February2014 delta style

DeltaStyle February 2014

MENDING BROKEN HEARTS

WINNFIELD GAL IS DRESSED TO KILL

Flipping Houses

How One Entrepeneur Does It MISSY ROBERTSON

on Music Row EX-MONROE ARTIST & the CYCLES OF NATURE

Wear High Heels

A portrait of the arts, culture and people of the Delta

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Spring is on it’s way and with it comes the Junior League of Monroe’s Spring Market, sponsored by Community Trust Bank.

The 16th annual Spring Market will open to the public on Friday, March 21, 2014. The Market opens Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. with the classic event, “Shop ‘Til You Drop!”, brought to you by The Mulhearn Corporation. This event features a champagne brunch catered by The Coffee Bean, entertainment by Rod Allen Payne, and extended shopping until 11:00 a.m. Tickets for this event are $30. General shopping is open to the public on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. That evening, Spring Market’s signature event, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun!”, brought to you courtesy of Progressive Bank, commences at 6:00 p.m., and includes catering by Thurman’s Food Factory with four buffet stations – that means more time for Shopping! The evening also includes entertainment

by Mike McKenzie, door prizes, preferred shopping, and of course, everyone’s favorite “Market-ritas.” Tickets for Girls Just Want to Have Fun are $40. Following Friday’s big kick-off, the Market opens for general shopping Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. General shopping tickets are $6 in advance, and $8 at the door. No Strollers allowed, please.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Terri Arthur at the League House at (318) 322-3236. You may also stop by the League House, located at 2811 Cameron Street in Monroe at any time between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

This year the Junior League of Monroe is thrilled to announce a new event focused on family fun. Breakfast with the Bunnies will make its debut on Saturday, March 22, 2014. This event will feature a light breakfast, a photo shoot with live bunnies by an area photographer with portrait packages available, a visit from Peter Cottontail himself, a book reading, balloons, children’s activities and more! The ticket cost for Breakfast with the Bunnies is $15 per family and will include one general admission re-admittance ticket, to be used on Saturday or Sunday. The Provisional Member class of 2013 -2014 is taking pride in handling this event as part of their Spring Market project.

The thoughts of shopping with merchants from all over the country and all of Spring Market’s special events are enough to make anyone wish it were already March! If that doesn’t grab your attention, perhaps you would be interested in a raffle ticket for either a 7 night, Maui Vacation Giveaway or $5000 cash, your choice! The drawing for this raffle will be on Sunday, March 23rd. Tickets for a Preferred Shopping Event Raffle that no woman can refuse, will also be sold at “Shop til you Drop” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun!”, with the winner chosen at the Friday night festivities.

Please join us and experience Spring Market’s Gathering of Gifts and Gardening at the Monroe Civic Center from March 21 – 23, 2014. We look forward to seeing you at the Market!!

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contents

86

118

february 2014

features 43 COVER STORY: MENDING BROKEN

82

HEARTS

56 FASHION: SMITTEN WITH STYLE 82 LAINEY WILSON CHASES HER DREAM 86 HOMEGROWN MASTERPIECE: THE 92 107 118 139

ART OF MEREDITH PARDUE CHEF’S CORNER BEFORE & AFTER REMODEL TORI SMITH IS DRESSED TO KILL HIGH HEELS TO COMBAT BOOTS

• langiappe 21 Because I’m the Momma and I Said So....

• social spot 29 Krewe of Janus Court

DeltaStyle MAGAZINE

• dig in 98 Tara’s Taste of the Town 102 Philanthropic Educational Organization

• sports & outdoors 114 Nine Women to Watch at the Winter Olympics

DeltaStyle February 2014

MENDING BROKEN HEARTS

WINNFIELD GAL IS DRESSED TO KILL

Flipping Houses

How One Entrepeneur Does It MISSY ROBERTSON

on Music Row EX-MONROE ARTIST & the CYCLES OF NATURE

Wear High Heels

• i do

• education A portrait of the arts, culture and people of the Delta

68 Davis-Keahey Wedding 71 Price-Miller Wedding

• art & design 76 Gallery Crawl Preview 81 River Gallery Artist of the Month

DELTASTYLEMAG.COM 14 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

122 Education 101 126 Danita’s Closet

• health & beauty 131 How Well Do You Know Your Heart?

FOLLOW US

ON THE COVER: Mending Broken Hearts This month’s theme is two-fold. Febraury is Go Red for Women month, a celebration of the heart of a woman and the awareness of women’s heart health. So we thought it would be the perfect month to celebrate women, too. We hope you enjoy our stories about women from the Girly Girls to the Tomboys. The cover photo was taken by Gary Guinigundo.

March 15, 2014 Ruston 5k Start- 9:00AM

Register at komennela.org

For information call 318-966-8130 or email komennela@gmail.com Benefiting

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 15

PUBLISHER

DAVID B. PETTY

GENERAL MANAGER

RACHEL CAGLE rachel@deltastylemag.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

J. ERIC McNEIL jeric@deltastylemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

TINA BLISS MCNEIL CUSTER

ADVERTISING SALES

KYLIE STRACENER kylie@deltastylemag.com

Greetings DeltaStylers!

February is a month centered around love and history. I want to take this opportunity to say how much I love my job and the people with whom I work. The staff at DeltaStyle Magazine has gone above and beyond to make our magazine the very best.

In a recent discussion with Michael Echols, he asked me about the direction of the magazine and how I had communicated this message to our readers. It was not until then that I realized I had only communicated this with people with whom I’d spoken and not to all of our readers. Thank you, Michael, for the suggestion.

DeltaStyle Magazine began is an advertorial magazine, in that advertisers provided a majority of the content by writing the articles that accompanied their ads.

After discussing this specific type of content with many readers, as well as surveying all Best-of-the-Delta voters, I realized that our loyal readers were ready for a change from advertorial content to editorial content. I have worked diligently to make changes in the content of DeltaStyle, and as a result

have gotten an overwhelming response of positive feedback. Thank you to all of our loyal readers and businesses that advertise in our magazine. DeltaStyle would not be the magazine that it is today without your continued support, and I feel so blessed to be a part of such a long standing tradition as well as an incremental part of the changes that are taking place within the magazine. I am always interested in your opinions and welcome your feedback. Please don’t ever hesitate to let me know what you would like to see in the pages of this magazine.

On behalf of the entire staff at DeltaStyle Magazine, I’d like to say that we love our seventeen-year history of bringing you “a portrait of arts, culture and people of the Delta.” And we especially love the advertisers who have helped to make DeltaStyle Magazine the magazine that it is today.

ADVERTISING SALES

KATIE BURKE katie@deltastylemag.com

ADVERTISING SALES

AMANDA ZOTZKY amanda@deltastylemag.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER TRAVIS HUTCHINS

CONTRIBUTORS TARA AMBROSE MELANIE DOUHIT WENDY FREEMAN ARIEL KING PAULEN LUTTGEHARM TIMOTHY J MICKEL, MD SARA CATHERINE MORGAN DARREN OGLESBY, RFC GEORGIANN POTTS DR. BETH RICKS JULIA WOODBURN

PHOTOGRAPHERS COPYRIGHT: The entire contents of DeltaStyle Magazine are the Copyright 2013 by Gannett River States Publishing. No portion of the magazine (editorial or advertising) may be reproduced by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions of contributing writers may not neccessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

16 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

GARY GUINIGUNDO MISSY M. EMORY BRAD ARENDER MIKE CLIFTON

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Give a subscription to DeltaStyle Magazine, the best source for art, culture, style and people in the Delta! Call 318.340.0806 or order online at deltastylemag.com.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 17

18 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

2013 G ARY E. D E W ITT , J R .

M ARTY W. F RENCH

P HILLIP L. G IGER

J OHN M. S ITTON

DeWitt French Giger & Sitton, LLP has provided top quality accounting and tax solutions to individuals and small businesses in Northeast Louisiana for more than 30 years. Founded in 1979, our firm has grown steadily over the years; expanding our services, skills, and staff to offer solutions that satisfy all of your business needs. Once a small, one-person shop, today we proudly employ eight CPAs, nine staff accountants, and three administrative staff—each offering top-notch credentials and experience.

We are committed to using our expertise to help you and your business succeed. Our primary services include taxation, accounting, and business consulting. We also offer a host of specialty services to cater to the unique needs of our clients.

Email: info@dfgcpa.com • 1871 Hudson Circle • Monroe, LA 71201

Phone: 318-388-8975

Fax: 318-388-8966 February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 19

Can you say “HOT, HOT, HOT”!

Louisiana Delta Ballet presents the 6th annual Dancing With The Louisiana Stars and this year’s contestant’s are heating up the floor. Eighteen local celebrities are set to take the stage Friday February 7th to compete for this years Dancing With The Stars title. Taking the stage this year will be Michael “Beer Man” Lewis- Pro Bowl Retired Receiver for the New Orleans Saints, Congressman Vance McAllister, Kolton Browning- ULM Quarterback, Mike McGee- City President First National Bank, Nina CriscuoloAnchor/ Reporter KTVE, Josh Kutz- Assistant Head Trainer Gorilla Fitness West Monroe, Vicki Krutzer- Member Monroe City School Board, Marty French- CPA, CGMA DeWitt French, Giger & Sutton, Abby Campbell- Speech Language Pathologist Sunshine Therapy and St. Francis Hospital, Michael Sawyer- Marketing Sales Representative Paulen Luttgeham State Farm Agency ,Victoria Koloff- Radio Personality 92.3 The Wolf, Lamar Walters- Attorney Breithaupt, Dunn, DuBos, Shafto & Wolleson LLC, April Dovorany- Co-anchor Good Morning ArkLA Miss KNOE, David Lewis- Sales Representative Glazer Wholesale Distributor, Michael DeVault- Writer Bayou Life Magazine, Matt Maberry- Financial Analyst Community Trust Bank, Darren SuttonLA Construction, and Mick Essex- Affinity/ Vantage Committee Chair Kim Leija and Co-Chair’s Jeanine Ballance Patton, Kim Duke, Karen Bradley and Julie Lewis are excited about this year’s line up. And with the help of Committee members- Patti Nelson, Michelle Kolb, Mica Walker O’Niel, Karen Oliver, Janelle Snellings, Tammy Soignier , and Catherine Chance. February 7th promises to be an evening you won’t soon forget! LDB Artistic Director, Missy Crain is thrilled to have the continued support of the community for this exciting event and says this year will be the best yet!

And this year’s judges are: Drew Alleman- LSU Place Kicker/ Top Five Dancer, Mayor Jamie Mayo, Johnna Nelson- Last Year’s People Choice Winner, Gregory Hudgins- Social Columnist New Star/ Interior Designer- Vice President of Northeast Louisiana Art’s Council and Tommy Usrey- President Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.

Come watch the stars heat up the stage at the Monroe Civic Center’s Arena!

Table prices are: • VIP Elite $1,000.00 includes table for 8 choice seating in the arena, Entrance to VIP party for eight guest.

• VIP Tables are $500 for table of 8, Entrance to VIP party for 8 guests’ and open bar, • General Admission is $25

VIP party and seating at 6:00 show starts at 7:00

Tickets and table reservations can be made by calling 345-1155. Tickets are available at Missy Crain School of Dance, Opus Broadcasting, Gorilla Fitness/ Kron Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and Community Trust Bank on Forsythe.

MN-1000472672

20 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

2014

LOUISIANA DELTA BALLET AND HIXON AUTOPLEX PRESENTS

Momma

|

Lagniappe

Because...

I’m the Momma and I Said So

What I Want

by Sara Catherine Walton Morgan illustration by Victoria Alexander

I was laid up in my Laz-E-Boy, minding my own business, playing Candy Crush and drinking a Malibu and coke, when my mother called. “My Lil Dawg says Lauren needs to know what women want, so what do women want?” I gave her the same response she gets every time she calls me and talks complete nonsense, which is between three to five times a day: “Have you had a stroke?” According to her, she had not, but she was taking a poll for Lil Dawg’s daughter, so I had to come up with an answer on the fly. I said, “I don’t know about all women, but when I get in bed at night, what I want is to be able to think about my day and know that I was a good mother, and a good wife, and a good daughter, and a good friend, and a good employee.”

I am well aware that my answer makes me look like a much better person than I actually am, and that was the point, so I was happy. She said, “So, what should I write? Peace of mind?” Way to dumb it down, Francine.

After we hung up, I tried to get back in the game, but I was distracted and I couldn’t blow up all the chocolate and failed to clear the jelly and ran out of lives and had to beg for more on the facebook, leaving me plenty of time to stew over her question. What I came up with was a short list of bestcase wishes that, if fulfilled, would make many of my dreams come true and free me up for more ipad-and-Malibu-time.

I want my children to close the curtain when they get out of the shower.

It was closed when they walked in the bathroom, so why can’t it be closed when they walk out? I can’t even count how many times I have called them in the bathroom and made them stand there and watch me open and close the shower curtain over and over while explaining the mold process, and they have never once listened to me.

I want just once to be able tell them something (anything!) and have them look me in the eye and say, “Yes, ma’am” and have that be it. Not “But I think...” or “I wanted...” or “I was going to, but...” Just say “Yes, ma’am.”

That’s all I want. Just acknowledge understanding of my statement and we can move on. Our house is not a democracy, it is a dictatorship, and I think I would feel much better if we could all agree that I am the dictator.

I want to be on the receiving end of one of those Pay It Forward people.

I’ve never had my coffee paid for by the person in front of me in line. I’ve never come out of Wal-Mart to find an anonymous note on my windshield telling me to have a good day. I’ve never had a Reader’s Digest experience, and I feel left out. The most unexpectedly exciting thing that happens to me is when the Sonic carhop greets me with “Hey, Beautiful!,” and I’m pretty sure she only does it because she’s figured out that I’m easy, and calling me beautiful is a guaranteed dollar bill in her pocket. I give the guy who calls me sexy two dollars, because I’m 25 pounds overweight and pushing forty and don’t judge me.

I want every hair on my legs magically to fall out, never to return. This one is pretty self-explanatory, I think.

I want a minion. My children seem to have inherited all the crap genes, and between the orthodontist and the dermatologist and the opthomologist and the dentist, I’m barely at work enough to afford to pay all the bills. If I had a minion, he could handle those appointments, and take them to ballet and computer art and drama and their shifts at their daddy’s restaurant.

Then I could send him to my house to take down my Christmas tree, which is still up, and which will quite possibly still be up at Easter.

I want to go back in time and be chosen to appear on What Not to Wear. As soon as The Bean learned to write, I tried to coach her through writing a letter to Clinton and Stacy about her poor, pitiful mother who wore nothing but ill-fitting jeans and old band t-shirts, but she resisted my every effort, and I may possibly never forgive her for it. I asked my mother to nominate me. I asked my friends to nominate me. For years, I made sure I never touched my face in public so it wouldn’t look as if I was picking my nose, on the off chance that someone had actually caved to my demands and I was being secretly filmed. However, the show was cancelled and I never stood in the 360-degree mirror to defend my style before I experienced a fabulous shopping trip and makeover.

I want my 18 year-old legs. I want my 27 year-old hair. I want my 22 year-old midriff (listen to me, ladies: don’t get a tattoo on your bikini line until after you’ve had children – I have what used to be a beautiful Celtic cross that now looks more like a piece of wilted spinach). I want the bosom of a 20 year-old NFL cheerleader, because time has not been kind to my upper body, and what you call a strapless bra, I call a cummerbund. I want to mentally get to the point that I don’t care about my body anymore, so I can wear elastic waist chambray Capri pants and tunic tops embroidered with sunflowers and not worry about what people think of me.

I want other drivers to use their blinkers, and to understand the way a four-way-stop works. I want other shoppers to have their coupons in their left hands when their turn comes in the check-out line. I want every military veteran to have a warm place to sleep every night, all cute pants to be available in a 36-inch inseam, and once, just once, to be upgraded to first class on British Air. But I guess my answer to Lil Dawg’s daughter’s question is this: what I really want is to get in bed at night and think about my life and realize that there is nothing else that I really want. So yeah, Francine. Peace of mind.

Update to Last Month’s Column: After years of begging and whining, my mother caved to my demands and actually bought me a megaphone for Christmas ($11.99 on Amazon Prime, $15.00 worth of D-batteries not included). I have yet to get arrested, but not for lack of trying. I have been cussed at and flipped off, stared down and talked back to, only some of which I have deserved. I keep it at the ready in my front passenger seat, and it has seen a fair amount of action in the month I’ve had it. Be vigilant on the road, dear readers, or I just might have to jerk you up with 30 watts of power and an 800 yard range.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 21

Lagniappe

| Spotlight

Student Spotlight We Salute Our Local Hero!

Sgt. Griffin Sandifer, Crash Fire Rescue, United States Marine Corps

Do you know a hard-working student that deserves a pat on the back? We want to hear about him or her! If you know a student you feel should be recognized and included in an upcoming issue of DeltaStyle, please submit a photo of the student to rachel@ deltastylemag.com, along with responses to the following questions: • Student’s Name • Parents’ Names • School & Grade

• Sport(s)/position(s) • Achievements

What motivates you to do your best?

What famous person has been an inspiration to you?

To nominate someone for our monthly showcase, visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/DeltaStyle, and submit your nominations to the inbox.

Myths about Women and Heart Disease

Cheer for Jodi!

What:

Homemade Spaghetti Supper with Curb-side Pick-up

When:

Thursday, February 13th from 4:00-6:00pm

Why:

To raise funds to offset travel and medical expenses for JGS teacher, Mrs. Jodi Pipes, during her fight against breast cancer.

Where: Jesus the Good Shepherd School – Drive up to the Main Office awning and a cheerleader will deliver your pre-paid meal to your car.

How:

1. Complete the order form below.

2. Detach and return the bottom portion to the JGS school office (900 Good Shepherd Lane, Monroe, LA 71201) along with your payment by Friday, January 31st.

Did you know that many of the beliefs about women and their risk for heart disease are myths?

• Heart disease is always genetic.

FALSE

FALSE • Estrogen protects women from heart disease. FALSE • Breast cancer is more deadly to women.

• My health care provider will automatically perform heart-related checks at my annual checkup. FALSE • Heart disease and stroke aren’t related.

FALSE

• If you’re young, you’re safe from having a heart attack.

FALSE

Visit GoRedForWomen.org for more detailed information.

3. Please make checks payable to Cheer for Jodi or Jodi Pipes.

4. Pick up your yummy supper on February 13th between 4:00 and 6:00pm.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER AND KEEP CHEERING FOR JODI!

(Please contact Ainslee Peters at 355-2696 or Amy Taylor at 547-9404 with questions)

Name: ______________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________________________________ • Spaghetti & Meatballs with fresh marinara, green beans, garlic bread _______ plates @ $10 each = $____________ • Homemade Toll-House cookies one dozen _______ @ $10 each = $____________ • I don’t need supper, but I would like to donate the attached check to Cheer for Jodi.

TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER = $____________ MN-1000473018

22 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Corrections...

In our November 2013 issue, we failed to credit Lisa Webb of Lisa Marie Photography for her work featured on our Social page for Race for the Cure and “The Unique Experience of Spa Bella.”

In our January 2014 issue, we failed to credit Curtis Hilbun for his photos featured in “Ducks In A Row.” In the 2014 issue of I Do, DeltaStyle Weddings, we failed to credit Dawson Photography for the Haley Davis and David Chaney wedding.

DeltaStyle regrets these errors.

Spotlight

|

Lagniappe

Concert to kick off anniversary of Louisiana Tech’s School of Performing Arts RUSTON, La – Two of Louisiana Tech University’s former students will return to campus to perform in a School of Performing Arts’ scholarship fundraiser concert Thursday, Feb. 13.

Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson with the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will kick off a series of signature events celebrating the 25th anniversary of Louisiana Tech’s School of Performing Arts. The band will perform a wide array of classic American music ranging from The Rat Pack, Michael Bublé and Andy Williams to Ray Charles, Elvis and Johnny Cash. Davis said the band is like The Dean Martin Variety Show with a touch of A Prairie Home Companion.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Howard Auditorium.

Tickets are available at the Howard Auditorium Box Office and online. All seats are reserved. For more information, visit the School of Performing Arts website or call 318-257-2711.

We would like to bid farewell to our Gardening Guru, Kerry Heafner. Kerry has been a feature writer with us for the last 4 years. We wish you well in your future endeavors.

You will be missed.

From Our Readers...

Read Delta Style cover to cover. Great photography, tremendous articles. Should do the man issue more often.

We are most assuredly fans now. Keep up the fantastic job.

Best Regards, Scooter and Kay Morgan

The Northeast Louisiana Realtors (NELAR) partnered with Assurance Financial Group in December, accepting donations of canned goods and warm clothing that were given to St. Vincent de Paul ministries for distribution to those in need in our community. Mike Brodtman of Assurance Financial Group created this worthy cause. In the spirit of giving back, the NELAR had a friendly competition among offices to see which one could donate the most. The winner of the competition was DB Real Estate. Second place went to RE/MAX Premier Realty, and third place went to CENTURY 21 Shackelford French.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 23

Lagniappe

| Nominee

Local Writer Named Finalist

Providing Peace, Comfort and Dignity...

1890 Hudson Circle, Suite 3 Monroe, LA 71201

Phone: 318-387-2687 Toll-Free: 877-483-2780 Fax: 318-387-2780

Named as a finalist in MARSocial’s “Author of the Year” competition, Geri G. Taylor has told a unique story of growth with the seemingly unlikely pairing of Joule (a successful interior designer) and Allen (a man living on the street) in her debut novel, The Kitchen Dance.

MARSocial, in conjunction with Keeran Vaani Creations International Film Producers, is an international competition that is run by authors for the benefit of all the authors who enter. Excerpts of the participants’ book are shared on social media. Taylor, who grew up in West Monroe and now resides in Ruston, La., submitted an excerpt from her debut novel—a slice of fiction with a serving of mystery, a side order of suspense, a dash of crime and an extra helping of romance for dessert.

Chapter excerpts are tweeted to millions of followers around the world in hopes to claim the coveted Ephraim Prize. On February 1 the winner will announced and may have their work turned into a film adaptation by Keeran Vaani Creations.

Taylor said, “I have really enjoyed being a part of this contest. It is the only competition I know where you get to meet (via social media), converse and support your competitors, This altruistic community has truly benefited me as a writer.”

Shannon D. Newton, RN Administrator

Healthcare Manager & Education WINNERS www.StJosephHospice.com 24 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

PINNACLE TRAINING CENTER in Sterlington Grand Opening Jessica Latham, Cesar Camacho, Chris Kimball, Ashli Kimball, Laura Nygren, Trey DuBose

Gumbeaux

Finding Gumbeaux: 1. Find Gumbeaux somewhere in the pages of the magazine.

|

Lagniappe

Lewis Boutique Now offering instructional makeovers and makeup for weddings, dances, and special events.

2. “Like” us on Facebook and send an inbox message with the page number on which you found Gumbo, along with a contact phone number.

Mon-Fri 10-5:30 Sat 10-5

Once you message us and let us know that you’ve found Gumbo, you will be registered to win!

Congratulations, Deborah Watt!

b £[½

Remodeling

Deborah is the January Finding Gumbeaux winner of the LSU Helmet Cooler by COOLR COOLRZ!

[n£Ón "æ QnÏ !- ßäßs

MN-1000429355

March’s Finding Gumbeaux Prize: • 2 tickets to the 5th Annual Louisiana Dancing with the Stars • 2 tickets to SouperCatch before the Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade

SPRING CLEANING

AT ITS FINEST...ONE ENTIRE ROOM OFF

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thru February 28th Shop Online: AbsolutelyAbigails.com 3795 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA 318.219.0788 Hours: Mon - Sat, 10 - 5:30

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February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 25

g n i k a m r o f s k n Tha the 2013 !!! a us t l e D e h t f o t s e B

If You’re Not Buying From Billy Wood, You Should!

24/7 BillyWoodsAutomax.com

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26 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Your Upscale Custom Design Builders Tower village office Park

Now Leasing!

Opening in February!

The shoppes at tower II

Space Available for Lease in Both Properties Very Prominant Midtown Retail Center Energy Star Efficient For More Information: www.towervillagemonroe.com www.theshoppesontower.com

Call Joe: (318) 366-6307 or Lisa: (318) 547-7083 February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 27

Krewe of| Olympics Janus Social& |Outdoors Sports

Krewe of Janus Twelfth N ight Party

Duchesses Tieise Ardito, Lori White & Linne LeBlanc Queen Janus XXXI Lynda Alderman King Janus XXXI LeeBo Alderman Dukes Kevin Caston, Anthony Perkins & Blake LeBlanc

Captains Mignon Spearman, Cathy Ducheshe & Steve Courteau

Past Queens of the Krewe of Janus

The Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus introduced the royal court at its annual Twelfth Night Party. Reigning over Carnival 2014 are brother and sister King Janus XXXI LeeBo Alderman and Queen Janus XXXI Lynda Alderman. This year’s Mardi Gras parade is Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. The theme “Arabian Nights,” and the Grand Marshal is Jeromy Pruitt, the new member of the popular T.V. show “Swamp People.”

28 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Herbert & Janet Breard, Brenda Howell and Steve Turner

Past Kings of the Krewe of Janus

Michele Werner, Carla Rodgers & Denise Duplechin

Peevy & Kelli Harvey

Daniel & Lacy McCarthy

David D. Finley, D.D.S. Emily Wilhite, D.D.S.

Children’s Dental Health Month Myths & Facts about your children’s teeth!

Myth: Cavi�es in baby teeth don’t ma�er because they will just fall out anyways.

Fact: Children don’t lose their last baby tooth un�l they between the ages of 6 & 12 yrs. old. Once started , cavi�es will grow bigger over �me and eventually need to be filled.

Myth: Cavi�es in baby teeth don’t need fillings because they are just baby teeth?

Fact: Cavi�es in baby teeth can lead to pain and infec�on. Cavi�es must be treated by the den�st and this can be very hard for young children. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to crowding and other orthodon�c problems.

Myth: Kids don’t need to see the den�st un�l they are at least 3 yr. old.

Fact: It is recommended that all kids see the den�st for the first tooth erupts or by age 1 at the latest.

Myth: I can wait to start brushing my baby’s teeth un�l he/she is older.

Fact: To prevent cavi�es, parents should begin brushing their baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts.

Community Outreach

Wendi Garne�, R.D.H.

Emily Wilhite, D.D.S.

Wendi Garne�, R.D.H.

Emily Wilhite, D.D.S.

318-323-9303 901 N. 3rd Street Monroe, LA 71201

Hours– 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. M-Th. Hours– 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Friday Saturday Appointments Now Available 8:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 29

Social

| Snow Gala

White as Snow Gala

Mallarie & AJ Toms

Mackenzie Townsend

LB Johnston & Teri Johnston

Michael & Erin Kirkland

Brandy & Philip Williams

Laura Lea Spangler, Meredith Sanders & Jake Folden

Triston Jones, Kristin Cook & Emily McHenry

James & Sheila Townsend

Jil Dasher, Stephanie Noland, Lindsey Nadler, the Director of Purchased, & Erin Goodfellow

Chad Swanberg Insurance Agent

cell -- 318.547.2042 office -- 318.283.0200 email -- cswanberg@sfbcic.com

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1) PROTECT OUR FAMILY 2) PROTECT OUR LIVES 3) PROTECT OUR INCOMES 4) PROTECT OUR HEALTH 5) PROTECT OUR HOME 6) PROTECT OUR CARS Life insurance proves your love by protecting your top three assets. Since you’re already protecting the bottom three, why would you fail to provide protection for what matters most?

30 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Jeff & Danielle Townsend

The White as Snow Gala: Shedding Light on Human Trafficking was an event designed to bring awareness to human trafficking and to inform attendee what they can do to put an end to it.

Chamber Banquet

| Social

Monroe Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Mike Strain

David Hampton

Elton Kennedy

Tim Green

R. Stewart Ewing

Harvey Hales

Glen F. Post, III

Jamie Mayo

Nick Bruno

Meredith Brooks

Tommy Ditta

Jeff Laudenheimer

Robin Warner & Kylie Stracener

Michelle Griffin & Kimberly Dean

Brook Sebren & Allyson Sager

Ellis Lewis & John Bruscato

Kyle Moore, Jess Moore, Wesley Martin & Greg Lott

Ambassadors Brenda Owens, Pam Lavender, Patty Blackard, Ashley Doughty, Angie Jackson Wilson & Lily Mann

John DeSantis & Nichole Witmyer

Lee Duke & Kelsey Laudenheimer

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce held its 93rd Annual Meeting and Banquet January 9.

The Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain served as the keynote speaker, who in Louisiana agriculture and the business community go hand-in-hand.

“You see that crop in that field, that’s the tip of the iceberg economically. For every dollar that we sell of an agricultural product, that dollar circulates five to eight times in the economy, so it is huge,” says Strain.

Chamber Chairman David Hampton of Progressive Bank and Chairman-elect Tim Green of the CPA firm Allen, Green and Williamson also spoke about the state of business in northeastern Louisiana.

CenturyLink’s Glen F. Post, III, was awarded the Rambin/Silverstein Award and Elton Kennedy was the recipient of the Kitty DeGree Lifetime Achievement in Business Award.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 31

Social

| MPPS

Mississippi Premiere Plastic Surgery

Debbie Keaster ,Cindy Medlin & Sandra Channa

Mississippi Premiere Plastic Surgery Jan. 21 gave a presentation about the latest laser technology for antiaging and body contouring.

Several people in attendance received door-prizes for minimally invasive, laserassisted procedures.

Kim Lolley, Jill Warner & Julia Taylor

Dr. Eli Howell

Dr. Dotie Jackson & Wanda Cummings

Wanda Cummings shows the crowd her new chin.

Distribution / Warehouse 22,169 SF

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Warehouse / Distribution 55,965 SF - 3.71 Acres

Commercial Industrial • Land Property Management Development • Consulting Distribution / Warehouse Milner Building Office Suites Available 18,900 TSF - 2.66 Acres

32 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

MAKE OFFER! 4,064 SF - 0.28 Acres

Distribution / Warehouse 22,169 SF

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Ag Expo

| Social

Louisiana Ag Expo

Samuel, Baylen & Hannah Givens

Hosted by the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council, AG EXPO is unique in the Louisiana, south Arkansas, east Texas and Mississippi area. This premier event is attended annually by 10,000 to 12,000 people from the region.

PRE-OWNED CARS, TRUCKS, AND SUVS

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February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 33

EAD CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

Liam, Hannah & Issac Sharpe

O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:___________________________

ULM Business Students/Recruiters Karen Woolie & Ahmaad Solmone

Aden Antley & Lillie Custer

F O.K. BY: _____________________________

Melissa Courtier & 65th La. Cattle Festival Queen Victoria Segrera

Joseph Tassin & Makenna Berry

Social

| Life Choices

Life Choices 35th Anniversary Banquet

Alan Robertson

Victoria Koloff

Phil & Carol Walters

Tom Deal & Fr. Richard Norsworthy

Wendell Manning & Chris Domingue

Deidra Miller, Jerry Miller, Ed Lang, Heidi Lang & Scott Brandle

Hunter Mosley & Victoria Koloff

Jeff & Nelly Elkins

Todd, Aletha, Savannah, Rebekah & Garrett Thompson

Taylor Crowell, Ashley Rogers & Emily Shirey

Sonya Riggs, Brittany Meche, Rachel Mayer, Kaitlyn Beaird & April Lingenfelder

Szu Wei Domingue & Daven Spires

Hayden Haynes, Ashley Roark & Sarah Griffin

Ann Fenn & Debbie Nugent

Lauren George & Cindy George

Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center’s celebrated its 35th anniversary with a fundraising banquet on Jan. 14. Victoria Koloff— an in-demand speaker, radio host, TV star and executive director of two pregnancy centers— was the guest speaker.

Korie Robertson, Sen. Mike Walsworth, Kirby Price, Cindy Price, John Howard & Chrys Howard

34 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 35

Social

| Lambda

Lambda Sigma Chi White Rose Queen

White Rose Court

Queen Addie Sartor & Evyn Caples

Queen Addie Sartor, Audrey Nolan, Caroline Coon, Caroline Clary, Analise Kelly, Kate Garrett & Margaret Ann Zentner

Kate Garrett & Cecelia Coon

Addie Sartor & her mother Sue Sartor 36 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Caroline Coon & Selwyn Fox

Selwyn Fox & Sue Sue Shakleford

Audrey Nolan & Melissa Centola

Margaret Ann Zentner & Melissa Centola

John Thomas Jackson & Addie Sartor

Lambda

| Social

Winter Formal

Alex Prince & Mary Claire Shepard

Charlie Herold & Ellie Millar

Chance Clowers & Audrey Nolan

Stephen Reeves & Avery Tennis

Alex Prince & Jessica Johnson

Mitchell Webb & Analise Kelly

Ryder Myers & Emily Mouk

Jeff Manning & Margaret Ann Zentner

Michael Leehy & Elena Boardman

Harper Street & Anna Gail Cain

Alex Prince & Sara Beth Englade

Brendan Macgregor & Elena Flynn

Stephen Reeves & Annmarie Hancock

Michael Leehy & Emma West

Charlie Herold & Cayla Cole

John Thomas Jackson & Kiley Fincher

Mitchell Webb & Layne Fincher

Connor Thomas & Rebekah Hardin

Cole Williamson & Emerson Heflin

Ryder Myers & Cindy Ho

Harper Street & Mary McMullen

Charlie Herold & Lily Ryan

Chance Clowers & Jordan Sanders

Jeff Manning & Kate Garrett

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 37

WEST MONROE CHAMBER

Calendar of Events: Thursday, February 6 – Chamber Lunch and Learn with Dr. Enaka Yembe from noon to 1 p.m. at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce office February 7 – Grand opening and ribbon cutting for First West Thrift Store at 10 a.m., 1 Stella Mill Street, West Monroe Thursday, February 13 – State of the City Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m.at theWest Monroe Convention Center featuring West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris, sponsoredbyCentricFederalCreditUnion

Tuesday, February 18 – Chamber Lunch and Learn on office organization from noon to 1 p.m. at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce office, led by Panache by Erin

www.westmonroechamber.org

2014 Chairman The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2014 Chairman of the Board of Directors is Staci Albritton Mitchell. Staci is the owner of Albritton photography in West Monroe and currently serves on the Board of Aldermen for the City of West Monroe. A life-long resident of West Monroe, she is very active in community service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of West Monroe, Cancer Foundation League and the West Monroe High School Foundation. She is married to Assistant District Attorney Jay Mitchell.

Ribbon Cuttings

Wednesday, February 19 – Chamber Diplomats Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Location TBD Thursday, February 20 – Monthly Business Leaders Luncheon presented

by The Assembly, 715 Cypress Street, West Monroe

Johnnie Claire’s Treasures, 115 Cotton Street, West Monroe, La.

Tuesday, February 25 – Get Web Smart Lunch and Learn series presented by My Wants, Inc. from noon to 1 p.m. at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce office Find Us on Facebook Follow the WMWO Chamber of Commerce on Instagram @westmonroechamber & on Facebook at facebook.com/WestMonroe-Chamber!

38 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

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Whispering Sweet Nothings This Valentine’s Day Around 36 million American adults suffer from hearing loss.

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person who has it, their hearing loss actually has a large effect on their loved ones as well. Family members and spouses are often negatively impacted with frustrations from the communication challenges posed by the hearing loss. In fact, untreated hearing loss is an enormous contributor to tensions and displeasure amongst middle-aged couples today. Rather than enjoying their time together, many of these couples spend time arguing through simple conversations and isolating themselves from each other from mere exhaustion of trying to communicate.

“Only 1 out of 5 people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one,” according to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (“NIDCD”). Statistics from NIDCD also reflect an increase in the rate of hearing impairment in Americans as they age: 18 percent of 45- to 64-year-olds, 30 percent of 65- to 74-year-olds and 47 percent of 75-year-olds and older experience hearing problems.

So what exactly is our range of hearing? The human ear can detect sounds ranging from 0 decibels to 120 decibels (known as the “threshold of pain”), according to Adrenaline Radio.

40 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 41

FIGHTING HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN…ONE PATIENT AT A TIME Glenwood Heart Institute

Although many people think of heart disease as a man's problem, women can and do get heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. It affects more women than all forms of cancer combined.

Because women’s heart related symptoms are different from men’s, they are often overlooked. It’s important for women to know their bodies and listen to their hearts. And most importantly, they should know the warning signs and where to go for emergency heart treatment.

Women’s heart attack symptoms include: • Unusual fatigue • Shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness • Pain in the arm(s), neck, back or jaw • Unusual sweating or cold sweats • Chest pain or discomfort • Intense stomach pain

GLENWOOD HEART INSTITUTE

Glenwood offers the best of both worlds when it comes to heart and vascular services: a state-of-the-art, patient-friendly facility, coupled with the knowledge and expertise of highly experienced cardiac care professionals. From cardiologists, surgeons, operating room technicians and more, our team offers you the quality of care you deserve, in the modern surroundings you need.

Our non-invasive cardiology labs, cath labs, surgical suite, 64-slice CT Scanner, hybrid OR, telemetry unit, CV-ICU, and surgeon's clinic are all located under one roof, on one floor within the hospital. The proximity and comprehensiveness of these services ensures a high quality of care.

DIAGNOSTIC CARDIOLOGY – Many patients first come to Glenwood for diagnostic testing. Diagnostic testing performed by qualified technologists at Glenwood include:

• EKG – (Echocardiogram) • Stress Tests • Heart view Scans • Holter Monitoring • Nuclear Cardiology • Cardiac Catheterization • Rhythm Disorders • Pacemakers and Defibrillators

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY - The interventional cardiology program is dedicated to the non-surgical management of patients with cardiac and peripheral vascular disorders. Our physicians perform the following procedures:

• Carotid Stenting • Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting • Coronary Angioscopy • Clot Removal for Heart and Vascular Blockages • Peripheral Arterial Angioplasty and Stenting • Renal Artery Stenting

CHEST PAIN CENTER – The only fully accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in NE Louisiana. When you’re having a heart attack, where you choose to go for treatment could be one of the most critical decisions of your life. Cycle III accreditation is the highest rating a Chest Pain Care facility can earn. Glenwood earned it by demonstrating expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria. Through a partnership with Pafford Air One, Glenwood’s door to balloon times for transported STEMI patients is significantly reduced to give them the best chance of survival.

ANGIOSCREEN MOBILE UNIT - Glenwood’s AngioScreen Mobile Unit provides easy-to-take, non-invasive screening that usually takes only 10 minutes.

The painless screening provides participants with immediate information about their circulation, risk of heart disease, stroke and abdominal aorta.

GLENWOOD GO RED AND AMERICAN HEART MONTH EVENTS WOMEN’S MOVE & GROOVE FITNESS FAIR – Tuesday, February 4th from 5:30p to 7:00p at Glenwood Medical Mall. Hosted by the NE Louisiana

Chapter of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women. Women are invited to come and participate in this “all things heart healthy” event. The Fitness Fair will include workout demonstrations, fit friendly snacks, healthy eating tips along with women and heart disease educational information.

“CARDIAC AND PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE IN WOMEN” FREE HEALTH SEMINAR. Friday, February 7th @ 11:30 am. Optional heart healthy lunch - $5.00. Featured speaker is Claude Minor, M.D., General Surgeon. Participants who wear red get to register to win special door prizes.! To RSVP call 877-726-9355.

NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY – Friday, February 7th. Join Glenwood by wearing red to save lives. Glenwood is taking an active role in fighting and beating heart disease in women as the local cause sponsor of Go Red for Women. Funds raised help to support medical research, awareness, education and community programs to help women live longer heart healthy lives.

LOVE YOUR HEART…IN STYLE! GALA AND RED DRESS RUNWAY SHOW - Thursday, February 13th @ 5:30pm at the West Monroe Convention Center. Red wine, heart healthy hors d’oeuvres, fabulous package raffles, runway show and more! For ticket or sponsor information, call 601-321-1210.

For more information about Glenwood’s comprehensive heart services, call 877-726-9355 or visit us online at www.grmc.com.

MN-1000473258

42 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Mending Broken Hearts story by Brenda Tarver photo by Gary Guinigundo

V

ivian has always been a boots and jeans kind of gal…healthy, fun loving and as active as a girl can be. Even though her family had a history of heart disease, it never struck home that it could and would eventually impact her.

The moment of truth came five years ago when her younger sister’s life was suddenly cut short by a massive heart attack. The irony was that her sister had recently passed her checkup with flying colors. As with many women, any heart related symptoms that her sister was experiencing had been overlooked.

As a regular Glenwood mall walker, Vivian began noticing that she was feeling more winded and shorter of breath than usual. It got to where she could barely make a lap at the Glenwood Medical Mall without having to stop and catch her breath. Inwardly, she blamed it on the few extra pounds she had put on. After visiting her doctor, he diagnosed it as stress and put her on medication to help regulate it. But the shortness of breath continued to get worse.

Shortly after that, her husband, who had been diagnosed with heart disease earlier, mentioned his concern about Vivian’s shortness of breath to his cardiologist at an appointment.

After evaluating Vivian, the cardiologist immediately scheduled a heart cath and a major blockage was discovered. She received stents that gave her significant relief. She quickly progressed back into her daily walking routine, managed her diet, and even lost those extra pounds.

That was until a year ago on a day she won’t forget. She was at Glenwood Medical Mall enjoying her daily walking routine when suddenly, that familiar shortness of breath hit her like a ton of bricks. She broke out into a cold sweat and felt an unusual pressure between her shoulder blades and back. This time, she took it seriously and did what every woman should do – she sought immediate attention.

After an emergency evaluation, she was diagnosed with 2 major blockages that could not be stented. Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Harry Donias successfully performed a Double Bypass Surgery at Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

At Glenwood, she received excellent care.

“Dr. Donias treated me like I was his only patient.” she said. “He eased my fears, communicated with my family and answered all my questions. I knew I was in the best of hands. The Glenwood nursing staff was compassionate, understanding and kind to my family. I will be forever grateful for the level of care they provided me during a very scary time in my life.”

Vivian’s daughter, Christy, is happy to have her mother with her to love, laugh and share family moments with. A lesson she has learned from her mother is to never take chances with heart disease or think that it won’t affect her. Christy is doing the smart thing by living healthy and getting regular checkups. Because of her family history, she has been diagnosed with the early signs of heart disease. Looking at her, you would never guess it.

For women who have a family history of heart disease or are having unexplained symptoms, Vivian encourages them to pay attention to their bodies. Heart disease does not discriminate. Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels can be a risk.

“You know your body better than anyone. If something is the least bit wrong, don’t ignore it because you may not live through it,” said Vivian.

“It’s always better to be safe than sorry. “ February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 43

Style

| Sarah!

When choosing a doctor....

Opt for Experience Over 25,000 laser procedures Performed for spider & s varicose veins

Robert L. Barrett, M.D.

Willis-Knighton Vein Treatment Center

8001 Youree Drive, Suite 570 Shreveport, LA (318) 212-3870

www.veindirectory.com 44 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Sarah’s Savy Style Fashion extraordinaire, Sarah Davis fancies herself as a modern day Scarlett O’Hara. A little preppy, a little trendy, and a lot Southern, this 30 something gal uses fashion as a natural departure from her stressful day job in real estate.

You can get more than you bargained for by visiting her blog at workdayweekend.blogspot.com.

Details

It’s cold, y’all. Real flippin’ cold. And when the weather is this miserable, it’s hard to put forth the extra effort to look fabulous day after day. We understand the insatiable need to pile a fleece and Ugg boots over a pair of leggings and call it a day.

Everyday.

The honest truth is that you don’t have to spend hours in the mirror to look chic, you simply need to chose the right accessories and highlight the best details of your wardrobe.

| Style

It’s all in the details...

A fur vest goes a long way and can work for night or day. Pair it with a bright blouse and skinnies, or dress it down with a top knot, tunic, and over the knee boots for a simple and chic look.

Red soles are always a killer flash of color and rolling the cuff of your denim says you know what’s in.

Style

| Details

n o i h Fas hat is w buy. you e l y t S hat is w do you it. with Layers can be tricky because if you go too far, you can end up looking more frumpy than cool. If you break things up with a brightly colored shirt and add different textures with each layer, you can stay warm and look stylish at the same time.

Details

| Style

Scarves are a favorite accessory. It doesn’t matter what you have on underneath, if you put a scarf over it, you instantly become relevant. When wearing a cropped jacket, don’t forget to elongate the leg with a dark, bootcut pant. Don’t be scared to mix prints either. Leopard and plaid are the new black.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 47

V ♥

♥

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♥

Just

e n S i t w n e e l a ♥

♥

Gold-fill Garnet-wrapped Earrings by Mabel Chong 14K gold filled with garnet, 0.9” wide hoop with 3mm garnet, 1.5” top to bottom PRICE: $70.00 courtesy of redenvelope.com Beats Pill portable speaker brings the party with you, wherever you go.

The Beats Pill is lightweight, portable, and completely wireless. PRICE: $199.95 courtesy of beatsbydre.com

‘Romance Summer Blossom’ Eau de Toilette by Ralph Lauren A magnificently fresh, fruity floral that embodies a playful air of sunshine and romance. 3.4 oz.

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Teddy Girl by butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer PRICE: $15 courtesy of dillards.com

Hanky Panky Heart Box Set of Original-Rise Thongs 100% nylon with 90% nylon/10% spandex trim, lined in 100% cotton, one size fits sizes 4-14.

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| Style

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We Love

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Kirk Park Medium Maise Handbag by Kate Spade A touch of contrast can add a ton of charisma, so Kate Spade adorned this leather bag with stylish trim in a different tone and finished it with a bow at the front. Effortlessly chic and plenty charming, it features an elegant elbow hold and a removable shoulder strap for extra versatility. PRICE: $348 courtesy of katespade. com

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Zullin Satin Jeweled d’Orsay Pumps by Manolo Blahnik Similar to a luxurious jeweled necklace, elaborate crystals hang across the foot adding undeniable opulence to a satin d’Orsay pump. Made in Italy. PRICE: $1,285 courtesy polyvore.com

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 49

Missy Robertson by Southern Fashion House

Reality TV Celebrity Debuts Women’s Clothing Line

MISSY ROBERTSON has always been busy long before the fame of A&E’s Duck Dynasty came knocking on her door. As the wife of Jase Robertson, her growing schedule demanded numerous public appearances and beckoned her to fill a void in the fashion industry—a stylish yet comfortable and age appropriate clothing line. The line is in collaboration with Stephanie Carter’s Southern Fashion House, which produces Judith March, Jacque and Janis clothing lines and DejaVu boutiques.

Robertson has long been a fan of the Judith March line and immediately turned to Carter to help bring her vision to fruition.

“I felt there was a void in the market for active, busy, working moms who want to look put together without having to put a lot of effort into it while staying modest and age-appropriate,” she said. “These styles are reflective of the fun new fashions that can always be found in the junior section of department stores. However, the silhouettes in the collection are intended to flatter women of all ages, shapes, and sizes.”

Robertson thinks the target customer for Missy Robertson by Southern Fashion House will be any age.

“At first I thought it would be a woman like myself—a busy, working mom who is always on the go,” she said.

“However, my 19 year old cousin loves every piece that I’ve worn so far and asks to borrow them. My 84-year-old grandmother has also picked out a few pieces for herself.

It seems to appeal to all ages, and that thrills me.”

Missy Robertson by Southern Fashion House clothing line mixes vibrant colors and patterns with slightly longer hemlines, varying sleeve options and shapes resulting in fashion that is figure flattering, age appropriate and contemporary. The collection is rich in its interesting patterns and vibrant colors of bright jades, teals and turquoise mixed with touches of coral and balanced with neutrals, executed in substantial fabrics that are easy to care for. Textures like crochet and embroidery bring exquisite detail and dress up knits for stretch and comfort.

The Spring Collection, debuting January 2014 at Market in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas, consists of approximately 55 pieces including dresses, sportswear, light cover-ups, and mix-and-match tops that are versatile and affordable.

“I have always wanted to do a line with longer hemlines but simply needed the inspiration to do so,” said Stephanie Carter of Southern Fashion House. “When I met Missy, she inspired me to put the collection together using my design and retail background, and so our collaboration began.”

Retail prices will range from $54-$120 with the average price staying within the $78-$88 range. The line will also be available in select boutiques across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

50 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

About Missy Robertson by Southern Fashion House

Missy Robertson by Southern Fashion House is a clothing line created by Missy and designer/ founder Stephanie Carter of Southern Fashion House, home to lines Judith March, Jacque and Janis and DejaVu boutiques. The spring collection appeals to working moms who want to look put together without having to put a lot of effort into it while staying modest and ageappropriate. The line is made of quality fabrics rich in color and texture with longer hemlines and shapes to flatter real women of all ages.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 51

About Missy Robertson:

After marrying Jase at age 19 and raising another generation of Robertsons, Missy learned early on that she would have to step up her game. But fitting into the Robertson lifestyle was an easy transition, especially with help from Miss Kay. She learned that being a Robertson meant helping with the family business. However, after working for Duck Commander for many years, she is now able to devote much of her time to her passion for vocal music—both singing and writing music as well as volunteering as a music teacher at her children’s school. She is also heavily involved in mission work, both domestically and internationally. She has volunteered her time as the crafts director for the last five summers at Camp Ch-Yo-Ca. The Robertsons also help to support an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. When she’s not filming Duck Dynasty, she travels to speak publicly to share her faith in Jesus Christ. Because of this busy lifestyle, Missy sought the opportunity to develop a new clothing line that promotes modesty and class while being stylish and comfortable, all while juggling her family’s many activities.

52 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Missy

| Style

About Stephanie Carter:

Born and raised in Brundidge, Alabama, Stephanie Carter began tinkering and embellishing her outfits at an early age. This early fascination with fashion eventually led her to the beaches of the Florida Panhandle where she opened her first fashion retail store, DejaVu. An immediate success, Stephanie opened additional stores that continue to flourish to this day, garnering legions of loyal customers throughout the world. In 2010, with her retail company thriving, Stephanie recommitted herself to her design roots and launched her now iconic fashion line, Judith March. Found in more than 850 fashion boutiques throughout North America, Judith March has become synonymous with easy-to-wear pieces that embody Stephanie’s passion, personal style and sensibilities. With the burgeoning success of Judith March and DejaVu, as well as the impending launch of several new

fashion ventures, Stephanie founded the Southern Fashion House to govern all of her companies under one roof. Fortified with a talented and dedicated team, Stephanie Carter is free to entertain her whims and implement her designs and ideas across all platforms.

Missy and Stephanie collaborate on their new clothing line. ď‚„

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 53

Free Nutrition Info Session

Cleansing 101* FitKim explains easy-to-follow cleansing and detoxifying techniques for improving your health.*

When & Where • Thursday, February 13 6 p.m.

• Fiesta Nutrition Center 1211 N. 18th St., Monroe, LA 71201 Space is Limited RSVP Today!

To RSVP, stop by Fiesta Nutrition Center or call us at (318) 387-8446.

GIFT BAGS DOOR PRIZES REFRESHMENTS

Featuring

Kimberly Olson, CNC, CPT sponsored by FIesta Nutrition Center and Genesis Today

Nationally renowned nutrition and fitness expert Kimberly Olson, CNC, CPT, is the creator of FitKim, a nutrition and fitness blog that teaches people how easy it is to be healthy. She has completed her Master’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition, become a Certified Nutritional Consultant & ACE Personal Trainer, and speaks nationally on nutrition and fitness. She has been consulting clients for over ten years, and has developed a passion for combining nutrition and fitness.

www.FiestaNutrition.com (318) 387-8446 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

54 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

?

What do you know about

Mardi Gras

The name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, a day of feasting before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. This day is also known as Shrove Tuesday.

Depending on where you are, Mardi Gras celebrations can span more than a month, either starting on Twelfth Night or being confined to the 3 days before Mardi Gras day itself.

In addition to celebrations in New Orleans and Rio, other famous celebrations of the day take place in Baranquilla in Colombia, Port-of-Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, Mazatlan in Mexico and Quebec City in Canada.

The first known Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans took place in 1837, though prior to that it was celebrated in Mobile, Alabama in 1703.

Floats became part of the New Orleans celebration in 1837 and since then have become an integral aspect of festivities.

The official colors of Mardi Gras have meanings.

Purple is for justice, gold is for power and green is for faith. These were chosen by the Grand Duke of Russia in 1857.

Mardi Gras became a legal holiday in Louisiana in 1875.

Krewes, which are parade groups, started as private social clubs. The oldest of these is Comus which was founded in 1857.

The tradition of handing out items to the audience dates back to Renaissance Europe. In New Orleans, the first person to do that was a Krewe member dressed as Santa Claus in the 1880s.

The Mardi Gras balls are another important part of the celebrations, but some of those are by invitation only.

411 DESIARD ST., MONROE, LA 71201

OPEN TUES - SAT 10AM - 6PM

@DUCKANDDRESSING FACEBOOK.COM/DUCKANDDRESSING February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 55

Smitten with style

Photographer: Brad Arender Model: Krystle Mahoney

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Duck and Dressing 411 Desiard Street • Monroe, LA

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 57

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The Market 116 S. Washington—Courthouse Square • Bastrop, LA

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K-Sera 700 Trenton Street • West Monroe, LA

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Duck and Dressing 411 Desiard Street • Monroe, LA

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 63

THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS OF A VERY MERRY COMMANDER CHRISTMAS TITLE SPONSOR

COMMODORE LEVEL

MAGAZINE

CAPTAIN LEVEL

COMMANDER LEVEL LIEUTENANT LEVEL

64 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Thank you to everyone that helped make Commander Christmas a Success!

The Downtown RiverMarket hosted “A Very Merry Commander Christmas 2013,” but it could not have been done without help from all the sponsors, volunteers, committees, and travelers that came from far and wide for a Stars of Duck Dynasty Christmas event.

Duck Commander Duck Derby winners were Gordon Cozier of West Monroe as the first place prize winner and Kathlene Trotter of Opelika, Alabama as the 2nd prize winner. Cozier received a tour of Duck Commander and the Trotter received a meet and greet with Luke Bryan.

The money raised from Commander Christmas duck sales for the Food Bank of NELA totaled $41,444.86.

A special thanks goes to Entergy and Butterball for their large contribution.

The event would not have been possible without the title sponsorship of Community Trust Bank. CTB established locations from Monroe to Dallas, as well as Houston and Jackson, where the communities could adopt ducks to benefit the Food Bank. They provided volunteers and committee members to help with the planning as well as the actual events of the day. All sponsors and volunteers played a large part in the success of Commander Christmas.

Winners of the Christmas flotilla were Jenny and Larry Jones’ with the Honey Bun II Houseboat, Krewe the Canard pontoon boat by Benson Bagwell of Baton Rouge, and Daryl Cole’s Duck pontoon boat. And honorable mention went to Maggie Mae, (64 ft. Hatteras Mother Yacht) by Glenn Northcott.

Other entries included Billy and Russell Auttenberry with Apropos Salon & Spa, The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, ULM Wakeboard Team, Johnny’s Pizza House, Egret Landing, Joey Nietz, ULM Fishing Team, Ouachita River Pontoon Cruises and Kokomo River Taxi, the Berryman’s, Sonny Hudson, and Jim Dillard with Capri Sun/Kraft Boat. Each boat was beautiful and brought something special to the flotilla.

A special thank you to Patti and John Mark Wilhite for having The Stars of Duck Dynasty ride aboard their float, the Kokomo. And thank you to Bob Humble for hosting Community Trust Bank on his boat for the parade.

Downtown Monroe Alliance “Friends of the RiverMarket”committee put this event together and they all worked extremely hard to make the event happen. Chairman Christie Messinger, Flotilla Chairman Ernest Finch, Parking and Logistics' Thomas Reeves, Kelsea McCrary, Duck Derby Chairman Brook Sebren, and Belinda Carver of the Food Bank were part of the team. Matt West, Billy Haddad, Kristy Statham, and Linda O’Neal of Sponsor Community Trust Bank also served on the committee. The entire committee would like to thank Duck Commander and the Robertson Family for all of their support.

The Downtown Monroe Alliance also held a Christmas decorating contest in downtown Monroe. 1st place winner was Portico Church, 2nd place was Livaudais Studio, 3rd place was Vantage Health Plan and honorable mention was Ouachita Grand Plaza.

The DMA board of Directors includes President Kathy Czeschin, Vice President Denise Smith, Secretary Debbie Rainwater, Treasurer Byron Avery, Cole McEacharn and Christie Messinger.

Commander Christmas Committee-Christie Messinger Chairman, Kelsea McCrary, Ernest Finch, Brook Sebren, Matt West, Linda O’Neal, Billy Haddad, Kristy Statham, Myra Gatling-Akers, Mac Oliver, Alise Oliver, and Belinda Carver.

We would like to thank the community for all their support.

Volunteers Thanks to the Power Squadron, Monroe Communications, Theta Chi Chapter of Kappa Sigma, Kansas City Southern, BBQ Pitt in Sterlington, Restaurant Cotton, River & Rail Cantina, Newk’s, DOTD, John Eason, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Monroe Police Department, West Monroe Police Department, Levee Board, Wildlife & Fisheries, State Police, Fire Department, National Guard, city of Monroe, City of West Monroe, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mayo Jamie Mayo, Mayor Dave Norris, Staci Albritton, The Robertson Family, Universal Music Group Nashville, Duck Commander, City of Monroe Public Works, Sir Speedy, Butterball, USES, Entergy, and Jeff Smith of Twin City Outdoor ,Chris Kidd, Wayne Gentry, Mike Healey, Patti Stewart, Tammi Arender, Community Trust Bank, Food Bank, Linda O’Neal, Billy Haddad, Matt West, Haven Higginbotham, Spencer Kodi Balsamo, Dakota Stanley and Katelyn Stanley, Martha Hayden, Danielle Fleming, Rachel Niblett, Cynthia Arender Machen, Kelly Justice, Katie Burke, Jaunise Gordon, Dawn Aiken, Linzey Sivils, Amanada Zotzsky, Gary Miers, John Bivens, Terry Blakeney, Scott Baronet, Joe Clawson, Dionne Boozer, Cathy Gebhardt, Jennifer Purvis, Lynn Anderson, Brianna Benson, Kadija Hudson, Brittany Williams, Carla O’Bair, Cindy LeBoeuf, Alisha Flanagan, Brad Hooter, Mike Sager, Tejal Patel, Whitney Mannin, Stan Karr, Jeff Messinger, Clint Ramey, Sydney Davidson, and Alan Brockman Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc-Keywana Baker, Carolyn Barnes, Valeria Benson, Charleston Burnett, Charlene DavisScott, Lorethie Dunn, Alfretta Earl, Rochelle Gooden-Williams, DaVona Howard, Nitsha Johnson, Mary Menyweather-DeWitt, Marion Miller, and Lisa Perkins.

Also, thank you to flotilla judges Mayor Mayo, Larry Bratton, Amanda Edge, Doug Walters, Rachel Cagle, Tess Wilkes, Mike Terry, John Reynolds, and Jim Elliott.

Photos courtesy of Patty Stewart Photography

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 65

10 Galleries. 2 Cities. 1Night.

Thursday, February 6th, 5-9pm .

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Catalpa St.

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P

4th St

MN-1000473118

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Jackson St.

P Parking

DowntownGalleryCrawl.com

P .

3rd St

A Ouachita River Art Gallery B Livaudais Studio C UPSTAIRS Gallery D The Big Room E DOWNSTAIRS Gallery F Sugar Gallery G ARENDER Gallery H MAD Gallery I Palace Gallery J Luna Blue

Atmos Energy Corporation • Heck Law Firm, L.L.P. Hollis & Company Jewelers • Riddle Builders Community Trust Bank • Cross Keys Bank Val Salomon Law Office • Rawls DeSigns Marsala Beverage • Restaurant Cotton Choice Brands • Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant Charles Kincade Law Office

I Do

Getting Busy

WEDDINGS

Wedding Etiquette the do’s & the don’ts

duties of the best man & the maid of honor

a thought for food

The Art of Writing

The Power of Petals

calligraphy

Finding the Best Caterer for Your Reception

map out your floral plan

2014 Guide for the DeltaStyle Bride I Do DeltaStyle Weddings may be purchased at the DeltaStyle office and select local businesses for $5.00.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 67

I Do

| Davis-Keahey

Kristen Michelle Davis & Zachary Drew Keahey Kristen Michelle Davis and Zachary Drew Keahey exchanged marriage vows at six o’clock in the evening, Saturday, October 5 at Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church in New Orleans, LA. Father Bob Massett, of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Metairie, officiated the ceremony. Danielle Bordelon, owner of Bray Danielle Photography and Christine Seibert & Melanie Talley, owners of Blink Video, LLC were there to capture all of the night’s events.

The former Miss Davis is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bret Davis, Sr. of Kenner. Her grandparents are Mrs. Stella Davis and the late Doug Davis of Alexandria and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lee McAdams of Kenner. Mr. Keahey is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Drew Keahey of Columbia. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bullock of Farmerville, and Mrs. Marie Keahey and the late Jack Keahey of Columbia.

Following the ceremony, the couple was transported from the Cathedral to their reception at The Federal Ballroom in a white, vintage Rolls Royce. At the reception, guests were entertained by the lively twelve member band, Louisiana Spice, who kept everyone dancing from beginning the end. The bride along with her bridesmaids and other close friends also provided some entertainment for the guests by performing a “tribute dance” for the groom. Current members and alumni of the LSU Tiger Girls Dance Team also performed the traditional LSU fight song.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a timeless, romance gown by designer Maggie Sottero. The dress had a sweetheart neckline with an ivory lace corset that stopped just short of the natural waist, transitioning into an elegant Demir Stretch Satin in a fit and flare silhouette. The dress was detailed with Swarovski crystals on the bodice, a bubble hem, and a zipper back closure 68 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

with satin buttons. She carried a bouquet of ivory hydrangeas, ivory calla lilies, ivory roses, and green coffee beans wrapped in ivory silk ribbon.

The groom wore a sleek black tuxedo by designer Vera Wang with a paisley vest and tie in ivory. He wore a boutonniere of an ivory calla lily with green coffee beans.

Lauren Hammond, best friend of the bride, served as maid honor.

Brittany Keahey, Lindsay Steltz, Mallory Cunningham, Heidi Walker and Kristen Hannaman served as bridesmaids; also best friends of the bride. They wore olive Mikado, Trumpet bridesmaid gowns by Jim Hjelm Couture. The dresses had a draped natural waist bodice and cascading one shoulder ruffle detail.

They carried beautiful fall colored bouquets of circus roses, fuchsia calla lilies, ivory hydrangeas, and green coffee beans.

Reed Keahey, brother of the groom, served as best man. Also serving as groomsmen were Ryan Dunn - friend of the groom, Michael Davis – brother of the bride, Coty Ingle – friend of the groom, Bradley Davis – brother of the bride, and John Wilks – friend of the groom. Spencer Davis – brother of the bride, and Farrel Keahey – cousin of the groom served as ushers. Mary Clark Herring, cousin of the groom, served as flower girl. Vance Herring, cousin of the groom, was ring bearer.

The bride is a graduate of Louisiana State University. She is currently employed with Vanguard Salon Systems as a Distributor Sales Consultant. The groom is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is currently employed with Scott Equipment as an equipment salesman.

Following their honeymoon in the Bahamas, the couple has made their home in Sterlington.

Davis-Keahey

| I Do

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 69

Past Perfect Antiques • The Loft • The Shoe Shack

MN-1000468386

70 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

116 S. Washington—Courthouse Square Bastrop, LA 71220 (318) 281-8887

Price-Miller

| I Do

Jennifer Noell Price and Kevin Wade Miller

Jennifer Noell Price and Kevin Wade Miller

were married at six o’clock in the evening, Saturday, October 12, 2013, at The Dixie Gin in Shreveport.

The double ring ceremony was officiated by Bro. Jeffery Thomas.

Jennifer is the daughter of John and Debbie Price of West Monroe. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Price of Shreveport, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Compton of West Monroe. Kevin is the son of Mark and Becky Miller of Epps. He is the grandson of Bobby and Aves Miller of Epps, and the late Mr. George Swett and Ms. Dorothy Swett of Epps.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a Maggie Sottero fit and flare gown with sweetheart neckline and corset closure. The gown had Swarovski crystal beading under the bust, accenting the empire waistline with the fabric draping asymmetrically into the side beaded motif. She carried a bouquet of light pink peonies, white hydrangeas, and roses.

Stacey Blakely, friend of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Ashley Walker, Kate Creel, Jennifer Creel, and Sheila Cantrell, friends of the bride. Amelia Wilson, cousin of the bride, served as junior bridesmaid. The flower girls, Kaytlyn Compton, Aimee Wilson, and Carlee Williams, are cousins of the bride.

Lance Brown, Friend of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Colt Hinton, Michael Weeks, Bradley Ferrell, and Ryan Austin, friends of the grooms. Bailey Miller, nephew of the groom, served as junior groomsman. The ring bearer was Carson Williams, cousin of the bride.

A reception was held following the ceremony at The Dixie Gin. The rustic décor accentuated the beauty of the historic cotton gin. The tables were covered with ivory linens accented with burlap table runners with either rustic candelabras accented with light pink and white roses, glass cylinder vases filled with dusted light pink hydrangeas, pink roses, white oriental lilies, and willow branches, or crystal globes filled with pillar candles. The florals and décor were designed and provided by Mandy Cathey Wedding and Events of Many, La. Family and friends danced the night away to music by River City Hit Squad of Hammond, La. Guests enjoyed dressing up and posing for photos in the photo booth provided by Olde Town Events. The four-tiered wedding cake was prepared

by Aly B’s Bakery of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Jennifer is a graduate of Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Northwestern State University with a Masters of Science in Nursing. She is employed as a Nurse Practitioner at The Woman’s Clinic. Kevin is a graduate of University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in Agri-business. Kevin is self employed with Miller Brothers Farms.

Following their honeymoon in Antiqua, the couple will make their home in Start.

Photos courtesy of J&K McDaniel photography.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 71

Dr. Toby Frost Joins Oglesby Financial Group Whether you’re retired or working, do you really know where you spend yourFrost money?

Dr. Toby Chief Operating Officer These are increasingly important questions Oglesby Financial Group today as more people are helping not only their children, but also their grandchildren.

This may also be at the expense of their own retirement. Having a financial plan can help guide your decisions now and in the years to come.

Ongoing tracking of your expenses, like stepping on the scale, provides a reality check. The more we consciously focus on

our spending, the more likely we will not going, identifying cuts that can make a overspend. Like exercising or dieting, we real difference becomes easier. know it’s good for us, but can be hard to do consistently.

Not all planners agree that We searched long and hard to find just the right petracking expenses in general is son. Dr. Frost brings with him decades of experience enough. Many people who are in leadership but most importantly, he has an impecasked to track all their expenses cable reputation and a massive following of people discover their estimate of money whose lives he has touched through years. left for saving or investing — Darren Oglesby is frequently off because they often exclude unusual expenditures and average the balance.

You may want to strongly consider having The focus of some financial plans is on a monthly meeting with your spouse. If having individuals set up automatic you are not married, a trusted confidant bill-pay and meet specific savings goals is an option. This meeting should include through monthly automatic deposits. reviewing where you have been spending The budgeting then usually falls in line money and anticipated expenditures, accordingly. both short- and long-term. It could lead to some very interesting conversations.

Today, a growing number of largely free Having both parties involved, discussing online tools are available to help you track goals and objectives, where you are today your expenses. Companies such as Mint. and where you want to be in the future, com and Yodlee MoneyCenter can import can be helpful. and aggregate data from your credit card, bank, and brokerage accounts. They break One of the most important things you down your spending into categories, such can do is save money. A key to success is as dining and vacation. Some programs the ability to delay gratification. Saving can even track specific items such as how is crucial to developing that ability and much you spend on coffee. However, imperative for anyone who wants to these online tools only provide a fraction acquire and grow wealth. of the guidance an advisor can give you.

So, incorporating both into your overall (For informational purposes only. Not intended to financial plan may be the most beneficial. provide specific advice or recommendations for Once you know where your money is any individual.)

Dr. Toby Frost Chief Operating Office Oglesby Financial Group

Experience the Difference 20

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All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp. Member FINRA/SIPC 11440 JOG Road • Palm Beach Gardens • 33418-1765 • Tel: (561) 472-2000

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The Orchestra Grows Up Saturday, February 8, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Monroe The Monroe Symphony Orchestra proudly presents a family-friendly concert illustrating the growth of the orchestra including works by well-known composers Bach, Beethoven, and Stravinsky. Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra will also be performed.

Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 (1730)

Bach

Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492 (1786)

Mozart

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 (1808)

Beethoven

Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker, Op. 71 (1892)

Tchaikovsky

Finale from The Firebird, Suite (1919 version)

Stravinsky

Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34

Britten

The Monroe Symphony Orchestra would like to express our appreciation to the generous sponsors for Art with a Bayou View. Their unwavering support assists the Monroe Symphony Orchestra in providing a vital contribution to the arts community of northeast Louisiana.

TITLE SPONSOR: Premier Plaza PLATINUM SPONSOR: Green Light Development GOLD SPONSOR: Capital One Bank, Coast Professional, Inc.,Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Haddad, and Mrs. J. Spencer Hardy, Dr. & Mrs. Robert S. Henrick, Jr., Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Vantage Health Plan SILVER SPONSOR: Atmos Energy, Audibel Hearing Aids, Mona &Wayne Creel, FPL Asset Management LLC, Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Koepke, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Marsala Beverage, P & S Surgical Hospital, Progressive Bank, Regions Bank, The Thomas H. & Mayme P. Scott Foundation, A Friend of the Symphony STERLING SPONSOR: Mr. Nelson Abell, Arthur J Gallagher & Co., Chase Bank, Community Trust Bank, Cross Keys Bank, Diversity One Staffing, Graham, Bordelon & Co., Haik Humble Eye Center, Kitty DeGree Foundation, LA Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, Mr. & Mrs. John Luffy, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Napoli, North Delta Title, Ouachita Independent Bank, RAYMOND JAMES-John A. Clausen, Saad Electrophysiology & Cardiology,State Farm Agents: Pam Accardo, Kim Duke, Ben Duty, John Ensminger, Sr., Monique Gill, Jeff Leaumont, Paulen Luttgeharm, Greg Manley, Blake Wheelis BRONZE SPONSOR: Argent Financial Group, Dr. & Mrs. David Barnes, Mr. Richard Bordelon, Brain Box, Drs. D.H. & Hannah Clark, Coco Bend Farms, Dr. John Cooksey, Creed & Creed, DermaMediQ & Spa Nouvelle, Dr. & Mrs. Harry Donias, Envoy Mortgage, Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Gates, Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC, Mr. & Mrs. William Krutzer, Jay & Emily Morris, Mickel Plastic Surgery, Mr. Hunt Neely, Peregrine Corporation, Read Eye Center, Richland State Bank, Riddle Builders, St. Francis Medical Center, Scott Moore, LLC, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Seegers, Paul D. Spillers, LLC, Sen. Mike Walsworth, Dr. Michael Zambie

In-Kind Sponsors Andi Holyfield, Audubon Nature Institute, Bayou Bakery, Bayou Chocolate, Beauty Nails, Biedenharn Museum, Charles Heck, Chef Joseph, Aramark Food Services, Cindy Blanchard, Blanchard Fine Art and Photography, Clyde White, Cory Bahr, Cotton Restaurant, Friend of the Symphony, George Rodrigue Foundation, Glazer Companies of Monroe, Herrin Gear Automotive Group –Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota, Scion, , Lenece Laseter, L Frame and Art Shop, Lissy Sanders, Mary Lou Roundtree, Marsala Beverage, Masur Museum, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Orange Leaf Yogurt, Pampered and Polished, Paragon Casino, Paula’s Place, Pie Works, President and Mrs. Nick Bruno, Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Southern Beverage, Guy Campbell, Strauss Theatre, Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc, Timbermill Frames, Tom and Deanie Baker, Tonore’s Wine Cellar, Tuscan Resorts, Vieux Carré, Viking Cooking School, YMCA, MEDIA: Delta Style Magazine, KEDM Public Radio, KNOE TV-8, KTVE/Fox 14, The News Star, Ouachita Citizen Programs of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra are supported by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.

Art & Design

| Gallery Crawl

76 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Gallery Crawl

| Art & Design

Downtown Gallery Crawl

Laissez les bons temps rouler.

It’s that time of year again—carnival season in Louisiana—and time to let the good times roll in downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Ten art galleries celebrate fine art, music, refreshments and fun for all on Thursday, Feb. 6, 5-9 pm.

Produced by the Downtown Arts Alliance, the Downtown Gallery Crawl provides an evening of fun for all ages. The Crawls are held on the first Thursday evenings of every other month—February, April, June, August, October and December. Because the galleries are within the Cultural Districts of Monroe and West Monroe, all purchases of original art are sales tax free.

Good times are surely ready to roll in MAD Art Gallery at 130 Art Alley (N. 2nd Street) in Monroe. Mixed media paintings by Emery Thibodeaux will be on display. As a graduate of the communication arts program at Louisiana Tech University, Thibodeaux’s primary occupation is graphic design. However, as an artist she enjoys creating organically and experimenting with various media.

She also incorporates her love for digging through old magazines, books and paper goods by giving these nostalgic items new life through art. This combination of ephemera, acrylics, inks, charcoal, etc. results in many pieces that are highly textured, colorful and fun to explore. As usual at MAD, live music will be provided by Gray Matter.

Above : Nicholas Bustamante’s mural will be on display at Downstairs Art Gallery.

Facing page : MAD Art Gallery will be showing Emery Thibodeaux’s mixed media artwork.

portraits, etc., all pulling from the artists’ pasts.

In West Monroe, Ouachita River Art Gallery (308 Trenton Street) presents the works of Donna McGee during the month of February, inspired by the essence of nature—energy, motion and change.

According to Kahlil Gibran, “Art arises when the secret vision of the artist and the manifestation of nature agree to find new shapes.” McGee says, “For me art is a synthesis of what I see, what I know and what I feel revealed or made evident in the work.”

The foundation of McGee’s work is rooted in her love of the natural world and her view that humans are an integral part of nature. Having taught art at the university level for 22 years and chair of the Art Department at Grambling State University from 2003-2011, she will be giving an artist talk at 6:45 pm. The River Gallery will also be exhibiting work by its other 30 artist-members.

Arender Studio and Gallery (131 Art Alley) is hosting a special benefit silent auction of beautiful photographs by Steni Hrafnsson. Proceeds will go toward paying for cancer treatments for his wife, Jeanette Hrafnsson, who is battling breast cancer. After a bi-lateral mastectomy and radiation therapy, she is facing skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. She explains, “I am blessed to have a family and friends who have held my hand, wiped the tears away when it became too much and took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself. I move forward with my life one day at a time knowing that I am going to be ok and cancer free. In other words I kicked cancer’s behind.”

Further rolling with the good times on the river, Livaudais Studio (122 South Grand) presents 9months, a photo series by Andy Bloxham, who will give his artist talk at 6 pm. Bloxham is returning to his hometown, where he uses his photography to tell stories—referring to a larger narrative but allowing the viewer only a brief glimpse of events.

Bloxham’s work is his imagination and photography allows him to play inside it. Having received his MFA in photography from Louisiana Tech, Bloxham’s photos have been displayed worldwide. He now teaches at West Virginia Wesleyan University, also guest-lecturing at various colleges and galleries.

New gallery Luna Blue is at 428 DeSiard Street, where owner Kim Batteford is hosting her second Gallery Crawl exhibit. Curator Kelsea McCreary has chosen two excellent artists for this show: LA Tech MFA students MC Davis and Whitney Causey. The show, entitled Thicker than Water, features works based on the artists’ families, lives, memories, Southern history, etc. With beautiful pieces of varying sizes, the show includes mixed media, photos, family

At the February Downtown Gallery Crawl The Palace (220 DeSiard) presents the collections of Alden McDonald, president and CEO of Liberty Bank and Trust Company, one of the top three African-American owned financial institutions in the United States. He is nationally recognized as February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 77

Art & Design

| Gallery Crawl

an advocate and catalyst in the movement of minority businesses into the mainstream economy. Throughout his career, McDonald’s focus has been the promotion of entrepreneurship, the support of civic organizations and the empowerment of businesses and individuals.

McDonald moved aggressively to lead rebuilding efforts for his bank and the entire New Orleans region after Hurricane Katrina. His extraordinary efforts were recognized and chronicled in the New York Times in 2006. That same year he was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Portraits of Power; and he has been celebrated on numerous occasions in Black Enterprise Magazine where he received the A.G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award. Alden is also an avid art collector and patron. His collection of African-American Art stands as one of the most prestigious in the nation.

The Palace is proud to present a sample of Alden McDonald’s African-American Art collection in honor of Black History Month.

DOWNSTAIRS (137 Art Alley) presents ISOCLINE: new works by Rhyan Emery Taylor and Jess Van Alstyne and Finding Home, a new mural that will be painted in Downtown Monroe by Nicholas Bustamante. Artist talks will begin at about 7:30 pm. While Rhyan Emery Taylor and Jessica Van Alstyne both dip into conceptual theory within their photographic practices, they also possess the desire for their emotions and experiences 78 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Top : A detail from “Amber” by Rick Sikes, “The Tetons”

by Steni Hrafnsson, “Work 2” by Rhyan Emery Taylor, a painting by Whitney Causey, detail from “Interrupted Pleasure”

by Andy Bloxham and “La Belle in High Cotton” by Leah Smith Reitzell.

Bottom : Cindy Gibson’s “Fungi” and Jess Van Alstyne’s “Ivy.”

to lie within their imagery. Visually, they express themselves quite differently.

“Isocline” began an opportunity for the two artists to exhibit their photographic works together and also take a collaborative approach in a space to make a unified connection between their works without the use of a camera. The two used objects and different mediums to represent themselves. The canvas is a piece of reclaimed wood Taylor found and applied an abstract painting to it. The candles were then placed and burned onto the piece by both Van Alstyne and Taylor to make the final piece. The process of burning the candles and moving them around emitted a series of sacramental moments. The finished product exhibits topographic details that provide evidence that everything and everyone is connected through their experiences. FINDING HOME, the new mural in downtown Monroe by Nicholas Bustamante, will eventually be 18 feet tall and 68 feet wide and will be painted on the Luna Blue building at 428 DeSiard Street through a donation

Gallery Crawl

of the site by Michael Echols and funding from Monroe Renaissance. Finding Home explores the beauty of Louisiana, specifically referencing images of Black Bayou and celebrates the rich culture of the region. Louisiana Tech art students will assist the artist with producing the mural. Bustamante’s original painting, upon which the mural is based, will be on display at DOWNSTAIRS during the Crawl. The gallery will also be open 2-4 pm, Saturdays and by appointment through March 8.

At the The Big Room and UPSTAIRS galleries (135 Art Alley), the carnival continues. Rick Sikes is the featured artist at Art Alley’s UPSTAIRS gallery with a solo show, Overstatements. This show includes portraits, figure drawings and urban landscapes. Sikes’ artist talk is at 7pm. Having participated and won awards in many recent juried competitions, Rick has demonstrated a wide range of work and continues to push himself to higher levels, gathering fans along the way. Guest artists in The Big Room include Cindy Gibson exhibiting ceramic pieces and Chris Russell exhibiting his paintings for the first time. The gallery’s artists are also excited about members of the Ad Club exhibiting their award-winning work. The Big Room welcomes new resident artists Victoria Smith, Christen Parker and Ben Bennett showing paintings, sculpture and mixed media work. Amy Ouchley will display her nature-inspired jewelry. EmJ Cruz will be back, as well as Octopi and Emily Caldwell will present

| Art & Design

her always-creative collages and paintings.

Finally, the party is always on at Art Alley’s Sugar Gallery, where resident artists are ready with new work. Jewelry by Diane Rosenberg, photographs

by Burg Ransom, paintings and sculpture by Scott Stone, Crystal Stone, Mary Thompson, Stacy Medaries and Leah Smith Reitzell—all are excellent and well worth a visit to this beautiful gallery. Party on and let the good times roll.

Sponsors, led by presenter Creed and Creed Law Offices, are BancorpSouth, Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Sir Speedy, The News-Star, KEDM Public Radio, DeltaStyle, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Restaurant Cotton, , Choice Brands, Heck Law Firm, Riddle Builders, Rawls DeSigns, Community Trust Bank, Cross Keys Bank, Hollis and Company Jewelers, Atmos Energy Corporation, Lavalle Salomon Law Office, Warehouse Restaurant, Charles Kincade Law Office and Marsala Beverage.

Sponsorships for 2013 Crawls are available now. For information on levels of support and benefits to sponsors, see the organization’s website at www. downtowngallerycrawl.com and Facebook page (search Downtown Gallery Crawl).

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 79

In recognition of American Heart Month, St. Francis Medical Center presents a special educational opportunity:

Women & Heart Disease Featuring presentations by:

The King of King Cakes and Valentine’s Treats!

Cupcakes • Heart Cakes • Candy and More!

All You Need for Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day!

Great Jewelry!

Your First Stop for Holiday Treats!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

7

Michael Langiulli, MD Board Certified* Interventional Cardiologist

Katherine M. Roberts, RN, MSN, CCRN Clinical Educator

Friday, Feb. 14 • 11:30 am – 1 pm

St. Francis Conference Center

3

Catering for All Occasions From Light Hors d’Ouerves to Elegant Seated Dinners Plate Lunches Served Daily 1608 Stubbs Avenue • Monroe, LA • 318.387-7848

418 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA (Valet parking will be available.)

A heart healthy lunch will be served.

ADVANCED HEART DISEASE:

Please RSVP to (318) 966-7355 by February 13th.

St. Francis is a proud supporter of:

Join us in celebration of Go Red by wearing red!

Continuing Education Opportunity For Healthcare Providers!

“The Beat Goes On…Cardiac Symposium” Friday, Feb. 28th West Monroe Convention Center Call (318) 966-4583 for more information *American Board of Internal Medicine.

stfran.com 80 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Living with the symptoms and how hospice can help.

Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Fluid build-up.

Fatigue. These are just a few of the serious symptoms that affect patients with advanced heart disease. In many cases, even with proper medical care, medications, and treatments, these symptoms can be severe enough to affect daily living and can even lead to unwanted emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Hospice can help prevent these unwanted hospitalizations for patients by bringing care to them, in their home (even if home is the nursing home or assisted living facility), and by identifying symptoms early and communicating with the patient’s physician for treatment orders.

Hospice can help prevent unwanted hospital visits by aggressively managing symptoms and having a patient specific crisis plan in place. With Hospice Compassus, every patient has a dedicated RN that works with him or her, and the rest of the hospice team including the patient’s physician, to develop an individualized plan of care. This means that patients and their families help decide how many times each week the nurse, home health aid, social worker, and chaplain visit.

Hospice can help patients and their families with education to understand the symptoms and progression of heart disease, as well as, the medications used for treatment and symptom management.

MN-1000471673

Hospice can help patients and their families with physical support by providing a home health aid to assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and/or light house-keeping duties.

Hospice can help patients financially by providing medications, supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis, such as heart disease.

Hospice can help by giving patients and their families a choice in their medical care. Hospice is a benefit and a choice. It is not a limited time offer. There are no penalties if a patient decides to stop hospice, or if a patient gets better and is discharged from hospice.

Hospice is a Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance benefit. There is usually no out of pocket expense to the patient or the family. The services provided by hospice are an additional layer of support to services already being provided by the patient’s physician or nursing facility. You worked for your Medicare benefit, now let it work for you!

If you would like more information on how hospice services can help you and your family please contact us 318-322-0062 or visit www.hospicecompass.com .

Dana Jennings, RN, BSN Executive Director

MaGee

Vision Manifest Continued

The Works of Donna McGee Featured for February At The River Gallery story by Melanie McGee

| Art & Design

T

he works of Donna McGee currently featured at the River Gallery during the month of February are inspired by the essence of nature—energy, motion and change. According to Kahlil Gibran, “Art arises when the secret vision of the artist and the manifestation of nature agree to find new shapes.”

McGee said, “For me, art is a synthesis of what I see, what I know and what I feel revealed or made evident in the work.”

The foundation of McGee’s work is rooted in her love of the natural world and her view that man is an integral part of nature. Like many philosophers, poets, writers and artists, McGee searches for meaning in life and understanding of herself by observing and experiencing the forces of the natural world.

“The work is a response to nature rather than a description,” she said. “My love of exploring just to see what lies ahead and the feel of the earth beneath my feet are experiences I want to share.”

She considers plein air painting (painting outdoors) or field studies as information gathering for paintings that are drawn from memories, visions and concepts.

“Working in the field helps me absorb the mystery of the natural world and gives me an opportunity to daydream,” McGee said. “I take much more from an outdoor painting session than an image of the scene.”

Her sketchbook is filled with her thoughts, dream/vision thumbnails, creative writing, and quotes from favorite writers. Whether working in her studio or in the field, she attempts to create an atmosphere that places the viewer as an observer or participant in the scene.

McGee earned a Master of Fine Arts in Studio: Painting and Drawing from Louisiana Tech University. Her works have been included in numerous regional and national juried exhibitions including the Taos Watercolor Society’s Annual Exhibition of American Watercolor, Taos, NM; the Mississippi Watercolor Society’s Grand National Exhibition, Jackson, MS; Louisiana Watercolor Society’s Annual International Juried Exhibition, New Orleans, LA and the Hilton Head Biennial Juried Exhibition, SC. She has taught art at the university level for 22 years and served as Chair of the Department of Art at Grambling State University from 2003-2011.

The River Gallery will be participating in the Thursday, February 6 Downtown Gallery Crawl, and MaGee will be giving an artist’s talk at 6:45pm.

The River Gallery, 308 Trenton Street, West Monroe, invites you to come see this special show of Donna’s work during the entire month of February. When you shop at your local gallery, you not only help our economy by keeping your money in the area, you also save on taxes and shipping. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and boasts over 28 artists whose work is also on display at the gallery. Admission is free. Paintings and photographs by gallery members can also be seen at ORAG’s extension gallery located in the lobby of Ouachita Independent Bank/Bankers Mortgage Plaza at 18th and Louisville in Monroe. Call 322-2380 for more information.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 81

TOM Lainey Wilson: Chasing the Dream

82 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

by Ariel King

BOY

To most people, aspiring to be a successful country singer may sound unrealistic, but North Louisiana native, Lainey Wilson, is doing just that. Wilson grew up in Baskin, La., and recently moved to Nashville in pursuit of her dream. Long gone are her days working as a professional Hannah Montana impersonator, and she is now writing and recording music in Nashville and becoming a star in her own right.

“I have a publishing production deal with Cupit music here in Nashville,” she said. “Right now, I’m just writing every single day and trying to get a record deal. That’s my next step.”

Wilson says her new songs are different from her older work and that while in Nashville, her song writing has greatly improved.

“In general, my song writing is definitely improving, and I think that just comes with writing 200 or more songs a year,” she said. “And that’s what I’ve been doing for, well, I’ve been writing since I was nine. I moved to Nashville when I was nineteen years old. It seems like every song just gets better. I’ve finally figured out what my sound is like and who I want to be as an artist and the kind of music that I want to put out there. Overall, my music is way more professional than it was in the past.”

Wilson says that who she is as an artist is a product of where she comes from.

“Well, I grew up in a little town called Baskin,” she said. “I’m just your average country girl. I grew up riding horses, cleaning out horse stalls, doing all that kind of stuff, playing in cotton trailers. A lot of music has to do with about where I’m from, how I grew up and how I was raised by my parents.

And, here lately, whether relationships or just going through things, because living here in Nashville is definitely not the easiest thing. Sometimes you wake up and you’re just like ‘Oh my gosh, what am I doing? Why can’t I just live a normal life like everybody else?’ But when it comes down to it, you know, this is my dream and my parents have always supported me and pushed me. I know I can do it.

It’s just time consuming and takes dedication.”

The town of Baskin has supported Wilson and her music career. The small town has given her opportunities to go for her dream.

“My community definitely supports me and they always have, but my producer is actually from my hometown,” she said. “And so every time he would come home for Christmas, or whatever it was, he would stop by my house because he’s always known that I wanted to do this. When I was nine years old, he stopped by my house on Christmas and listened to the songs I’d written, and each year he would give me feedback and advice on what I needed to do different and how my songs could be better. He would critique them, and he would tell me to keep writing. Finally—I’m telling you it took years and years and years—finally, he was like ‘one day you’re going to be ready.’ I thought that day would never come. Then finally, I played him ten new songs from that year, and he told me, ‘I think you’re ready.’ My career is because of Baskin, basically.”

Influenced by singers such as Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Martina McBride, Wilson hopes to create music like theirs that people can identify with. She especially hopes to give a voice to what she describes as girls that are “tomboys.”

“I have a lot of positive music. Also, I have a lot of “ass kicking” music,” she said. “I want them to know that there are a lot of girls like this. There are a lot of girls that are tomboys that like to dress up. But there’s a time and place for everything, and when it comes down to it, they can get their hands dirty if they need to, and they can kick some butt. A lot of girls in Northeast Louisiana, and just the South in general, are like that. They’re tomboy kinds of girls. That’s what I’m trying to do is just create an image like that for those girls.”

Wilson claims that the next step in her career is to get a record deal, and she’s remaining hopeful that she will do so in the near future. Until then, she is going to continue playing gigs, writing music and recording songs. She knows a career as a singer is the path for her.

“I’m not giving up, that’s for sure,” she said. “I’ve done a lot in my 21 years, and I know that this is God’s plan for me and he wouldn’t have opened so many doors for me if this is not what I’m supposed to be doing. So, I’m going to do it one way or another.”

photo courtesy of Greg Ziecker Photography February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 83

Brought to you by and The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council Tickets on Sale Now at SYAA – 1300½ Lamy Lane; online at www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com,

or by calling (318) 812-7922 Adults $12 Students $8

Under the Sea Character Brunch – February 22 Join us in Ariel’s Grotto for a magical event featuring all of your favorite characters from the Broadway show!

The Brunch will feature Under-the-Sea themed culinary creations magically crafted from your children’s favorite cuisine – plus delicious options for the bigger eaters, as well!

Have a special portrait made with Ariel in her artist-made Grotto for $10, and enjoy your own candid shots with all of the amazing stars. From Flounder to Ursula; Eric to Scuttle – there will be a perfect character for everyone!

Watch Ariel’s mermaid-to-human transformation as she becomes Part of our World!

MN-1000472766

$35 Brunch tickets include a ticket for the show of your choice – (the 2:00 PM production or the 7:00 PM production – featuring different principle characters – please check our website to select your favorite cast).

1300 ½ Lamy Lane (318) 812-7922 www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com

84 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Show Dates: February 21, 22, 28 and March 1

The Demise of Dorothy Dingle

Directed by Brandi Albritton When rich Uncle Simon invites his family over for a dinner party and a "BIG" announcement....thoughts, of course, turn to money. But when an unexpected revelation is made, no one seems happy at all! Tensions build...Jealousy is exposed... and by the end of the night,

EVER YONE is a suspect!

Call the Box office at 318-323-6681 to reserve your tickets!

Due to the storms that came through Monroe on Dec. 21, 2013 we are holding a "Raise the Roof" fundraiser. Go to our website www.strausstheatrecenter.com or call Donna at 318-323-6681 to make a donation to help us rebuild the roof, costumes and props we lost in the storm.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 85

HOMEGROWN MASTERPIECE

Successful Northeast Louisiana artist, Meredith Pardue, talks about her new artwork, her inspiration, and the work that goes into her paintings.

86 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Pardue

story by Ariel King

| Art & Design

photos courtesy of Meredith Pardue

Tell me about your upcoming shows in Houston, Los Angeles and New York.

It’s actually in Culver City which is a suburb of L.A., and the gallery is called “Fresh Paint.” It opens February 1st. It’s a two-person exhibition, me with another artist. She’s an artist out of Paris, and her name is Claudia Meyer. So this is a super last minute exhibition. It just kind of came around in December, and it was like “Oh wow, February, really? Okay.”

So it was kind of a surprise, an exciting surprise. I was not planning on doing that.

What inspired your most recent show “Elysian Fields?”

It was pretty much looking at and trying to take time to notice that there is a perfect beauty on earth. In other words, I was thinking about more of a visual representation of perfection and beauty, like when an orchid first blooms and it is in that perfect state and untouched beauty. And kind of celebrating those moments of earthly perfection, I guess is a good way to say it.

You currently live in Austin, but are from North Louisiana. In what ways, if any, does your hometown have an influence on your work?

I was born and raised in Monroe, and the thing that I think stuck with me more than anything—and one of these is also true for Savannah, Ga., I lived there for about four years while I went to art school—there’s just a lot of growth on top of growth there. Like for example, if you have a pond

of stagnant water and you’d see often, even in areas of the bayou, those areas of that bright green—I don’t know what you’d call it—I guess it’s like an algae, or something? But it’s very, very bright, and sometimes it looks kind of fluorescent green. You see the lichens, those things growing on top of bark on the trees, or mushrooms growing on top of branches.

And then kudzu growing up tree trunks as you drive on I-20, or you know, the Spanish moss growing on the trees. It’s like things are growing on top of each other, literally. It’s like this one thing that’s growing—like the kudzu, for example, it’s actually killing the tree that it’s growing up—and so there’s a cycle of nature that almost seems super-charged in that area of the Delta because that process of nature’s growth and decay seems to be on a fast track in a way.

I think that’s pretty interesting. That’s definitely not the case for a lot of other landscapes. I think that one of my favorite color palettes is probably just a derivative. I use a lot of greens and blacks and greys and turquoises and aquas. I feel sure it has to be like the sky and nature, and the palette that you see almost anywhere. That rich humidity and stagnancy of the air that’s so prevalent in that part of Louisiana. I know that atmosphere had to have come into play somehow into my work. The climate in Monroe is very similar to Savannah’s, so I spent the first 22 or 23 years of my life surrounded by that, and I paint a lot outdoors, so how could that not be part of your aesthetic. That’s something that’s more subconscious or something that sneaks in and is not necessarily at the forefront of your radar. 

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 87

Art & Design

| Pardue layer, then the thin little watery glazes that go on top of that. Then I go back with my paint and edit out certain areas of the painting until I kind of find a composition I feel works for what I’m looking for. It’s like a process of laying down marks and forms with ink, and then adding the white and editing out.

That might repeat as much as five times, so at that point, there is a good bit of paint on the canvas. And so, very rarely does the texture of the actual canvas show through. I mean, it would be something that was intentional if that happened, that I was trying to leave a certain area. So I use the layer and texture concept as one in the same because the texture comes about because of the layering of the paint.

In a post on your blog, you discuss your difficulty answering the question “Where does a painting begin, and where does it end?” And you said the more valuable question is “What does it take to make a painting?” Can you answer that question for me?

A unique aspect of your paintings is your use of layers and texture. Can you describe how you create this effect and why you choose to incorporate it into your work?

So I always put down a ground of something, and I don’t do it carefully. I do it kind of forcefully and quickly. And so the ground that I put down could be a marble dust mixed in with a latex paint or acrylic paint. It might also be modeling paste. It might be acrylic paint, but it’s all water-based media.

I put it down on the ground first while the canvas is on the floor, and then after that dries, I put the inks on top of that. I wouldn’t say it’s a super long process, but there are an awful lot of layers there. It’s that initial heavy

Yeah, well I can give it a shot. When I’m answering this question, I’m answering it for myself and myself alone. For me, it takes a moment of inspiration. There are moments that I’ve had in life where I see something new, like something for the first time. Be it a landscape or a color, it could be a sensation. It doesn’t even have to be anything visual. It could be a musical piece. It could be a smell of a new place that I’ve traveled to that excites me somehow. It could be an animal. I was really inspired by the macaw birds that I saw when I was in Honduras. So just seeing those bright colors that are really just straight out of nature. It was just amazing to me, and that’s just an example of seeing something for the first time and working it into your aesthetic somehow. So there’s a moment of inspiration, and then there’s the “something” that I’m going to call a “personal filter.” So perception and the way we internalize experiences and the way they infiltrate our perception

StoneyBrook Memory Care Home

308 Norris Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 88 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Phone: 318-396-3130 Administrator: Connie Culpepper www.stoneybrookalzheimerscare.com

Social Spot

| Home Cinema & Delta Grande

Pardue

combine with everything else we’ve experience through our entire lives. It’s like a collection of all of those sensations that we’ve experienced. It just gets added to your visual vocabulary.

And then, of course, there’s the action part of the process, which would be making the painting itself and having a certain intention in mind. And then every painting I’ve ever made up until that point comes into play, like what kind of skills and techniques and sort of things that happen with paint or with ink or with various other materials. How do they play into this inspiration? And there’s the action part—making the painting—a combination of intention and chaos, and allowing things to happen and releasing complete control, then coming back and editing and making concrete controlled deliberate decisions, a combination of deliberate mark making and intentional mark making. After that, the piece is complete, but it’s never really alive in my mind until it’s put out there into the world.

| Art & Design

Home Cinema

Ribbon Cutting for Home Cinema

Delta Grande

Once you release it into the world, it’s not really yours anymore.

It becomes a part of our culture. I think that’s an important

Meredith with her parents, Ann and Van Pardue

Meredith’s artwork and her home in Austin, Texas, are featured in the Winter 2014 issue of Bungalow magazine.

process: giving it out into the world, releasing it into the universe. And that’s where the art galleries come into play. I think the way it’s presented into the world and to an audience is as important as the other parts of the process just because it can heldcare a Christmas open determine who sees it, how many people seeDelta it, is itGrande well taken of, is it presented house Dec.of9.the process. with integrity? I would say it’s as important as otheronparts

Becky Norton, Dawne Walsorth & Vicky Johnson

Alana Babb & Vicky Johnson

North Delta Cuisine Pull up a chair.

2013

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28 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 89

Save the Date

Coldwell Banker Group one Realty presents

Quota International of West Monroe

NIGHT OF THE CAKES AND MURDER MYSTERY THEATRE

to death...

March 14th, 2014

MN-1000472671

3310 Sterlington Road Monroe, LA 71203 • 318.324.1407 rocketlube.com

6:00pm West Monroe Convention Center Live and Silent Cake Auctions

Tickets $50

includes 4 course meal during dinner theatre

Presented by:

• FREE CRAWFISH •

1 Free Pound with the purchase of 5 lbs EXP Feb 28th 2014 Group One Realty

For tickets call: Elicia Nugent at (318) 362-1343 90 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Party Room Open and Available for Private Parties

Contact Us for Details

(318) 342-9662 165 N & Loop Rd.

Accepting Warhawk Express!

www.fieldhousebarandgrill.com

Libation

An Appreciation for Bourbon

| Dig In

by Mac Reitzel

W

hat could be better on a cold winter day than a glass of beautiful amber bourbon, whether it’s neat or swirling around on the rocks? There is a natural progression when it comes to enjoying an adult beverage. It tends to begin with a sweet easy mixed drink and end with a much stronger drink where you appreciate the work going into the spirit itself. With that in mind, I would like to take you down the path of appreciation of whiskey.

The emergence of flavored whiskeys has had many people asking how to mix them. My great advice to you is to start with a shot glass—to be more specific, an ice shot glass made from a silicone shot glass ice tray. There are few things more fun than throwing your ice shot glass down triumphantly after knocking back libations. Winter weather and ice go well with a cinnamon whiskey like Yukon Jack Wicked Hots—few things can heat one up faster. If you are looking to soothe a sore throat from a rough cough, try Jim Beam Honey. After you’ve tried it, you’d be hard pressed to find a better toddy. Knob Creek now has a Maple offering which I recommend enjoying over ice. It has the slightest touch of maple which does a fantastic job of smoothing over the rough edges of a bourbon and adding to the complexity all at the same time.

Want a solid Bourbon to heat you up this winter?

My new favorite is Bulleit Bourbon. After trying it, I wanted to say that this is the bourbon your dad would drink, but after second thought I’m not sure if your dad was man enough! This juice is robust, everything I want when enjoying quality craftsmanship. For a higher caliber Bulleit, they do indeed make a 10-year-old bottle that will not disappoint.

In case you have been living under a dry rock over the past month, you may have missed the arrival of the new Crown Royal XO. The letters “XO” pay tribute to the Cognac barrels used to finish the legendary Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey. This promises a very smooth yet complex and easy to enjoy palate, pleasing finish of vanilla, spice, and almonds.

If you are looking for a new whiskey drink, I might suggest “Horse’s Neck.”

1.3 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon 4 oz. ginger ale 1 slice lemon 2 dashes bitters

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 91

Dig In

| Trios

CHEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CORNER

92 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Trios

| Dig In

Where Friends Go to Meet Friends! story by Tara Ambrose photos by Gary Guinigundo Conveniently located in the heart of Monroe, between the comforts of the historic Garden District and the elegance of River Oaks Subdivision, Trio’s is a lovely restaurant is where comfort-convenience and class all collide.

Jennifer Johnson and her family have had a long legacy in this area as proud restaurant owners, first with the family’s first venture, “Rendezvous,” which Jennifer transformed into a vision of her own when she took the reign of the eatery in 1995 and proudly dubbed it “Trio’s.”

With an eclectic mix of North Louisiana based favorites, mixed with the perfect seasoning of down-home Cajun comfort food, with liberal amounts Mediterranean inspired dishes added to the recipe, one can easily see why Trio’s is where “friends meet.”

Throughout the years, Jennifer has not only been interested in the realm of cuisine, but she comes from the background of being a social worker in the culturally diverse city of New Orleans, which has proven very useful in the restaurant industry. From humble beginnings, Jennifer started out in 1995 with the dream of merely a “dive,” but what evolved is nothing short of a visually stunning restaurant with a menu as different and diverse as the woman behind the scenes.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 93

Dig In

| Trios

Jennifer humbly shared with me that while some of Trio’s recipes are actually her very own, some of those crafty creations are that of Jennifer’s trusted Chef, Tommy James, who has been by her side for some 18 years,

although she can’t help but thank Darrius McCall for the contributions that he has made to her ever successful kitchen that make the menu at Trio’s a fanciful feast to dazzle all of her diners, satisfying both young and old alike.

Amidst the attractive ambiance, beautiful bar, and trendy décor one cannot help but take note of the fabulous appetizers offered as a precursor to your meal. Keeping with true her vision, Trio’s offers appetizers such as its Original Hummus, (served with roasted garlic, black lives, feta cheese and surrounded by sundried tomatoes to be enjoyed with either white or wheat pita bread), Quail Kabobs, Steak Bites (served with house made horseradish), Artichoke Dip, scratch-made phyllo dough wrapped shrimp– lightly fried and served with a mai ploy sauce, as well as the fabulous Flat Bread Mediterranean. Should you become perplexed at all the phenomenal choices and not be able to decide on just ONE of Trio’s appetizers, the ever popular “Mediterranean Trio” may be just what your girls are in the mood for. Consisting of three amazingly tantalizing dips: Trio’s Hummus, Tzatziki (which is a Greek cucumber yogurt dip), and also the roasted red pepper and feta, all served with enough pita bread to be shared with friends over a glass of wine or spirits.

Trio’s also offers diners with an assortment of Louisiana favorites such as plentiful po-boys bursting with shrimp, oysters, thinly sliced roast beef or grilled chicken breasts, each served on the freshest Gambino bread, and adorned with your choice of amenities.

From scratch-made specialty items such as their Mediterranean Quesadilla, Trio’s famous Seafood Gumbo (served in a bread bowl for the ultimate enjoyment), Crabmeat Moussaka, Crawfish Etouffee, Fish Tacos or a Trio’s favorite–their lightly breaded tilapia topped with gulf shrimp, then garnished with a lemon butter sauce, there isn’t anything on this menu that wouldn’t serve to entice even the finickiest of appetites.

As for those culinary connoisseurs looking to satisfy your palatable cravings without so much caloric concern, Trio’s has a menu sure to please those who prefer the “greener” options. Starting from the freshest romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce or spinach leaves that have been hand selected for the freshest taste, and paired with such succulent amenities as roma tomatoes, mushrooms, kalamata olives, purple onions, brightly sliced bell pepper rings and topped shredded cheddar, parmesan or feta cheese, scratch made bacon bits and croutons. To accompany your salad selection, Trio’s offers grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna or the ever popular Gyro Lamb. For a perfect pairing to your garden fresh delight, Trio’s proudly boasts a variety of dressings that include their house-made Mediterranean, buttermilk ranch, honey mustard, blue cheese, 100 Island, French, Caesar, balsamic

vinaigrette, olive vinaigrette, or a sweet/sour vinaigrette that is absolutely mouthwatering.

Now should you feel the need for a little more variety, Trio’s also offers a simply delightful Summer Salad that carefully combines blueberries, cranberries, feta cheese and almonds, all combined together with hand selected spinach and romaine lettuce, dressed with their fabulous white

About Jennifer Johnson Jennifer, who has been nominated for the Thomas H. Scott Award for Excellence, says everything in the restaurant business is a passion—good food, good service and being a part of the family. Her personal choices on the Trios menu are many: “There’s the Gyro Salad, Fettuccini Alfredo and the steaks—oh the steaks!”

When she dines out, she and her family have a few favorites. Jennifer prefers the brunch at Restaurant Cotton whereas her sons—Michael, Leeyton and Ely—all prefer IHOP. For grown-up dining, Jennifer’s choice is Restaurant Sage or Genusas’.

But to broaden the scope to the whole of Louisiana, she says the best place to eat is Cochon on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. She considers Raising Canes junk food, but it’s her favorite kind.

Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading and spending quality time with her family.

She says the North Louisiana region is great because the outdoors are nice, and she is near so many friends. “It’s really everything is just so nice here.”

94 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Trios

balsamic vinaigrette–a delight even to the most delicate taste buds.

Still not found what your taste buds are craving? Have no fear! Trio’s also offers house-made 12” and 14” specialty pizzas that are crammed packed with options such as feta cheese, cheddar cheese, provolone, sausage, hamburger, pepperoni, spinach, black olives, mushrooms, jalapenos, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic! Now if that still not exactly what will calm your hunger pangs, Trio’s also offers diners with a variety of pastas such as fettuccine Alfredo (topped with either chicken or shrimp), traditional spaghetti & meatballs, or Trio’s Pasta – which consists of sautéed tomatoes, onions, black olives, mushrooms and bell peppers all perfectly seasoned with Trio’s house seasoning, laid atop a mountain of angel hair pasta, topped with your choice of shrimp or chicken, and garnished with parmesan cheese.

As your meal dining experience at Trio’s comes to a close, and you should have saved space, Trio’s offers delightful desserts such as the “Brownie Melt-A-Way” which is topped with Ganache chocolate, the Creole Cream Cheesecake (Chef John Folse’s original creole cream cheesecake), as well as everyone’s favorite bread pudding, drizzled in a decadent rum sauce that will leave even the hungriest of patron with the sweetest of dreams.

A mere step through the front doors at Trio’s will have you and your friends returning again and again for the food, spirits and the good times to be shared by all. So stop by and visit with Jennifer and the Trio’s gang, but be sure to take your appetite with you.

| Dig In

Jennifer’s Garides Saganaki Shrimp baked in tomato sauce with feta cheese Yield: 4 servings Ingredients: 1/4 c olive oil 1/2 c finely chopped onion 1/2 - 1 tsp Aleppo pepper or 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 lbs shrimp (medium sized, peeled, deveined with tails) 1/2 c finely diced tomato, drained in colander for 5 minutes Salt 2/3 c hard feta cheese (you may leave feta out overnight uncovered in fridge to harden) 1/4 c chopped fresh parsley Directions: In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onion over medium hear for 5 minutes. Add garlic and pepper. Add shrimp until they become firm.

Add tomato and salt to taste and cook until sauce begins to thicken.

Add feta cheese. To make a heartier dish, I sometimes add orzo. Top with parsley after plating.

Easy and delicious with a glass of white wine, salad and crusty bread!

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 95

| Merryvale

Wine Not

Dig In

11 N 4th Street Monroe, LA

(318) 322-7955

celebrate

at

valentine’s day

Warehouse No.1 Restaurant Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, beat the crowd and come enjoy great food and wine with wine expert Guy Campbell of Southern Beverage Co.

Monday, February 17th 7:00-9:00p.m.

7:00-9:00

Live music, wine sampling, and a 5 course meal including items such as: house-smoked oysters & peppercorn filet mignon.

Reservations only!

(318)322-1340

Exclusive Wine DInner 96 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Full House at Merryvale Wine Dinner story by “The Wine Girl” Wendy Freeman CSW, FWS

Merryvale Vineyard representative Barbara Messer, along with Dr. and Mrs. Fontenot at Vieux Carré, hosted a 4-course wine dinner earlier this month that drew wine lovers from near and far.

Merryvale Vineyards has won numerous awards, with world-wide recognition given to many of their varietals, including their Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and of course the famous Profile Blend.

Guests were greeted with the 2012 Starmont Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is 96% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Semillon and offers a crisp entry that leads to a full mid-palate with bright fruit flavors supported by generous natural acidity and layers of citrus, melon and passion fruit.

Following the reception, guests were seated and served a flash-fried oyster salad. Fresh Gulf oysters over mixed greens with red onion, grape tomatoes and apple wood smoked bacon with a lemon caper vinaigrette dressing were paired with the 2012 Merryvale Carneros Chardonnay.

The Chardonnay displayed a bright, focused entry, round fleshy mid-palate, great fruit concentration with tropical and hazelnut notes, lively acidity, and a refreshing lengthy finish. The lemon caper vinaigrette on the oyster salad was the perfect complement to this wine!

The guests then moved on to the 2012 Starmont Carneros Pinot Noir, paired with a chicken and wild mushroom soup. Tender boneless chicken was simmered in a rich duck stock with imported short grain rice and fresh wild mushrooms. The palate on the Pinot Noir was round, earthy and juicy with a great acidity and fine supporting tannins. This was the first introduction of the Starmont Pinot Noir into our area and it went beautifully with the soup.

The main course of certified Angus prime rib was served with pomme frites, rosemary and caramelized onion au jus and a horseradish cream – complete with the favorite wine of the night – the 2010 Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine is deep purple in color with generous aromas of currants, blackberry, licorice, chocolate, black olive, espresso and vanilla. The wine is round and full on the palate with forward fruit and great structure, a fabulous companion with the prime rib.

The dinner ended with Vieux Carre’s homemade King Cake and a wonderful variety of their specialty cheeses paired with Merryvale’s Antigua Muscat.

A special thank you to Barbara, Dr. and Mrs. Fontenot, and Chef Chris Robinson for hosting this wonderful wine dinner. What a night to remember!

!

Cheers

Book Club

| Dig In

Potpourri Book Club Olive Oil Tasting

Members of Potpourri Book Club gathered at local eatery Vieux Carre recently to explore the mysteries of olive oil. Setting the tone for the afternoon, talented Judy Worthen gave an intriguing review of Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil by Tom Mueller.

Worthen pointed out the rather obscure knowledge most Americans have about the olive oil industry, olive oil production, and olive oil politics.

She described how the author uses investigative reporting techniques to tell the story of olive oil, carefully striking a balance between the artisanal producers who worship their oil and the businessmen who seek the greatest possible profit from the sales. In addition, Worthen shared research included in Mueller’s book concerning olive oil’s uses beyond the table---for medicine, beauty, and religious rituals.

Immediately following Worthen’s review, the group was treated to an olive oil and cheese tasting hosted by Vieux Carre. The ladies were impressed with the subtle differences in the oils, and learned more about the proper pairings of olive oils with artisanal cheeses.

Hostesses for the meeting were Adele Ransom, Pat Bagwell, and Rosemary Luffey. Enjoying the early afternoon gathering were Martha Anderson, Bennie Abell, Diane Cage, Jerry Oakley, Mike Husted, M’Elise Barraza, Pat Blanchard, LaVerne Bodron, Barbara Cattar, Jane Conrad, Allison Cattar, Lillian Gentry, Martha Hayden, Jane Hayden, Shearon Henry, Carole Kilpatrick, Phoebe Mathys, Allison Mead, Jean Mintz, Sue Nawas, Lisa Nelson, Doll Petrus, Alpha Spence, Nancy Stabb, and Suzanne Wolff.

Adventures at Azalea Caring for the Caregiver

The 3rd Thursday of every month 3:00pm

Door Prizes!! • Refreshments!!

For more information contact Jennifer Bass, Executive Director, Azalea Estates at 318-343-1626

(318) 343-1626

4 3 8 0 O l d S t e r l i n g t o n R o a d • M o n r o e, L ou i s i a n a 7 1 2 0 3

Jennifer Bass, Executive Director • www.azaleaestates.com MN-1000468383

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 97

Presented by

Tara’s Taste of The Town

RiverMarket will re-open on April 5 Vendors Call 318-807-1735

We are planning the year for the RiverMarket and we need the following: • We need lawn and garden vendors for Lawn & Garden month • We need produce vendors • We need local authors for our Book Festival • Call for musicians that play blues, jazz, Louisiana style music, zydeco, and reggae • Looking for all kinds of dancers including Latin • Looking for youth dance groups • Looking for vintage merchandise vendors • Looking for ethnic food vendors • Need artists

www.DowntownRiverMarket.com 98 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

story by Tara Ambrose photos by Gary Guinigundo

O

pened by Ann Genusa Williamson & Kim Verhagen, The Coffee Bean is conveniently located in the heart of North Monroe at 2501 Broadmoor Boulevard. It is one of this areas only local eateries to offer house made salads, desserts and quiche, as well as for its gourmet coffee selection and phenomenal catering abilities.

Hankering for a filling breakfast or hot plate lunch and don’t want to wait in line? Your journey to The Coffee Bean begins with a walk through the doors to be seated in their comfy-quaint dining room! With convenient hours, they meet the needs of almost anyone who is in search of a breakfast pick-me-up with a quick trip by the drive-thru. For those who would prefer to have a sit-down lunch with the guys or girls, the Coffee Bean’s doors are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., bidding all in this area “welcome” to those who just can’t help but stop in for a bite of scratch made menu items and daily lunch specials!

The Coffee Bean not only offers fabulous wraps, and

homemade soups, but it also offers specialty sandwiches designed to satisfy even the hungriest diners with their thinly sliced savory turkey (divinely adorned with your choice of amenities), traditional hot or cold turkey & Swiss, ham & cheddar, BLT’s and even Peanut Butter topped with jelly for those pint sized patrons in your midst.

Now if you’re seeking a little less tradition and a little more “signature” flare, one can’t go wrong with The Coffee Bean’s scratch made chicken salad (a local favorite of Duck Dynasty’s owner Willie Robertson), fashioned with chicken breasts, pecans, grapes, and celery, that can be indulged by diners as a sandwich or as a salad plate served with crackers, and perfectly paired with a cup of The Coffee Bean’s soup of the day.

Should you have a heavier appetite, The Coffee Bean gladly accommodates diners with daily lunch specials each day of the week. On any day, diners should be prepared to be wowed by such menu items as, Lorraine & Southwestern Quiches, Artichoke & Tomato Quiche, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken & Black Bean Enchiladas, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Tetrazzini, Hamburger Steaks paired with rice & gravy, Crawfish Pasta

Alfredo, Red Beans & Sausage over rice, Creamy Portabella Mushroom Soup, Creamy Spinach Soup, as well as their fabulous Corn & Crab Bisque loaded with chunks of crab bits–these are just a smidgin’ of the items served, that has this foodie returning again and again.

Now, if you should have room and can’t stand departing without filling your “sweet tooth,” The Coffee Bean can most certainly accommodate.

With such timeless classics as brownies, lemon bars, chocolate pie, carrot cake, and even pecan pie–your visit to The Coffee Bean will leave you fully satisfied and knowing why this restaurant has been nominated again and again as “Best of The Delta!”

For a palatable sampling of historical eateries one need not travel outside the lovely confines of our own surrounding area, so start your journey down “Flavor Avenue” with this locale and many more. Just remember to roll up your sleeves and don’t be afraid to dig in to savor the flavor.

For photos of this eatery and more, “like” us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/TarasTasteOfTheTown.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 99

Specializing in weddings plus a wide range of flowers and gifts Rebecca Mitcham

Call and preorder your Valentine flowers, bears, balloons, or candy vases!

It is a New Year and I am excited about the changes taking place for Rebecca’s Floral Designs.

We are relocating in February to 5470 Cypress Street Suite B West Monroe, LA 71291 which is conveniently located off Wells Road.

We are letting the good times roll r at Tiger Market!

Deli open from 5am-2pm Mon-Sat Daily Lunch specials

Watch for store opening!

$6.99

Brides! The bridal fair is February 16th! Stop by my booth and sign up for your free wedding consultation!

with a free tea

Wine tastings every Friday 5-7pm

Follow us on F acebook: Rebecca ’ s Floral Designs

318-376-2380 • rebeccasfloraldesigns.com

Any Man Can Suffer From Low Testosterone.

1800 Forsythe Avenue Monroe, LA 71201

Come in for a great selection of wine for your Valentine!

Special wine tasting on Valentine’s Day from 4-6 pm

10% off any bottles

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-Night sweats -Irritability -Thinning hair -Weight gain -Fatigue

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Dr. Victor Zuckerman Trained by the American Academy of Anti-Aging $25 discount with this ad One time only.

1801 N. 7th St., West Monroe, LA • 318-361-9066 • www.professionallaser.com

Check out our newest location! 99 Lincoln Road Monroe, LA 100 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

MN-1000473185

Services may not be covered by insurance.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 6:00 - 9:00 PM LANDRY VINEYARDS MUSIC BY: MASON GRANADE BAND FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION CALL 557-0931 TICKET PRICE:$35 AT

Q

MN-1000473305

uota International of Monroe would like to invite the local community to come and experience a unique charitable event unlike any other in the area while at the same time helping Quota achieve its primary goal of serving the hearing impaired, educating children about the importance of their hearing, as well as providing support to several key non-profit organizations in the area.

This is the second year for our fundraiser, “Chocolate and Wine Under The Stars”, and it will be held at Landry Vineyards on February 28, 2014

from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Mason Granade Band will perform and there will be several local vendors providing chocolate delicacies throughout the evening. The meal is being catered by Chef Eric Johnson and each guest will receive a complimentary glass of wine.

We are the only civic organization in the area whose primary purpose is to help those with hearing disabilities. Our projects include our Signing Santa project, hearing equipment for public schools and ULM Departments, a special hearing exhibit provided to the

Quota International of Monroe, Inc. has been actively providing community support for nearly 70 years.

Quota also holds read- We are a group of ins and numerous diverse women who education activities provide community with Clara Hall wide networking and Elementary Students opportunities for (our Adopt-A-School personal growth and partner while providing service. Once again support to many we would love to see other local community the community come service entities such and enjoy an evening as the Food Bank of under the stars that Northeast Louisiana, will allow us to provide Ronald McDonald many needed projects House, Family Promise within the local area.

For more information, (a local organization please contact that works with Shannon S. Rider at displaced/homeless families) and Wellspring 557-0931.

(Helping Veterans Without Families Committee).

Children’s Museum, and public hearing loss prevention education to schools.

CHOCOLATE TASTING I WINE I GREAT FOOD I LIVE MUSIC I SILENT AUCTION I DOOR PRIZES February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 101

Dig In

| PEO

Christmas Delights

P.E.O. AE Auction Supports Projects T

here are many ways to approach the holiday hustle and bustle . . . and the formidable challenges of preparing special meals, hosting overnight visitors, and negotiating crowded stores. P.E.O. Chapter AE members found a way to address all of these recently by hosting a “Make, Take, and Bake” brunch. These ladies have energy, creative spirits and good hearts—because while they were helping solve these immediate holiday “issues” they were also raising funds to support important education projects for women.

AE’s Ways and Means committee members Lauretta Tucker, Sharen Haddad, Tieise Ardito, Barbara Lee, and Margaret Brock planned the event for months, and their hard work was evident. There were tables and tables of tempting items for sale, and some designated for silent bidding while others were for outright sale. To help with holiday meals, food and beverage offerings included chicken and dressing, gumbo, sausage cheese grits, vegetable casseroles,

venison chili, vintage wines, cheese straws, cookies, cakes, and every kind of candy. Gifts for every age group were evident, including toys, wreaths, ornaments, swags of fresh greenery, and candles. There was truly something for everyone!

One particular guest, Opal Pelanowski, enjoyed a special birthday tribute during the gathering. Pelanowski, daughter of AE Lois Hoover, joined Hoover and Pelanowski’s other daughter, Laura Sledge, for the brunch as part of her daylong birthday celebration with her daughters.

Members of AE presented Pelanowski with a gorgeous poinsettia basket and sang “Happy Birthday” to the very young 101-year-old.

Loura Barr, Ann Hargon, Dot Haddad, and Jane Pearce were hostesses for the occasion. They offered a delicious brunch including asparagus and mushroom frittata squares, a muffin assortment, fresh fruits, and mixed sweets. Fresh juice and coffee completed the menu.

Opal Pelanowski on her 101st birthday P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), one of the pioneer societies for women, was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to almost a quarter of a million members in chapters in the United States and Canada. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission: promoting educational opportunities for women. Our sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women’s lives with six philanthropies that include ownership of a two-year women’s college, Cottey College; and five programs that provide higher educational assistance: P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, P.E.O. Scholar Awards, and P.E.O. STAR Scholarship.

102 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

PEO

| Dig In

Lucky Pancakes & Other Louisiana Holiday Traditions AE’s Learn About Louisiana Culture The educational building of the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens was the setting for a recent meeting of P.E.O. Chapter AE members.

Hostesses Sharen Haddad, Michele Brown, and Tieise Ardito created a lovely brunch board to tempt the ladies featuring a choice among blueberry, pumpkin spice and poppy seed muffins; iced donut “flowers”; a luscious mixed-fruit tray with creamy dipping sauce; fresh orange juice; and coffee. Interspersed among the food trays and baskets were unusual gourds, pumpkins and fall leaves all heralding the glorious fall season.

The program for the month was presented by member and cultural historian Georgiann Potts. She led the members through a calendar year discussing traditional and non-traditional holidays celebrated in Louisiana, showcasing those celebrations that are unique to our culture.

Anticipated highlights of the talk—Mardi Gras, unusual weddings, and blessings of various fleets—were joined by a lively discussion about St. Joseph’s Day altars and lucky pancakes on Groundhog’s Day. The presentation was accompanied by slides shot by Potts that illustrated the various holiday experiences.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 103

Inside & Out

| Home Safety

Home Safe Home

by Paulen Luttgeharm

It’s the place where you go to relax and retreat: your home. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of injuries requiring medical attention occurred while the patients were at home.

Keep an eye out for these four common injury culprits.

Falls—Seniors over 65 top the list of ER visits for injuries caused by falls, but they’re not alone: Falls also are the top injury cause for middle age adults and preschoolers.

Here’s what to do: Keep stairs and the floors in high traffic areas clear; adequately light your home, and rely on nightlights or flashlights if you get up after hours; use baby gates to keep toddlers in safer areas; make sure all rugs have a non-skid backing; wipe up spills immediately; clear walkways, stairs and sidewalks.

Strikes—A box tumbles down from a shelf and bumps you on the head, or you slip in the bathroom and slam a wrist against the tile. Injuries like these are common accidents that could send you to the ER. Here’s what to do: Reduce the number of items on upper levels of cabinets, closets and bookshelves; secure ladders before climbing on them; add a protective surface under swings and children’s play areas; close cabinet doors and drawers immediately after use; install sturdy handrails in seniors’

bathrooms; cushion sharp table edges at least until your baby is standing and walking steadily.

Overexertion - Rearranging your furniture may cause you to strain your back. Shoveling snow too long also might bring on a shoulder injury—or even a heart attack. Listen to your body when it’s telling you to take a break.

Here’s what to do: Get the help you need and don’t attempt to do strenuous jobs by yourself; when lifting, keep your knees bent and lift from your legs, not your back; take frequent breaks and assess how you’re feeling; avoid twisting your torso when reaching for something; use ergonomically designed tools to lessen the chance of injury; remember to stretch before if you decide to take on a vigorous activity.

Cuts - Whether you miss the mark while slicing a bagel or get a puncture wound by stepping on something sharp, cutting and piercing injuries also commonly occur at home.

Here’s what to do: Keep knives sharp: You use more pressure when cutting with a dull blade, which can lead to slips; clean-up workspaces before you leave the project area—especially those where nails, tacks and metal shards may have fallen; reduce distractions and pay attention when using sharp implements; wear shoes outside; wear gloves when working with tools; always keep your tetanus

104 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

vaccination current; create and keep a well-stocked first-aid kit for your home. In many parts of the country, winter weather means slippery conditions.

For more home safety tips, contact your State Farm agent today.

This New Year’s, uncork some extra money.

Paulen Luttgeharm Insurance Agency Inc.

Out with the old, over-priced auto policy – in with State Farm.®

Paulen Luttgeharm, Agent 2116 Forsythe Ave., Ste. A Monroe, LA 71201 Bus: 318-388-2450 Fax: 318-388-2449

Start 2014 off right, with some new found car insurance savings from State Farm®. What could make the new year happier than that?

GET TO A BETTER STATE.® CALL AN AGENT OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

Appliances • Building Supplies • Flooring • Cabinetry • Indoors • Outdoors • Tools

1422 Natchitoches St. • West Monroe, LA 71292 • (318) 325-3400 • www.hioutlet.com February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 105

&

Cantina

Delicious Tex-Mex food with great service and panoramic views of the Quachita River

Lightning Lunch 10 of Your Favorites for $10 including drink.

Served fresh and hot in 15 minutes!!!

Mon-Fri 11-3

2013 Open 11am til close • 7 days per week Kitchen closes at 10pm Bar closes at 12am Sunday-Wednesday • 2am Thursday-Saturday

201 Walnut Street, Monroe • 329-0003

106 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Remodel

Before & After

| Inside & Out

words and photos by Sarah Davis

T h e Q ual ity of Wor k and Design

W

ho knew that our resident fashionista Sarah Davis also has a knack for bringing old homes back to life? Hargrave Homes, which she co-owns with her fiancé, Erik, specializes in home remodeling and renovations in Dallas.

“Erik finds the properties, handles the negotiations, and constantly balances the budget. I am the designer because, after all, who would trust a shopaholic with the checkbook? He gives me a budget, and I go shopping. He’s the perfect man,” Sarah said.

They seem to be a match made in heaven. After several projects and records set for open house attendance and price per square foot in their area, Hargrave Homes has several projects in line for 2014 and is constantly adding to their portfolio.

Their latest renovation in the Lakewood area of Dallas took a 1970’s rambler, just

Before over 3000 square feet, and made it into a stylish and modern home perfectly suited for for entertaining and today’s lifestyle.

“The way people live is completely different from when these homes were originally built,” Sarah said. “Not only do we love to entertain and have an open concept, but we need space delegated for children and a specific area for a true home office.”

Improvements were extensive, including structural upgrades, wall removal, interior and exterior paint, a

new kitchen and completely remodeled bathrooFrom the before photos, you can see that the home was once very cluttered and choppy, but with a cool grey color scheme, glittering fixtures and to-die-for marble, it transformed into a buyer’s dream house and sold after only 36 hours on the market.

Erik supports this quick turnaround.

“It’s a testament to the quality of our work and to our design,” he said. “We scour real estate listings daily, and we know we have a product that no one else is offering.

You just don’t see homes like ours too often. Whether the project is $10,000 or $110,000 we can completely transform a house and create a perfect home.”

So, what’s Sarah’s favorite space in the house? “The closet. Duh! Do you know how many pairs of shoes will fit in there?”

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 107

Inside & Out

| Remodel

The Kitchen

As the old saying goes, “Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses,” and that is a mantra that is consistently displayed in the design and layout of each and every property. The very first thing to go was the wall that separated the kitchen and the living area, which created an open flow. The cabinets were meticulously crafted to maximize storage and functionality, but style was still maintained.

The crowned jewels of the kitchen are the countertops which are made from Statuary and Astoria Gray Marble. “I love to go to the stone yard and hand select all the countertops that go in our homes. The first thing you see when you walk in is the huge island 108 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Remodel

| Inside & Out

Before

with the most unique and beautiful marble, so it’s always a conversation starter. It’s fascinating that such beautiful stone exists naturally in the earth” Sarah said. Pairing the stone with commercial grade appliances and chrome light fixtures makes the space feel glamorous and comfortable at the same time.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 109

Inside & Out

| Remodel

The Living Area Before

“The fireplace was a big decision in the design process because it is the focal point of the open living area” Erik said. Not only was the original brick fireplace an eyesore, but it wasn’t centered in the room, which left it disjointed and quirky. By tearing it completely down and starting over, the impact of it’s size was minimized and the room appears larger. Sarah chose a reclaimed 14-light vintage chandelier and had it painted white “to remind the new owners of the beauty we see in these older homes.”

110 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Remodel

| Inside & Out

The Finishing Touches

Sarah made the master bathroom into a virtual spa with a large soaking tub and a large walk-in shower. The faucets and shower head are elegant and modern with flat, rectangular planes of chrome. A vertical path of shiny gold tilework accents the shower wall.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 111

Inside & Out

| Vacation

It’s Time for the Vacation

You’ve Been DreamingAbout

by Diane Newcomer

L

ately, I’ve been looking for spring.

I don’t think it is just my imagination, but, every day, when I head home from my office at Monroe Travel Service, there seems to be a little more light left in each day. Have you noticed it, too? Soon, maybe we will not be waking up in the dark.

Soon, those little green sprigs I see in my brown barren flower bed will be beautiful and blooming. Soon, another spring will be here, and ,as I head out for my morning walk, bundled from head to toe for warmth, I feel guilty yearning for spring in the dead of winter.

It’s crazy. 2014 has just rolled in and here I am wishing for more light, more sun, more fun. You know, those great days when our lives are out of control busy, because, in addition to our work schedules, we have all sorts of outdoor activities to steal a little bit of our time.

Wait! Maybe I shouldn’t be hoping for spring so quickly after all. The nice thing about winter is it forces us to take a break, rest a little more, and recover from the holiday hysteria. It enables our bodies to recover from the rigors of the past year. Maybe, instead of “switching-off” and hibernating, we should slow down and figure out the best way to start over in the new seasons to come.

Of course, as a travel agent, I think your new year plan needs to include some fun. Hopefully, many of you are already dreaming and talking about the great vacation you want MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE to help you with this year, but, unfortunately, I know some of you are going to abandon those dreams just as quickly as they appear. You are going to put them off for “another season” when it is “a better time for you to get away.”

May I tell you a little secret? There is never a perfect time to travel.

You can always have some reason to stay at home. It is pure fantasy to believe that one day the stars will align perfectly and you can step out into that perfect day you long for tomorrow.

The simple truth is…

• • • •

Tomorrow, there still will not be enough money.

Tomorrow, there will be a birthday party, a ballgame, a meeting to attend.

Tomorrow, there will still be bills to pay.

Tomorrow, you still won’t know if you are making the right decision

112 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

• • •

and continue second guessing yourself.

Tomorrow, the kids, your parents, or someone will need you.

Tomorrow, you will worry about all the things that could go wrong Tomorrow, you will find a reason why you cannot go.

At MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE, we hear excuses all the time and understand the “we will try again.” We, too, sincerely hope that “tomorrow”—the vague day in your future will come—but, sometimes, it just doesn’t. Waiting just increases your odds for an unexpected illness, a sick parent, a job change, a kid that needs help…..and, suddenly, your tomorrow will never come.

Stop waiting. Today is not the perfect time to travel, but it is the right time to do it. This is a new year, and it is full of possibilities. Plan some fun.

Go see our amazing world.

Call MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE at 323 3465 or come by our office at 1908 Glenmar Street—we are right next door to the Muffin Tin and Luffy’s Medical Supply off North 19th. Make your dreams a reality. You deserve some fun.

Today is your time. MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE knows the way.

Let’s GO see the world together.

Call Monroe Travel for your next family vacation!

TREZISE’S ZIP LINING IN COSTA RICA ALEXANDER’S SKIING IN COLORADO

ELLIOTT AND ADELINE WITH DOLPHINS AT ATLANTIS

COUSINS HANGIN’ LOOSE IN HAWAII

Monroe Travel Service www.monroetravel.com

email: info@monroetravel.com 1908 Glenmar Ave. 318.323.3465 February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 113

Sports & Outdoors | Olympics

9

Women

Gracie Gold

to Watch

With the debut of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ski jumping in the 2014 Olympics, all eyes should be on teenager Sarah Hendrickson (19). Before turning 18, she had already won nine of the 13 FIS World Cup events for 2012. The only problem: she has been back for only a week since injuring her knee training last summer in Germany.

US national silver medalist Gracie Gold is being called the next American skating prodigy. She is the 2012 World Junior silver medalist and the 2014 U.S. national champion.

Hannah Kearney Hannah Kearney (27) is an American mogul skier who won a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. She has many World Cup wins, and two of her four World Championship medals are also gold.

114 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Sarah Hendrickson

Julia Mancuso (29) has won two silver and three bronze medals at the World Championships and seven races in regular World Cup competition. She took the silver in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downhill and combined at the 2010 Olympics and gold in the giant slalom in the 2006 Olympics.

At Sochi, she will attempt to become the first U.S. alpine skier to win a medal at three straight Olympics.

Ashley Wagner (22) is the 2012 Four Continents champion, 2012 Grand Prix Final silver medalist, 2012 Skate America champion, 2012 and 2013 U.S. national champion. She has become the center of Olympic controversy due to being selected to the figure-skating team despite a fourth place finish at the U.S. championships.

Julia Mancuso

Ashley Wagner

Olympics | Sports & Outdoors

at the 22nd Winter

Sochi, Russia

The XXII Olympic Winter Games will take place this February in Sochi, Russia. The games will be the first Olympics for Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Ninety-eight events in 15 winter sports will be held in the newly built Olympic Park, comprised of 11 sports venues. The park is located by the Black Sea coast in the Imeretin Valley, near Russia’s border with Georgia.

Olympics

Lolo Jones Julie Chu Julie Chu (31), playing the position of forward, has been on three Olympic hockey teams, winning two silver medals and a bronze. As a professional player in Canada, she holds the NCAA record for most points in a career.

Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones (31) was part of the bobsled team that won gold at the world championships in the combined bobsled-skeleton competition. She is the team’s breakman for the second consecutive season.

Meryl Davis Alyson Dudek

Alyson Dudek (23) took home a bronze medal in the Vancouver Olympics as part of the 3,000-meter relay team. Since the relay team did not qualify for this year’s Olympics, Dudek is one of three U.S. women who will compete in speed skating’s short track events.

Ice dancer Meryl Davis (27), along with his partner Charlie White, is considered one of the most likely gold medalist across all sports in Sochi. The reigning world champions have won 13 straight Grand Prix events.

At the 2010 Turin games, they took home the silver medal. They are the current world record holders in the short dance, free dance and total combined score.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 115

Taking Real Estate Above the Crowd Connie Albritton

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Under new ownership of

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Thank You Jack Clampit & Family for 8 great years.

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February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 117

Tori Smith

l l i K o t Dressed

by Ariel King

If hunting were the Super Bowl, she would be the person you would want playing quarterback.

The Winnfield native is bringing that attitude to a new television show on the Sportsman Channel.

Dressed To Kill centers around a group of young women who share a passion for hunting. Smith and a huntingthemed television show is like an arrangement in the stars. In a community like Smith’s, hunters are a dime a dozen.

It’s one of the few pastimes to be had in a rural area. None of them has been so gaga for the sport.

And quite frankly, she’s a natural.

“Around here, I was the only girl,” she said. “It was always me and a bunch of guys hunting, so when I heard about this all girls show, it was kind of a right fit.”

In November 2012, Smith saw a Facebook post by Tammi Gregory, wife of Jay Gregory of The Wild Outdoors fame, asking for girls who love to hunt to submit for the pro staff. Smith sent in her information, detailing her passion for hunting, her background and things that made her stand out from most of the hunters in the area. Smith had to be persuaded to do so at first, calling brother Jed and asking his opinion.

“He told me to just go for it and stop being so closed-minded,” she said.

The gambit worked. Gregory called her, and in December she flew to Missouri to meet the rest of the staff. The meeting signified a new phase of Smith’s hobby: income. She was no longer hunting just for fun; she was now earning a paycheck.

The stars of Dressed To Kill hail mostly from the Midwest, and Smith is the only girl from Louisiana on the roster. She is aware of the many of the differences and challenges she faces as a southern hunter and how she stacks up against the other girls.

“We all come from different walks of life,” she said. “One girl can hunt every day of her life. She’s young and married with no kids. I have [son] Cutter, so five days a week it’s Cutter time. I don’t get to just jump up and hunt whenever I want, but I have my dad (Ross Smith) who doesn’t hesitate to help out. It’s a team effort when you have kids.”

And there are other factors that sometimes prevent Smith from hunting when she finds personal time.

“We battle a lot of elements here that (the other girls) don’t,” she said. “We have a lease in Arkansas, and we have two logging sets on it. And that just pushed our deer dormant at night.”

Setbacks like that one resulted in a “no kill” year for Smith. Nevertheless, she is not giving up hope. Every day she is working to “get the big one” and show that this Louisiana girl knows how to hunt.

The first time Smith hunted on camera, she was taken aback by the method, but quickly adapted to it.

“It was really awkward, and it still is,” she said. “We upload our hunts on site, so they go straight to the producers for editing.”

The right angle, lighting and range are the keys to capturing the hunt on film. If one small problem arises when the deer is in range, then all of that time and effort will have been in vain.

“If the camera does not have the shot, then the kill is worthless,” Smith said. “It’s a lot of stress, especially with people who never had any experience filming before.”

Friend Chris Jolly does the actual filming while Smith is on camera.

The experience of being allowed to hunt for a living is one thing, but representing her family is what she most wants to take from the experience.

“Growing up, I used to turn on the T.V. and see Bill Dance and Hank Parker fishing on Saturdays, but now it’s cool to see other women out there doing what I love to do,” she said. “I want to get kids involved, and I believe that if you get kids hunting and fishing, you’ll keep them from wheelin’ and dealin’ and doing things they aren’t supposed to be doing.”

Most importantly, she wants to make her dad, who she calls her best friend, proud.

“My dad and my brother are my heroes, and I want to make them proud,” she said. “I want to show them that I’ve really kept this in my heart. I love my dad more than anything, and they’ve been my two biggest supporters. I want to do it right.”

118 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Remodel

| Sports & Outdoors

Jed Smith (brother), Matthew Shelton (friend), Ross Smith (dad) and Tori Smith 

 Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson with the Smith family at their home in Winnfield, La. The cast of Dressed to Kill: Krysten McDaniel, Alex Templeton, Dusty Perillo, Tori Smith and Candice Woods 

At the age of 7 her dad wasted no time getting her in the duck blind. From that moment on, her mother officially “lost” her “little girl.”

photos provided by Tori Smith

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February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 119

Grace Episcopal School “A Great Place to Be”

The

Difference 8 Essentials

Head of School • Dr. Beth J. Ricks 1400 N. 4th St • Monroe, LA • 318.322.5837

Accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools. The only religious association recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools. Grace Episcopal School admits qualified, mission-appropriate students. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability in the administration of its admissions, hiring, and educational policies; financial aid programs; athletic and other school-administered programs. All persons are invited to apply.

120 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

The LA A+ Arts Integration Difference: Unlock the Door to Deeper Learning What do modern dance and Physical Science have in common? How do you connect photography and linear equations? Arts integration goes beyond including art projects in class; it is a teaching strategy that seamlessly merges arts standards with core curricula to build connections and provide engaging context. Why does it work?

Arts integration uses teaching practices that have been shown in brain-based research to improve comprehension and long-term retention.

As the only Northeast Louisiana affiliated school with the Louisiana A+ Schools Network, Grace Episcopal School is committed to improving education through arts integration that is tracked and verified through supported university research.

A+ schools use the arts as a catalyst for creating connections between all core content areas as well as enrichment courses. What’s inside an A+ school? Through high-quality professional development and ongoing network support, teachers grow to be collaborative, creative and efficient with their time and resources. Teachers work together to integrate their instruction of all disciplines. LA A+ recognizes Grace Episcopal and honors its unique position in Northeast Louisiana

and customizes professional development and network support for the individual character of our school. This development is based on the key 8 Essentials of the LA A+ network and represent what every parent wants their child’s school to provide: Arts, Curriculum, Experiential Learning, Multiple Learning Pathways, Infrastructure, Enriched Assessment, and Collaboration.

Grace Episcopal School has internalized these essentials, and it is transforming our approach to educating children. We recognize that both children and teachers learn and process information differently, and we spend several days at the beginning of each school year helping students identify their learning styles through a series of self-evaluations. Grounded in Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, we understand that self-knowledge is power and when students know themselves as thinkers and learners, they achieve high levels of comprehension. We revisit these assessments throughout the year and are in constant communication with students in realizing how their brains process information.

As an LA A+ school, we understand that while assessment is necessary, children should be evaluated through process as well as product.

Multiple assessments are established which give students different pathways of analyzing and presenting critical material.

Embracing an arts-based curriculum requires teachers and administration to work hand-in-hand to provide innovative, integrated lessons. Teachers spend hours planning together and reaching out across grade levels as well as disciplines. Schoolwide planning occurs on a daily basis through dedicated curriculum mapping; every teacher and faculty member is actively engaged in this process.

Grace teachers provide students opportunities to become more curious about their world as they develop the tools for seeing connections among subjects and ideas. Teachers, students, and parents are invested in life-long learning and celebration of their school. Grace Episcopal School is thrilled to be part of this dedicated state initiative and is dedicated to providing rich experiences for students and parents that create space for children to be passionate about their minds and scholarship as well as aesthetics.

TESTIMONIALS “When we used the pastels to sketch our owls that we researched while reading Owls in the Family (novel), we were able to use our imagination and really look at all colors on an owl instead of just using one or two colors!”

Michael Plummer 4th grade

NOW ENROLLING for 2014-2015

“I had fun designing an owl just the way I wanted by using natural items found outside.

Many used spices, candy, feathers, and beans.”

Jason Roy 4th grade

“Grace is a great place to learn because you get to visualize what you are learning.”

William Read 5th grade

“Grace is a great school. There are a lot of fun things to do that tie into learning. In history, we performed a play on the Age of Exploration. In reading, we made a life size puppet out of newspaper that represented one of the characters from our novel..”

Wilson Yates 5th grade

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 121

Holidays in CedarTown once again offered the community the perfect venue for holiday shopping along with an opportunity to enjoy the culinary delights of Chef Cory Bahr. The market opened with a private shopping event and an exclusive brunch. The grand finale was a cooking demonstration featuring Chef Cory and Chef Nick Oskoian, chef de cuisine of the recently opened Nonna, which features rustic Italian cuisine. Together they created an amazing potato gnocchi with beef short ribs and gremolata sauce. The pair engaged the audience as they narrated the step by step process of this unique recipe. Several guests had the privilege of joining the very gracious chefs on stage to sample this savory Italian dish.

New to the market this year, was Holidays After Hours on Thursday evening from five to eight. Guests enjoyed a relaxing shopping experience that included live music, door prizes and complimentary appetizers from area restaurants.

Shoppers sampled everything from sushi to dessert with some gumbo, fried shrimp, BBQ and quesadillas in between. Special thanks to Raw, Moore Cake Please, Beau Vines, BBQ West and Chili’s.

In its 24th year, the holiday market continued through Saturday offering fabulous shopping along with record breaking crowds. As in previous years, area educators were treated to complimentary admission on Saturday morning, just our way of saying thank you. Holidays in CedarTown continues to provide area communities the premier venue for one stop holiday shopping in one convenient location. Special congratulations goes to Lincoln Outdoor Living for winning the “Best of Market” booth competition for the third year in a row and to Carol Lyn Rhymes the winner of the iPad raffle.

Stacy Shows Ferrell, event chairperson states, “ We are extremely blessed to have the ongoing support of our sponsors and Chef Cory Bahr. Their participation and generosity along with our merchants and volunteers contributed to the overwhelming success of Holidays in CedarTown. “ She added, “ Next year is our 25th anniversary, and I am looking forward to celebrating this great holiday tradition with our sponsors, communities and friends.”

Be sure to save the date for Holidays In CedarTown 2014, celebrating 25 years of holiday shopping!

November 13, 14 & 15th For merchant and event information, contact Cedar Creek School at 318.255.7707 Cedar Creek School practices an open nondiscriminatory admission policy.

122 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Education 101

MESSY LEARNING: THE STEAM BEHIND EDUCATION REFORM

by Dr. Beth Ricks

S.T.E.M. is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and STEM Schools focus on these subjects to help students gain the skills required to succeed in today’s challenging world. This includes the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and drive advancements in science and technology.

There are many organizations that are dedicated to this topic and they define this with their own objectives, but the ultimate goal of STEM education is to encourage students to take an interest in STEM subjects at an early age. This should be beneficial to them when they enter the job market, and, in turn, it should benefit the greater economy. Add the arts and make it STEAM. There is growing support for placing art and design at the center of learning by experts who are committed to the belief that these creative disciplines, in concert with fields like science and technology, will bring about the global innovation needed in the 21st century.

You will mainly find STEM/STEAM high schools, but there are some middle schools with a STEM/STEAM emphasis, too. Some STEM/STEAM schools are open to all students, meaning there

are no tests required; others are selective and consider a student’s academic record in admission decisions.

There are three primary types of STEM/ STEAM programs:  A STEM/STEAM specialty school: The entire school’s focus is on STEM/STEAM and every student participates in a curriculum of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  A STEM/STEAM program within a larger school: Some schools create STEM/STEAM academies within their schools that allow interested students to study STEM/STEAM in more depth.  Residential STEM/STEAM programs: For these intensive programs, students live on campus and attend a STEM/STEAM school.

Putting STEM/STEAM at the center of education requires curriculum redesign that will enable students to be big-picture thinkers, collaborators, and problem solvers. Through the integration of this new emphasis on learning, they will shift to a real-world, project-based approach,

and this innovative planning to designing and implementing effective projects for students can get messy. It requires both teachers and kids to think creatively, solve unanticipated problems, integrate technology and communicate well.

STEM/STEAM education promotes teamwork and collaboration--essential to success in today’s ever-changing job market. An engaging, rigorous STEM /STEAM curriculum emphasizes questions, not rote learning, lectures, or regurgitating known information, and while a STEM/STEAM program will certainly teach facts and information, it also ensures that students are constantly challenged by interesting, meaningful questions -- with potential answers that matter to the world.

Even if your child is not attending a school with a STEM/STEAM program, there are several ways to support and encourage scientific/artsbased inquiry at home through educational Apps and toys (search using key words STEM and/or STEAM).

For Apps: Pinterest, www.teachthought. com., and www.ala.org., For toys: www. modernparentsmessykids.com., www.babble.com, and www.fatbraintoys.com.

What I’m Reading Now: The Scar Boys by Lan Vlahos. (teen readers) Set in the 1980’s, this big-hearted coming-of-age novel will resonate with teens and adults alike... regardless of what decade you were tackling the issues of friendships, disillusioned first romances, and the power of discovering music.

Paul Meets Bernadette by Rosy Lamb. (ages 4-8). Don’t be fooled by this seemingly simple picture book. Paul is a fish who swims around and around in circles and then he meets Bernadette who shows him an extraordinary world beyond the fish bowl. This wonderful ode to the power of the imagination will appeal to both adults and kids and will be on the most-requested list for years to come.

Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective by Octavia Spencer (ages 9-12). A rollicking good mystery.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is fast-paced. The interactive tasks for the reader provide an extra layer of depth in this promising series from an Oscar winning actress.

Dr. Beth Ricks is the current Head of School at Grace Episcopal School. She holds a BA in English Education (ULM), MA in English Literature (ULM), Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Reading and Children’s Literature (Arizona State University). She currently serves on the state Board for the Louisiana Reading Association and is a National Reviewer of English Education Programs for The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). She has 10 years of experience as a classroom English teacher (grades 7-12), 10 years as a Reading Specialist and Diagnostician (grades K-12), 10 years in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and has taught courses in literacy, reading, literature for children and young adults, and teacher preparation.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 123

Education

| Holiday Facts

President’s Day Facts The celebration of President’s Day began in 1885 as a tribute to President George Washington and traditionally, the holiday was celebrated on February 22nd, George Washington’s Birthday. That all changed in 1971 with the signing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The Uniform Holiday Act was an act of Congress that moved Washington’s birthday, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day from fixed dates to designated Monday’s as an effort to give our nation’s workers more three-day weekends. It was during this act that the celebration of Washington’s birthday became a celebration of all past and present presidents, thus becoming President’s Day. Now that we all have something to thank Congress for, here are some interesting things you many not have known about some of our Presidents: 1. With the reelection of President Obama, we’ve now had three two-term presidents in a row.

This event is so rare, you’ll have to go back 200 years to find the last consecutive winning streak (Jefferson, Madison, Monroe). In fact, Americans born after 1980 have seen only one president seek reelection and lose: George H.W. Bush. (Note, I was born in the 90’s, and have not “seen” a president lose re-election.

This may be confusing to some.)

2. Richard Nixon was first to visit all 50 states.

3. Abraham Lincoln is the only U.S. president who was also a licensed bartender. He was co-owner of Berry and Lincoln, a saloon in Springfield, Illinois.

4. The only president to be unanimously elected was George Washington. He also refused to accept his personal salary, which was $25,000 a year.

5. “Teddy Bears” were so named when Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a small bear cub one day. The incident was reported in the news, which inspired a toy manufacture to come out with the cute stuffed animals.

124 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

6. Ronald Wilson Reagan won the Most Nearly Perfect Male Figure Award from the University of California in 1940.

7. James Garfield was ambidextrous and could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other hand simultaneously.

8. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to ever be photographed at his inauguration. In the photo, he is standing near John Wilkes Booth, his future assassin.

9. Much has been written about the Lincoln – Kennedy assassination coincidences, including: • Both had seven letters in their last names.

• Both were shot in the head on a Friday, seated beside their wives.

• Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theater, Kennedy was shot in a Lincoln Limo, which was made

by Ford.

• Lincoln was in Box 7 at Ford’s Theater, and Kennedy was in Car 7 of the Dallas motorcade.

• Both assassins had three names with 15 letters (John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald).

• Both were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in ’46 (1846/1946), both were runners-up for their parties nomination for vice president in ’56, and were elected president in ’60.

10. During his second run for presidency, Teddy Roosevelt was shot by a would-be assassin while giving his speech in Milwaukee. He continued to deliver his speech with the bullet in his chest.

11. Calvin Coolidge liked to have his head rubbed with petroleum jelly while eating his breakfast in bed.

12. The capital of Liberia is called Monrovia after President James Monroe.

13. Sixth President John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator that lived in a bathtub at the White House.

14. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (America’s second and third presidents) both died on the same day, July 4th, 1826, exactly fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Adam’s last words are said to be “Jefferson survives” when in fact Jefferson had died hours earlier.

15. Grover Cleveland was almost literally a cradle robber. He married the daughter of his law partner, at whose birth he was present. When his partner died, Cleveland became the girl’s legal guardian. Several years later, they got married at the White House, and had a child, Ruth (the namesake of the candy bar Baby Ruth).

Second Annual Wig & Stache Bash

Celebrating 13 years serving the Twin Cities, the faculty and parents of Geneva Academy welcome you to join us for the Second Annual Wig & Stache Bash. This year’s bash will feature a formal supper catered by Waterfront Grill, live entertainment provided by Code Blue & the Flatliners, and the excitement of live and silent auctions spotlighting Louisiana artisans and more. Come out to the Monroe Civic Center on Friday, February 28th, at 6:30 PM for an evening of dressing up and boogying down. Proceeds from the evening will go to benefit Geneva Academy, a classical Christian school.

The live auction features Louisiana artists, SEC & NFL memorabilia, a Disney vacation, a tour of downtown restaurants, and a piece by “live action artist” Libby Gifford that is to be created during the event and auctioned at the end of the evening. The silent auction will also have many amazing items from great local businesses and artists that are guaranteed to tickle your fancy! It will be a night to remember for sure. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased through the school at 318.805.0116 or online at www.genevaclassical.org/auction. Tickets will be $30 at the door.

Geneva Academy Director of Development, Aleta Horton Eley, encourages everyone to come be a part of this special event.

“You are welcome to come and join our families for a great time and bid on some truly amazing auction items! By participating in this event, you are supporting quality education that seeks to instill values that your children will rely on for the rest of their lives. Our goal is to raise up future leaders who have a heart for serving their communities. Your participation is crucial to reaching this goal.”

About Geneva Academy Is Geneva right for your family?

Do you believe that education should be entertaining, OR that true learning and academic accomplishment bring deep joy and satisfaction?

Do you believe that schools should teach “skill sets” for the job market, OR that the art of learning, the training of the mind, and the building of an autodidact, are the true goals of learning?

“Is not the great defect of our education today… that although we often succeed in teaching our pupils “subjects,” we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think: they learn everything, except the art of learning.” - Dorothy Sayers Do you believe that education can be value-neutral, OR do you think that all schools inescapably teach values, that it is simply a matter of which values they teach?

“Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.” - C. S. Lewis

Do you believe that success in college and the job market are the primary reasons to go to school, OR that an education for wisdom and service will result in a happy and productive life?

Do you believe that an education for the future means being tied to the current technological zeitgeist, OR that teaching the tools of learning will prepare them for broad-based knowledge for uncertain times?

Lastly, do you believe that standardization promotes excellence in teachers and students, OR that a community of learning inspires a love of wisdom?

These are not meant to be false dichotomies, but rather to point to the primary goals of education. If you agree that the latter of these goals are primary, then Geneva is the school for you.

A classical Christian education at Geneva Academy is grounded in the true purpose of learning, in the tried and true methods of teaching, and in the source of all wisdom, Jesus Christ.

From the Book of Common Prayer: For Religious Education ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, who hast committed to thy Holy Church the care and nurture of thy children; Enlighten with thy wisdom those who teach and those who learn; that, rejoicing in the knowledge of thy truth, they may worship thee and serve thee from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 125

Education

| Philanthropy

Danita’ s Closet A Woman Answers God’s Call by Helping Children in Need

by Ariel King

photos by Gary Guinigundo

W e’ve all had those moments in life when we just want to give up. Too many long hours at work, too much to take care of at home, just too much to deal with and you feel like you’re about to break.

Danita Bright had such a moment nine years ago when her life and family were falling apart. Her work life was stressful, her marriage was on the rocks, and in August 2005, Bright’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Katrina was a tragedy that killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of New Orleanians, but oddly enough, if you ask Bright, she will tell you that Katrina was a blessing.

“I prayed on a Wednesday for God to do something in my life,” she said.

“I needed a miracle. Then the following Tuesday, Hurricane Katrina hit. I was an evacuee, and I was called a refugee. I lived in the Civic Center on a cot, me and my three children and my husband. We lost everything. We had two days change of clothes. We had 30-feet of water in our area because we lived out in Chalmette—in Violet, in the lower areas. And we needed to survive. First Baptist Church adopted us over there. They took us from the Civic Center into their gymnasium. But before they took us, they brought us to the ‘Green House.’ I had never had to depend on anybody like that.”

To Bright, this wasn’t just receiving a new suit of clothes. It was regaining a sense of normalcy.

“It was set up like a boutique—nice and neat, color coordinated—and I was able to get what I needed for me and my whole family, and it gave me a feeling of dignity and pride,” she said.

Her experience with the Green House inspired Bright to pay it forward by helping students in need at Wossman High School. “ I told God, ‘I want to return that feeling to somebody else, to help them in their time of need when they have nothing to give for it—to give it for free,’” she said. I know what it’s like to lose and be down on your luck, not have a thing and have somebody to reach down and pull you up.”

When she began working as a paraprofessional at Wossman Danita Bright holds up photos of her a year ago, Bright saw students Chalmette home which was destroyed being sent home for wearing during Hurricane Katrina clothes with holes in them, and seeing students in sandals and without jackets in freezing weather.

“On the campus, I would notice the needs of the kids, and I thought ‘Wow, we’ve got to do something.’”

Bright then approached the principal and requested that they start a clothes pantry. He thought it was a great idea, and Bright hit the streets looking for donations.

“I was about to give up,” she said, “and the spirit of God told me, ‘Don’t give up.’ Then I turned into this business, and he received me and he turned out to be one of my major sponsors.”

They found a closet—just a double-wide storage closet—where they were housing equipment. Teresa’s Flooring donated carpet, Lowe’s donated a shelf, and we took off from there.”

With the Clothes Pantry off the ground, they started collecting coats, clothing, toiletries and shoes. So far, the clothing pantry has helped over 120 126 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

students, and Bright believes that receiving assistance from the pantry will help improve class attendance, academic performance and the students’ self-esteem.

“It’ll give them the confidence they need to feel like the other kids and not feel belittled because children do tease,” she said, “and if you can feel good initially about yourself walking in [to school], you can have a better day, versus walking in and smelling different or looking different. We live in an impoverished community, but if we can bring these children up and give them the basic needs, it’ll give them the chance to go on and have a decent day at school and make a difference.”

Monetary, clothing and toiletry donations can be made as a taxdeductible donation at any time by visiting the Wossman High School office.

Lee is Better Than Ever...

Come Check Us Out!

• Lee Junior was recently recognized as Top Gains school by the state • Highly Qualified Teachers as well as many are National Board Certified • Grisham Lenard, History teacher, state semi-finalist in the State’s Teacher of the Year contest • Christina Nguyen, ELA teacher, LaCue teacher of the Year.

• 7th grade gifted class was the very first class to receive the International Write Path Award • 7th graders, Mikayla Brubaker and Alyssa Cahoy were featured in Peter J. Murray’s newest novel, Mokee Joe PS 13 • 8th graders, Hawk Walker and Carrick Inabnett, recently made District One Honor Band • High school credit classes offered in: Business Computer Applications, Spanish, Keyboarding, Algebra One, Physical Science, Journalism, Family Consumer Sciences • Fine Art Dept offers courses in Piano, Band, Orchestra, and Choir

Lee Junior High 1600 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1143 ext. 2101

For Appointments, Please Call

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 127

Phone: (318) 323-2237 • www.mcschools.net/neville Neville High School • 600 Forsythe Avenue • Monroe, LA 71201

Neville High School 6:00 p.m.

- 7:30 p.m. presents Wednesday, February 19, 2014

College Awareness Night

Tech es nica g e l NC A l Co ol tive VocWednesday, C l February 19, 2014 A l e atio ges ec Specialist l e as sophomores.

Accountability for prospective Albert Einstein once n S al / Clementine Lockhart says that to attract the students as said, “I never think of 10soon well as current PS best and brightest students in the area the the future. It comes 1 underclassmen. must work to expand the academic enough.” While children TO school Nevthati offerings. “Our students come from families may not believe Principal lle who expect offer them the same rigor tomorrow is just around Uusntoavailable Whitney Martin I veratsaiprep school, n and opportunity i the corner, parents know s f o recognizes that e r tieWith g and we exceed these expectations.” m that elementary school today’sa students s le l t y four Nationally Board Certified teachers, an becomes college in the L i t o F o o i face more stringent i C c n n a n Advanced Placement l program, blink of an eye. With arequirements ncia as impressive mu and a roster of past and present National that in mind, Neville they compete m l Merit scholars, Neville High School is High School will host Co against students certainly on the right track. This event an evening program on February 19th

COLLEGE AWARENESS NIGHT

at 6:00 p.m., in which concerned parents can learn beneficial information about their child’s education –– from getting the most out of the high school experience to financing the college years. Topics will include financial options for post-secondary education; admissions requirements and course offerings for selective universities, local universities, community colleges, and vocational/ technical colleges; and the Taylor Opportunity Program Scholarship (TOPS). The Neville school counselors will also present Neville 101, a session designed to help parents and families make sense of all the course offerings and options available

from across the nation. “I know one of the hardest decisions regarding children is choosing their school and monitoring their educational progress,” Ms. Martin says.

She and her staffpresents strive to enhance the high school experience so that students are prepared for life after high school. In collaboration with ULM, Louisiana Delta Community College, and Louisiana Technical College, Neville High School leads the area with dual enrollment options available on campus. This year, nearly twenty (20) dual enrollment courses allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Neville students often graduate having earned enough credit to go into college

is another effort to keep Monroe’s finest students and their parents well-informed and prepared.

Neville High School

Neville High School presents

COLLEGE AWARENESS NIGHT

Com al i c mu n n Col Fina ation leg ity m es nfor I lle Nevi TOP 1 0 S 1 / l a ion eges t a c AA oll Vo C C l N ica n h c Te

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

l Loca es siti r e v i Un

Sel e Col ctive leg es

Neville High School • 600 Forsythe Avenue • Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: (318) 323-2237 • www.mcschools.net/neville

128 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

BREAST AUGMENTATION

by Timothy J. Mickel, M.D. FACS Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Over 200,000 breast augmentations are performed annually by American plastic surgeons. Since I opened my practice in Monroe in 1990, I have personally done well over a thousand.

It is by far the most common procedure that I perform and it is certainly one of the most gratifying. There are very few surgical procedures that in the course of an hour can have such a profound and lasting impact on the way a woman feels about herself.

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. Most are done through a small incision in the fold beneath the breast or around the edge of the nipple. Either approach results in a small scar that is well hidden.

Since the FDA moratorium on silicone implants was lifted in November of 2006, roughly 95% of the breast augmentations I perform are with silicone implants. They have either a smooth or a textured surface, have either a round or a teardrop shape, and can be placed either above or below the chest wall muscle. Each of these options has its pros and cons. I use all of them when appropriate, as I try to tailor the operation to the patient’s desires and her anatomy.

At the initial consultation, considerable time is spent discussing the patient’s motivation for surgery and the result she hopes to obtain. A series of breast and chest wall measurements are taken and the breast tissue and overlying skin are evaluated so that I have a thorough understanding of the patient’s starting point. Rib and chest wall asymmetries, differences in breast width, height, projection and shape, and differences in nipple level are all noted and discussed with the patient. The surgical significance of preexisting breast or chest wall asymmetry is that it often leads to some degree of asymmetry (usually minor) post-operatively and the patient needs to understand this beforehand.

A large part of the initial consultation is spent discussing desired breast size. My job is to align the patient’s wishes with a result I can realistically deliver. Patients generally describe their breasts in terms of cup size.

Unfortunately, while France maintains an International Bureau of Weights and Measures to ensure uniformity in meters, grams and minutes, there is no committee of jaunty and erudite Frenchmen who carry out measurementrelated research to ensure uniformity of cup-size. So a “C” cup at SearsRoebuck may be a “D” cup at Victoria’s Secret, and there is no such thing as a “D minus, minus” or a “C plus”. Moreover, breast implants don’t even come in cup sizes; they come in volume sizes and base widths. So, a 300cc implant may make one woman a “B” cup and another a “D” depending on her chest wall width, the pliability of her skin, the amount of breast tissue she starts out with and where she buys her bra!

So choosing the appropriate implant size is a bit more complicated than simply looking at pictures on the Internet and picking a number. It requires thoughtful discussion and assessment of many variables. I try to listen carefully and provide guidance and advice on implant size so the patient can be realistic about the surgical result. In the end, I rely mostly on the patient’s measurements and my clinical judgment. It pays off. In over twenty-three years of breast implant surgery, re-operation simply to change implant size has occurred in only 1-2% of my patients.

Overall, complications from breast augmentation are few. In my

experience, the infection rate and the risk of a hematoma (blood collection) around the implant are both less than 1%. The risk of a scar tissue capsule around the implant or of implant rupture is around 5%. Most patients can return to work within a week, and can return to full unrestricted activity in three weeks.

If you have been considering breast augmentation, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 for an initial evaluation and a thorough discussion of the procedure, the recovery and the risks. I also encourage you to visit www. mickelplasticsurgery.com and browse the before and after gallery. Then decide for yourself. Just one hour of surgery can have a positive impact for years to come.

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Call us today at (318) 388-2050 to schedule your consultation.

Results and patient experience may vary. Ask your physician if CoolSculpting is right for you.

CoolSculpting for non-invasive fat reduction is cleared for the flank and abdomen. CoolSculpting is a registered trademark and the CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2012. All rights reserved. IC0529-B

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 129

Northeast Louisiana 2014 Executive Leadership Team Chairman Alvina Thomas

Chairman Elect Neta Ford (not pictured) Darian Atkins • LaRhae Brown • Linda Carter • Zelda Clark Alberta Green * Katherine Roberts • Janet White Not pictured: Ann Hayward • Sharon McClain • Patty Stewart • Brenda Tarver

Go Red for Women® Declaration

Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart

We believe in the power of a woman’s heart – the power to love, the strength to fight and the will to overcome.

disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the

But there is a force that threatens our hearts and is killing our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.

We Go Red For Women who are rocked by a diagnosis and struggling through treatment, so they may emerge victorious to embrace life.

We Go Red For Women who touched so many lives before they lost their own.

energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.

We Go Red For Women because it’s time to put our health first.

We Go Red For Women because no one should fight alone.

For each other, we are a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry one, a backbone that always stays strong.

When we Go Red For Women, we step up whenever and wherever so that every woman may live.

And we will never stop until this fight is won.

Because the power of a woman’s heart is the difference between life and death.

Together, we Go Red For Women.

About Go Red For Women ®

Funds raised by Go Red For Women activities also support research to discover scientific knowledge about heart health. We turn this science into materials and tools that healthcare providers and decision- makers can use to help women.

In 2010, the American Heart Association set a strategic goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20% while improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by the year 2020.

Love Your Heart…In Style Gala and Red Dress Runway Show

We encourage you to make plans to attend our Northeast Louisiana Go Red For Women annual fundraising Event, on Thursday, February 13th at the West Monroe Convention Center. This year’s event “Love Your Heart…In Style” will be an exciting night filled with festive fellowship, heavy hors d’oeuvres and red wine pairings. The highlight of the evening will be a fashion forward Red Dress Runway Show, featuring women and heart survivors wearing the latest fashions from some of the area’s favorite clothing stores. Special guests will include Toni Wild, Heart Transplant Survivor and National Go Red spokesperson, members of the Circle of Red and Red Tie Society, along with our business sponsors who support the Go Red for Women Movement and help make this fabulous event possible. The local 2014 Cause Sponsor is the Glenwood Heart Institute.

For more information about attending or becoming a sponsor, contact the American Heart Association by calling 601-321-1210.

130 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

How

?

well do you know your

heart

Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Each year, it claims more lives that the next five causes of death combine—including all forms of cancer. It causes one in every three women’s death each year, killing approximately one woman every minute. A startling 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

These are scary statistics, but there is good news. Almost all of the symptoms of heart disease are preventable. This means that we can take significant steps to reduce our risks. The American Heart Association is committed to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and together we fight to save the lives of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

The Heart

| Health & Beauty

Signs of a heart attack Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness or nausea.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptoms is chest pain or discomfort, but…

Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting and back or chest pain.

If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help.

Call 911. Get to the hospital right away.

Your heart is in your hands By knowing the risk factors for heart disease that each of us can control, then we can make heart healthy choices that reduce our risk. Some of the most common risks for heart disease include High blood pressure. Over half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. This condition can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Smoking. So the cigarette is the most preventable major risk factor of heart disease, and it increases your risk two to four times that of non-smokers.

High cholesterol. 44 percent of American adults have cholesterol levels that are too high. The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater the risk of coronary heart disease.

Physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity increases your risk of heart disease. Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

Being obese or overweight. Over 149 million American adults are overweight.

If you have excess body fat—especially at the waist—you’re likely to develop heart disease.

Diabetes. Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes have two to four times higher death rates from heart disease.

There are other risk factors to be aware of—talk to your doctor about how your age, race and heredity may affect your risk for heart disease. Take heart!

By learning your risks and how to limit them, we can each begin to take steps to leading a long, healthy life.

For more information, go to goredforwomen.org and take a free online assessment that will give you an easy-to-read report and evaluate your risk of having a heart attack or other cardiovascular events within the next decade.

It also identifies risk factors that can be changed and provides a personalized action plan that can be printed and used when discussing heart health with your doctor.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 131

BALLOON SINUPLASTY™ THE NEW MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURE FOR TREATING CHRONIC SINUSITIS Now available at Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation and pain outside of the operating room and without general anesthesia. Balloon Sinuplasty™, performed by Brent Metts, MD, PhD, delivers all the benefits of conventional sinus surgery without the bleeding, pain and prolonged recovery time. Most patients feel immediate relief following the procedure and are able to walk out of the office and work without restriction the next day.

This more traditional procedure is usually associated with moderate pain, bleeding and a 7-10 day recovery time.

Until recently, the only surgical option available to correct chronic sinusitis has been standard endoscopic sinus surgery, where bone and tissue are cut and removed from the nasal passages to open obstructed sinuses and promote drainage.

To more information about Balloon Sinuplasty™ or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metts, call 318-329-8458. Glenwood Ear Nose and Throat is located in the Glenwood Medical Mall, Suite 202 on Thomas Road in West Monroe.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ is designed to open blocked sinuses without removal of tissue or bone from the nasal passages.

Dr. Metts passes a small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostril and into the blocked sinus. When the balloon is inflated, it gently expands the sinus’ natural drainage pathway to permanently restore normal sinus drainage and function.

GLENWOOD HYPERBARIC AND WOUND CARE CENTER ADVANCED THERAPY FOR ADVANCED HEALING The Glenwood Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center is a comprehensive resource for the treatment of patients with chronic, non-healing or difficult wounds, as well as non-wound related conditions approved for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. General Surgeon, Dr. Russell Lolley, serves as Medical Director of the Center. Local podiatrists, Dr. Danier Anderson and Dr. David Gardner, provide medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremities weekly at the Center. The healthcare professionals who make up the rest of our staff have specialized hyperbaric medicine and wound care training.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY Cells within our body rely on oxygen to remain healthy and function normally. Hyperbaric treatment allows patients to breathe 100% pressurized oxygen inside a chamber. The oxygen then enters the patient’s body tissue to help aid in the wound healing process. Most wounds require an average of 20-60 hyperbaric treatments. Conditions that are

132 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

treated include surgical grafts, diabetic wounds, chronic bone infections, gangrene, crush injuries, radiation injuries and carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning.

WOUND CARE With advanced wound care techniques and modern technology, our experienced medical team has great success in helping patients with chronic, problematic and difficult wounds. Types of wounds treated include diabetic foot ulcers, lower leg or pressure ulcers, gangrene, skin tears, radiation burns, slow or non-healing wounds, postoperative infections, and failing skin or muscle grafts.

The Glenwood Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center is located in Suite 300B of the Glenwood Medical Mall. A convenient covered drop-off & pick-up entrance is located adjacent to the facility. For more information call 318-329-8470 or visit GRMC.com.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 133

Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery Thomas J. Atkins, 61, is a retired schoolteacher with two children and two grandchildren. He has lost 65 pounds since undergoing the gastric sleeve procedure at Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery in July 2012. Thomas has gone from a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 to a healthier BMI of 26.

Q. How long had you been struggling with your weight?

A. I had been overweight for about twenty-ďŹ ve years. I tried different diets and was unable to keep my weight off.

Q. How did the extra weight affect your life?

A. While I was obese, I was out-of-breath, tired, and unable to exercise.

I

did not tolerate the heat well, and I took long afternoon naps.

Q. What motivated you to have bariatric surgery?

A. I had a lack of consistency in dieting and exercise, and I needed to do something in which I would be compliant.

Q. Why did you choose LCWLS? A. LCWLS has an excellent reputation and the best surgeon!

Q. Would you recommend the LCWLS program to family and friends?

A. Yes! Not many things are more important than good health.

Q. What health conditions did you have prior to surgery?

A. I had diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. I suffer none of those conditions now. And, I have more energy.

Q. Are there any medications that you were able to stop or reduce after bariatric surgery?

A. I stopped taking diabetes meds, blood pressure meds, and acid reďŹ&#x201A;ux meds.

This seal is the real deal.

Kerrie Gray lost 160 pounds We earned this seal for our weight loss surgery program for adhering to the strictest of standards set by the ASMBS. And we earned Kerrieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trust for the same reason.

Should you want weight loss surgery, you have a choice. Choose this areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

Q. Tell us about a moment in which you were most proud of your weight loss success.

A. Close to Thanksgiving last year, my wife and I took our four-yearold granddaughter to Forsythe Park. I had so much energy and joy while playing with her.

Before this, when we went to the park, I would just sit on a bench.

Louisiana Center for W eight Loss Su rgery A wholeyou new perspective on life.

Because want the best for yourself.

LCWLS is a partnership between Dr. Walter Sartor, P&S Surgical Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center. Like us at www.facebook.com/LCWLS and call us today at 1-866-821-LIVE.

Thomas Atkins prior to his 65 pound weight loss.

MN-1000472437

134 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

-*7& t XXw.laweightlosssurger y.com 312 Grammont St., Suite 407 t Monroe A partnership of P&S Surgical Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center and Walter M. Sartor, MD, FACS, Member of ASMBS Thomas Atkins and bariatric surgeon Dr. Walter Sartor following Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gastric sleeve procedure.

Bariatric Surgery Center of ExcellenceÂŽ is a registered trademark of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Used by permission of ASMBS. All rights reserved.

Skin Care

| Health & Beauty

Winter Season Skin Let It Glow, Let It Glow, Let It Glow!

T

he temperatures of the winter months are a welcome change from the sweltering heat of southern summers, but for many people, cold days bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring dryness to the skin of the face, hands and feet. Some people get skin so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema.

As weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine.

Here are some tips for winter skincare from head to toe.

1 EXFOLIATE. As we age, dead skin cells start to accumulate making our complexion appear dry and dull. Exfoliating works toremove these cells making your skin look fresher and able to more successfully soak in moisturizers. Exfoliate your entire body once or twice a week, followed by a quality moisturizer.

2 HYDRATE. Use a quality moisturizer daily as well as a few drops of hydrating serum if needed. In addition, a hydrating mask once a week is a great routine for dry skin in the winter. But avoid using harsh peels, masks and alcohol-based toners or astringents that can strip vital oil from your skin. Find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based.

An oil-based ointment will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Look for “nonclogging” oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil or almond oil. Shea oil—or butter—can clog facial pores. Lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances including glycerine, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy acids attract moisture to your skin.

8 GREASE UP YOUR FEET. Find lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine. Use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically to help moisturizers sink in faster and deeper.

9 BAN SUPERHOT BATHS. The intense heat of a hot shower or bath breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin. Switch to a lukewarm bath and stay in for shorter amounts of time.

10 SEEK A SPECIALIST. If you have a more severe skin condition, don’t rely on the advice of a salesperson who is probably not all that knowledgeable about skin care. Go to an esthetician or dermatologist who can analyze your skin type and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.

3 HUMIDIFY. Central heating systems and space heaters blast hot dry air throughout our indoor spaces. Get more moisture in the air and prevent your skin from drying out by hooking up several small humidifiers throughout your home.

4 USE SUNSCREEN. Winter sun can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

5 PUCKER UP. Avoid getting stuck under the mistletoe this year with dry in chapped lips. Despite cold wind and dry air, lip conditioner provides long-term moisture, unlike balm products which may only provide temporary relief.

6 SWITCH IT UP. Like changing from sandals to boots in the fall, it’s important to switch the kind of facial cleanser you use when the temperature drops. Gel and foam cleansers are important for managing oily skin during the summertime, but a milky cleanser will add the moisture needed for the winter.

7 AVOID WET GLOVES AND SOCKS. Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores or even a flare-up of eczema.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 135

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Friday, April 4, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

Sager Life Center Music by Flashback 5

Fractures in Kids

by Dr. Timothy Daven Spires For a parent, when a child breaks a bone it is a terrible experience. To see your son or daughter with a forearm that is no longer straight or a leg that ŝƐ Ă ůŝƩůĞ ĐƌŽŽŬĞĚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĞŵŽƟŽŶĂůůLJ ĚĞǀĂƐƚĂƟŶŐ͘ EŽ ŽŶĞ ǁĂŶƚƐ ŚŝƐ Žƌ ŚĞƌ ĐŚŝůĚ ƚŽ ďĞ ŝŶ ƉĂŝŶ͘ EŽ ŽŶĞ ǁĂŶƚƐ ŚŝƐ Žƌ ŚĞƌ ĐŚŝůĚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƉĞƌŵĂŶĞŶƚůLJ ŝŶũƵƌĞĚ͘ &ŽƌƚƵŶĂƚĞůLJ͕ ĨŽƌ ƵƐ͕ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂƌĞ ĨĂŶƚĂƐƟĐ ŚĞĂůĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ǀĂƐƚ ŵĂũŽƌŝƚLJ ŽĨ ďŽŶLJ ŝŶũƵƌŝĞƐ ƐƚƌĂŝŐŚƚĞŶ ƚŚĞŵƐĞůǀĞƐ ŽƵƚ ŽǀĞƌ ƟŵĞ͘ There can be confusion with the terms “fracture” vs. “break.”

They actually mean the same thing. Because the solid component of bone has a crystalline structure, it “breaks” along fracture planes, thus the term “fracture.” Children’s bones have ŵŽƌĞ ƉůĂƐƟĐŝƚLJ ;ǁŚŝĐŚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ďĞŶĚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƐƚƌĞƐƐͿ ƚŚĂŶ ĂĚƵůƚ ďŽŶĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐŽ LJŽƵ ŽĐĐĂƐŝŽŶĂůůLJ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶ ͞ŐƌĞĞŶƐƟĐŬ͟ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐ ;ůŝŬĞ ǁŚĂƚ ŚĂƉƉĞŶƐ ǁŚĞŶ LJŽƵ ďĞŶĚ Ă ƐŵĂůů ďƌĂŶĐŚ ƚŚĂƚ͛Ɛ ƐƟůů ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĞĞͿͲ ƚŚŝƐ ŝƐ ǁŚĂƚ ŚĂƉƉĞŶƐ ǁŚĞŶ ůŝƩůĞ :ŽŚŶŶLJ͛Ɛ ĨŽƌĞarm bends at a right angle between the elbow and wrist!

DŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ͕ Ăůů ǁĞ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŽ ĨŽƌ Ă ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞ ŝƐ ŬĞĞƉ ŝƚ ƐƟůů͘ tĞ ĚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ďLJ ƉůĂĐŝŶŐ ŝƚ ŝŶ Ă ƐƉůŝŶƚ ;ƵƐƵĂůůLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ZͿ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ Ă ĐĂƐƚ ;ƵƐƵĂůůLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŽĸĐĞͿ͘ ^ŝŶĐĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͛Ɛ ďŽŶĞƐ ĂƌĞ ƐƟůů ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ĂĐƚƵĂůůLJ ƐƚƌĂŝŐŚƚĞŶ ƚŚĞŵƐĞůǀĞƐ ŽƵƚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞůLJ ŽǀĞƌ ƟŵĞ͕ ĞǀĞŶ ŝĨ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ĚĞĨŽƌŵŝƚLJ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ŝĨ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ more deformity than can be easily tolerated, we can put the child to sleep

ĂŶĚ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ ;ǁŚŝĐŚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŽ ƉƵƚ ďĂĐŬ ŝŶƚŽ ƉůĂĐĞͿ ƚŚĞ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ LJŽƵŶŐ :ŽŚŶŶLJ ŵĞŶƟŽŶĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ͘ ^ŽŵĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͛Ɛ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ŚĞĂů ǁĞůů ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƐƵƌŐŝĐĂů ŝŶƚĞƌǀĞŶƟŽŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĐŽŵŵŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŝƐ Ă ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞ ũƵƐƚ ĂďŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĞůďŽǁ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚŝƐ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ƚĂŬĞ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ ǁŚĞƌĞ they are put to sleep, and, using live X-ray, we line the bone ďĂĐŬ ƵƉ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂĐĞ ƉŝŶƐ ƚŽ ŚŽůĚ ŝƚ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ƵƐƵĂůůLJ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ƉƵůů ƚŚĞ ƉŝŶƐ ŽƵƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŽĸĐĞ Ăƚ ƚŚƌĞĞ ǁĞĞŬƐ͘ KƚŚĞƌ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐ ǁĞ ƚLJƉŝĐĂůůLJ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ ĂƌĞ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨĞŵƵƌ ;ƚŚŝŐŚ ďŽŶĞͿ ĂŶĚ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐ ĂƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ďƌĞĂŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŬŝŶ ;ŽƉĞŶ Žƌ ĐŽŵƉŽƵŶĚ ĨƌĂĐƚƵƌĞƐͿ͘ It usually takes around six weeks to heal a fracture with ŶĞǁ ďŽŶĞ͕ ŚŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ďŽŶĞ ǁŝůů ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ƌĞŵŽĚĞů ĂŶĚ strengthen for the next few months. The younger the child, the faster the bone heals and the more deformity they can tolerate.

As children enter into adolescence and puberty, they begin to ŚĞĂů ŵŽƌĞ ůŝŬĞ ĂĚƵůƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ůĞƐƐ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ƌĞŵŽĚĞů ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ĂŶŐƵůĂƟŽŶ͘ tŚŝůĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚ ϲͲϴ ǁĞĞŬƐ ƐĞĞŵƐ ůŝŬĞ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͕ ŝƚ ŝƐ ĂĐƚƵĂůůLJ ũƵƐƚ Ă ƐŚŽƌƚ ĐŚĂƉƚĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ůŝǀĞƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ ĂŵĂnjŝŶŐ ŚŽǁ ŵĂŶLJ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĐĂŶŶŽƚ ƐĞĞŵ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌ ũƵƐƚ ǁŚŝĐŚ Ăƌŵ ƚŚĞLJ broke as a child.

Left to Right (Bottom) Timothy “Daven” Spires, MD, Scott McClelland, MD, Myron Bailey, MD, Sol Graves, MD, Sid Bailey, MD, R Brian Bulloch, MD. (Top) David Trettin, MD, Grant Dona, MD, Martin deGravelle, MD, Jeff Counts, DO, Jose Ferrer, MD & Tim Spires, Sr., MD

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56 | DeltaStyle Magazine | October 2013

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138 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

Military

| Special

story by Julia Woodburn photos by Missy M. Emory

I

n today’s world, the average 17 year old is using their hands to text their friends, not raising it to swear an oath to protect their country. That’s at least what I was doing February 10th, 2006. I was young. I needed guidance, structure, a job skill; something to set me up for success. The military had always intrigued me. I admired the people I saw in uniform. I always wanted to know what they did, how, and why. I wanted to say that I was a part of something more.

I wanted to make a difference somehow. I needed something to drive me to become stronger mentally and physically.

Something to give me a structured life that I had yet to experience. I wanted to be more than that average 17 year old always looking down at the device in their hands.

Let’s back track a little. I was born here in Monroe. Due to my mom having disabilities and several illnesses up until to her passing, I had to move around my whole childhood. Always a different family member’s home; always a new school. I kept a tally of all the schools I went to, 19 was the number. It was not all her fault, if anything, it shaped me. It was a rough childhood, but either you can be it, or be above it. I can say that having to go through those hard times guided me to be a strong woman. Little did I know, strength was what I would be needing as I continued down my path.

I always looked for inspiration to keep me focused. I find most of it comes from influences of the past. Jack London, for example, quoted, “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” If that doesn’t make you want to get up and do something, well you may need an energy drink then.

Rosie the Riveter was a fictional poster girl in the 1940’s. She had the slogan “WE CAN DO IT.” Even though her character was meant to inspire woman to trade their heels and pearls in for boots and wrenches while men went to war, I took more from it. I saw a Woman who wasn’t afraid to take a stand, get dirty from hard work, and could still be beautiful doing it. I actually have Rosie the Riveter items displayed in my office. To top it off, I dressed as Rosie for Halloween….twice. It’s a fun character that only the History buffs get for the most part. Seeing her helps remind me that I am capable of doing, as long as I am determined. She has been the most inspirational thus far.

Some would say that the military is traditionally a male dominate profession. I do not agree. It is 2014. Look how far woman have come not just in the military but in general. Wouldn’t women want to be a part of that? Something more? To leave a mark? Even if we are all considered “Green” (equal, the same) in the Army, women still make a difference. The males I work with do not treat me any different though. It’s like having a family full of older brothers (and sisters) that will protect me, help me, pick me up when I am down, and probably give me a good scolding when I need it. They look after me like I do them. They respect me. I am provided the same opportunities just as they are.

Sure, there are some jobs that women cannot yet hold, but that is okay to me. Working beside these men show me that I can do, what they can do. Meaning, they expect me to complete a task just the same, and by doing so, it has made me grow as a Soldier. It shows me that I am a teammate no matter my gender.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 139

Special

| Military

Becoming a Combat Medic was the first job skill I received in the Army National Guard. This was a big achievement to a 17 year old who dropped out at 15 and got a GED. I was so excited to learn that I passed that course. Who knew all the early mornings for physical training, the late night studying sessions, and the times spent in groups with battle buddies arguing over who could give the better shot would pay off. Although it was incredibly long and hard, I enjoyed every minute of it. I learned how to bond and work in a team. I learned that no matter who you meet, you will become friends with them almost instantly because you have something that separates you from the average Joe. I also learned that after having to wash your hands 60 times a shift, (hospital rules), lotion would be your best friend. It is by far my favorite of any job skill I have held yet. I am a Paralegal now for my unit. Even though I get to work with a wonderful team in my section at my unit now, I still miss the adrenaline rush from being a Medic.

This month marks my eighth year in service. So many great times, wonderful memories, and some sad ones as well. I could write a book on memorable times. I’m sure some others could as well. I do recall one certain Annual Training event several years ago. I was still a Specialist (E-4). I was working on Active Duty Orders for a unit in Alexandria. I just graduated Warrior Leadership Course (WLC) a few weeks prior. There was a confidence course my team was going through. I was first in line to act as the team leader. I can remember directing my team across this obstacle; trying not to let anyone fall into the water. All while I am getting sprayed in the face with water from a fire hose, being yelled at by the cadre who are trying to distract me, and trying to calm some really upset Privates. When I look up, 140 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

I see the Brigade Command Sergeant Major and the Battalion Commander standing on the observation deck watching my team cross. (For those of you who do not know, those men are REALLY important.) Thanks….now my nerves are up. Astonishingly, my team made it in the time allowed. We did not lose a Soldier to the water (until we decided it was way too hot outside), and we came together as a team. I was so proud of everyone, myself included. I remember telling others that I learned confidence while attending WLC. I remember feeling accomplished. At the end of Annual Training there was an awards program. Even though I was given a few awards that day; the one I will never forget, was given unexpectedly. I was called to the front and presented with a Brigade coin from the leaders that had made me nervous on that observation deck earlier that week.

After several years and active duty jobs later, I would become a wife to a registered nurse (who happened to be in the military as well), and a mom to a beautiful little girl. The first thing I do each day when I get home from work is hug my daughter. She is the reason I strive to grow and continue when I am down. After completing about 4 years of my initial contract, I wasn’t sure if this was for me anymore. When I had her, I knew that I wanted more for her than I had growing up. Don’t we all? She change my way of thinking. I wanted her to grow up with the values the Army National Guard has given me. Sometimes work can get stressful, we can all agree.

Sometimes you may lose your bearing, even though you are not supposed to. When that happens to me, when I feel like giving up; my Guard Family reminds me what I have, how blessed I am, and that I have a little girl watching me grow as she grows. Hugging her reminds me that I am a mom with a wonderful responsibility.

Having a military spouse has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to family balance. He is now an active duty Soldier for the National Guard and his work schedule is usually set. That makes planning out family time, friends gathering, or date nights easier. Sometimes it’s hard when we want to go on a trip and he isn’t able to take leave. Luckily for him, I can understand why he isn’t able to at the moment. I, on the other hand, have many roles which can make planning out a monthly calendar a nightmare. I am in the service industry, an online student at Penn State, a National Guard Soldier, a free-lance writer, and a mom who travels for fun. My friends say I am a social butterfly, I agree. I enjoy going to events and having a good time. We all should get out every now and then. Plus, I have way too many high heels in my closet that need to be worn somewhere.

Balance is something that depends entirely upon the individual.

Whether it’s family, friends, a job (in my case the military), or a to-do

Military list; some could feel weighed down. When I feel overwhelmed and the family balance scale is tipped, I have a simple way of deciding what’s more important. The load of laundry or Disney Jr on the couch with a 4 year old and her dad next to me? I just remind myself that in a few months, her father and I will be gone for almost a year on a deployment. How much am I going to miss then? I tell myself just because our deployment is coming quickly, doesn’t mean I will stop living my life. If at all, this upcoming deployment has opened my eyes on spending more time with family, friends, and in my marriage. It has taught me to love the little things, like a surprise ice cream sandwich before dinner because our freezer is just her height. And not to worry about the melted ice cream stains it left on the patio steps. No regrets, right? Living for that moment of pure bliss.

I was once asked if I had a chance to change any regrets from the past, would I? If ever given the opportunity, I am sure I could pull out a list telling myself that changing the choice I made or the reaction would fix it all…I could find some old book of them in a hurry. But since that technology isn’t available right now, I will say I am not sure if I would. I am who I am. For the ones who know me well, I am a hyper, bubbly, loud female. Moving around while growing up has given me the ability to make friends quick and light up a room when needed. I know I am sometimes quick to react and I am working on slowing that. Most things in life you only get one chance. Every decision, choice, or mistake has been a learning road for me. We are always learning, growing, changing as a person. That’s one of my favorite things to say. If I were ever to change anything, I may not have the life I have now or be where I am.

Like most, I have goals. A place here or there I hope to see myself at in 10 years. I know reaching a goal is satisfying, but I think I rather enjoy the ride getting there. That’s where we learn the most. I want to embrace it all.

I want to look back on my military career and say that it was the best time of my life. That I learned something every day, that I grew as a person and Soldier, and that I was able to do something above myself at least once.

I want to keep challenging myself to be better. I am my worst critic.

Luckily the Army teaches us resiliency and helps us practice it. Sometimes, I am still tough on myself though. I know the mistakes in my past has led some to judge me, and I know I will make some in the future. I just hope that I can continue to overcome them and drive forward.

| Special

Last winter I was stationed at Ft. Lee, Virginia to earn my Paralegal MOS (military occupational specialty) from November to March. It snowed the entire time I was there. Just so you are aware, no one retires and moves to the north for that reason. The St. Petersburg Battlefield from the Civil War runs along Ft. Lee. While I was there, I learned how to overcome and drive forward from any mistake I felt was weighing me down. I spent my evenings running the mountain and dirt trails in the snow. Letting go of everything. I found peace there. Most importantly, I found myself.

In the fall of 2013, I discovered that I had a medical problem that needed to be addressed soon. My doctor started the Lupron shots in September, for those of you familiar with chemo, understand what was about to head my way. I remember going back to the office after the doctor appointment scared out of my wits about taking this medicine. My National Guard family helped pull me through it. One person in particular. He sat in the desk next to me. He looked at me, told me to breathe, to calm down, and take the darn meds. I couldn’t help but laugh then. I asked him why. He said, “Why not?” Okay. Not the answer I was looking for. It’s Soldiers like him, which pull us all together. In his own way, he comforted me. I had such a huge support chain, all the way from Houston to here at my local unit.

My mom battled 5 different types of cancer before she passed. She was a pioneer woman of the outdoors. In September, one week after my first treatment, my husband and I decided to hike Clingman’s Dome. It’s a 6,628ft mountain in the Appalachians. I wanted to do this for my mother, for me.

Just like running in the battlefield at Ft. Lee helped me overcome, I knew this would help me drive forward again. It was so peaceful and refreshing.

We are going back this April with a small team. Now that I am healthy again, I am up for round two.

Soon after that, I will start getting things ready to board a plane that will fly across the waters to a new land for me. I am ready to stand beside my family, brothers and sisters in arms, and be strong. I am looking forward to this time with them. They have been there over the years in more ways than I could ever count. From giving the new Private a hard time when I arrived so many years ago, to watching me grow and get promoted, to my wedding, the birth of a baby girl, getting sick, and to finally helping me heal in so many ways. And when I return home, yes, I will put my combat boots on the closet floor and put on a new pair of high heels.

The task ahead of you, is never as great as the power behind you. “Be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power.” Eshesians 6:10.

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 141

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Turpin Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that all children visit an orthodontist no later than age 7. An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an additional 2 or 3 year residency program after obtaining his general dentistry degree, and is specially trained at alignment and correction of the teeth and bite.

Q: What are the benefits of early treatment?

A: While many children do not need orthodontic treatment until all or most of their permanent teeth are

erupted, early orthodontic intervention during the mixed dentition, when both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present, often does provide a better prognosis for the permanent dentition. Examples of early Phase I intervention include treatment to correct underbites, finger sucking habits, crossbites (narrow palate), open bites, deep overbites or crowding, and to maintain space for permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost early.

Q: Is a referral by a general dentist needed?

A: While we do work closely with your general dentist before, during, and after orthodontic treatment, a referral is not necessary.

Q: What is necessary to set up an appointment for a consultation?

A: Our office offers a complimentary exam and consultation for new patients, which

involves a diagnostic x-ray and photographs, a complete exam of our patient by Dr. Turpin and a detailed consultation to discuss possible treatment needs, followed by presentation of payment and financing options, including insurance information, if treatment is necessary. Either email us at info@turpinorthodontics.com or call us at one of our 3 convenient office locations.

Children are our primary focus in our practice, however, we do also treat around 20% adult patients of all ages. We invite you to visit one of our offices to see if orthodontic treatment may improve your smile.

www.TurpinOrthodontics.com MONROE WEST MONROE RUSTON 3214 Sterlington Rd. (318)699-9699

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146 | DeltaStyle Magazine February 2014

610 N. Vienna St. (318)255-6574

February 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 147