E V E R Y D A Y
April 23 - 29, 2017 Here’s to our everyday heroes, The volunteers who do what they can, To assist in helping our patients, And be of service to their fellow man. May they feel the gratitude in our hearts, For all the good that they’ve done. The appreciation our hospital feels for them, Is truly second to none. Thank you to all our Glenwood Volunteers, We’re privileged to work with you. We want you to know how appreciated you are, Not just today, but the whole year through.
H E R O E S
For Making Our Hospital A Better Place. Elsie A. Jane B. Ann B. Nicolas B. Lula B. Virginia C. Dawn C. Pat C. Annie C. Mallory C. Jan C. Joyce D. Sandra D. Charlie D. Violet D. Debby E. Kat E. Nelda F. David F. Josephine F. Eva F.
Rebecca G. Sheldon G. Beverly H. Linda H. Alice H. Gail H. Sandra H. Judy H. Lou H. Patricia H. Jane H. Patsy J. Barbara K. Sally L. William M. Barbara M. Jean M. Bobby M. Mary M.
Sladen M. Geri M. Anne P. Debra R. Rosa R. Laverne S. Gayle S. Bertha S. Virginia S. Leann T. Rochelle W. Deborah W. LaQuasha W.
www.grmc.com 1-877-726-WELL
2 | AP RIL 2017 | D E LTAS T YL E M AGAZ I N E
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | A PRI L 2 017 | 3
APRIL
12-18 Social Scenes 22 Pooch Pals 30 Finding a Miracle in your Mess 36 Remembering those Delta Pets 42 Standout Styles 50 Glam Patrol 55 Delta Dogs Dish about Life 60 Veterinarians in the Delta 68 Local Red Cross Chapter celebrates 100 years 76 High Tea 79 Heart of America 90 Culinary Companionships 96 Immerse Yourself in Caribbean Waters 108 Gardening Tips
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112 A Daughter’s Love Letters 116 SOS! Save our Shelter!
68 96
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | A PRI L 2 017 | 7
Here comes the sun!
I
’m sure that if many of you are like me, springtime is your favorite time of the year. The flowers are blooming, the sun is finally spreading its warmth, and it is time to go outside! April has plenty of reasons to head outdoors. From events like Woofstock, River RUMble to the EGGstravaganza at the zoo, there are many options of Katie Burke fun things to explore this month! I have also been blessed enough to be involved with promoting the 20 th annual BASH for the American Red Cross. This issue includes an editorial about the 100th year anniversary and the great things that this organization does in this area and across the country. This month also marks my first full issue in my position. I hope that you, the devoted readers and loyal advertisers, will enjoy the differences and changes made. I truly appreciate each one of you that have traveled on this 20year journey with DeltaStyle and I am excited and grateful to be a part of it. The best is yet to come!
Much love & God Bless,
Katie Burke
STAFF
General Manager KATIE BURKE katie@deltastylemag.com Editors SHARI PUTERMAN sputerman@deltastylemag.com MICHELE MARCOTTE mmarcotte@deltastylemag.com Advertising Sales Leader JASON SISK Advertising Sales ALYSSA AKERS alyssa@deltastylemag.com EMMA SAGER emma@deltastylemag.com Photographer GARY GUINIGUNDO gugphotography@gmail.com Designer AMANDA HOLLADAY Contributing Writers: Georgiann Potts Alyssa Akers Tara Ambrose Jennifer Schmeer Katie Anzalone Brittany Dye Joan Cooper Hampton Emily Dunn Rose Young-Lee Dianne Newcomer Darren Oglesby, RFC Cindy Ingram Rebecca Bingham On The Cover Model: Syklar M. Decker Makeup: Brittany Dye Hair: Katie Anzalone Contributing Photographers: Hannah Baldwin Scarlett Boles
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GARY GUINIGUNDO
GETTING COVERED: DeltaStyle loves a good party! Get your event covered by calling 318-340-0806. If time and space permits, we will be there! SUBMISSIONS: Did we miss your party? Feel free to call us or send an email with digital images and a write up. We will use them as space permits. WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS: Spread the happy news! Special rates and sizes are available to share your once in a lifetime event. Call 318-340-0806 or email a sales representative for details. INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? With over 200,000 total views between readership and online availability, DeltaStyle is a great advertising opportunity. Call 318-340-0806 or email any of the advertising representatives today for details! COPYRIGHT: The entire contents of DeltaStyle Magazine are Copyright 2017 by Gannett River States Publishing. No portion of the magazine (editorial or advertising) may be reproduced any means without express written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions are of contributing writers.
THE NEWS STAR
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race Episcopal School’s kindergarten class celebrated Mardi Gras with the Krewe of Zoo parade Heart of Hospice Northeast presented Dr. Clyde Elliott with the Physician’s Champion Award on February 16, 2017. A luncheon at the Warehouse was given in his honor. Dr. Elliott was chosen over several physicians in the area for his diligent work in understanding the needs of hospice patients and their families. Heart of Hospice would like to thank Dr. Elliott for his years of service to our community. St. Jude’s celebrated the annual floor signing at the new St. Jude Dream Home in Bayou Trace Subdivision. Get your tickets now, the winner will be announced on April 23! Kim’s Younique Boutique and C’est La Vie Lifestyle Boutique held a joint ribbon cutting for their new locations on Bridge Street in West Monroe. Becky Campbell, owner of C’est La Vie has dedicated to giving a portion of the proceeds from her store to The Wellspring, Lifechoices, Project 41, & Mercy Multiplied.
Brian Allen, Maggie Dalessio and Danielle Gilmore
Dr. Clyde Elliott
Krewe of Zoo
Emma Sager signing the floor in the St. Jude Dream Home
Becky Campbell cuts the ribbon to C'est La Vie Lifestyle Boutique.
Kim cutting the ribbon to Kim's Younique Boutique
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 9
MARCH 1997
OUR COMMUNITY. OUR HOME. TO G E T H E R W E C E L E B R AT 20 YEARS OF BANKING
E
From our first ribbon cutting in March 1997 to our current locations, we are a reflection of our valued customers, employees, board members and our community. We offer our sincere gratitude to all for standing beside us through this momentous journey. Together, let us celebrate the last 20 years. OUR STAFF AT OUACHITA INDEPENDENT BANK ARE HONORED TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY…OUR HOME.
909 N. 18th St. Monroe, LA 318-338-3000
7950 Desiard St. Monroe, LA 318-338-3760 5122 Cypress St. West Monroe, LA 318-410-5390 800 Garrett Dr. Bossier City, LA 318-747-7575
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4370 Sterlington Rd. Monroe, LA 318-338-3775
9010 Ellerbe Rd. Shreveport, LA 318-861-3002
2002 N. 7th St. West Monroe, LA 318-338-3050
6801 Fern Ave. Shreveport, LA 318-459-3000
311 N. Franklin St. Bastrop, LA 318-283-5500
701 McMillan Rd. West Monroe, LA 318-338-3040
4200 Benton Rd. Bossier City, LA 318-698-5000 1503 E. Madison St. Bastrop, LA 318-283-5570
AIOLI DINNER SUPPER CLUB WITH SPECIAL GUEST, LINDA DAY, CHIEF POLITICAL COORDINATOR FOR GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS MARCH 16, 2017 · HOME OF RANDY AND CHERRY MORRIS
Who was spotted? 1. Billy Justice, Amy Fahkre, Lisa Patrick 2. Linda Day, Randy and Cherry Morris 3. Chuck and Margo Morgan, Scott and Evelyn McClellan 4. Alyssa Akers and Emma Sager 5.Jacques Rodrigue, Beth Rick 6. Noli and Maria Guinigundo photos by Gary Guinigundo
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COPELAND'S GRAND REVEAL AND RIBBON CUTTING WITH SPECIAL GUEST AL COPELAND JR. MARCH 7, 2017 · COPELAND'S IN MONROE
PHOTOS BY GARY GUINIGUNDO
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 13
MEET KULLO FEB. 15, 2017 · MOREHOUSE SHERIFF’S OFFICE, BASTROP Who was spotted? 1. Kullo with Deputy Sheriff Daniel Jones 2. Clapping for the newest "employee" 3. Kullo with Deputy Sheriff Daniel Jones 4. Kenneth Jones, Jeremy Jordan, Don Scott 5. Kullo is introduced photos by Gary Guinigundo
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NORTHEAST LOUISIANA HEART WALK MARCH 4, 2017 · THE GROVE AT MALONE STADIUM, ULM
Who was spotted? 1. Jonathan Boles, Harrison Holt 2. Cesar Camacho of InFit 3. Paulen Luttgeharm, State Farm Agent & Friend 4. Diane Miletello, Eddie Craddieth, Mindy Johnson, Amy Anthony 5 Missy Amy, Ron & Sabrina Hogan 6. Sabrina Hogan photos by Gary Guinigundo DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 15
“VARIETY” AT THE MASUR MUSEUM OF ART MASUR MUSEUM OF ART · FEB. 4, 2017
Who was spotted? 1. Josh Love 2. Vitus Shell, Tarvie Wilson, Quilwanti Lewis photos by Gary Guinigundo
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PARLOR HOUSE WIG OUT PARTY PARLOR HOUSE, MONROE · MARCH 18, 2017
Who was spotted? 1. Madi Viola, Ben Bennett 2. Victoria Johnson, Emily Harris, Rachel Rodgers 3. Terri Rodgers, Tina Anzalone, Angela Harrell 4. Todd & Dawn Martin 5. McKenna Giovingo, Emily Clack photos by Gary Guinigundo DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 17
DANCING WITH THE LOUSIANA STARS MONROE CIVIC CENTER · MARCH 10, 2017
Who was spotted? 1. Dr. Dan Holt dances with Lauren Houck 2. Vickie Krutzer dances with Michael Levine 3. Hollis Conway dances with Aisha Johnson 4. Linnea Fayard Allen dances with Nathaniel Jeane 5. Brian West dances with Courtney Crain 6-7. Wade House dances with Elizabeth Pipes 8. Lamar Walters dances with Madi Underwood 9. Cindy Stone dances with Nathaniel Jeane Greg Manley dances with Maryanna Spillers photos by Hannah Baldwin 18 | A P R IL 2017 | D E LTA S T Y LE M AGA ZI N E
CALENDAR
GETTY IMAGE
River RUMble When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1 Where: Downtown RiverMarket Info: www.riverrumble.eventbrite.com Woofstock When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1 Where: Downtown RiverMarket Info: downtownrivermarket.com Painting in the Park When: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 1 Where: Kiroli Park Info: (318) 355-4720 or www.westmonroe.com/ departments/parks/kiroli.php Quota International of Ruston presents: I LOVE the 80’s When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1 Where: The Norton Building at 207 W. Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA Info: 318-254-2655 or Kristi.greer@bxs.com Brown Bag Lunch: Mike McKenzie When: Noon Wednesday, April 5 Where: Anna Gray Noe Park, downtown Monroe (Across from St. Francis) Info: (318) 396-9520 or www.nelaarts.com Spring Fest 2017: Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners 9th Annual Spring Plant Sale When: Friday, April 6: Preview Sale 12PM-6PM; Saturday, April 7: 9AM-3PM Venue: Market at 7th Square AT 1700 North 7th St. West Monroe, LA Info: 318-322-2203 or www.westmonroe.com/ departments/farmers-market.php 8th Annual Off the Wall Fundraiser hosted by the Masur Museum When: Saturday, April 7: 6:30PM-9:00PM Where: Masur Museum of Art 1400 South Grand St. Monroe, LA Info: 318-329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org Brown Bag Lunch: Julian Jones, Brooke BeDoit, and Landry Allen When: Noon Wednesday, April 12 Where: Anna Gray Noe Park, downtown Monroe (Across from St. Francis) Info: (318) 396-9520 or www.nelaarts.com Kids' Festival When: 10 am.- 4 p.m. Saturday, April 15 Where: Downtownn RiverMarket Info: downtownrivermarket.com Easter EGGstravaganza When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, April 15 Address: Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo at 1405 Bernstein Park Road Monroe LA, 71202 Info: (318) 329-2400 or www.monroezoo.org Brown Bag Lunch: Mason Granade When: Noon Wednesday, April 19 Where: Anna Gray Noe Park, downtown Monroe (Across from St. Francis) Info: (318) 396-9520 or www.nelaarts.com Ballet Under the Stars When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20 - Sunday, April 23 **IN CASE OF RAIN, LOCATION MAY CHANGE TO MONROE CIVIC CENTER.** Where: Kiroli Park Info: (318) 388-3011 or http://www.twincityballet.org
Wine Over Water When: 7-10 p.m.Thursday, April 20 Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum 4099 Northeast Dr. Monroe LA, 71209 Web: (318) 342-1000 or www.ulmwarhawks.com 2017 Biedenharn Garden Symposium When: 9 a.m. Friday, April 21 Where: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens at 2006 Riverside Drive Monroe LA, 71201 Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org Landry Vineyards presents: Mason Granade When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 22 Venue: Landry's Vineyard at 5699 New Natchitoches Road West Monroe LA, 71292 Info: (318) 557-9051 or www.landryvineyards.com DeltaFest 2017 When: Saturday, April 22: Doors open at 6 p.m.; Show begins at 7 p.m. Where: Monroe Civic Center at 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Web: (318) 329-2225 or ci.monroe.la.us/calendar/month Brown Bag Lunch: Lisa Lee Phifer and Sarah Katherine McCallum When: Noon Wednesday, April 26 Where: Anna Gray Noe Park, downtown Monroe (Across from St. Francis) Info: (318) 396-9520 or www.nelaarts.com "Charlott)’s Web" at Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 28; 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29; 3 p.m. Sunday, April 30; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.Saturday, May 6; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7 Venue: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts at 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane Monroe LA, 71201 Info: (318) 812-7922 or www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com Shotgun Shells & Crawfish Tails When Friday, April 28: 5 Stand Skeet Tournament, 9-5 p.m. crawfish boil, 5-8 p.m. Where: Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Rifle Range Info: (318) 325-1961 or www.westmonroechamber.org WalkERrun4K When: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 29 Where: Family Church, West Monroe Info: (318) 376-7111 or www.walkerrun4k.com Downtown Spring Art Festival When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 29 Where: Antique Alley at the 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street in West Monroe Info: www.artfest318.com Love Worth Fighting for Marriage Event When: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29 Where: First West Baptist Church at 500 Pine Street West Monroe LA, 71291 Info: (318) 322-5104 or www.loveworthfightingfor.com Monroe Symphony Orchestra: "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29 Where: Monroe Civic Center at 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway Monroe LA, 71210 Info: (318) 329-2225 or www.mymso.org/
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 19
DOCKS & PILE DRIVING "Serving the waterfront of the U.S. since 1979" in Conjunction With
River Marine Works
PILE DRIVING Steel, Fiberglass and Wood • Sheet Piling for Sea Walls and Bulkheads
FLOATING DOCKS
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Piers to Custom Bout Houses • Galvanized Steel Frames Corps Approved Encapsulated Floatation, Precast-Reinforced-Textured-Concrete Deck Panels JOE TERRACINA 318-665-0190 • CELL 318-614-2406 M I K E F I T Z PAT R I C K 318-584-7003 323 MOON LAKE ROAD • MONROE, LA
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | A PRI L 2 017 | 21
Pooch pals SIX LOCALS WHOSE TIME AND DEDICATION GIVES NEW LIFE TO MAN'S BEST FRIEND.
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here has to be a special place in the afterlife for folks who provide care and sanctuary for lost, abandoned or mistreated dogs. The time and energy these individuals spend to transport animals to new homes, open their own homes to foster dogs and save others from abuse or neglect translates into a new life for many local rescue dogs. This month, in recognition of the American Red Cross' National Pet First Aid Month, we're highlighting the work of local dog saints.
BY CINDY & GERALD INGRAM
Mindy Sanders Diffenderfer Walking in the Sun Rescue Q: How did you get started in rescue? MD: I’ve always been an animal lover, but when we moved to Morehouse Parish 24 years ago, I became aware of the number of dogs wandering around that seemed to be either lost or abandoned. I would occasionally pick up a stray, put an ad in to attempt to find the owner, find a home or as a last resort, take it to the shelter. My son did some community service work at the Bastrop Shelter as a part of his high school ac-
MINDY SANDERS DIFFENDERFER
Dr. Tyler Thomas and Denise Kindrix get a dog health certified for travel.
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MINDY SANDERS DIFFENDERFER
Mindy Sanders Diffenderfer is on her way to meet another rescue group to pass along these dogs. "Relationships with other rescues are key to helping with placement," she said.
tivities, and I would occasionally go with him on Sundays. We did whatever needed to be done, from cleaning out the cat building to cleaning out the puppy house to walking and exercising the older dogs. When he completed his community service hours, I kept going. A couple of years later, I was president of the board. Q: What breed of dog you do you have? MD: My first real foster dog was Belle, my lab. I brought her home from the shelter because I felt sorry for her. She had 12 puppies at the shelter, and they all died. But she was still in the puppy house for lack of space with the adult dogs, so I brought her home! That was about eight years ago, and she’s almost 11 years old now. Q: How does your program work? MD: At some point in my shelter volunteering, I realized that, since the Bastrop Shelter is only open to dogs and cats — which
are picked up by animal control within the city limits — a program was needed to work with the animals out in the parish. The parish doesn’t have a shelter, but most animals were dumped on the back roads of the parish and not in the City Park or environs. In 2013, I, along with a couple of fellow animal lovers filed the paperwork to become a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, under the name, Walking in the Sun Rescue. The group became “official” in September of that year. That year, we rescued around 50 dogs. Three years later, we rescued 290 dogs and 54 cats. Not all come from Morehouse Parish. We also take in animals from other small parishes. We have also begun working with the Bastrop Shelter to get dogs out when we can. Q: How can locals assist? MD: Food is important, and monetary donations are always welcome and judiciously spent, but the thing we need most is foster volunteers. They are critical to our mission. They provide love, food and a safe place for the animals to live as they learn how to be family members and frequently need to recover from illnesses and get healthy again after a rough life. We have nine volunteers, but there are four of us, including three board members, who always have a foster: Dianna Blake, a nurse; Jane Hynum, a teacher; and Debbie Havard, who lives in West Monroe. Q: How can people get more information on your organization? Facebook: Walking In the Sun Rescue Telephone: 318-235-4494
Cinnamon Grant, Kathy Powell Bayou Bully Rescue Q: How did you two get started in rescue? CG: For my 13th birthday, my parents adopted a little black puppy for me from Monroe Humane Society. We thought we were getting a little black lab, but as he grew we knew he wasn't what we were physically expecting. He was a pit-bull mix. Intellectually, he was an all star. He was so smart that he learned hand commands from me one night with only 10 pieces of chicken nuggets as a reward. And we were inseparable. He was with me through my first car and first boyfriend. Despite what I had heard and conventional wisdom, I really learned to appreciate this breed. Fast forward to 2013 when I was pulling a German Shepherd off the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter kill list for a breed rescue to transport to East Texas. As I was finishing the paperwork, one of the shelter workers catch poled this tan-and-white pit. I asked where he was taking the dog, and he said that he was taking him “to the back.” I then asked “to kill him?” and he reluctantly said “yes.” At that point my emotions overcame my common sense and took the catch pole out of the guys hand and said “you’re not taking him.” He looked at me all dumbfounded, stumbled over a few words and quickly walked off. So I sat on the wet cold floor holding this dog and asking myself “what am
CINDY INGRAM
Kathy Powell (left) and Cinnamon Grant (right) enjoy some time on the Bayou DeSiard with Brock who was rescued from the Bossier City Animal Control.
I doing?” Well, shelter worker No. 2 came limping over saying "ma'am, ma'am, uh you uh can’t take that dog, you can’t have that dog." A few days later and "that dog," by then named Right, (because rescuing him was the right thing to do) was sleeping on my couch. That was the beginning of Bayou Bullies. KP: At one point, my family had three pit bulls and a rottweiler. They all passed of old age. We went awhile without any dogs because we were just devastated, especially me because I had lost my 15-year-old pit bull named Max. He was my child as I got him when he was only 4 weeks old. I’ve been in love with the breed ever since. Long story short, my brother saw Bayou Bully has some pit bull puppies for adoption. We applied, and when he was old enough, March 2014, we named him Ozzie and brought him home. That’s when I met Cinnamon. Q: What breed of dogs do you have yourself? CG: I have Bastion, my great dane, and Right, the rescued pit bull. Kathy has Ozzie, an adopted pit bull she got from Bayou Bully as a puppy. Q: How does your rescue group work? CG: We’re a little unconventional from most as we do not have a physical place to house the rescued dogs, so we are limited to how many we can save. We rely heavily on our volunteers who foster the dogs until we can place them either locally or out of state. Kathy and I grew into great friends and are total opposites, which works great. She is black and white, and I’m a splattered rainbow. She keeps me straight, and I drive her crazy. She has a background in accounting, so she keeps up with money and the emails, and I run the roads doing what needs to be done, rescues, transports to new homes, vet visits, etc. Q: How can locals assist? CG: As with any such group, money is always needed. We have 44 dogs in rescue at any given time. That means each dog needs to be spayed or neutered, each one needs vaccinations, each gets a microchip, and
COURTESY JENNIFER NICHOLS PRESNELL
Jennifer Nichols Presnell prepares to hit the road in the transport van.
food, lots of food. As I said earlier, we need additional volunteers and could really use up to five board members who are willing to help, especially with fund raising. We are part of the Amazon Smile program, so if someone designates us as their charity, we get a few cents off each of their purchases donated from Amazon. We also have a wishlist on Amazon if anyone would like to donate something from that list. And last, but certainly not least, we are in rather desperate need for additional kennels, for dogs that weigh 3070 lbs. Q: How can people get more information on your organization? CG: bayoubullyrescue.org
Jennifer Nichols Presnell PAWS of NELA Q: How did you get started in rescue? JP: I've always had a heart for rescuing animals in need. I brought home strays as a young girl, and my first dog all on my own was a puppy I rescued from a dumpster in college. I became involved with PAWS of NELA in 2007. I had four dogs of my own at the time and knew I couldn't
keep adopting every dog I wanted to save. I realized I could make a greater impact by fostering dogs in need. Q: What breed of dogs do you have yourself? JP: I have an 11-year-old border collie mix, a 10-year-old black lab mix and a 10-year-old beagle. They are good sports and have welcomed hundreds of fosters dogs into our home over the years. Q: How does your rescue group work? JP: The PAWS of NELA Rescue Program was created in 2003 to help animals at our local high kill shelter, the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter in West Monroe. We save around 200 dogs each year from the OPAS. We work with rescues around the country that help us place our rescue dogs in loving, forever homes. The dogs are fully vetted down here while in foster care. Once healthy, they are adopted to prescreened, indoor homes. Most of our dogs are adopted to families in the New England states. Q: How can locals assist? JP: We need financial donations to our rescue program to pay help for food, assist with vet care expenses etc. But to make our program work and to save as
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 23
CINDY INGRAM
This cute litter of pups are all clean, healthy and ready to play. Ellen Silk Hicks says, “puppy kisses are free.”
many dogs as we can, we need dedicated local foster homes. Requirements to become a foster: 1. A dog must be fostered indoors and treated as a member of the family, 2. Current pets must be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, as well as heartworm & flea preventive and 3. You must live close enough to get your foster dog to/ from vet appointments at Cooper Veterinary in West Monroe. Q: How can people get more information on your organization? JP: Website: pawsnela.org. Facebook: facebook.com/ groups/432964523509044/ and email is rescue@pawsnela.org
Ellen Silk Hicks Monroe Humane Society Q. How did you get involved in rescue? EH: I’ve been an animal lover since I was a tot. My mother liked to tell the story about coming home from work and finding me standing in front of the open refrigerator feeding olive loaf to the neighbor’s two dogs and two cats. I think I was 3 and couldn’t understand what the big deal was. And still can’t. They were all being very good and waiting their turn for a piece of the treat. I remember my mom getting a phone call one day from a lady asking if she
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knew her daughter was chasing a dog down Highway 165? Her reply was "why are you calling me instead of helping her?” I really hadn’t been involved in rescues or animal groups until we moved back from Dallas. In 2004, I started volunteering with the Humane Society Adoption Center in Monroe and got heavily involved. I am now the president of the organization, the “Big Dog” as it were. Q: How does your group or program work? EH: Our group, the Monroe Humane Society, which is not affiliated with any national group, may have a few dogs there for adoption; but our main focus is to develop awareness of who we are and what we do. We are a ‘no kill’ shelter and usually house around 55 dogs. We could choose to be ‘no kill’ because we are an independent organization, while the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter works under different criteria because it is publicly operated. The local rescue groups here are great, and without them we, as a community, would be in really bad shape from an animal overpopulation. And the folks who do the transportation of the dogs are absolutely amazing with what they do and the distance they are able to place the rescued animals. We all are working toward the same goal. It’s a daily fight against ‘black dog syndrome’ to inform and educate people about spaying and neutering their pets, as well as chipping them and keeping collars and tags on them for ID if they are lost. Q: What kind of dogs you have yourself? EH: My husband and I both love Corgi’s and had two for quite a while that were our “children”. We are both still grieving their passing and not quite ready to adopt another. I get my “puppy and big dog love” at our facility. Q: How can locals assist? As with most of the animalrelated organizations, we could not operate without our volunteers. We always need more people to come help us walk the dogs, give them baths or just sit and talk to them, do some loving. We ask that you be over the age
of 15 or bring a parent. We are also in need of folks who can’t or don’t want to own a dog due to a variety of circumstances – travel, cost etc. — who can act as a ‘foster parent’ of a dog for short period of time until we can find a ‘fur-ever home’ for them. We supply the vetting, the food and any needs you might have. We welcome monetary donations to help with the food costs and vet bills, but volunteers keep the wheels turning, or keep the tails wagging. We currently have a line of sniff candles that can be purchased at Fiesta Nutrition Center on 18th Street in Monroe with the profits coming to us.
Rant note:Social media has become a major part of most of our lives these days. It has been great for returning lost dogs to their owners and finding homes for others. But, the frustrating thing to me is that too often someone will see a dog in distress or in a bad situation, and rather than do something themselves, they call on someone else to do the job. I urge you, if you care about our four-footed friends, get involved.
Q: How can people get more information on your organization? EH: We are located at 920 Freight Drive, Monroe. It's about 1⁄3 mile to the left off Construction Avenue, which is off Kansas Lane. website: www.bayoudogs.org and telephone: 318-287-9553. To view some of our animal, search: www.petfinders.com
CINDY INGRAM
Ellen Silk Hicks with Butch, an American bulldog mix.
Sandra Lunte, Elizabeth Grant-Gibson All Hounds on Deck Q: How did you two get started in rescue? EG: Sandy had been doing independent rescue on her own for a couple of years. In the summer of 2012, she became obsessed with catching and rescuing a big old hound that was hanging out around the Farmerville Walmart and living in a ravine across the highway. After a few weeks of early morning stakeouts, with the help of Dr. Damon Odom, she was able to get the hound. He became Major Hound, the hound who started it all. Getting to know Major Hound, who soon became dog No. 3 for Sandy and her husband Tony Cortellini, along with rescues Colby Lou and Jack (a dumpster dog who is now a therapy dog), caused Sandy to fall in love with this funny, friendly breed. In early 2013, I had been doing rescue dog transports for a couple of different organizations and agreed to help Sandy with the hounds. In March 2013, All Hounds on Deck was born. AHOD became an officially registered non-profit with the state of Louisiana, and eventually became a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Since then, AHOD has placed around 100 dogs and puppies and has facilitated rescue and transport for other nonprofit rescue organizations. Q: What type of dogs do you have yourself? EG: I do not have any dogs of my own. Instead, I have in the past fostered AHOD dogs, anywhere from three to seven dogs at a time, from early 2013 until 2016 when my house was flooded. When I first got involved in fostering through AHOD, I had a cat, Gin, who was the "cat-tester" for our hounds. Sandy and her husband Tony have five dogs: Jack, a cocker spaniel mix who was abandoned at a dumpster and is now a therapy dog certified by Therapy Dogs International (TDI); Major Hound, a large senior, 3⁄4 American foxhound and 1⁄4 treeing walker coonhound and largest foxhound ever, (she did the DNA);
COURTESY OF ALL HOUNDS ON DECK
Major Hound with Sandra Lunte and Elizabeth Grant-Gibson of All Hounds on Deck.
Maddie Hound, a senior hound who was a part of AHOD until she was diagnosed with cancer, at which point Sandy and Tony adopted her; Hannah Hound, also a former AHOD dog who suffered from such serious PTSD as a result of her early life that Sandy felt she was unadoptable, so Sandy and Tony adopted her; and Colby Lou, a Chihuahua mix who Tony rescued from outside a church. She had been abandoned when people moved and was living in the bushes of her former house next to the church. Q: How does your rescue organization work? EG:The hounds that become part of All Hounds on Deck come from the local kill shelter, from dumpsters, from the
streets and from the fields. These hounds have usually been abandoned, probably because they were gun shy. Some have been abused. Nearly all are unhealthy — usually with internal parasites, heartworms, canine ehrlichia (a tick-borne disease) and wounds. Most are emaciated. We work closely with Dr. Damon Odom in Farmerville to get these dogs fully healthy, which often includes surgery, including spay/neuter, and usually includes treating heartworms, one of our greatest expenses. As the dogs are getting healthy, we work to get to know them so that we can make a good match with an adoptive family. We also do some training in basic commands. Once an AHOD rescue dog has an all-clear on heart-
worms and has been fully assessed, we work to find an adopter. The vast majority of our adoptions come through Facebook. We adopt throughout the continental US and lower Canada. Our adoption process is thorough a preliminary short adoption form, a longer form with references, a telephone interview and a home visit. Because of our process, we are able to find excellent homes for our hounds. Once an adoption is approved, we personally deliver the hound to his or her new home, helping to introduce to new family and any animal siblings and getting the new adoptee settled in. We have delivered dogs from coast to coast, north to south, and we actually have four hounds in Ontario, Canada.
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 25
Q: How can locals assist? EG: Our greatest expense by far is veterinary care. We spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on most dogs with several costing us much more because of their extreme health needs. Donations can be made through PayPal to AllHoundsOnDeck@gmail.com or can be called in to Dr Damon Odom's office at (318) 368-0600. In addition, we can use gift cards from Tractor Supply Company, where we buy their store brand grainfree food and gas gift cards to help defray expenses on the road when we deliver dogs. Finally, in terms of practical items, we can always use paper towels, laundry soap, bleach, Odoban disinfectant, dish soap, and Clorox wipes. The problem with these items is that we are virtual, so we don't have a home base where things can be dropped off. So donation of these types of supplies would mean trying to arrange to meet with the donor to receive the items, not a simple matter with Sandy's packed schedule and Elisabeth's travel. Q: How can people get more information on your organization? EG: website: www.allhoundsondeck.com and via e-mail: allhoundsondeck@gmail.com
Alisa Lear Ouachita River Valley Animal League Q: How did you get started in rescue? AL:My first rescue is beyond my recall because I come from a family of rescuers. Grandparents and parents, I can remember each of them caring for strays at the back door and 'surprise' litters, which became part of the family. I just never realized the cruelty of humans who abandon animals until Bernie and I moved to the country. We were at a dumpster site one day and I heard crying. Much to my husband's delight, I climbed into the dumpster and found a puppy. Dingo looked like she was about five or six breeds mixed, about 6 weeks old. She lived over 20
CINDY INGRAM
Alisha Lear and her dog Roxy.
years. Someone tossed away that much love. Dingo, the dumpster dog, is a memory which will always make me smile. Q: What type of dogs do you have yourself? AL: More than you would want to read about and possibly more than I can name. All are big dogs, which I love, plus several donkeys and a few cats. Q: How does your rescue organization work? AL:Well, we are not really a rescue organization but more a rescue support organization. Also, ORVAL is not a shelter. We cannot accept or house animals. We are volunteers who strive to raise money to assist others in providing homes and medical care for companion animals. We
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volunteer here because we know the expense of a major injury or illness can keep a rescue animal from being re-homed, or a companion from being treated. It is the reason Wanda Sharplin began the organization in 1996. Many of our board members are “cross contaminated” as I like to say as they work with many groups. Many of us volunteer as transports for rescues, donate to rescues, adopt individually, foster for rescues and donate to other fundraisers. We are aware that it will take many approaches to educate about spay/neuter, heartworm prevention and companion care, before the heartbreaking left-behind and tossed-away animal situation in our region is controlled. Our organization is not about
spay/neuter, but if we donate to the animal's care, it's one of the things that we ask. While your companion is being treated for this, let's go ahead. Or if you are looking to re-home a dog, we’ll say “let's take care of this too. It's important.” Q: How can locals assist? AL: Our primary fundraiser, BARK in the PARK, is about fundraising and education. Our 21st BARK In the PARK will be Oct. 7, 2017 at Kiroli Park in West Monroe. Q: How can people get more information on your organization? AL: Telephone: 318-376-0031 Donations: We are a 501 C3 Nonprofit. Tax deductable donations can be sent to P.O. Box 4428, Monroe, LA 71211
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FINDING A
IN YOUR MESS A story of a mother, wife and friend whose faith has been tested and yet remains faithful. ALYSSA AKERS
H A gift Kimmie Walker received from her late husband, Ryan.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIMMIE WALKER
Ryan Walker
ave you ever heard the phrase "miracle in your mess?" This phrase is far too familiar to Kimmie Walker Lewis of West Monroe. During a beach trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with Family Church of West Monroe, on May 25, 2015, Kimmie’s husband Ryan Walker suffered a seizure on the beach on their first day of the trip. It left him face down in the water for several minutes. Walker was kept in intensive care and placed in a coma for several days to clear up the infection in his lungs. On June 1, 2015, Ryan went to be with the Lord. At the time, Ryan and his wife Kimmie were raising three boys — ages 5, 3 and 1 — while waiting on the arrival of their fourth child expected to be born early 2016. A Facebook post written by her father at the time of the tragedy describes Kimmie as being strong in her faith. “So often we define faith as: believing that God is going to heal, or God is going to bless, or God is going to provide," he wrote. "Kimberly, however, has the faith that God is, period. God always has been, period. And God always will be, period. It’s the faith that believes for a miracle and yet trusts that the Eternal One knows exactly what He is doing, and whatever He does is right!” How inspiring to know that even through one of the most dif-
ficult times of her life, she is still able to look at her tragedy in a way that is faith-based and believes with every part of her that God has it under control whatever the outcome may be. “When the bible says in our weakness He makes us strong, He means it. He has been our strength and has never left our side," Ryan’s brother, Corey said in a Facebook post. "I have heard my God say over and over to me, 'Hey, keep looking at me, I got this.'” And surely He does. The Walker family and Lewis family are enduring and we are preserving and we are watching as God unfolds His hands. I love you all, and thank you for your prayers and support. Believe me, I have seen them and feel them. We four brothers will leave on and not look back. Thank you God for the time we had and thank you God for making us stronger than ever.” This is a perfect example to show how amazing this family truly is. For someone who just lost their brother to still be thanking God in the midst of his mess is true inspiration. Although this tragic event has left Kimmie without a husband and her children without a father, she looks at her circumstance as being part of God’s amazing plan for her life. Kimmie sees her experience as an event that God placed in her life to test her faith, grow her faith, and require her to lean solely on Him during this difficult time. Rather than looking at her experience as God taking away from her, Kimmie looks at it as
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 31
“When I don't have the answer for their broken hearts, I must point to the one who does”
-KIMMIE WALKER
God giving to her. God has given her grace, perseverance, strength, patience and most importantly a testimony to share with the world. Sometimes, God gives us a mess in order to show us our miracle. The miracle in Kimmie’s mess was strength to share the love and goodness of Christ with those around her. If Kimmie’s story can touch one person, bring one person further along in their faith, or save one person and lead them to God, that is simply Kimmie Walker’s miracle. Through this story, Kimmie has touched the hearts of many people especially those at Family Church and through her blog that can be found at cottonwood cottageblog.wordpress.com. Members of the church created an education fund for the Walker family soon after the passing of Ryan Walker. To support this fund, an annual event is held at Family Church called the WalkER Run 4k. The purpose of the event is to celebrate Ryan’s life, as well as to help raise money to support the future education of Ryan and Kimmie’s children. All proceeds are placed in an account for the Walker children to help with fu-
ture expenses. With Kimmie being a single mom raising and homeschooling four children with no income coming in, Family Church members said this is the least they could do for the family. On April 29, the second annual WalkERrun4K will take place in the parking lot of Family Church located at 320 Laird Street in West Monroe. Visit walkerrun4k.com to find out more information, register, or make a donation. “Please come help us support this amazing family by joining us on April 29th for the WalkER4Krun," Family Church member Jennifer Smith said. "If you don’t run, you can walk or simply sign up to by a cute shirt — all monies go to help Kimmie Walker raise these four beautiful blessings from God. She inspires me daily with her faithfulness to God, her children and the memory of her late husband Ryan Walker. Never has she displayed any form of resentment or anger towards God for taking her beloved husband at such a young age. She truly is a Proverb 31 wife like the bible teaches us all to be. I admire her so much — I am in total awe of her and simply cannot say that about many people.”
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PHOTOS COURTESY KIMMIE WALKER
Joshua, Jacob and Ethan Walker admiring their new sister, Elizabeth June.
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REMEMBERING THOSE DELTA PETS
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
GEORGIANN POTTS
Writer’s note: Pets are family, or at least they're regarded as family in the Delta. They always have been. Snooks, Bert, Goldie, Pluto, Merry Legs, and so many others --- these critters were as much as part of my family when I was growing up as any of the cousins! he first pet I remember having was “BuffaloBillJerryJuniorBozoTimLawley” (always spoken quickly and in full --- no room for nicknames here!) I was very young, probably about 6, and a lovely yellow kitten came to live with our family. Selecting a name for the kitten became problematic because everyone had a name that they liked. My solution was to combine all of the names into
T
one long one, and that’s exactly what I did. The poor kitten grew up with something of a complex, I suspect, because his was the longest name both in our household and in our entire neighborhood. Until my father’s illness forced his retirement from the United States Corps of Engineers, we lived in a small community just north of Alexandria. Though our yard was fenced, and there was a barn and pasture as part of the property, pets were generally restricted in number and type. It was not until our family moved to Tensas Parish, and I found myself “at home” on Kenilworth Plantation, my mother’s family home, that I was able to expand my pet collection. Remembering those Delta pets!
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More than dogs When my family moved to Kenilworth, much of my free time was spent exploring. I had moved to my maternal grandfather’s farm without the slightest concept of what “living on the farm” might mean. At first, I was intimidated by the large home and even larger yard. The home had nine rooms, all with high ceilings. I quickly became comfortable there, creating my own “space.” The yard and surrounding land were different matters, however. The only yard I had ever known had been a typical small town lot surrounded by a protective fence. There was one large tree behind the house, and a small patch of woods further back. By contrast, Kenilworth’s yard was acres large, without
fencing, and populated by enormous old pecan trees that provided shade in the summer and delicious nuts in the fall. The main house was set back from the two-lane highway and beyond that, Lake St. Joseph. To the rear of the main house was a garden that had once held my grandmother’s roses. By the time I moved there, she was dead and the rose garden had been converted into a lush strawberry patch surrounded by white-painted stones. Beyond were the kitchen garden, the barns, and the pastures and fields. When I went walking, there were endless spaces to explore.
Delta pets of yesteryear All of this outdoor space meant that there were nearly no restrictions on the number or
kind of pets I might have. Because cats were the only pets that I had any prior experience with, I was immediately attracted to Kenilworth’s abundant cat population. Daddy Moore explained that the cats “earned their keep” by being aggressive mousers. They populated the old commissary — once upon a time the plantation “store” — and the other outbuildings, spending their lives in relative peace. I say “relative peace” because there were also dogs on our farm. While the two groups generally avoided one another’s space, there were times when their paths crossed. This usually happened when a curious puppy lacking necessary experience with kitty claws would venture too close. The puppies had several ways of approaching the cats. Sometimes they would just romp right up, tongues out and tails wagging, fully expecting to find a playmate. Other times they would attempt to creep up, crawling low on their bellies, and hoping the element of surprise would make the difference in the ensuing battle. Either way, the puppies were destined to lose. Once
GETTY IMAGES
The idea of making a bee a pet was totally unrealistic to me, but since my grandfather had suggested it, I had to consider it. He explained that the bee with no white on its head was called a “goblin” bee because they might sting.
they were grown dogs with some experience with cats under their belts, they generally avoided them at all costs. While all of the Kenilworth cats were outside dwellers and had rodent extermination responsibilities, not all of the Kenilworth dogs were either outside much or had any “job” other than being an object of devotion and affection for their owners. Two dogs that ruled the household when I was living on the farm were black-and-tan feists. The older of the two was Pluto, and by the time I met him he was already an elderly dog with gray in his coat and prone to long naps and gentle snuggles. His daughter, Snooks, was still more puppy than dog when I first met her, and her energy bursts could be unnerving at times. Both dogs made good household critters, generally minding their manners and spending much of their time at leisure. Once outdoors, however, both were easily distracted by the resident squirrel population. Both would give chase, although Pluto’s was more of a brief sprint when compared to Snooks’ longer marathons. The rest of the farm dogs were “working” dogs — either trained to flush quail or rabbits, or to retrieve downed waterfowl while my grandparents were hunting. Bert, Daddy Moore’s setter, was shipped to Daddy Moore when just a puppy. My grandparents both loved to hunt, and old hunting friends from Illinois sent the puppy
GETTY IMAGES/ ISTOCKPHOTO
down as a gift not long after my family moved to Louisiana. My brother reports that Bert was never properly trained, but he still managed.
The goblin bee Other “pets” I had included turtles and the occasional carpenter bee that I would very carefully tie a string around and “fly” like a kite. It wasn’t until I was in college that I was introduced to the poetry of Miss Emily Dickinson, an eccentric genius to say the least. Her poem “Part Three: Love VI If you were coming in the fall . . . “ refers to a “goblin bee” that “goads “ and . . . “will not state its
sting.” I instantly knew exactly what she was writing about. It all goes back to the day that Daddy Moore helped me to understand the carpenter bees that treated the large open spaces below the main house as theirs and theirs alone. This created a crisis of sorts for me because that was my space --- cool and welcoming during the long, hot Delta summers. The bees buzzed everywhere, alternately drilling holes in the cypress support structures and coming much too close to me as I tried to read. When I complained to Daddy Moore, he accompanied me back downstairs with a length of string about a yard
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 37
GETTY IMAGES
A flying squirrel.
long in hand. As we sat together under the house, my grandfather told me to look carefully at the bees and tell me if they were all the same. I assumed that they were because I was usually so determined to avoid them that I hadn’t conducted any substantial study of their appearance. To my surprise, I realized that most had white dots on the tops of their heads, though occasionally I would see one with an entirely black head. When I told Daddy Moore what I had noticed, he assured me that now I had the knowledge I needed to have the bees as pets. The idea of making a bee a pet was totally unrealistic to me, but since my grandfather had suggested it, I had to consider it. He explained that the bee with no white on its head was called a “goblin” bee because they might sting. The bees with the white dots were friends who pollinated our plants and who, if treated properly, would make dandy self-propelled “kites” for
curious little girls. Daddy Moore then carefully caught a bee with a white dot and then even more carefully tied his length of string around its neck so that the string would not interfere with the bee’s wing-beat. He then released the bee, handed me the string and listened to my giggles as the bee soared at the end of its tether. He reminded me to avoid the “goblin” bees when I was searching for a pet bee in the future. Over the years, I learned that appearance is actually not a rock-solid guarantee when it comes to bees. Some bees with the white dots did sting, and some with the black heads did not. Later in another college class, I learned that the males had the white dot and the females had the entirely black heads. Males rarely sting; females may. The other animals on the farm weren’t actually pets. Goldie, my aunt’s horse, was hardly a pet. Neither was Robert, the
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mule. The chickens and cattle certainly weren’t. Growing up we viewed all of those as working animals that had a role to play in maintaining life and well-being on the farm.
Flying squirrels Occasionally, someone would admit to having a raccoon or lizard for a pet but that was about all. And then there was Faye Dandridge, one of my schoolmates just a few years ahead at Newellton High School. She had about the most “exotic” pet that I knew of when we were growing up — a pair of flying squirrels. Faye’s father found the pair of babies in a tree he and a crew had felled and brought them home to her. A birdcage in the barn was converted to a flying squirrel home, and placed in Faye’s bedroom. The little squirrels were so smart that they quickly figured out how to unlatch the cage door. That wasn’t their only trick. They also reveled in climbing to the top of
Faye’s bedroom door and then flying down to her bed --- usually at night with her in it. They also discovered the open innersprings under her mattress and converted that space into their personal playground. Enough was enough, so Faye’s father put the cage on the back porch. Freedom came quickly!
Delta pets today In today’s Delta, times have changed in many ways. Mechanism has replaced manpower, with fancy machines making the mules all but unnecessary. Gone are the teams standing hitched awaiting first light so that they and their handlers could go to the great fields and turn the good earth. Delta folk still love their cats and dogs and take great pains to make sure that they are properly cared for. Names for the darlings have changed with the times, though. “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” are our next-door neighbor cats, coal-black beauties that are
nearly identical. Their humans can tell them apart, but no one else can. They were mischievous kittens so were named for the pair in the Dr. Seuss book The Cat in the Hat. The Things behave more like dogs than cats, following their owner around when called and even enjoy rides on the family fourwheeler.
Chickens as pets There has also been an expansion of the definition of “pet” and evidence of this new way of thinking is everywhere. The Kenilworth chickens and roosters understood perfectly what their job was. The hens were to lay eggs, produce chicks, and ultimately become the main ingredient in a gumbo. The roosters were necessary for this cycle, but because they were generally ill-tempered and unsociable, they were few in number in any chicken yard. Daddy Moore always had two roosters for his 20 or so hens. Absolutely not a single one of our hens or roosters would ever have considered themselves a pet. I thought this was still true until I met Tucker Lamkin and his flock. This energetic, bighearted Delta boy has chickens he puts in a harness and takes for a walk! His love for chickens (and their eggs) began early when he visited his grandparents’ farm. For his fifth birthday, he asked for chickens of his own so that his family could "save money on eggs.” One of the original four he received for his birthday, Peeper, is now 3 years old and still his favorite. She even has a sweater that a cousin made for her. For several years, Peeper enjoyed taking a walk in her harness. Now she has become too plump to enjoy that special pleasure, but other, thinner hens are more than willing to take her place. Tucker explains that Peeper is now the “grandma hen” because she has raised so many chicks BRITTANI DURAND
Tucker Lamkin with his two chicks.
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 39
An expanded menagerie As Tucker has gotten bigger, so has his menagerie. He has a pet bearded dragon he named “Spike” because of the many little spikes all over his body. Spike was a gift for his eighth birthday and is believed to be about 4 months old. Tucker has a leash for Spike (yes, there are leashes for bearded dragons) but Spike is a reluctant participant in this. Most of the time Spike lives in his aquarium with a wire lid. But because he is growing so quickly, Tucker is making plans to expand his habitat. Do you remember going to the Gulf and begging your parents to buy a hermit crab as a pet? Tucker got one ---- nine months ago --- and under his care “Big Guy” is still alive --and thriving! Soon Tucker may have to change his own name to “Noah”. Clearly, he loves his pets, and cares for them well. He says that pets make life better, “ . . . but crazier!”
A comforting thought It is good that Delta folk still cherish their pets and appreciate their working animals. It is also good that some --- like Tucker --- are expanding the definition of “pet” to include critters rarely seen as such when I was growing up. One last thought: I never met Faye’s flying squirrels, but I was mightily impressed that she had them. They put my flying bees to shame.
BRITTANI DURAND
Tucker Lamkin and Spike, the bearded dragon
BRITTANI DURAND
Tucker Lamkin and Big Guy, the hermit crab
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5 Questions to Ask your Orthopedic Surgeon Before Total Knee Replacement Your knee pain or knee instability has finally gotten to the point where you made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and they have confirmed that you are Val Irion, MD indeed a candidate for a total knee replacement. The key word in the last sentence is CANDIDATE! Taking an active role when talking with your surgeon and asking questions is one of the best ways to ensure you and your doctor are on the same page. It is highly important that your clinical reality and your treatment options correlate. Here are (5) questions that can help you choose the best course of treatment:
1. “Do we have to do this now, or can we revisit it later?” You tell me! First and foremost, as an orthopedic surgeon, my job is to evaluate your condition and give you options. If it is determined you are a candidate for a total knee replacement, you are bone on bone, surgery is one option, but you must tell me whether you want to undergo surgery or consider non-surgical options like injections or physical therapy.
2. “Should I get a second opinion?” My partners and I at Specialists strongly encourage our patients to do their research prior to their total knee replacement. First and foremost, research your surgeon and the hospital where your surgery is being performed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid are a great and non-biased resource for patients to gather more information about hospitals- particularly, a hospital’s infection rate. Specialists Hospital Shreveport is a physician owned hospital that focuses solely on orthopedic and spine surgeries and was recently named one of America’s Best Hospitals in Orthopedics by the Women’s Choice Awards.
3. “How long will my recovery be after total knee replacement?” This is relative to your current health and activity level. It is important that we discuss your personal expectations and needs with the clinical reality of this surgery. I like for my patients to be up walking and moving about 2 -4 hours after their surgery and while at Specialists Hospital Shreveport, they will work with an inpatient physical therapist twice daily during their hospital stay. Typically, my total knee patients will go home 1-2 days after their surgery and be up walking on their own with use of a walker. At Specialists, we send our total knee patients home with an exercise guide and instructions to follow daily and strongly encourage patients to get into an outpatient physical therapy program to accelerate their healthy recovery.
4. “Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my outcome both before and after my total knee replacement?” Definitely... once you are scheduled for surgery, I encourage patients to make some simple changes to their diet and to start doing some designated knee exercises daily. You can also, start working with a physical therapist prior to your surgery. One basic change to diet is increasing your water intake by at least 32-64 ounces a day… increasing water intake initiates healthy kidney function which can offset some of the side effects of general anesthesia, like nausea. Following your surgery, it is very important to do your knee exercises every day, devoting at least 1-2 hours to the exercises, in addition to any outpatient physical therapy you may be following.
total knee replacement, but it is very important that you ask questions that are specific to you. Choosing to have total knee replacement is going to mean making some lifestyle changes… just because you have a new high functioning joint doesn’t mean your mind is suddenly going to want to increase your activity level and do your exercises. Know your own reality and if you are struggling with how you are going to manage your recovery, let’s work together to devise a plan before surgery. Val Irion, MD, joined Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and Specialists Hospital Shreveport in 2013. In addition to specializing in arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder and knee, he is also fellowship trained in cartilage restoration procedures. Highly skilled in both surgical sports medicine and joint replacement, Dr. Irion is passionate about Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Total/Partial knee replacement and one of the handful of surgeons in Louisiana to perform Mako total robotic knee replacement. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Irion, please call: 1(866)759.9679 or visit: specialistshospitalshreveport.com.
5. “What questions haven’t I asked that I should have?” As an orthopedic surgeon, I can explain in detail the specifics and intricacies of
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | APRI L 2 017 | 4 9
OUR GLAM PATROL INTRODUCES YOU TO THE SPRING'S HOTTEST TRENDS
S
HAIR TRENDS Natural texture: What’s more beautiful than being you? We love to vamp-up natural texture with the help of some of our favorite products such as Paul Mitchell’s Texturizing Sea Salt Spray or Kevin Murphy HAIR.RESORT Beach Texturizer.
Part your fringe any way you'd like and your look is transformed in minutes. Also, shags need not be short! Keep your shag midlength if you’d like to give the cut a try without losing all your length. Heat-style for a polished look or air-dry for something more playful and fun — the possibilities are endless.
Shags: Shags will be all the rage in 2017! The best part about a shag is how versatile it can be.
Fashion colors: Just because you have an unnatural shade doesn’t
pring is here. And this season's beauty trends are all about bold and natural hair styles and makeup. DeltaStyle's Glam Patrol — local makeup artist Brittany Dye and The Parlor House owner Katie Anzalone — outline how to achieve stylish looks this season.
COURTESY KATIE ANZALONE
Lilac Color is in this season
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COURTESY KATIE ANZALONE
Balayage
COURTESY KATIE ANZALONE
Blunt angled hair is in this spring
COURTESY BRITTANY DYE
Graphic eyeliner makes the eyes pop
COURTESY BRITTANY DYE
Nice, natural look
mean it has to be aggressive. Soft hues of baby pinks and “blorange" will be huge in 2017. Whatever shade you choose, remember to have the proper athome color care regimen to protect it! We recommend Paul Mitchell's Color Protect daily shampoo and conditioner. Bardot bangs: For a perfect faceframing fringe, these work perfectly for the lady who doesn’t want to commit to a full-on straight bang. Talk to your stylist about the perfect length for your fringe — the placement determines the focal point of your gorgeous face! (Different faces, different places!) Balayage: One of our favorite trends is here to stay! Just because the placement is softer and more subtle doesn’t mean that there
can’t be a severe contrast in color! For a fun change without a ton of maintenance, ask your stylist to give you a contrast of a few levels for added drama!
or or cut, healthy hair is beautiful hair. Try Kevin Murphy’s RE.STORE. This cleansing conditioning treatment with superfood proteins naturally binds moisture to reconstruct damaged hair. Amino acids like arginine and lysine, the building blocks of repair, will help to rebuild and restore hair with elasticity, strength and moisture. — Katie Anzalone, The Parlor House
Makeup trends
Blunt bottoms: Try taking a break from all those layers! An above-the-shoulder blunt bob with “flat waves” will be a big deal in 2017!
Graphic liner: A twist to an everyday cat eye. Create shapes and lines in unexpected places with a black or bold color liner. Key products: Mac Fluid Line.
The hair flip: Feeling flat? Need a change, but afraid to do anything drastic? Try a deep part with a volumized flip to switch things up a bit. Tip: Product is key! POWDER.PUFF by Kevin Murphy is perfect for that instant Poof! To create a messy casual volume, gently tap a few shakes on the root and the powder morphs into a product that holds.
Bold Lips. Bright matte hues and shimmering textures in pastel shades have been hot on the runways, but also easy to spruce up your daily routine with.
Healthy hair: No matter the col-
Skin that shines!: Glowy skin that not necessarily sparkles, but shines from within. Key products: prep the skin with Mac essential oil stick and finish with cover FX enhancer drops.
COURTESY BRITTANY DYE
Make your skin glow with FX enhancer drops.
Breathable makeup: For a no makeup look, use sheer skin tints over prepped and hydrated skin and use cream blush for a light flush of color that gives a healthy and radiant look. — Brittany Dye, local makeup artist
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | APRI L 2 017 | 5 3
TALKS on TOWER
Excellence • Education • Experience
Eric T. Geist DDS FACS Richard. D. Willis DDS Matthew W. Fowlkes DMD, MD Are Pleased to Announce the Association of
In the Practice of Terry L. Gerber, MD Cardiologist Board Certified*
“Anatomy of the Heart ”
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Advanced Dental Implant Surgery Advanced Oral Surgery including Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Surgery Surgical Treatment of TMJ, Jaw and Mouth disorders
Presented by:
Dr. Terry Gerber Thursday, April 13th 12 Noon – Lunch Provided St. Francis Community Health Center 2600 Tower Drive, Monroe Community Room, 2nd Floor Seating is limited, so please register early. RSVP (318) 966-4792 Talks on Tower is a series provided by St. Francis Medical Group
Nicholas J. Gregory DDS Dr. Gregory’s Educational Background B.S: McNeese State University DDS: LSU Health Science Center Internship: John Peter Smith Hospital- Fort Worth, TX Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - University of Tennessee Fellowship, advanced Dental Implant Surgery and Bone Regeneration: Denver, CO.
2003 Forsythe Avenue Monroe LA 71201 318-388-2621 Please visit our website to meet our doctor s:
*American Board of Internal Medicine
stfranmedgroup.com
MN-1000647293
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www.oralsurger yassociates.com
DELTA DOGS
DISH ABOUT LIFE.
GEORGIANN POTTS
Writer’s note: Those of you who are regular Delta Style readers know that frequently I write a profile for these pages of an individual who is interesting and who has done interesting things worth knowing about. This month, I’m doing something completely different. I’m turning my attention to a small group of amazing dogs who live life on their own terms.
L
ucy, Chewbacca, BooBoo, Gadget, Roux and Luece certainly live very interesting lives. While their owners mistakenly believe they — the owners — are in charge, just a short conversation with the dogs dispels that myth. These dogs are clearly in charge of their world. Six dogs. Six different backgrounds. Some are rescue pups. Some are purebreds. One is a working retriever. One is a designer dog. Four prefer the creature comforts of inside the home. One much prefers the outdoors, especially on crisp, cold winter mornings when ducks are on the wing. One is too young to have a preference just yet. Each has his own philosophy about life, and each understands love when it is given. This is their story. Full disclosure: a French poodle also was invited to this interview, but she failed the sniff test. Georgiann Potts: Good afternoon, pups! Thanks for agreeing to sit down with me and tell me what life is like for you these days. I know that some of you would rather be outside running around, marking territory and exploring. This won’t take long, I promise, and you can be on your way. Why don’t we start with you introducing yourselves?
GEORGIANN POTTS
Lucy, a Labrador retriever, is always ready to haul in the ducks!
Lucy: Me! Me! Let me go first! My full name is “The Legendary Lucy” but I’m called “Lucy.” My human thought at first he would name me “Molly” but it wasn’t a good fit. I am a black Labrador retriever, and my birthday is Oct. 20. I’m 4 years old. Can I go outside now? Can I? Can I? GP: Not yet, Lucy. Who’s next? BooBoo: My name is Bucato Dunn. “Bucato” is Spanish for “morsel,” which works two ways for me. I’m small like a morsel, and I love morsels of treats! My humans call me ”BooBoo” because I’m a little accident-prone. I am a Chihuahua, and I’m 8 years old.
Gadget: I’m next because I always follow BooBoo. My name is Gadget Dunn. My humans call me “Gadget” because when I see something that intimidates me, I can stretch myself out about three times my body length so I can safely get a good sniff. This reminded them of some character named “Inspector Gadget “ from the cartoons so I got the name. I am 4 1⁄2 years old but much smarter than my older house-buddy, BooBoo. I am a Chihuahua. Lucy: Can I go outside now? GP: Not yet, Lucy. Roux: My name is Roux Grace Grainger, but I’m called “Roux” because my humans love Louisiana and everything
about it. I am an apricot Goldendoodle. I’m 7 years old. My humans had to fill out an 8-10-page application just to be able to buy me. Fortunately, they “passed” the test. GP: What exactly is a Goldendoodle, Roux? Roux: I am half standard poodle and half Golden retriever. In theory, I’m easy to live with, and I don’t shed. In theory. GP: Next? How about you, Chewbacca? You’ve been mighty quiet over there. Chewbacca: I try to mind my manners and not interrupt others.That’s because I’m a blue cream Shih Tzu (“little lion” in translation) and am from a nobler class than these other ras-
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cals. My ancestors lived in China in 8,000 B.C. and were guard dogs for royal humans. I’m hardly a newcomer like some of the rest of you. GP: How did you get your names? Chewbacca: My humans are Star Wars fans and they decided that I looked like that Chewbacca character. When they bought me, my name was already “Chester” but they just didn’t think that name suited me so I became Chewbacca. Later, because of some minor indiscretions on my part, they started calling me “Chewy” --- and not always in a pleasant tone. I am two and a half years old and perfectly suited for my humans. GP: That brings us to you, our youngest pup. Leuce: My name is Leuce, a name my humans made up using a grandmother’s name plus their initials. I’m only about 8-10 weeks old, so I don’t know much. I’m still learning how to be a dog. Lucy: You did that well, Luece! Can we go outside now? GP: In a little while, Lucy. Try to be patient. Is there any other place where any of you would rather live than here in the South? If so, where? BooBoo: If my humans are there, I’ll be there. I do wish it were a little warmer in the win-
ters here, though. Gadget: Same here. Lucy: I’ll go wherever my human wants to go. Period. And we’ll play outside when we get there. Chewbacca: I am devoted to my human and will be with her wherever she is. I guard her most of the time, sort of. Maybe. Roux: I’m going wherever they go. Luece: What other places are there? I haven’t seen much of the world yet. GP: Because you are devoted to your humans, I’d like to know how each of you ended up with them. BooBoo and Gadget, let’s begin with you since you share the same humans. BooBoo: I was in Canton, Texas, and saw them coming near. I turned on the charm (it’s considerable when I want it to be), she cuddled me, and he pulled out the checkbook. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Gadget: BooBoo had it easy. I didn’t. My first humans decided that they didn’t want me anymore. That was hard. Just when I was feeling the most rejected, these humans came along and rescued me. I’ll make sure they are safe and happy for as long as they live for doing that for me. Luece: Hey! I was rescued, too! My brothers and sisters and I got separated from our mother
ASHA RANGARAJ
Chewbacca is a blue cream Shih Tzu and especially enjoys rides in his family's boats
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ELIZABETH JONES AND CONNOR MCKOIN
Luece is a mixed breed puppy with a "thing" for cats.
and ended up in tall grass, lost and afraid. I tumbled into a ditch and started whining for the others. Suddenly this big human reached down and scooped me up. He tried to find the others, but couldn’t. He and his lady friend were lucky that day because I was available to be theirs. And now I am! Lucy: I found my human only after he spent a lot of time begging to convince his mom that he really, really, really needed a dog. She wasn’t easy to convince, but he finally did it. Christmas four years ago, I was his big surprise. He tells everybody that I’m still the best thing he’s ever awakened to on Christmas morning. Roux: Like I said before, my humans had to pass a test to be able to get me. They already had a dog — a Golden retriever named Gumbo — and they thought that he needed a “companion.” We got along great as long as he lived. I followed him around and did what he did, and that pleased the humans . . . most of the time. GP: What’s your story, Chewy? Chewbacca: My humans
hired me, actually. My job is to be a companion to the lady of the house, just like my ancestors were. The lady had lost her husband, and the family decided that she needed a dog to keep her company. A groomer in Ruston had me and other pups for sale, and when the humans saw my picture, that was all it took. In short order, I was in total control of the household —even at a very young age. GP: Do your humans give you special treats? Maybe things that you really, really love to eat? Luece: Oh, let me tell! Let me! My humans give me these delicious green things they call “dental sticks”. That shows what THEY know --- sticks don’t taste like that! I do love them, though, but not as much as something else that I have found in the house. There is a cat lurking around in my house, and he is not willing to play with me. I get him back for ignoring me by eating his food every chance I get! That stuff is delicious! BooBoo: Gross, Luece. Gross. MY humans give me cheese --- cheddar --- my very favorite thing, when they are es-
pecially pleased with me. I gets lots of it. Gadget: I get cheese, too, but I’m cool with any kind they give me. Lucy: There is no treat as great as splitting a honeybun with my human in the early morning on a cold, cold day while we are out hunting. Absolutely nothing. Roux: Although my humans try very hard to keep me on a diet of dog food, it’s their food that I prefer. I’ve been seen licking the outdoor grill on occasion, and then there have been a few times when I’ve been caught rummaging through a trash can here and there. They now have a family routine when they are leaving the house that they call “Roux-Proofing” — they close all doors and clear all of the countertops. That’s pretty rude, I think. Chewbacca: My human situation is obviously different from the rest of you. My humans are Indian-American, which means that they came from far away and eat different food. My favorite treat is also cheese, the smellier, the better. But I sometimes get Indian food, and it is delicious! The spices are a little heavy occasionally, but not always. What I don’t like is the packaged Shih Tzu food that my humans thought I should have. It was awful! Now I get cold cuts from the deli which is perfect for my refined palate. GP: What’s your favorite thing to do, Pups? BooBoo: I have two. Snuggling up next to my human’s leg for a nap is just a perfect way to spend a day. If she is busy, I find a spot where the sun is shining and take my nap there. Gadget: That lying around doesn’t really suit my lifestyle. Works for BooBoo, but not for me. I much prefer getting my humans to throw a ball for me to chase and catch. Running and playing catch is just the best! Roux: Gadget, I’m with you on that ball business. I have several small humans in my family who love to throw and chase balls with me in my backyard.
I’m pretty good at it. Luece: I’m too little to do too much yet, but my favorite thing right now is to sneak around and find one of my human’s shoes to play with. When they figure out what I’m doing, they naturally take the shoe away from me. That just “ups the game” for me. I find the other one and play with it. I also like to chew on belts when I can find one. They’ve started putting them up higher, but I’ll grow! Lucy: Are you kidding? No matter the weather, I’m always ready to GO! My human has a game that we play that I really get a kick out of. I will go outside and wait by our door until he calls. Then I go in and search everywhere until I find the tennis ball that he has hidden. Sometimes it takes a long time to find, but I always do! I remember every spot where the tennis ball has been hidden before, so I check those places first. During hunting season when it’s cold, sleeting, and the wind is howling, I’m there doing my job. When my human hits a duck or goose, I dive in and get it for him. We are a great team! When it’s not hunting season, my favorite thing is to chase a frisbee that my human throws. Even when the summer heat is doing its worst, I’m up for a game! Chewbacca: My very favorite thing to do is to be captain on our boat when we take it out on the bayou. The humans put my snappy red life jacket on me and off we go. I stand at the helm, with my ears blowing in the wind. When we can’t go out on the water, I enjoy exploring my humans’ gardens, looking for interesting things to see and sniff. GP: This question may seem a bit too personal, but I’m sure that our readers would love to know. Have any of you ever been naughty? Really gotten in trouble with your humans? Lucy: Well, there was one time . . . If I tell, can I go outside now? GP: We’ll see. Lucy: The first year that I was old enough to go on a hunt, my human and his friends were having great luck killing the
LEIGH GRAINGER
Roux is an apricot Goldendoodle who has a knack for mischief.
ducks. On their first hunt, eight humans hunted together. Because I was young and inexperienced, I didn’t get to go. The next morning it was finally my turn! A smaller group of humans were going to hunt and my human thought I could handle that. I sat there, watching as the birds flew closer. The humans started barking at them, so I joined in. I barked and barked! The birds flew away, and I got taken back for more training. I quickly learned that my job was to look, but not bark. BooBoo: I haven’t made them angry, but I have frightened them. They left one time and when they came back, I had a badly damaged eye that my veterinarian had to remove. They never knew what happened, and I decided not to tell them. It wasn’t their fault. Besides, I don’t even miss it. When I had both of my eyes, I would get so excited that I would spin around, always spinning to my left. Now, without my eye, I always spin to the right. Weird, huh? Gadget: About the only time they get upset is when the human I sleep with isn’t home
when I’m ready for bed. If he isn’t there, I cry for hours. Roux: My humans don’t really understand that I love to chew and eat things. The time I ate $200 in cash upset them. And then there was that passport. And the single shoe from several pairs of shoes that I enjoyed chewing. I’ve also been known to eat stray socks. I suppose, though, the thing that got to them the most was when I swallowed a baby toy (hey! It was right there in front of me!) and had to have surgery to remove it. To be fair, I didn’t enjoy that either. Luece: I love chewing, too. It’s one of my best tricks. I’ll bet I chew things up as well as any of you! Out of all of the things that I enjoy chewing, I guess a roll of toilet paper is my favorite. When I was younger, I wasn’t big enough to reach it. Now, though, I’m bigger and I can chew and unroll it for as long as the humans are gone. Chewbacca: I never annoy my humans, unless they ignore me when I want to play. Then I can make things interesting. GP: Do any of you have a special toy, or a blanket, or anything
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that means everything to you? If so, what is it and why? Lucy: I love Frisbees! My human has to get a new one about every two weeks because I destroy them in my eagerness to jump and catch them. BooBoo: I love those cardboard “insides” that the humans’ paper towels are wrapped around. Whenever they are changing the old roll out, if it drops on the floor, it’s MINE! I grab it and run to my bed with it for safekeeping. I do not share. Gadget: My ball. I have to know exactly where it is every single minute of every single day. If it gets out of place, it’s nervous breakdown time! Luece: My stuffed giraffe. He sleeps with me and plays with me when that cat won’t. Roux: My blanket. It looks like a leopard’s skin. Fakes humans out. Chewbacca: My yellow puppy toy is the best. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. It squeaks, and my humans say it is “disgusting”. If I bring it to a human, it is the highest compliment I can give. GP: Last question, Pups! If you had one piece of advice for your humans, what would it be? Lucy: Buy Frisbees by the case and spend more time outdoors with me. BooBoo: Quit laughing every time I jump over the garden house. My legs are only 3 inches long and you have BIG hoses. Gadget: Encourage other humans to rescue pups just like y’all did me. Roux: Quit changing the latches on the outside gate. I’ll figure out every one of them. Luece: Get rid of that cat. Leave his food, though. Chewbacca: Remove all of the chameleons from my yard immediately. After that one latched onto my nose and wouldn’t let go, I’ve decided that they are unworthy of our care and attention. GP: Thanks, everyone, for taking the time this afternoon. You may go outside now, if you’d like. Lucy has already left.
DEBBIE DUNN
BooBoo is an accident-prone Chihuahua.
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VETERINARIANS IN THE DELTA DELTASTYLE STAFF
Our four-legged companions, for many of us, are like family. We want them to be happy and healthy. Northeast Louisiana is home to a host of veterinarians who make comprehensive and compassionate pet care a priority. Here are a handful who shared about who inspired them to go into the field and interesting tidbits about the job.
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Frankie waiting patiently at Dr. McClendon's to be seen
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Dr. John Dennis McClendon, Jr. McClendon Veterinary Clinic, 1806 Roselawn Ave. Monroe B.S. George Mason University, MBA Southern Methodist University and DVM Ross University How long have you been practicing? Eight years Who was your most memorable patient? A camel with a respiratory infection Who inspired you most in your career? Dr. Carl Helouin What is the oddest pet you have had someone walk in with? There’s no such thing as an odd pet Do you have any pets of your own? Two cats: Corky & Sqeaky and four dogs: Ziggy, three-legged French Bulldog; Kya, a pit mix; Dixie, a lab mix; and Buck, a three-legged cur mix. What does your ideal retirement look like? Working with a shelter or rescue on the beach What's your favorite?: · Era for music: 1970s-1990s · Place to travel: Austria · Fictional character: Harry Potter · Athlete: John McEnroe · Drink: Coffee What's your least favorite?: · Phrase: K · Wild animal: Snakes · Responsibility: Cleaning the litter box
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Dr. McClendon & Frankie
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Dr. Clark Cooper Cooper Veterinary Hospital, 5234 Cypress St. West Monroe West Monroe High School, B.S. Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine How long have you been practicing? 20-plus years Who was your most memorable patient? Gator, the cloned dog and suturing up my son. Who inspired you most in your career? My father, Ralph Cooper D.V.M. What is the oddest pet you have had someone walk in with? Giraffe baby Do you have any pets of your own? Yes, more than you can count. Dogs, cats, bird, sugar glider, horses, cattle and deer. What does your ideal retirement look like? I told my wife that I would die in the middle of an orthopedic surgery and someone would have to finish it. I never think about quitting because I have the best job in the world. What's your favorite?: · Era for music: Rock and country · Place to travel: New Zealand · Fictional character: Scooby Doo · Athlete: Carl Malone, we went to Tech together · Drink: Tea, more than Uncle Si What's your least favorite?: · Phrase: There is nothing to do. · Wild animal: Snake · Responsibility: Cleaning up vomit
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Dr. Cooper and his dog
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GARY GUINIGUNDO
Dr. Lefebvre and Bingo
Dr. Richard A. Lefebvre, Sr. Lefebvre Veterinary Medical Center, 2412 Duval Dr. Monroe LSU 1967-1970, Auburn 1970-1974 How long have you been practicing? 43 years Who was your most memorable patient? Rush, my own dog. He was brought to me as an 8-month-old pup after being in a dog fight. He had lacerations on his head and ears. He was so gentle that I was able to repair his wounds without anesthesia. He just looked at me with a “thank you” look on his face. At the end of the procedure, the client who brought him in said, “He was a stray, and I can’t keep him.” I immediately said that I would take him. He passed away in 2007, and he was the best dog that I ever owned. Who inspired you most in your career? My uncle, Dr. Carville Helouin, was a vet in Baton Rouge. I worked for him while in high school and LSU. He was my main inspiration and the reason that I am what I am today. What is the oddest pet you have had someone walk in with? A tarantula. Do you have any pets of your own? Yes, two dogs and three cats. What does your ideal retirement look like? I missed my children growing up due to the time required of the profession, so I would like to spend more time with them, my wife and my grandson Tommy. And a trip to Italy! What's your favorite?: · Era for music: 1960s-1970s · Place to travel: Italy · Fictional character: Don Corleone of the Godfather movies · Athlete: Jim Thorpe · Drink: Water What's your least favorite?: · Phrase: Call to the clinic – “My dog hasn’t eaten in five days, what do you think is wrong?” · Wild animal: Hyenas. Although essential to the ecochain, they are my least favorite. Something sinister about them. · Responsibility: Worrying about the welfare of animals under my care.
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Dr. Brent White Monroe Animal Health Center, 3150 Sterlington Road, Monroe DVM, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1997 How long have you been practicing? 20 years in May Who was your most memorable patient? A Chihuahua I did open heart surgery on to fix a birth defect. Who inspired you most in your career? Dr. Mike Cummings What is the oddest pet you have had someone walk in with? The family pet chicken Do you have any pets of your own? Our family is currently looking for a new addition to our family. What does your ideal retirement look like? Lots of time in my bass boat or at the ballpark watching my kids play sports. What's your favorite?: · Era for music: Current contemporary Christian · Place to travel: Any body of water at daybreak · Fictional character: Lighting McQueen · Athlete: Bo Jackson · Drink: Strawberry shake What's your least favorite?: · Phrase: Anything that starts with “I can’t” · Wild animal: Snake · Responsibility: Cleaning….anything
GARY GUINIGUNDO
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Dr. Patrick R Sexton
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Dr. Sexton and Jethro
Sexton Animal Health Center, 1628 E. Kentucky Ave. Ruston Bachelor of Science; Louisiana Tech University; 1994. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; 1997 How long have you been practicing? 20 years this June Who was your most memorable patient? English bulldog named Tully Who inspired you most in your career? Dr. Cheryl Hedlund What is the oddest pet you have had someone walk in with? A hedgehog Do you have any pets of your own? Two, an English bulldog named Jethro and a golden retriever named Maverick. What does your ideal retirement look like? Practicing 2-3 days a week. What's your favorite?: · Era for music: Late 80’s, early 90’s · Place to travel: Mountains · Fictional character: Augustus McCraev—Lonesome Dove · Athlete: My son · Drink: Coffee What's your least favorite?: · Phrase: “I looked it up on the internet and it said….” · Wild animal: Feral hogs · Responsibility: Paperwork/administration
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YOU CAN’T SAVE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE
Darren Oglesby, Registered Financial Consultant
Whether you’re retired or working, do you really know where you spend your money? These are increasingly important questions 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 overspend. Like exercising or dieting, we know it’s good for us, but can be hard to do consistently. Not all tracking enough. asked to
planners agree that expenses in general is Many people who are track all their expenses
discover their estimate of money left for saving or investing is frequently off because they often exclude unusual expenditures and average the balance. The focus of some financial plans is on having individuals set up automatic billpay and meet specific savings goals through monthly automatic deposits. The budgeting then usually falls in line accordingly. Today,agrowingnumberof largely free online tools are available to help you track your expenses. Companies such as Mint.com and Yodlee MoneyCenter can import and aggregate data from your credit card, bank, and brokerage accounts. They break down your spending into categories, such as dining and vacation. Some programs can even track specific items such as how much you spend on coffee. However, these online tools only provide a fraction of the guidance an advisor can give you. So, incorporating both into your overall financial plan may be the most beneficial. Once you know where your money is going,
identifying cuts that can make a real difference becomes easier. You may want to strongly consider having a monthly meeting with your spouse. If you are not married, a trusted confidant is an option. This meeting should include reviewing where you have been spending money and anticipated expenditures, both short- and long-term. It could lead to some very interesting conversations. Having both parties involved, discussing goals and objectives, where you are today and where you want to be in the future, can be helpful. One of the most important things you can do is save money. A key to success is the ability to delay gratification. Saving is crucial to developing that ability and imperative for anyone who wants to acquire and grow wealth. (For informational purposes only. Not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.)
All securities through Money Concepts Capital Corp. Member FINRA/SIPC Oglesby Financial Group is not affiliated with Money Concepts Capital Corp.
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SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2017 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. 4380 OLD STERLINGTON ROAD MONROE, LA 71203 318.343.1626 AZALEAESTATES.COM
We will be working in conjunction with ARCO Shred Document Destruction to celebrate Earth Day. The community is invited to bring their documents that need to be shredded and enjoy a hamburger or hot dog. MN-1000647448
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LOCAL CHAPTER CELEBRATES MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY, 20 YEARS OF THE BASH
COURTESY THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
From fire prevention, safety projects and armed forces services, it continues to be a boundless support system in northeast Louisiana.
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KATIE BURKE
COURTESY AMERICAN RED CROSS
The North Louisiana chapter of the American Red Cross celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.
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steadfast sign of hope in the darkness of tragedies, the American Red Cross has been associated with natural disasters and recovery since its founding in 1881. Our own local chapter — which celebrates 100 years of service this month — has been doing the same since it was chartered in 1917, sometimes in its own backyard. But there are other roles the American Red Cross plays within our region. From fire prevention, safety projects and armed forces services, it continues to be a boundless support system in northeast Louisiana. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn about some of the services offered and people involved in the local chapter. Joe King Montgomery's family has supported the NELA Red
COURTESY AMERICAN RED CROSS
Cross for decades. In the 1940s, his grandfather A.E. Montgomery Sr. was its chairman. "We have always enjoyed supporting and giving to an organization that provides a vital service to our community by helping people in need," Montgomery said. "In 2011, I was approached by Ms. Anne Patten, who at the time was the executive director of our local chapter, about joining the board. I was already familiar with the Red Cross and knew how important the organization was to our community so I gladly accepted her offer. Since I have been a board member, it has been amazing to see the Red Cross at work and the resources it provides. It’s unbelievable how fast this organization can coordinate volunteers and respond to a disaster in the time they do. The Red Cross is strictly volunteer based, which means it
When the Bash first began, people came dressed as characters from the TV show, M*A*S*H.
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AMERICAN RED CROSS SERVICES 1. Disaster services » Overnight shelters – The Red Cross opens shelters to make sure people have a safe place to stay, a hot meal and access to other support from trained volunteers. » Distribution of emergency supplies – Emergency supplies help people in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and the days and weeks that follow. » Health and mental health contacts – Workers provide first aid treatment for injuries, monitor the well-being of people staying in a Red Cross shelter, and assist with replacement of prescriptions or other equipment like glasses or canes. Mental health workers specialize in providing emotional support and helping people cope after a disaster. » Meals and snacks – The Red Cross works with community partners to provide hot meals, snacks and water at shelters or sites in affected neighborhoods. In 2015 alone, the Red Cross served more than 1.1 million meals and snacks. 2. Disaster preparedness resources » Emergency preparedness education – During disasters, vital resources will likely become unavailable. Preparing ahead of time allows you to minimize the effects of disasters and speed up the recovery process. » Ready rating membership – This program is a free, selfguided program providing businesses, organizations and schools with access to tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disasters, maintain operations, and protect lives and property in the event of an emergency. » Pillowcase Project – The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for children in grades 3-5, teaching students about personal and family preparedness, local hazards, and basic coping skills. As part of the program, children decorate a pillowcase and place necessary emergency items in it for future use. 3. Home Fire Prevention – On average, seven people a day die from a home fire. The Red Cross and its partners are mobilizing to carry out three cornerstones of the campaign strategy: » Door-to-door canvassing, installation of smoke alarms and completion of home safety checklists in vulnerable neighborhoods. » Engagement of youth in classrooms and after school with technology, challenges, and science-based education. » Marketing campaign to motivate individuals to take action to save themselves, their families, and their neighbors by testing smoke alarms and practicing evacuation plans. 4. Service to the Armed Forces » Supporting Families during deployment » Support on bases around the globe » Emergency communication services » Service in military and veterans hospitals
HISTORY IN LOUISIANA The American Red Cross in most Louisiana communities was chartered in 1917. The first chapters were forged against the backdrop World War I – supporting our armed forces abroad and on the home front was the first of our services to the community. Through the years, the programs and services have evolved and expanded to meet the emerging needs of Louisiana residents. Helping individuals and families prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, the Louisiana region has grown into one of the busiest American Red Cross regions in the country.
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COURTESY AMERICAN RED CROSS
Attendees at the 2011 BASH. In its infancy, many attendees would come dressed as characters on the TV show M*A*S*H.
could not provide the services it does, without people like me and you giving our time and resources to support it." Since joining its board, Montgomery said he's seen the Red Cross do some amazing things; particularly, right here in northeast Louisiana. On October 13, 2014, an EF2 tornado touched down in Ouachita parish and caused widespread damage in West Monroe, Monroe’s Garden District and the Tanglewood subdivision. The tornado traveled nine miles and was 300 yards at its widest point. The Red Cross immediately sprang into action by opening several shelters across the region which provided victims with a temporary place to stay and a hot meal. Within days, the Red Cross had volunteers surveying neighborhoods that were affected by the tornado
and informing victims of services available. Another instance occurred a little over a year ago, in March 2016. The area was inundated with almost 30 inches of rain over several days. Major flooding occurred in northeast Louisiana due to this weather event and thousands of people were affected and displaced. Again, the Red Cross immediately sprang into action by opening several shelters throughout the region and aiding flood victims. Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers came from all over the country to assist with the disaster response. During this time volunteers helped people get into shelters and operating the shelters, directing flood victims on services available through the Red Cross and other organizations, offering counselling services to
“Although its growth may seem to have been slow, it is to be remembered that it is not a shrub, or plant, to shoot up in the summer and wither in the frosts. The Red Cross is a part of us-it has come to stay-and like the sturdy oak, its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.” — American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton.
GETTY IMAGES
A damaged home is seen in the Lower Ninth Ward on February 22, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana. GETTY IMAGES
U.S. President George W. Bush examines a map of shelters and kitchens in Louisiana during a visit with Red Cross President and CEO Marty Evans (R) and Executive Vice President, Chapter and International Operations, Alan McCurry (C) at the American Red Cross Command Center
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THE LOUISIANA REGION IN 2016:
» Responded to about 2,000 local disasters. » Helped more than 5,050 families rebuild their lives following a disaster. » Provided 25,300 people with preparedness and resiliency training. The more prepared you are for emergencies, the more quickly you recover. » Trained nearly 33,900 people in health and safety techniques. Thirty-five of them reported that they used these skills to save or sustain a life. » Connected Louisiana military members and their loved ones in more 2,060 cases. » Installed 3,940 smoke alarms. » Taught more than 6,000 youth (third- to fifth-graders) emergency preparedness through the Pillowcase Project and many more projects
A TIMELINE IN LOUISIANA
1917 Chartered most local Louisiana chapters, including Caddo Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Ouachita Parish and Rapides Parish. The New Orleans charter came in late 1916. 1918 Supported military through World War I. Responded to the world-wide influenza epidemic. 1927 After weeks of heavy rainfall, a major levee breaks along the Mississippi River beginning a flood that would cover 27,000 square miles. Red Cross spends months aiding the victims. 1957 Responded to Hurricane Audrey, a Category 4 storm that devastated eastern Texas and western Louisiana. 1992 Responded to Hurricane Andrew, which brought destruction that, at the time, was the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. 2005 Hurricane Katrina becomes one of the most destructive storms in the history of the Gulf Coast, killing nearly 2,000 and leaving millions homeless. Red Cross mobilizes its largest, single disaster relief effort to date. Two subsequent hurricanes of significant strength hit, Rita and Wilma, compounding the devastation and impacting relief operations. 2008 Responded to Hurricane Gustav (and later Ike), which resulted in the largest ever movement of population (the entire southern portion, or about three-fourths of the state’s population). 2008 New Orleans chapter rebuilds and returns to headquarters on Canal Street. 2009 Opens new facilities in Baton Rouge and Madisonville, which include large warehouses. They were a gift of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society and the people of Kuwait whose gift provided, among other resources, similar facilities in Mobile, Alabama and Tallahassee, Florida. Sources: redcross.org
20TH ANNUAL MONROE BASH This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of The BASH, one of the largest Red Cross fundraisers in Louisiana. “The American Red Cross is so excited to have reached our 20th year of BASH – on our chapter’s 100th birthday, of all years," said Michelle Davison, North Louisiana chapter executive director. "... The people are what make it such a success. They are fun-loving, generous – and at times even a little silly! This year we are so excited to have local legends The Flaming Asburys as our featured band. And event chair Amanda Wimberly and her amazing committee are really pulling out all of the stops to bring down the house for this year’s BASH celebration. I am honored and humbled to be a part of the 20th year, and hope for many more!” The Bash is at 7:30 p.m. April 29 at AV Flight, Hangar 9, 5400 Operations Road, Monroe, Louisiana.
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As the coffee and doughnut line thins out, American Red Cross girl Grace Smith, 3088 Kerper Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio, of the Clubmobile New Mexico has a moment to answer the inevitable "Where are you from back home?" put to her by T5 Joseph Bloodworth, Natchitoches, Louisiana. March 24, 1945. France.
flood victims and surveying all areas affected by the flood waters. Disaster situations are very stressful times for all people involved and it is awesome to see the Red Cross step in and help take some of the burden of the people affected. The Red Cross works every day in our community, whether it’s assisting home fire victims, disaster victims, putting on fire canvassing events, helping service members and their families or educating students and employees on health and safety training. Ralph Asbury, a local board member with a 29-year tenure, experienced many catastrophes in northeast Louisiana the local chapter aided. He was chairman of the board when tragedy struck in 1991 with catastrophic flooding across northeast Louisiana and the explosion at the Angus plant in Sterlington.
In that year, the local chapter raised over $200,000 to be disbursed locally. He participated in many fundraisers like “Get your Goat” and “The Bash” and sorrowed through disasters like Hurricane Katrina, Monroe's 2014 tornado and March 2016 flood. During the flood of 2016, 16 shelters were provided, 600 homes destroyed and 12,000 people affected overall in northeast Louisiana. That year, the Red Cross spent over $6 million in Louisiana with 60 percent of it in northeast Louisiana. “The success of the Red Cross depends on the generosity of the American people," Asbury said. "We are very blessed as a community to have some of the most generous people in the whole country living here in northeast Louisiana. The local chapter appreciates the support and will always strive to make an impact.”
GETTY IMAGES
American Red Cross Volunteer Todd Martin collects donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina during a daylong disaster relief collection event held by The American Red Cross.
COURTESY THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Contents of a prisoner of war package provided during World War II. From 1942 to 1945, 13,500 volunteers at fire centers gave two million hours annually to fill in assembly line fashion 27 million prisoners of war packages for American and Allied prisoners in Europe and the Far East.
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A simple meal served around the world “T REBECCA BINGHAM
here are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” — Henry James High tea didn’t start out like the fancy-schmancy social affair of Downton Abbey fame. In fact, the tradition originated in Britain during the mid-1700s as a hearty late-afternoon meal of cakes and scones – usually accompanied by meats and cheeses – served with tea right after work to sate the hunger of employees whose schedules didn’t permit a lunch break. By contrast, the elegant ritual we now think of as “high” tea evolved among well-heeled socialites a century later as “low” tea – because ladies sipped while sitting in low armchairs. Bruce Richardson, author of “A Social History of Tea,” explains that lunch for the upper crust was generally a light repast at noon; dinner, a more substantial meal served no earlier than 7:30 p.m. Legend has it Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of of Bedford, ordered tea and snacks to her bedroom chamber to relieve her mid-afternoon hunger pains, a practice which soon became her habit. Eventually, the duchess’ aristocratic friends began joining her for afternoon nibbles: crustless finger sandwiches plus an array of dainty scones, cakes, macaroons and other tempting morsels. Generally served around 3 p.m., the gathering evolved into the hoity-toity affair its current moniker implies. Fortunately, the pressure of pretension has dissipated over time, especially in the South
REBECCA BINGHAM
A tea sommelier (t-somm, for short) is an emerging professional certification earned by culinary professionals who learn how to taste, smell, brew and talk about tea in much the same way wine sommeliers talk about wine. Tea sommeliers explain the foundation of their rigorous training is developing “a mental Rolodex of up to 1,000 individual floral smells” used to describe different kinds of tea.
where any gathering around food is an invitation to genuine hospitality. “While good manners are always in style, you can relax and keep your pinkies down,” Richardson says. “As long as you keep your napkin in your lap and your feet off the table, you’ll probably be okay.”
Variations on afternoon tea For the most part, a contemporary afternoon tea menu fea-
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tures an assortment of scones, marmalade, lemon curd and herbed butter, plus bite-sized pastries. Typical teas are Earl Grey and Assam as well as herbal varieties like chamomile and mint. Adding a selection of savory foods, like finger sandwiches, to afternoon tea is generally called “full tea” or “high tea.” Some hotels and resorts even offer champagne or cocktails in addition to tea. And in Boston,
children take center stage at the Four Seasons Hotel’s annual holiday Teddy Bear Tea at Bristol Restaurant and Bar. Each year, a celebrity is invited to read a favorite holiday children’s book, and guests are invited to bring a teddy bear to donate to underprivileged children. Prices for afternoon tea average $30-$50; full tea, $40-$70.
REBECCA BINGHAM
The difference between afternoon tea and high tea is sometimes as simple as the addition of savory items to the menu. Other times, the distinction is time: afternoon tea, 1-3 p.m.; high tea, 3-5:30 p.m.
Traveling for tea Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans. 2 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Music played by a harpist from the Louisiana Symphony accompanies your entrance to La Salon, where your gracious ceremony begins with a glass of sherry, sparkling wine, chardonnay, specialty cocktail or mocktail, followed by a pot of properly brewed tea. Your choice of two dozen varieties features selections like Lapsang Souchong, one of the rarest of teas in the world, famous for its unique smoky flavor created by using exotic wood to hand-fire summer leaves. English tea sandwiches include truffle egg salad, cucumber, smoked salmon, smoked turkey, curry chicken salad and lobster salad. Black currant and walnut scones are served with raspberry preserves, Devonshire cream, lemon curd and vanilla bean whipped cream. And your sweet tooth will thank you for a selection of miniature cakes, tartlets, chocolate covered strawberries and truffles. Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali, Indonesia. 2-5 p.m. daily. Afternoon tea at this Forbes five-star resort is served inside Orchid, a modern glasshouse appointed
with wooden tables made from upcycled sailboat wood and ornamented with an exotic collection of potted orchids. Warm natural light showcases nearby flowering tropical gardens and verdant rice fields. Orchid welcomes in-house and visiting guests at to quench their thirst with a premier selection of green, black, flavored, herbal, and oolong teas from Dilmah, a renowned international tea maker for over 60 years. French-pressed gourmet coffee and freshly squeezed juices are also available. A contemporary fusion of Balinese and Western delicacies includes fruit tartlets, sandwiches, and classic kue (bite-sized Indonesian desserts). The Savoy, London, England. 1:45-5 p.m. daily. Soft light streaming through a splendid stained glass dome floods the Thames Lobby for afternoon tea at one of London’s most iconic hotels. You’ll be seated at tables topped with crisp linens and floral-patterned china. A pianist performs in the winter gazebo while you choose from a range of exceptional teas like Iron Buddha Oolong and Flowering Osmanthus, poured from a silver pot. Finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam and a mouth-wa-
REBECCA BINGHAM
Afternoon tea can be an exotic formality, as it was for travel journalist Nicholas Walton and his parents, Mrs. Phillippa Walton and Dr. Robert Walton at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, or as simple as a picnic setup in your backyard. The basics are the same: tea and an assortment of finger foods, usually a combination of sweet and savory served from a tiered stand.
tering selection of seasonal cakes and pastries created by The Savoy’s Executive Pastry Chef Ludwig Hely conclude your celebration.
Afternoon tea at home You don’t have to break the bank or travel the world to enjoy the luxury of afternoon tea with friends. These days, formal china is plentiful at thrift stores, online swap shops, local auctions and estate sales. A threetiered cake stand works well for the staples: usually a layer of sandwiches, a layer of cakes and a layer of tea cakes or scones. Specialty teas are available from local coffee shops and kitchen stores. And web sites like Pinterest are filled with recipe ideas for spring-themed teas, including colorful confections for Easter or graduation
parties. In today’s hectic world, making time for afternoon tea relaxes your mind, replenishes your spirit and nurtures your soul. Besides that, tea has a plethora of health benefits: It cleans arteries, calms inflammation, wipes out viruses, burns calories, protects oral health, inhibits cancer growth and enhances immune functions. Maybe it’s time for a new afternoon tradition at your house! Rebecca Bingham is a Monroe native living in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A full-time travel writer, Rebecca spends a year living in a series of vacation rental properties while she writes her new book, “Finding Home: Creating Comfort in a Chaotic World.” Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @GoBrilliantly.
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PHOTOS: REBECCA BINGHAM
Kansas City sits on Missouri's western edge, straddling the border with Kansas. Stretching out nearly 320 square miles, the metro area comprises 220 parks, 29 lakes, 103 playgrounds and 134 miles of trails and bikeways.
Heart of America
REBECCA BINGHAM
I’m going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come… Well I might take a train, I might take a plane, but if I have to walk I'm going get there just the same. I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come. In 2005, Kansas City, Missouri, adopted the classic hit “Kansas City” as its official song. The first hit version, recorded by Wilbert Harrison in 1959, catapulted from the very bottom of the Top 100 to the No. 1 slot in only six weeks. Over the years, the popular
tune has been recorded by hundreds of other artists, including Little Richard, Fats Domino and the Beatles. All these musicians seemed to know what 24 million visitors discover each year: The heart of Kansas City beats to a rhythm all its own. For starters, Kansas City is a pretty place. With more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any city except Rome, its nickname is the City of Fountains. The 1,805-acre Swope Park is twice the size of Central Park in New York City. Another park is shaped like a grand piano with a treble clef-shaped path commemorating the famous “12th Street and Vine” mentioned in the city’s iconic song lyrics. Music roots in Kansas City
Before Jackie Robinson became the first African-American major leaguer, he was a shortstop with the Kansas City Monarchs, a Negro Leagues organization.
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PHOTOS: REBECCA BINGHAM
One of America’s most comprehensive general art museums, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features 34,500 items spanning more than 5,000 years. Completed in 1933, this magnificent stone neoclassical structure houses pieces ranging from ceramic objects found in ancient Chinese tombs to whimsical sculptures of badminton birdies.
Accommodations in Kansas City include restored historic properties like Hotel Sorella, located in Country Club Plaza, which opened in 1922 as the country’s first suburban shopping district. Jazz legend Charlie Parker played his first gig here, where restaurant Fogo de Chao is now located. Other favorites include entertainment destinations like Ameristar Casino.
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hail to the late 1800s, when jazz found a home in what is now the 18th and Vine Historic District. Originally a hub for the black community, the area comprised homes, businesses, jazz music and baseball enthusiasts. Today, it is anchored by exceptional museums like The American Jazz Museum, where you can enjoy exceptional educational programing and high-tech interactive exhibits, as well as worldclass live performances in a working jazz club. Under the same roof, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum chronicles stars and stories of America’s favorite pastime from the league's origin after the Civil War to their demise in the 1960s. In addition to hundreds of photographs and artifacts, you’ll see Coors Field of Legends with 10 life-sized bronze sculptures of Negro Leagues greats positioned on a mock baseball diamond as if they were playing a game. Classical visual and performing arts aficionados have grown
up alongside jazz lovers in Kansas City. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a stunning architectural masterpiece (which I think looks sort of like a giant metal armadillo!) is home to the city’s ballet, opera and symphony companies. And the Nelson-Atkins Museum houses an internationally recognized collection of more than 33,500 objects from ancient times to modern day. Admission is free, and a variety of free docent-led tours is available for groups of six or more, as long as they are scheduled at least three weeks in advance. The day we visited, our group was eating lunch in a spacious atrium café when a 100voice choir surreptitiously positioned itself around the secondfloor balcony railing for a flash mob-style performance. Families can find plenty to keep busy here. Sea Life at Kansas City Aquarium spotlights the amazing underwater world with 5,000 sea creatures in 30 incredible displays where you’ll come
Jam sessions originated in Kansas City, when jazz musicians would play into the wee hours of the morning.
nose to nose with everything from seahorses to sharks. Legoland Discovery Center is perfect for children ages 3-10, with a wealth of attractions, two rides, 4D cinema and all the hands-on creativity Lego inspires. No matter where you spend your day exploring, Kansas City barbecue will call your name. For the best sampling, try Kansas City Barbecue Tours, a busguided no-brainer that will roll you from one grilled feast to the next. Typical stops will include iconic restaurants like Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, LC’s Barbeque, Gates Barbeque and Jack Stack Barbeque. You’ll want to pay close attention and perhaps even take notes, because once you’ve tried them all, you’ll have opinions about everything from burnt ends to side dishes. The only thing everybody will agree on is that it’s all good. If your stay is long enough, plan to schedule a day trip to nearby Independence, Missouri., home of the Truman Library
and Museum, the Harry S. Truman Museum. You can also visit the Waggoner Estate to see works by Civil War Artist George Caleb Bingham, whose painting “Verdict of the People” (1854-55) was the controversial centerpiece at the inauguration luncheon for President Donald Trump. From professional sports to dazzling nightlife, historical attractions to great music venues, world-class museums to Kansas City barbecue, you’ll find an incredible variety of things to do in Kansas City, the heart of America. Rebecca Bingham is a Monroe native currently living in Hot Springs, Ark. A fulltime travel writer, Rebecca is spending a year living in a series of vacation rental properties while she writes her new book, “Finding Home: Creating Comfort in a Chaotic World.” Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @GoBrilliantly.
The 18th and Vine Historic District is recognized by the National Register for its importance as the center for black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s through the 1960s.
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212 WALNUT STREET MONROE, LA 71201 (318) 323-3461 WWW.MONROE.ORG Find us on Facebook!
96th Annual Meeting and Banquet
Linda O’Neal, Origin Bank, receives the 2016 Bernard Ann Hayward,Atmos Energy 2017 Heflin Ambassador of the Year Award Monroe Chamber Chairman of the Board and William Smart, Brookshire’s – Outgoing Chairman
Stewart Ewing, CenturyLink, 2016 recipient of the Kitty DeGree Foundation Lifetime Achievement in Business Award.
Anne Lockhart, ULM Foundation, awarded the 2016 Rambin/Silverstein Award
Joint Ambassador Young Professional Luncheon
JP Morgan Chase Grant Presentation
Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings
Southern Lifestyle Development/ Oak Trace Subdivision
SQ’s on the Ouachita
Home2 Suites
Daren Moody State Farm
Infinity Fitness-Monroe
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Chef Anthony Miletello
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Culinary companionships A
s I sit behind my computer screen, brainstorming what I could possibly share with all of the amazing readers of DeltaStyle Magazine, it suddenly struck me that without behindthe-scenes people, we as a community wouldn’t have the palatably pleasing fertile creature comforts that we do in our region. It’s with those dedicated hands, backs, minds and hearts putting themselves on each plate, behind each tray and pouring each glorious bever-
age that we indulge in at each sitting. It is those who have selflessly committed to serving each patron who walks into the doors at any restaurant or dining establishment — it is your server, cook, or chef, for without each of them there would be no refinement in dining nor the sheer pleasure one feels after having an elegant meal. That’s when it hit me, over the years I have seen some of the most creative culinary minds — and I have seen them collaborate with one another and share their kitchens.
Picking up the phone, I knew at that point who I wanted to involve in this month’s edition of DeltaStyle Magazine — two of my closest culinary friends who each have amazing culinary minds — Chef Rachel Genusa and Chef Anthony Miletello. Genusa's Restaurant has been a longstanding staple in the Twin Cities for as long as I can remember. It was founded by Rachel's grandmother more than 50 years ago. The legacy was passed down to Francis Genusa and his lovely wife,
TARA AMBROSE
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Rachel Genusa and Anthony Miletello in the kitchen at Genusa's Restaurant in Monroe.
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GARY GUINIGUNDO
New Orleans-Style Calas made by Chef Anthony and Chef Rachel
New Orleans-Style Calas Ingredients: 3 ⁄4 cup warm water 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 package active dry yeast 1 cup cooked white rice 3 large eggs, lightly beaten Pinch salt 1 ⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ⁄4teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ⁄2 cup powdered sugar, for serving
Directions: For best results, begin preparing this dish the night before. Place the water, sugar and yeast in a medium nonreactive bowl and allow to stand until foam sets, about 10 minutes. Add the rice to the water and yeast and stir to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to proof at room temperature for at least four hours and up to overnight (eight hours). The next morning/day stir the rice and mash it against the side of the bowl with the back of a spoon. You want to create a contrast in texture, with some grains remaining whole and some crushed. Add the eggs, salt, vanilla, nutmeg and flour to the bowl and stir with a spoon to combine. Cover the bowl again with plastic wrap and allow to proof in a warm, draft free place for one hour. Preheat at least 4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or a deep fryer to 360 degrees F. Use a large spoon or scoop to drop about half of the dough by 2-tablespoonfuls into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes, turn over and continue to fry until cooked through, about 1 1⁄2 minutes longer. Using a slotted spoon, remove the calas from the hot oil and transfer to paper towellined plates to drain briefly. Sprinkle the calas liberally with the powdered sugar before serving hot. Repeat with the remaining batter.
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Cherry, upon the retirement of Rachel’s grandmother, Eunice, who they lovingly referred to as “Nunnie.” Genusa’s family recipes and traditions are still served with elegance and style on each plate that comes forth out of their immaculate kitchen. With a wine selection like none other, it is quite easy to ascertain the level of fine dining that exudes from the Genusa family. Whereas the Genusa family offers a more traditional take on Italian cuisine, Chef Anthony Miletello’s Italian flare and style have catapulted him to frontlines at the helm of his game. Miletello’s creativity has been shown through many forefronts over the years as he has peppered his culinary resume with such accolades as being featured on a morning spotlight with KNOE’s “In the Kitchen”, as well as having had the distinct honor of competing in the 2015 Louisiana Seafood King cookoff in New Orleans. But Miletello doesn’t just wow his many gala events with fabulous food with southern Italian flare – he is also one of the most compassionate chefs who has volunteered his many talents through the years at events such as the March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Auction, St. Baldrick’s Foundation and even taken time out of his schedule to volunteer healthy eating habits for children through his young chefs classes. All in all, with these two amazing chefs I have never ceased to be amazed at their kindness or culinary creativity. Looking back, I couldn’t help but reflect all the many times that I’ve been invited into both of their kitchens and benefited from their amazing hospitality. I know each patron of both of these chefs feel when they step foot into their respective establishments. In closing, Miletello shared a recipe with the readers of DeltaStyle Magazine — New Orleans-Style Calas, or rice beignets. Bon appetit and enjoy!
Theresa Marsala Memorial Golf Classic Friday, May 12, 2017 8:00am & 1:00pm Shotgun 4 Man Scramble Frenchman’s Bend Country Club Entry Fee: $540 per team
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS $100-$2000 For further information, contact: Catherine Stuckey: 318-235-6025 Leslie Trahan: 318-355-6280 The Cancer Foundation League provides direct financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with caner who live in or are being treated in NE LA. The CFL is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation (501(c)(3) entity Tax ID #72-1461890) as a fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support the Foundation’s programs and services. Since the League was formed in 2002, we have spent over $1,700,000 helping over 4,500 cancer patients in NE LA. The CFL hosts this tournament. In Memory of Theresa Marsala for her devotion and commitment to the Cancer Foundation League and the many organizations in our community which she volunteered.
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Susan H. Paul, DVM Amy B. Christ, DVM
2412 Duval Drive 318-361-9395 www.lvmcmonroe.net
MN-1000648927
Momma Kitty
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | APRI L 2 017 | 9 3
Welcome warmer weather with a
COOL COCKTAIL EMILY DUNN
W
arehouse No.1 is widely known as a "celebration destination." And yes, you deserve to celebrate! I’m not talking anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, kids or anything like that. Those are all obvious reasons to celebrate. Nah, what I’m talking about is, “I made it through Tuesday, let’s celebrate!” Or, “whaaat? we hit three green lights on the way home, time to break out the good stuff!” I promise that the world can be a harsh enough place if you let it. It’s your job to celebrate the little things and make a point to have some fun. Leave your worries behind (for just a moment) and celebrate the everyday! In honor of that, come have a celebratory cocktail with us! Or better yet, try our favorite cocktail in the comfort of your own home! Inspired by the overall beauty and power of our everyday view, the Ouachita River water is a tasty libation that will leave you feeling comfortably numb. The perfect combination of citrus, melon and tropical flavors are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ouachita River Water Ingredients: ⁄2 oz Malibu rum 1 ⁄2oz vodka 1 ⁄2 oz blue curacao 1 ⁄2 oz melon liqueur Pineapple juice Directions: Put all the ingredients into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Cover, shake well, pour into a Collins glass, garnish with pineapple, insert a long straw, and get ready to celebrate with our favorite cocktail here at Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant! 1
Cheers y'all!
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GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
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DELTA STYLE MAGA ZI N E | APRI L 2 017 | 9 5
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN
Caribbean waters A
rriving at the Alexandra Resort, I had one thing on my mind — Grace Bay. I could not wait to walk on the white sand and immerse myself in the Caribbean waters. Alexandra Resort is part of the Turks & Caicos Collection on the famous Grace Bay and just six miles from the airport. As we had been staying at Blue Haven Resort, we conveniently took the free resort shuttle from Blue Haven to the doorsteps of Alexandra Resort. We checked into our spacious, deluxe two-bedroom, beachfront king suite with the most beautiful view of Grace Bay. The large balcony overlooking the ocean has several loungers and a long,
wooden table with chairs perfect for outdoor dining. I am impressed with the contemporary dĂŠcor and the size of the unit. It is easy to make ourselves at home in our suite with its high ceilings, fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer and my favorite deep, soaking tub. The lush grounds hold tennis courts, a lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar, Elevate Spa and an oceanfront restaurant called Asu on the Beach. It is decorated with radiant, hanging lanterns that light your way in the evenings. The beach at Alexandra Resort has everything you need. It is lined with kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, hobie cats and the sought after water trampoline.
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Hit the beach
Our first stop is Grace Bay, and we were greeted by attendees who assisted us with towels and finding the perfect spot on the beach. Relaxing on Grace Bay is the ideal way to start your day. Asu on the Beach is just a few steps away where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or appetizer. After a swim in the ocean, we migrate to the lagoon-styled pool with a swim-up bar. Someone is standing there by the pool to escort us to our next spot; loungers with umbrellas along side the pool. Tough life. After a dip in the pool, we decide to get in a quick game of tennis before heading to dinner. My daughter reminds me to let go of
my dream of her becoming a tennis pro and we have a fun game under the trees that surround the courts. I am completely relaxed and my travel crew is having a great time. The resort layout makes you feel like you have it to yourself and everything is just a few steps away.
Asu on the beach I love dining right on the beach while you experience the ocean and the Caribbean breeze that gently touches your skin. Asu on the Beach offers all of these sensations as it is located on an oceanfront deck with the ideal view of Grace Bay. For starters, we enjoy the salmon sashimi moving on to the NY strip steak for myself while
COURTESY OF THE ALEXANDRA RESORT
Aview of The Alexandra Resort from the ocean.
my daughter enjoys the local spiny lobster. My mom decides on the organic roasted chicken that she thoroughly enjoys. The menu offers a variety of impressive dishes. At the end, we try out the dessert taster that includes mango cheesecake, banana spring roll, chocolate cake, passion fruit sorbet and rum ice cream. There is something everyone with the dessert taster. After dinner, the radiant, hanging lanterns guides us back to our spacious suite. Time to sit on the balcony overlooking Grace Bay and ponder how we will spend our next day. Our first day at Alexandra Resort was excellent and so relaxing with stimulating views.
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Ocean bound
COURTESY OF JENNIFER SCHMEER
The salmon sashimi at Asu on the Beach at The Alexandra Resort in Turks & Caicos.
The next day, we awake rested and ready for an adventure. We first decide to have breakfast at Asu on the Beach allowing us once again to experience oceanfront dining. My mom and daughter enjoy sampling the local teas and the expansive breakfast buffet where someone is standing by to create your perfect omelet. I order from the menu the French toast, and it was magnificent. It was actually the best French toast I had ever experienced. A perfect way to start the day; a delicious breakfast with ocean front views. The staff at Alexandra graciously assist us with our adventure for the day as they arrange for a day excursion with Caicos Dream Tours. From the lobby of the Alexandra, it is just a couple of steps on to the beach where a boat awaits to take us on this excursion. Cruising out to the third largest reef system in the world, I am ecstatic. My daughter and I love to snorkel, and my mom has not been snorkeling in over 25 years. The crew on the boat are lively and fun offering everyone rum punch and seaworthy attitudes. As we make our way to the open ocean, a dolphin is
spotted. The dolphin swims around the boat giving everyone the perfect visual. My daughter is elated. Snorkeling is a blast as we see tons of colorful fish and the reef is stunning. I am the only one that goes in without fins and enjoy a little free diving while everyone snorkels above me. After snorkeling, we head to our next stop; a wonderful, uninhabited island called Half Moon Bay that was created by a hurricane. A small island with iguanas and gorgeous views. It is the perfect spot. A crew member makes his way to the beach and begins to crack open conch shells in order to provide fresh conch for our salad. He hands my daughter a shell that she will bring back home with her as a souvenir. While we wade in the water close to shore, a baby lemon shark swims right by us several times. It was thrilling and it is such a beautiful marine fish with distinctive yellow colors. Lunch is served on the beach with gourmet sandwiches and fresh conch salad. After lunch, we explore the island taking in the iguanas and enjoy the privacy of feeling like we are the only ones on this small island. Paradise found. Returning to the
JENNIFER SCHMEER
The beach at Alexandra Resort in Turks & Caicos.
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BEACH HOUSE
Take in a flick while feeling the ocean breeze under the stars at Beach House.
beach, we take a swim near the boat keeping an eye out for more lemon sharks. The boat is two-stories with a slide on the top deck and my daughter talked my mom into giving it a whirl. It was so much fun watching my mom slide into the ocean. She had not been on a slide since she was a young girl. I know this is a vacation that she will never forget and so grateful for the staff at Alexandra Resort for lining up such a great day for us. After a full day of adventure, we gather back onto the boat to head back to Providenciales. While out in the open ocean, we were fortunate to see a whale. This was the first time my mom and daughter had witnessed a whale. Dolphins, lemon sharks and now a whale; a memorable day that will last a lifetime. With my daughter carrying her conch shell, we return to our comfortable suite to relax. Sitting on the loungers on the balcony with my family, I am grateful.
Azu pizza deck For the evening, we decide to visit the stone oven pizza deck and sample their pizza selection. It's easy and simple with an
Beach movie
COURTESY OF JENNIFER SCHMEER
Dinner under the lanterns at The Alexandra Resort in Turks & Caicos.
ocean view. The perfect spot for adults and kids alike. You are able to create your own pizza with a multiple of toppings to choose from and pizza has such a better taste when placed in a stone pizza oven. Another beautiful night under the radiant lanterns, we walk back to our suite as a small crab walks beside my daughter on the pathway. Another new friend found in the Caribbean.
The next day will be filled with a bike ride in the morning and kayaking in the afternoon. But before we tackle the day, we enjoy another breakfast at Azu on the Beach. I tasted the "Mexican" dish which is two fried eggs, spicy salsa, pepper jack cheese on corn tortillas. The perfect way to start your day. My daughter sampled the fresh fruit while my mom sipped the local tea.
In the evening, we find out that the sister property, Beach House will be showing a movie on the beach. We take the free resort shuttle and find ourselves back at the glamorous Beach House. I have always wanted to experience a movie on the beach, and the "Mod Squad" was the perfect one to take in while feeling the ocean breeze under the stars. With popcorn and a full bar, we were comfortable and the movie was fun. Beach House intrigued me. I love the design of this resort. I look forward to returning to Beach House to experience its full flavor. After the movie, we take the free shuttle back to Alexandra Resort for another peaceful evening. My daughter enjoys a bubble bath in the deep tub while my mom and I sip on cocktails on the balcony. I share the idea of venturing back to Beach House to indulge in their full experience. The next morning, we plan our next location in the Turks & Caicos Collection adventure.
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G.B. Cooley House 1011 South Grand
HOME Saturday, May 6th
2301 Maison Orleans
Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. $50 luncheon & tour ticket
Mil Bodron, Guest Speaker Interior Designer and Principal bodron+fruit, Dallas, TX
4111 Claire Lane
1704 Island Drive 100 | A P RIL 2017 | DE LTAS T YL E M AGAZ I N E
MN-1000649368
Ribbon Cuttings: SPARROWS DECOR & GIFTS 903 Warren Drive, Suite D, West Monroe
Chamber Diplomat Spotlight Profile Jackie Johnson
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson is the West Monroe Campus Director for Louisiana Delta Community College. Dr. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, a Masters of Art Degree in Education, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Developmental Education. Dr. Johnson has over 17 years‚ experience in process, quality and manufacturing engineering. Dr. Johnson also has 10 years experience in the field of academics where she has served as a college instructor, program director, and now serves as campus director. Dr. Johnson is a past board member of Louisiana State Advisory Board for the Louisiana Chemical Association, Process Technology Advisory Board, Franklin Parish Agriculture Department, Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce, LDCC Scholarship Chairperson, and LDCC Curriculum committee. Dr. Johnson is married with two daughters, Bianca and Tyana, ages 20 and 15, respectively to Mr. Tyrone Johnson, a self-employed entrepreneur, who has been in business for the past 20 years.
Genuine Connection. That was the driving force behind the establishment of Finding Solace; a counseling agency in West Monroe. “The world is so full of people doubting each other and holding each other back, I really wanted to create a place where the clients and the clinicians are all benefitted by the interactions within our walls” - Lyla Corken. As a women, a military wife, a licensed counselor, and a person who has experienced her own share of tribulations, she wanted to create a place for people to better themselves and get a real connection with someone that can positively impact their lives. Finding Solace opened its doors in November of 2014 with only Lyla and one other counselor on staff. They did all of their own office work, billing, scheduling etc. in the beginning in an effort to maintain privacy and client comfort. In February of 2016, they were approached by another clinician hoping to come on board. They agreed that the clinician was a good fit and were suited to expand from “The Dome Building” across from the West Monroe HS football stadium to a suite in West Side Plaza. Word quickly spread and counselors began referring other colleagues to come on board. In the last year, the office has grown to include a full time office administrator, 8 counselors, and another office expansion that has doubled their available space. They now have counselors ready to help a variety of issues including trauma, mood issues, anxiety, parenting, boundaries, relationships, and many more. They also have counselors trained in play therapy, EMDR, domestic violence, trauma/assault, critical incidents, and much more. Lyla is very proud that she is able to have an agency that can really help every person who calls. “If we can’t help you ourselves, for whatever reason, we are committed to finding you the help that you need.”
Finding Solace, LLC 403 North 6th St. Suite 2 West Monroe, La. 318-737-7201
FORGED FITNESS 3140 Hwy 80 West, Calhoun
Save the Date Shotgun Shells and Crawfish Tails
Sponsored by Cooper Veterinary Hospital and Standard Wireless Group of West Monroe, LA Friday, April 28 OPSO Rifle Range in West Monroe CRAWFISH TICKETS ARE $25 EACH. Sponsorship and 5 Stand Skeet Tournament Teams also available.
MN-1000647674
DELTA STYLE MAGAZI N E | APRI L 2 017 | 101
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTOS
Dog days of Summer DIANNE NEWCOMER
G
et ready, folks, with all the sunny days we have had lately, you have to realize the dog days of summer are just around the corner. And, if you remember, they are in no way as wonderfully delightful as that adorable Great Dane on this month's cover! It is time to start making plans to get out of here! Of course, as your friendly local travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, I have a world of possibilities for you. Yet, because my space is limited by word count, I can only hit a few of the summer's best tours and cruises, so,if your dream trip is not listed, just ask. I honestly believe vacations
are medicine for the soul, because, when all those hot sluggish days of temperatures Dianne riding in the Newcomer high 90's arrive, and it is just too hot for the pool, the beach, or the boat, you will be glad you have an exit strategy in the works. As you know, we are not talking if the heat is coming, but when it hits! Lucky for you, I have some sure fire ways to rescue you from the DOG DAYS of Summer with these great escapes: SEE AMERICA FIRST *Grand Canyon, Sedona, Lake Powell, Brice & Zion-Fully guided tour, 9 meals, 8
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days, Phoenix to Vegas 8 days from $1295 MT. RUSHMORE, GRAND TETONS & YELLOWSTONE Fully guided tour, 9 meals, Rapid City to Salt Lake 8 days from $1295 *CALIFORNIA COAST, WINE COUNTRY & YOSEMITE Fully guided tour, 8 meals, San Francisco to Los Angeles 8 days from $1495 *BEST OF HAWAII--OAHU, HAWAII & MAUI Fully escorted tour, 14 meals, sightseeing, intra island air 10 days from $3295 *GREAT EAST COAST CITIES Fully escorted tour, 10 meals, Washington, DC to Boston 8 days from $2725 *******************
CANADA is COOL, Too! *Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park Fully guided tour, 9 meals, from Calgary to Jasper 9 days from $1595 *NOVA SCOTIA 7 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Fully guided tour, 12 meals, round trip Halifax 10 days from $1295 *EASTERN CANADA BY RAIL From Montreal to Quebec City and Halifax 10 days from $2205 *MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE— YOU DRIVE Discover Western Canada Calgary to Vancouver 8 days, car and hotels from $1425 *COWBOY UP IN CALGARY! The Calgary Stampede-the world's best outdoor show.
4 days, with 2 day event tickets and hotel from $1115 *AN ARCTIC SUMMER ADVENTURE WITH--Polar Bears & Belugas! From July-Aug 20, take a tour of Hudson Bay's tundra 7 days at the Lazy Bear Lodge, 8 meals, from $4433 *CRUISING CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND It's a Gem of a deal from NYC, visit Halifax, St. John, New Brunswick, Bar Harbor, Portland for as low as $599 -June-Oct. *********** ESCAPE to EUROPE! *Best savings EVER to Ireland:$800 off per couple Escorted 11 night tour: Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Connemara, Kilarney, Blarney, Cobb, Waterford & Dublin. It's a Celtic Dream trip! *ITALY'S FINEST! Fully escorted tour,13 meals, Rome, Florence, Assisi, Pisa, & Venice Small group touring. 10 days from $2795 *YOUR CHANCE TO SAMPLE EUROPE'S BEST! Escorted journey includes London, Eurostar, Brussels, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Black Forest, Lucerne, and Paris, 9 meals 10 days from $2579. *GEMS OF ICELAND! Escorted tour to see the sites of Iceland round trip from Reykjavik. 6 days, 9 meals , from $2619 *ENGLAND DEFINITELY SWINGS ON THIS TOUR! Fully escorted tour takes
you to London, Bath, Stratfordupon-Avon, Chester, Lake District, Edinburgh, York, Cambridge in 9 days. 11 meals, priced from $2099 *EXPLORE EASTERN EUROPE! Fully escorted tour starting in Berlin and includes Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, & Dresden, 20 meals 14 days. Priced from $2849 *GO WILD: TAKE THE FAMILY TO AFRICA! Best of Botswana--10 daysJo'burg, 3 nights Moremi Game Reserve
2 nights Okavango Delta, 2 nights Victoria Falls from $5595 *SEE INDIA BY PRIVATE JET! A venture like none other. Departs Sept. 26 17 days from $65,950..sure to be unforgettable! *MY FAVORITE SUMMER SAILING SALE! *7 day Cruise in the Med-from Barcelona to Rome July 22-balcony price starts at $1300 or maybe consider July 1 Rome to Athens for $1300, 7 day with balcony • All prices shown are per person and subject to change based on
availability. I really hope by now you are saying HOT DIGGITY DOG, I know where I want to be this summer to escape the DOG DAYS of SUMMER. Come by Monroe Travel Service soon and let our travel professionals send you to a hot destination that is really cool! Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, 1908 Glenmar. You can contact her at 318 323 3465 or email dianne@monroetravel.com
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 103
Clinton Downing presents
FLORAL DESIGN SHOWCASE GEORGIANN POTTS
W GEORGIANN POTTS
Emily Rash, Judy Haddad, Anita Breen, Nancy Peters and Vickie Krutzer.
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h a diff hat difference a year makes! When designer extraordinaire Clinton Downing last presented a floral design demonstration to their club a little over a year ago, members of the Monroe Garden Club and their guests were clearly impressed both with his talent and with his ease of manner. When he appeared again this year, expectations were high — but not high enough. No one expected him to be even better this time around, but he was. For this year’s design demonstration, (which was, to be honest, a design class because it was so filled with educational suggestions concerning technique, plant choice, and creative “new” ways to use “old” flowers) Downing created a series of
different arrangements for a variety y of occasions,, all but one i an id i l container i using identical —a simple, clear glass cube. The single exception was a blue-andwhite vase, a classic that never grows old. Downing had an impressive array of plant materials to work with but not too many. His message this year was that with only a few stunning flowers, a standard container and a lot of imagination, an amazing array of successful designs can be created. For this program, he used orchids, roses, tulips, calla lilies, carnations, daffodils and simple greenery primarily from yard cuttings. Among the lessons learned included the ease with which a proper trellis can be made by repurposing rose stems from long-stemmed roses that have been trimmed. This natural trellis helped to support the flowers
COURTESY PHOTO
Guest presenter Clinton Downing with MGC President Jane Conrad.
GEORGIANN POTTS
GEORGIANN POTTS
Kay Baughman, Sally Rose and Kathi Barnhill.
Orchids
and added a more realistic touch than an artificial one would have. In addition, it added to the overall organic design of the arrangement. “Just remember to strip the thorns off before you construct the trellis,” Downing warned. A second very interesting technique that Downing introduced was met with enthusiasm was his clever “stem twist” trick. By twisting two or three stems together just below the flower, Downing created the illusion of a double or triple blossom. He did this with both daffodils and tulips providing an unexpected accent “flower cluster” to accompany the other flowers within the grouping. Downing donated an arrangement of perfectly colormatched roses and carnations placed pave’ style in an elegant
tions were a vivid red, while the orchid stems were pure white. Red ribbons “connected” the tall orchids with the low-slung carnations and greenery. Before Downing’s presentation, those gathered enjoyed conversation over a delicious brunch. Among the offerings were a pink-tinged pound cake, a platter of mixed fresh fruits, mini-muffins, bar cookies and a delicious cheese grits casserole. Fresh juice and coffee completed the offering. Joy Loomis and Denise Smith — both known as gracious hostesses — co-chaired the meeting. Serving with them were Brenda Adams, Sandra Blate, Allison Cattar, Ginger Huckabay, Bobbye Legan, Tiphanie Maxwell, Gay Morris, Lisa Nelson, Nancy Kay Peters, Kathy Pippin, Kerstin Pohlman, Marie Preslar,
bronze vase. The lucky recipient of this arrangement was discovered through a drawing. All of the other arrangements were auctioned to raise funds to support the club’s many projects. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Bayou DeSiard’s foyer held an arrangement bedecked with heirloom Valentine ornaments. Each was more beautiful than the last. A tall baroque vase in burnt gold and crystal held the arrangement on which the ornaments were hung. Old roses, carnations and hydrangeas in varying shades of rose, pink, and cream were intermixed with greenery. Diaphanous ribbons in shades of pale cream completed the antique “look.” On the grand piano, a lovely orchid and carnation arrangement further underscored the Valentine theme. The carna-
GEORGIANN POTTS
Charlotte Goodwin and Carolyn Seegers
Carolyn Rester, Debbie Ryan, Kari Scott, Pat White, and Harryette Winn For more information, please visit www.monroegardenclub.com and like us on Facebook.
DELTA STYL E MAGAZIN E | APRIL 2017 | 105
MN-1000649366
106 | A P RIL 2017 | DE LTAS T YL E M AGAZ I N E
Healthy Lives Begin with Happy Smiles! MN-1000646273
318 410-0044
HEBER TUFT D.D.S M.S.D Board Certified
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1101 Royal Avenue Suite B • Monroe, LA 71201
DELTA STYLE MAGAZI N E | A PRI L 2 017 | 10 7
PHOTOS COURTESY ROSE YOUNG-LEE
Containers should also be chosen based on personal preference. Just be sure there are drainage holes in the bottom.
Tips for creating picturesque
planter gardens
ROSE YOUNG-LEE
T
hose of us who are blessed to be Southerners are fortunate to be able to enjoy the beauty of colorful landscapes throughout the year. However, for many, the time, labor, exertion and finances associated with creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape makes doing so on a large scale difficult, if not totally impossible. A planter garden is one easy way to create beautiful landscape features without much
exertion, aggravation or financial commitment. The following benefits and tips are offered to get garRose Lee, deners started. NELA Master Happy gardening! Gardener Benefits: In addition to the aforementioned benefits, there are several other practical advantages to the container method of gardening. First, it is an easy way to get started for those who want to take “baby steps” in their gardening endeavors. In
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addition, the flexibility – can be planted inside or outside in almost any location; portability – depending on size, can be easily moved from one place to another; and easy maintenance – can be changed out by season or as needed – are all benefits of these garden features. Plant selection: In regards to plant selection, the best advice is to be creative and choose based on personal preference. Just choose plants that can serve as thrillers (larger scale plants, shrubs or grasses that serve as the centerpiece for the
arrangement), fillers (colorful plants, herbs or other greenery that cover the container’s surface) and spillers (trailing or mounding plants and vines that spill over the sides of the container). While it is important not to overcrowd the plants and to allow space for future growth, it is also important not to skimp on the plants. The most important tip to remember is that plants should be selected based on similar watering and lighting needs. Container selection: Containers should also be chosen
A planter garden is one easy way to create beautiful landscape features without much exertion, aggravation or financial commitment.
based on personal preference. Just be sure there are drainage holes in the bottom. However, the intended location for the planter should also be considered since some materials hold up better than others, particularly in exterior environments. Care: To maintain attractive containers, plants should be watered as often as needed. A tip to remember is if the soil on top of the container is dry to the touch, the plants should be watered, typically until the water overflows from the drainage hole(s) at the bottom of the container. Just take care not to over saturate, as this could lead to root rot. In addition, fertilizer should be applied every few weeks to promote vigor and flowering. Finally, container plants should be deadheaded, replaced or repotted seasonally, or as needed. Sources: LSU AgCenter, Better Homes & Gardens and Southern Living
PHOTOS COURTESY ROSE YOUNG-LEE
In regards to plant selection, the best advice is to be creative and choose based on personal preference.
The intended location for the planter should also be considered since some materials hold up better than others, particularly in exterior environments.
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Sue Nawas, Potpourri hostess Mike Husted and Stephanie Abell.
A daughter's love letters Potpourri Book Club discovers Galileo's favorite child GEORGIANN POTTS
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PHOTOS: GEORGIANN POTTS
Presenter LaVerne Bodron.
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otpourri Book Club continued its yearlong study of books reflecting the theme “Inspiration, Survival, and Faith” recently when the group gathered at Bayou DeSiard Country Club to hear a review of "Galileo’s Daughter: A Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love," a novel by Dava Sobel. Member LaVerne Bodron tackled the admittedly difficult book with intelligence and
charm. Dava Sobel’s novel uses letters (some previously unpublished and none ever published in English before) written by Sister Maria Celeste to her father, Galileo — the father of modern science — from the convent where she lived. These letters, though often long and tedious, nevertheless provide a rare insight into both the man and the daughter. “Sadly, Galileo’s letters to his daughter were destroyed during the Inquisition,” Bodron reported. “If we had those, we
Potpourri hostess Marilyn Stern with members Pat Blanchard and Rosemary Luffey.
would have had a much fuller picture of their relationship. Still, through hers we learn much about them both.” While the title suggests the letters are the subject of the work, in truth, they simply provide the structure for the novel, according to Bodron. The primary focus of the book is Galileo himself, and in particular his ongoing conflict with the Holy Catholic Church. Galileo’s belief was that of Copernicus — that the Earth rotated on its axis while revolving around the sun. The church, on the other hand, insisted that the Earth was the center of the universe. Even when scientific instruments were invented — some by Galileo himself — and began offering proof of Copernicus’s theory, the church remained steadfast. Bodron pointed out that ultimately Galileo was called before the Inquisition in Rome where he was forced to recant his belief in order to continue working though under house arrest for the remainder of his life. “In spite of his remarkable accomplishments, Galileo was often ill throughout his life,” said Bodron. “His daughter, Sister Marie Celeste, would make pills and potions for her father and cooked special treats that she sent to him.” Bodron pointed out that among Galileo’s three children, all illegitimate, Sister Marie Celeste was his favorite. Galileo’s remains and those of his daughter share a tomb in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. Bodron prepared a board illustrating the primary points of her review. After the talk, the ladies examined the pictures and discussed what they had learned. Coffee and a decadent Italian cream cake provided the perfect early-afternoon treat for the ladies. Hostesses for the meeting were Mike Husted and Marilyn Stern.
Carole Kilpatrick, Jane Hayden and Sue Nawas.
PHOTOS: GEORGIANN POTTS
Martha Anderson and Linda Reeves.
Nancy Staab, Alpha Spence and Barbara Catter.
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COURTESY SCARLETT BOLES
Dog at the OPAS
SOS! Save our Shelter! JOAN COOPER HAMPTON
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COURTESY SCARLETT BOLES
Dog at the Shelter
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hen I first visited the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter to adopt a dog, I became aware of the poor conditions of the 1950’s facility. The dog we adopted developed the highly contagious parvovirus as a result of his brief stay at the shelter, but luckily, we were able to save him. We later learned it is almost impossible to control the spread of disease at the shelter due to the poor design of the facility. I tried to push the shelter animals out of my thoughts when I would occasionally hear about the sad conditions of the facility: During cold weather, there is no heat other than heat lamps in
The facility was so depressing, she couldn’t get away fast enough! Great dogs were there begging to be adopted, but visitors leave in tears! JOAN COOPER HAMPTON
the open-air kennels; tarpaulins are used as makeshift “walls”; the dog kennels have no outdoor runs, so the dogs get wet when the kennels are washed out; cats are confined to small cages in a portable building; puppies are also placed in small cages in a portable building that is routinely overcrowded; drainage is poor, so there routinely is standing water. Consequently, I became very interested when a group of shelter volunteers came forward to request public funding for a new shelter, but this effort floundered. Finally in late 2016, I went to the shelter again with a friend who wanted to adopt a dog. The facility was so depressing, she couldn’t get away fast enough! Great dogs were there begging to be adopted, but visitors leave in tears! It is not the fault of the workers or volunteers – the problem is the inherent issues of the facility itself. Since I also attend Team Willpower Foundation fundraisers for St. Jude’s Hospital, it occurred to me that perhaps I could form a similar nonprofit to raise private funds to build a new shelter. This way, neither citizens nor businesses would be burdened with additional taxes, although they might be interested in donations at will. That idea led to SOS Pets of Ouachita. We believe as a community, we absolutely can and are morally obligated to do better than the antiquated and depressing facility currently in use.This is
a 100 percent volunteer-driven project, and it represents a labor of love to give back to the OPAS for the wonderful pets we’ve adopted over the years, in an effort to give hope and a future to all animals who may pass through the shelter in the years to come. We were recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit business on Feb. 14, and we have an amazing group of volunteers who are business leaders and animal advocates, and we are moving at lightning speed compared to previous efforts! We want to build adjacent to the existing facility, so that we can build in phases as money becomes available. We formed a partnership with the OPPJ since we want to build on their property, and they funded the upfront survey and soil analysis to determine foundation requirements. These results are in, and it appears that we will be able to use the most economical foundation possible! We will soon have our budget as a result for phase 1, and we will exponentially ramp up our fundraising in response. Our success will be totally dependent on the support we receive from the community! About Joan Cooper Hampton: Joan has lived and worked in Ouachita Parish for 20+ years. She is a native of Louisiana with an engineering degree from Louisiana Tech. Her family includes her husband Gary, three kids and three dogs. Their dog Bo was adopted from the OPAS in 2007. Joan founded SOS Pets of Ouachita in early 2017.
COURTESY JOAN COOPER HAMPTON
Joan Cooper Hampton
COURTESY SCARLETT BOLES
Dog at the OPAS
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Anna Rowan is among women of the ART CLUB featured at Art Alley during this month’s Gallery Crawl.
Spring fever DOWNTOWN ARTS ALLIANCE CELEBRATES THE EVER-BRIGHTENING BURST OF LOCAL ARTISTIC TALENTS Highlighting over a year’s worth of art assignments, “Art Club: Homework” will include a variety of work by Selina Akter, Leigh Buffington, Emily Caldwell, Jenny Ellerbe, Kay McDonald, Amy Ouchley, and Anna Rowan. Shown is a piece by Emily Caldwell
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DELTASTYLE STAFF
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s nature springs forth with color and variety this April, the Downtown Arts Alliance celebrates the ever-brightening burst of local artistic talents displayed in downtown galleries. Accompanied by live music and good food and drink, 10 galleries will present the opportunity to enjoy the visual arts 5-9 p.m. April 6. Springtime seems particularly appropriate for this sort of colorful party! On the first Thursday of even-numbered months, visual artists generously share their works with art-lovers of all ages during the Downtown Gallery Crawls. Enjoy art in the cultural districts of downtown Monroe and West Monroe.
This free evening includes wonderful art of all kinds. The whole family, all ages and tastes, will enjoy catching this particular fever! Original art will be for sale, too, just in time for spring decorating. Resident and guest artists will be on hand to talk with patrons about their art. Spring Fever has hit UPSTAIRS and the Big Room galleries hard! Collaborating in this wideranging show, these two galleries on Art Alley will feature the women of the ART CLUB. Highlighting over a year’s worth of art assignments, “Art Club: Homework” will include a variety of work by Selina Akter, Leigh Buffington, Emily Caldwell, Jenny Ellerbe, Kay McDonald, Amy Ouchley, and Anna Rowan. Their pieces will include drawing, painting, sculp-
Selina-Akter will be at UPSTAIRS.
Leah Reitzell's newest acrylic series, "Awakening into Spring," features luminous figure studies awash in a light, airy springtime palette saturated in bright light and color.
ture, collage, and photography— and it’s spectacular. An artist talk is set for 7 p.m. The Outside Gallery, facing the railroad track at the end of Art Alley, will be hosting Raluca lancu, an assistant professor at Louisiana Tech University. Her installation "Sequence of Events" was completed in part while she was a University of Louisiana at Lafayette visiting artist. The first layer is printed in relief from a block cut with a router, combining 20th century technology with one of the earliest printmaking techniques, woodcut prints (dating from the 8th century in Asia). Iancu was inspired by highway interchanges in Dallas and Montreal, synching diagrams of these two references together into a pattern that brings beautiful wallpaper to mind. This decorative leitmotif belies the intentions of the second layer of block printing, consisting of many accident diagrams. These many little wrecks, situated in a beguiling, endlessly looping roadscape,
reference how people interact with one another--like collisions. We are selfishly oblivious to our impact on others, busy — like those who take the beauty of "Sequence of Events" at face value from afar. The artists at Sugar Gallery are always mixing things up, and this April’s show is no exception. Melanie Douthit will display new pieces from her "Sparkle Unleashed" series. This eclectic mix of themes has a common element--the use of gold leafing in her mixed media pieces. Leah Reitzell's newest acrylic series, "Awakening into Spring," features luminous figure studies awash in a light, airy springtime palette saturated in bright light and color. Chris D. Cox transforms salvaged wood into lamps, tables and cigar box guitars, while Scott Stone offers unique decorative guitars and nature prints. Burg Ransom will have some brand-new nature photos, and Stacy Medaries will impress with her creative mixed media paintings.
And you’ll love the music— Jackson Culp (from Sterlington High School) will be singing. Don't miss this unique mix of artists at Sugar, where there's always something sweet! Other galleries on Art Alley are Arender Studio + Gallery (curated by Brad Arender) and the Downtown Gallery (formerly Sikes Gallery, curated by Ricky Sikes). The Palace Gallery (curated by Jarod Stokes) is opposite this group of galleries, on DeSiard Street, in the repurposed Palace Department Store site. Then, down by the River on South Grand Street, the Crawler will find the Garrett House, which will present a delightful exhibit of artworks by Geneva Academy’s K-12th grade students. Their teacher is Bethany Wilkins. This very special showcase promises to be a fun-filled spring evening filled with kids, art, music and food. Moving to the west side of the Ouachita River, art lovers find Rumo’s Gallery, where curator Austin Bantel presents Jason Byron Nelson, a graphic artist who has recently designed beautiful logos/can designs for the new Flying Tiger brewery. Crawlers will enjoy seeing not just the finished products but the steps in his creative process. Music, food and drink are also part of the evening at Rumo’s, which is owned by Russell and Morgan Moore.
Ouachita River Art Gallery (The River Gallery), also located on Trenton Street in West Monroe, is Louisiana’s oldest artists’ cooperative, featuring original artwork from up to 30 artists working in painting, photography, woodwork, pottery, sculpture and jewelry. During the April Gallery Crawl, the featured artist will be Anne R. Eberle, a well-known artist in Monroe, having taught many workshops in the area. Her favorite medium is watercolor. This show is called “Under the Umbrella,” indicating people’s desire to come together. Eberle graduated from Purdue University in applied design, then earned a master’s degree in painting from ULM (then Northeast Louisiana University). She has exhibited in many collections around the country, winning numerous awards in watercolor competitions. All 10 galleries’ artists invite you to view and discuss their work, enjoy refreshments, and listen to live music. Outside the galleries on Art Alley, the public is also invited to participate in being artists themselves, with panels and paint available for hands-on painting — no doubt revealing hidden talents brought out by spring fever! For more information visit www.downtown gallerycrawl.com and Facebook page (search Downtown Gallery Crawl).
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pecial thanks to Roland Wilkerson for letting us use his very, large fantastic dog, Axel! Stay tuned next month for introductions of more new writers. Great things are coming! Behind the scenes with photographer, Gary Guinigundo. Always have a chair on hand! Congratulations to LeeAnn Elaine, the winner of our free bridal feature at the 21st Annual Bridal Beginnings.
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Axel and Alyssa
KATIE BURKE
ALYSSA AKERS
Winner of the bridal contest by using #deltastylebride
Our new writer showing us around his kitchen
KATIE BURKE
GARY GUINIGUNDO
Axel letting the model know who's boss!
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Gary shooting for the an upcoming editorial
3101 Kilpatrick Blvd. Monroe, LA 71201
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Dr. Val Irion, MD
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