Jalapeño Cheddar tortilla for a kick of spice . Next, customers will choose their savory selection of protein from the meats and veggies grilled up to perfection. • Grilled Chicken • Steak • Grilled Shrimp • Ground Beef • Carnitas • Veggies Customers can even choose to double up on the delicious protein selection or add extra queso or fresh avacado (for a small upcharge). After the tough decision of which mouthwatering protein will fuel their meal, there is a selection of just the right style of rice and beans to fill the burrito or bowl. The following are offered daily: • Mexican Rice • Lime Rice • Cauliflower Rice • Black Beans • Refried Beans 50 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
With each style being more delicious than the last, restaurant goers should expect a little bit of food envy for whichever they didn’t go with this round. No worries though! You can come enjoy these incredible flavors daily and even be rewarded as a frequent customer at La Catrina Fresh Mex Wraps! Finally, after the tough decision of proteins and rice or beans, customer get to select all the toppings they want! Be warned though, your eyes may just be bigger than your stomach when viewing these perfectly crafted fresh toppings. • Veggies • Fresh Jalapeños • Chopped Onions • Lettuce • Guacamole • Pickled Jalapeño • Corn • Shredded Cheese • Sour Cream • Cheese Dip • Cilantro • Diced Tomato • Spinach • Pico de Gallo No matter the meal choice, customers are definitely going to want to come back for more once they’ve tasted these fresh and flavorful build-your-own options. The delicious food along with the added bonus of a loyal customer reward program makes La Catrina Fresh Mex Wraps one of the best new additions to the dining selection in the Twin Cities! Stop by 103 Basic Drive, right off of the I-20 Thomas Road exit in West Monroe today and treat yourself to all this fresh flavorful cuisine has to offer. Be sure to follow both La Catrina Fresh Mex Wraps and La Catrina Mexican Taqueria on Facebook today to stay up to day on new menu items, specials, and giveaways!
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AT R I G H T: A D OZ E N G R I L L E D LO U I S I A N A G U L F SHRIMP IS SERVED W I T H H U S H PU PPI E S , CO L E S L AW A N D FRENCH FRIES
BAYOU EATS When you name your restaurant after the state dog of Louisiana, you’re not making a subtle statement. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a short-coated canine, known for its striking appearance of varied coat and eye color patterns, including the recognizable icy blue eye. A tough animal, bred for swamps and forests, this pooch is the only breed of dog that historically originated in the state. So when managing partner Colby Mardis, and owners Shane Smiley, and Robert Little kept coming back to the name Catahoula’s when conceptualizing their southern eatery, spawning an exceptional menu, and creating aesthetic to compliment the bayouside view, they knew they were tapping into the uniqueness of what the bayou state has to offer. Article by VANELIS RIVERA
P H OT O G R A P H S B Y K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K
M A K E S U R E TO T R Y C ATA H O U L A’ S O N I O N R I N G S - T H I N LY SLICED RED ONIONS SERVED WITH A SIDE O F C H I P OT L E R A N C H OR THE DELICIOUS SOUTHWEST SAL AD W I T H R OA S T E D CO R N , B L AC K B E A N S , PI CO D E G A L LO, B ACO N A N D JA L A PE Ñ O S .
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ell, I’ll tell you, it’s been a long time coming,” says Smiley who, inspired by the sports bars he frequented during the twenty years he lived in Pennsylvania, began to consider how he could translate the northern set-up to suit southern charm. “It’s something that a lot of people don’t want to tackle, but it’s something that I wanted to do and things kind of came together, and I had the opportunity to build it on the bayou and... really that was the final decision,” he adds. Though most definitely a personal investment, Smiley also considers Catahoula’s an investment in his community. As someone who has been involved in service for over a decade, he has a predisposition for community development. For that reason, he knew the man to consult and ultimately partner with would be Mardis, a culinary school graduate and seasoned restaurateur. “You’ve got to be a crazy person to be in the restaurant business,” chuckles Mardis. Actually, what he’s hinting at is that you’ve really got to love it, and as someone
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who has helped open four restaurants, including Trapp’s, Mardis has an affinity for food service. “Makes me think I should probably get into the restaurant consulting business,” he says playfully. “It hasn’t slowed down since we’ve opened,” says Mardis. Though the team planned to launch the new and exciting establishment in March, the pandemic and a few other technical mishaps pushed them back to opening on August 10th, which ended up working to their advantage, as they fortunately missed the quarantine restaurant shutdown. More and more people are opting for dine-in restaurants, especially in places with outdoor seating, for an uninterrupted pocket of time for normalcy and decompression. And what better place to recharge than one offering good eats and an unmatched view. “I’ve always thought that we’ve underutilized our waterways, whether by the river or bayou,” says Smiley. All around, Catahoula’s evokes a casual sports bar feel with Louisiana flair, but the bar-style seating on the wood deck overlooking the bayou allows guests to take a little more in beyond
AT TO P: A R OA S T B E E F P O B OY I S M A D E WITH HOMEMADE S LO W - R OA S T E D B E E F SERVED WITH A SIDE O F B E E F G R AV Y A N D YO U R C H O I C E O F O N E SIDE.
the tantalizing fried and grilled Southern bar staples. “We wanted a place that is the atmosphere you get when you go down south,” says Mardis. That criteria couldn’t be any better met, as dining patrons can enjoyably witness the calming ebb and flow of rippling water, the ruffling leaves of cypress trees, and the occasional roaming heron. While the bayou naturally provides panache, the restaurant’s interior is designed for celebrating-a shorts and tee shirt kind of place! Greeting customers at the entrance is a doormat styling Catahoula’s logo, designed by Smiley’s daughter. An all-wood bar gives patrons easy access to the continuous flat screens for sports enthusiasts, while white walls become the backdrop to the unfinished wood accent wall. Glass roll-up garage style doors open to the deck for extended views of the bayou, a feature that will become increasingly popular come fall. “I’ve had people tell me that, you know, eating there, they don’t even feel like they’re in Monroe, and that’s ultimately my whole goal,” says Smiley, adding that he wants Catahoula’s to also be the goto place for out-of-town visitors. “I want it to be an experience,” continues Smiley, remarking on the significance of fully developing an accessible space alongside a carefully catered menu. The daunting task of constructing a simple bill of fare that would allow dishes to be expedited in a timely manner, fell to Mardis. Growing up, Mardis was always the friend flipping burgers and steaks on the backyard grill, but when he began to watch Good Eats on the Food Network, he fell in love with the goings on in the kitchen, driving him to reconsider his role as bartender and taking the plunge into culinary school. His graduating class initiated with forty-two students and at the finish line dwindled to twelve. Clearly, Mardis doesn’t back down from a challenge. He credits his culinary school experience with sharpening his knowledge of the business side of the restaurant profession, one he has already put to practical use and has elevated at Catahoula’s. Focusing on quality instead of quantity, the colorful and inviting menu is divided into six food categories of five to eight food items-perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Mardis encourages first-timers to start their meal with the onion rings. Usually onion rings are thick, but at Catahoula’s they are thinly sliced, using red onions for a touch of sweetness, and served with a little spice in the form of their chipotle ranch. One of the more popular dishes, the Southwest salad (also featuring their house-made chipotle ranch), consists of a romaine and iceberg blend with roasted corn, black beans, pico de gallo, bacon, and jalapenos. Seasoning is in high-gear at this establishment, from their fried pickles (thinlysliced Claussen pickles, hand-breaded, and served with a fresh herb and buttermilk ranch dressing) to their fried shrimp (twelve Louisiana gulf shrimp, deep-fried or grilled, served with coleslaw, fries, and hushpuppies). It makes a big difference
when a restaurant offers in-house sauces, and the Catahoula team is particularly proud of offering their own tartar and cocktail sauce, as well as gravy and all of their salad dressings. “We try to keep everything local,” says Mardis, referring to their eggs from Double BB Farms, a local micro farm located in Monroe, and their produce from Robertson Produce, Inc. Their catfish platter consists of five deep-fried or grilled catfish strips sourced from Haring Catfish in Wisner, Louisiana, also served with coleslaw, fries, and hushpuppies. “We get compliments all day every day on that,” says Mardis. Working with a condensed menu doesn’t mean the occasional special won’t appear on a chalkboard stand. “In the winter, we’re going to add a seafood gumbo and chicken sausage gumbo,” Smiley enthusiastically reveals, adding that the team won’t be missing out on crawfish season either. Surprisingly, Smiley is not a “big dessert person,” but one thing he highly recommends people giving a whirl is their homemade bread pudding. This recipe from Mardis’ personal reserve is delightfully served with homemade brown sugar praline sauce and has become a quick favorite. Joining the dessert listing is your choice of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry milkshake and key lime pie (tart, rich and creamy filling made with freshsqueezed key limes on soft graham cracker cookie crust). Just enough sweet in a richly savory menu! “We’ve been blessed with a lot of community support,” says Smiley, adding, “and I think that folks get a sense of when you really care.” The Catahoula’s staff is also a significant marker of the overall experience of the space. The waitstaff, madeup of mostly college students (many from ULM just on the other side of the bayou), often take care of the “small things” like picking up straw wrappers and assisting each other with bussing tables, exuding a desire to serve. “It’s like taking a test,” says Smiley, referring to the amount of preparation required to keep an A-plus with customers. Thus far, they’re keeping tabs on ways to make the enjoyment of clientele the forefront of their restaurant curriculum. At the end of the day, what matters to Smiley is the experience that Catahoula’s has carefully curated for their guests. There is an unmistakable pride of place that permeates the bayou; add Louisiana food staples to the mix and a deck which is magnificent at night with its exposed wood ceiling and hanging Edison bulb string lights, and the result is an ode to culture and place, kind of like the tenacious breed that serves as namesake for Monroe’s new kickback spot. Catahoula’s is located in 5321 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA. They are open Monday through Thursday between 11AM to 9PM, Friday between 11AM to 10 PM, Saturday between 8 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday between 11 AM to 3 PM. They welcome you to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
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BAYOU HOME
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At left: Star print rug from Woodstock Garden & Gift; Textured rug with neutral pattern from Ivy & Stone; Belgian linen fouta from Material Things
NEUTRAL GROUND By layering different textiles, a neutral space can be transformed from drab to fab. BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
Natural neutrals are a great way to add warmth to a room. Brighten your space with a stone lamp like this one from Walsworth & Company Below: Add warmth to any room with a faux plant. Plant, beads and stone bowl available at Palette House; Diffuser from Material Things; Tray from Walsworth & Company
At right: White upholstered headboard and bedding from Haven. Metallic embroidered pillows frrom Fabulous Fabric
At left: Side table from Haven; Lamp from Walsworth & Company; Wood bowl from Lauren Roebuck Designs; Vintage suitcase from Material Things
DESIGNER TIP FOR NEUTRAL SPACES:
Sandy McMillan at Haven says, “Layering different textures or patterns add interest when using an all white or neutral bedding.�
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Fishing With Kenny Bass Fishing’s “Five for Fall” article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON
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t’s no secret I love hunting season. The leaves on the trees are changing colors, the morning air is crisp and cool, and the woods are full of hunters chasing their game of choice, leaving very few people on the water. In a lot of fall fishing scenarios, I have pulled up to a boat ramp and found that I have the water all to myself. Bass fishing tranquility at its finest. Fall has always been my favorite time to fish. Over the years I have found that I catch more and bigger bass in the fall than I do any other time of year. Usually the fish are grouped up and where I catch one, I can catch several. I have always believed this is due to less boat pressure and the fish not having to see so many lures day in and day out. While fishing in the fall over the years I have put together a lure selection that has proven to work no matter where I go, no matter if I am fishing in tournaments or just pleasure fishing. By having a good idea of what I am going to fish before I get to the water, I’m allowed more time to search for active fish once I am there. Before getting into my choice of lures, let’s talk briefly about what I look for on the water to help locate and catch fall bass. The first thing you want to do is start searching the backs of creeks and pockets for schools of shad. Fall bass key on shad due to their abundance and the ease in which bass can find them. Be very observant of bird activity. If you are riding down the lake and you see white egrets or herons in a specific part of a flat or area of the lake, those birds are there for a reason and you can bet shad will be present. Allow the birds to help you find the shad so the shad will help you find the bass. Another thing you want to consider is water depth. Since I love to fish shallow water,
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I spend a lot of my fall bass fishing in less than five foot of water. One thing I want to make sure you understand, bass this time of year can be found in only inches of water. I have caught them where you would swear you could see their backs out of the water. Remember, you can never fish too shallow. So, now that we have found baitfish in an area that we believe holds actively feeding bass, what lures do we want to use? Remember, lures are only tools. Each one has a specific job and while some lures are great at locating fish, others are better fish catchers. Here is an example: if I am fishing a shallow flat with a topwater lure and have fish strike at my lure but won’t take it, I know I have found a potentially good area. If I switch to a spinnerbait and begin catching fish, I will have figured out the correct lure for the conditions and the area I am in. The topwater located the fish, the spinnerbait allowed me to catch them. In the fall, regardless of where I am fishing, the following five baits are the first one’s I take out of my rod locker: a spinnerbait, squarebill crankbait, topwater lure, Rat L Trap style lure, and a small jig. These choices allow me to cover just about any situation while I am trying to figure out the fish activity for that particular day. My first choice is always a spinnerbait. It is versatile and you can cover a lot of water with it. I can burn it close to the surface, slow roll it around trees and timber, or run it in and around grass. The biggest key to fishing a spinnerbait this time of year is the speed of the retrieve. I’m basic with my lure choice as I always start with a shad colored ½ ounce double willow leaf version. I have won more money fishing a spinnerbait in the fall than any other lure that I own.
My next choice in my “Five for Fall” lures is a squarebill crankbait. I use both the 1.5 and the 2.5 versions but I have found the 1.5 to be a more consistent fish catcher. The larger lure tends to work better later in the fall once the water has cooled down. The squarebill is especially effective when used around rocks, cypress trees and boat docks. I keep my color choices shad based, but in the fall, chartreuse/ black is a great color choice. Lure choice number three is a topwater lure. My favorite is a Zara Spook but I will use a Pop R or a buzzbait, depending on if I have grass in the area I am fishing. The Spook is my go-to because it catches both numbers and size of fish. I have seen days when you can catch fish all day just running the bank with the Spook. It is a lure that is both a great search lure and fish catcher. When it comes to an all-round great fall fishing lure, this next one is arguably the best. The Rat L Trap style baits have been around for decades and are just as effective today as they were 50 years ago. I tend to go with the smaller ¼ ounce versions for no other reason than I catch more fish with it. Chrome/blue is pretty much the only color you need but a basic shad pattern will do. The one thing I always tell fishermen is to make sure you change your hooks to an EWG style and use a good crankbait style rod when using this type of lure. These two changes will help you hook and land more fish. My last lure choice is used for cleaning up an area after I have made my initial pass through it and want to try to catch any fish I may have missed. It is a 3/8 once Strike King Bitsy Flip jig, black/blue with a matching Zoom Jr. Swim chunk trailer. This little guy is great for flipping/pitching trees, docks, laydowns or whatever visual cover you can see. It is also a great way to catch the biggest bass in an area that you have already fished hard with other lures. I have won more big bass pots in the fall on this lure than I can count. It’s a big fish catcher! Well, it looks as though we have run out of time and space for another month. I sure hope we have been able to give you some good information that will help your fall fishing trips be more successful. Be extra careful on the water this time of year as the duck hunters are enjoying the waterways as well. If you have any questions or comments about this months “Fishing with Kenny” article, feel free to drop me a line at KennyBassman225@aol.com. I would be glad to hear from you! See you next month!
Holidays in CedarTown Enjoy Holiday Shopping from the Comfort of Your Home This Year
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RE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT WAY TO JUMP start your holiday shopping? Then we have great news! Holidays in CedarTown, North Louisiana’s Premier Holiday Market, is going VIRTUAL! On November 12th-14th you will be able to shop with fabulous merchants from across the South by visiting the Holidays in CedarTown website: www.holidaysincedartown.com. No masks required, and you can shop in the comfort of your home while sipping on coffee or a cocktail. Simply scroll through the vendor profiles and when you see something you like click their link and you will have endless possibilities for great gift items. We will miss seeing you in person this year, but with the limitations of COVID 19 and concern over the well-being and health of the entire Holidays in CedarTown community, the virtual market became the reality. CedarTown shoppers and merchants are truly a family of great friends and neighbors, and our mission this year is to offer service and support to our community. There is no fee to shop, and you will want to follow us on Instagram (Holidays_in_CedarTown) and Facebook (@ HolidaysinCedarTown) for some great giveaways and prizes. Holidays in CedarTown co-chair, Kelly Smith stated, “When we came to the realization that an in-person event was not possible, we immediately began the process of planning for the virtual event. Our main goal was to offer an opportunity that not only supported our merchants and shoppers, but also our communities.” She added, “I have been a volunteer for Holidays in CedarTown for 25 years, I have seen first-hand the benefits it provides to the North Louisiana community. We wanted to make sure this year was no exception.” Merchant co-chair, Emily Pullin added, “We are so appreciative of our merchants and the amazing products they bring to the market each year. Their response to the Virtual Market has been enthusiastic and they are eager to connect with our dedicated shoppers online. This year, that location may be your living room or your back porch!” Whether you are shopping at your kitchen table or office, you can be sure that you will find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Looking for a great piece of original art or gourmet food items, you will find it! Searching for a pair of boots for dad or a holiday arrangement for your neighbor, possibly that perfect candle for a friend or custom stationary, simply scroll along with us at the Holidays in CedarTown Virtual Market. Our CedarTown Community Christmas Raffle is designed to support locally owned small businesses. Cedar Creek School Parent Club President, Joanna Dugdale shared, “When we discussed how difficult the last few months have been for small businesses the idea of the Community
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Christmas Raffle evolved. We were delighted when Durrett Law and Title agreed to be the sponsor.” Tickets are $10 each or three for $25. One very lucky winner will receive a $1000 gift certificate to the locally owned small business of their choice. If the winner wishes to spread a little Christmas community cheer, the prize may be divided between four locally owned businesses. The winner of the CedarTown Community Christmas Raffle will be posted on the Holidays in CedarTown website and on our Instagram stories at 4 p.m. on November 14th. Our children’s raffle includes a special visit to the Crumb’s Catering Christmas Cottage, where Santa’s Elves will be on hand to help up to eight good little boys and girls decorate their own gingerbread house and Christmas cookies. Legacy Pediatrics has put a special call in to Santa and Mrs. Claus to drop by for pictures and make sure the elves are doing an extra special job. This event will take place at Crumb’s Catering in Ruston on Saturday, November 14th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 11th at 4 p.m. on the Holidays in CedarTown website and on our Instagram stories. Wendy Merchant, Cedar Town co-chair, and occasional Mrs. Claus for our children’s event stated, “I always look forward to our Jingles and Jammies Saturday morning breakfast and visit with Santa that has become a CedarTown tradition over the last several years. After all, I am Mrs. Claus! I think the Crumbs’ Christmas Cookie Cottage is the perfect alternative for this year and is going to be a very special experience for the winner. Who knows, it may become another great CedarTown tradition and I will make sure that Santa receives that special call from Legacy Pediatrics!” The Holidays in CedarTown committee is thankful for the continued support of Origin Bank, Green Clinic Health System and Lola Magazine. Lomax Napper, Cedar Creek alumnus, parent and board member stated, “Community events would not be possible without the ongoing support of area businesses. Holidays in CedarTown is one of those events and we appreciate our community partnerships.” Visit the Holidays in CedarTown website for the list of merchants that will be participating in our Virtual Market November 12th – 14th. You may also purchase tickets for the CedarTown Community Christmas Raffle and the Crumb’s Catering Christmas Cottage Raffle. All raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $25. Mark your calendars to join the Holidays in CedarTown community for three full days of virtual shopping. Remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for great prizes and give-aways. We cannot wait to kick back, get comfortable and complete our shopping lists!
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Bayou Pages
NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “You Think It, I’ll Say it” by Curtis Sittenfeld REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE
“When I finished, I walked along Walter St, not entirely sure what to do. I had no idea, of course, that all of my feelings of my youth that would pass, it was this one, of an abundance of time so great as to routinely be unfillable, that would vanish with the least ceremony.” This collection of short stories by Curtis Sittenfeld explores human interactions, the everyday moments stripped of ceremony or exaggerated significance. The topics range from misunderstandings between genders, unexplored sexual and emotional impulses, adolescent reflection, marital strife and triumph, and the compromises we make as human beings to coexist. Over the course of ten short stories, readers are introduced to flawed narrators, battling some inner turmoil that has lay dormant for years. In “The World Has Many Butterflies,” Julie is enamored with this little game she plays with someone else’s husband at social gatherings. She mistakes her enjoyment with true connection to the man and begins fantasizing about being truly understood by someone else. In “Bad Latch,” a woman compares herself to a supposed supermom in her breastfeeding class, obsessing over her insecurities and unwillingness to conform to society’s definition of modern motherhood. In “Plausible Deniability,” William listens to his brother’s marital frustrations during morning jogs and battles the repercussions of his own divorce a decade prior. Sittenfeld creates endearing characters while exposing their idiosyncrasies. They wear their weirdness in full view, diving into social judgment as opposed to shying away
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from full disclosure. The dialogue is often unexpected, making the plots unpredictable and the characters stimulating. Sittenfeld refuses to tie her stories in a bow, instead leaving many open-ended plot points and relying on readers to form their own conclusions. Her stories are written with the responsibility of interpretation resting on the reader’s shoulders. In “A Regular Couple,” newlyweds Maggie and Jason encounter another couple from Maggie’s high school days. The honeymooners inevitably compare their relationships, seeing themselves through the lens of familiar strangers. In “The Prairie Wife,” Kirsten obsessively follows Lucy via social media, as her online persona appears completely hypocritical to the woman who served alongside her at summer camp. When Lucy makes a bold announcement on a daytime talk show, Kirsten examines the impact of her twenty-something decisions on her life as a committed wife with twin boys. Sittenfeld is the New York Times best-selling author of Prep, American Wife, and Eligible. She writes honestly and unabashedly about life in the current era, with characters providing subtle commentary on the state of the world and the common absurdities we engage and ignore daily. Short story collections are often a welcome break from a novel’s requirement of repeated interruptions before the book’s conclusion. I read each story in one sitting, and while I had to bid farewell to some characters sooner than I wanted, a newer intriguing one was waiting on the very next page. This book does include some sexually explicit descriptions and some instances of offensive language.
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Bayou Pages
NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “The Jetsetters” by Amanda Eyre Ward REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE
“She wanted him to know she’d been a stunning beauty once - that inside, she was still that graceful young boheme. But strangers seeing you as someone you couldn’t bear to be was simply one of the indignities of age. You could accept it, rail against it, or just pretend it wasn’t happening.” This novel is a light, summer read for those who appreciate a peek inside a typical dysfunctional family set against the backdrop of an elaborate Mediterranean vacation. Charlotte Perkins is a woman who turned 70 in a flash, now with grown children experiencing the same disappointments she has tried to suppress. She appreciates a finer lifestyle she can no longer afford, though she refuses to settle for anything less. Her three children have scattered, now busy with their own lives that they’ve conveniently kept hidden from their mother. She misses them, but is also finally trying to find an independence she can live with. Her eldest daughter Lee is a struggling actress in Los Angeles, her son Cord a closeted entrepreneur in New York, and her youngest Regan trying to decide between holding her picture-perfect family together or exploring her own emptiness. Charlotte has taught her children to suppress emotions, yet feels left out when they don’t share their true feelings. While the plot sounds heavy, Ward sets the novel at sea, the family thrown together for two weeks, unable to retire to their segregated
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corners. While exploring Europe and the luxury of the cruise ship, the Perkins’ clan uncovers who they’ve all become aboard the Splendido Marveloso. Love is the cornerstone of this story, how we seek it, deny it, and convince ourselves we don’t really need it. The characters are only lightly developed, as the plot is the primary mold of this novel. The chapters are brief, and from each family member’s perspective. The story is enriched by vivid accounts of what came years before, detailing why the siblings have isolated themselves and why Charlotte is intent on avoiding hard topics to keep the mood light for her adult children. In the presence of one another, they’re forced to examine their past and rethink their present. The family ties are strong, even for people so uniquely different. This book shows the struggle of escaping who were told we are in childhood and how we never really feel grown up. I breezed through this book in a few days, as the pace moves swiftly, and each chapter is often left with hooks that aren’t resolved until that particular narrator returns. It’s not one of those deep novels that makes you think, though you can see parts of yourself in the characters, particularly the longing for introspection and the difficulty of the whole endeavor. If you’ve ever ventured on a cruise, this will probably serve as a nice memory of your time at sea.
BAYOU HOME NOD TO NOSTALGIA Wallpaper never went out of style, just out of taste. Thanks to a resurgence, perfectly patterned walls combine timeless design with new beginnings. IMAGES BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
We asked interior designer, Jan Strickland, about her inspiration for this wonderfully wallpapered room. BAYOULIFE: What inpired you to make such a bold choice for this room? JAN: When the homeowner first came to me for the project, she said she wanted something colorful, floral and bold for her daughter’s bedroom. BAYOULIFE: Can you tell us some of your favorite places to source wallpaper? JAN: This wallpaper was purchased from Anthropologie, which is one of my go-to wallpaper sources. BAYOULIFE: What are your favorite rooms to use wallpaper? JAN: I love to use wallpaper in any space a client wants to make a bold and unique statement. Children’s rooms are fun but so are smaller spaces like laundry rooms and bathrooms/powder room. BAYOULIFE: DIY or professionally install? What is your advice? JAN: I always choose to allow professionals to do the work. Hanging wallpaper is an art form. It needs to be done properly to achieve the ultimate designer look.
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PAINT PROJECT Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis and First Lady Ashley Ellis used quarantine time to update their foyer with a hand-painted design mimicking wallpaper. We talked to Ashley about her inspiration and steps she took to achieve this look.
Paint Color: BEHR ANTIGUA
“I read somewhere that a foyer is like the cover to a book. It’s the first impression for those entering your home and should reflect your home’s personality. The space definitely reflects our family’s personality fun, non-traditional, maybe a little busy, but most importantly inviting.”
BAYOULIFE: What inspired you to create your own wallpaper? ASHLEY: I wish I had thought “let’s make our own wallpaper” which sounds very intentional, but I was really just looking for an interesting way to add some life to my foyer without tearing out existing wallpaper just to get started . But first things first, we completed this project in the third week of quarantine. We had been so busy with the campaign that it was a welcome change of pace, and like most people during the quarantine, we had experienced just enough time off to think it would be fun to start a new project. Of course, I had already cleaned out and organized my closet, so it MUST be time to put Friday to work, too! I’ve always loved the look of wallpaper, especially in small spaces like a foyer or powder room and Pinterest was a huge inspiration for this project. BAYOULIFE: Did you use a stencil or freehand? ASHLEY: It wasn’t stenciled. I am not very good at working with boundaries or even coloring in the lines for that matter! It was definitely a freehand project. We practiced our brush strokes using a couple of different brushes on a sheet of plain white paper. Friday’s strokes were much thicker, and mine were thin and more consistent. We liked one of the 1” angled brushes, so of course we went with that for the final project. I highly recommend hanging the samples on the wall to decide which color works best. When painting such small strokes, I think you should use a bright, more saturated color otherwise it just looks black. I knew I didn’t want a light color, so we went with a vibrant blue/green color that reminds me of the beautiful colors of a peacock feather (Behr - Antigua). I have always loved that color, but I could never muster up the courage to paint it over an entire room. BAYOULIFE: What did you have to do to get the walls ready for this application? ASHLEY: When we moved in years ago, we needed a fresh start, so I asked the painters to paint over the existing wallpaper for a quick fix. I couldn’t stomach the idea of wallpapering over wallpaper. Of course you could do it, but I was worried the new paper wouldn’t adhere properly. I also didn’t want to take down the existing wallpaper because I wasn’t interested in starting a major project. Spending a fortune on wallpaper wasn’t in the cards either, especially if it may not adhere properly. The next best option was to paint the wall to look like high-end wallpaper. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 71
BAYOU HOME
BEFOR E
FRONT DOOR REDUX Has your front door lost its welcoming appeal? We asked painting expert, Amy Simmermaker, to refinish this lackluster entryway. IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK AND TAYLOR BENNETT
AFTER
BAYOULIFE MAGAZINE: This homeowner’s door was in direct sun and happened to be dry and sun-bleached. What steps did you take to restain this wood door?
to cover imperfections from wear and tear. A cloudy, cooler day with minimal humidity is preferred to keep the door temperature lower and the stain easily applicable.
AMY: The first step is to sand any loose or peeling residue from the previous years that may have remained attached. Always inspect the door for cracks or separation in the wood (or veneer) that may have occurred due to weathering. Should there be any separations in the joints or within the panels themselves, be sure to fill with them with an exterior wood compound and sand flush once dried. Wipe back any remaining residue with either a damp cloth or with lacquer thinner. I choose thinner because it removes remaining grime, stain residue, and oils that may have built up through the years. It also opens the pores of the wood to accept the new stain. Apply your color(s) once the door looks and feels clean and dry. I prefer using gel stains due to the heavier pigments which tend
BAYOULIFE MAGAZINE: What kind of sealant would you recommend to use in on wood that will be outside? Are there certain times of the year or day that you would recommend doing this sort of project?
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AMY: I like to allow doors to dry overnight before sealing them with a clear satin UV Marine Grade oil base sealer. My brand of choice is “ProLuxe” for extreme heat and direct sunlight. Three coats is recommended for maximum durability with 12 to 24 hours drying time in between. ProLuxe is also great for stained wood columns and shutters. BAYOULIFE MAGAZINE: How often should you expect to refinish your front door? Would you recommend painting or staining?
AMY: My suggestion in keeping a great wood door in its’ best shape is maintenance and using a marine grade sealer. Doors with plenty of shade should hold their color for 5 to 10 years. As with wood doors in direct sun and heat in the south, I suggest lightly sanding and resealing with UV marine grade every 2 to 3 years. Should you consider a cost effective replacement in the future, I recommend textured fiberglass exterior doors. Not only are they more practical for southern sun and heat, they offer hundreds of designs and can be stained to look just like the real thing...without the headache! Amy Simmermaker started out in commissioned art 35 years ago specializing in murals and canvases. In 1995, she branched out into custom home finishes. To contact Amy for your finishing needs, email apsimmermaker@ gmail.com or find her on Facebook: Amy Peters Simmermaker
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Historical Impressions
HOME
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
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ome is a singular concept. I had a neighbor who was born in Monroe and said he’d been all over the nation but nevertheless claimed there was no where he’d rather live than Monroe. Home is also a fluid concept. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri but due to my career and my father’s career before that I have lived in many places in my lifetime. Visiting my parents in St. Louis feels like coming home even though I never lived in their current house and the city now is not what it was when I lived there. We lived for sixteen years in our Monroe house and it always felt comforting and good to walk in the door when returning from a trip. But we moved to Monroe from Florida and each time we traveled back to Florida for a visit we remarked that there was something special about crossing the state line on I-10. Even though there is no material difference between each side of the Perdido River, Florida just looked “different” and it felt good to come back. My father-in-law always said that your favorite place to live must be where you are right now because you can never go back. Having gone back to prior “homes” I understand the wisdom in what he said, yet a part of me also understands that a once-home still has some ability to reach into the soul and produce that feeling of “this is home.” Several times in the move “Dunkirk” one of the British soldiers gazes west across the English channel from the French
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shore and says some variation of “you can almost see home from here.” As the Germans closed in and continued to bomb and shell them it is understandable that these soldiers looked towards home and saw it so near yet so impossibly far away. When a young adult goes off to college or moves to a different city for a job it is normal to miss home and all that is left behind. Thoughts of home can be even more poignant for someone in the military who is deployed to another country that is vastly different from America, especially during a time of conflict. When we watch old movies about World War II or some other war we often see a character look at a picture of the girl left behind or reread a letter from a loved one before steeling himself for the upcoming danger. This brief scene is meant to show the person wanting to remind himself of “what he’s fighting for” or mentally telling a loved one his last thoughts before battle were of her or of him. It may seem melodramatic but it speaks to the truth of what happened and continues to happen. I never served in combat so I cannot speak from experience. But online, in books and in person I’ve seem many pictures that were carried into battle and read letters speaking wistfully of home. The Chennault Museum owns several of the decorative satin pillows that were popular among service personnel during World War II that had platitudes embroidered on them speaking to mother or to the home left behind. It does not happen often but I’ve spoken to combat
veterans who opened up about their thoughts as they prepared to fight. Thoughts of home and all that home implies were often present. Today’s military men and women have the real-time ability to communicate with those back home that was not available to those who served in the preinternet past. Home and loved ones can be seen anytime a person has a moment to reach out and contact those left back in “the real world.” I suspect this is a blessing and a curse at the same time. Home is not nearly as far away as it once was and the comfort of seeing it and talking to those you love brings happiness and may dispel- for a time- the loneliness of being away. But instant communication can also show just how far away home really is and maybe magnifies the pain of separation because you must say goodbye on a much more personal level and do so much more often. But when all is said and done I doubt anyone would stop calling home as often as they could- simply because it is home and thoughts of home are the lifeline that keeps us moving forward through all that must be endured. Back in the movie, a Royal Army colonel and a Royal Navy commander are standing on the Dunkirk jetty. The fleet of civilian rescue boats begins appearing from the sea mists and the commander raises his binoculars. The Army colonel asks his companion “what do you see?” The commander smiles with new-found hope and says “home.”
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GOLDEN DELICIOUS
GR ANNY SMITH
H O N E YC R I S P
FUJI
GAL A
P I N K L A DY
APPLE HARVEST It’s fall and that means fresh, crisp apples are in season. From mouth-watering Granny Smith apples to the classic Red Delicious apples, this guide is perfect for the apple aficionado.
RED DELICIOUS
IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK S W E E TA N G O Golden Delicious apples are firm and very sweet; Honeycrisp are slightly tart and aromatic; Granny Smith are tart and juicy; Fuji are extra crisp and sweet; Gala are mildly sweet and fragrant; Pink Lady are crunchy and sweet-tart; Red Delicious are very sweet and juicy; SweeTango are crunchy and slightly sweet.
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ART OF A SIMPLE FALL PUMPKIN SOUP Velvetty-smooth, this creamy pumpkin soup is the perfect dish for cooler temps. IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK INGREDIENTS: 1 pumpkin, halved, seeded and quartered 2 red bell peppers, quartered 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered 4 thyme sprigs 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 large sweet onion, chopped 4 cups vegetable stock 6 fresh sage leaves 1/2 cup heavy cream 3 tablespoons pepitas DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. Place pumpkin, bell peppers, apple and thyme in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine. Place into oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until pumpkin is fork-tender. Let cool, then remove skins. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.. Stir in pumpkin, bell peppers, apple, vegetable stock and sage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender. Puree with an immersion blender. Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable stock as needed until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, garnished with pepitas, if desired. * Modified recipe from damndelicious.net
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ART OF A SIMPLE FALL
COLOR ME HAPPY Add some spice...pumpkin, that is, to your life by painting your ghastly gourds in hot hues. IMAGE BY KELLY MOORE CLARK HOW TO PAINT YOUR PUMPKINS: Tape off stems with painter’s tape. Spray with matte spray paint. Paint one coat (slowly and make sure there are no runs). Once dry, paint a second coat. Let dry overnight before moving so they don’t scratch. (White pumpkins paint differently than the normal orange for different hues.)
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EERIE-SISTABLE Gather you goblins and ghosts for a perfect Halloween platter. Grab the season’s most spooktacular treats for a snack tray sure to scare up every spooky guest.
Taylor Bennett created this spooktacular display by combining some of our favorite Halloween treats. From candy corn to licorice, ghost-shaped marshmallows to Halloween Oreos, this platter is frightfully fun. Image by KELLY MOORE CLARK
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TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING. But at its heart, banking remains a ‘people business.’ So says Kevin Smith, market executive for Regions Bank in Monroe. Smith offered insights behind Regions’ move to a more modern location at Premier Plaza. We also learned about Regions’ customer commitment amid the pandemic and how technology is driving greater convenience. Here are the highlights.
BayouLife: Tell us more about the branch and office space you opened in July. Kevin Smith: Regions and its predecessor banks had an almost 60-year history at our location on North 18th Street. On one hand, it’s hard to leave a place where you’ve been for so long. On the other hand, we knew that location was no longer ideal for meeting the needs of today’s customers. Moving to Premier Plaza represents an exciting opportunity to invest more in Monroe with a new, vibrant flagship location. This location was designed with customer service in mind. Here, you won’t have to wait to be called up to an old-fashioned teller line and then ‘handed off’ to other bankers if you have a more complex need than the teller line fulfills. Instead, when you walk into the new location, you’ll be greeted by a local Regions banker who can connect you with customized insights to meet your own, unique financial needs. The design of the branch places a premium on one-on-one service that can help people make more informed financial decisions. We also have more convenient technology. We have a Video
Banking ATM in our drive-through that enables customers to connect with a banker via two-way video during evenings, weekends and holidays to conduct transactions or ask questions. We also have three Regions DepositSmart ATMs® that can accept deposits – and cash checks – at any time. Premier Plaza is home to our Commercial Banking, Agricultural Banking, Treasury Management, and Mortgage teams. The new location is designed to foster more collaboration and improve partnerships across all these teams. BayouLife: What can you share about Regions’ commitment to the Monroe community? Kevin Smith: We’re dedicated to supporting education, workforce readiness and financial wellness. We’re also committed to helping our neighbors when they face unexpected challenges like the devastating tornadoes that struck Monroe on Easter Sunday. The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit initiative of the bank that supports community investments, donated $10,000 to support United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s Tornado Relief Fund. And Regions Bank contributed $10,000 to support
United Way’s COVID-19 Response Fund. This year has been incredibly challenging. Because our associates call Monroe home, it was important for us to demonstrate our support by helping in meaningful ways. BayouLife: How else has Regions served customers during this unusual year? Kevin Smith: Starting in the early days of the pandemic, we offered special financial services for people and businesses experiencing hardships. Some of those offers have been able to expire now that we’ve gotten through the initial challenges. But we still have other options available, and we encourage people to speak with a local Regions banker about your individual needs. Also, from March through late August, we served branch customers through our drivethroughs and with in-person lobby service conducted by appointment only as part of our safety practices. While our lobbies are open for walk-in service again, we still encourage customers to make an appointment through www.regions.com. This helps us plan ahead for your visit, especially because we do limit how many people are in the branches at any one time given the ongoing need for social distancing.
We also rolled out a major upgrade to Regions’ mobile app, which was planned before the pandemic – but came in especially handy during this time as more people adapt to digital channels. BayouLife: Speaking of technology, what advances are you observing in the banking industry? Kevin Smith: It was just over 50 years ago that people began using ATMs – and many thought it would never last! Now, you can take a photo of a check and instantly make a deposit from your phone, check the status of your mortgage application in real time, or get a debit card made immediately at many of our branches. Banking has evolved significantly. And it will continue to do so. It’s an area Regions is focused on, with the bank investing $625 million last year alone in technology. We are investing in the services people want, from digital to branches. That brings us back to our people. While technology allows us to put the power of the bank in the palm of your hand, many people still prefer visiting a branch to get financial insights ahead of major purchases or big financial moves. So we’re enhancing how we meet both types of needs. As we say, banking is still a people business.
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Gallagher Acquisition Gallagher Buys Kirksey Agency
G
ALLAGHER IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN INSURANCE, risk management and consulting services. Much more than simply an insurance broker, they are an international group of partners that provide cost-effective, client-centric and expertise-driven risk management solutions. Their leadership team fosters a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture that has made them an innovator in creating new products and services. Gallagher is the third largest insurance brokerage in the world, and the Monroe office grew. They are excited to announce their recent acquisition of The Kirksey Agency. Led by Bill and Grace Kirksey, The Kirksey Agency has been a leader in the Crop Insurance industry since 1980 extending to a 9-state area. In 2009, they expanded their offerings to provide a full range of commercial and personal products to clients in the Ark-La-Miss. “We have been approached numerous times by prospective buyers, but the Gallagher team got our attention,” explains Bill Kirksey. “It was very flattering to have Arthur J. Gallagher, a global company, interested in The Kirksey Agency.” But, it was a natural fit because both businesses pride themselves on their moral and ethical standards and putting the customer first in all that they do. According to Grace, selling wasn’t in the plans. “We were so busy that it took us three months before we even had time to meet with them,” she laughs. “I wasn’t interested in selling. I was shocked when a team of five showed up to meet with us. They were extremely professional and impressive…but so genuine! Our heart of service at The Kirksey Agency aligns with The Gallagher way so I knew it was meant to be!” Bill explains, “The reason Gallagher was a possibility was because of their moral and ethical standards allow us to continue to take care of our clients in the manner that we have always conducted business. This acquisition has added the strength and expertise of Arthur J Gallagher & Company.” And even though it has been a great fit, it wasn’t a decision the Kirkseys took lightly. “It was a very emotional decision,” said Bill. “Our agency represents 40 years of our lives…four decades…that we worked together to build a business, to build a brand, to build a life.” Grace feels like they have truly lived out the American dream and this is just the next step. In the last 10 years, three of the four Kirksey children have joined the agency and their fourth has helped the company with their social media presence. “We quickly recognized the vast opportunity of joining AJ Gallagher,” explains Grace. “The opportunities are endless
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for our children and our employees, allowing us to leave a legacy for them!” The professional environment at Gallagher is one based on family. Everyone is invested in each other’s success and The Kirkseys are happy to be a part of the family. “Area President, William Jackson, had an integral part of this decision “We are happy that the Kirksey family is now part of the Gallagher family!” While Gallagher is the third largest insurance brokerage firm in the world, the company’s emphasis on hometown service for its valued clients sets them apart from their competitors. The branch in Monroe is conveniently located on Tower Drive in the heart of Monroe. The Monroe office has 30 employees, creating a team of local, dedicated professionals offering a tailored approach to insurance. Being a part of a global company allows more leverage that smaller companies can’t provide. Gallagher brokers give advice, place coverage, redesign coverage, representing a full-service operation. And while the Monroe branch specializes in agriculture, railroad, public entity and construction insurance, Gallagher has the resources to consult and review any type of insurance program. With an intense focus on the company’s clients, Gallagher is committed to providing service with integrity. Clients get what they need when they need it, and this is a result of Gallagher’s exemplary team managers and members. Along with its local attentive team, Gallagher’s strategic advantages continue to raise client expectations in the region. The teams consist of experts who have skills and knowledge in a specific resource too. Any question is followed by a competent, informed Gallagher professional with the answer. Gallagher delivers world class products and services to local clients by local team members, establishing that hometown feel from a worldwide platform. Being a publicly traded company, Gallagher has to abide by laws and regulations ensuring their way of business is more likely to be free of error with potential problems having already been addressed and eliminated. The quality of the product along with the service provided by local team members are why The Kirksey Agency ultimately decided to sell and join forces with Arthur J Gallagher. These combined forces will ultimately benefit their customer, allowing them to give them the hometown service they have come to know and expect for the past 40 years, while having the global expertise of an industry leader.
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Judge Sharon Marchman Division B is assigned to Specialty Courts
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N NOVEMBER 3RD, MOREHOUSE AND OUACHITA Parishes voter ballots will include two district court races: 1) Division B, the seat currently held by Judge Sharon Marchman and 2) Division E, for which two local attorneys are vying. Division B is assigned to specialty courts including adult drug and DWI courts; juvenile drug court, child in need of care, juvenile delinquency, families in need of services, juvenile traffic, termination of parental rights, adoptions, judicial commitments and non-support. Judge Marchman is the only candidate in the race with specialty court experience. HISTORY IN THE MAKING Sharon grew up in Monroe and graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1978; received an accounting degree from LSU in 1982; and earned her law degree from LSU in 1985. In law school, she was chosen for Moot Court Board and Flory Trial finalist. Upon graduation, she clerked at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport for Chief Judge Pike Hall, who later became a Louisiana Supreme Court Justice. In 1985, Sharon returned to Monroe and joined the law firm of Theus, Grisham, Davis & Leigh eventually becoming a senior partner. She specialized in litigation, tried cases in courts all across North Louisiana, and served as 4th Judicial District Bar Association president. Sharon helped her clients resolve their legal issues and enjoyed getting to know them personally. Sharon made history in 2000 as the first woman to be elected to the 4th Judicial District Court. As a judge, she strives to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States, as well as the State of Louisiana, treat every person with dignity and fairness, and hear every case with integrity, independence and impartiality. Her purpose is to serve others and impact lives in a positive manner. COMMUNITY IMPACT In her 20 years of service, Judge Marchman has been the Chief Judge, Louisiana District Judges Association president, Louisiana Judiciary Commission chair, Louisiana Judicial College Board member, Louisiana Judicial Ethics Committee member, Louisiana Association of Juvenile & Family Court Judges and Louisiana Association of Drug & Specialty Courts. Additionally, she has served on the Green Oaks Detention Center Operations Committee, the Family Justice Center Board, the FBI Task Force on Human Trafficking, and a member of the American Inns of Court. 86 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Judge Marchman created a nationally recognized Juvenile Drug Court that has been replicated in other jurisdictions and deemed a Model Juvenile Drug Court by the MacArthur Foundation Models for Change. Additionally, she formed the truancy programs, the adult DWI Court, the criminal case policy board, hearing officer program, supervised visitation center, and Youth Services Planning Board. OUTSTANDING SERVICE Some of the awards bestowed upon Judge Marchman for her outstanding service to our community and the judiciary include ULM Community Partner Award, Public Official of the Year, Louisiana Family Advocacy Award, Jake Hadley Award for Drug Court and Champion of Louisiana Juvenile Justice. However, Judge Marchman believes that her greatest accomplishment during her judicial career has been influencing people to positively change their lives by becoming sober, employed and law-abiding citizens who are responsible for themselves and their families resulting in a safer and better community for everyone. FAITH AND FAMILY David and Sharon Marchman have been married 24 years and together they have two adult sons. They are members of All Saints Anglican Church where she serves as Senior Warden, Worship Leader, Lector and Altar Guild. Sharon is a life member of the NRA and is P.O.S.T. certified concealed carry which means that she is trained and certified to carry a firearm in the same manner as law enforcement. Her son is an Eagle Scout and she served as a merit badge counselor for his troop. Sharon is a member of the Daughters of the Holy Cross whose members commit to daily prayer, service, study and evangelism. She is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. A MESSAGE FROM JUDGE SHARON MARCHMAN Thank you to the voters of Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes for the privilege of serving as your district court judge. I am committed to continue working to improve the lives of children and families and I humbly ask for your vote on November 3rd.
THE WEEKEND HOUSE
Meredith’s Musings article by M E R E DIT H MCK I N N I E
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y maternal grandparents’ home still sits in a bend of Bayou Bartholomew, though now with new residents, people I’ve never met. When I ponder my childhood, many memories involve that little house, with the iconic view of the water, where so many Saturdays and Sundays were filled with laughter, learning, and Mamaw and Papaw’s full attention. Being the first local grandchild afforded me all the spoils, and my grandparents imprinted in my little mind what it felt like to be completely wrapped in love and affection. My grandmother Lorraine relished our weekend visits, or so I remember. We made cookies and nibbled watermelon. She would let me sit on the counter as she fed the rinds down the disposal. I sat in disbelief, as I couldn’t fathom how those large pieces fit into that little pipe under the sink. She would chuckle at my confusion, no doubt seeing the world through my eyes, a luxury of spending time with children adjusting to a big new world. Floor to ceiling windows spanned the length of one wall in the den, providing the picturesque view of the water just yards out the front door. At Christmastime, a big green artificial tree took center stage in the window, and a white picket fence surrounded the base. Two patterned chairs sat on the right side of the room, where Mamaw would sit and read or do crossword puzzles. She always finished the puzzles in record time, with a Number 2 pencil in hand, rarely forced to erase an answer. As I grew older, sometimes she would ask about the pop culture questions. I felt a sense of pride when I contributed the correct response to complete the puzzle. Mamaw needed me, and it felt good to be needed by someone I loved so much. On the opposite side of the room, an emerald green velour couch spanned the wall, where Papaw lounged. His tall frame took up the entire three sections, and his black cowboy boots stood erect near the window and reached the height of the couch cushions. I would sometimes climb into the boots, and Papaw would chuckle and make some remark about how silly I was. His face was often hidden behind a Louis L’amour western novel. Multiple paperback books spanned the length of his closet on an upper shelf none of us little people could reach. Papaw loved hugs, never shying away from affection. Old pictures show him on the floor with us, his long legs seeming to stretch across the entire room. He smelled of outside and old flannel shirts. A little nub protruded from the middle of his hand where his ring finger should have been. His wedding ring had gotten lodged in a ladder, and when he fell, he lost the finger. In anger, he threw the finger and ring in the bayou, though doctors claim they could have reattached it. To make light of the missing digit, he would pull change out of his pocket, letting it slip through his hand. Early on, I knew different was okay, because Papaw had unique hands.
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Mamaw and Papaw’s big king-sized bed wasn’t big enough for the three of us on my overnight visits. As Mamaw and I would emerge from the bath in our pajamas, Papaw would diligently gather his pillow and head toward the back bedroom. Apparently, I kicked violently in my sleep, and Papaw preferred uninterrupted slumber. He never resented my intrusion though, always making light of the bed not being big enough. He wore old man pajamas, flannel pants and button-down nightshirts, not always matching, but always properly fitted. His slippers were as big as his boots, and he would hide them under the corner of the bed to make sure they weren’t hidden by pranksters during the day. Papaw didn’t hear well, and he had this headset so he could listen to the TV and not disturb Mamaw. My sister and I loved to secretly turn the volume to max capacity, and watch from a corner when Papaw placed the set on his head and switched it on. Surely after multiple instances of the same practical joke, he knew what was coming, but allowed us to revel in the triumph. After he recovered from the shock, he would slyly smile and look for the culprits snickering in the corner. He never took offense at being the butt of a joke. The float boat and dock just down from the house is where I spent many summer days. In the evenings, Papaw would drive us around the bayou, insisting he’d give us a quarter if we could spot the alligators lurking on the surface. The ancient life jackets would cover our ears, muffling the sound of the motor. The breeze off the water ruffled my blond curls, and I can still hear the quiet of nature as we rumbled past, at a slow pace that to a young girl still felt fast. Sometimes Mamaw would come with us, and other times she would be waving from the bayou bank as we returned, assuming she’d finished her puzzle. Countless memories were made at that house on the water, with two of my favorite people, now joined for eternity. I picture Mamaw in her chair, and Papaw on a green couch somewhere up in heaven. So much has happened in my life since they’ve been gone, Papaw passing 14 years before Mamaw did. I don’t get out that way too often, but when I do, I find myself lingering. I smile when I pass by the house, inevitably slowing my speed to soak up as much recollection as that bayou breeze will allow.
Leadership and Integrity
DA Steve Tew Personifies Excellence and Experience as a Prosecutor and Public Servant
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HEN STEVE TEW IS ASKED ABOUT HIS ROLE AS District Attorney for Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes, his eyes light up and he begins his response by recognizing and complimenting the work of his team. That humility, as well as a fiery passion for honesty and following the laws of our state, characterizes the type of leader Steve Tew really is. It is the type of leadership that the area’s chief prosecutor must have to be as successful as Tew has been after less than one term in office. Tew, who grew up in Ouachita Parish and graduated from Ouachita Parish High School and ULM, knows and understands the culture and people of Northeast Louisiana well. “Growing up, we weren’t rich or poor—just normal, with traditional family and personal values,” Tew said. “My parents taught us at an early age the important difference between doing right and doing wrong. We were taught to be accountable, responsible and to help others.” After graduating from law school at Southern University, Tew built one of the more successful private law practices in this area and served as an Assistant D istrict Attorney for 23 years. He has practiced law for 29 years. In college at ULM, he was an assistant strength coach under now legendary retired NFL strength coach, Al Miller. Steve and his wife, Nanci, who is also an attorney, have two children and four grandchildren. Those values have helped to define Steve Tew as a public servant. When Tew talks about prosecuting criminals, you quickly realize he is a passionate and tenacious fighter who will not back away from enforcing the law and protecting the public. Tew has implemented multiple programs designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the office. Once he tookoffice, after running unopposed in 2016, he promised to increase the number of felony trials, control the number of pre-trial detainees, and increase the efficiency of prosecution. With collaboration and assistancefrom law enforcement, the judges, thepolice jury, and indigent defender attorneys, Tew and his staff have turned these expectations and goals into reality. Since 2016, the DA’s office has almost doubled the number of felony trials each year. In 2019, they had more trials than in any year since this office began tracking them. Tew has also introduced the “SIP” or Screening Initiative Program, which achieves the dual goals of faster resolution of cases and decreasing the pre-trial detainee population. Through the SIP program, over 1,900 n on-violent cases, mostly felony, have
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been resolved since March 2017. Tew has also worked cooperatively with law enforcement to increase focus on drug interdiction and asset forfeiture cases. “Our goals in this area are to get drugs off the streets and seize money and other assets made from the sale of narcotics,” Tew said. “Drugs are at the heart of almost all of our other crimes. We must fight the problem at every level.” As District Attorney, Tew has refocused the office’s efforts around domestic violence. The Domestic Violence (DV) section at the DA’s office is dedicated to providing protection to the victims of domestic violence and holding offenders accountable for their actions. “Domestic Violence prosecution is difficult and complex. No other crime so closely involves the bonds of family and loved ones. The DA’s office has two Assistant District Attorneys dedicated solely to DV prosecution. They are joined by a team of Victim Assistance Coordinators and clerical staff who answer calls and meet with victims daily,”Tew said. A project recently started by the District Attorney’s office is the Youth Outreach Program. In 2019, ADAs and Victim Assistance Coordinators visited four local high schools to talk with students about domestic violence, dating partner violence and stalking. The Assistant District Attorneys and staff were able to help students identify actions which qualify as domestic violence. By teaching young people to value themselves and others, the District Attorney’s office hopes to prevent the spread of violence in our communities. Despite the goals achieved and improvements made in these first three years, Steve Tew has plans to continue the office’s progress. “My vision for the DA’s office for the next six years is to work hard to achieve even more in the current areas of focus. We will also work to better serve victims of crimes, focus on preventing juvenile crimes through education and cooperative programs, and improve the safety of our community by zealous prosecution of dangerous offenders.” Tew is also involved with the Louisiana District Attorney s Association (LDAA), and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Elected District Attorneys.Recently, he was elected, without opposition, to serve as the First Vice President of the LDAA and will serve as President beginning in August 2021. Early voting is October 20-27th and Election Day is November 3rd. Tew thanks you for all of your support of him and the DA’s office, and he looks forward to continuing to serve Ouachita and Morehouse Parish.
King’s Camp Celebrates
King’s Camp Vision 2020 Will Be A Fun Weekend For Everyone — Join Us
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ING’S CAMP IS HOSTING AN EXCITING WEEKEND called Vision 2020 Oct. 30th-31st. We will have a little something for everyone! There will be a 5K and 10-mile race, a family fishing tournament, worship sessions, kids’ activities and food trucks! The King’s Camp family will gather to remember the good work God has done through King’s Camp over the years and to anticipate what He will continue to do in years to come. Everyone is invited! It will be a reunion of sorts bringing together founding members of King’s Camp, early worship leaders, counselors and directors from throughout the years…as well as our current King’s Camp family. The event coincides with founder Molly Hartrick’s 10-year anniversary of her homegoing. Molly’s son Ben, has been running one mile for every anniversary of her death in her memory. Thus was born the idea of a 10year anniversary celebration in 2020 and a 10-mile run. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT KING’S CAMP VISION 2020? The weekend activities are designed to remember our past, celebrate our present, and look forward toward the future God has in store. Here’s a schedule of the weekend’s events: • Friday evening, Oct 30th at 6pm | Outdoor worship service at The Barn and panel discussion with King’s Camp founding partners led by Jonathan Wiggins. • Saturday morning, Oct 31st | King’s Camp 10 Miler and 5k to begin at 8am. King’s Camp Family Fishing Tournament throughout the morning. Morning Worship Service to begin at 11am. Games and activities for kids and food trucks throughout the day. Interactive display of King’s Camp history and legacy. • Saturday evening, Oct 31st | Outdoor worship service at the gym to begin at 6pm. A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER’S SON ON MOLLY’S INCREDIBLE VISION: As we launch into a new decade, it will be almost 35 years since the vision of King’s Camp was birthed and close to 45 years that believers first gathered to pray and worship in a horse barn... thousands upon thousands of prayers have been lifted up over the grounds of King’s Camp through the years. This year we are celebrating that vision; we are celebrating faith - the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we cannot see with the natural eye (Hebrews 11:1). Below Ben Thomason shares 92 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
a glimpse of his faith journey since the passing of his mother, King’s Camp visionary Molly Hartrick, who though she was physically blind had vision to truly see and hope with assurance in the faithfulness of God. An excerpt from Ben’s blog post: “To commemorate mom’s passing on Oct. 31st, our family tradition has been to go out to an open field on the west side of town to watch the day break and spend a moment remembering mom. From that spot, I’d start a commemorative run. One mile for each year since her passing.” “Two-thirds through my 9 mile run and I’m reminded of the reward of finishing the race while I’m in the midst of the struggle. When the steps get difficult. I count from 1 to 10, each step. One at a time, but as I work through each set, it somehow gets me through.” “Why 10? I remember this moment after mom had her second below-the-knee amputation. She came to a point in her rehab where she realized that she was going to have to work extraordinarily hard, or else give in and accept that a wheelchair would be her means of mobility. She was determined to not give up. I remember one day speaking with her on the phone and she was telling me about her physical therapy. She said, “Ben, today I took 10 steps. It was so hard, but I made it for 10 steps.” Small accomplishment, but yet so big. Taking those 10 steps that day was what she needed to do to move forward. She did not stagnate. She did not quit. She faithfully moved forward with what she needed to do that day.” “When I’m on my run, charting territory in terms of miles that my body is not used to, it begins to hurt. Thinking about how far it is to the end is daunting. I set my focus on the next step and count. 1…2…3…4…5…all the way to 10. And again, and again. Before too long, the load becomes lighter. Before too long the path becomes more manageable. I’ve made it through another tough stretch.“ “In life, we don’t know when the tough stretches will come, but we are all guaranteed to have some. When I’m in the midst of one, I’m reminded the importance of focusing on what needs to be done today. Where must I be faithful to keep moving forward.” “Part of the King’s Camp Vision 2020 celebration will be a 10-mile run. Whether you run, walk or even ride a bike, I hope to see you that day as we take a moment to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness in our lives. King’s Camp has touched my life and so many others. How will God use King’s Camp in 2020 and beyond for his purposes and his glory? Let us fix our eyes not on the things that are seen, but on the things
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Coors Seltzer A Seltzer Rooted in Purpose
BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.
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INCE 2015, THE WORLD ECONOMIC Forum has declared water crises to be a top 5 global threat to society over the next decade. Water issues across North America remain a top concern for the public and businesses alike. How we use, manage, and value freshwater will dictate the future of our communities. Fortunately, together we can change the course. MISSION Change the Course brings together corporations, conservation organizations, and the public to raise awareness about freshwater, reduce water footprints, and ensure clean and reliable water for rivers, commerce, and communities. HOW IT WORKS 1. Sponsors Fund. Water stewardship projects in geographies material to their operations or supply chain. 2. Change the Course Restores water quality or quantity to rivers, aquifers, meadows or lakes with local partners. 3. People are Inspired to conserve water through sponsor activation of Change the Course messaging, tools and tips. Enter Coors Seltzer: A seltzer with a mission. Coors Seltzer is the first hard seltzer to stand for something bigger than itself and give consumers an easy way to give back to their environment. Rooted in a higher purpose to give back, Coors makes it easy for consumers to have positive impact on the world. Coors Seltzer is partnering with Change the Course to protect America’s rivers that provide clean water to wildlife and millions of people. With each 12 pack of Coors Seltzer purchased, 500 gallons of clean water is restored
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to America’s rivers. Molson Coors is going to do this by donating $1 per case to Change the Course and their river initiatives. They project that in 1 year they will restore 1 Billion gallons of river water. That is 192 times the size of the Mississippi River! Crafted with only 90 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates, certified gluten free alcohol from real cane sugar, and a 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), Coors Seltzer makes giving back taste good. Each variety 12-pack will contain 4 delicious flavors. MANGO Appearance: Pure and refreshingly clear with a brilliant clarity. Aroma: Juicy tropical notes of freshly sliced, ripe mango. Taste: Crisp and perfectly balanced, with a hint of sweetness that elevates the juicy mango notes. Mouthfeel: Sparkling effervescence adds to the light body and delicate mouthfeel. Finish: Brisk and refreshingly clean, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle lingering mango. BLACK CHERRY Appearance: Pure and refreshingly clear with a brilliant clarity. Aroma: Rich aromas of ripe black cherries, blended with the subtly sweet notes of pie cherries. Taste: Juicy cherry sweetness that is delicately balanced to accentuate the bright aromas. Mouthfeel: Sparkling effervescence adds to the light body and delicate mouthfeel. Finish: Brisk and refreshingly clean, with a hint of cherry juice sweetness in the finish.
LEMON LIME Appearance: Pure and refreshingly clear with a brilliant clarity. Aroma: Natural citrus aromas of freshly squeezed lime juice, highlighted by bright lemon zest. Taste: A hint of sweetness that is delicately balanced by a refreshing hint of crisp citrus tartness. Mouthfeel: Sparkling effervescence adds to the light body and delicate mouthfeel. Finish: Brisk and refreshingly clean, with a subtle hint of lemon-lime in the finish. GRAPEFRUIT Appearance: Pure and refreshingly clear with a brilliant clarity. Aroma: Bright citrus aromas of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with a hint of grapefruit zest. Taste: Crisp and perfectly balanced, with a hint of sweetness that highlights natural grapefruit tartness. Mouthfeel: Sparkling effervescence adds to the light body and delicate mouthfeel. Finish: Brisk and refreshingly clean, with a grapefruit zest in the finish. For more information on Coors Seltzer, visit coorsseltzer.com. For more information on Change the Course and the wonderful work they are doing with conservation, visit changethecourse.us. Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases and 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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I Sprain, You Strain… Not Just for Athletes… How Can Sports Medicine Benefit Anyone. BY ANDREW G. PATTON, MD
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LOT OF PATIENTS THINK THAT SPORTS MEDICINE is only treating athletes, whether it be a high school or collegiate athlete or even pro athlete, but I think anything can be a sport. I think it depends on whatever keeps someone active. I treat patients with all different activity levels and of all ages. I treat patients surgically and nonoperatively with the goal of getting them back to their desired level of function. This is what sports medicine is all about. Being an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine means that I specifically trained in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Although many of these injuries are linked to athletic activity, conditions like ankle sprains and knee injuries can affect anyone—not just athletes. Sports medicine focuses on finding ways to prolong the life and function of joints, from shoulders and hips to knees and ankles. Ultimately, we must look at the whole patient look at the past, present and future… previous injuries, current activity level and lifestyle and their goals to maintain a healthy level of function for the duration. Some of the more common injuries a sports medicine physician might treat include: • Acute injuries: These are injuries that occur as the result of a sudden impact or fall, such as ankle sprains, muscle strains, knee and shoulder injuries, and bone fractures. • Overuse injuries: These problems develop over time when a repetitive motion causes stress on bone or tissue that results in gradual damage. Tendinitis and stress fractures are examples of overuse injuries. A lot of the patients I see, their main concern is their level of function or lack thereof… it may be pain or other symptoms that are preventing them from being as active as they want to be. For an elderly patient, that may simply be being able to still live in their home independently or get to the grocery store on their own. For a high school athlete, it may be coming back from an injury and returning to their sport with no pain and no limitations on the field. And, for the weekend warrior, it may be keeping up in CrossFit or running their first 5k. There are a lot of variables. Here’s where communicating with my patients becomes essential. The goals of every patient are so 96 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
different. It’s very important for me to try and understand what the patient’s goals are, so we can create a treatment plan that they can understand and follow… a plan that will lead to them returning to the level of function they desire. There are big rewards in my practice. There’s nothing better than having a patient that comes in to see you with a problem, going through the process of either surgical or nonsurgical treatment, and down the road, running into them at the grocery store or back in clinic to have them say, “Look Doc, I’m doing great. Look what I’m back to doing.” That’s incredibly rewarding. While I do enjoy the time I spend in the operating room, I also really value the time I spend with my patients in clinic. It’s a terrific opportunity for me to gain greater insight from my patient’s feedback, as well as a better understanding of what’s working for them and what could possibly be a better option. It’s all about helping patients maintain the level of function of where they want to be… helping to make an impact that can improve their quality of life. If you’re concerned about your level of function not being where you would like it to be … if be pain or other symptoms are preventing you from being as active as you want to be, it may be time to consult with a sports medicine specialist... we’re here to help. As Jim Rohn put it, “Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.” All of us at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana want to wish you a healthy and safe fall season… stay active and take care! Andrew Patton, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana. Dr. Patton is accepting new patients and sees patients of all ages and activity levels at both the Shreveport and Bossier City locations. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton, please call or visit: (866) 759.9679 or orthopedicspecialistsla.com
B A Y O U
F A S H I O N
COLOR THEORY
PALET TE HOUSE + PLUME This cropped sweater in blackened olive is paired with these high rise cropped boot-cut jeans featuring a coated denim and scissor cut hem.
Transition into fall with these luxe looks from area boutiques. From jewel-toned hues to sleek silhouettes, these outfits combine chic styles with bold colors. p h oto grap hy by K EL LY M O O R E C L A R K m o d e l M AC Y D EB N A M hair an d m ake up JA M EE AU T TO N B ER RY | R A I N
HEMLINE MONROE This floral dress is defined by feminine ruffle details that decorate the long sleeves and tiered mini skirt. Paired with pink suede booties and gold deco earrings, this look makes an easy transition from summer to fall.
PLUSH BOUTIQUE Bold and beautiful, this dramatic cape dress is stunning. Add black and gold fan earrings for a finished look.
THE NUDE NOMAD This gorgeous metallic embroidered wrap hoodie with open front draped design is worn over a knitted camisole. This look is complete with high-rise, straight denim and super cute cutout booties in bronze. Accessorize with layered necklaces.
DUST Y & COMPANY Perfect for fall weather, this chic sweater dress features balloon sleeve details and is paired with a statement necklace, chunky white stone earrings and sandcolored booties.
HERRINGSTONES This haute-hued halter dress in fuchsia features a tie-neck and drop waist ruffled hem. Pair it with Kendra Scott earrings and black square toe heels for a sophisticated look.
SOARING CEILINGS A trio of French doors opens into a cathedral-like living space with a soaring, vaulted ceiling. Floor to ceiling commercial grade windows bathe the room in natural light by day and emit a luminescent glow from within when the sun goes down.
A HOME FOR “MY GIRL”
IN THEIR “NOTHING TO DO TOWN” Country Music Superstar Dylan Scott and His Wife Blair Robinson Set Stage for a Family Retreat in the Piney Woods of Northeast Louisiana. Rafael Lara, One of Northeast Louisiana’s Most Sought-After Builders, Was Tasked With Constructing the Robinson’s Contemporary Home ar ticle by M A R É B R EN N A N an d p hoto grap hy by K EL LY M O O R E CL A R K
WHERE WE GATHER This image: In the expansive kitchen, light quartz backsplashes and countertops, fabricated by Twin City Granite, top rich, charcoal-hued Shakerstyle cabinetry and an enormous, storagecentric island. Family portrait: Blair Robinson and Dylan Scott with their children
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WHEN COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER/ songwriter Dylan Scott and his high school sweetheart and wife, Blair Robinson, sought to get away from the Nashville grind, they would travel back to their Bastrop roots for time spent in the company of their families and surrounded by the inspiration that has propelled the young star to the top of the Country charts and garnered him a nomination by iHeartRadio as Best New Country Artist in 2019. The love of hunting and holiday traditions would find the couple often spending extended time from November through December in north Louisiana, but now with two young children in tow, the Morehouse Parish natives decided a place of their own in the secluded piney woods near Log Cabin was the harmonious note they needed. “When we’d come home, we would split time between our parents’ homes,”
says Blair, holding the couple’s one-yearold daughter, Finley, while their toddler, Beckett, rides his bike around the spacious living room. “But with two babies we realized we needed a space of our own.” Dylan bought the forested property several years ago with the dream of adding a small, but efficient place to hang their hats when they visited Bastrop. The dream morphed into a roughly 3,000 square foot decidedly uptempo home that has become a place for both of their families to congregate and enjoy fellowship, especially during the holidays and the coronavirus pandemic. During the year it took to clear the land for the home, Blair and Dylan pulled together a home design mood board of ideas that appealed to them on Pinterest. Armed with those ideas, Dylan sat with notepad and pencil in hand to create the home’s layout. “I’d sketch and doodle,” Dylan smiles his 100 watt smile, “then I had a draftsman turn it into plans.” Adds Blair, “Our home in Nashville helped us really learn more about us and what kind of style we wanted for our
Bastrop home. Beckett has so much more room to run here compared to Nashville.” According to Blair, the couple’s Nashville home is more rustic, while she gravitates to more clean, crisp, open spaces that are still homey. Rafael Lara, one of northeast Louisiana’s most sought-after builders, was tasked with constructing the Robinson’s contemporary home. The homeowners worked with the Lara Construction team’s designer, Erin Love, to pick out fixtures and decide on key finishes and details. A black and white canvas with warm, neutral accents creates a cohesive beat. Says Rafael, “We kept a simpler approach with smooth wall textures, very simple baseboards, and no crown molding to keep the lines very clean. This is not your typical Acadian or farmhouse.” Just like Dylan’s fresh approach to his chosen genre of music, his family’s home in the woods takes well-calculated risks and finds an irresistible rhythm with the graphic lines of durable white metal siding and dark architectural metal roofing. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 107
PAVING THE WAY In the hallway adjacent to the kitchen, elongated brick pavers laid in a herringbone pattern add instant character to the space. The powder bath shimmers with a tactile black grasscloth wallcovering, which Blair sourced from Home Depot.
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ot just a pretty face, this home is built with highly energy efficient and upgraded air conditioning units and filled with spray foam insulation. The height of summer heat is no match for the Lara construction. Adds Rafael, “I was just up in the attic at 3 p.m. and didn’t even break a sweat!” Behind a gate secured by white columns, a pine and crepe myrtle-lined lyrical, curving allée opens to reveal a modern manicured meadow punctuated with a stunning contemporary home. Sleek lines with oversized windows and covered outdoor spaces that blur the lines between indoors and out set the tone. A pair of chic German shorthair pointers race to greet visitors and offer protection. A trio of French doors open into a cathedral-like living space with a soaring, vaulted ceiling. Floor to ceiling commercial grade windows bathe the room in natural light by day and emit a luminescent glow from within when the sun goes down. Between the windows a stunning black stucco fireplace with a hand-hewn block of ash as a mantle creates a focal point in the living area that opens into the kitchen. Blair saw the fireballs on a blogpost and ordered them for the home as she knew they would be a conversation starter. Holton Flooring installed gorgeous wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring throughout the Great Room for a cohesive feeling underfoot. Dylan points to a large taxidermied elk the couple sourced from Paul Michael. “I’m going this Saturday to hunt for this guy’s replacement,” laughs Dylan, eliciting a cheeky eye-roll from Blair. She adds, “I grew up with hunters, but we never had deer on the wall.” “I think my favorite feature is the fireplace,” adds Blair. “And I love the kitchen, too.” What’s her family’s favorite meal? “Well, chicken tetrazzini is my go-to — and tacos.”
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SHIPLAP DREAMS The children’s room features four custom-designed bunk beds finished with whitewashed shiplap built by West Ouachita Cabinets. A handmade wrought iron ladder affixed to the wall allows for access to the tippy-top bunks.
Dylan chimes in with a grin, “And we make a really good Johnny’s Pizza, too.” In the expansive kitchen, light quartz backsplashes and countertops, fabricated by Twin City Granite, top rich, charcoalhued Shaker-style cabinetry and an enormous, storage-centric island. Pendant task lighting above “looks like stars” to Blair, as she leans her petite frame against the island. “This is where we all gather. Dylan and I have lots of siblings on both sides of our families, and we all grew up together.” Cabinetry throughout the home was custom-designed and built by Steve Sturdivant at West Ouachita Cabinets. Sturdivant incorporated vertical sliding drawers for spices and one for oven mitts and frequently used utensils, conveniently on either side of the range and yet another for dish towels beside the large, farmhouse sink. Emtek drawer pulls in matte gold add just the right amount of shimmer. A nearly indistinguishable dishwasher and icemaker are located near the sink. All appliances are from the GE Café series with stylish matte black doors and custom brushed bronze and copper pulls. “We wanted this home to be open for entertaining our families,” says Dylan. “We like to grill a lot and the fire pit out front is going to get heavy rotation this fall.” With plenty of shade in the evening and a generous vaulted ceiling above, it’s no wonder that their families will capitalize on the harmony of the indoor/outdoor living spaces of the home. Above the detached garage, Dylan has carved out studio space, where he and his bandmates and writing partners have
been diligently working on new songs for an album scheduled to be released by the end of the year. “His guitar is never far from him,” smiles Blair. In the hallway adjacent to the kitchen, elongated brick pavers laid in a herringbone pattern add instant character to the space. The powder bath shimmers with a tactile black grasscloth wallcovering, which Blair sourced from Home Depot. A cozy media room envelops the family in comfort with plush charcoal-hued carpeting under babies’ feet and a caramel leather sectional for lounging and watching Dylan’s latest videos on YouTube. The walls are grounded in the color of igneous rock with a slight green undertone. The ceiling is clad in wood for extra warmth. A built-in nook for coats, backpacks and muddy shoes sits between the back door and the well-appointed laundry room. LED lights under stair treads illuminate nighttime trips downstairs with a soft glow. At the top of the stair landing, a rattan hanging swing with billowy cushions provides a fun reading (or napping) nook for the couple and their children. Custom windows crank out to open the upstairs up to cool fall breezes scented with pine. The children’s room features four custom-designed bunk beds finished with whitewashed shiplap built by West Ouachita Cabinets. A handmade wrought iron ladder affixed to the wall allows for access to the tippy-top bunks. Mini wreaths of dried plant material hang above beds dressed in French cotton ticking and a plethora of tasseled pillows. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 109
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Above: A freestanding tub creates a dramatic focal point with a commanding chandelier overhead. At left: The couple’s iron canopy bed features a neutral upholstered headboard and is dressed with luxuriant down-filled linens and pillows with contrasting textural details.
THE MASTER SUITE IS A STUDY IN CALMING NEUTRALS. The surface of the vaulted ceiling is covered in whitewashed shiplap. A contemporary ceiling fan reminiscent of the spokes of a windmill delivers rhythmic graphic element overhead. The couple’s iron canopy bed features a neutral upholstered headboard and is dressed with luxuriant downfilled linens and pillows with contrasting textural details. A photo of the glamorous couple from their wedding creates a focal point between two large picture windows accented with voluminous Pottery Barn drapery panels. Because the couple moved into the home at the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, Dylan was able to hang all the drapery and Roman shades throughout the home. Oversized porcelain tile in a dark matte finish is laid on the diagonal in the master bathroom. A freestanding tub creates a dramatic focal point with a commanding chandelier overhead. The walk-in shower with glass door features a luxe rain showerhead. A white with grey veining accent tile in a herringbone pattern is used as a backsplash that runs all the way up the wall behind his and hers dual vanities and sinks. The bathroom’s water closet is wrapped in a graphic stylized face wallpaper with a white background.
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s Blair and Dylan convey, since the touring business has been put on a bit of a hiatus during the quarantine break, the family has enjoyed their time in Morehouse Parish, at the end of a little gravel road, in the home that love built. In the words of a Dylan Scott song, “If home is where the heart is, Then, honey, I’m home.” MORE DYL AN SCOT T NEWS
In response to the pandemic, Dylan Scott’s hometown concert event, BayouStock 2020, is set to take place on October 3, 2020 in a large outdoor field across from Sterlington High School. Socially-distanced but full of the best new Country music, BayouStock 2020 features an all-Louisiana lineup of Dylan Scott with Baskinnative Lainey Wilson, ULM graduate Stephen Paul, and Calhoun’s Ricky Rowton. Tickets are available online at www.bayoustock.com. Dirt on the Rev at Monroe’s Revolution Park Raceway is just another way Dylan Scott has brought exciting outdoor entertainment to northeast Louisiana. After leasing the motor speedway and dumping over 1500 tons of dirt on the 3/8-mile asphalt track, Dirt on the Rev hosted Super Late Models, Factory Stocks, Crate Late Models, and Limited Modifieds on September 17-19, 2020, in Monroe for an amped up weekend of old-fashioned Southern dirt track racing.
R AT TAN AND IRON At the top of the stair landing, a rattan hanging swing with billowy cushions provides a fun reading (or napping) nook for the couple and their children. Above: The graceful curves of the wrought iron guest bed are softened by a cozy plaid blanket. At bedside, industrial-inspired lighting provides a soft glow, perfect for reading bedtime stories.
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Providing Inspiration and Design for Your Home Haven, Monroe’s Premier Shopping Destination for Over 16 Years
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AVEN’S NEW WEBSITE MAKES shopping so easy this fall! They have a great selection and offer options such as curb side pickup, in-town home delivery, and shipping to receive your purchase. Beautiful wrapping is complimentary and a great way to make gift-giving easy. In addition to great gifts, Haven’s new website also offers several “Look Books” of home décor. You can shop for your homewhile you are at home. Lamps, side tables and art are featured in the new “Look Books,” which provide pricing, pictures, and showcase different products that are in the shop. Sandy McMillan, owner of Haven, is a Louisiana Licensed Interior Designer. She graduated from LSU and has been licensed for 24 years. Being licensed in Louisiana allows her design firm, Intelligent Designs, to assist with residential projects, as well as commercial design. Louisiana is one of the states that requires licensing to practice in the state as an interior designer. Licensed interior designers
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can be found listed on the state website LSBID.org. The design firm can assist with remodeling projects, as well as new construction. The design team of Sandy McMillan, Taylor George, and Analise Kelly will make sure your project is well thought out and the team is available to help you through the entire process. Their firm has over 200 companies offering furniture, design accessories, wallpaper, and lighting, ensuring every price range and style is available. They also have one of the largest fabric libraries in Northeast Louisiana for drapery projects, as well as pillows. Design services are available by the hour, whether you just need to select paint and finishes for a room or you need help with an entire project. You can contact them by phone or email for any further information. Be sure to follow their Instagram, @intelligentdesigns. monroe, for design ideas and product debuts. With a design background, Sandy’s curated shop, Haven, offers merchandise handpicked for the uniqueness of the craftsman
or the quality and detail the product provides. Haven is known for having a great selection in a variety of price ranges and styles. Items not found in other area shops is one of the things Haven does best. New lines are arriving daily of gifts and design accessories. If you have not been in lately, new throw pillows, comfy throws, lamps and accessories are just a few of what Haven has to offer for your home. Haven also offers bedding and a complimentary service, where Analise Kelly can help you coordinate an amazing bedding combination in-store. With 7 bedding vendors, Analise can assist you in finding one that is perfect for your budget and in your choice of colors and materials. Haven is truly Monroe’s premier shopping destination with all of these services in one place. Visit Haven today and let their friendly staff help you with a gift purchase or let their design team assist on your next design project. Be sure to follow Haven’s Instagram and Facebook @haven.intelligentdesigns to stay up to date on new arrivals and events.
Introducing Evolve by InMode
Customized Non-Invasive Body Contouring and Muscle Toning BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, FACS
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VOLVE, BY INMODE, IS AN EXCITING and innovative new technology for melting fat, tightening skin and toning muscle without surgery, without pain and without downtime. Evolve uses bipolar radiofrequency – a time honored and proven technology – to gently heat the tissues resulting in body contour improvement through fat cell destruction to decrease the fat, collagen remodeling to tighten the skin and targeted stimulation to tone muscle. Evolve is truly an all-in-one body remodeling solution that is done in the office without anesthesia and with minimal discomfort or downtime. The three treatment modalities of Evolve – Trim, Tite and Tone – work synergistically to improve body contour, but since each patient’s anatomy and problem areas are unique, there is no “one size fits all” solution. While one patient may need all three, another may only need Trim and Tite, another only Tite and Tone and yet another may require only
skin tightening. One of the unique features of Evolve is that it is customizable to meet individual patient’s body contouring needs. The abdomen and hips are the most common areas treated but Evolve can be used on other problem areas such as the knee and the inner thigh. Trim treatments take 15 minutes per area, Tite treatments about 30 minutes and Tone treatments 20 – 30 minutes. Five to six treatments are necessary to achieve the final result, and a maintenance treatment is recommended every 6 – 12 months. To me, body contouring without pain, without downtime and with minimal time investment sounded too good to be true. So, I tried it myself and can attest to the fact that it is quick, painless and has no recovery time. Check out my treatment videos on the Mickel Plastic Surgery Facebook and Instagram pages. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram not only for more information on Evolve, but also for the latest information on skin care,
injectables and other minimally invasive office procedures to help you look your best. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at (318) 3882050 for a free consultation to see if Evolve -customizable, non-invasive body contouring - is right for you. SERVICES OFFERED: Hydrafacial Laser Hair Removal Fraxel Facial Laser Treatments Miradry - eliminates armpit sweat Morpheus - microneedling with radiofrequency Lumecca IPL photofacials Accupulse Co2 Laser Treatments FemTouch Vaginal rejuvenation FaceTite non-surgical facelift Botox, Juvederm, Fat Injections ZO Skin Care Providing aesthetic services to our area for over 30 years.
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What’s Your Monroe-West Monroe Personality Type? Discover Monroe-West Monroe
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HEN DISCOVER MONROE-WEST Monroe set out to rebrand, they wanted a new look that captured the spirit of the twin cities. The tourism marketing organization is uniquely positioned to be a source of unity since they cover both sides of the Ouachita River. Four main characteristics arose throughout the research—vibrant, hospitable, casual, and innovative. The vibrancy shines a light on the local arts community, the endless calendar of events, the live music by local musicians, the delicious food, and the breweries and winery we love. Sign up for their Weekend Events newsletter to discover all things happening here. Choose from over 100 local restaurants, and try something new! You might discover your new favorite food joint. Check local venues like The Hub Music Hall, Landry Vineyards, or the Downtown RiverMarket to get out on the dance floor. This is the inspiration of the Vibrant Blaze. Our community is known for its hospitality and friendliness. Those who visit often share
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how they felt welcomed in Ouachita Parish. Places like The Kitchen, for his temple Family Foods, Big Momma’s Fine Foods, and Belle’s Ole South Diner offer hearty homestyle meals. Art crawls, outdoor festivals, and live music nights offer a chance to meet new people with similar interests. The Ouachita River itself connects our two cities, bringing Monroe and West Monroe together. This is how we developed the Friendly Waves archetype. Compared to neighboring Louisiana cities, the Northeast area is calm and laidback. With I-20 running through the middle, you can get almost anywhere in a matter of minutes. Traffic is virtually non-existent and there’s always a place to park. No formal wear is required, even at our high-end restaurants. The bayous are calm and quiet, with kayakers casually rowing from one point to another. Sunsets are spectacular and can be enjoyed reflecting on the water. The destinations, food, and entertainment are top quality without the hassle of a big city. This is where
the Tranquil Bayou personality comes from. A history of innovation can be found in Northeast Louisiana. Joseph Biedenharn was the first person to bottle Coca-Cola, marrying the iconic pair. He also participated in the creation of Delta Airlines, with the annual stockholders meeting being held in Monroe until 1997. General Claire Chennault led the American Volunteer Group also known as The Flying Tigers in World War II to save China from Japanese forces. His granddaughter is the director of the museum that tells his story. This just scratches the surface of the entrepreneurship and innovation found here. This is the inspiration for the Visionary Skies type. So which are you? Everyone embodies at least one of these characteristics of MonroeWest Monroe. They’ve designed a Personality Quiz to help you figure it out! Plus, each type gets a customized weekend itinerary so you can start exploring the twin cities. Head to monroe-westmonroe.org/personality to take the quiz.
InnovativeTreatment Easing Chronic Migraine St. Francis Medical Group’s Darshan Patel, MD Gives Botox Injections
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HETHER CAUSED BY TENSION, sinus congestion, caffeine cravings or any of countless other triggers, a headache can dampen a good day. One of the most intense forms is the migraine, so intense that nausea and vomiting are not uncommon, and light or the slightest noise can trigger additional, excruciating waves of pain. A small number of migraine sufferers— about 1 in 50 worldwide—lives with chronic migraine in which they experience more than 15 migraine headaches per month, half of which last four hours or longer. For them, even the best preventive medications or painrelieving drugs often are not enough. Thankfully, an innovative application of Botox injection treatment is available in the Monroe area to treat chronic migraine. Darshan Patel, MD, Board-certified in family and geriatric medicine at St. Francis Medical Group, administers FDA-approved
medicine Botox--the same medication used for cosmetic treatment—to reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. Botox injection was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010 as a preventive treatment for chronic migraine. It is typically given to patients who do not respond to conventional preventive medications and may prevent headaches and migraines before they even start. The Botox injections themselves, which patients have likened to a brief and tiny pinch on the skin, are administered into specific head and neck muscles. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and can be repeated every 12 weeks. Clinical trials have found chronic migraine patients treated with Botox experienced eight or nine fewer headache days per month. Just as important, their headaches are less severe, allowing them to live more functionally and with a better quality of life. Dr. Patel has successfully treated many of
his patients who suffer from chronic migraines using Botox injections, including one who shared this recent account: “I have lived with chronic migraines for most of my life with very little relief from medications. I suffered a mild stroke because of chronic migraines, so it is very important to manage their severity and intensity. I learned about Botox therapy through my neurologist and Dr. Patel. Botox offered fewer side effects than some of the oral medications I have taken in the past. I remain on my baseline medications, but Botox has helped control the pain and frequency of my migraines while causing virtually no side effects. Dr. Patel is very intent I stay on the necessary schedule for Botox injections.” If you suffer 15 or more headache days per month, more than half of which are migraines that last four hours or more, contact Dr. Patel at St. Francis Medical Group to find out if Botox injection therapy is right for you.
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The Chick is on the Move
Your Favorite Chicken Salad Restaurant Opens in Ruston
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ELCOME TO CHICKEN SALAD CHICK, WHERE WE offer delicious, scratch-made, southern-style, craveable favorites served from the heart. We don’t believe in strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet—so come in and enjoy! You’ll find fresh, healthy fare and gracious hospitality at our chicken salad restaurant. We know everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect chicken salad recipe, so we’ve created several options. If you’re a chicken salad lover, you’ll discover something here to satisfy your tastes. From simple to savory to fruity and nutty or even a little spicy, you can pick the chick that suits your mood. We have over a dozen varieties of chicken salads along with pimento cheese or egg salad, served by the scoop, sandwich, or bowl. You’ll also find delicious sides, soups, and desserts in addition to the scoops of chicken salad that started it all. Bringing along your little chicks? We have a great kids menu. For quick, amazing meals we even offer convenient carryout. At Chicken Salad Chick, we use fresh ingredients and time-honored traditions. We take great pride in making our flavors by hand each morning, using only premium chicken tenderloins, and our special combinations of sweet and savory ingredients.While you are here, consider yourself an honorary chick! We believe food brings people together, so we always provide service with a smile and aim for you to leave our chicken salad restaurants happy with your meal and refreshed from time well spent.
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Download the Chicken Salad Chick App from the App Store or Google Play! Every time you enjoy our mouthwatering menu of fresh, scratch-made chicken salad, pimento cheese, and other favorites, you’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend. Redeem them for special discounts, free food items, and fun Chick gear. At Chicken Salad Chick, we love to share the love. Get the App, scan your barcode, and get start earning points today! We are also excited to announce our Grand Opening of our new Ruston Location. It’s the same great chicken salad that you’ve grown to love just in a new location. October 6th is GRAND OPENING DAY and the first 100 guests will receive FREE Chicken Salad for a YEAR. Guests should arrive at Chicken Salad Chick between 7AM and 10 AM on Grand Opening Day to get “Checked In”, and if you’re one of the first 100 people, you’ll be assigned a number and a designated return time between 9:45 AM and 11:15 AM. While you’re waiting, you’ll need to download the Chicken Salad Chick App and get registered. October 7th is Water Bottle Wednesday, October 8th is Thirsty Thursday, October 9th is Fantastic Friday and October 10th is Chicknic Saturday. Go check out their facebook page for more details on how to enter and win these awesome prizes! 1191 Lamy Lane Suite 7, Monroe • (318) 322-4425 1301 Maxwell Blvd, Ruston • (318) 217-8494
Let Us Help Change Your Life Dr. Henry Zizzi
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OR THE LAST 21 YEARS, DR. ZIZZI has been practicing General Surgery in the Monroe/West Monroe area. After completing his training, he joined the practice of Drs. William Ferguson and Tommy Lolley, who have both since retired. Dr. Zizzi believes in more than just treating his patients – he leads with his heart, as he knows many people walk into his office scared and concerned. Even minor procedures deserve a surgeon’s utmost attention to detail, and his experience enables him to perform surgeries with precision, accuracy, and trust between him and his patients. Dr. Zizzi takes a significant amount of time getting to know each individual while answering questions and alleviating concerns. He often uses diagrams or sketches to educate patients so that they know exactly what to expect before entering the operating room. Dr. Zizzi treats his patients with respect and compassion, as he understands how important the doctor-
patient relationship is to one’s well-being before and after surgery. If you ask his patients, the quality that distinguishes Dr. Zizzi is his bedside manner. He spends as much time as necessary with each patient and answers any questions they may have. Patients appreciate the consistency in his office, and they often remark that he is so thorough in his explanations that he answers their questions before they can even ask them. His main goal in an office visit is to keep the patient informed and comfortable, as he is well aware that the experience of undergoing a surgical procedure is hard enough. As a general surgeon, Dr. Zizzi is trained to operate on multiple areas of the body, and the most common procedures he performs involve the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, appendix, and gallbladder. Theses gastrointestinal procedures are most commonly performed with a minimally
invasive laparoscopic technique. He also performs thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as weight loss surgery. Along with these procedures, he treats benign and malignant diseases of the breast, which is a significant part of his practice. Outside of the office, Dr. Zizzi has a variety of interests besides medicine. He married his best friend, Deborah, and he has five children whom he adores. He enjoys studying and speaking foreign languages as well as traveling to countries outside the United States to practice his skills. Dr. Zizzi is also the lead singer of Code Blue and the Flatliners, having performed with this locally popular group since its inception in 2002. He actually attended NLU on a choir scholarship, which was a very fulfilling part of his college education. To top it off, he has a passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine, and his family says his homemade pasta is to die for. Dr. Zizzi has a way with people, and he treats his patients how he would want a physician to treat his own family members. While not every procedure is life or death, anxiety due to having surgery is real, and Dr. Zizzi takes the time to reassure his patients that he will take care of them to the best of his ability. With his hands, he heals the body, and with his heart, he builds long-lasting relationships with his patients.
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La Catrina
Monroe’s Authentic Mexican Street Food
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ESTAURANT GOERS IN THE AREA HAVE COME TO love Monroe’s newest authentic Mexican Street Food spot on Louisville, La Catrina Mexican Taqueria. It’s no surprise that this colorful and vibrant lunch hot spot has quickly become an area favorite! With flavor packed dishes made to order and served hot and fresh, the team at La Catrina definitely know how to give the customers exactly what they want. Whether you’re checking it out for the first time or returning weekly to you new top lunch spot, make sure to try these delicious treats. Tacos: These authentic street tacos are made with simple ingredients and fresh seasonings that pack an incredible flavor kick! Fresh Fruit Margaritas: Using real fresh ground up fruit and rimmed with fruit and tajin then topped off with sliced fruit Horchata by the Glass: The perfect blend of sweet and refreshing, this traditional Mexican drink is made with rice water and is perfect for a hot day or to compliment spicy dish Aquas Frescas by the Gallon: They now offer horchata and all of their flavorful Aquas Frescas by the gallon making this the perfect addition to any event or just a day at home with the family! Botana Tray: This fun drink tray is La Catrina’s spin on a classic michelada is custom made to include the beer of your choice, Takis or Dorritos, pork skins, pickels, ceviche, lime, chamoy (a savory and spicy topping sauce), tajin, and shrimp With its roots strongly planted in Mexican culture and their namesake coming from stories of El Día de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, La Catrina is excited to celebrate their rich heritage throughout the months of October and November with new drinks and treats added to the already impressive menu. La Catrina is recognized in Mexican culture as one of the most recognizable symbols to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This tall and elegantly dressed female skeleton represents the culture’s ability to celebrate the life of a lost loved one rather than mourn the loss itself. Women in Mexico can be seen at El Día de los Muertos celebrations with painted faces to mimic that of La Catrina and her representation of venerating the dead. She has become one of the most recognizable symbols in Mexican culture to celebrate the memories created with loved ones rather than focusing on forever loss. With celebration and fun in mind, Owner Allen Sandoval chose La Catrina as the symbol for his restaurants to continue on the tradition of a culture he holds dear. The spirit of the symbol of La Catrina can be felt in the restaurants colorful atmosphere from the bright walls, bold chairs, vivid decor, and even in their bright and fun color scheme of their menus. Make sure to stop by this month and see the celebration and fun for yourself!
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Dental Implants
Start to Finish... In One Convenient Location
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N TODAY’S WORLD, WE ARE BOMBARDED WITH THE latest and greatest ways to make us look better and feel younger. There are countless procedures and products available to us today that attempt to help us achieve these ends. Without question, a person’s smile can make a person look and feel younger more so than any cosmetic procedure. Missing teeth can not only make a smile less aesthetic but make a person feel older and can lead to poor function, speech, and nutrition. Thankfully, there is a solution to these issues. At the office of Dr. Patrick McGee, there are solutions for missing teeth: from single tooth replacement to full mouth rehabilitation with dental implants or dentures. Dr. McGee has the latest technology to help safely replace missing teeth using minimally invasive technology and in-house tooth fabrication techniques. Here’s what you can expect when you contact Dr. McGee’s office. At your first phone call, you will hear from a team that is knowledgeable and compassionate. Our reception team will be able to answer any question you may have about the process of tooth replacement, insurance benefits, costs, or any other question you may have. Once you arrive in the office, you will experience a modern, stateof-the-art facility that is conveniently located on Forsythe Avenue. At your initial consultation, Dr. McGee will thoroughly review your medical history and current medications, along with discussing any significant findings from your 3-D x-rays, and answer any questions you may have about treatment options and processes. On the day of your implant placement, Dr. McGee utilizes the X-Nav dynamically guided surgical system to place your implant(s) at their exact position which he has determined is best for you. Once an appropriate healing period has occurred, Dr. McGee will utilize in-office tooth fabrication software and milling systems to fabricate your replacement tooth inoffice and on-site. If you are interested in other cosmetic options, Dr. McGee can also discuss options available to you. He and is team are able to provide cosmetic procedures to revitalize your smile and boost your confidence. He is able to provide same day crowns and veneers which means you can have a completely new smile in about a half-days time. So what does all this mean to you as a patient? When you contact Dr. McGee’s office, you can be confident that you will have a secondto-none experience from start to finish, all in one location without bouncing from multiple offices. If you are interested in seeing what modern dentistry has to offer to help achieve the smile and confidence you’ve always wanted, please contact us today. You’ll be so happy you did! COVID-19 Update: Our office has returned to normal working hours. We are ensuring that our office is complying with recommendations from the CDC, ADA, and LDA.All patients are screened upon entering for temperature and other coronavirus symptoms. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our patients and team members. Our goal, as always, is to provide the best dental care possible in a safe environment.
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BAYOU PROFI L E
ONE TOUGH COOKIE A cookie might crumble, but its crumbs never go to waste. At least, that’s what Joia Clark Crowe believes, anyway. “You can use those crumbles for so much other stuff, just like God uses broken people,” she declares confidently. Hers is a story of beauty from brokenness, conquest from crumbling. But, Crowe confesses, her story is also one that almost went untold. “It was a nagging spirit that just kept saying, ‘Tell it,’” she reveals. And tell it she did. A bold announcement on her Facebook profile — “I have a story that’ll make you believe in God” — set off a series of posts she would later call Story Hour, chronicling all the details of the latest chapter of her life: her diagnosis with stage 3 triple positive breast cancer. ARTICLE BY STARLA GATSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
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he former English teacher and current assistant principal’s creative writing skills and love of all things dramatic helped her lead her online friends and family down “the road to eight-ten,” a date whose significance was only known by Crowe and members of her family. “The road to eight-ten was that I had to have a double mastectomy on August 10th,” she explains. “I was very open, very transparent, and gave all terms to what the process was before the double mastectomy. I told it as a story because my goal was to let young women, especially African-American women, know this happens to us, and it’s before the age of 40.” The sense of disbelief many young adults have in the face of dangerous disease is one Crowe knew well, as she was convinced the bruises that had suddenly appeared on her body were nothing more than a side effect of her Crohn’s disease medication. When her husband suggested they could be a sign of cancer, she shrugged off his concerns, but after discovering a knot in her breast and at the advice of her mother-in-law, Crowe decided it was time to see a doctor. “This was the first mammogram that I ever had, cause at the time, I was 33 years old,” she recalls. “I went, and I got a mammogram and an ultrasound. I thought I was done, and they said, ‘We need you to come back for a biopsy.’ So, we did the biopsy, and that was that.”
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he mother of three was sure the results would come pink tape. She was ready to undergo the first and hopefully only step back clear. After all, things like cancer didn’t happen to of her treatment. women who were so young and had already endured Unfortunately for Crowe, however, the mastectomy was just the so much. But, while on a family vacation in Florida, she beginning. “I found out that it was in my lymph nodes, and I was caught a glimpse of a dimple on the side of her breast going to have to do chemotherapy and radiation. I went in one way, in the hotel mirror and immediately knew her family’s but I came out different.” Despite the unexpected bump in the road, concerns were well-founded. “When I looked at it, I said, ‘Joia Ann, the faith-filled optimist continued posting Story Hour updates and you have cancer.’” photos to her Facebook page, determined to show her friends and Crowe’s diagnosis came on June 13, 2018. “We were all sitting family that there was a silver lining to be found even in this dark sky. in the office, and the doctor came in with the “I wanted to show people there was a bright side to grimmest look you could see, and I knew it,” cancer,” she explains. “I did go through stuff that “How can you tell she recalls. Despite already being sure she had was bad, but I never posted it.” the disease, the confirmation from her doctor In the weeks that followed, chemotherapy anybody else about rocked Crowe. “Tears were just streaming down became a solace for Crowe, and her chemo chair anything if you haven’t my face, and the only thing I could say was ‘I quickly became her favorite place. “It was quiet; it been broken first? Most want my daddy.’ They put him on the phone, he was just me and God,” she says. “It was time for told me, ‘Hey, hey, it’s okay. I want you to do me to get closer to God and understand what my people listen to people exactly what the doctors tell you to do. I want purpose is on this earth. It had its downfalls, but who’ve dealt with the you to trust in God, and you’re going to be for the most part, I made it out fine; I was okay. I same thing or dealt with alright.’ And that made me feel better. And after know everybody’s not as fortunate, but I’m grateful that, I wiped my face and I left. I’m not going to something — cancer gave that I was okay through that.” The journey was say I was okay, but you couldn’t tell I just got not without hardship, however, as radiation took a me credibility, I guess.” that diagnosis walking out.” heavy toll on Crowe, burning her out and burning A relatively private person, Crowe was her body, and a total hysterectomy left her with ~ JOIA CROWE set on putting her head down and fighting the hot flashes and frustration, but before long, her disease in silence. But, while in North Carolina body began to heal. “Everything was coming full for her eldest son’s baseball tournament, she decided to share her story circle. The seasons changed, and whatever the season did, that’s what both through her Story Hour posts and in person, first disclosing the my body did. It was springtime when stuff started blooming again. details to her son’s coach, then to the other players’ parents. “The My hair started growing back, nails started strengthening, the color reason I had to tell them all of this was because I had to leave him in started fading, I wasn’t as pale anymore. Everything was changing North Carolina to have my mastectomy; I couldn’t stay. I watched all with the seasons.” of his games except the championship game.” Though disappointed Now, Crowe has reached the end of her breast cancer journey, but her son would not have either parent present at the final game of the her story continues to be told. She believes in the power of a testimony, tournament, Crowe knew he was in good hands and her family was stating that “your story might be the blueprint to help somebody else supported; before going into surgery, she received a photo of the team build their story.” She speaks at churches and shares on social media captioned “J-Strong,” showing every boy on the team wearing bright with the hopes of reaching women under 40 whether they are battling 124 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
cancer or not. She urges women to perform regular and thorough breast self-examinations, to know their bodies well enough to know when something is not right, and to contact their insurance companies about a cancer policy just in case of an unexpected diagnosis. “I think it’s our job as women, young women, to stick together,” she says. “It could be me today, it could be you tomorrow. It could be your sister, your cousin, anybody.” Crowe has also begun making care packages for current cancer patients called Cookie’s Glam Kits. Each box contains practical items, like a comfortable outfit to wear to chemotherapy and a mask to shield from COVID-19, and more fun items including bundles of hair to be made into a wig, false eyelashes, and an eyebrow pencil. “Some days, you don’t want to look like a cancer patient; some days, you want to look like a glam queen,” she explains. “I have a lot of stuff planned, but COVID stopped a lot of it. I’m just here to see another woman through.” After all she has endured, what advice does the joyful storyteller have to share? Two words: don’t fold. “That’s the best thing I can tell women: go through it, and don’t fold. Do not give up.” She also recommends each patient trust themselves and medical professionals, adding, “Consult with your close family, consult with God, and trust your doctor. And trust your gut. You know what’s best for you, and you know what’s good for you. There’s something that drives you, there’s something you believe in; trust that and go forward.” Lastly, Crowe urges women battling the disease to allow themselves to be taken care of by a community. “I had support, I had people to help me, and once I shared my story, I had people that didn’t even know me help me,” she says. Cancer may be tough, but Crowe is a cookie much tougher. She may have crumbled, but she believes beauty continues to be revealed in the brokenness. “How can you tell anybody else about anything if you haven’t been broken first? Most people listen to people who’ve dealt with the same thing or dealt with something — cancer gave me credibility, I guess. If my story helps to see a person through, I’ll tell it over and over again until somebody is ministered to, blessed by it, or felt okay about themselves because of my story.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 125
Fall Specials at Albritton Photography
Upcoming Portrait Specials with Rhyan Emery at Albritton Photography
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E ARE SO EXCITED TO BE welcoming the cooler weather and fabulous colors fall brings to or area and have tons of fall themes going on throughout the season! Our annual Fall Outdoor Portrait Specials are here, and you do not want to miss the special prices we are offering! Book an Outdoor Class of 2021 Senior Portrait Session or Family Session with us between October 1st and November 1st and you will receive 50% off your session fee. Late afternoon appointments are available throughout the week to help with work and school schedules. We have weekends available as well. Albritton Photography also has a beautiful outdoor studio designed for photography. We love locations too! Want a lifestyle session of your family at your home? We are also offering 50% off your session fee for locations as well, just in time for the holidays. We have put together special
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packages great for gift giving, Christmas cards and displaying in your home. We have so many fun seasonal sessions going on over the next few months. We are having our Fall Market Mini Sessions this year on October 16th and 17th . We have prepared a precious rustic set at our studio and are ready to snap some photographs of your child in their fall attire. Our Pumpkin Patch will also be available throughout October at our studio in West Monroe, as well as Camo at the Camp & Gone Fishin’ themes. Our mini session fees are only $25 and you literally build your print package and we have digital files available. We also have quick prepay packages available for fall themed specials. Albritton Photography’s Annual Free Halloween Portrait Toy Drive will be held on Saturday, October 31st . Stop by our studio in your Halloween costumes before you venture out to your Halloween event, no appointment necessary! Bring a new toy valued at $20 or
more and receive your Halloween photos at no charge. AP gives the donated toys every year to the West Monroe Fire Department, who then distributes to children in need within our community during the holidays. Christmas sessions will begin early November and Santa will be stopping by the studio for portraits with the kids on November 24th and 25th and he can’t wait to hear what is on your wish list. We are looking forward to all the fun this season brings! Have questions and want more detail on all that we have to offer? Give us a call at (318) 324-9118 and we will be glad to speak with you! Albritton Photography 406 North Sixth Street West Monroe, LA 71291 318.324.9118 Staff@albrittonphoto.com
Look Your Best at Any Age
DermaMediQ Can Help You Achieve the Perfect Pout and Natural, Youthful Skin
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O MATTER YOUR AGE, EVERYONE wants to look and feel their best, and Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and the team at DermaMediQ can help with just that. They offer a variety of skins care solutions from mild treatments to more in-depth targeted procedures, treating fine lines, acne scars, sagging skin and more. Kysse Kysse. Looking for the perfect pout? Restylane Kysse is the first lip filler designed with XpresHAn Technology™ for flexible movement and natural-looking volume proven to last for up to one year. Enhance texture and color of the lips while maintaining a full range of expressions. Designed specifically for the movement of lips, Dr. Sowma-Fakhre is able to give patients natural-looking volume with Kysse-able softness. Why have lip enhancements? With age lips lose elasticity, volume and color. With this new innovative gel, the staff at DermaMediQ can specifically target these losses and give your lips a natural smile enhancement for Kyssable perfection.
Morpheus8. Have you struggled with sagging skin or loss of collagen? Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive technology which remodels collagen while coagulating adipose tissue. With various configurations, Morpheus8 is a modular solution to deliver fractional treatments throughout the body, including the face and neck, as well as the abdomen which is beneficial for tightening loose skin with underlying fatty tissue. Fractionated RF energy is a scientifically proven method to reduce wrinkles and rebuild collagen and fat. It is minimally invasive, using a matrix of micro pins to renew deeper layers of the skin with almost no patient downtime. This effective treatment can stimulate the production of collagen in the underlying layers of the dermis and can be used on most body parts. Perfect for all skin types, the Morpheus8 effectively remodels skin and tissue with minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Morpheus8 treatment is an outpatient procedure requiring no anesthesia nor
intravenous sedation because patients feel no significant discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Sowma uses a customized treatment approach that allows her to provide patients with maximum results. Patients will notice an immediate improvement after the procedure but final results take up to six weeks. Call the professional staff at DermaMediQ at 318.807.1060 to schedule your consultation today. No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. Sowma and the staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face… and body forward! Their friendly staff are currently taking appointments by phone and ensuring the health and safety of their patients by taking all necessary precautionary measures. For a full list of procedures including before and after images, visit their website at dermamediq.com.
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Simply Lou A Baby for Halloween
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article and illustration by LOU DAV E N P ORT t was a chilly, dark evening the day before Halloween in Aberdeen, Mississippi nearly 40 years ago. A baby was going to be born on that night, I just didn’t know when. I knew it was time to go to the hospital when the labor pains had become regular. I had already had my other two children, Carolyn and Adam, at the same hospital, so, I knew the routine. I learned to go early and get that epidural! My baby was supposed to be born on October 13th. That date came and went... and then 19 more days came and went. I was HUGE! I waddled instead of walked, and I did my best to try to just “walk” that baby out. That didn’t work! I had a stress test ran about a week before since the baby was late. While I waited, my baby was kicking “like a mule.” Of course, when the doctor came in, my baby quit; just went to sleep and was not going to cooperate. To my surprise, the doctor started yelling, “WAKE UP, BABY! WAKE UP” at my big pregnant tummy. It worked! I asked, “What in the world are you doing?” and he died laughing! “Waking that baby up,” he said. He had that baby kicking in no time, and the test was over and everything was fine. I was told to just go home and wait. And, the countdown continued. 128 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
By the time that “chilly, dark evening the day before Halloween” got there, I was very glad to be going to meet my new baby. Back then, there were no ultrasounds. You just had to wait until delivery to see if you were having a boy or girl. I guessed wrong on Carolyn and Adam, so I figured this one was a boy because of the way this baby kicked, and rolled, and seemed to be having a dance party. At 4 a.m., it was time. I was the only one that night in the labor room, and had the best nurse anybody could ever have. She drew a pumpkin on my chart! So, off to the delivery room I was rolled, and it seemed as if that baby had decided it was finally going to come out into the world! And to my surprise, it was a girl, and what a girl she was and still is! Since she was so late, they had to get her blood sugar regulated. Once I got to see her, she was taken to the NICU and watched. By the next day, all was well, and I finally got to hold her. She was the most beautiful little girl, and I am not kidding when I say she looked me right in the eye and smiled. I know it was a smile! She also had brown eyes like my mom, and I knew my mama had sent her. I already had a name picked out if I ever had another girl, and I named her Paige, which fits her perfectly. Larry was his usual cool and calm self,
but he was in that delivery room when she got here, and I could tell she charmed him on sight. I know he was also so glad she was finally here, and healthy. After we got home and my visitors were gone, it hit me. I started crying, “I have THREE KIDS!” Adam got out the front door, and took off, like the wild man he was. Carolyn looked at me, asking me if she should go get him. Thankfully, a neighbor caught him and brought him back, and I locked the front door! I got Paige, and gathered Carolyn and Adam on the couch, and we all started to get to know this new little addition to our family. I will never forget that day. Paige grew into a sassy, spirited, always happy toddler with blonde wispy hair. She had to go in for some in-patient surgery to replace some of her front teeth with “silver ones.” She bossed all the nurses around. She was so tiny in that big bed, yelling at one of those nurses, “Get out of my room!” When those silver teeth started coming out, she got angry and threw a hissy fit because her new teeth were white. (I think I did too good of a job telling her how beautiful she was with silver teeth.) Soon after that, we moved to Vicksburg. When we were with a realtor looking for a house, the realtor told Paige she was such a sweet girl, to which Paige replied, “I am NOT, and don’t you forget it!” And yes, she is still plain spoken, and cuts right to the point, in her own silly-hearted way. Carolyn went off to her new school, and the next year, Adam did too. Since Paige followed them around like a little puppy, she was actually really sad and depressed during the day until they got home. She just wanted to sit in front of the TV and watch “Pinwheel” on Nickelodean, and eat cereal. It seemed cereal was her favorite food, along with chicken nuggets. She’d order chicken nuggets every place we went to eat. She also called the little containers of half & half they’d bring out whenever I ordered coffee, “little milks,” and would ask the waitress to bring her some. She always got a whole bowl full. Paige never met a stranger, and always asked every person at the check-out counter their names. Once she even asked a lady if was she “wearing Lee Press-On Nails in fashion colors?” I knew right then this kid had a photographic memory for commercials, music, and movies! I remember buying the soundtrack to “Good Morning, Vietnam,” and it didn’t take Paige long to have it memorized. She would put on “shows” for all of us when we would go on our family/cousin beach trips in the summers. When she had to have her “brain salad surgery,” (that’s what she calls it!) the doctors and surgeons came to explain the procedure and risks to her. When they finished doing that, they asked her if she had any questions. She was most concerned with
losing her memories and recall of all the song lyrics and movie quotes she’s memorized throughout her life! She wanted to take dance, and she was a natural. Her dance teacher saw it too, and always let her and one of her friends dance a duet every year at their recitals. Once they were mosquitos, and I got to make their costumes. Another time, they were music notes, and I got to make their costumes for that, too. Later, she got to dance “en pointe,” and was such a beautiful dancer. Sadly, she hurt her knee and ankle, and her ballet dancing was over. It didn’t get her down though, she can still dance to anything! Paige has always had the ability to draw people in, and has had so many friends. Most of these kids hung out at our house, and I enjoyed every one of them. Laughter was always the way we lived and again, it still is. It has gotten us through the good times and the hardest of times... and those hard times would come. When Paige was 11, Larry was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It was hard on us all, but Paige hung in there with Carolyn, Adam, and me to support him in his long journey. After he passed away, Paige was the only one of my children still at home. Carolyn was married and finishing school, and Adam had just started college. Paige and I took care of each other, and still do. A little over 10 years ago she was diagnosed with MS. Nobody saw that coming, but she handled it with humor and grace, and made friends with a whole group of nurses, doctors, and interns at LSU Shreveport. She has to take strong shots each week that knock her down for a day or so, and she has the nonstop fatigue that comes along with that insidious disease. She has trouble with hot and cold temperatures, and days when different parts of her body feel “wonky,” as she puts it, but MS doesn’t keep her from living and enjoying her life. It makes me so proud to see the courage that daughter of mine has.
Paige has always loved animals. Her very first job was working at the Humane Society in Vicksburg, and she ended up working as a vet tech for many, many years. She even got to bottle feed and raise a newborn baby monkey one time! Paige is a court reporter these days, and it’s a job that fits her. She gets to be her own boss, and is able to set her own schedule. She loves getting to meet new people, and hear a new story with every deposition she takes. She’s very detail oriented, and says she gets to “learn a little bit about a whole lot.” I can only imagine all the things she’s heard! And y’all, I’m not lying when I say that girl can type at warp speed, too! I wish I had room enough to tell more “Paige stories,” but I will say my baby girl, born on Halloween, has been blessed with wisdom beyond her years and a kind, giving heart. I might go as far as saying she is the glue that holds us all together. Just lately, all my children had to step up and take care of me when I “damn near died.” They made me go to the hospital, which me in my “septic craziness,” did not want to do! It was their turn to “boss me around” and I am so thankful they did. My daughters took turns taking care of me whenever I got out of the hospital, and made me do what I needed to do. Sure, I fussed, but they wouldn’t let me get away with it! When Hurricane Laura came to Monroe, me, Carolyn, and Ty had no power for five days. Who took us in? Paige and Matt. They took in us “refugees,” dogs and all! We managed to have a good time and enjoy being together. So, having a baby on Halloween is something special. Paige likes to joke and say she’s a trick AND a treat! I know I was blessed to have a special person that day who has remained that sassy, sweet spirited “little person.” She’s not just my daughter, she’s my friend. We will throw her a birthday party to make those 40 years of having her in our lives in a way that is almost as special as she is. Happy Birthday, Paige!
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Why IVF is Not for Everyone with Subfertility Positive Steps Offers Answers BY J. PRESTON PARRY, MD, MPH
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ITH SIX MILLION BABIES IN the world from in vitro fertilization (IVF), technology has advanced meaningfully since the birth of Louise Brown, the first IVF baby. IVF remains an exceptionally powerful way of getting pregnant, provided there are reasonable eggs, sperm, and a hospitable uterus. Even when those aren’t present, IVF can still work using sperm or egg donors or a gestational carrier. Additional advances such as preimplantation genetic testing can identify healthy embryos, lowering the risk of birth defects and miscarriages. Yet at the same time, many women have treatable reasons for subfertility that require low tech, low cost solutions that may save a lot of money. The challenge is balancing time, money, energy, success, and safety, all of which relate to personal goals. If you want to get pregnant and have more
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time to go about the process, oral medication and insemination can go a long way. Oral medication typically increases the eggs from one to two or three (or four, particularly when in the late 30’s/early 40’s), though if a woman doesn’t ovulate regularly sometimes going from no eggs in a month to one is enough. Similarly, insemination is often the equivalent of twenty to fifty times of having relations, so far more sperm have a chance of finding an egg. This particularly helps for men with lower sperm counts. Excessive weight overheating the testes, working outdoors in a southern summer or other hot conditions, and testosterone use are the top reasons we see for male factor subfertility. If the right building blocks are present, 3050% of many women will conceive within three months of this low cost, low tech approach, often with a total cost of $1,500. Though not free, this is comparable to the daily cost of Starbucks for a year for many. However, one also has
to know one’s personal odds going in to the process. Oral medication and insemination are less effective when couples have been trying for a long time (e.g. > eight years) or when tubal disease is present. Many women with tubal disease are otherwise healthy, but if the tubes are blocked or badly damaged, one can have the best sperm or eggs possible, but if they can’t find each other, getting pregnant can be much more difficult. Ultimately, finding what is right for you (even if adoption or child free living) is best, but you have to know where your body stands relative to blind hope. If a couple has stopped contraception for 18 months and has not gotten pregnant, the typical odds are 10:1 against spontaneous conception over the next several years. For this reason, evaluation is critical, but so is knowing there is a lot of hope, and there are affordable options for getting people where they want to be.
Interested in CBD but Don’t Know Where to Start? Let the Experts at Fiesta Nutrition Help Guide You
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INCE 2014 FIESTA NUTRITION Center has been your local source for all things CBD, which has been recognized for its benefits on human and animal health and is capable of affecting nearly every biological process of the body. Support of our body’s endocannaboinoid system with CBD may provide better sleep, proper inflammation response, and stress-relief. Fiesta Nutrition has played a leading role in helping sculpt the current landscape of CBD and hemp in the state of Louisiana , primarily through the efforts of its Supplement Manager Tim Hitt. As President of LCRA (Louisiana Cannabis Retailer Association), and lobbyist with SMPL (Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana), Tim has been involved in lobbying efforts regarding the laws and regulations for the sale and use of CBD. He has held numerous educational seminars on various legislative issues concerning the rights of individuals to purchase CBD
products and is a sought-after speaker on the subject. WHEN SHOPPING FOR A CBD PRODUCT: 1. Buy from a reputable store that has spent time vetting companies for quality, offers a variety of brands and has educated their staff. 2. Seek out companies that promote a science -based portfolio, as opposed to companies making outrageous health claims or prescribing. 3. Look for a product that was processed in a facility that complies with current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs). Some companies offer a “QR” code on the label that can be scanned with a smartphone that will indicate detailed information ( origin and date of plant being processed, accurate potency, etc.) A COA (certificate of analysis) should
be available upon request. These are measures that promote transparency and legitimacy. Fiesta Nutrition Center offers a wide selection of brands, including ARRAY, INNOVATIVE CBD, MOUNTAIN PURE and PURE HEMP BOTANICALS. Choose from tinctures, capsules, and flowers. Several brands offer a version for pets. Topicals are available in balms, lotions , bath salts, and bath bombs. Our many years of experience has allowed us to hear countless testimonials, comments and recommendations on the use of natural health alternatives, including CBD, from the public. We value our customer’s trust and want their investments in their health to be sound ones.
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Meet Dr. Yembe
Physician. Author. Health and Wellness Expert.
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HETHER IT’S A BABY WEIGHT, QUARANTINE weight, the freshman 15, or can’t-stay-away-from-dessert weight, losing those extra pounds is not nearly as easy as putting them on. Or maybe you’ve struggled with obesity your whole life. Chances are, you’ve tried at least once to get healthier through diet and exercise- but when the “guaranteed” result doesn’t happen, frustration sets in. You give up and gain even more weight. Does that sound familiar? Delhi Community Health Center’s newest Health & Wellness Expert, Dr. Yembe, understands your frustration… because she’s been there too. Delhi Community Health Center is proud to welcome Dr. Enaka Yembe to our health care team. Dr. Yembe is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician with an expertise in Weight Loss & Obesity Medicine. She is also an Amazon Number 1 Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, and a Lifestyle Coach. As a result of her 23 years in medical practice with over 100,000 patient encounters, Dr. Yembe motivates her patients to better health by drawing from a world of expertise and her own personal experience. “After overcoming a lifetime of obesity and successfully losing 91 pounds in two and a half years, my life has shifted in a beautifully incredible way.” says Dr. Yembe. “Now, at the age of 52, I’m in my best health ever, I have more energy, a better mindset and most of all, this journey helped me truly connect with my inner self.” Because of her own experience, Dr. Yembe understands obesity is not only a result of an unhealthy diet and
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lack of exercise but also that emotions and psychological barriers play a role in weight management. “Without addressing “inner us,” we run a high risk of sliding back to where we started. I know this because I’ve been there. That’s why I’m on a mission to help you,” says Dr. Yembe. Her goal is to share what she’s learned along her own journey, so that you can not only reach your highest potential but do so in your best health ever. This philosophy plays a large role in her approach to patient care. Dr. Yembe’s passion is to help individuals achieve optimal health and embark on a journey of self-discovery by applying simple & effective lifestyle solutions learned from her personal and professional experience. Her treatments have been known to help patients supercharge their energy, feel younger, heal ailments and injuries, and lose weight for good. The biggest reward is that you gain freedom from chronic medical silent killers such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, strokes, and other chronic medical conditions. Begin Your Journey to Healthier You Today Are you ready to begin your journey to better health? Dr. Yembe and the team at DCHC are here to help you get you on the right track. We’ll be there every step of the way and help you overcome hurdles in your path toward a healthier, happier you. Contact us at 318-878-6650 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Yembe today. Visit us online at www.dchc-delhi.com to learn more.
Delhi Hospital: 3D Mammography Suite Keeping You Safe, Healthy, and Cancer-Free
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N MANY WAYS, THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS PUT OUR lives on hold. We’ve postponed graduations and weddings, canceled concerts and corporate meetings. We’ve also put off medical appointments and preventative health screenings, including annual mammograms. As more has been learned about the cause and prevention of the novel coronavirus, new best practices for safety precautions have been implemented all throughout Delhi Hospital. As a result, the 3D Mammography Suite has been cleared to reopen and is taking all measures necessary to make sure patients are safe, healthy, and cancer-free. Breast mammography screening continues to be our greatest tool for detecting cancer at its earliest stages, when it is potentially more treatable and curable. Which is why it is important for women to not neglect to get their annual mammogram – even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Equipped with the technology of 3D Mammography, the Radiology Team at Delhi Hospital can detect 40% more invasive cancers compared to the 2D standard alone. “It’s like opening a book”, says Gwyn Ogden, Radiology Director, as she explains the technology of 3D Mammography. “A traditional 2D Mammogram is much like looking at the cover a book, and 3D Mammography can be compared to opening the book and being able to flip through it page by page, seeing everything.” This technology makes it much harder for cancer to hide.
When it comes to choosing whether or not you want to postpone a mammogram, you should first consider your personal risk level. If you’re at a higher risk for breast cancer, such as if you have a family history of breast cancer or if you’ve felt a lump in one of your breasts, the chance to catch breast cancer at an early stage will likely carry a much higher weight. For those who are at average risk, delaying a mammogram for a month or two may not be as risky, but pushing it off for six months or waiting until next year could allow a cancer not caught early to progress. You can be assured that the Delhi Hospital Radiology Department has increased their safety standards that are tailored to COVID-19. We have adopted new protocols to keep our patients safe during their mammogram experience- including in-office physical distancing, having staff and patients wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and strict sanitation procedures. Upon arrival, your temperature will be checked, and you will be asked a few simple screening questions about your possible exposure to the coronavirus. Considering these precautions, the risk of catching COVID-19 at a mammogram appointment is low, while the benefit of a breast cancer screening could prove to be great. Remember, breast cancer unfortunately 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.
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Art with an Essential View
Non-Profit Hosts Outdoor Walk Through Art Show, Appreciation Acknowledgement & Auction
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SSENTIAL – THAT IS WHAT THE families of those with developmental disabilities supported by ARCO say about the services their members receive. ESSENTIAL– that is what their sons and daughters say because they can live, work, and engage their communities as independently as possible. ESSENTIAL – that’s what parents say of young tykes, ages birth to three years, who get valuable intervention when life’s start was less than perfect. And that is what is said during regular times. COVID 19 has moved the need for support to a heightened level of ESSENTIAL. ARCO’s provision of essential preventative and responsive health care to address this menacing virus has been done at extraordinary costs. Having always depended upon community encouragement and assistance, today, more than ever, ARCO’s community support is ESSENTIAL. The upcoming Annual Volunteer and
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Employer Appreciation Event will provide ARCO’s friends an opportunity to be a part of the agency’s response to the health challenges of COVID 19 in a way that also provides an amount of normalcy. It is a combined art show, recognition event, and fundraiser. On Friday, November 6th, from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, ARCO members, families, friends, and other supporters are invited to stroll through its ART WITH AN ESSENTIAL VIEW outdoor display at Premier Plaza on North 18th Street in Monroe. Along with a display of appreciation honoring community members and businesses that have been instrumental in achievements of jobs, community and public policy advances, and other initiatives that have advanced individuals with developmental disabilities in the community, art produced buy various artists, including some with disabilities, will be displayed for a walk-through viewing. Local artist
producing works for this show include Clinton Downing, Sue Nicholson, Andrea May, Sue Caldwell, Melissa Saye, and Sarah Sehon. The event will be topped off with an exciting on-line and in -person auction which includes some familiar items such as hunting trips, catered dinners, gift card packages, etc. and also some unique offerings that are unlike other such events. The proceeds will benefit ARCO’s ESSENTIAL services. Vantage Health Plan, the major sponsor, is joined by Premier Plaza, Insurance Systems, Inc., Cross Keys Bank, Will Source Staffing, Newk’s Eatery, and Fiesta Nutrition as sponsors for this event – all who recognize that ARCO’s services are ESSENTIAL.
The Platter is Perfect for Fall
Local Shop Features Platters, Lunches and More
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HE TEMPS HAVE COOLED OFF, the leaves are starting to change and Halloween is just around the corner… it is officially fall! And that means time for football, bonfires and get-togethers across Northeast Louisiana. Whether you are roasting marshmallows in the backyard or hanging out at tailgate before a big game, The Platter has everything you need for your get-togethers. You can grab a S’Mores platter complete with marshmallows, chocolate and a variety of graham crackers, candy and toppings. Everyone loves a charcuterie board and The Platter can customize one for your group that includes 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. The Platter has a variety of seasonal fall platters that feature bright yellows, oranges, deep reds…perfect for getting in the fall spirit! Speaking of spirit, The Platter can help fill
you and your crew up before rooting on your favorite team. They offer 3-foot round platters loaded with a complete meal for all of your guests. Options include Taco Platter, Soup and Salad Platter, Chili and Cracker Platter, Sliders and Chips Platter, Baked Potato Platter, Chip and Dip Platter and Hot Dog Platter. They also have a variety of options in their grab-andgo cooler, perfect for game day get-togethers. Some favorites are buffalo chicken dip, pimento cheese spread, a variety of chicken salad, pasta salads and jalapeño and red pepper queso. But you don’t have to have a party to enjoy the deliciousness of The Platter because they serve lunch everyday during the week. Some recent lunch specials include southern shrimp and grits, crawfish stuffed baked potatoes, homemade spaghetti with meat sauce and roast beef po-boy. 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 grab a casserole that will feed your whole family. Options include homestyle meatloaf, lasagna, cajun chicken and rice, French onion beef casserole and more! Events are still happening so if you are planning a baby shower, wedding shower, reception or birthday party, The Platter can help make it a success! If you would like to maintain social distancing, The Platter can create individual customized boxes for each guests so they can enjoy their own fruit, cheese, meat and more. If you really want to make a statement, book a grazing table with The Platter. They will come and set up an entire table filled with cheese, meats, fruits, condiments ad more. Whether you are looking for something for the home team, a quick lunch or a stunning table display for a special event, The Platter has everything you need. Stop by their location in West Monroe and see why The Platter is perfect for every occasion!
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BAYOU ICONS
SETTING THE BARR Those who know Guy and Loura Barr say they are one of those couples that truly inspire others --- to do their part, to do more, and to do their best. Guy and Loura (or “Team Barr” as they refer to themselves) have left a remarkable legacy of love for their fellow man in everything that they have done. Together in marriage for 56 years, these two have never stopped living the creed of service to others. Because of their remarkable record of professional, community, and volunteer work, Guy and Loura Barr are our Bayou Icons for October. ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
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uy and Loura Barr believe it was destiny that brought them together. Because of her father’s job, Loura traveled extensively. She attended four different high schools (Meridian and Natchez, Mississippi; Opelousas, Louisiana; and Wesson, Mississippi) before enrolling in Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Guy grew up on his family’s farm in Magee, Mississippi, spending his childhood. In 1960, he also enrolled in Copiah-Lincoln. There he met Loura Eastham, a pretty blue-eyed brunette with a perpetual smile and boundless energy. Their love story would not begin, however, until 3 years later. Guy Barr is a Mississippi fellow at heart who learned early the value of a man’s word, working hard, and living one’s faith. Long days on the farm doing chores --milking cows, plowing, harvesting crops --- helped impress on Guy the importance of getting an education so that he could do something different once he was grown. His father, Guy Barr Sr., was an excellent farmer and involved father. His mother, Ulma Bounds, was a stay-at-home mom who cared for 8 children – 5 boys and 3 girls born over 20 years. Farm days began early, and Guy often joined his mother in the kitchen to help make biscuits and fry bacon and eggs for the family breakfast.
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n the third grade, Guy became a “quitter” for the first and Because of the frequent moves, Loura couldn’t participate in only time in his life. He began taking piano lessons, but when team sports, but swimming and neighborhood softball kept her the football players (whom he deeply admired) made fun of fit. Her favorite high school class was Home Economics where she him, his piano-playing days came to an abrupt end. Today, loved the challenge of making (sewing or cooking) new things. if pressed, he will play “Chop Sticks.” Those football players She won 4-H ribbons in the 7th grade in Strongsville, Ohio, for her and his love of sports were major influences early in Guy’s life. sewing. These skills would serve her later as would typing classes He played football and basketball in Magee, and earned a football which she found helpful with summer jobs and later, office work. scholarship to Copiah-Lincoln. Guy was a natural leader so he participated in many extra-curricular activities – 4-H, Class Officer COLLEGE YEARS all 4 years in high school, Glee club, and Mississippi Boys State. In 1960 both Loura and Guy entered Copiah-Lincoln. Guy His dad drove the team bus to Guy’s games creating a special bond played football; Loura was a cheerleader and on the homecoming between father and son. During the summers, Guy helped his dad court; and they worked in collegiate organizations together. They haul watermelons from Florida to the Farmers’ Market in Jackson first met while they were both serving on the Baptist Student Union before their own crop came in. council, but were dating others so were just friends. In 1962 Loura Three coaches whom Guy played for in junior high and graduated from Copiah-Lincoln and transferred to the University of high school were important mentors Oklahoma for her junior year to be close and influenced his life. Coach Bucky to her parents who were now living in McElroy, Coach Jerry Taylor, and Oklahoma. Coach Charles Calloway helped the After two years at Copiahyoung teenager understand the values Lincoln, Guy transferred to Delta State of teamwork and goal-setting. They University in Cleveland on a football became lifelong friends. Guy’s favorite scholarship. During his first season subject was history where he learned there, he suffered a back injury that about world leaders and how each had ended his playing career. Delta State made a difference for others. That love Coach Horace McCool told Guy that for history continued when later, as a he could remain on scholarship if he coach, Guy got to teach history. became trainer and equipment manager In contrast, Loura Eastham never for the team. “I learned many of life’s stayed in one place long enough to put important lessons in and around that down permanent roots. She was born in football field and locker room,” Guy Mansfield, Louisiana, to James Marvin says. In 1964, he graduated with his Eastham and Audell Jones. Both of her BS in Secondary Education majoring parents grew up on farms – father in in history and minoring in physical Toone, Tennessee; and mother in Magee, education. In 1970 he would earn a Mississippi. They met when Loura’s Master’s in School Administration father was building a road in Magee. He from Northwestern University in worked as dirt superintendent for Cook Natchitoches, Louisiana. Construction Company and traveled In the summer of 1963, Loura all over the country building roads, returned to Mississippi and enrolled in GU Y AN D LOUR A BARR MARRIED ON GOO D dams, airports, and turnpikes. As Loura Delta State University primarily because FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 196 4 describes it, “My mom ran the house, of its excellent reputation as a teachers’ while my dad ran his job. She sewed, college. She graduated from Delta State gardened, and cooked great southern foods for us.” in 1964 with a BS in Elementary Education and a minor in physical Loura’s mom was also adept at moving because of her education. Coach Margaret Wade, a Delta State coach and teacher, husband’s job assignments. Loura lived in eight states while she was a mentor whose advice and friendship Loura appreciated. was growing up. Along the way, in spite of the frequent moves, Both Guy and Loura worked during the summers while they Loura always made friends. “Meeting new friends was fun,” she were in college. The summer after his freshman year at Copiahsays, “but leaving old ones behind was hard.” Her mother always Lincoln, Guy worked on the family farm – the last time that he would advised her children to remember that to have a friend, they must do so. The next summer Guy trained in Nashville for Southwestern smile and be one. It was sound advice. Publishing and then sold Bibles and dictionaries door-to-door in Loura remembers that when the family lived in Kirwin, Kansas, Walterboro, South Carolina. It was an auspicious beginning as the she attended second, third, fourth, and part of fifth grades where young Barr was named Rookie of the Year for the company his the first four grades were all taught in the same room. There she first time working in sales. The next year (following back surgery), learned cursive writing and discovered through Miss Campbell, Guy worked in the hills of eastern Kentucky with a team to sell for her third and fourth grade teacher, her own desire to teach one day. Southwestern Publishing again. “This was where hard work from Like her future husband, Loura loved music. In the fifth, sixth, and an early age and a strong work ethic paid off!” Guy says. seventh grades in Strongsville, Ohio, Loura took clarinet lessons. After her freshman year at Copiah-Lincoln, Loura worked “I liked carrying the case to and from school, but not the practice,” at Glorietta Baptist Camp in New Mexico for the summer. The she remembers with a laugh. The only downside about her school following summer, she worked for her dad in Stigler, Oklahoma. years was that she had twin siblings just two years younger. “They When she returned to Delta State, she worked as secretary in Coach stuck together,” Loura says, “and I always got blamed because I was Dave “Boo” Ferris, the Athletic Director there. older.”
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got a piece. Two of the players told me that if I didn’t marry her, they would!” They dated for three months and over Thanksgiving, Guy went with Loura to her cousin’s wedding (Loura was a bridesmaid). He asked her to marry him that same Saturday. At Christmas, Guy put her on the train to go home to Oklahoma to her parents, and then came up after the holidays to drive her back to Delta State. Ever the gentleman, Guy asked Loura’s father for permission to marry and then gave her an engagement ring. They set their wedding date for Good Friday (March 27, 1964) to take advantage of the Easter holiday. Loura was going to graduate in May, but Guy still had to take several classes that summer because of missing a semester with back surgery. Team Barr began their married life together at a friend’s cabin in the woods between Pineville and Leesville. “It was free, we were poor, but we were very happy,” Loura says. One of their favorite memories about that first summer as a married couple involved Loura having to teach Guy how to float in a pool. She was working in the AD office, but every evening after dinner they went to the campus pool for Guy to practice floating. Loura says that after eating at the training table, Guy was “dead weight.” To pass his swimming class, Guy had not only to swim, but also to float for 5 minutes. “We lived in a one-bedroom apartment 2 blocks from campus with no air conditioning, so a dip in the pool was refreshing,” Loura explains. “Oh, and he did pass!”
GU Y “TRE Y” BARR III, MELISSA BARR, BE THAN Y BARR, NEHEMIAH BARR, LOUR A BARR, GU Y BARR, AN D ELIA S BARR
ESTA BL ISH I NG T E A M BA R R During their senior year as Delta State, Guy and Loura met again entirely by chance in the cafeteria. That morning, Guy told Loura that he was going home to Magee and asked if she might like to ride with him. She remembers with delight the look on his face when she said that she thought she would. Guy seemed at a loss for words, so Loura quickly added that she could visit her grandparents and get some of her things from them. The next Saturday, Guy took her to a football game at Copiah-Lincoln which --- according to Loura --- “turned a few heads among those who had known us”. Guy says that it didn’t take long for him to realize that she was “the one” – and a homemade chocolate cake helped seal the deal. “She spent all day at a friend’s home making me a German Chocolate cake,” Guy remembers. “I brought it back to the dorm and hardly
C A R E E R A N D FA M I LY Just one year after that chance reunion in the Delta State cafeteria, the newlyweds packed up and moved to Hazlehurst for their first teaching jobs. Loura started unpacking boxes and Guy went to the football field. She was Guy’s top supporter and sounding board during those coaching years, and she was astute enough to know when he didn’t want her opinion. “We came as a team,” Loura says. “The year he coached football, girls’ basketball, spring football and track, and was summer baseball coordinator for youth baseball, those bleachers got hard!” Guy and Loura pursued their teaching careers, moving 5 times. Loura’s favorite memory as a teacher was the arts and crafts class for 8th grade boys at Judice Middle School in Duson, Louisiana. The class was made up of all boys, all athletes. She taught them how to cross stitch, do crewel, and needlepoint. “They were so proud to show their work at a PTA meeting,” Loura says. “The largest football player in the class admitted to me one day that threading the needle made him nervous. I always did it for him after that.” Team Barr learned valuable lessons from their teaching and coaching days, lessons that would serve them well when they embarked on their next adventure together – the insurance business. Guy took a job in Lafayette, Louisiana, with a life insurance company, and after a year was given the opportunity to start his own agency for State Farm in Baton Rouge where he knew no one and had to go door-to-door to get clients. Loura began working in Guy’s office as secretary and developed a deep understanding of the insurance business. This was to be invaluable to them both as Guy was promoted up through the ranks. “Working together taught us how important each of our opinions were and that it’s okay to disagree,” Guy says. In 1974, Guy Barr III (Trey) was born. Like his parents, Trey loved sports and played soccer, tennis, ice hockey, football, basketball, and ran track. Also like his parents, his career goal was to become a teacher and a coach. Trey graduated from Ouachita Baptist University on a tennis scholarship and then earned a Masters from the University of Southern Mississippi. Today he is a successful WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 139
BAYOU ICONS teacher and coach at Marshall Christian Academy in Marshall, Texas, and is married to another teacher, Melissa. Together they have three children – Elias, Nehemiah, and Bethany. LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR Guy’s career with State Farm proved to be a great fit for both Team Barr and State Farm. In 1977, the Barrs moved to Monroe when Guy was named Agency Director in the Mid-South Office. In 1978, Guy bought a plane, learned to fly, and earned his pilot’s license (with instrument rating). Loura earned hers in 1983. The plane gave them a way to fly around the country and save more time for family. In 1981, they moved to Bloomington, Illinois, when he was promoted to Corporate Headquarters there. In 1985, they returned to Monroe when Guy became Deputy Regional VP in Mid-South. Seven years later, Guy was named Mid-South’s Regional VP, the position he held when he retired in 2001 ending a 30-year career with that company. Fortunately for Monroe and Louisiana, Team Barr decided to make Monroe their permanent home. Just like with everything else that they were involved with, Guy and Loura’s support for Monroe was wholehearted and became even more so after retirement. Guy ran for mayor, but didn’t prevail. Ever optimistic, his reaction to that loss was that it was “character building.” The two have always been active volunteers wherever they lived, and have always made a difference – often quietly. One would be hard-pressed to name one area in which they have not worked together to help individuals, their church, and their community. The two even pedaled their support for Monroe from 20082014, riding in MASS (Monroe Advocates for Safe Streets formed by Rotarian brother Miles Luke) fundraisers over 2-week periods annually. In 2014, Loura clocked 600 miles and Guy rode 530. They had biked previously in Germany and Vermont, so knew “the drill.” Their rides helped pay for bike racks all over Monroe. Faith has always been a centerpiece in their lives, and they have instilled that in their son. When he was young, Trey joined his parents on many volunteer efforts. A favorite was serving Thanksgiving dinner to those less fortunate. When Family Promise came to the community 12 years ago, Team Barr helped paint and set up two separate day-centers. Over the past decade, Loura has volunteered at the Thrift Store once a week. “You find out how blessed you are when you meet some of these families who have faced homelessness through no fault of their own,” Loura says. Countless non-profits, charitable groups, and community business organizations have benefited from their support. Each has served as officer and board member of many, bringing to all both strong communication and organizational skills as well as that good old common sense that comes from decades of experience working with people and seeing no boundaries based on race, religion, or politics. In 1998, Loura served as Louisiana State President of P.E.O. after serving six years as a member of the State Executive Committee. In 2003, Guy received the prestigious Rambin Silverstein Award from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce; in 2009 he received the Lillie “Granny” Goins Community Service Award; and in 2018 he and Loura were the joint recipients of the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s coveted Golden Arrow award. W H AT ’S N EX T FOR T E A M BA R R After nearly six decades of “doing,” Guy and Loura are enjoying a slower pace. Health issues have presented challenges --- Guy lost hearing in one ear four years ago from shingles, and that college back injury continues to be problematic. Still the two are living full lives, albeit more restricted now with the pandemic. For “people” people 140 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
“We came as a team,” Loura says. “The year Guy coached football, girls’ basketball, spring football and track, and was summer baseball coordinator for youth baseball, those bleachers got hard!” like the Barrs, it has been difficult not to be with their friends, attend gatherings, or be as active as they were. One way they spend their time these days is being thankful for the life together that they have been given. They have seen much of the world, although Australia remains on Guy’s bucket list. Among Loura’s favorite travel memories is staying in Venice, catching the Orient Express to Paris, and then taking the ferry over very choppy waters crossing the English Channel to London. “The longest 90 minutes of my life,” she says. They also continue to encourage the next generation of leaders as they begin their career and volunteer journeys. Both are always willing to find time to help someone just starting out, or embracing a new challenge. For Team Barr, their sincerest prayers go to the new leaders who are working together to help Monroe realize its true potential as one city --- whole and united for the public good, without a distinction between north and south.
Bridging the Bayou Program
The University of Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College
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HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA at Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College were granted approval by the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors to enter into a partnership to offer a bridge program for LDCC students wishing to transfer to ULM. Bridging the Bayou is a partnership between ULM and LDCC and will expand student access with a streamlined transfer process into a baccalaureate program at ULM. “The Bridging the Bayou program will allow students to attend LDCC to complete coursework needed to seamlessly transfer to ULM while also giving them a chance to take part in the University experience,” stated President Ron Berry, “We are excited to partner with LDCC and work more closely with them to provide students access to educational opportunities so they can pursue their dreams. Higher education must be innovative and
offer unique programs like Bridging the Bayou to meet the unique needs of our students.” This partnership will allow students to successfully complete developmental coursework and other general education coursework at LDCC to be eligible for transfer to ULM. Students will also have an opportunity to complete an associate degree with LDCC. LDCC faculty will teach the developmental and general education courses at ULM and LDCC. Bridging the Bayou students will have access to ULM campus resources and services such as the ULM Activity Center, on-campus housing, ULM Library, computer labs and university events. “The experience LDCC and ULM are providing students through this partnership is transformative. It allows us to meet students’ academic needs without disrupting their much-anticipated college experience.
Solutions, as such, are reflective of institutions willing to put the needs of students first. We’re thankful for our partnership with ULM, and we look forward to serving the students of northeast Louisiana,” expressed interim Chancellor Chris Broadwater. The official signing of the memorandum of understanding as held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22nd at in the Terrace on the seventh floor of the ULM Library.
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Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Consistency In a Time of Uncertainty
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EACHING THROUGH A PANDEMIC is definitely not for the faint of heart, as many teachers and parents have come to realize. Thankfully, our JGS teachers and administration were prepared for the worst on March 13th, when schools closed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our teachers and students hit the ground running the following Monday, March 16, 2020 with a successful virtual learning program carried out through our already instituted Google Classrooms. After many weeks of planning and implementing the many changes necessary to institute face-to-face learning, the JGS PreK2 Daycare opened to students on August 10th, followed by JGS School on August 24th. JGS School was ready to begin the new adventure of face-to-face learning during a global pandemic. Our students arrived to find many new policies and procedures including new school drop-off and pick-up procedures, temperature checks on arrival, handwashing
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and sanitizing stations throughout the school, every 2 hour cleaning of high touch surfaces including playground equipment, water filling stations to prevent contamination through water fountain use and static classes just to name a few. What the students also found was the love and stability of their teachers and classmates waiting to help them navigate these uncertain times. They were welcomed back into the familiar, stable environment of their small school family, which we are blessed to offer. JGS School has offered a small, safe and structured school environment for over 60 years and we now offer a virtual live stream option to those students who may be unable to attend in-person class due to medical reasons or for those students who may be required to quarantine. JGS School faculty, teachers, students and families continue to work in collaboration to maintain all current state and local guidelines to keep our students, teachers and staff as safe as possible.
The JGS Annual Fund Campaign, which helps support the school’s operating budget and provide funds for classroom technology, teacher retention, campus improvements and security, as well as other pressing needs of the school, recently kicked-off for the 2020-21 school year. The success of our previous Annual Fund Campaigns is due to the supportive community that JGS has been fortunate to be a part of for over six decades. It is truly humbling! We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting the JGS School Annual Fund campaign. Every gift is a vote of confidence in our school and in our mission. You may donate by filling out an annual fund pledge/donation card, which can be picked up at the school office, online at www.jesusgoodshepherd.org or in the church gathering space or you may donate online at https://jesusgoodshepherd.weshareonline.org
Fall Flowers and Foliage
Stop By and See Their Selection Today
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ARLSTEDT’S IS AN IMPORTER AND WHOLESALER OF fresh cut flowers, and honestly, who couldn’t use some joy these days? That’s just what fresh flowers are…pops of joy, a ray of brightness, a burst of beauty. “Flowers can be works of art,” said Alice Givens, Carlstedt’s owner. “Anyone can come in here and buy flowers, take them home and experiment and create something beautiful. You can fill your home with that beauty or share with a friend. Flowers are very powerful!” As we move into fall, Carlsteadt’s has seasonal floral favorites full of orange, deep yellows and dark reds. Sunflowers are good to add a big element to an arrangement. Daisies also come in a variety of fall colors like butterscotch and reds. There are a variety of lillies that are great for this time of year as well, like the Alstroemeria, commonly knowns as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas. They are an essential component of many arrangements and can have a long vase life of around two weeks. This time of year also offers a variety of foliage that can be added to arrangements like cat tails, ornamental peppers, millet and wheat. Flowers aren’t all that Carlstedt’s has to offer, either. They carry a wide variety of plants, trees and greenery. It isn’t fall in the south without a mum and Carlsteadt’s will soon have a variety of the seasonal favorite. Known by their official name, chrysanthemums, these potted plants can give you a splash of cheerful color well into
the cooler months at a time when the rest of your flowers are winding down. These are great to place by your front door to not only welcome to the cooler fall weather, but guests into your home as well. Another favorite fall plant is the croton, a colorful perennial evergreen shrub with thick, leathery leaves of varying colors, shapes and sizes. And while it seems like fall just arrived, it is never too early to think about Christmas. Carlsteadt’s is already taking orders for greenery for the holiday season like garlands, door wreaths, crosses and more. They will also offer paper whites, Amaryllis and poinsettias so be sure to place your pre-order now! Check out Carlstedt’s on Facebook and Instagram and be on the lookout for some exciting changes and expansion in the coming months. They are getting ready to remodel and expand their selection of plants, containers, accessories and more! Whether you are looking to create a floral arrangement for a friend or want to add a burst of color on your front porch, stop by Carlstedt’s and see everything they have!
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Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes The Perfect Autumn Treat
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ALL IS UPON US AND WITH IT BRINGS NOSTALGIC memories of scenic forest drives, cozy snuggles by the fireplace, and the aroma of pumpkin spice in the air. The fall season is truly full of excitement, and our family at Black Sugar is proud to introduce one more thing for you to look forward to: Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes! Perhaps you’re someone who loves the rich flavor of pumpkin pie. Or maybe you’re a coffee aficionado who makes an effort to kickstart your mornings with pumpkin spice lattes. Now, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with the crisp, sugary sweetness of these tea cakes. Here’s how! FAMILY PUMPKIN PICKING SNACKS One of the best fall memories surrounds pumpkin picking. Whether you’re planning to harvest the pumpkin for its seeds, as a decoration, for baking, or as a Jack O’ Lantern, there’s so much to look forward to as you search for the perfect pumpkin. While you’re walking through the fields or sitting on the hayride, imagine having the perfect treat for delectable snacking during your adventure. Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes are the best addition to any autumn trip. THANKSGIVING TREATS Thanksgiving is a time for family bonding, connection, and memory making. As you reflect on this special time of year, memories of leaf piles, televised parades, and mouthwatering turkey may begin to warm your heart once again. And let’s not forget the stuffing! Before dinner, Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes make a picturesque
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addition to your snack tray. Just don’t put them all out at once, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear. TIDBITS FOR AUTUMN NIGHTS Imagine snuggling up with your loved ones on a mid-fall evening. The smell of cider is in the air. The fuzziness of your blanket is keeping you warm. And the ambiance of a subtle autumn breeze is whistling in the background. All the while, you’re safe and sound inside, ready to enjoy a peaceful night of bliss. In this moment, Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes are delightful to have readily available on your side table, a welcomed addition to your night of peace and relaxation. The only worry in your world will be when the last tea cake is gone. CLOSING REMARKS There are endless ways to enjoy Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes. As you look forward to fall, these tea cakes are the perfect snack to bring to dinner invites, on scenic road trips, or to a cozy get-together by the fire. Even if you’re just looking for a delightful snack during the morning or in the mid-afternoon, these nostalgic treats are sure to bring a calming sensation of nostalgia to your day. You can get your Pumpkin Pie Spice Tea Cakes by visiting our website www.theblacksugarbakery.com today! Happy Autumn! Visit Our Local Retail Partners: Now Save 76 (Monroe, West Monroe, Chatham, Eros and Ruston), The Cookout Grill & Bar (Monroe and Ruston), Shoppes at Cotton Port (downtown West Monroe).
photo provided by: Proworks Productions
Everything You Need to Know About Botox and Fillers But Were Afraid To Ask
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T LOUISIANA CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH, we believe every woman is beautiful, but we know that women aren’t always happy with their appearance. Aging isn’t going away, but there is help to fight it. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox for cosmetic use to treat lines between the eyebrows. Botox is a muscle relaxer that only works on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movements. It does not work on fine lines or wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. Typically, we like to target areas around the forehead and eyes. Following Botox, other facial fillers such as Juvederm received the approval of the FDA, and offered more choices. While Botox and Juvederm may seem similar, there are some major differences that need to be considered. Juvederm is a filler and not a relaxer. Juvederm adds fullness to the face around the mouth, cheeks and nose area. Juvederm uses hyaluronic acid to plump the face. Which one is best? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Both options offer their own unique benefits. This answer should be determined by you and what you desire. At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we’ll guide you through the process to help you choose what is best for you to reach your desired results.
Keep in mind that since Botox and Juvederm treat specific areas of concern, they can be used at the same time. Some patients choose to receive both Botox and Juvederm on the same visit. Men, listen up, Botox and fillers aren’t just for women. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox was the top nonsurgical procedure for men. Nearly 500,000 men rely on Botox to help with their appearance, and that number continues to climb. At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we will gladly accommodate your schedule to make you more comfortable. A wise person once said “don’t trust getting Botox or filler from a specialist who doesn’t use the product.” Our specially trained team uses these products to help them look their best every day. We know what these products can do to help boost your self-confidence and slow the aging process. If you are considering any of these procedures but are still unsure as to which one you should choose, please give us a call at 318-3873113. We’ll find the perfect fit for the new you.
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Home Combines Luxury and Leisure Welcome Home to 403 Pintail Point
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OUR HOME SHOULD BE YOUR REFUGE AND THAT IS JUST what 403 Pintail Point has to offer. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is nestled in the heart of Egret Landing, conveniently located off Hwy 165 North, between beautiful Bayou Desiard and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This home was one of the first homes built in the development so you will notice the relatively mature landscaping upon arrival. The solid wood shutters, gas lanterns and arched windows along with the mix of brick and stucco give off a classic Acadian style. When you enter the home, you step into the foyer, inviting you into the open floor plan, where you will see wood floors throughout the living areas as well as in all of the bedrooms. Your eye goes directly to the stunning reclaimed Cypress beams, bringing the feel of the refuge indoors. The beams draw your eye to the high ceilings, adding to the open and airy feel. To the right of the foyer is a dining room, with room for your entire family for the upcoming holiday season. This opens into the living room area, where the focus is the brick fireplace, which will keep you warm and cozy in the chilly months. Step into the kitchen, where the center of the room features an island with a stunning granite slab that all of your friends will want to gather around. The pièce de résistance is the large gas stove and oven surrounded by stone tile, brick and reclaimed wood, topped with a custom vent hood. When you look up, you see large metal chandeliers
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and below you find beautiful travertine tile. The kitchen opens up into another living space that can be used as a sitting area or a breakfast nook, with another brick fireplace. The large master bedroom has a bathroom that features two separate vanity spaces, a walk in shower and a large soaking tub, with natural colored travertine. The walk in closet has built in shelf space, allowing you to organize all of your clothes, shoes and accessories. Two of the bedrooms share a bathroom space, which would work perfect for siblings. The fourth bedroom could be used as an extra bedroom or if you’ve recently found yourself working from home, a large at home office. The third bathroom stands alone, making it great for guests. Step outside under the covered patio with fans, reclaimed wood and slate tile. This is where you will want to spend your time watching the sun set over the refuge, while the kids play in the backyard. This home located in Phase I of Egret Landing and is zoned for Lexington Elementary, Sallie Humble and Neville High School. The neighborhood features sidewalks throughout as well as community amenities like an amphitheater, a baseball field, a basketball court, playground and a dock and pier on Bayou Desiard. Contact Dustin James with Keller Williams Realty at 318-282-6000 to schedule your appointment today and come home to your new refuge! photos provided by Nolan West
Lyle Miller for Monroe City Marshal Local Candidate Stands On Service, Hard Work and Experience
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HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF THIS GREAT CITY FOR 64 YEARS. My parents established Miller’s Car Wash in Monroe in 1956, and from the setbacks they experienced, I learned about hard work, dedication, and respecting the work of others—traits that I have carried with me to this day. Through 60 years of active membership in my church, I have cultivated a faith that informs my actions and concern for others. Serving people has always been the “why” behind what I do. My community service began at Neville High School as a member of The Key Club. Since then, I have considered Monroe my garden plot. I keep the wise words of Ralph Waldo Emerson displayed on my desk to remind me each day of what it means to cultivate that garden plot: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” That’s why I am running for Monroe City Marshal. During my tenure as a City Councilman I became intrigued with the organizational structure and operations of the Marshal’s Office. There are five elected entities in Monroe. The Marshal position oversees one of these entities, and interestingly, most citizens have little knowledge as to what service this area of government provides. The primary responsibility of the Marshal’s Office is to serve as the arm of the Monroe City Court. I believe
there is an opportunity to build a more transparent, effective and efficient office. I want to propose and implement change that will ultimately reallocate resources for the betterment of our community. Monroe deserves a City Marshal who is willing to collaborate with other officials, organizations, and agencies to eliminate status quo and find adequate solutions for our challenges. We are always stronger together. Years ago, when I served as a Councilman, we faced financial challenges as we do today; however, this did not hinder our progress. I am proud to have been a part of many improvements that our citizens enjoy today. Together with other professionals and elected officials, we were able to establish the I-20 Development Board, develop the TowerArmand connector, and execute the purchase of Black Bayou, and many other projects during challenging times. I believe there is a bright future for Monroe, and my experience as a manager and auditor combined with my service on multiple boards as both a member and an officer, have equipped me with the knowledge and desire to be a catalyst for change to benefit all. My wife, Lisa, and I are proud to be part of this community. Between the two of us, we have over 90 years of service to this community that we love so dearly. We’ve dedicated our lives and careers to serving the people of Monroe, and we pledge to continue that dedication and commitment. I’m Lyle Miller, and I humbly ask for your vote for Monroe City Marshal.
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Plush Boutique
Taking Our Vision to the ‘Cloud’
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MBRACING YOUR CURVE AND QUEENSHIP IS what founder of plus-sized boutique ‘PLUSH’ is all about. The world of fashion took a necessary turn when it started to embrace diversity and eccentricity. Chaquita Anderson, CEO of Plush Boutique, is keen on the need for us to accept our differences as women. A strong woman with the “you go girl” attitude, she will make you feel like you can take on the world, and that’s just what she seeks to portray through her clothing collections. She is all about ‘including all women, loving your body and having a great curve appeal.’ Chaquita stepped into the world of fashion with her urban, bold and colorful statement pieces, and we are here for it! She joined the band of women who are saying no to body segregation and yes to a fashion revolution. Plus has colorful dresses that announce “a queen is strutting by,” tops and denim pants that say “I’ve got class and I’m not afraid to flaunt it;” and rompers that make all your curves pop at the right places. A fun, sassy nature is reflected in each piece of clothing; and Chaquita describes plush as a plus-size urban boutique. Now that the world has gone digital, everything you need is available to you at the tap of a button. She believes its time to tap into the world of opportunities available online and present to every woman the chance to shop the boutique from any location without the restrictions of four walls. Shopping for size 12 women and above can prove to be a chore, from the struggle for inclusion to the backbreaking work of looking for a beautiful piece that suits your personality. Shopping should be easy, fun and memorable, and that’s the experience Chaquita hopes to bring with the online store. As someone who went through all the fashion stress of being a plus-sized young woman, she took her struggles and transformed it into a blossoming all-inclusive fashion business. Every woman should have the chance to select from Plush boutique’s wide range of urban, audacious pieces which is why she decided to take it online. Her online store is packed with beautiful pieces ranging from plain colors, floral to print, from ripped denim to crop tops, dresses to rompers, and many more. Talk about urban! Each piece is sure to make you look and feel like a 21st-century queen. Once you open the page, you’re welcomed with a burst of sparkles, and an array of her featured collections. There’s no closing time now; you can shop from Plush Boutique’s beautiful collections any time and any day. Say goodbye to proximity issues and questions like “do you have this in my size?” because Plush Boutique has got you covered. Are you a plus-sized queen? Are you tired of ordinary clothing? Are you looking to make a statement anytime you step into a place? Are you in need of fashion pieces that reflect your beautiful personality? Plush Boutique has got you covered. What’s more, Plush Boutique has a 30 percent discount sale right now. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to miss out on that! Grab your phone, relax and shop for a statement-making piece. Visit our online store today ladies and get 10 percent off when you subscribe to our newsletter so you can be the first to know about new collections. Go get clothing to fit your curves!
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Bridging the Gap Creating One Community
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EST SELLING AUTHOR, RICHIE NORTON ONCE SAID, “Believing there is a bridge from where you are to where you want to go is 99% of the battle. The other 1% is to cross it.” In today’s society, there is often a disconnect between youth, the community, law enforcement, and elected officials. Where these gaps exist, a community tends to see an increase in problems that could otherwise be easily solved or avoided overall. Bridging the gap between not only civilians and local law enforcement, but within the community itself is the number one goal of City Marshal Candidate Arthur “Deangelo” Eleam. A goal, he says, that he is more than ready to dive in and accomplish. A true local at heart, Eleam was born right here in Monroe on July 7th, 1984. Growing up as a biracial child in a predominately African American neighborhood, Arthur faced unique challenges both in his youth and into adulthood. Though he never let himself hit a wall, but rather he surpassed each obstacle by creating his own pathways over, around, and through whatever was put in his path. It is this attitude of “life happening for him” rather than “life happening to him” that makes Arthur Eleam uniquely qualified for the office of City Marshal. After graduating from Wossman High School, Arthur made the brave decision to enlist in the United States Navy where he quickly excelled to receive the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his leadership and dedication to the service. With a heart for serving and protecting his community Eleam took the next natural step in his career and entered the field of local law enforcement as an officer with OPSO in November 2007. This career choice would propel him into the position of Deputy Marshal at the Monroe City Marshal’s Office in March 2010. Arthur has prided himself on learning about his community to be better equipped to serve and protect the citizens he has grown up with and grown to love. Arthur Eleam has had the opportunity to see the obstacles facing the office of City Marshal firsthand through his time as a Deputy Marshal. He believes that he has a unique position being the youngest candidate running at only 36 where he can relate to both an older generation having seen his grandmother “catch the city bus to clean houses on the Northside” and a younger generation including his own children. Though there is a disconnect between the generations currently, Eleam is excited to be able to bridge the gap through programs that encourage youth involvement such as a Junior Deputy Marshal Program that would actively mentor local youth with the goal of lowering future incarceration rates. Arthur strongly believes that it is of the utmost importance for local law enforcement to go back to the old adage of “working the beat” wherein officers would actively get to know the citizens of the communities they patrol by introducing themselves and offering assistance daily. That along with a “warrant task force” to provide courtesy calls to those who may have missed a court date would help our community to work through problems in conjunction with law enforcement rather create a further divide. Arthur “Deangelo” Eleam has worked hard to create opportunities for himself as well as his family over his years in law enforcement. He is excited to have the opportunity to get into the office of City Marhsal and work with law enforcement, elected officials, local youth, and the community to “Bridge the Gap” and pave the way for a strong community centered future. Make sure your voice is heard by casting your vote! Election Day: November 3rd, 2020 Early Voting: October 20th-27th, 2020 (closed Sunday) WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 149
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Normal Can Still Be Normal Even if the New Normal Outside Our Homes Look Different article by Cindy G. Foust
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appy fall, readers, as we enjoy the most perfect morning we have had this entire year. Isn’t that safe to say? I mean, this year has been one that my grandchildren will be studying about in their history books, am I right? But this morning, this morning I walked outside and everything seemed a little like normal… the air was crisp and cool… the sun was shining… the birds were signing… and my donkey was braying for me to bring her some apples and carrots at 7:30 a.m. While I was feeding my pet, I got to thinking about this crazy year and the roller coaster ride it’s been and how it’s now October and things are still seemingly turned upside down. I was actually looking at my Vision Board (yes, just call me Miss Pinterest) and my goals for 2020, and right now, the only goal I’m interested in is just getting to the end of 2020… like at a warp speed. Anybody on my same page? But the truth is, I’ve reached the point where I am actually craving normalcy… like craving like you crave a Dairy Queen dipped cone. And that craving got a little satisfaction when I stepped outside this morning and it FELT normal. It felt like a season change, just like in years past, when the dog days of summer are nearing the end and you start dragging out the pumpkin scented candles and your sweaters. Or you buy that first bag of candy corn. Or your children start talking about what they want to be for Halloween. Yeah, that normalcy. Because everywhere we look right now, things are far from normal. No matter where
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you are or where you go, you are staring back at folks through a mask (for the most part). If you happen to be somewhere and someone coughs or sneezes, people start running from that store as if they are training for the Olympic trials. Our hands are calloused from the hand washing and the sanitizing. People continue to stockpile toilet paper, paper towels and hand sanitizer in their newly built bunkers
on the outside chance we find ourselves in another shortage for paper products to treat a respiratory infection. And certainly we are social distancing in every capacity of our lives, whether we are in a store or a football stadium or the bank… we don’t get closer than six feet; and if we do recognize someone in their mask, we nod our
heads in acknowledgement like we are at the military academy. I did have a friend break the rules the other day and actually side hug me but the store clerk came and promptly sprayed us down with a backpack sprayer of Lysol and told us we would be escorted to our cars with a Lysol escort. Just kidding… she did hug me but we made sure no one was watching. Yes, you can say life is anything but normal these days… even though society is fighting tooth and nail for it to get back to that. Next week, school starts back for all grades in a normal capacity. Restaurants are seating nearly normal capacity. Football stadiums will at least have “some” capacity, even though we have no idea what that’s going to look like until we actually get to play a game. I did watch a college game last night and the people were spread out so far apart they would need a bullhorn to talk to each other, much less worrying about getting a virus. Alas, however, these are the times we are in and like it or not, here we all are. I’ve written the last few months about businesses, particularly small ones, that have struggled to find their way through this pandemic nightmare. I’ve talked about extending grace, being patient, exercising understanding and just being kind as we know there is no handbook anywhere in the world of the universe to tell us how to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Because that’s what it feels like we all are, right? Just a bunch of eggs that are waiting to be cracked? And scrambled? And fried… or however you like your eggs.
But what I haven’t said much about is our home lives. I mentioned how much I enjoyed being with my family in those first few months; the time we spent together that we never get to; being forced to “shelter-in-place” definitely had this writer in a melancholy sort of Norman Rockwell state of mind for a few months. Flash forward to September on the cusp of October and the “rules” may have loosened a bit for the outside world, but what about that inside world… where we nest... where we live… where we take sanctuary? As I have mulled over this month’s column, I’ve given a lot of thought to the word “normal” and here’s what I know. Just because we have these big bad wolves lurking “outside,” we can still control the climate inside our homes. We can still control decorating our homes for fall. We can still put the pumpkins and mums on the front porch. We can still light the pumpkin scented candles and bake the sugar cookies. We can still insist on the entire family sitting down for a meal and talking about our day which will include how many times we washed our hands and what color mask we wore to school. Just kidding… surely there’s more to talk about than that. Here’s the point, readers, for all the things that we can’t control right now, we need to dial
in and laser focus on what we can. As society begins to heal from the chokehold the virus has had on us, for however long that will take, the reality is we are still in charge of what goes on within the walls of our homes. We can still do whatever it is that we “normally” do. Normal can still be normal, even if the “new normal” outside our homes looks different. That normalcy I am craving is still very much attainable… it’s right in front of me and my family and we can choose to give in to the madness that is circling the wagons, or we can fight to create the safe haven our families have come to expect. A few weeks ago, one of my children walked through and said “Mom, are you going to put out the Halloween village?” For you antiHalloweeners… I get it… I truly do, but I trickor-treated until I was a grown adult and I don’t worship the devil or bite the heads off bats in an Ozzy Osbourne ritual, so try not to judge me too harshly. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were loading up in the back of my dad’s truck, dressed as Dolly Parton, and heading out to trick-or-treat, so I’m keeping those memories and have made new ones with my kiddos through the years. Wait. Where was I? Oh, getting the house in full fall swing… and in full swing it is. My daughter and I had
such a great few days, pulling everything out, looking at old pictures, buying a few new things to add to our collection… and things are, shall we say, normal. The house smells and looks like fall. Normal. My son grilled for us last night and we watched a football game. Normal. We sat around the table and talked about going on a hike in Arkansas to see the leaves and social distance. Okay, sort of normal, but you get what I’m saying, right? If you haven’t already, take charge of the normal climate where you still have all the control… your home. If circumstances dictate that some of your old normal has to be a new normal, embrace it… go with it. Life is soldiering on, despite the pandemic or the election or a hurricane or whatever is going on outside our homes, and trust me, all of that is out of control and out of our control, so dial back in, circle the wagons and strive for the one area, the one lane where you control the environment. Pop the corn, watch the movies, or the games, go for walks, decorate the house…whatever normal looks like for your family, take it by the horns and ride this bucking bull out on your terms. 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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Win Free Braces
Caples & Robinson Car Crew Will Make You Smile
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S SCHOOLS BEGIN TO START BACK AND WE ADJUST to the “new norm” we have lots of exciting things happening at Caples and Robinson Orthodontics. We will begin our WIN FREE BRACES give-away and the contest is simple and goes like this. STOP in any of our 5 convenient locations to pick up your magnet or cling … we have many styles and motifs to choose from. Place this on your vehicle and like us on Facebook, and we will enter you into our monthly drawing for one of three $50 gift cards to local businesses, restaurants or a VISA gift card — your choice! The monthly drawings are held on the 5th of each month. Place the “magnet” or “cling” on your car (note: magnets won’t stick to cars made of aluminum, this is where the cling comes in.). Caples and Robinson has over 40 “private eyes” that are on the lookout for the magnet/clings. They will take a picture of your car and post it on our Facebook page. When you see it and call in … we put your name in again for the gift card drawing. Yes… you can win a gift card and free braces! You can pickup more than one magnet or cling… each one must be on a separate vehicle to qualify. So stop in today for your chance at one of our wonderful prizes. Like many other things in life, all braces ARE NOT created equal. At Caples and Robinson we offer Damon braces. This innovative and cutting edge system incorporates comfortable braces with a “door” to enclose the wire… giving you a low friction but extremely quick, efficient experience in tooth movement. Coupled with state-of-the-art thermally activated
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wires that slowly but endlessly release their force, our patients experience noticeable changes quickly with little or no discomfort. This technology also allows us to schedule our patients every 8-10 weeks, putting your valuable time back into your schedule. If you have minor tooth crowding or maybe a little relapse from braces years ago, Invisalign along w/Caples and Robinson have just the answer. Invisalign now offers Lite Treatment with as few as 5 aligners. This give you the ability to get things back to perfect without any hassle, no gooey impressions (all records are digitally scanned) and minimal time. Call today for your free consultation. Caples and Robinson is also proud to be involved in the playground makeover at Lexington School. The makeover includes new turf, benches and shade sails over the north playground. The school is excited to work with donors who are giving both monetary and/or material gifts to make this playground dream come true for many present and future students. We ask you to be a part of this exciting and refreshing “face lift” of the playground. Please contact Toni McCarty at Lexington Elementary (318) 322-9753 to donate and be a part of the future for so many! These exciting things — plus so much more are happening now at Caples and Robinson Orthodontics. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Ivy and Stone Celebrates Grand Opening New Home Store Opens in Ruston
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ESSICA PHILLIPS DIDN’T PLAN ON OPENING A HOME store in Ruston, but what’s meant to be will be! “I had shopped at Ivy and Stone in Shreveport and fell in love with it,” Jessica explains. “I am a true southern girl and love a cozy home and that is the exact vibe of Ivy and Stone.” Ivy and Stone is a home decor store with locations in Shreveport and Bossier. After traveling I-20 and shopping there many times, she not only fell in love with the decor, Jessica got to know the owner Brandi. In January of this year, Jessica was sitting on her front porch swing and reading her daily devotional and had an idea. At the time, she and her husband, Cody were in the process of developing commercial property in Ruston and had two spaces to fill. Jessica immediately thought of Ivy and Stone, but fully admits she wanted to be able to shop closer to home. Brandi already had her hands full with her two current locations, so the pair came to an agreement to franchise and Ivy and Stone Ruston was born! The new location celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, September 12th with a ribbon cutting, giveaways and treats. Jessica and Cody have been married for 16 years. Cody started his own company, Phillips Construction Company is 2007, and Jessica raised their children, Reese Caroline and Case Phillips. Once her children started school, Jessica embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and started buying lots in subdivisions to build and sell homes. Additionally, the couple has built four personal homes together, and through that process, Jessica has
fallen in love with design, decor and the entire process so opening Ivy and Stone was a natural fit for her. When you step foot in Ivy and Stone, you see beautiful home decor with a neutral palette - creams, whites, natural, blacks, grays. They carry unique furniture, beautiful rugs, lighting, home decor, table place settings and more. And if you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, just ask! They can custom order many items. Their helpful staff can help with interior design and consultations. Ivy and Stone carries an amazing gift selection including baby gifts, women’s clothing, candles and jewelry. You can also find Ruston’s own, Breck and Vale. This local company owned by Valerie Owens features custom one of a kind hats, that are quickly becoming everyone’s favorite must have accessory. The holidays are just around the corner and Ivy and Stone feels it is important to decorate for fall and Christmas, especially after the year we have had. A beautiful holiday table is inviting and welcoming to guests and that is important, now more than ever. Ivy and Stone has beautiful serving pieces, decor, candles and more that will fill your holiday table and make it perfect for the season. For our future brides, swing by and let one of our team members help create your custom registry. Be sure to stop by the newest location of Ivy and Stone, located on North Trenton Street in Ruston and say hello to Jessica!
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R2 Rentals Offers Solutions
Local Business Includes Dumpsters and Residential Garbage Service
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F YOU HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE IN NORTHEAST LOUISIANA IN recent months, chances are you have spotted the work of R2 Rentals. Their bright yellow dumpsters are at home remodels, new home construction sites and commercial projects throughout the area. The reason you see so many is because R2 Rentals has an extensive inventory, available to accommodate numerous projects. They offer a variety of sizes including 20 yard, 30 yard and 40 yard. In addition, they offer a fast, reliable and hassle-free waste removal option for the kinds of messes you can’t just leave at the curb. Their process is simple. You select the right size dumpster for your project; they even have a guide on their website that can help you select the right size. Then, your dumpster is delivered when you need it, placed safely where you want it and removed when you are done. R2 Rentals is a responsible, environmentally conscious company and keeps the highest standards of environmental responsibility, so you can feel at ease about what happens after they pick up your dumpster from your home, office or job site. They service a wide area from Lake Providence to Shreveport to Columbia to Lake Bruin. R2 Rentals is also excited to announce that they are expanding their business. They recently acquired S&W Garbage, which has handled residential garbage pick up in Richland Parish for the past 12 years. R2 Rentals will continue to service Richland Parish and will soon be
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expanding into Ouachita Parish. This gives parish residents an affordable and reliable option when it comes to residential garbage pick up. Plus, their fleet of trucks are smaller than traditional garbage trucks, so they don’t damage roads, driveways and neighborhoods. R2 Rentals will offer once or twice weekly pick up and they offer neighborhood rates. While R2 Rentals is known for their big yellow dumpsters, they are excited to introduce a new color - pink! They have partnered with Cascade Cart Solutions to offer the Pink Cart. You can request one of these and the portion of the proceeds from each can goes back to the American Cancer Society, helping kick breast cancer to the curb. R2 Rentals is a locally owned company, ran by Kerri James and Mary Durham. Being locally owned is important because when you have an issue, you can pick up the phone and reach a person that knows what’s going on and can address your issue right away. They also offer convenient online billing and you can log on and see your account, any upcoming holidays and more. Since they are a locally owned business, they not only support other local businesses but they support the community as a whole. R2 Rentals has donated to the Lexington Elementary School playground remodel, ULM, local high schools, golf tournaments and more. Whether you need a dumpster or residential garbage service, R2 Rentals can help you! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram or find more information at r2rents.com.
Fight Like a Girl
Morehouse General Hospital Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Tea
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T’S NO SECRET THAT WOMEN ARE a strong force to be reckoned with even in the face of fear and adversity. With the power and grace to battle an unfortunate disease like breast cancer, it’s no wonder why the saying “fight like a girl” has become one of the most recognized battle cries for the thousands of women diagnosed every year. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with it comes a month filled with teas, luncheons, charitable runs, and survivor walks, along with many community events designed to bring attention to the cause. To bring light to the one in eight women affected in the US every year, Morehouse General Hospital is honored to announce their annual event will be held on Friday, October 16th at 2pm. Brandy Jones, the Director of Marketing for Morehouse General Hospital, hopes this tea will serve not only as an educational event, but also as a way to celebrate the survivors and honor the loved
ones lost by coming together as a community in a show of solidarity. Guests of the event will be treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing tea in the fashion of a southern tea gathering. They will be provided goodie bags and eligible to win prizes throughout the event including 2 FREE Mammograms with Readings. Along with the refreshments to fuel the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to listen to a panel of guest speakers from Morehouse General Hospital’s doctors and staff. The lineup will cover a range of informative and intriguing topics on breast cancer awareness, annual screenings, preventative medicine, and overall health and wellness in the community. Debbie Hester, the Head of Mammography for Morehouse General Hospital, would like to stress the importance of screening, “Mammography is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Mammography can detect breast cancer early-
when most treatable- 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer, so early detection does save lives.” Out of every 100 women who have screening mammograms: 90 of the 100 will have totally normal findings; 10 people are asked to return for additional mammogram or ultrasound; 6 of those 10 are reassured of normal findings, but 2 will be asked for a 6 month recheck and 2 out of every 100 women will be recommended biopsy. Morehouse General Hospital has been serving the Bastrop community for 90 years and helping the community with early detection. Their incredible team of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are honored to invite the community to share in this event. To protect our visitors and staff, social distancing will be in place and masks will be worn. In honor of the flagship color of pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, guests are asked to “Pink Out” the hospital’s Walnut Room by wearing their favorite hue of pink. Dress your best in your favorite pinks from blush to bold to honor those we have loved and lost as well as those powerful women still fighting. To save your place, contact Brandy Jones, Director of Marketing at Morehouse General Hospital at brandy.jones@mghospital.com.
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M O N R O E
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More than just a set of rooms, this local Airbnb is a gateway to Monroe’s hosting potential and future growth. Bayou Long Beard, owned and operated by Joy Hale and Clay Caissie is an eclectic Airbnb in the heart of Northeast Louisiana. ar ticle by VA N EL IS RI V ER A an d photo graphy by K EL LY M O O R E CL A R K
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“WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO HOSPITALITY, without a doubt,” writes Joy Hale Caissie, particularly about the eclectic Airbnb rental she owns and manages with husband Clay Caissie. The heartfelt message, posted on the rental’s Instagram page, serves as a caption to the image of a wooden recliner, embellished with snug throw blankets, and an ottoman displaying a coffee mug and journal, subtly illustrating the comfort and charm of a space still undiscovered by many in Northeast Louisiana. Though Joy acknowledges that they have been graced with exceptional spaces and resources to provide a primo travel experience, her idea of hospitality is not one mutually exclusive with luxury. “You don’t HAVE to know how to cook or have a fancy house or beautiful tablescape... Initiate simple invitations,” she finishes. The couple has been extending such invitations to their flagship Airbnb in the form of outdoor yoga classes, kayak tours, and interactive social media posts. More than just a set of rooms, this local Airbnb is a gateway to Monroe’s hosting potential and future growth. As a former guitar tech and band manager, Clay would often live off of other people’s hospitality as he toured the world. “I was literally homeless for seven to eight years,” he says, recalling his nomadic days living on couches and hopping from home to home. “I felt like that’s where I really got to see hospitality at its best and worst.” He’d always been keen on wanting somewhere people could stay, like his place in Nashville that often served as a rotating door for musicians. In a similar vein, Joy’s curiosity about the service industry peaked at nineteen, when for the first time she stayed at a “true” bed and breakfast in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. There, her host made breakfast and even put chocolate chip cookies on her pillow. “I’ve never experienced anything like that,” she recalls. Since then, she had casually kept owning and running a B&B on the back burner. Though drawn to service, she didn’t quite believe the dream to be an attainable one, even though she had a Pinterest page brimming with aesthetics. “Instead, I got married. I had three kids. I stayed home and took care of my children for ten years,” she says. But when Joy and Clay reconnected, their shared enthusiasm for creating a space for entertainment and good cheer developed into what would eventually become Bayou Long
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Beard, an ode to Clay’s long, grey bristles and industry nickname “the bearded wonder.” “The people on this stretch of the bayou are very much in love with the area and consider it the best kept secret in Monroe,” says Clay. His parents leased-to-own the property in 2000 when there was just a river-side house sans the B&B extension, which was added around 2004. “This place was built for my grandparents to finish out their years,” he says, adding “So when you think about it, this place that we’re in was built to take care of people.” Clay’s grandfather passed as he began to court Joy, so the once retirement place soon became their riverview love nest. Joy describes it as “hearts colliding” on the bayou. “We’re falling in love here and we’re talking about what to do with the space. We just put our heads together and went for it. We spent a lot of time on the water on the pontoon boat and canoe, and really just fell in love with this stretch of the bayou, which I had never seen,” says Joy.
BAYOU L ANDING Local designer, Heather Land, commissioned a custom dining table which boasts a wood top with antique sewing machine bases for the legs (an ingenious paring). She also custom-made the living room’s coffee table.
KITCHEN DUTY In the kitchen, an exposed brick wall pairs with traditional cabinetry and minimalist wood shelves from Ouachita Antique Woods. A screened in dining area allows guests to enjoy Monroe’s beautiful bayou scenery.
Encouraged by Clay’s parents, Joy eagerly stepped into the managerial role of modernizing the home. Though they had been advised to skimp on sheets and towels because they get easily worn or ruined by guests, the couple were resolute about going above and beyond. “I want people to get in that bed and go ‘Oh my God. I love this bed’,” says Clay. In 2017, as he was in a hotel in Australia and racking his brain for someone that could take his grandparent’s place and turn it into a testament of Monroe, his thoughts turned to Libby Gifford, a friend he considered “trendy and cool,” and whose apartment interior he admired. “I wanted someone that gets Monroe,” he says. Unfortunately, Gifford had moved to Nashville, but revealed that she was sharing that rented space with Heather Land, a modern-day home and lifestyle maker. Perpetually up for a design challenge, Land was all in, asking the couple to clear the space so she could sit, feel, and get-in-touch with each room. Inspired by the place’s ability to welcome natural light and some of the personal trinkets belonging to Clay’s grandparents, Land set about reconceptualizing. Construction projects ranged from the obvious removal of the popcorn ceiling to the more demanding addition of double doors at the entrance. Though the structure was kept the same, most of the home improvements were cosmetic and utilized Land’s ability to translate her personal aesthetic, which is “layered in texture, warmth, and welcome,” Land explains. In the kitchen, an exposed brick wall
pairs with traditional cabinetry and minimalist wood shelves from Ouachita Antique Woods. The custom dining table boasts a wood top with antique sewing machine bases for the legs (an ingenious paring). Land also custom-made the living room’s coffee table, the bedroom’s pipe clothing rack, as well as the bed’s headboard (made from burlap coffee sacks). Overall, the style is vintage with mid-century modern accents, and earthy tones with hints of dark red and yellow. The big reveal occurred in October 2017. Land covered the front doors, lit some incense, and put on some ambient tunes on the record player. As Joy and Clay walked up the ramp to their new endeavor, they had no idea, in spite of all the meticulous planning, what Land had arranged behind the curtain. “She touched all five senses, which is what we wanted,” says Joy, adding “Everything was amazing. It really was above and beyond our expectations.” The goal, a result of great communication and collaboration, was for the place to seem “as though it had been effortlessly layered over the years,” says Land. In this way, approachability was key and it takes form in the living room. Two large windows allow for natural light to flood the space and, thanks to the view, act as ever changing picture frames. The austere fireplace doesn’t take away from the view, which is why the television is reserved for a separate nook to the right wing of the apartment. Clay was particularly taken by the work desk in the bedroom. Land, resourceful and WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 161
mindful, had not only handmade the desk, but also included the added detail of scattering some of his family photographs--Clay as a happy toddler in a bathtub, grandparents smiling on a couch, a graduation snapshot--on the table top, sealing it with a glass table cover. “It has been a great desk for people that are in town to work. We put a journal in there for guests to leave a note,” says Joy. As she details the notes of gratitude left over by guests, her voice breaks. “I think that’s my favorite,” she says emotionally. Though Land did a lot of the heavy lifting, she credits Joy with making the place come to life. “She was the breath,” Land asserts. Clay seconds this, acknowledging that even if they didn’t get married his mother would still have asked Joy to run the B&B: “It makes Joy come alive.” Regardless of whether you are a guest or a guest of a guest, Joy and Clay don’t want you to have a typical Airbnb experience. They enjoy greeting every guest that comes in, wanting to personally show them around, taking time to hear their story. “We get giddy about trying to find out what people like when they come,” says Joy, disclosing that for a recent guest who is a Topo Chico aficionado, they filled two shelves of the fridge with the refreshing Mexican beverage. “We just want people to feel like
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we like to feel when we stay in an Airbnb or bed and breakfast,” emphasizes Joy. Clay has added his personal touches based on his favorite travel experiences. One that guests would be hard pressed to ignore are the Biltmore towels, compliments of Clay’s travels through Asheville, North Carolina--they are as soft as they are absorbent. And he just had to have them. He also insisted on the electric blinds so that you can effortlessly see the view of the garden and bayou from anywhere in the space. Even then, Joy would still get questions like who comes to Monroe? Her short answer: “All kinds of people.” They have had an architect, with houses all over the coast, stay multiple times. He disclosed to the pair that Bayou Long Beard is the best place he has ever stayed. They’ve had people come in for Duck Dynasty, University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) related events, and even locals in dire need of a staycation that doesn’t feel like a staycation. Their reputation as Airbnb Superhosts is solid and they have had multiple bookings from the same travelers. One in particular, a ULM parent of a student athlete, has booked the guest house in advance for every home football game this year, which fills Clay with a lot of pride because not only are his parents alumni, but his grandparents
IN GRE AT DETAIL Clay Caissie was particularly taken by the work desk in the bedroom. Land, resourceful and mindful, had not only handmade the desk, but also included the added detail of scattering some of his family photographs--Clay as a happy toddler in a bathtub, grandparents smiling on a couch, a graduation snapshot-on the table top, sealing it with a glass table cover.
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met on the last day of the semester in their years at ULM. They currently have ULM volleyball athletes staying in the adjacent house as they wait for the completion of brand-new dorms. Additionally, when the vacation rental is unoccupied, current Miss Taste of the Twin Cities and ULM graduate student, Asja Jordan, takes residence as the in-house public relations representative. “This is our baby. We created it, we birthed it, we watched it grow, and now it’s multiplying,” says Joy, hinting at future expansion of their B&B properties, which will take the name of Bayou Joy upon completion. Drawing from the requests they have gotten from prospective travelers, the pair wants to make sure they can offer spaces that cater to specific needs--family friendly, single occupancy, and small parties. Joy is particularly enthused about taking the design reigns and applying her vision to an aesthetic she admires: southwestern desert chic. “I’m so drawn to all of the things of the desert and the way that they incorporate the outdoors inside,” she says. They want people to walk into a space and feel like they’re not in Monroe, or whatever their impression of Monroe may be. Each of the pending properties is chock-full of possibilities, and Joy and Clay are open to discovering what Bayou Joy will encompass by the end of the year. “Almost ninety percent of the people who have come here have become our friends to the point that they’ve asked us to stay at their place,” reveals Clay. When Hurricane Laura ravaged the Twin Cities, Joy received messages of concern and well wishes. “So, it’s more than just a place without a face,” Clay adds. Joy and Clay are ready to show you their personal brand of hospitality, which at times looks like sunset cruises on their pontoon boat and making breakfast in bed. From the get-go, Clay emphasized they are up for being ambassadors for the town, providing visitors their first taste of Monroe. Follow Bayou Long Beard on Instagram and Facebook, and don’t wait to book your stay via Airbnb at this in-demand Monroe oasis. 164 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Disaster Relief Combines Efforts
Local Distributor Choice Brands Donates Water to Hurricane Laura Victims
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OLSON COORS PARTNERED WITH LOCAL distributors Choice Brands (Monroe) and Venture Marketing (Alexandria) to donate 50,000 cans of water to areas impacted by Hurricane Laura. The water cans were shipped to Monroe from Molson Coors and distributed to those most in need by the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana and the City of West Monroe as well as multiple organizations in Alexandria and Pineville. “In times of distress and crisis, Molson Coors believes that access to safe drinking water is critical,” said Michael Nordman, senior manager of community affairs for Molson Coors. “We are mobilizing quickly to ensure that water is available to first responders and residents as they deal with the aftermath of this terrible storm.” “On behalf of all Choice Brands and Venture Marketing employees, we are proud to support our local communities in their hurricane recovery efforts by providing much needed drinking water to the residents of Northeast and Central Louisiana,” said Delia Simpson, Craft Brand Manager of Choice Brands and Venture Marketing.
Molson Coors’ water donation program is part of an initiative launched in 2017 with Broomfield, Colo.-based can maker Ball Corporation. The two companies together have committed to providing more than 2 million cans of water to the Red Cross and other organizations to help communities in crisis. The water is canned at the Molson Coors brewery in Trenton, Ohio, and stored at its brewery in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The 12-pack cartons are donated by Graphic Packaging International. The company earlier this year also donated 154,000 cans of water to North American truck drivers in an effort to help keep them safe by limiting the amount of stops they need to make for supplies during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as 50,000 cans of water to the Salvation Army Intermountain Division in Denver to assist with the organization’s coronavirus relief efforts. Molson Coors has an ongoing commitment to donate canned water to communities in crisis. Choice Brands and Venture Marketing are proud to partner with the brewery in this effort.
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New Boutique in Town Is Sure to be “Right Up Your Allie”
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IGHT UP YOUR ALLIE BOUTIQUE IS SO EXCITED TO be a part of BayouLife Magazine and this great community. RUYA is owned and operated by Allie Toler-Scanlan of Crossett, Arkansas. Allie began RUYA as an online boutique in June of 2019. The name comes from her name, Allie, and gives a twist to the popular phrase “right up your alley.” The boutique quickly became a hot topic to people from her city, state, and then on to the entire nation. She also has many customers from other countries that are loyal to her! After she reached a year in the online business, she began noticing she was outgrowing her space in her home. “I have a four-bedroom, twostory house with two living rooms, and the store was overflowing into every single room. It only made sense to open a place that I can grow into,” says Allie. Allie is in graduate school at The University of Louisiana at Monroe pursuing her master’s degree in speech-language pathology, so it only made sense to open her store in the same town that she has gone to school in for the last four years and will be in school in for the next two years. ULM is very dear to Allie’s heart because her mom, dad, grandfather, aunt, cousin, and sister have all attended the university as well. Her dad was even on the track team here at ULM from 1991-1995. Allie’s parents are members of the Letterman Club at ULM and have attended games for as long as she remembers. It is very special for her to be able to start a business in such a special town. She began the process of searching for a retail space in July, and she found the perfect spot at the beginning of August. RUYA is located in Sterlington, but it does have a Monroe address. The staff are all so excited to be able to offer her botique to the town of Sterlington, Monroe, and all other surrounding towns. This community is a tight knit community that loves others well, and Allie is very excited to be a part of that. RUYA has the most unique and fun style that will make you stand out anywhere you go. Allie prides herself on finding pieces of clothing that differentiate from the normal style so that everyone can be different. When you visit RUYA, you will see that there is something for everyone. “My sister is nineteen and rocks everything in the store, but my mom and BOTH grandmothers rock it just as well at 47, 71, and 74,” Allie explained. There is something for every age in this boutique, and the staff cannot wait to help you find your new favorite outfit! RUYA 8711 Hwy 165 S Monroe, LA 71203
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Lauren Roebuck Designs
Local Designer Helps Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays
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HERE IS A HINT OF FALL IN THE AIR AND WITH A NEW season comes new decor. Whether you are looking to freshen up with a pop of autumn color or get your home ready for the holidays, Lauren Roebuck Designs can help. They recently expanded to their new store front on Bastille Lane in Ruston, allowing them to offer even more furnishings and decor. Lauren and her knowledgeable staff are eager to help you transform your space to a welcoming retreat. They have a keen eye for design – creating luxe spaces with beautiful furnishings and décor. Lauren Roebuck Designs has a plethora of furniture including gorgeous sofas, accent chairs and side and coffee tables - not to mention a great selection of pillows. Need some light in your life? LRD also carries unique lighting options that can easily update outdated fixtures or add interest to your room. This one stop shop not only offers furnishings and textiles, but with Lauren’s professional design background, they can quickly help elevate your next project from drab to fab. But fine furniture and luxurious lighting isn’t all the LRD is known for. When it comes to seasonal décor and floral arrangements, Lauren and her team can create unique pieces for every season. From
custom arrangements designed specifically for your space to one-ofa-kind florals to celebrate a momentous occasion, they can do it all. By combining seasonal elements and bright florals, her chic designs carry that “wow” factor, perfect for holiday entertaining or gift-giving. Need a gift for an upcoming event or holiday party? Lauren Roebuck Designs also carries great gifts items for everyone on your list. From artisan creations to gorgeous photo frames, luxe candles to fall fragrances, her staff can help you find that perfect gift for your special someone. They currently have a large selection of pumpkins to help you curate the perfect holiday setting including plush velvet pumpkins, large outdoor pumpkins and everything in between. Plus, they can even deliver goodies, making gift giving even easier! Be sure to follow Lauren Roebuck Designs on Facebook and Instagram so you can see the latest trends and decor the local shop has to offer. Stop in their new location or give them a call at 232-2032 to schedule a design consultation or place a custom floral design order. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Chemin-A-Haut Trail Run & Walk Annual Event Returns on October 17th
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HE MOREHOUSE INNOVATION and Technology Alliance (MITA) is excited to announce the 4th Annual Chemin-A-Haut Trail Run and Walk. Mark your calendars for October 17th, grab your running shoes, and bring the family for a fun, nature filled day in the park. From early start to family fun finish, you’re sure to have the perfect “walk in the park” at this local fundraising event. MITA will be welcoming park groups to enjoy the scenery as they stroll through the park’s natural trails while still following current Covid 19 guidelines provided by the State of Louisiana. Located approximately 10 miles from downtown Bastrop, Chemin-A-Haut State Park harbors 503 acres of of incredible views as well as story-telling nature such as the 1000 year old Cypress Castle Tree. Canopied by Cypress, hickory, and oak forests, this breathtaking trail is the perfect way to spend a weekend or day in the Louisiana fall
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weather. Teams of runners will get the chance to work together and enjoy the company of their friends and family while seeing all that a classic Louisiana State Park has to offer. And getting the best team together comes with its benefits. Awards will be given to the most spirited team, most team members, and most creatively dressed. Not a runner? No problem! MITA has made sure to include everyone in this event with games, prizes, food, and kayaking to follow the run and walk. Chemin-A-Haut Trail Run and Walk participants are encouraged to bring trail bikes and/or kayaks (or rent one at the Park) to spend the day at Chemin-a-Haut. Many of the event participants even rent cabins for a full family weekend! Once the runners have enjoyed their walk or run, they can purchase refreshments of pulled pork sandwiches and beverages proudly provided by Cub Scout Troop No. 56.
This annual event serves as a fundraiser project put on by MITA. Comprised entirely of volunteers, their goal is to work in partnership with residents, businesses, and community organizations to support healthy productive lifestyles and to improve the quality of life in Morehouse Parish. Funds raised from the Walk/ Run are used towards MITA projects such as Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Bussey Brake, and the Morehouse Memorial Airport. With previous donations and fundraisers, MITA, together with the the Union Pacific Foundation, Weyerhaeuser, International Paper, and other sponsors will partner with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries to construct a Kids Pier and Education Area. Pre-registration can be found at eventbrite. com for $25 thru Friday, October 9th at midnight. Following pre-registration, runners can complete the regular online registration for $30 from October 10th thru October 16th at 6pm. There will also be an option for late registration at the event itself from 7:30am 8:15am. Please note that Chemin-A-Haut Trail Run and Walk participants and supporters are responsible for a $3.00 gate fee per person. For more information about this fun family event, please find Chemin-A-Haut Trail Run and Walk on Facebook or call (318) 282-2985. We can’t wait to see you there!
No Tricks. Treat Yourself to a Great Night’s Sleep Can a Good Night’s Sleep Recover Your Body After a Scary Night of Trick-or-Treating?
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F YOU FIND YOURSELF SLOWLY DRIFTING OFF AT WORK or cannot muster enough energy at the gym to sweat out all that Halloween candy, you may be suffering from severe sleep deprivation. Many are guilty of ignoring the importance of sleep even though we spend a third of our life dozing away. Quality sleep is the foundation for positivity and good health keeps you fresh and energetic throughout the day. Without catching enough snoozes at night, you might be jeopardizing your daily productivity since your body is unable to replenish cells and rebuild damaged tissues. So, how much sleep does a person require to boost their mood and fitness? And why is it such a lifestyle gamechanger? When Robby Compton opened the doors to American Mattress Outlet in 2017 with 35 years of retail experience, he knew that getting perfect sleep is mainly dependent on a person’s environment rather than a state of mind. Without the sweet sound of silence and the most comfortable bedding to provide a blissful ambiance of solitude, lethargy will always creep in to exhaust you physically, mentally, and emotionally. A Harvard Health study discovered that sleeping an average of seven hours a day helps maintain a powerful memory in later life. Sleep prevents memory impairment because it is a Goldilocks issue that deteriorates brain functions if you have too much or too little. It always needs to be precisely right for you to wake up every morning feeling thoroughly well-rested.
Aside from memory loss, a lack of sleep can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it narrows and restricts blood vessels, causing high blood pressure. When blood flow to the brain decreases, your cells require more sugar and oxygen to fix these problems, hence why you might feel exhausted all the time from this significant loss of energy. The best sleep allows your body to heal and recover naturally. It boosts your immune system to protect you from all the ghouls and goblins that invade to cause chronic illnesses, particularly cancer and Alzheimer’s. Instead of counting sheep at night, lay down on a mattress like no other to prevent your circadian rhythms from getting out of sync. Otherwise, they will spook your hormone levels that regulate hunger and menstrual cycles. Without a restful slumber, you might also be gaining unnecessary weight despite counting calories and keto dieting. The ultimate trick is to always treat your emotional well-being and productivity with a soothing setting that will eliminate all distractions to keep insomnia at bay. The most crucial step is to find the flawless mattress that will motivate you to get the rest you deserve, and American Mattress Outlet has a wide variety of bedding options to satisfy every slumber. With a bed more comfortable than Dracula’s, you are guaranteed to feel upbeat while indulging in Halloween sugary goodness and horror movies without those pesky nightmares disrupting your beauty sleep.
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2020 Medicare and Healthcare Open Enrollment A Trusted Advocate Available to Guide You in Medicare and Healthcare Planning
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PEN ENROLLMENT FOR MEDICARE AND healthcare are fast approaching. Planning for the right coverage from year to year can seem overwhelming. Identifying someone to guide you in making the most informed decisions will relieve you of having to depend on TV ads, newspaper ads, direct mail and unsolicited phone calls. The language can be confusing and the different plans can be confusing, but that’s where Advanced Healthcare Benefits can help. Our independent agency will review all your options, and together we will make sure you have the coverage that suits you best, including the preferred providers and monthly costs you can manage. Here is an overview of the services and products that we offer: SERVICES • Medicare Consulting, Employer and Individuals • Healthcare Consulting, Employer and Individuals • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Life Insurance • Medicare Workshops, Virtual and Live
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PRODUCTS • Medicare Supplements • Advantage Plans • Part D Prescription Plans • Health Insurance
Many people do not know that open enrollment has such a restricted time frame. There is no enrolling outside of these dates without a qualifying event. Working with a trusted advocate broker will allow you to be confident you have a plan that will suit your needs. These needs include seeing the providers you prefer, having your medications covered and most importantly, understanding the coverage you will be paying for. Plans can and do change from year to year. You do not want to learn this at claim time when you need medication or a service that is not available or requires a different co pay, co insurance or deductible. We can help you find Health Insurance, Advantage Plans, Supplements or Part D Prescription plans that will be best for you in 2021. Although it can seem overwhelming, when we walk you though our process, you will feel assured that you have made the most informed decisions about your healthcare.
Walsworth & Company More Than Just a Furniture Store
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N THE SOUTH WE HAVE ALL HEARD THE PHRASE “HOME is Where the Heart Is” when describing the feelings of what makes a house a home. Local interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has taken this well known phase and put their own spin on it to show that home is where the {art} is. With a beautiful designed storefront on Antique Alley in West Monroe Louisiana, anyone looking for the perfect piece to compliment their home’s style is sure to find exactly what they need at Walsworth. This locally owned and operated design shop has been part of the West Monroe community since 2014 and has grown to know and love the clients that come seeking those perfect home furnishing touches. Walsworth and Company is so much more than just a furniture and decor store. This premier decorator showroom offers everything from furniture and bedding to lighting and bath and body products. With walls lined with beautifully selected works of art and intricately designed mirrors and wall hangings, its clear why Walsworth and Co. has become the decoration destination in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. WALSWORTH OFFERS: • Custom Furniture • Bedding • Lighting • Rugs • Accessories • Mirrors • Vases • Art • Jewelry • Candles • Pajamas • Bath and Body Products • Savory Seasonings • Zu Zu’s Praline Candy Mix Along with having one of the top decor and design selections in the area, Walsworth and Company also offers choices to find the perfect unique gift for nearly any occasion. They carry candles from Nest, Nouvelle Candle Company, Capri Blue, Aquiesse, and Orleans. Other gift ideas include: Jewelry from designers Ronaldo and Mariana, as well as pajama sets from PJ Harlow, Faceplant Dreams, Ju Ju Jams, and Pretty You. When you purchase the perfect gift from Walsworth, you can also choose to have it beautifully wrapped so that each piece is presented as an elegant and high end gift anyone would love to unwrap. If you’re in the market for anything from a new accent piece or floor lamp to an entire home redesign the creative team at Walsworth and Company is fully prepared to assist in your design desires. With an eye for detail, this team of kind and attentive home stylists are just the right people for the job. When you walk in the doors at 311 Trenton Street you will be instantly transported into a world of incredible design decor. Each room feature within the store is more beautiful than the last. Stop by Walsworth and Company on Antique Alley today and see why it has become the premier design showroom in the area! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 171
B AYO U B E AT S
The band, now officially Scotty Temple and South Bound Train, is currently made up of Eric Little on lead guitar, drummer Josh Dupree, bass guitarist Brad Wiggers, and Mason Howard on steel guitar and saxophone. The result: energetic covers and hard-hitting originals. South Bound Train is specifically southern rock country, though his bassist came up with a portmanteau that more adequately justifies the band’s sound. “It’s called gruntry,” says Temple, referring to the fusion of country and grunge music. article by V A N E L I S R I V E R A photography by A N D R E W B A I L E Y
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SCOTTY TEMPLE AND SOUTH BOUND TRAIN : From left to right: Mason Howard, Brad Wiggers, Scotty Temple, Eric Little, and Josh Dupree
“ I ’ M W O R K I N G O N M Y T R A C T O R , ” matter-of-facts Scotty Temple from his hometown in Liddieville, Louisiana. It’s noon on a Friday, and the Louisiana sun is far from shying away its torturous rays. “I’ve been secluded in a dirt-living world and tractors,” he laughs, referring to life since the quarantine. As roaring tractors pass by and, at times, a low flying airplane, Temple digs into his musical upbringing, becoming lead singer of South Bound Train, and why his music is for small-town America. Temple began playing music around the age of fourteen, starting like most of the greats: at his local church. “I’d always been curious about wanting to play music and learn how to play the guitar. That has always been something that had been on my mind as a child,” he says. His grandmother bought him his first guitar in 2006. From there, he began playing in the worship band around 2008, as well as sitting on any given tailgate, playing for his buddies. “We were playing a lot of country, a lot of Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, stuff like that.” His association with South Bound Train was “kind of a drawn out process,” he says. He “fell in” with a lot of local musicians, particularly a local group of guys out of Mississippi he began to open for until around 2000. Then close to 2014 he got in contact with the former manager and member of South Bound Train, Justin Richardson, for the sake of networking with more local acts. At first, it slowly developed, but when Richardson’s lead singer quit, he turned to Temple, asking, “You want to start singing?” Temple didn’t miss a beat, responding with, “Well, shoot yeah!” So they started as a cover band, and grew from there. The band, now officially Scotty Temple and South Bound Train, is currently made up of Eric Little on lead guitar, drummer Josh Dupree, bass guitarist Brad Wiggers, and Mason Howard on steel guitar and saxophone. The result: energetic covers and hard-hitting originals. When considering the music that has inspired him over the years, Temple instantly refers to Coe’s “The Ride,” an older song, but it’s about Hank Williams Sr., another of his favorites. Up to this point, he gives the air of being the quintessential southern boy, but in spite of his unmistakable country slant, Temple can’t quite be put into a box. “I listened to a lot of metal,” he says, mentioning bands like Five Finger Death Punch and Slipknot. “I’m a metalhead, I’m weird,” he laughs. Really, he’s just finding the middle ground. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 173
SOUTH BOUND TRAIN
is specifically southern rock country, though his bassist came up with a portmanteau that more adequately justifies the band’s sound. “It’s called gruntry,” says Temple, referring to the fusion of country and grunge music. “I’ve got the rasp, but I’ve got the twang,” he continues, touching on his gravelly timbre, a suitable fit for a genre somewhere between rock and roll and country. Temple considers storytelling the groundwork of country music. His approach is just as particular. “You know, tell the story,” he says. One of his most recent originals, a song called “Holding On,” was written for a family friend he lost, Miss Velvet Roberts who passed away from cancer October 30, 2018. Roberts had battled with cancer for years, but it had gone in remission. It suddenly came back without her knowing, and around that time she sent Temple a direct message on Instagram. “She told me to never give up on my dreams and that she loved me,” recalls Temple. Two weeks later, she passed on. “And even in her darkest hour, she was cheering me on. That’s just the type of person Miss Velvet was and I felt in my heart--I didn’t know how to get it out, how to put it out, but I know that Miss Velvet deserved some kind of recognition of what genuine person she truly was because they don’t make them like her anymore.” Temple attended her service, but couldn’t bring himself to go to her grave. “I probably shouldn’t say this, but I went out there and I just sat in my truck and just cried like a baby.” The song honors her memory as much as it helped him release what he couldn’t speak out loud. “You know, Miss Velvet, she would always hold onto things; she never gave up,” he says, and that’s the direction his lyrics went: “I’ll hold on like a sail against the storm / I’ll hold on like a soldier in wait to come home / And I’ll hold on like a mother who clings to her child.” He reaches for his southern country roots in this song, taking inspiration from “the good Lord” telling Peter to reach out and have faith in him. On his list of important stories to tell are those that connect with small town living, which for him consist of the “personable things,” sitting down across from somebody without a phone to distract, simply to “be there” and find human connection. He feels a lot of places have been getting away from the simplicity that country living tends to offer. His music is a way to release his frustrations, but also to elevate what is important to him. “Country is something that’s real and tangible, things that you can relate to,” asserts Temple. Always wanting to put his own flair to that country sound, Temple tries to think “outside of the box” with most of his lyrics. “They’re not one hundred percent country lyrics, but
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they work. They got the country attitude and mindset behind, but they straddle the fence of, again, the Southern rock style.” Southern attitude, how would you describe that? “Oh, I don’t know if they want to hear it in the paper,” he laughs, but really his description is one indicative of southern culture. It’s about being patriotic, being what his great grandpa--who volunteered in the military at 42--fought for at the time. For him, it’s also what’s a part of his day-to-day life, like drinking from mason jars, pulling plows, and having good, clean fun. Though, he admits that on occasion they may take it “too far,” as a “third generation that’s too wild to tame,” but ultimately he and his crew are still “good ol’ boys.”
FIGHTING SPIRIT At the Beacon of Hope 9/11 Memorial Art Show hosted at the Hub Music Hall, Temple and band honored the memory of those that lost their lives during and after the harrowing attack on the country with an original song titled “Soldier.”
That fighting spirit is what the band delivered at the Beacon of Hope 9/11 Memorial Art Show hosted at The Hub Music Hall. There, on an outdoor stage, he honored the memory of those that lost their lives during and after the harrowing attack on the country with another original song titled “Soldier.” Originally, the song was written for a Fourth of July show. The band was considering a cover for that show, but none of the songs under consideration were hitting the points Temple found of major importance to the great American holiday. “I was kind of iffy about even performing it because when I really started out, it was some of the things that nobody was saying,” Temple recalls, trying to be mindful about writing on the military experience though he has never served. He sent the song to a military friend who not only served in the military but also began a nonprofit for veterans called Our HOME. He put Temple’s doubts at ease saying, “Son, that song is your voice. That’s something that we can’t just reach out and say, but we can say it through you.” It was a humbling experience to hear that from his friend, and it was just the “swift kick in the butt” that Temple needed to complete the song. Unless you have family in the military, it’s easy to forget the complexity and hardships of waiting for the return of an active duty soldier, potentially in harm’s way. “We never think of that, and that’s the kind of depth of what I was feeling when I wrote those lyrics,” says Temple, referring to lines like, “Ain’t a jar of mountain whiskey that can ease the pain / Because the price of freedom, it sure ain’t free.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 175
For more information, follow Scotty Temple and South Bound Train on Facebook and Instagram. Give them a follow on Spotify to listen to “Soldier” and upcoming originals.
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Considering that the “man upstairs” gave him a gift for a short time to write that song, he describes the process as one that pretty much revealed itself to him. “It’s weird. If I sit down and say I’m gonna write a song, it never happens,” he says. Songs usually come to him while he’s sitting on the tractor or hanging around the shop with his buddies, getting ready for a mud ride. Inspiration will hit, and he knows he needs to grab his guitar and start noodling around until things start “falling out.” The result doesn’t always make sense, but he always goes back to assemble it and flesh it out. Temple is keeping his upcoming album hush-hush at the moment, but he promises that it’s a lot more personal than his past work and heavily reflective. “Life is short and precious and you don’t never waste it. You never miss a moment,” he says, adding, “Go the extra mile for somebody, not with anything in return, just go the extra mile.” Temple admits that time-to-time, he often finds himself reflecting on who he is as a person to make sure he “stays in check.” Good ol’ country boy may be a phrase overused, eliciting images of truck-driving, camouflagewearing, country-road racing guys who just want to find a girl they can take hunting, and while that’s not everybody’s glass of sweet tea, there’s something to be said about wanting to keep your boots on the ground, work hard, and appreciate the simple things. When it comes to Scotty Temple’s music, that’s as homegrown as it gets!
Senior Center Receives Grant
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation Awards Grant
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HE WEST OUACHITA SENIOR CENTER RECEIVED A Community Crisis and Disaster Response Grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation for $43,825. These funds are being used for the Senior Center’s Senior Adult and Community Supportive Services programs to purchase food, food pantry supplies and equipment; personal protection equipment; tablets for connectivity; supplies for care bags, diapers, and personal hygiene products; recreational supplies such as games and puzzles; individual exercise equipment; medical monitoring equipment and distribution of information. The Senior Center’s goal is to address the immediate needs of senior adults caused by COVID-19 such as supplemental food and PPE’s as well as provide ongoing advocacy with connection and support resulting from isolation. Because low-income older workers are also facing unique employment barriers and financial stress, the services offered by the West Ouachita Senior Center include assistance with applying for unemployment, SNAP, Medicare and Medicaid. The vast majority of older adults have one or more chronic conditions that put them at particular risk, and resources are needed to
support access to digital health services, disease prevention by engaging in healthy activities and reduction of social isolation and loneliness. The ability to provide personal exercise equipment will allow seniors to engage in exercise in their homes while isolated and have more options at the Senior Center upon reopening. Tablets will allow seniors to connect with telemedicine for access to medical care more safely and easily. Personal care and hygiene supplies will also support good hygiene and disease prevention. Recreational materials will ensure that seniors stay busy with fun activities. The Senior Center is also scheduling appointments for senior adults at the Center who may be in need of assistance. Some items such as PPE’s and personal care supplies will be distributed while others will be loaned as determined after assessment. The staff of the West Ouachita Senior Center encourages senior adults who reside in West Monroe and West Ouachita Parish and their caregivers to call the Senior Center so staff members can assess their needs and determine how the Center can make these additional resources available to meet those needs.
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TREE PLANTING TIPS LSU AG CENTER
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ell, spring and summer have been, for lack of a better word, interesting. Let’s see what 2020 throws at us for fall! The number of daylight hours continues to decrease heading toward the winter solstice, our first frosts should occur in mid or late November, and if you’re like me and have fruit trees, you’ll be watching the number of chill hours we get closely. Deciduous trees and shrubs need a certain number of hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in order to break dormancy, flower, and set fruit in spring. This number varies greatly not only among species (apples, peaches, pears, etc.), but also among varieties within each species. Obviously, native fruits like blueberries and muscadines don’t need as many chill hours as some varieties of peaches and apples. For the last couple of years, our region has seen between 800 and 850 chill hours, just enough. We’re overdue for a long, cold winter. Lawns should be well on their way into dormancy by now. If you haven’t put down a pre-emergent herbicide for winter broadleaf weeds, you still have time but don’t wait much longer. Preen with dithiopyr or Hi-Yield Weed & Grass Stopper with Dimension are good examples of pre-emergent herbicides. These will prevent seeds dropped last winter from germinating this winter. Avoid the socalled “weed and feed” products for now. You may want to weed, but it’s not time to feed. Fertilizing with heavy doses of nitrogen now may prolong your lawn’s natural tendency to go dormant. That will stress it, and lead to problems down the road. If you’re seeing lots of broadleaf weeds in your lawn, chances are there has been a shift in soil chemistry brought on by over irrigation and over fertilizing during summer. Fall is a good time to have your soil tested so you can make any necessary pH and nutrient corrections before spring. Winterizing lawns typically isn’t necessary for us in the deep south. But if you’re bound to do it, use a fertilizer with either no or very low nitrogen (the first of
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three numbers on the fertilizer bag) and high potash (the third of three numbers on a fertilizer bag). Fall is a great time to plant woody perennials like shrubs, shade trees, fruit trees, and woody vines. The most common mistake I see homeowners and landscapers make is not making the planting hole wide enough. Depth is only part of digging an adequate planting hole. Roots grow downward; they are positively geotropic. No problem. However, roots also spread outward, and when planting holes are not dug wide enough, this is a problem. I compare the root system of a mature plant to the small intestine of an average-sized adult. We absorb water and nutrients in our small intestines just as a plant absorbs water and nutrients via roots. If you tried to cram an adult’s small intestine into the abdominal cavity of a child, it would not function properly. Same with trying to cram a plant’s root ball into a planting hole that won’t allow the root system to expand. Also keep in mind this rule of thumb: there’s just as much shoot mass above ground as there is root mass below ground. It’s easy to not even think about a tree’s root system because most of it is below soil level: out of sigh, out of mind. Always make planting holes for woody perennials two or three times
larger than the pot or root ball. If the tree is grafted, make sure the graft union is above soil level. Backfill with native soil. If soil has to be amended, then do so only to improve tilth and avoid using bagged, pre-fertilized media. Plain peat moss is an excellent choice for amending heavy, clay soils. Also avoid fertilizing at planting because deciduous trees are headed into dormancy during fall. Fertilizing to encourage new growth in fall will stress the tree. Wait until spring to fertilize, and then use something balanced like 8-8-8 or 13-13-13. Unless rain is expected in the next day or two, water plants in and notice how well water percolates downward. If water puddles and stands for hours, work some more peat moss in as soon as possible. For one- and two-year-old fruit and shade trees, remove grass and other vegetation around the planting hole out to a distance of at least four feet. A layer of mulch will help soil retain moisture and prevent damage to trunks by mowers and weed eaters. One woody perennial to keep an eye on this time of year is camellia. Sasanquas start blooming later this month with Japonicas getting us through winter into early spring. On warm days, notice how pollinating insects will be all over camellia flowers. Look for ‘Shi Shi Gashira’ and ‘Leslie Ann’ in garden
centers. ‘Yuletide’ is also a very popular sasanqua. Other trees and shrubs to consider for your landscape include, but are not limited to, the following: SHADE TREES: • Southern Sugar Maple (Acer barbatum or A. floridanum) • Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) • Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
UNDERSTORY TREES: • Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), a persnickety tree • Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) • Two Wing Silverbell (Halesia diptera) FLOWERING SHRUBS: • Azaleas (Rhododendron sp.), take your pick • Sasanquas (Camellia sasanqua), take your pick • Japonicas (Camella japonica), take your pick
FRUIT TREES: • Peach (Prunus persica), appropriate chill hours for our area • Plum (Prunus domestica, P. cerasifica, and like) • Fig (Ficus carica) Again, these are just a few suggestions. Consult the LSU AgCenter for more recommendations on woody perennials for your landscape. Fall is also a busy time in the vegetable garden. Fall crops of snap beans, field peas, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes will soon be coming to an end if they haven’t already. Remove unproductive vines and relegate them to the compost pile. Leafy crops like Swiss chard and mustard/collard greens should be productive now. Don’t forget about the plethora of kale varieties available now. Edible and highly ornamental ‘Redbor’ kale is a Louisiana Super Plant selection. If you’re growing onions this year, start seeds this month and allow transplants to overwinter until February, when they can be set out in the garden. A fall crop of beets isn’t out of the question, either. Beet “seeds” are actually fruit of the goose foot family. Each tiny, hard, dried fruit may contain several seeds that produce several plants. October is also a great month for starting carrots. A lot of gardeners have problems with carrots and this mystifies me. The tiny seeds shouldn’t be planted deep at all, one eighth of an inch or less. Carrots need a good 120 days, so let them overwinter. I’ve harvested carrots in January before! Get them started now for rewards down the road. And, don’t forget about English peas! They’re good for fall and/or early spring. Be generous when seeding English peas. The more you plant, the more you get! Finally, we’re slowly getting the Master Gardener machine greased back up! Mark these dates on your calendar: November 7th, 2020 – NELA Master Gardeners annual fall bulb sale at the West Monroe Farmer’s Market. January 16th, 2021 – NELA Master Gardeners 11th Annual COVIDConscious January Gardening Seminar, Gardening for Good Health with P. Allen Smith. For advice on how to make your garden thrive, click on the Louisiana Living link under News at www.myarklamiss.com and submit your questions. I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!
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Arts Council Announces ARTvent 12 Days of Prizes to Support the Arts
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HE ARTS COUNCIL OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA IS excited to premier ARTvent. Starting December 1st for a total of 12 consecutive days, the Arts Council will be drawing for prizes to be given away to lucky winners. Tickets to enter are just $50 each and give you a chance to win every day. Prizes range from a Bayou Staycation which includes a weekend stay at Bayou Long Beard to a dinner for six at Parish Restaurant and private tour and tasting at Flying Tiger Brewery. Also up for grabs is an exclusive dining experience at Biedenharn Gardens with Chef ClĂŠlie Stone accompanied by a jazz quartet, and a painting by local artist Leah Reitzell. After winning a daily prize, you will still be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing of a 7 night condo stay at Perdido, FL, Amanda Johnson art, and two Andrea May Hinton travel mugs. There is an experience waiting for each winner that has been thoughtfully curated by the Arts Council and their gracious donors. COVID-19 has forced many organizations to re-invent their approach to funding their mission. With the annual North Delta Food & Wine Festival unable to celebrate its 6th year this fall, the Arts Council redirected its efforts to this COVID safe way to give everyone a CHANCE to support the arts and win unique and exciting prizes. Tickets go on sale October 1st. They will be available on-line as well as from any Arts Council board member or through the Arts Council office. A full list of the daily prizes and donors can be found on the Arts Council website - nelaarts.org. Thank you to our sponsors (at press time): Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Creed & Creed - Your Local Injury Attorneys, Steve Tew, D.A., Van Trow Toyota, Mulhearn Funeral Homes, Vickie & Bill Krutzer, BayouLife Magazine, Cooper Vet Hospital, Origin Bank, Hopkins Dermatology, Haik Humble Eye Center, and Progressive Bank. For more information about sponsorship, contact Barry Stevens at 318.397.6754 or by email at barry@nelaarts.org. About the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana: The Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana seeks to nurture a vibrant regional arts culture through support, promotion, and education. The Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana strives to be a transformative force for the community by encouraging a passion for the arts, promoting partnerships and collaboration, and ensuring access to the arts for all. Activities of the Arts Council are supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.
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More Than Surviving Healing Through Being Heard
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U.S. WAR WIDOW ONCE EXPRESSED THAT THE hardest part of losing a military spouse is that once they are gone, the world, as well as the military, moves on because they still have a mission to complete. When young local military wife and mother Lavandolyn Smith lost her military husband, William B. Smith III, at the young age of 23 she was faced with the chilling reality that she had to face the world seemingly alone. It was a pain she had never experienced followed by a fear for an unknown future filled with decisions she now had to handle on her own. With this realization, Van decided to pick herself up and focus the energy behind her emotion into helping surviving military spouses experiencing something similar, thus creating “The Never Alone Initiative.” Since its inception only five years ago, this project has taken off and reached further than Van ever thought possible. Her vision to help create a better story for surviving spouses of military veterans has led her to have the incredible opportunity to partner with the Library of Congress to record the historical stories of veterans and their families for the Veterans History Project. This project started by the US Congress was created in 2000 to “collect and preserve the firsthand remembrances of U.S. wartime veterans.” Van is proud to be able to team up with Library of Congress to ensure that future generations hear the firsthand account of those who served to better understand the impact and realities of war. According to Lavandolyn, “The Never Alone Initiative” is a resource for you to never feel alone. There will be a constant and sincere person to check on you, lend a patient ear and help you or your family’s journey to healing. “The Never Alone Initiative” is dedicated to transforming life after loss.” The idea behind this empowering non-profit, according to Van, is to help their clients transform their life by connecting them with advocates and mentors who will aid them in their healing process. Van’s mission is to “change the surviving military spouses and family community one conversation at a time… and to help surviving military spouses and their families feel heard, safe, loved and embraced. By discovering new friends, mentors and advocates through the resources we provide, families will be reminded that yes, there is someone who cares and no, they are never alone.” “The Never Alone Initiative” will be serving the community and offering support to veteran families at the Delta Veterans Expo and Celebration to be held on November 14, 2020 at the West Monroe Convention Center. Surviving military spouses and families needing help are encouraged to reach out to “The Never Alone Initiative” by calling 866-50-ALONE or by emailing info@neveraloneinitiative.org. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 181
Teen Dating Violence BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
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een dating violence (TDV) is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship. Teen dating violence also referred to as, “dating violence,” can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without consent. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship—but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. However, many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends. Valerie Duchesne Bowman is the Director of The Wellspring Domestic Violence Program as well as the Family Justice Center (FJC) of Ouachita Parish. The Domestic Violence Program serves the 9 parishes in Northeast Louisiana and three additional parishes in Central Louisiana. The programs focus on providing a coordinated community response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Valerie has a
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Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Master’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a specialization in Family and Children, from Louisiana Tech University. She has also received Certification in Dynamics of Domestic Violence from Louisiana Tech University and completed the Advocacy Learning Center, a national training/certification program sponsored by the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, which focused on advocacy and best practices in domestic violence programs. She has served on the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence board of directors as Secretary, Vice President and President for over 8 years. She has also served on the Committee on Quality Assurance for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. She currently chairs the SAFE Taskforce in Ouachita Parish. Valerie has been with the Wellspring since 2001. Q: What are the most important thing parents and youth need to know about teen dating violence? A: When you first discover that your
teenager is in a violent dating relationship, you will want to take dramatic steps to get the abuser out of their life. However, this will only work if the teenager is ready to end the relationship. As you try to find ways to help, do not cut off contact with your teen by demanding they end the relationship. This approach leaves him or her more isolated and vulnerable. Stay connected to your teen without accusing, punishing, criticizing, or controlling them. The abuser has been controlling and to have a parent do the same only pushes your teenager further away. As a parent, be clear and direct about the danger they are in and how this can escalate as time progresses. Parents need to make sure they are supportive and reassure them the abuse is not their fault and help is available. As parents, we cannot control our teenage children, but we can influence them and be a resource for them. When you actively intervene on your teenagers’ behalf, they know they have the right to be treated with respect, and abuse is not acceptable. Q: How do you talk to your teen about teen dating violence? A: Teen Dating Violence is a real issue in our society today, with nearly one in five high school students experiencing dating violence. Most often teens are going to reach out to
their friends before talking to a parent. Often, they will not say anything, but you may notice something is wrong and become worried about them. Be patient and willing to have that difficult conversation with your teen when needed and they are ready. Here are some things you can do: start a conversation with them from a point of being concerned and not judgmental. Make sure to let them know that you are worried and concerned about their safety and that no one deserves to be hurt. Listen to them and be supportive, by letting them share what they feel comfortable sharing. This teenager may not recognize that this relationship is unhealthy, they may be afraid and embarrassed. Encourage them to get help by connecting them to resources. Be sure to stay connected with the teen by responding to them with understanding and empathy.
“Teen Dating Violence is a real issue in our society today, with nearly one in five high school students experiencing dating violence.”
Q: What are some of the signs of an unhealthy teen dating relationship? A: As teenagers start to date and experiment in different types of relationships, it is important to be aware of unhealthy signs in their relationships which could escalate to abuse. Some of those signs include possessiveness, put downs, isolation, manipulations, sabotage, guilt trips, and explosive behavior. Technology is a big part of teenagers’ world today so be aware that these forms of abuse can also take place over the internet, while using social media, via cell phone or text message. Abuse can happen in so many ways, but the bottom line is that the abuser will use whatever means necessary to gain and maintain power and control over the teenager.
RESOURCES
The Wellspring
The Wellspring’s Domestic Violence Program offers free and confidential services to adults and children in abusive relationships. The Wellspring offers services that help survivors of domestic violence have a life free from emotional, physical, economical, and sexual abuse. Services are available for residents staying at our safe shelter and non-residents living in following parishes: Catahoula, Franklin, LaSalle, Morehouse, Ouachita, Caldwell, Concordia, East Carroll, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll. The Wellspring is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-411-1333.
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: How will I know if my teenager is struggling with dating violence? A: Teenagers experience a variety of physical and emotional changes, so it may be difficult to determine if your teenager is struggling with dating violence. It is up to parents to look for changes in our teenager’s life and behaviors. Some things to be aware of that can help you: Are they spending less time with family and friends? Does their partner text, call, email or visit excessively? Are they giving up things that used to be important to them? Are they worried about upsetting their boyfriend/ girlfriend? Have they had a decline in grades or missing school? Do they have any unexplained injuries? Q: What solid advice would you give to a parent whose teenager is a victim of teen dating violence? A: A: Many times, in dating violence relationships there are cycles of breaking up and getting back with the abuser. Empower your teen to use their strength to plan for their safety, to end the relationship, or if he or she is not going to end the relationship to take care of themselves while in the relationship. Remember that your teenager knows the abusers’ patterns better than anyone, so they can determine the safest ways to leave or to protect themselves. Many people leaving an abusive relationship are vulnerable to going back into the relationship, especially when they feel drawn back to the emotional intensity or by the desperate suffering of the abuser. Do not assume that your teenager does not need your support after the relationship has ended. They will need your continued support after the relationship because they will be emotional, vulnerable, and possibly in physical danger after the relationship ends. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 183
The Glamorous Boutique Grand Opening
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On Saturday, September 6th The Glamorous Boutique stepped into the world of glitz, glam, and high fashion with a truly “Glamorous” grand opening. Friends, family, and loyal customers along with several new excited faces joined Chasity Lawson and her impeccable team to celebrate the opening of the the new and upgraded venue on 1003 Hudson Lane in Monroe. Guests sipped on sweet wine and delighted in custom made pink dipped donuts while they shopped the stores impressive new inventory. With no diamond unpolished and every outfit perfectly pieced together, this was truly an event to remember.
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On the BayouScene
1 Summer Welch, Shianna Fritz, Ruby Blade 2 Roderic Willis and Chasity Lawson 3 Renee Cowart and Laquenia Wheeler 4 Raven Rowland and Lorenzo Henry on 5 Louveenia Dickson and Rochelle May 6 Louvay Pratt and Chasity Lawson 7 Jackie Greer and Kim McDuffie 8 Courtney Rena and KeKe Danielle
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Ivy and Stone’s Grand Opening in Ruston 1
There’s a new store in town and you don’t want to miss it. Ivy & Stone has moved to Ruston and they hosted their Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12th. It was filled with excited shoppers, treats and prizes. If you haven’t checked out Ivy & Stone yet you definitely need to.
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1 Sarah Gilmore and Meghan Dugan 2 Brandi Sharkey and Jessica Phillips 3 Kacy and Ginger Aycock 4 Jenni Smith and Stormy Maxwell 5 Samantha and Judy Copeland
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BAYOUOUTDOORS
THE SWAMP DONKEY
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ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON
t had been a long time since I last spent any length of time in front of a television camera. In fact, except for a couple of appearances on Duck Dynasty, the last time I had filmed a show was in 2000. TP Outdoors and Bill Petrus will soon overshadow our 12 years on the air as this show has become the staple in North Louisiana for outdoor television. There have been many outdoor shows in this area but Bill and his crew have brought a new flavor to entertainment, mainly due to its host and owner, Bill Petrus. As the owner of TP Outdoors in Monroe, Bill is a well-known figure and quite frankly I have never met a single person who doesn’t think the world of him. He has a gentle disposition but is a tenacious hunter and businessman. I first met Bill years ago when we filmed some catfish grabbing for my show, and again when we ventured to Davis Island for a bow hunt. Bill has and will probably always be best known for getting down and dirty. Whether snagging alligators, hogs or thumping deer, he becomes a different person when you get him in his element. When Bill called me and started talking frog hunting, I knew I had just the place on our little piece of heaven in Holly Ridge. One of these areas is a lake that is overgrown with smart weed and grass and I told Bill we would have a tough paddle to get after the frogs. Past successes had told me it was prime frog hunting ground but Bill’s reaction to my paddling inference was only a big smile. “Don’t worry, big boy. We got that covered.” Well covered it was as when wild man David Hanson and Brad Bell pulled up that evening, they indeed had the solution. A humongous air boat clearly marked as the “Swamp Donkey.” I have traveled all over this state and region and not one time had I ridden on an air boat. Little did I know, this machine not only is like
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hunting on a barge, it is also a rocket. I did not know it would travel on dry ground nor did I know the pure power this machine would show. Crushing down button willows, branches and laying logs, not one time did this thing hesitate. The closest I can describe it would be being behind a power boat on a ski or board without the rope. Man what a rush. We started right after dark and it was not long before these boys showed just how serious frog hunting was to them. Abandoning caution and body parts, they grabbed, dove in, skipped, slipped and rarely missed a frog on the fly. Me, on the other hand was another story. I had hand grabbed frogs on a couple occasions but to be honest it is a younger man’s game. These old limbs don’t move quite like they used to but I came up with an option, thanks to Bill and crew. By laying on the front of the air boat, David would idle up to a frog in the light and the grab was on. After missing more than I care to admit, I finally found my groove. I missed more than I caught but it sure was fun trying. Frog grabbing is not for the faint of heart. Eyes that glow aren’t always a frog, and you are in cotton mouth country with his friends Mr. Alligator there as well. The great thing about this rocket we were riding in was the abundance of lighting. David has no less than ten lights that illuminate your target. The trick is to get the frog in the spotlight and angle in on him while the light blinds him. Of course, a mechanical grab or net would be much easier, but where is the challenge? Frogs come in all shapes and sizes but the ones we were chasing were the big boys. If the frog head wasn’t the size of your fist, it was free to go back and grow. Frog legs are a delicacy. Fried, grilled or barbequed are the top choices as well as a great addition to gumbo or etouffee. As we made our way around our hunting area, frogs were everywhere. I have never seen but one other person get as mad at a frog as does Bill Petrus. It did not matter if it was on the bank, swimming, floating or laying on a log minding its own business, if Bill got his hand near him, he was a caught frog. Same with Brad and David. These guys literally should be a frog’s nightmare. After a very successful hunt, we returned to my camp for the closing interview. We talked about our trip and then more serious subjects. One subject near and dear to both Bill and me is giving back to our veterans and first responders. Bill has a long history of conducting and hosting hunts for Wounded Warriors and first responders. These patriots rarely get to just unwind and have a good time in the woods. Bill has hosted many shows with these heroes and it is a passion we both share. Our place has become the hosting grounds for active military and first responders largely in part to the dedication of my landowners, the Franklin family, namely Bibb Franklin. Mr. George Franklin, his dad, fought in WWII as a belly gunner. He survived many missions over Germany and many of his comrades did not. Bibb has and always will be a staunch supporter of our veterans and first responders. With all the craziness in the world right now, it was quite refreshing to network with a like minded patriot, Bill Petrus. I admire his commitment and his desire to give back. I look forward to many more trips with this crew. Frogs, hogs, deer and other critters best be looking out. Their worse nightmare is coming and I’m itching to ride that Swamp Donkey one more time.
G A L L E R Y of H O M E S 100 Skate Lane, Monroe
217 Chantilly Drive, West Monroe
236 Kingfisher, Sterlington
This is a beautiful 4 bedroom/ 2.5 bath home located on over an acre! The home features a great floor plan, wood laminate & stained concrete flooring, tall ceilings, thick crown molding, recessed lighting, arched doorways, granite counter tops, and plenty of kitchen cabinet space! The home also features a spacious fenced-in backyard with an open/covered patio area, and a bonus room off of the garage! MLS#193251 Call Dustin James, Keller Williams Realty, 318-282-6000
Come take a look at this move-in ready traditional home in D’Arbonne Hills. New carpet in the bedrooms has a plush feeling without the tall pile which is easier for cleaning as well. All bedrooms are spacious! This house is perfect for all stages of life. You will enjoy the neighborhood feel and the comforts of home. Don’t let someone else snatch this one up before you have a chance to. Call today for your showing appointment! MLS#194579 Heather Guillot, Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4229.
Welcome home to this 4BR/3BA waterfront home in Sterlington! Triple-split, open floor plan to give everyone their own space, HUGE yard (on over 1 acre), large eat-in kitchen w/ granite countertops, spacious master suite w/ cathedral ceilings, plantation shutters, and walk-in closet loaded with built-in storage. Not a stitch of carpet throughout! Priced to sell! Call today! MLS#194324 Call Mark Sisk, RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-801-4344
230 St. Andrews Drive, Calhoun
108 Skate Lane, Monroe
903 Middleton Street, Monroe
Situated on the water in Calvert Estates, you will find this uniquely designed Mediterranean styled home. From the entrance through most of the rooms you can enjoy the relaxing view of the inground salt water pool and the sparkling water of the lake. Enter the Master Suite to find doors leading to the rear yard or continue on to the bedroom, 2 nice walk-in closets and delightfully elegant Master bathroom. Large utility room is a plus for sure! If you like to entertain family or guest, then this house is perfect for you! MLS#194687 Heather Guillot, Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4229
This is a beautiful 4 bedroom/ 4 bath home located on approximately 1.36 acres! The home features a great floor plan, hardwood & tile flooring, formal dining, stainless kitchen appliances and plenty of kitchen cabinet space! The home also features a large covered porch, a third-car garage space that could be used as a shop, and an extra room & bathroom that has been recently added onto the house! MLS#192458 Dustin James, Keller Williams, 318-282-6000.
Perfect home for the growing family! If you don’t want to spend a fortune but need that 4th bedroom and a large fenced backyard, look no further! Quiet friendly neighborhood in close proximity to most everything and best of all, it is not in a flood zone. This home features a covered patio, a detached covered sitting area, 2 den areas, an updated kitchen, an updated master bath, a carport for two cars and a tree house for the family MLS# 194595 Kathy Vanveckhoven, John Rea Realty, 318-537-3701
536 Joe White Road, Monroe
1305 Auburn Avenue, Monroe
2200 Hwy 34, West Monroe
This is a beautiful, 2,493 heated sf, one-owner custom home. 12’ ceilings, 2 fireplaces, large, open concept floor plan with almost 1,000 sf of central living space. Large 15’ x 22’ master BR w/HUGE walk-in closet featuring a separate vanity. Gourmet kitchen w/ custom cabinets & clawfoot island/bar. Spacious guest bedrooms w/Jack & Jill bathroom. Private covered back patio overlooking the manicured backyard w/8’ tall privacy fence. MLS#193659 Mark Sisk, RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-801-4344
Marvelous roomy, open home with bedroom/offices for all. Incredible kitchen with huge island, granite, stunning vent hood, easy care tile floors. Five spacious bedrooms, three baths. Double carport, parking for 2 more plus cars. Tree shaded lot. 30x30metal building. This home is perfect for everyone. MLS# 194604 Nancy Inabnett, John Rea Realty, 318-388-0941
Enjoy the privacy of this house located at the top of a hill down the long driveway that leads you to the serenity of the outdoors. Lots of custom details, like stone and brick accents, aged wood wall, custom light fixtures, cedar beams, copper sinks and much more! Floor plan is perfect for entertaining. House even has access to a pond! Move in just in time to enjoy that summertime living while sipping your lemonade on your front or back porch! MLS#192114 Heather Guillot, Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4229
BAYOU BU Z Z WO RT H Y DOWNTOWN NUTRITION RIBBON CUTTING> Congratulations to Downtown Nutrition on a successful ribbon cutting with the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to welcome this new local business to the Twin Cities!
^ANTIQUE ALLEY OPEN HOUSE The Antique Alley Annual Open House is coming Sunday, November 1st from 1 PM-5PM. Stroll the Alley on a beautiful fall afternoon and enjoy refreshments, music, and more. Shop antiques, boutiques and specialty shops. Antique Alley has something for everyone!
< FLYING HEART BREWING AND PUB BREAKS GROUND Flying Heart Brewing and Pub celebrated their official groundbreaking in Downtown West Monroe! Mayor of West Monroe, Stacy Albritton Mitchell was in attendance to help the team celebrate this new business officially kicking off construction. Flying Heart is scheduled to open February 21, 2021.
< JASON BYRON NELSON PRESENTS SOLO EXHIBITION AT PARISH RESTAURANT Parish Restaurant enters into the world of fine art with a solo exhibition by Monroe artist, Jason Byron Nelson. If you’ve ever eaten at Parish, you’re already familiar with Nelson’s work as several of his pieces adorn the walls. His latest body of work continues the exploration into the duality of man through an unconventional use of wood stain and acrylic paint on large wooden panels. The exhibition will be held Sunday, October 18th from 7 PM to 9 PM. Chef Cory Bahr will be serving delicious hor d’ oeuvres along with cocktails and champagne. There will be an artist talk at 8 pm. Price of entry is $50. Tickets available at Parish and Standard Coffee Co.
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Modelo Especial Celebrates Día de los Muertos
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HE DÍA DE MUERTOS ALSO KNOWN AS THE DAY of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awake and celebrate with them. This year The Day of the Dead will take place Thursday, October 31st – Saturday November 2nd. With the vigor of old traditions and modern fiesta, Modelo Especial embodies the spirit of Día De Los Muertos. In celebration of life and observance of this joyful holiday, Modelo Especial honors the roots of its rich Mexican heritage and 90-year-old tradition of craftsmanship by inviting you to toast and exalt in the presence of loved ones passed. Moedlo Especial is brewed by Constellation Brands. The Constellation Brand portfolio include: CORONA EXTRA With a refreshing, smooth taste balanced between heavier European imports and lighter domestic beer, Corona is an even-keeled cerveza with fruity-honey aromas and a touch of malt. The flavor is crisp, clean and well balanced between hops and malt, a superior taste profile from superior ingredients. CORONA LIGHT Corona Light is a pilsner-style lager with a uniquely refreshing taste—brewed for outstanding light flavor with a crisp, clean finish. Its pleasant, fruity-honey aroma and distinctive hop flavor make it a favorite of those seeking a light beer that’s full of flavor. Corona Light’s naturally easy-drinking style makes it perfect for pairing with spicy and citrus-infused dishes. CORONA PREMIER Corona Premier offers the premium low-carb, light beer experience you’ve been waiting for. Its refined, crisp taste and even-bodied feel makes it the smoothest and most drinkable Corona. With only 2.6g of carbs and 90 calories, Corona Premier is perfect for casual entertaining, sharing with guests, or rewarding yourself for a day well-lived. CORONA FAMILIAR The best beers are made to be shared. That’s why Corona Familiar embraces the bright, crisp taste Corona is known for with a slightly fuller flavor, higher ABV, and shareable 32oz packaging. With strong ties to authenticity and heritage, Corona Familiar is best served in small gatherings with close friends and family, using the tradition of sharing to create meaningful experiences. CORONA REFRESCA Corona Refresca is a premium spiked refresher that brings the taste of the tropics from Mexico to you. 190 OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Available in Passionfruit Lime and Guava Lime, it’s a bright, flavorful malt beverage with 4.5% ABV and natural fruit flavors. Crisp, flavorful, and never too sweet, Corona Refresca doesn’t sweep you away to the tropics, it brings them to you. MODELO ESPECIAL Brewed as a model of what good beer should be, this rich, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager delivers a crisp, refreshing taste. Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Modeo is the #2 imported beer in the US. NEGRA MODELO Negra Modelo, better known as “the cream of the beer”, is a Munich-type beer with 5.3º of alcohol that offers a balanced flavor and a delicate aroma of dark malt, caramel and hops. Today it occupies the first place in sales among dark beers in Mexico. This beer is accompanied by a bright deep amber color, which is adorned with abundant, white and compact foam. Negra Modelo was introduced in Mexico in 1925 as the dark beer called Modelo, to begin its great tradition. In 2014 it changed its image to a more sophisticated bottle but with the same content. PACIFICO In 1900, three German brewers established Cervecería del Pacifico in the small Mexican port town of Mazatlán. Word of the exceptionally drinkable pilsner-style lager traveled fast. Soon, thirst for Pacifico spread from Sinaloa and up the rugged Baja coastline. Fast forward to the early 1970s. As the story goes, a group of California surfers ventured south in their van to explore the breaks along the coast. Eventually they found themselves in Baja, where they also discovered hidden surf spots, friendly cantinas, and a beloved local beer called Pacifico. Excited by their find, the story goes, the wandering surfers loaded up a few cases of the rich golden lager into their van and returned north, becoming the first importers of Pacifico. Back in Southern California, the Baja-born cerveza gained a passionate following among surfers who journeyed south for the breaks, and returned with a beer well worth the trip.Marsala Beverage is a local-based company that employs about 100 full-time employees, which all live and support the community of Northeast Louisiana. Each employee bases his or her success on never losing sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs.
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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com October 1-5 Pathway Juco Showdown The debut of the Pathway JUCO event is set for Oct. 1-5 at the new Sterlington Sports Complex which features five turf fields in one ideal location. Up to 24 JUCO teams will be on hand for Year 1; players can expect to see 25-30 four-year colleges watching the event closely. Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA-136, Sterlington
October 3 Love Local in the Park The City of West Monroe will host "Love Local in the Park," a familyfriendly music festival at Kiroli Park, including food trucks. Admission to the park will be $5 per person. Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: $5 park entry Phone: 318-396-4016
October 2 ULM Soccer vs Texas State Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Soccer team take on Texas State! Venue: ULM Soccer Complex 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000
Mac 'N Cheese Fest Don't miss out on the Mac 'N Cheese Festival at the Hub! Local restaurants and cooks will battle it out to become the Mac 'N Cheese champion! Venue: The Hub 201 Washington St. Hours: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pumpkins in the Park Enjoy a pumpkin stroll through Railroad Park! Don't miss this spooktacular start to fall in Downtown Ruston. Venue: Railroad Park 101 E. Park Ave. Ruston, LA Hours: 7-9PM Cost: Free Phone: 318-251-8647 October 2-3 ULM Volleyball vs ULL Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Volleyball team take on ULL! Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum 4099 Northeast Dr, Monroe Hours: Friday 6:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 October 2-4 United States Team Penning Association Regional Finals The Region 3-4 finals will be October 2-4 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. There will be a qualifying show on Friday night. Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: 318-325-9160
FLW Ouachita River Tournament Take off for the tournament will be at 7:00 AM on October 3rd. Weigh in will be at 3:00 PM at the Forsythe Boat Dock. Venue: Forsythe Boat Dock 2100 Riverside Dr, Monroe Bayou Stock Bayou Stock is back on October 3rd! Don't miss out on Louisiana's very own Dylan Scott, Lainey Wilson, Stephen Paul, Ricky Rowton, and more! Bayou Stock will be held in the field across from Sterlington High School. Venue: 233 Keystone Road, Sterlington Hours: Doors Open at 4:00 PM Cost: $25
ULM Soccer team take on Arkansas State! Venue: ULM Soccer Complex 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 12:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 October 9-11 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! Venue: 327 California Plant Rd., Dubach, LA Hours: Friday & Saturday 9 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Phone: 318-680-1304 October 10 Dine and Wine Under the Vines Mark your calendars for Dine and Wine Under the Vines! Sixteen food vendors to sample from, free wine tastings, and live music! Venue: Landry Vineyards5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe Cost: $20/25 for adults, $10/15 for youth, VIP Tables of 4 $120, VIP Tables of 8 $240 Phone: 318-557-9051
ULM vs Georgia Southern Football Game Join in on the fun and watch ULM take on Georgia Southern! Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 6:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000
Blues, Brews, & BBQ It's not difficult to draw visitors to the scenic Ouachita River, but it doesn't hurt to throw in the promise of good music and food. Top it all off with some ice-cold beer, and you've got a perfect event. This classic event returns with new life on October 10th! Attendees will enjoy the sounds of blues experts on our stages while shopping artisans and food vendors and sampling delicious beer. Venue: RiverMarket 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: $15 Phone: 318-807-1735
October 4 ULM Soccer vs Arkansas State Join in on the fun and watch the
St. Jude in the Twin Cities Run Don't miss out on the first St. Jude in the Twin Cities Run on
October 10th! 1 Mile Fun Run, 5K, and 10K. Venue: First Baptist Church of West Monroe - 311 Mill Street, West Monroe October 11 ULM Soccer vs Little Rock Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Soccer team take on Little Rock! Venue: ULM Soccer Complex 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 1:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 Goat Yoga Join Double BB Farms for Goat Yoga! Goat yoga is for people of all ability or no ability at all. This event will be outside so dress appropriately. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one. Limited spots available and most classes sell out. **Disclaimer: Class could be interrupted at any moment by baby goats wanting a cuddle. They do not recommend tank tops or expensive gear. Venue: Double BB Farms 1816 Stubbs Vinson Road, Monroe Hours: 4:00 PM Cost: $20 Phone: 318-355-1824 October 15-18 Million Dollar Quartet Strauss Little Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet on October 15-18th at Kiroli Park. Tony Awardwinning Broadway musicial inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Phone: 318-396-4016 October 16 ULM Volleyball vs Central Arkansas Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Volleyball team take on Central Arkansas! Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum 4099 Northeast Dr, Monroe
Hours: 6:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 October 18 ULM Soccer vs ULL Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Soccer team take on ULL! Venue: ULM Soccer Complex 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 1:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 Family Fun on the Farm Join Double BB Farms for an afternoon on the farm. Visit, pet and feed all the animals. There might even be a hayride! Venue: Double BB Farms 1816 Stubbs Vinson Road, Monroe Hours: 2:00 PM Cost: $5 per person Phone: 318-355-1824 October 22 Chennault Gala Join Chennault Aviation and Military Museum for the second annual Chennault Gala featuring a performance by the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra! It is free to watch the program, but viewers are encouraged to give a donation at this link: http://bit.ly/chennault The performance will launch on Facebook Premier on the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum page at 7 PM on October 22nd. Due to the pandemic, this year's Gala is going virtual! The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will perform for a limited audience at the Chennault Aviation Park on Saturday, October 17th. Join Chennault Aviation and Military Museum for this unique, virtual USO Jubilee as they celebrate their 20th year of operation. Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM ULM Soccer vs LA Tech Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Soccer team take on LA Tech! Venue: ULM Soccer Complex 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM Phone: 318-342-1000 October 22-25 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! Strauss Little Theatre presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! on October 22nd25th. This play tackles office parties,
backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction, and of course, true love. Don't miss out! Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: 318-323-6681 October 23-24 Louisiana State Games - Warhawk Open The Louisiana State Games Warhawk Open will be held October 23rd and 24th at the ULM Activity Center. Venue: ULM Activity Center 100 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: 318-342-5305 ULM Volleyball vs UT Arlington Join in on the fun and watch the ULM Volleyball team take on UT Arlington! Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum 4099 Northeast Dr, Monroe Hours: 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM on Friday, 1:00 PM on Saturday Phone: 318-342-1000 October 24 'Ritas on the River 'Ritas on the River is a day full of activities which include Margarita tastings and vendors from all over the ArkLaTex. The RiverMarket will also have several taco vendors this day! Tastings will begin at 12 and will close at 3:45. If you would like to participate in the margarita tastings, then you will need to purchase a ticket at the for $25. Venue: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Phone: 318-807-1735
Venue: Landry Vineyards - 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Phone: 318-557-9051 Louisiana Peachtober Overflowing with fun, the streets will be filled with music, artisans, vendors, activities for kids, and of course, peachy treats and eats. Venue: Downtown Ruston Hours: 8AM-10PM Cost: $5 Phone: 318-255-2031 October 29 The House That Rock Built The House That Rock Built will feature a live concert by Byron Daniel & The Five Dead Dogs. This is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita Parish. Venue: The Hub 201 Washington St., Monroe October 31 Louisiana State Games - Cross Country Championship Don't miss out on the Louisiana State Games Cross Country Championship on October 31st! Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA-136, Sterlington Cost: $8 per individual, $90 per team
fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-957-1305 October 9-10, 16-18, 23-25, 30 - Nov 1 Evil Visions Haunted House You've heard the stories, You've felt the fear, Now join the scare for 2020 as Evil Visions brings you SilverScream! Venue: Evil Visions Haunted House501 DeSiard St., Monroe Hours: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31 Haunted Ziplines Soaring Spirits Ziplines will be offering ziplining through their haunted forest. Grab your pals and head to Soaring Spirits for a spooky fun time! Venue: 285 Jed Rd. Ruston Hours: 6-10PM Cost: $20-25 Phone: 318-245-4405
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal
Landry Vineyard Concert - Code Blue & the Flatliners Landry Vineyards Music Concert on Saturday, October 24th will feature Code Blue & the Flatliners. They play Country, Light Rock and dance music. Bring lawn chairs or blanket. Food and cold drinks are allowed. Please DO NOT bring any outside alcohol but support Landry Vineyards through wine purchases. Tasting room will be open 11-to the end of the concert for tastings. Come celebrate an afternoon of fun with your family and community while listening to local music, eating Cajun food and Landry Vineyards wine! WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2020 193