PORCH PERFECT

Taylor Bennett created a fall container perfect for celebrating autumn’s beauty. Gorgeous gourds combine with fall florals to create a welcoming arrangement easy to replicate.

To create this beautiful seasonal display, Taylor combined purple fountain grass with mums, creeping Jenny, coneflower and ornamental pumpkins. He completed the arrangement by filling in with moss in a concrete container.

by Guy Miller, Vice Chair Emeritus, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

Two and a half weeks after my 7th birthday everyone around me was worried and very afraid. No, it wasn’t me who caused that. But even at such a young age I understood the fear.

On October 14, 1962 a USAF U-2 spy plane overflew Cuba and took pictures of new installations on the ground. When these pictures analyzed by the CIA they showed Soviet missile launchers, missile transport trucks and launch site construction that would allow Soviet missiles to strike targets across most of the United States, Over the next days President John F. Kennedy met with his advisers on this new and serious threat. Kennedy rejected the idea of attacking and destroying the missile sites and decided the best course of action was a “naval quarantine” to buy time to negotiate a Soviet withdrawal.

Kennedy met with Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko on October 18th and told him that America would not tolerate Soviet missiles in Cuba. Gromyko claimed there were none. Knowing Gromyko was not being truthful, Kennedy initiated his quarantine plans.

October 22nd was the day the unthinkable became a possibility for most Americans. In an 18-minute televised speech, Kennedy informed the American public of “unmistakable evidence” of the missile threat. He promised the United States would take action to prevent ships carrying weapons to Cuba. He demanded the Soviets withdraw their missiles.

At the same time, the U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union delivered a letter from Kennedy to Soviet Premier Khrushchev. The letter stated in part “the one thing that has most concerned me has been the possibility that your government would not correctly understand the will and determination of the United States in any given situation, since I have not assumed that you or any other sane man would, in this nuclear age, deliberately plunge the world into war which it is crystal clear no country could win and which could only result in catastrophic consequences to the whole world, including the aggressor.”

What I remember of the following days seems somewhat like the time after September 11, 2001. A uneasy quiet fell upon the nation as people were afraid; worried there would be attacks on American cities and civilian populations. Perhaps because of this fear I have the impression of the American people coming together as a whole with a determination to survive any Soviet attack. The difference of course is there had been attacks on 9/11 whereas no attack had yet been made in October 1962. But the 1962 situation was far more serious in its possible impact and consequences.

At the time we lived in St. Louis; the city which was home to the aircraft manufacturing facility supplying the majority of fighter and attack aircraft to the Navy and a significant percentage to the USAF. This same company was building our first manned space capsules. We were definitely a target.

Despite the threat of nuclear war people carried on with the lives but with some differences. We had air raid / emergency sirens in those days and people were trained on where to go and what to do. At school, we practiced getting under our desks. Wooden desk tops would not stop radiation or blast waves but at some distance from a blast they might save a child from falling debris. We hoped. My parents, like other adults, went to the grocery store and stocked up on canned goods. Mom also bought jugs of water and filled empty bottles with tap water. We had a stack of non-perishable food, water and other survival needs against the most secure sidewall in our basement.

Between October 23rd and 27th a series of letters flew back and forth between Khrushchev and Kennedy. Khrushchev initially rebuffed the demand for the removal of missiles “intended solely for defensive purposes.” Kennedy reminded Khrushchev his secret missile deployment to Cuba was the cause of any crisis between the two superpowers.

Khrushchev indignantly accused Kennedy of threatening the Soviet Union. Despite this bluster all Soviet freighters bearing military supplies headed for Cuba stopped and all but one turned back by the 25th. The oil tanker Bucharest continued to approach the quarantine zone and Cuba. Two American warships were ready to intercept the Bucharest but Kennedy decided to let it through the quarantine because it wasn’t carrying any actual weapons.

In the first watershed moment of the crisis, Khrushchev decided to appeal to the President to jointly de-escalate the conflict and not “doom the world to the catastrophe of thermonuclear war.” The Premier risked the appearance of weakness while Kennedy’s acceptance of the offer as genuine risked the appearance of naivete. A second watershed moment occurred when an American U-2 pilot was shot down and killed on the 27th and Khrushchev and Kennedy both realized the situation was spiraling dangerously out of control.

Khrushchev’s overture was to demand the United States withdraw its missiles from Turkey as part of a removal deal. Kennedy ignored the demand but promised not to attack Cuba after the Russian withdrawal. In a private meeting between ambassadors, Russia was told the U.S. already planned to remove its missiles from Turkey but could not say so publicly.

On October 28th in a speech aired on Radio Moscow Khrushchev announced the dismantling and removal of Soviet missiles in Cuba. The Cold War was still on but the immediate threat of nuclear war has passed. The world sighed in relief.

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

There is something about October that is very special to many of us who enjoy chasing critters such as the popular whitetail deer. There are fields and lanes to clip, stands to clean, move and put up. There are feeders to fix...but wait... not everywhere. This year will certainly be different as feeding corn to deer is not legal in all areas. This includes our northeast parishes bordering Arkansas and Mississippi as the dreaded chronic wasting disease was discovered last year. In conjunction with the Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana Departments of Wildlife and Fisheries/Game and Fish determined that restricting areas where hunters can supplement natural forage with corn would be the most effective way to halt this disease from entering our state. From what is published, this disease can be transmitted via the saliva glands which naturally can be present in a food trough or corn pile. The other manner to abate this issues is preventing the transport of any bone of the animal across state lines (boned out skull and horns are acceptable). This disease is rampant in many states and this is the most effective manner to stop it before it can infect a healthy herd.

It is a very demanding process and the assistance of hunters is crucial in fighting the issue. There will be some who will fight City Hall and continue to feed illegally. This practice not only is dangerous for all of us, it has the potential to take our deer herds here to suffer significant damage. What I ask is that hunters consider the potential damage and work with officials to combat this problem. If you have never seen a deer with CWD you should research it. There is a zero survival rate and the manner of death is horrible.

So let’s look at the positive side. Bow hunters will certainly have a bigger challenge as feeding with corn brings deer into range quite well. The answer there is other approved/alternative feeding practices. (Check LDWF website for regulations). Gun hunters can still rely on food plots as shots are generally longer. However, my opinion is that the harvest numbers will go down this year. Over the years many of us have relied on corn to bring our prey into range. Hunting natural food sources will be different, although effective for the smart hunter. Stands may have to be altered so that natural food sources such as acorns, persimmons and browse are closer to where the stand is set. Wind will be even more crucial as when you have a pile of yellow acorns close, the deer will sometimes be less wary and come into the area to feed.

There are a lot of hunters who feel that this move is over the top. Our economy relies on hunters who buy all of the tools, feed and other essentials for hunting. This will certainly be a ding for local farmers who thrive in the winter months from the thousands of bags of corn sold locally. There is an impact. However, we have to look at the future. The biologists who are tasked with addressing this issue did not make these decisions easily. This threat is real and if not addressed, could affect the deer herds significantly. I believe their objective is clear and they are doing what they think is best, even though not a popular decision.

We had a very dry spring this year. This will have a positive effect on the deer herds. There was a decent acorn crop and from just surveying my hunting area, we had a very good year in fawn production. Because we had a dry spring, deer have altered some travel patterns to have daily access to water. Look for browse in October where deer rely for their daily buffet. Browse and heavy cover is where you will find the majority of animals. My favorite food source in October and early November is persimmons. If you find persimmons, you will find active deer. Make sure and set up according to the dominant wind which in early fall is southeast and southwest. Hunt high. One huge mistake that hunters make is to not consider odors, wind direction and good cover in a stand. If you are not 20 plus foot up a tree, you need to consider cover scents and assure you are scent free. I accomplish this by wearing shorts and a t-shirt into my area and then putting on my hunting clothes to enter my stand. Preventing sweating is huge. I carry a wet cloth and wipe down and spray myself with a scent neutralizer. I won’t go into the stand in October without a Thermacell. This device is a lifesaver. If you haven’t been in the woods yet, let me tell you the mosquitoes had a bumper crop this year. They are worse than I’ve ever experienced. Preventing potential West Nile disease from a mosquito bite is now a priority. That and ticks are the two things I worry about the most. I have a friend who has suffered from Lymes disease for years. I make sure and wear snake boots and cover them well with Deet to try and keep the ticks away.

The last thing I will recommend is to always wear a climbing belt when climbing or coming down from an elevated stand. There are way too many horror stories of hunters who are permanently disabled or killed after falling from a tree stand. You may think you are half squirrel and can do it without it but a climbing belt is like a life preserver in a boat. They don’t work unless you wear them....all the time.

I hope you all have a productive and enjoyable hunting season. Be safe, be courteous and most of all, leave some for our grandchildren. Happy hunting!

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE

erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Have you ever gotten the urge to refresh a space in your home? Recall how you felt once that job was complete. Did you feel more relaxed and happier? That is the power of moving your stuff! You see, when items sit in the same spot for an extended time, the air and space around them tends to stagnate, which means that the energy in your home becomes stagnant, too. Stagnant energy can leave you feeling tired, stressed and weighted down. So, if you have noticed that feeling of unrest in your home, try moving your stuff. It will change your life! Below are a few ways that I use this theory in my life and in the lives of my clients:

This is the easiest and most common way to keep the positive energy flowing. With each season comes a reason to refresh the décor and design of your interior and exterior spaces. For instance, now is the perfect time to put up any summer fabrics and décor and put out the fall items. An important part of this process is to clean the spaces as you go. Get rid of any dust and cobwebs that may have formed on the surfaces and in the corners.

Bring the outdoors in. Plants (real plants) make a space feel lighter, cleaner, and more alive, so having them inside in the form of flowers, branches, and plants will keep the good energy flowing. If you have a good selection of plants inside of your home already, move them to a different area (with the same amount of light) and give them a good misting. Gently wipe the leaves down and remove old dead leaves and growth. Don’t forget to add one or two new ones that are season specific.

Rearrange your furniture. Now, I am not saying that you should completely rearrange your furniture every season or even every year. I just suggest moving one or two items from one room to another to create a different flow and energy. For instance, do you have a chair that you can move from the bedroom into the living room? What about a side table that can serve a different purpose? You can even move an item inside the very room it is in. Any movement will disrupt the stagnate air and create energy.

Deep clean each space. This isn’t a task to tackle in a day, as it takes time and patience. I suggest choosing one room or area a week to concentrate on. Then you should clean it from top to bottom. Wipe down walls, baseboards, light fixtures, furniture, cabinetry, everything. Wash the curtains, clean the

To take this concept one step further, I challenge you to set intentions for the spaces you are refreshing. Want to improve your relationship with your spouse? Set that intention and keep that goal in mind while you are moving, cleaning or replacing items in the bedroom. Want to make more money? Set the intention while cleaning and refreshing your home office. You never know what may come to mind or evolve from one simple intention! Move your stuff, change your life. blinds, wipe down the windows (inside and out). You get my drift. The point is to get rid of the dust, dirt, and grime that leads to stagnation. While you are cleaning, make sure to fix anything that is broken or needs repair. If it is something that isn’t easily fixable, set it in an area where it can be attended to later. Get it out of the room you just cleaned, though, you may not reap the full benefits of the freshly energized space. This is a good time to oil any squeaky doors and replace any burned out bulbs, etc.

Sweep your porches. Don’t forget the exterior of your home. Give your entrances a good sweeping, cleaning, and décor update, too! The entrances to your home set the tone for what is to come, so keeping them pristine is one of the most important steps in this process. Don’t forget to add beautiful plants and other items that will make your life happier and easier. A way to make your life “easier” is to place tray or rack in this area to corral boots, purses, and coats. Having a landing spot for your most used items will make leaving home and coming home so much easier.

Use light to your advantage. Light, whether from opening the curtains in the morning or lighting a candle over dinner, adds movement and energy to the space it is in. Light can energize you or calm you. Use it to your advantage and make sure to update the lighting sources in each of your rooms. Change bulbs to higher or lower wattage or add dimmers to get the best of both worlds. Clean your light fixtures often and add reflective items to bounce the light around.

I REMEMBER some of the most significant dates in the history of the world, dates that mark events which impacted the way earthlings thought and behaved. If we all were to select our “top ten major events,” I suspect that there would be a great deal of similarity in our choices. One of my top choices is celebrated during this month and remembers how, on October 31, 1517, a German monk named Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation when he nailed his “95 Theses” on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg prompting a debate relative to the doctrine and practice of the church, an action that changed the course of Western Civilization. If this does not register on your list of the most significant events of world history, I heartily encourage you to spend some time reading about the Reformation. I’ll make a few additional comments about Luther and the Reformation later in this article, but you would be benefited by doing some research on your own. Some other choices that come to mind as I contemplate major happenings in man’s story would include July 4th and Independence Day, which marks the birth of the nation that would become the premiere economic and military force in the world. The colonists’ victory over the formidable British Empire is certainly noteworthy and was unexpected. An additional area that some might consider worthy of consideration would be the advancements that have been made in how we share and communicate ideas and information. What I have in mind are inventions of things like the printing press, the telephone, radio and television, the computer and the internet. Just think of how the impact of such developments has radically changed the way we live. A few other things that I believe are worthy of consideration as having made major differences in the life and history of our world would include the following: Columbus and his discovery of America, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Civil War and the end of slavery, the 1215 signing of the Magna Carta by the British monarch, the dynamic advances that have been made in the field of medicine, the Atomic Bomb and the end of World War II and the subsequent development of nuclear power, and events like Pearl Harbor and “9-11.” There are more things that came to my mind but which I have left off my list, and I am confident that many of you have suggestions that would have enhanced our thinking. My hope is that we can learn from our history so that we can repeat those things that are beneficial and avoid those mistakes that were detrimental to that which is good. Given the fact that I have spent the vast majority of my life teaching the Bible, it will not surprise anyone that at the top of my list of worldchanging incidents would be the incarnation of Jesus, the Christ – the birth, death, and resurrection of the One who gives eternal life to those who trust Him. I am convinced that the good that has come from this One – the hospitals, schools, churches, mercy ministries, etc. – is unmatched by anything else that has happened in our long history as a human race. I doubt that anyone could, or would question the difference that this man from Nazareth has made in the lives of countless millions of those who have been His followers. Jesus gave His life to provide life to all who would put their faith in Him, and Martin Luther risked his life to bring reformation to the Church that was established by Christ’s disciples. Each Sunday, people all around the world celebrate what Jesus has accomplished. On October 31st, I plan to celebrate the contribution Martin Luther made in helping to reform the church. I invite you to join in that remembrance.

article by PAUL LIPE

Fishing on Instinct article by KENNY COVINGTON

TO KNOW THE OWL My disdain for modern technology in fishing is STUDY THE well documented. I don’t MOUSE believe it is good for the sport, just as I also believe the price of modern-day —NATIVE AMERICAN ADAGE equipment is turning bass fishing into a rich man’s game. However, there are other aspects concerning the usage of technology that is being overlooked, and over the course of the last few years, through my own observations, I believe to be just as important. My question: “Is modern technology having a negative effect on the growth of our sport, especially when it comes to our younger anglers?” My answer is “yes.”

The younger generation of anglers I compete against are experts when it comes reading their electronics. Knowing what buttons to push, when to push them, as well as being able to dissect what their graphs are telling them. Their knowledge of this sort of equipment is nothing short of astonishing. But it is their addiction to this technology that I believe is the real problem and in the long run will hurt them in their development as true anglers.

I have heard all the arguments, just as I have read all the articles arguing the merits of the advanced technology from Garmin LiveScope to Humminbird 360 and everything in between. “If you aren’t embracing the newest and best technology, you are going to get left behind.” I wish I had a dollar for every time a LiveScope owner said that to me. This dependence on technology is staggering and I don’t believe bodes well for the future of our sport.

There is a small window where I do believe the better LiveScopers and tech savvy anglers have an advantage over the competition. On lakes such as Caney or Claiborne, during the coldest parts of winter and at times during the heat of the summer, you aren’t getting beat by a better angler, a lure or a discovered technique, you are getting beat by someone’s ability to read a graph. This is not a jealous observation, it’s just a simple truth. By now you are probably asking yourself, “just what is Kenny’s point?”

I grew up fishing during a time when the best anglers were the ones who had a knack for catching fish no matter where they went. They knew about weather conditions, seasonal adjustments, what to look for on certain bodies of water. All the tricks of the trade that made them successful were a result of two things: having been taught by someone else or by spending a lot of time on the water, learning on their own. Often it was the latter, not the former.

I have tournament records I have kept from as far back as thirtyfive years ago. Dates, events, time of year, lures, winning weights, time of day, types of cover and even more data most would ever believe. While I am not as meticulous about my record keeping as I once was, I keep them. The more information I have at my disposal before I leave for the lake, the more effective I can be once I get on the water.

I know what to do when the wind changes direction or when it starts to rain in the fall. I know what to do when it snows in early December just like I know what to do when you have a week of warm weather in January. I know the times of year when bass are more subject to feed on bream than they are crawfish or shad. I know what lakes to fish boat docks as compared to what lakes you need to turn you trolling motor on high in order to go past the boat docks to fish more productive water.

What about falling or rising water? Is the water muddy, stained or gin clear? Rocks, trees, or aquatic vegetation; does your favorite lake have any of these types of cover and what seasons do bass relate best to them? The list goes on and on and no matter how good technology may be, the best LiveScope or other fishing technology in the world can’t tell you how to catch fish any of the above scenarios. While many of the older sets of anglers probably know what I am talking about, the younger generation, as well as a few of the older converts, just haven’t run into that problem yet. I’m sure time will tell.

If you want to become a better bass angler, study the shad. What kinds of shad are prevalent on your favorite lake? What time of year do the bass feed on the smaller threadfin or when do they prefer the bigger gizzard shad? If you want to become a better bass angler, study the bream. Where they hang out, their seasonal movements. Are they light colored, or do they have a dark hue to them? Study the crawfish. What do the crawfish look like in different bodies of water and where can they be found? What color are their pinchers? There is only one way to find out this information and the answer isn’t technology.

All the great anglers I have known, fished against or with, have a good idea about what to do, when to do it, and why they do it, while they are on the water. This instinct is developed through a lot of trial and error, as well as years on the water. In some anglers, fishing by instinct is second nature and their consistent results prove this time and time again. In others, it is a continual game of second guessing, as well as a lot of ifs and but’s. As it is true with everything else in life, there are no shortcuts to continued success, not even with the best technology, especially in bass fishing.

Legendary angler Rick Clunn once said, “If you are ever going to get into bass fishing seriously, you’ve got to forget one thing. That is luck, which has very little or anything to do with it. Fishing is an art and a science. It can be learned. The level you achieve in it is up to you.” This still holds true today.

Well, it looks as if we have run out of time and space again for another month. With the upcoming hunting season upon us, be extra careful in the woods and on the water. See you next month!

FRIEND SHIFTS article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

My dad Larry had a lot of sayings while we were growing up. He would get low, down level with our faces to emphasize the importance of the words to follow. I’ve listened to more of them than I can remember, but the ones that resonate are those whose truth has materialized in my life. One such Larry-ism was about friendship. He would hold up his right hand with his stubby little digits and say “When you get old, you’ll be able to count your true friends on one hand.” I would chuckle. I didn’t have a cell phone with hundreds of contacts then, but I had loads of friends. Clearly Dad just wasn’t very popular, I thought.

Approaching forty, I’m beginning to understand what he meant. I do have loads of contacts, people whose path I cross frequently, those that would probably answer my call if I needed help. But true friends, the kind that let us expose the ugly parts of ourselves, are hard to come by. A colleague who has lived in this area mentioned this to me the other day. She found making friends in adulthood difficult. She missed how easy it was as a child. My closest friendships evolved in childhood, and though many of those relationships fell away as our lives changed, two stayed close. We didn’t experience college or parenthood at the same time, but we knew each other well enough and counted each other as emotional bases. We knew each other before we became who we are.

As life inevitably ebbs and flows, relationships adapt or fade away. Keeping people close takes effort. Sometimes when life kicks me to the ground, I’m thankful because it reminds me to reach for those emotional cornerstones, to call those friends who listen for the sake of listening. I find venting therapeutic, and I only trust a few people with the truth. Friending without filters takes time and patience. I take solace in knowing I have rocks and that I can be a rock for them when the time comes. I hope they feel that way about me. There is no greater comfort than hitting the End Call button feeling better than when you dialed. Husband has learned to pick up on my emotional cues. If I take a call back to the bedroom, I need to unload some emotional baggage, and I need to talk to my friends, those on this ride from the beginning.

When friendships span multiple decades, the highs and lows start to blur. You just start associating certain people with being around for all of it, as if they always existed. Conversations don’t begin with disclaimers. Chats are not interrupted with apologies or explanations, as if the conversation never stopped. I value that more than I can convey in words. As I have relied on these friendships heavily in the last few years, I’ve started to reconsider the type of friend that I am. Do they feel like they can lean on me? Am I providing enough support? Do I listen as much as I talk?

During quarantine, most of my interactions occurred via telephone, and to some extent have continued because having small children means little free time away from the house. I’m trying to listen more for the sake of listening, not always listening to have the perfect answer. They need to vent too. And sometimes my role is to just give them space to exhale. It goes against my nature as I want to play mediator and resolve issues as quickly as they arise. I’m constantly playing devil’s advocate, lessening the severity of a situation, bringing a problem back down to earth. To not interrupt, I sometimes bite my lower lip, giving my friends who speak slower time to say it all. Silence is not the enemy; often it’s a welcome deep breath.

The last year has forced me to reevaluate everything, as we all saw how fragile life is, how much we took for granted, and particularly the relationships so vital to our emotional well-being. If I’ve learned anything, it is to dig in even deeper, invest in those relationships that make life worth living. In a fast-paced world where time evaporates so quickly, I am focused on those relationships I cherish, leaving adequate room for them to thrive and grow. It’s as important for me to be the rock for my close friends and give them the room to stretch out for a minute and just breathe.

IF YOU’VE BEEN TO THE TWIN CITY Lip Sync Battle, you know it’s the most fun event of the year – a night filled with laughs, surprises, singing along and toe-tapping to some of the best music of the decades. We promise you don’t want to miss this night full of our cities’ best stars and starlets.

Dejaneiro (“DJ”) Davis is Assistant Principal at Riser Middle School and author of “Run the Play” by day, but you don’t want to miss him Letting It Burn in his debut as Usher.

Sean Kilpatrick, owner of Kilpatrick Landscape, can be found at the Arena on October 27th decked out as Prince and dancing underneath that purple rain.

All you Cowboy Casanovas better watch out. Cassie Bruscato, owner of Crossfit Chivalry, will be hitting the stage as the one and only Carrie Underwood.

Jake Lilly, owner of Lilly’s Lawn Care and Landscape, will have you singing “Baby, Baby, Baby” when he shows up as Justin Bieber. Not a Bieber fan?! What do you mean?

Lindsey Lowe, Project Leader at ECHO Development, and Erin Taylor, Chief Cultural Officer for Peach Tree Dental and Event Planner for Restaurant Cotton, will be bringing the style to Lip Sync in their performance as Cher. These contestants will have you going down in flames, just like Jesse James . . .

Bobby Reynolds, owner of LCW Exterior Solutions, will have everyone callin Baton Rouge . . . If Tomorrow Never Comes after the Lip Sync Battle, we promise you don’t want to miss Bobby as Garth Brooks.

Lindsey Braddock, Suzie Wilson, Lauren Voorhees, Sally Allen, and Melanie McGough, teachers at Sallie Humble Elementary and Neville High School, are about to take you down to the Paradise City as the legendary Guns N’Roses crew.

Patience Talley, Director of Community Centers and Programs for the City of Monroe, will let you stand under her umbrella if it rains on the Lip Sync Battle. Don’t miss Patience’s debut and moves as Rihanna.

Taylor Hines, Registered Nurse in the ER for Glenwood Regional Medical Center, is about to bring the Uptown Funk to the Civic Center Arena as the one and only Bruno Mars.

Tommy Hayes, partner at Hayes, Harkey, Smith, & Cascio, LLP, and Mike Sawyer, agent for Farm Bureau Insurance, will be delivering you a briefcase full of blues on October 27th as the talented and hilarious Blues Brothers.

Jo Ellen Gilliland, Taylor Jopling, owners and trainers at Tribe 31 Training, and Deanna Mabon, who works in Supply Chain at Graphic Packaging and is part of the Tribe 31 crew, may be the most beautiful Bee Gees you’ll ever see. This performance is sure to keep you Stayin’ Alive!

Our esteemed judges for this event will include Julia Letlow, Congresswoman representing Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell, mayor of the City of West Monroe, and one other judge to be named in the coming month. With this group of performers, they will face a tough feat of picking our top three. But have no fear – our crowd will also have a say in picking a Crowd Favorite with dollar votes, and the performer/performing group with the most votes taking home the trophy.

Last but not least, you’ll be entertained through the night by our comical emcees, Cindy Foust, University Development Officer at ULM, Alpha-KidZ author, and contributing author for BayouLife, and Russell Moore, owner of Rumo’s Barbershop, and a member of the inaugural Lip Sync crew from 2019.

The event will take place on October 27 at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. Doors open at 6:15, and the show will begin at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets may be purchased at twincityballet.org. Sponsor table information is also available on the twincityballet.org website. Tables are selling fast, so reserve yours ASAP. Some perks of the sponsor tables include hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets and access to a VIP bar provided by Marsala Beverage. And we won’t sell general admission tickets short – any ticket to this event is a good one.

The Twin City Ballet thanks our sponsors, patrons, board, and volunteers for your support of the company. Do not miss this night of fun and entertainment. We promise you won’t find a better show or have more fun and laughs anywhere in the Twin Cities!

All proceeds of the Twin City Lip Sync Battle benefit the Twin City Ballet Company. Twin City Ballet Company is a nonprofit organization established in 1979 to enrich the cultural environment of Northeast Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Under the artistic direction of Linda Lavender Ford, the dual aims of the company are to create an exciting dance experience in the community and an opportunity for training and stage experience to talented young dancers.

Join Twin City Ballet for our 2022 Christmas production of “Santa’s Spy!” School performances of Santa’s Spy will be held Wednesday, November 30 – Friday, December 2. To reserve a spot for your class, call Twin City Ballet Company at 318.388.3011. For more information, visit twincityballet.org.

“From the minute our patients enter the door until the moment they leave, we want them to feel known, seen and heard,” Crigler said, “and also to have a chance to relax and unwind in a calming environment.” This attention to detail and patient care begins even before patients enter the office. “We value our patients’ time and never double book. You’ll have our full attention while you’re in our care,” says Crigler.

Like a “spa with an edge,” patients have said of the District Dental office. “Nothing has been left out or overlooked, down to the tiniest of details – the music, the smell, the art, the feeling you get when you walk in” said Crigler. Wendi Garnett, a registered dental hygienist for 24 years, shares District Dental’s building with Crigler. She said, “It’s for patient care. We do everything for our patients.”

Just as nothing about the District Dental office experience is typical, neither is Crigler’s approach to dental care. The team is committed to treating the whole person and their overall health and well-being rather than a single tooth. Their range of services and commitment to continuing education exemplifies this best.

Crigler, a graduate of LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, says that the most formative parts of her education have occurred since she graduated from dental school. “My real education began when I got into continuing education,” she said, “and that’s when I started to truly love and have a passion for dentistry.” She has far surpassed the state requirement of thirty hours of continuing education every two years by completing nearly 500 hours in the last five. She is a graduate of the Kois Center, the prestigious continuing education and research center based in Seattle, Washington, and led by Dr. John Kois, a world-renowned dentist and educator. “It’s essential to me that I keep learning. This is what makes me a confident dentist— knowing that I am up to date in providing the best of what’s available to my patients.”

Crigler’s advanced education and the office’s investments in technology have enabled them to provide a range of services that address so many of patients’ needs and desires, as well as their anxieties.

Crigler and her team meet every morning before patients arrive to discuss each patient and ensure everything is ready for them. They also meet monthly to discuss successes and areas where patient care can be improved. “Our patients come first,” Crigler said. “Always.”

The first step is a comprehensive exam. Crigler always guides patients with several treatment options, explaining the pros and cons of each and empowering patients to ultimately choose for themselves. “She’ll say to the patient, ‘You’re the driver,’” says Garnett, “and people appreciate that.”

Believing that dentists are well versed to help patients with big disease issues, Crigler always explains patients’ existing conditions thoroughly, highlighting the ways the health of their mouths is contributing to the rest of their health, with a special interest in systemic inflammation and how it affects every system. Crigler says, “We educate. Education is key at our office; each of our patients will leave our office with a full understanding of what to expect going forward.”

For many of their treatments and procedures, the team uses the state-of-the-art Fotona LightWalker Laser. It even allows them to treat cavities without anesthetic. “For people who really fear needles or hate to be numb, this has been an amazing addition to our practice,” said Crigler. “The laser has been a revolutionary bonus to the services we already offer, and we’re learning that the possibilities and potential with this laser are endless.”

nother advanced service offered is 3D cone beam

Aimaging as opposed to the traditional 2D x-ray. “It allows us to get the most complete story of our patient’s oral health,” said Crigler, “while also giving us the ability to evaluate their sinuses and airway.” Airway evaluation has been especially beneficial to patients who suspect they may have sleep apnea or other breathing issues. The Fotona LightWalker Laser Nightlase treatment can then be used to reduce the effects of sleep apnea and decrease snoring if a problem is detected.

Digital impressions, along with 3D printing, are also part of the cutting edge technology offered at District Dental. “Our patient’s love this addition, as it cuts down on chair time and eliminates the use of messy impression materials, creating a more comfortable and less anxious experience for everyone,” Crigler said. The digital impression information is then transferred to a computer and used to create restorations, all while the patient waits and enjoys watching all of the day-to-day action going on in Alley Park.

District Dental uses Airflow technology and Guided Biofilm Therapy, which Crigler said “is the most advanced and comfortable way to clean teeth, including porcelain veneers, today.” Using only air, warm water and a specially formulated powder to expose plaque, they are able to guide patients on areas for improvement and perform periodontal therapy in an efficient, gentle and pain-free way. “Patients with sensitive teeth really benefit from it and actually enjoy the experience of having their teeth cleaned for the first time in a long time, maybe ever,” Crigler said.

Beyond more traditional dentistry services, Crigler and her team focus heavily on cosmetic dentistry. “Cosmetic dentistry is just fun for me,” Crigler said. “I get it. I’m a woman and want to feel beautiful just like the next person, so I can relate when patients tell me their desires for their smile and face, and I know that I can execute it and bring it to life well. It’s the perfect combination of science and art for me.”

District Dental provides facial esthetics and rejuvenation, including Botox and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) with microneedling, which accelerates cell renewal and stimulates collagen production. PRF provides better longer lasting results than its cousin platelet rich plasma (PRP) and the results speak for themselves. Sonya Frosnoe, a nurse practitioner for 21 years, is also now providing Botox and dermal filler treatments in the District Spa suite, a part of District Dental.

Another of Crigler’s specialties was unexpected but she says is one of the great gifts of her career. When Dr. Gary Stanley first referred a baby with a tongue tie to her over four years ago, Crigler had very little understanding of the developmental delays they can cause. Since then, she has trained at the Tongue Tie Center in Alabama and has used the Fotona LightWalker Laser to perform over 2000 frenectomies (tongue tie surgeries). “It’s been incredibly special for an office full of moms to be able to provide this service for other moms and their babies,” she said.

District Dental creates a positive and fun experience for all children, many of whom often experience dental anxiety. Due to a bad childhood experience at the dentist, Crigler works hard to ensure kids at her office feel comfortable and well cared for. “One bad appointment can set the tone for the rest of their lives,” she said. As a mom of three daughters, Crigler treats every child with the same care she gives her own, and her team uses a variety of proven methods, depending on the child and their personality.

Both Crigler and Garnett stress the value of their team. The practice’s growth, its success— “it’s all because of our team,” Crigler says. Garnett agreed, adding, “Our team is just fantastic. We have really good people who truly care.” Part of building a solid team, Crigler says, is understanding and emphasizing people’s strengths. Another part is balance. “We have fun. We laugh. And we invest in each other, value each other, build each other up and always keep each other focused.”

When Crigler and Garnett met in 2016, they couldn’t have imagined the journey they’d embark on together. Their relationship is the bedrock of the business they’ve built. Crigler said, “She’s brilliantly smart, loyal, a problem solver and is deeply devoted to our vision and our mission, our patients and our team at District Dental.”

The success of their partnership was even visible in the building out of the space that houses District Dental. The building itself was home to the Nehi Bottling Company from 1948 to 1966, and the Nehi mural was retained in Crigler’s office when they planned the interior. Crigler said, “I was focused more on the aesthetics–the look, the feel, and the full experience as a whole for our patients–and Wendi was

more focused on the layout and the actual design of everything–how it would all fit together to function and flow as seamlessly as possible for a busy practice.” They give much credit also to the team’s interior designer Carmen Hill for bringing to life a space that is sophisticated and slightly edgy, but also serene. “It was a tall ask for a dental office, but she made it happen.”

Another example of the thoughtfulness that has gone into the building of District Dental is the naming of their six operatories: Pay It Forward, Nehi, Ouachita, Monarch and Moi Temps. The first, Pay It Forward, was named in honor of Dr. Lance Donald, Dr. Daniel Cassis and the team at Endodontic Specialists who took Crigler and her team in and offered them a temporary home for a year while their building was under construction. “They asked nothing in return,” Crigler says. “Only that we ‘pay it forward,’” which they do every day— usually in donated dental services, but in other ways too. The name of each operatory has its own significance, and the team is willing to share more during a dental visit for those who are interested.

Crigler makes a special effort to thank those who have contributed to the practice’s early success. “Without Dr. Donald and Dr. Cassis, District Dental would not exist,” said Crigler, before naming others who have helped along the way–Toni Bacon, their Century Next Banker; Courtney Wetzel, their graphic design and branding guru; Scott Rogers, their Henry Schein Dental representative; Darryl Garnett, Wendi’s husband and their go-to, fix-it guy; their families, friends and countless others. “There is no such thing as ‘self-made,’” Crigler said, “and all of these people–they know who they are–helped make us into who we are today.”

“We worked so hard to make this a reality— to build an office space that sets the right tone for our patients, to educate ourselves so that we take the absolute best care of them, to find a team committed to our goals and values— and now here we are,” says Crigler. District Dental promises a dentistry experience unlike any other, and its team commits themselves, day in and out, to deliver on that promise.

THE NEW ARC AL CHANGES THE GAME WITH THE most advanced Audibel Sound, enhanced connection, with a complete line of styles. With Arc Al, an effortless hearing experience is what you can expect. If you are wanting the ultimate streaming experience and effortless hearing, Arc Al will deliver. This complete line of hearing aids connects seamlessly to your lifestyle. Arc Al has recently announced the newest feature in the already featurepacked Arc Al hearing aids- 2-Way Audio. With 2-Way Audio, the microphone in your Arc AI hearing aids pick up and can stream your voice directly back to your iPhone and iPad*. You’ve always been able to hear what those on the other end are saying wirelessly in your hearing aids, but now you don’t need to be speaking into your device for them to hear you — the hearing aids pick up your voice for you. With 2-Way Audio, you can easily have conversations without having to hold your phone near your mouth. Instead, it can be in your pocket, on a nearby counter/table, or next to you in the car. You do still need to answer your phone — but after that, the hearing aids do all the work. 2-Way Audio is available in every wireless Arc AI style, too, making hearing and connecting more effortless than ever before.

At Audibel, we understand the impact of hearing loss, which is why we take every step to make better hearing effortless. With up to 55 million personalized adjustments every hour, our always-on, always automatic approach delivers realistic and genuine sound quality in every listening environment without the need to do anything extra. Experience exceptional sound quality in a full line of handcrafted hearing aids with key components: • Noise Reduction- With a 40% reduction in noise energy, compared to previous technology, your sound quality is better than ever. • Edge Mode- Hearing better in challenging listening environments is easy with our friendly, on-demand Artificial Intelligence feature that works with or without the Thrive app. • TeleHear- Remote Programming offers even more flexibility and fine tuning wherever you are. By consulting with your hearing professional virtually, remote adjustments can made to your hearing aids.

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

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK about your breast health and take steps to improve your overall health, which decreases your risk of many cancers. Incorporate these recommendations into your routine and you’ll be on your way to not only reducing your risk of breast cancer but also living a more all-around healthy lifestyle.

Eat more fruits and vegetables and less saturated fat. Women with more fruits and veggies in their daily meals reduce their breast cancer risk by as much as 19%. Less bacon and red meat is associated with better outcomes even for women who have breast cancer.

Active hobbies that keep you moving can be great for your health, including your breast health. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. It’s recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. If you aren’t active, don’t be intimidated. Aim for walking at least 30 minutes a day, and work your way up. Plus, strength training—with light weights or using your body weight—at least twice a week can help you build muscle and burn extra calories.

The American Institute for Cancer Research found that limiting alcohol to one drink a day reduced the risk of breast cancer by as much as one third. The more glasses of alcohol you drink per day, including beer, wine or liquor, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause. Women with a normal body mass index—about 18 to 25—are less likely to have breast health issues, including breast cancer.

Smoking is associated with breast cancer as well as other cancers and is extremely unhealthy. Research suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Breastfeeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.

Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.

Make a commitment to yourself and schedule your mammogram today. Those 15 minutes may save your life. Take time to squeeze it in. Schedule at the St. Francis Kitty DeGree Breast Health Center by calling (318) 812-PINK. A provider’s order is required.

FOR DRAKE ROBERTSON, OWNING A retail store offering home design and styling services is personal. “My mom had a business in West Monroe for 14 years on Trenton Street, The Anderson Collection, and I spent years working alongside her. I helped manage the store, but at the same time, I found my passion for interior decorating and styling, and here I am with my own chance to do the same,” says Drake. Even though her mother’s store had a very different aesthetic from Ivy & Stone, Drake learned the value of catering to customers and their style one person at a time. Laughs, Drake, “Listen, my mom’s store had an indigenous vibe with a flair of southwest and she literally had game wardens come in the store and tell her she couldn’t sell certain pieces. She would look at them and say, ‘Well, why not? I’m the one who brought it back from my safari?’” Through her years working with her mother, Drake always knew she would eventually get back to retail.

And then Ivy & Stone literally fell in her lap. “I was in Ivy & Stone looking for bedding and my designer and friend, Brandi Thomas, had a question for the owner. One conversation led to the next and the owner suggested she was thinking of selling the business. I had truly been weighing some options for owning my own store for the last year, so we took the conversation to the next level. In mid-summer I bought the business and I couldn’t be more excited,” says Drake.

Having cut her teeth in the business certainly has helped with the transition, but Drake is also leaning on the Ivy & Stone team in Bossier City. “What people may not realize is Ivy & Stone in Ruston is a branch of the Ivy & Stone in Bossier. They’ve been wonderful in helping me get the store ready for business. They have been a really great sounding board and very gracious to bring me and my team through the learning process.”

Starting with a clean slate, Drake was enthusiastic about developing the store’s concept and content. “The one thing that I do know is that merchandising is the key to selling. If a customer can see it, they will buy it. I love having a sort of artist’s palette to work from… putting different looks and schemes together so they customer can visualize the look in their own space. I think once they visualize it in their home, they will be motivated to buy it. We carry furniture, rugs, bedding, bath lines, art, candles and home décor. Special orders are available, too, if we don’t have it in the store.”

“We are also working with brides on their registries and after the first of the year, I plan to expand that section of the store to make it very bridal friendly. I would encourage brides to come by and add Ivy & Stone to their registry,” says Drake.

“I would invite our community to come by and see us, give us your feedback and just enjoy the home shopping process,” says Drake. You may even get the chance to meet another budding designer, Drake’s daughter, who, like her mother, loves keeping it all in the family.

AT 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. Louisiana Center for Women’s Health not only offers Botox and Juvederm, but also Dysport, another botulinum toxin, and Restylane, another hyaluronic filler.

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.