Delta Style Oct17

JOIN US FOR OUR NINTH ANNUAL

Think Pink Tea as we celebrate life with the healing power of laughter at a fun-filled and empowering event for women.

All are invited to wear their best tea party hats!

Friday, October 20, 2017 West Monroe Convention Center

10:30 am–12:00 pm • Enjoy shopping with beauty, skin, clothing, home decor & bath product vendors! All breast cancer survivors receive a FREE gift compliments of Glenwood.

12:00–1:00 pm • Program, Luncheon & Tea featuring guest speaker, Lillie Shockney, back by popular demand! Cancer survivors will be recognized and door prizes will be given away.

1:00–2:00 pm • Shopping continues

$15 Admission

Includes Program, Luncheon & Tea To register and purchase tickets, go to

www.grmc.com/think-pink-tea

Tickets may also be purchased at the Glenwood Medical Mall, Suite 406.

Call 329-8590 for ticket information.

Limited Seating (reservations required)

Tea provided by

GRMC.com

Back by popular demand,

Keynote Speaker

Lillie Shockney

Nationally recognized public speaker and registered nurse, Lillie Shockney is the Administrative, Education and Outreach Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center in Baltimore, Maryland. A breast cancer survivor herself, she brings a down-to-earth, practical, and often a lighthearted and humorous approach to the disease. She’s written 12 books and more than 200 articles on the subject and serves on the medical advisory board of several national breast cancer organizations, including Susan G. Komen.

D ELTAST Y LE MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2 017 | 3

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SHE IS OVER-THE-TOP, EXTRAVAGANT, AND ON THE LIST. SHE IS BLINDINGLY BEAUTIFUL.

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MN-1000654626

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CUSTOMER SERVICE COMES FIRST AT

Taking care of Northeast Louisiana for 30 years, Justin Gordon and his family have provided high-quality service and dependability in all Residential & Commercial Plumbing and Air Conditioning issues. Starting first in Heating & Air, Justin has incorporated the Plumbing aspect to give customers a complete package of services. Since getting his professional start back in high school, Justin has continued to grow the company, and begin a family as well. His wife, Courtney, is a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital and they have two children who attend Claiborne Christian School. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a stopped up drain , or a home remodel Gordon Air and Plumbing is always there to help. Justin says, “My daddy always taught me that if you work hard to earn your customers trust by providing quality and honest service, then that customer will always call you back when they need you.” That’s why Gordon Air and Plumbing is always putting the customer first. “ We want to build relationships with our customers and when problems do arise they know they can trust us for quick affordable service.” Check them out at gordonac.com or call the office 24/7.

gordonac.com | 318-397-8477 MN-1000668702

D ELTAST Y LE MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2 017 | 9

BAYOU DENTAL GROUP

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

David Finley, D.D.S. — General Dentist — Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty of the American Dental Association

5 Tips For A Happier Halloween: !

Candy vs. Cavities— Don’t make kids choose

!

Set up a “treat time”

!

Set a teeth brushing schedule

!

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Use disclosing tablets, swabs, or solution to check brushing Keep teeth brushing fun!

New Patient Visit

$89

Exam, X-Rays, & Cleaning Value: $388 Expires: 11/1/17

318-323-9303 Mon.-Thur. 8am-5pm

Fridays 8am-2pm

2501 Tower Drive Monroe, LA 71201 10 | O CT OB E R 2017 | DELTA ST YL E MAGAZ IN E

VACO Consulting, contracting and direct hire firm Vaco recently opened an office in Monroe led by technical recruiter Diane Tabulog. Diane focuses on recruiting for technology positions in a variety of industries.

DELTA Paul West, Director of NOVA; Diane Tabulog, Business Development & Senior Technical Recruiter, Vaco; Kirk Johnston, Senior Managing Partner, Vaco; Michael Echols, Monroe City Council; Mike Vining, Executive Administrative Officer for the City of Monroe

SHELTER FUNDRAISER The Salvation Army shelter that houses the homless will temporarily shut as the Monroe Corps begins a restructuring. There are multiple fundraisers being held to benefit the shelter in the month of October. Make plans to attend these wonderfull events for good cause!

HANDPICKED FOR HOLLYWOOD Earlier this year, local hair stylist Katie Anzalone styled the hair for the April cover of DeltaStyle Magazine.

She went on to win a national contest with that hairstyle. Read all about her journey to California in next month’s issue!

DELTA STY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 11

Thank you to all of our loyal custome

Always a tasteful and CLEAN

2320 TOWER DRIVE • MONROE, LA • ( 811 SPLANE DR • WEST MONROE, LA • ( 301 SOUTH VIENNA • RUSTON, LA • (

We are proud to announce that Newk’s in Northeast Louisiana bro

1st Place - West Monroe • 2nd Place

www.new

West Monroe General Manager, Don O’Toole, and staff accepting their award

Ruston General Manager, Christy Norris Monroe General Manager, Matthew Garcia

mers who voted us Best of the Delta!

EAN choice.

• (318) 387-8484 • (318) 329-1922 • (318) 254-7010

a brought home national top honors for cleanliness and operations!

Place - Ruston • 3rd Place - Monroe

ew ks.com

14 | O CT OB E R 2017 | DELTA ST YL E MAGAZ IN E

INDIAN FESTIVAL

FARMER’S MARKET ON TOWER AUGUST 26

Katie Meredith, Klaci Simmons

Stacy Cryer, Ellen Hicks

Arthur Clarke, Joe Holyfield, Jimmy Knighten

Kirby Rambin, Aaron McLaughlin, Brian Sivils Lee Rogers, Sable Jefferson, Kayla Drummond GARY GUINIGUNDO PHOTOS

Jeff Hicks

Farmers Market Indian Festival

PB & J MARKET SEPTEMBER 2 · FARMER’S MARKET ON TOWER

Addie Nickelson, Abby Lyle, Jason Roy, Kristen Lambrecht, Jack Allen

Edward, Sharon, Christian, & Cayden Small

Olivia & Fitz Adair Annie Joseph, Pamela Joseph, Amy & Roomi Shakir

Tiffany & Megan Olmstead, Deidre Adair

Oliva Adair and Luna

D ELTAST YL E M AGA ZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 15

RACE FOR THE CURE SEPTEMBER 16 · FORSYTHE PARK · MONROE, LA

CMS Cheerleaders

Zombies - Chloe Michiels, Andy Trapp, Erin Whitten, Ashley Milford

Maurice Brown & Roxie

Doug Brown, Amy & Allie Beder

Paula Greeley, Derrick Dickens, Terranetra James Greeley, Shaya Gospel, Zeihmon Greeley, Janiyah James Williams, Emon Gires

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David Pruett, Molly Elizabeth Humphries Abbi Jo Ramsey, Brittany Ramsey, Abigail Church

Jennifer Andrews, Roz Janway

Alpa & Jeet Patel

Courtney Payne Wetzel, Simran Dhaliwal Emaus

Kylie Stracener, Jonathan Austin

BLACK & WHITE BALL SEPTEMBER 16 · BAYOU DESIARD COUNTRY CLUB · MONROE, LA

Val & June Salomon

Vanelis Rivera, Jonathan Williams

Jessica & DJ Fortenberry

Andi & Chris Holyfield

DE LTASTY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 17

ALLEGIANCE HEALTH MANAGEMENT RIBBON CUTTING ALLEGIANCE HEALTH TREATMENT FACILITY · AUGUST 31

Khaled Shafiei MD, Alfred Torres MD

Allegiance Health Management Ribbon Cutting - August 31

Greg Futch, Denise Futch, Mitch Smith, Melissa Smith, Paige Ensminger, Angie Herring, Robin Doles, Scott Beeson

Sue Nicholson, Chris Young

Lisa Nelson, Allison Cattar, Denise Smith

Claudia Watts, Catherine Hayes, Claudia Hayes Snow, Angie Smith, Bronwyn Watts

DOWNTOWN DONUT DASH SEPTEMBER 9 · DOWNTOWN MONROE

Diana Weinell, Rachel Mayer, Kristi May, JoEllen Crawford, Vicki Watson

Tashia Osborn, Tristen Osborn, Tara Knight Daniel, Christian Knight

Aimee Buchanan, Tracy Sistrunk, Amy Sistrunk, Kyle Holman, Jennifer Bradbury

Cannon Moore, Lisa Moore, Darlene Smith

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Christian Knight, Tara Knight Daniel

Tashia Osborn, Jackie Johnson

COURTESY PHOTOS

ULM'S THE PURSUIT ULM FANT-EWING COLISEUM- AUGUST 24

ULM's The Pursuit

Leigh Moses, Kelsey Laudenheimer, Julia Letlow

Mary Adams & Brandon Glenn

Malcolm & Johellen Maddox

Hope Young, Mallory Parks, Katie Burke

Philip Medford, Krystle Medford, Sissie & Gary Jones

ULM's The Pursuit

Meah Sims, Molly Lovelace, Mayor Mayo, Jessica Wright, Haley Martindale

PHOTOS BY GARY GUINIGUNDO

Hope Anderson, Onna Gallagher

Nick Floyd, Mayor Jamie Mayo

DE LTASTY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 19

SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY CHENNAULT MUSEUM · AUGUST 21

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DOGUE: A RUNWAY SHOW BENEFITTING S.O.S. PETS OF OUACHITA SEPTEMBER 9TH · LIVE OAKS BAR & BALLROOM

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE ZOO DAY

HONORING ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL, FIREFIGHTERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, LDWF AGENTS, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL · SEPTEMBER 9 LOUISIANA PURCHASE GARDEN & ZOO

Jessica & Noah Brantley, Karla Duprey

Emily Cory Dianne Yarbrough, Michelle Womack, Heather Moore, Mike Walsworth

Makinley & Shantae Parker

Karla Duprey, Mike Walsworth

DE LTASTY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 21

WINNERS

D

eltaStyle Magazine announced the winners of the 2017 Best of the Delta awards on Thursday night at the West Monroe Convention Center.

The event, presented by Creed & Creed, had almost 1000 attendees and 25 restaurants serving food.

There were special awards given before the winners were announced: MOST NOMINATED IN A SINGLE CATEGORY KTVE/KARD Chief Meteorologist Jarod Floyd NOMINATED AND MADE FINALIST IN THE MOST CATEGORIES SQ's on the Ouachita. They made finalist in 11 categories.

THE MOST VOTES AND CATEGORIES WON OVERALL - Cara's Boutique DeltaStyle also introduced the MILESTONE AWARD for local business that have been voted Best of the Delta for since the inception of the awards in 2007.

MILESTONE AWARD WINNERS: Origin Bank The Children's Shoppe Anitra's Attic Johnny's Pizza OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Johnny's Pizza DeltaStyle Magazine, along with Christian Creed, also presented a check of the event proceeds to the Louisiana Restaurant Association for educational scholarships.

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Origin Bank receiving their Milestone Award Account executive, Mallory presenting an award to Cara’s Boutique Johnny’s Pizza was awarded the outstanding business of the year award, later to be named the Johnny Huntsman Award

WINNERS BEAUTY Best Esthetician - Heather Terral Best Makeup Artist -Brittany Dye Best Massage Therapist -Emily Harris Best Nail Salon - Pampered & Polished Best Personal Trainer - Bonnie Farmer Hay Best Salon - Rain Best Spa -Spa Nouvelle Best Stylist/Colorist - Ashley Chapman Best Tanning Salon - Sun Tan City

Best Wine Selection (Restaurant)

Best Chef - Corey Bahr Best Coffee House - Corner Coffee House Best Food Truck - Faye’s Fatburger Best Fried Chicken - Raising Cane’s Best Fried Fish - Catfish Charlie’s Best Frozen Dessert - Eskamoe’s

ENTERTAINMENT Best Bar - Enoch’s Irish Pub Best Local Attraction - Landry Vineyards Best Local Cover Band/Musician -

Best Gumbo - Trapp’s Best Hamburger - The Burger Grind Best Italian Food - Roma’s Italian

Mike McKenzie Band Best Local Original Band/Musician David Gore

Restaurant

Best Place for Single to Mingle -

Best Kid’s Meal - Chick-Fil-A Best Lunch Spot - Newk’s Eatery

Enoch’s Irish Pub Best Place to Take a First Date -

Best Margarita - Iron Cactus

DINING

Best Mexican Food - Iron Cactus

Best Asian Food - RawZ

Best Outdoor Dining -

Best Bakery & Sweet Treats - Small-

- Genusa’s

Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant Best Place to Take the Kids - Smiles Park/Kiroli Park

SQ’s on the Ouachita

cakes

Best Overall Restaurant - Ware-

Best BBQ - BBQ West

house No. 1 Restaurant

Best Bartender - Adam Finklea-Live

Best Pizza - Johnny’s Pizza House

Oaks

Best Place for a Romantic Dinner -

Best Beer Selections (Restaurants) -

Genusa’s

The Pickle Barrel

Best Po-Boy - Magic Grill

Best Bloody Mary - Copeland’s of

Best Restaurant Service - Chick-Fil-A

New Orleans

Best Salad - Newk’s Eatery

Best Boiled Crawfish - Riverside

Best Specialty Cakes - Allbritton’s

Coney Island

Cake Shop

Best Breakfast - Daily Press

Best Steak - Doe’s Eat Place

Best Caterer - Thurman’s Food Factory

Best Sushi - RawZ

Best Venue to Have an Event - Landry Vineyards

HOME Best Custom Cabinets & Countertops - Tom Sander’s Building Mart Best Custom Home Supply Store Tom Sander’s Building Mart Best Flooring Store - Teresa’s Flooring Best Garden Store/Nursery - Sonny Panzico’s

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 2 3

WINNERS Best Meteorologist - Jarod Floyd

Best Home Health Provider - Unit-

Best News Anchor - Lacey Sharp

ed Home Care

Best Home Décor - Paul Michael’s

Best Radio Station - 88.7 The Cross

Best Hospice Provider - Premier

Best Security Provider - Century-

Hospice Best Hospital - St. Francis Medical

Best HVAC (Heating/AC) Service -

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Gilley’s Heating and Cooling

Best Accountant - Debbie Takewell

Best Insurance Agent - Blake Whee-

Best Landscaper - NorthPro Lawn

Best Addiction Recovery Center -

lis

Best Lawn Service - Northeast Lawn

Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center

Best Lawyer - Christian Creed

Service

Best Architecture Firm - Michael

Best Limo Service - Limousines Un-

Best Local Furniture Store - Ivan

Walpole

limited

Smith

Best Artist - Caroline Youngblood

Best Lodging/Boarding - Happy

Best Outdoor Living Supplies - The

Best Assistant Living Facility -

Tails

Patio Place

Azalea Estates

Best Medical Supply Company -

Best Pest Control - Redd Pest Con-

Best Carpet Cleaning Service -

Marie’s Medical Group

trol

Klean King

Best Non-Profit Organization -

Best Plumbing Company - Kelly

Best Chiropractic Clinic - The Joint

PAWS of NELA

Plumbing

Best Cleaning Service - Kelsey

Best Nursing Home - West Monroe

Best Pool Builders & Service -

Klean

Guest House

Azure Pools and Spas

Best Counseling Center - First West

Best Orthodontic Clinic - Caples

Best Roofing Company - Allied

Counseling Center

and Robinson

Roofing

Best Dental Clinic - NELA Dental

Best Pet Groomer - Happy Tails

Best Tree Service - Cajun Tree Cut-

Best Dog Trainer - Delta K9 Solu-

Best Photographer - Staci Albritton

ters

tions

Best Physical Therapy Clinic - Mel-

MEDIA

Best Financial Advisor/Invest-

anie Massey Physical Therapy

ments - Darren Oglesby

Best Physician’s Clinic - Affinity

Best Local DJ - Sheila K

Best Hearing Center - Acadian Hear-

Health Group

Best Local Radio Morning Show

ing and Balance Center

Best Place to Work - CenturyLink

Best Home Builder - Holyfield Builders

Link

- Mike & Sheila K

24 | O CT O B E R 2017 | DE LTAS TY L E MAGA ZI NE

Center

WINNERS Best Private School - Ouachita

Car Town

Best Pet Store - The Animal House

Christian School

Bets Auto Mechanic Shop - Frank

Best Pharmacy - Aron’s Pharmacy

Best Public School - West Monroe

Nettles Automotive

Best Prom Dress Shop - Anitra’s

High School

Best Bank - Origin Bank

Attic

Best Real Estate Agency - Keller

Best Car Wash – Rocketfast Carwash

Best Sporting Goods - T.P. Outdoors

Williams

Best Day Care - Claiborne Christian

Best Stationary & Invitations - The

Best Realtor - Shane Wooten

Pre-School

Paper Market

Best Rehabilitation Hospital -

Best Dry Cleaner - D&D Cleaners

Best Wedding Registry - The Muffin

Cornerstone Hospital

Best Florist - Vee’s Flowers

Tin

Best Rural Hospital - Union General

Best Gift Store - Beehive Outlet

Best Western Wear - J & H Boots and

Hospital

Best Health Food Store - Fiesta

Jeans

Best Staffing Agency - Manpower

Nutrition

Best Wine & Spirits Shop - Tonore’s

Best Surgical Hospital – P & S Surgi-

Best Hotel - Hilton Garden Inn

Wine Cellar

cal Hospital

Best Jewelry Store - Flair Jewelers

Best Tattoo Artist - Joey Bagwell

Best Local Children’s Shop - The

Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor - Cold

Children’s Shoppe

SPORTS & RECREATION

Desert Tattoo

Best Local Men’s Clothing - Pat-

Best Art Gallery - Masur Museum of

Best Travel Agency - The Travel

ton’s Western Wear

Art

Company

Best Local Shoe Store - Cara’s Bou-

Best Dance School - Linda Laven-

Best Veterinary Clinic - Cooper

tique

der’s School of Dance

Veterinary Clinic

Best Local Women’s Clothing -

Best Golf Course - Squire Creek

RETAIL

Cara’s Boutique

Country Club

Best Locally Owned Business -

Best Health Club/Exercise Facility -

Cara’s Boutique

Anytime Fitness

Best New Business (Opened in the

Best Martial Arts Studio - Bob Allen

last 12 months) - Braiz’n Bar and Grill

Dojo

Best Optical Shop - Haik Humble

Best Place to Learn Gymnastics -

Best Outdoor Recreation/Marine

Bayou Gymnastics

Best Appliance Store - Skent-n-Dent Best Auto Body Shop - Parker Auto Body Best Auto Dealer (New) - Jim Taylor Auto Group Best Auto Dealer (Pre-Owned) -

Store – B & L Marine

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 2 5

EVENT

BEST OF THE DELTA RED CARPET SPONSORED BY ARROW DENTAL CLINIC

To view the full gallery, please visit our website www.deltastylemag.com 26 | O CT O B E R 2017 | DE LTAS TY L E MAGA ZI NE

WINNERS

BEST OF THE DELTA WINNER’S CIRCLE

SPONSORED BY NEWK’S AND CC’S COFFEE

To view the full gallery, visit our website www.deltastylemag.com D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 2 7

PA R T Y

BEST OF THE DELTA AFTER PARTY SQ’S ON THE OUACHITA

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D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 2 9

Use It or Lose It

Use your dental benefits to maintain your oral health and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today!

Don’t let your dental INSURANCE BENEFITS go to waste! Schedule your end-of-the-year dental appointment with us NOW and ask how to save your hard-earned money before time runs out!

1 5 0 7 L A M Y L A N E � M O N R O E , L A � 3 1 8 . 3 6 1 . 0 3 8 1 � W W W. A R R O W D E N TA LC E N T E R . C O M MN-1000649579

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Private Rooms Available for Holiday Parties

Visit Our Buck Commander Soup, Salad, and Fruit Bar

• Miss Kay’s Meatloaf • Chicken Fried Steak

Early “Bird” Special 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM $3 Off Our Soup, Salad, and Fruit Bar

• Burgers • Phil’s Jambalaya

Fast. Fresh. Affordable.

Hours: M-Th 10AM to 9PM • F-S 10AM to 10PM • CLOSED SUNDAYS 125 Constitution Drive • 884-DUCK (3825) • www.williesduckdiner.com •

THE ALL-NEW 2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

We’ll pick up your Lincoln when it’s time for service. We’ll even provide you with a complimentary Lincoln loaner to use until we bring your Lincoln back.

COMPLIMENTARY CAR WASH After each service visit WWW.JAYMALLARDFORD.COM

888-284-2016

MN-1000660716

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR LIFE

We’ll be there for you as long as you own your Lincoln – with 24-hour/ 7-day-a-week assistance nationwide.

DE LTASTY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 31

15 MINUTES with

BYRON BAILEY EMMA SAGER

B

yron Bailey is a Louisiana-raised man that has a passion for cuisine and coffee. He is the local owner of RoeLa Roaster where you can find some of the best coffee in the Delta. RoeLa Roaster is located in downtown Monroe near Star Hardware and The Kitchen. Bailey said things are much busier these days downtown, far different from the years past. He explained that you need hope to inspire change, which is exactly what he thinks is revitalizing downtown Monroe right now.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in New Orleans and moved to Calhoun when I was 5-years-old.

What was your childhood like?

I was raised on a farm with my parents and two sisters. We had dogs, turkeys, ducks, horses; the whole nine yards.

Where did you attend high school?

I went to West Ouachita High School and attended Louisiana State University for college.

When did you discover that you had a passion for cook-

ing?

After college, I decided to go to culinary school in New Orleans to learn about creole cooking.

How long did you spend your time cooking?

I spent 16 years cooking in various businesses in New Orleans.

When did you meet your wife, Jill?

We met while I was cooking down in New Orleans. We have been married for a year and a half, and we have a 4-monthold named Trotter! Jill is also my business partner, and she is

GARY GUINIGUNDO

32 | O CT O B E R 2 017 | DE LTAS TY L E MAGA ZI NE

the brains of the operation.

So, why did you decide to make coffee for a living?

Jeffery Meeker introduced me to the basics of brewing!

He and I developed a blend and I went on to do an apprenticeship with him.

What did you do after the apprenticeship?

Fortunately, I had a daytime job while I was experimenting making different blends so there wasn’t any major pressure or time constraints to get this blend right.

How long did it take you to develop a blend that you thought was a success?

I developed blends with friends and family over a 9month period. It was a lot of experimentation and failure, but that’s how you cook! You try new things, you learn from them, and then you repeat it the process!

What blend at RoeLa Roaster do you think is the best?

The Talla Bena, our first blend, is probably our best. It is named after the town my dad is from, which is north of Tallulah.

What is your favorite thing about Monroe?

The different people and the diversity amongst them. Monroe embodies how a city should feel.

Do you believe downtown Monroe has changed?

Downtown is a work in progress. It has been a rollercoaster that has taken it’s time to climb, but we are sitting at the top, so enjoy the beginning of a wild ride with all kinds of fun stuff!

What do you spend your free time?

Cooking, bow hunting, and fly fishing are just a few ways I like to relax!

How did RoeLa cuisine start?

It started to help out our friends at Flying Tiger. Everyone loves food, so I made some festival and Mardi Gras inspired dishes. Now it has developed into what I want to cook when I want to cook it, but I want to get to a point where we have food every day!

How do you let customers know what and when you will be serving food?

We are really active on Facebook and Instagram, so people can follow our posts to know the latest and greatest cuisine we will be offering!

What your favorite thing about working?

Developing relationships with new people.

How do you want people to perceive RoeLa Roaster?

RoeLa Roaster was designed with a focus on the community which is evident by different committees and public events we have hosted. Hopefully, it has been a catalyst for many business opportunities, too! Real estate agents, business meetings and interviews are hosted in our tasting room where our coffee can stimulate any conversation.

What do you feel you need people to know about RoeLa Roaster?

We’re open till 4:00pm now and we serve food!

GARY GUINIGUNDO

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 3 3

SPECIALIZATION: • Comprehensive Eye Care • Cataract Surgery • iLASIK Laser Vision Correction • Glaucoma • Diabetic Eye Conditions • Drooping Eye Lid • Corneal Disorders • Retina Conditions

Drew Thomas, MD Ophthalmologist

There’s a reason Haik Humble Eye Center has been voted “Best” for the last 10 years. It’s our commitment to bringing only the best to Northeast Louisiana. So we’re pleased Dr. Drew Thomas, West Monroe native and graduate of West Monroe High School and Louisiana Tech University, returned to our area and chose to practice with us.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Dr. Thomas brings the latest techniques and experience from LSU-Shreveport, where he completed his internship and residency training in Ophthalmology. Dr. Thomas is excited to be back in West Monroe and practice alongside a group of doctors that have shown their commitment to providing the highest quality of eye care possible.

CALL 318-325-2610 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

MN-1000668738

34 | O CT O B E R 2017 | DE LTAS TY L E MAGA ZI NE

2008-2017

MONROE | WEST MONROE | RAYVILLE (318) 325-2610 • (800) 247-5878 www.haikhumble.com

On a scale from 1-10, how bad do you need an INTERVENTIONAL SPINE AND PAIN CARE EXPERT ?

People in pain need specialized care. For With our compassionate, patient-focused expert care that can effectively relieve pain approach and advanced minimally invasive and return patients to an active life, look to interventional techniques, we are uniquely Louisiana Pain Care. The physicians at qualified to address the range of conditions that Louisiana Pain Care have over 80 years of cause people to feel pain. We don’t just treat combined experience in spine care and symptoms – we get to the source of the pain. interventional pain management. We are Our fellowship-trained physicians dedicate their the only board certified and fellowship entire practice to the relief of pain, so you know trained interventional pain specialists in you are getting the best. northeast and north central Louisiana.

Louisiana Pain Care - the LEADER in Our experts carefully evaluate each patient non-surgical spine care and pain management. through clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing to determine the source of the pain and then tailor a non-surgical treatment. If patients do not respond to the non-surgical treatment or if a surgical evaluation is warranted, the experts at Louisiana Pain Care can refer patients to the surgeon of their choice.

318-323-6405 LAPainCare.com

John L. Ledbetter, M.D.

Vincent R. Forte, M.D.

J. Hardy Gordon, M.D.

Ronald L. Ellis, M.D.

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 3 5

HOMEROOMS and HOLIDAYS DELTA

Room Mothers Rule!

F

all may be my favorite season of them all. The Delta landscape changes (not as drastically as is seen in the northern states, of course, but it does change) and with that come the first hints of cooler weather. After the long, hot Delta summers have done their best to beat us all down with a combination of high humidity and high temperatures, Fall’s arrival brings much-needed relief.

I cannot think of this time of year without remembering similar days from long ago. This was the time when crops were being harvested and the fields prepared for next year. There was the unfailing hope that this would be the year that our football team (the Newellton High School “Bears” when I was growing up) would win more games than lose. We all shared the anticipation of wearing long sleeves and sweaters and boots and socks and coats and hats . . . anything but shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for a change! And then there was the excitement that comes with the realization that The Holidays will be here soon --- Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years! All of these reminded us Delta folk that good times lay just ahead.

But first, there were those last gasps of intense heat to be endured. You remember those, don’t you? Those late September days when suddenly it felt like summer all over again? It seemed as though the passing season just couldn’t let go and accept its inevitable fate. Kind of like how we always thought that this would be the Bear’s year . . .

GP

36 | O CT O B E R 2017 | DE LTAS TY L E MAGA ZI NE

Among the unsung heroes of those all-important “formative” years for Delta children are those daring souls who volunteer --- or are “volunteered” --to become “room mothers.” The title itself is a bit misleading, of course. Their influence (and responsibility) ranges far beyond the confines of one room of students or one role. No, these are the flexible and nimble souls who see to it that all of the children, from the elementary grades through high school graduation, are given parties and field trips that will be both memorable and educational.

From Generation to Generation . . .

Being a “room mother” seems to run in our family. For three generations, and with solid evidence of a fourth, women in our family have volunteered

to take on these extra tasks for the benefit of everyone’s children.

While I don’t believe that there were women specifically designated as “room mothers” in my grandmother’s day, I do know that Mom Moore and Daddy Moore often hosted parties, picnics, and similar gatherings for their children and their children’s classmates. Old clippings from the Tensas Gazette (Tensas Parish’s weekly newspaper) recount a number of these.

My own mother was a perpetual “room mother” from the time I was in the 4th grade. Her presence in our classroom meant the world to me. Doris was an interesting woman, first the consummate homemaker, but also actively involved in her church and in her community.

In this way she was very much

like Mom Moore, her mother.

In my early grades, the “room mother” corps primarily baked cookies and others goodies for us and were on hand to help wipe up spills or clear away unintended messes. Those were simple parties held in the classroom with appropriate decorations that we students had eagerly made in anticipation of the event.

Whatever the holiday, our teachers could find countless “art projects” for us to color, cut out, and stick on every available surface. In hindsight, I suspect that this meant more to us than to the generations that followed, primarily because we didn’t see Jack O’ Lanterns before midOctober and didn’t even think about the Pilgrims until after we had consumed all of the Halloween candy. And Christmas car-

ols? Not one bell jingled before the first week in December.

Room Mothers to Chaperones ...

As we grew older and progressed through the elementary grades, the “room mothers” adapted. Almost without our notice, they became “chaperones.” They still prepared delicious treats for us and saw to it that we were all “in the holiday spirit,” but they also made certain that we were safe.

By those middle years, field trips had morphed from the end-of-the-school year picnic (often at Lake Bruin at the “old country club” that my grandfather had helped build while he was on the Police Jury) to include hayrides and carnivals around Halloween. There were also occasional dances where we spent most of our time hold-

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 3 7

ing up the walls and hoping --and dreading --- that someone would actually ask us to dance.

This was the time, too, when our fathers entered the picture.

Those who could, taught their daughters what little they knew about dancing, with the mothers playing an important supporting role in this education. This came at a time when traditional dances were being displaced by variations that were certainly simpler though not as much fun.

Our dads provided and drove the trucks or tractors that pulled the wagons filled with their hay bales so that we could ride through the Delta countryside together. The stars were never so bright as on those clear, cold nights that we spent slowly rambling through that beloved landscape. We sang songs, laughed at jokes, and generally enjoyed the simplicity of it all.

Expanding Our Horizons . . .

It was during high school, however, that our “chaperones” truly came into their own. This coincided with our teenage years, so it was “game on!” We wanted very much to stretch our boundaries and our parents wanted very much to let us --within reason. It was an exercise in mutual respect unless someone seriously misbehaved.

Fortunately for me, my classmates were a relatively tame bunch and were only rarely caught “transgressing.”

Weiner roasts and bonfires on the levees by the Mississippi or on the banks of the bayous were favorite informal gatherings where often not just one’s own classmates, but friends from other grades and other Parish schools would come together for fun.

The three biggest annual celebrations that our classes enjoyed during the school year were Homecoming, the JuniorSenior Prom, and Graduation.

For these three, our teachers and our parents made certain that everything was perfect.

Witch’s Brew and Crawfish . . .

When I became a mother, it seemed the natural thing to do to be involved with my daughter’s school activities. It was when she entered the third grade at Jack Hayes Elementary that I

was officially “tapped” to be a “room mother.”

Leigh was in “Miss Copeland’s” class (Lynn Copeland, one among many outstanding teachers that she had) and was excited about being in the third grade. I volunteered to help with the class, and found myself an official “room mother”. One of Leigh’s favorite holidays is Halloween, so there was significant pressure at home to make this first class party “special.”

When I consulted with Jim about my need for a “spectacular” brew, he suggested that dry ice was the answer. We bought some from a supplier he knew and I was ready. I painted my face green, donned a witch’s hat and black robe, and loaded refreshments to take to Jack Hayes.

It’s funny. Sometimes you get so involved in what you are doing that you forget what you look like to others. The shrieks from the classrooms as I moved down the hall that day reminded me that it is not every day that a witch makes an appearance in an elementary school.

Once in Lynn’s classroom, I called Leigh up to the front to be my “assistant.” We poured apple cider into a large bowl, and then I recited a chant which she and the other children repeated after me with their eyes closed.

While this was going on, I carefully dropped some dry ice into the brew and the result was perfect! That caldron bubbled!

That was also the year the Purple Kitty tradition was born.

One morning while I was making Leigh’s lunch, I took her napkin and wrote a little note of encouragement on it. I happened to have a purple pen handy and used that. Almost as an afterthought, I drew a cartoon image of a cat beside it. Thus “Purple Kitty” was born. Leigh shared her note with her class during lunch. After that, nothing would do except that Purple Kitty appear every school day.

The other memorable “room mother” adventure that I had actually involved two close women friends who played vital supporting roles during a memorable day. The late children’s author, Mary Alice Fontenot, was a dear friend who had writ-

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GEORGIANN POTTS

ten delightful books about Clovis Crawfish and his swamp critter friends. She loved Leigh, and accepted my invitation to come to speak at Jack Hayes to several of the classes there.

As the day approached, it occurred to me that we needed to have Clovis there, too. The problem was that I was teaching classes at the very time that Mary Alice was able to come spend time at the school. To my rescue came another dear friend, Carolyn Campbell. She agreed to wear a crawfish costume and accompany Mary Alice around the school. To say that they were a hit would be an understatement!

There was one unexpected complication that I was told about later. It seems that the crawfish costume – a bright red vinyl one -- was very heavy and extremely hot to wear. Poor Carolyn admitted later that it was akin to being in a steam bath and that the “fragrance” inside was not to be believed. I still owe her for that one . . .

The Torch is Passed . . .

It is always a delight to me to see traditions continue. Many in

our world do not celebrate those, but I most certainly do.

Without maintaining the traditions that bind together the generations, we would surely lose insights into our families, our friends, our churches, our schools, and our country.

It has been heartwarming for me to watch quietly as our daughter has become involved in her own daughters’ school activities. She has been the PTA president since 2015, organizing monthly teacher appreciation activities that are required to maintain the school’s 5-star state ranking in North Carolina.

Leigh has also used her marketing skills (and considerable charm) to get area businesses near Charlotte to donate things to support the PTA’s activities.

Not surprisingly, Leigh has also just been accepted as one of eight co-chairs for the Field Day with Hannah Grace’s kindergarten class next spring. It seems that she’ll be a “room mother” before we know it.

And guess who else is right there in the middle of everything? Purple Kitty, of course!

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What Matters

MOST . . .

GEORGIANN POTTS PHOTOS BY GARY GUINIGUNDO

There are many ways to judge a successful life. For some, it is the fortune that is accumulated over a lifetime. For others, it is accomplishing a major life goal. And for a fortunate few, it is reaching that stage in life when an opportunity comes along that allows all of one’s previous experiences to coalesce in one grand undertaking.

Dennis Epps is by virtually every measure a successful man. He has amassed, as he puts it, “enough, plus some” in terms of his material acquisitions. He has also lived to accomplish not one, but several, major life goals. And today he finds himself at that point in his life where he is thriving as he engages in one grand undertaking after once retiring --- overseeing the next critical stage in Louisiana Delta Community College’s development.

Those of us who work with him on the Ouachita Business Alliance know firsthand the impact that his leadership is already having on our community. What many do not know is the “person” behind the chancellorship.

Who is Dennis Epps?

GP Most children born into military families share some personality traits. They are flexible, made necessary by the many moves that a career in the military requires.

Some not only live in the United States, but also at some location abroad. This strengthens their self-reliance, their ability to make friends easily, and their awareness of the “bigger picture” in which they live.

Dennis Epps’ father was a career military man in the United States Air Force. As a

Epps Leads With Compassion child, Dennis grew accustomed to living in one location one or two years, at most. He experienced life abroad when his father was stationed in the Philippine Islands.

Even though he was still young while living in the Philippines, Epps developed a clear understanding of what poverty means in countries other than America. Epps internalized what he was seeing, and from that experience developed a level of compassion and a commitment to service to others that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Because of these moves, Epps learned to associate “home” more with “family” than with “place”. The orientation to “place” changed when he entered the sixth grade as the family relocated to Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

“Before that, home had been wherever we were stationed,” Epps explains. “We moved to Louisiana and I went to school there from the 6th grade through high school. This was the longest we had been in one place during my childhood, so Bossier Parish represented a real sense of ‘home’ to me.”

Something else happened during his childhood which was to influence many of Epps’ life’s decisions. Summers spent on his grandparents’ North Georgia farm is where he discovered that he loved the agrarian, rural lifestyle. He learned the pace of rural life and appreciated what it took to live there. “The days of hard work in those fields, the sense of self-determination, selfsufficiency, and the need for ‘grit’ played a major part in shaping me,” he explains.

Gaining Knowledge . . .

Epps attended Elm Grove Junior High School in Bossier Parish and then Parkway High School in Bossier City. He was active in Air Force ROTC, Distributive Education, and was a varsity tennis player. Epps graduated midway through his senior year when his father retired from the military and Epps discovered that he had earned enough credits to do so. The family relocated immediately to North Georgia where his father opened a brass furniture manufacturing company.

Early on, Epps had thought seriously about becoming a veterinarian. By the time he entered high school, that dream had been replaced by the desire to work in agriculture in some capacity. Clearly, Epps’ stepgrandfather was a major influence on his career aspirations.

“My step-grandfather was a WWII veteran who came home from the war and started a farming operation. He was the most honest person I have ever known,” Epps says, “and his word was his bond. His self-determination, do-it-yourself philosophy, honesty, and integrity were traits that I admired and that I try hard to follow.”

After the move, Epps enrolled in the University of Georgia, majoring in agricultural extension and than adding journalism as a double major. While taking classes, Epps also worked fulltime, helping his family in the manufacturing venture. Today he says that this experience of juggling a fulltime class load with fulltime employment has helped him to relate to the students at LDCC.

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 4 3

Two major advisors in the agricultural extension program, James Harris and Fred Harrison, Jr., were mentors for Epps. “They assisted me not only with my academic program, but also guided me toward career options and gave invaluable early career advice,” Epps says.

There were two other professors who also made a lasting impact on Epps. One, a botany professor, pushed Epps to better himself --- a process that Epps admits “. . . hurt, but was valuable in the long run.” The other was his public speaking professor.

The public speaking course was required to graduate, and he kept putting it off. Eventually, he had no choice and enrolled.

“I was unbelievably shy as a young man and deathly afraid of speaking in public. I would get sick before giving a speech,” Epps explains. “This professor worked with me during off hours and helped me control my anxiety. God bless this teacher who gave me the gift of his extra time and understanding so that I could conquer this fear.”

In spite of his limited “free time,” Epps was active in Alpha Gamma Rho (agricultural fraternity) and student government.

He enjoyed intramural sports, and was university champion in both tennis and badminton.

Gaining Workplace Experience . . .

Epps held his first “real” job while he was in high school. Through the Distributive Education program, he worked in a large automotive dealership in Shreveport.

He began stocking parts and shipping packages, but soon moved to the warehouse learning how to track and control inventory.

Over time, he did dealer-to-dealer sales covering a five-state area. What was the most important thing he learned from this experience? “More than anything, I learned how to treat a customer well,” Epps explains.

This early job led to an important career move for Epps while he was at the University of Georgia. His former boss from Shreveport called him and asked him to return to his old job. Epps suspended his studies, moved back to Louisiana, and worked saving money and gaining even more experience.

His need to complete his degree weighed heavily on Epps, so he returned to Georgia to do that. When he returned, he discovered his love for teaching as well as the love of his life.

Love Comes Along . . .

A blind date arranged by Epps’ fraternity brother set the stage for love, marriage, and family. Predictably, Epps did NOT want to go on this blind date with someone he had never met. The occasion was a dance, and

“My life soared when I became a dad. It was exciting and frightening all at once. Early on I was dreading when they would start dating. I drove Keri to her first dance!” that didn’t help his anxiety level at all. To help make things easier, Epps arranged to meet his date, Tina Hutcheson beforehand.

That pre-date meeting made all the difference as together they got to know something about each other.

“She was pretty, very nice, had been reared much like I had been, and her parents were people of faith,” Epps describes.

They dated for two years and married shortly after she graduated with her degree in marketing. His first post-graduation job was at North Carolina State University where he worked as a county agent for five years.

Sometime later, Epps’ father became seriously ill. Epps needed to be near, so he moved back to Georgia. There his first child, Keri, was born. Five years later, a second child, Kaci, joined the family. As Epps describes his reaction to fatherhood, it is obvious that he relishes the role.

“My life soared when I became a dad,” he says. “It was exciting and frightening all at once. Early on I was dreading when they would start dating. I drove Keri to her first dance!”

The move back “home” to Georgia provided Epps with additional career opportunities. He worked with the Georgia Department of Corrections in its vocational/work training programs and developed an understanding of the importance of workforce training within a community. Eventually he worked with Southeastern Technical College in Georgia and was later hired as a member of the University of Georgia faculty. A stint in administration at UGA followed.

While working for UGA, Epps served as a specialist in economic development and community development. When he retired, Epps was Deputy Director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government there, an institute that is recognized both nationally and internationally for its work. Epps worked with programs and people at all levels of government in Georgia, in the South, and on

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several international projects.

This combination of experiences made Epps the logical choice to return to Louisiana as Vice-President for Workforce Solutions for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. As VP, he worked with each of the thirteen colleges within the system. At the same time, he forged relationships with leaders in business and industry statewide. Once again, Epps was in the perfect position to get a broader view of a state’s workforce needs.

The retirement of the Chancellor at Louisiana Delta Community College presented Epps with that “grand undertaking” which in retrospect he has spent his entire life preparing for. On April 1, 2016, Epps assumed the Acting Chancellor position at the request of the System leadership. The “acting” portion of his title was taken away on June 14, 2017.

Service First . . .

Chancellor Epps sees his work at LDCC not as “another job” but as a mission. Earlier as he was preparing to retire from UGA, Epps got a call from a friend who was going to Haiti to build water wells there. He asked Epps to join him on projects from time to time. At the same time, Epps received the call from Louisiana to come to the LCTCS System as VP. “I realized that working in Louisiana could be a mission, too,” Epps explains. “If I could come here and help communities to improve themselves and give the citizens hope and the tools for a better life, then that would be important work worth doing.”

When Epps was researching northeast Louisiana, he saw a photograph showing the Lake Providence area with its crushing poverty. Many seeing this would have immediately packed their bags and moved elsewhere --- anywhere. Not so with Epps. On his first visit to the community, he loved the community and texted the system President. “I’m in Paradise! I love this area!”

While he loved the area, he saw the need for new economic vitality and was confident that he could make a difference.

And Epps is making a difference. One of his early goals at LDCC was to change the culture there. He has reduced administrative overhead, managing administrative costs more efficiently. Perhaps just as important, Epps has implemented a faculty governance model to give faculty more direct input into decisions that will impact them. “I have found that policy is best formed by those who have to live with the impact of their own decisions,” Epps explains.

Epps has also adopted a new internal

messaging campaign (“OneDelta”) designed to keep all units within the College fully informed. He believes that this will build awareness that LDCC is one entity, made stronger by all of its divisions and units working together collectively to succeed.

Addressing Two Groups . . .

One of the most obvious changes that Epps and his team have brought about concerns the nurturing of partnerships between both LDCC and its students, and LDCC and the business community. Epps studied the accomplishments of his predecessors and then built a strategic plan incorporating those ideas with his own.

The partnership with the students came first. Not surprisingly, Epps can be seen walking around campus almost any day, stopping to chat with students. He likes to ask them about what they are working toward, and then encourages them to keep on working hard to meet their goals. Sometimes he tells them of his own early struggles. This often surprises students who aren’t used to having someone like Epps stop and take a personal interest in them.

The business partnership was the next element that Epps focused on. He became a member of the Ouachita Business Alliance (OBA), and was able to bring to that body real-time information about LDCC’s progress as well to work with individual members to promote workforce development.

The result is that he is developing a coalition of public/private partnerships that will lead to on-point coordination to match training provided with training needed.

If Epps had focused on just one or the other, but not both, LDCC’s success would have been limited. Instead, he recognized the need for both and set about the task of making both stronger. By being flexible in what training is being made available to area employers, Epps is placing LDCC as a major player in state and regional workforce development.

“Students and employers are both critical clients for LDCC,” Epps explains. “We must remain focused on actually meeting their needs, and not just putting programs into the region and hoping for the best.

LDCC will succeed in every way when it meets the needs of its clients, not when the clients meet the needs of the College.”

If success is measured in numbers, then Epps and his team are already generating success. Enrollment for Fall 2017 is up 5%, the first time in years that the College has seen that kind of increase. Internet traffic is up 74%, an excellent indication that Epps and his team are putting LDCC “on the map”

for people looking for either a head-start on a traditional education or for job-specific skills training.

Epps is indeed a man on a mission. He knows that he must act fast to educate the general public on the value of his College and the education and training being provided there. “We must change people’s thinking that a community college is a place of last resort, a place to go when you can’t get in anywhere else,” Epps says. “That’s not the way it is. Today the traditional university degree is certainly desirable, but it is no longer the only path to a successful, lucrative career. It’s our job to see that the people understand that.”

While Epps may not be able to reach his goal of ending poverty and hopelessness in northeast Louisiana, he will certainly make significant progress toward reducing both.

He will likely always, with characteristic humbleness, cite the work of others as progress toward that goal becomes evident.

Life After . . .

At some point, Epps will retire again and that retirement will “stick”. He has grandchildren whom he adores, and no doubt will be the same kind of role model that his stepgrandfather was for him.

He’ll also have time to pursue some gene-

alogical research that he’s been putting aside lately. Some time back he received an invitation to attend a reunion of distant kin in Europe. He has roots from Scotland, Ireland, and the UK, and likely has ancestors who hailed from Denmark. These are some “connections” that he would very much like to explore further.

When asked if he could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would he choose and what would he want to discuss, his answer was at first surprising. After some thought, however, it is precisely right.

“I’d love to have lunch with General McArthur,” Epps says. “When I lived in the Philippines, I toured Corregidor and learned a lot about the General. He made good on a promise he made there when he had to retreat. I admire that and would like to know what all went in to his being able to keep that promise.”

So, who IS Dennis Epps? Dedicated teacher? Community leader? Consensus builder? Visionary? Mentor? Servant? Family man? Epps is all of these, and one thing more. He is a man driven to find ways in which he can help others and build his community.

Northeast Louisiana --- all of Louisiana, in fact --- is fortunate to have him.

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A DAY WITH

Amanda Brady Getting to know a local personal trainer JENNIFER SCHMEER

C

elebrities and professional athletes are not the only ones that can have personal trainers.

A personal trainer can provide fitness education that can build confidence and knowledge in helping you maintain a desired fitness level as well as providing motivation and bring a variety to work outs.

Spending time at the Monroe Athletic Club, I crossed paths with Amanda Brady, who is a local personal trainer. Her beauty stands out, but her kind soul is undeniable. Amanda brings compassion to her clients and you can tell she really cares about people.

I was not use to working out in a gym and I will admit to being somewhat intimated with all the different machines. In California, I surfed and hiked outdoors all the time, but I had to make some adjustments being back in my hometown.

After a couple of sessions with Amanda, my fears of the gym went away and I appreciated her guidance and her concern for my diet that was less desirable. It was enjoyable to spend time with Amanda figuring out the best path for me and reminding me how I really should be fueling my body.

Amanda is a rare gem in the south and I wanted to share her services with you because she can bring benefits into your life as well as remind you what wonderful people we have here locally.

NATHAN TREMAINE

Amanda Brady

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Tell me where you grew up and about your personal training background We moved a lot growing up; I was primarily raised in West Monroe, LA when I was a young girl. Then I finished my high school years when we moved to a small town in Jackson Parish called Weston, LA. I have always been involved in sports since middle school, but when my Mother passed almost 5 years ago I began to develop a passion for people and wanted to help them improve their lives. Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

As all of these components are essential. Since then I have earned my Certification to personal train through the Cooper Institute of Dallas, TX (CI-CPT), have earned my continuing education from ACSM American College of Sports Medicine and have been training for 3 years now out of the MAC Monroe Athletic Club.

Why do you enjoy being a personal trainer?

I enjoy teaching health and fitness. It is such a rewarding and priceless feeling when I get to experience firsthand how my clients grow physically, mentally and spiritually through a program. It is then that I realize that I am not just fulfilling my Will, but how God has given me the ability to do what I can for these people and how he works through me.

What are the obstacles of being a personal trainer?

The biggest obstacles I face are getting clients to adhere to a program and fully commit. When we begin training I always let them know that what we do in the weight room is great but only accounts for a small portion of the program. Diet is 80%, exercise is 20% and consistency is key.

What are some of your techniques that you utilize as a trainer?

I like to set S.M.A.R.T goals with clients. The acronym stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. I talk to my clients and re-evaluate with them usually every 10-12 weeks. Stay positive and changing routine or type of workout to prevent plateau and boredom.

What kind of diet do you promote with your clients?

I don't promote any specific diet; keto, low-no carb, etc. I try to teach my clients how to eat a bal-

anced diet and with wholesome foods. Diets to me are temporary fixes and from what I have experienced can have great impact temporarily but I like to call what I promote as a lifestyle change and flexible dieting. After all people have to learn how to eat when the diet is over don't they? So why not start off the whole lifestyle change by educating yourself on how to eat all together from the beginning. Weight loss is a slow process and that’s ok, because healthy weight loss will stay off longer than a quick weight loss. So enjoy the process!

What is a typical day for you?

A typical day for me would be training clients early in morning sometimes as early as 5 am followed by going to work at my fulltime job during the day, then training clients in the evenings as well.

How often do you exercise?

I exercise at a maximum of 5-6 days and a min of 4. Usually 2 days of weight training and 4-5 of cardio.

What is your diet like?

My diet has a lot of eggs, protein and greens. I usually eat scrambled eggs and egg whites every day for breakfast mixed with sautéed spinach. My goal is to have greens at every meal to keep my fiber intake high. I also eat carbohydrates, but usually be-

fore or after a workout for optimal energy pre-workout and recovery post-workout.

Walk us through the process when you take on a new client?

When meeting with a new client initially we will schedule an assessment were we will evaluate their physical fitness by testing their strength, endurance and cardio levels. Also we take an in body analysis on a machine that breaks down how much body fat percent, muscle mass, fat mass, water intake a person has. It's almost like a glorified weighing scale. From there we make meaningful, realistic goals so they can see progress through every step of their fitness journey.

What are your goals as a personal trainer?

My goals as a personal trainer are to help one achieve their personal goals safely and efficiently.

As well as leave a positive impact on a person that will hopefully leave them with more knowledge about themselves, as well as a better understanding of how to live a healthier life independently.

How do you work with injured or difficult clients who might have bad eating habits?

I embrace challenges. That has sort of been my niche in my career is working with injured clients. I try to prevent injury by warming up properly, teaching

lifting technique as well as static stretching after sessions. I work with chronic injuries as well.

These can be difficult to deal with but in today’s industry there are so many options to work with an individual’s limitations; poor flexion and extension of the ankle. For cardio the new step would be a great starting point to eventually build to the bike. Also I like to use resistance bands to help strengthen the tendons and ligaments of the affected area. As far as bad eating habits I try to encourage food journaling or using the app my fitness pal as a means of accountability. I find it really helps when you see what all you consume throughout the day because so many of us just eat on the go we don't think about what we are putting into our bodies. First step is to recognize, then learn and incorporate healthier alternatives.

Where do you provide your services?

I provide services at the Monroe Athletic Club as well as private sessions in home or another facility.

What kind of range of services do you provide?

One on one training, partner and group training sessions & privates.

How would one get in touch with you to schedule personal training?

I can be most easily reached on my cell @ 318-547-7778 or via FB Amanda Brady.

What benefits will someone receive when going through your programs?

Increased strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility, confidence, reduced chance of injury, improve physical and mental health as well as proper fat loss and muscle gain. Improve in overall health.

What kind of mark do you hope to leave on this planet?

I hope to give selflessly, to genuinely care for and help others, to touch lives by making someone's day a little brighter, to be a representation of unconditional love and humbleness, and lastly to keep pressing forward in spite of life’s obstacles.

How can we find you via Social Media?

You can find me on via FB Amanda Brady or Instagram @ amanda_b_macfit.

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WEEKEND GETAWAY

DELTA THE INN AT DOS BRISAS

The Inn at DosBrisas

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S

Experience ranch life in luxury JENNIFER SCHMEER

A

COURTESY THE INN AT DOS BRISAS

fter spending a blissful summer in the Caribbean, we return to the south with a desired taste of ranch life. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that The Inn at Dos Brisas was less than five hours way where I would be able to find luxurious accommodations (one of the few places where your suite can come with its own private plunge pool), ranch life with horses and guns and a five-star culinary experience.

I have found a gold mine and I will share with you. The Inn at Dos Brisas is our neighbor in Texas where you can find haciendas with private pools on 313 acres that hold orchards, organic farmland, rose & herb gardens, shooting ranges and one of the largest indoor equestrian arenas.

Limousines Unlimited…

When figuring out the best way to get to Texas, I reached out to Limousines Unlimited to see if they provided service to Texas and the answer was yes! Once I found out that we would be riding in style, I invited my mom, so she could experience this convenience too.

Nelda from Limousines Unlimited, showed up in a beautiful, white eight-passenger stretch Lincoln. Nelda quickly got out of the limo and after pleasant introductions; she gathered our bags and provided a quick tour of the interior of the limo. As we made our way into the limo, the bar was

JENNIFER SCHMEER

Executive Chef Matthew Padilla

prepared with fresh ice and the long leather seats looked enticing. My daughter quickly took over the system with TV’s and surround sound while everyone was able to stretch out and relax while Nelda drove us from Louisiana to Texas.

Both sides of the limo had windows that stretched from one end to the other, so it gave us all front row seats to the Texan countryside. I enjoyed being able to relax and admire all of the different ranches and small towns while not having to worry about directions.

Just the limo ride through Texas was a highlight of the adventure so far and we are just getting started.

The Inn at Dos Brisas…

As we drive through the gates, The Inn at Dos Brisas is unique.

Driving past the pecan trees, orchards, rose & herb gardens, this appears to be some type of wonderland in Texas. It does hold the title of the only five-star restaurant in Texas, so I knew what I was getting into.

I noticed the helipad on the property and realized some have found other creative ways to ar-

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rive. The ranch holds a clay shooting range, basketball & tennis courts, indoor & outdoor equestrian arenas, show & mare barns, 42 acres of organic farmland, greenhouses, pastures with horses grazing, infinity pool, three lakes and up to 3.5 miles in running trails. Wonder if I could just live here.

And it is golf cart cruising as a means of transportation for guests on golf cart only roads. My daughter enjoys driving golf carts and we are close to professional level at this point.

Greeted by the friendly staff, check in was smooth and after our refreshing drink; a driver and car was ready to guide us to our hacienda. Effortless.

Driving past the lakes and pastures with horses galloping, you get to experience a taste of Texas. A golf cart waits in the driveway of our hacienda which thrills my daughter. And when they say off-roading is acceptable; eyes light up.

Staff member, Ben provides a tour of the hacienda which did not disappoint as the architectural design and antique furnishings are inspiring. The hacienda is beautiful with details that stand out. Cathedral ceilings, French Oak floors, fireplaces in the living room and master suite make for a perfect vacation home with close to 1800 square feet of indoor living space. The master suite opens up to your private plunge pool.

This is truly a luxurious ranch resort with our own private hacienda with beautiful green trees and rolling pastures as the backdrop.

5 Star Delights…

The Inn at Dos Brisas holds the only Forbe’s Travel Guide five-star restaurant in Texas.

When I found out about the five star title and the 42 acres of organic farmland, I was excited to share this experience with my mom and daughter. My mom has cooked for me my entire life and she always had dinner at 6 PM and never complained. I feel blessed to be able to share with her such stimulating dining experiences.

JENNIFER SCHMEER

Texas Pasture Raised Wagyu Tartare

My daughter drives us over to the main building that holds a really cool bar and an intimate dining room overlooking the infinity pool and rolling pastures.

The dining room is lit by candles with just a few tables near a distinctive fireplace.

There is just two other couples in the dining room, so it truly feels like an intimate experience with a full staff waiting on your every desire. My mom loved the small, fabric-covered stool they placed beside her chair, so she could place her purse and cell conveniently down and out of the way.

The five course dinner that we experienced this evening was magnificent and included for an appetizer the ranches’ signature okra which was delightful. I sampled the Farm Potato Vichyssoise & Petrossian Imperial Ossetra which included caviar, Italian Summer Truffle and chive. My mom experienced the Texas Pasture Raised Wagyu Tartare with mustard Aioli, fermented farm potato flatbread, pickled onion, and petite farm greens while my daughter enjoyed the fresh, organic farm greens salad.

For the intermezzo, we tried the Grilled Octopus and Shrimp Aji and the Dungeness Crab Tortellini with figs, pearl onion, fennel and lobster mushrooms. Our

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minds were blown at this point, but I will continue.

For the main dishes, I will partake in the Local Pasture Raised Wagyu Ribeye with smoked alliums, wild mushrooms, pomme puree’, and peppercorn steak jus while my mom and daughter tried the Wild Alaskan Salmon with farm eggplant, red pepper ravioli, and spicy farm tomato espuma.

For the final presentation, dessert held Valrhona & Cherries with pecan ice cream, chocolate soil and Danish Blue & Figs with blue cheese ice cream, walnuts, puff pastry, and honey glazed figs. Do I need to say anymore?

The dining experience at The Inn at Dos Brisas was one for the books! Remarkable and our cowgirl hats off to the Chefs!

Being able to observe my daughter order from a five-star menu with ease and confidence was enjoyable for me. Travel has its benefits! Once again, our pallets have been elevated to a new level. The staff was knowledgeable and shared information from the extensive wine selection to the organic gardens.

At the end of our dining experience, we were brought a list of breakfast choices, so that we can design our breakfast to our dreams that will be delivered to

our hacienda at our requested time. Life on the ranch is good!

My daughter drives us back in the evening passing by the ponies that are going to be utilized for kid carriage rides. The sky is clear and the stars are out. You feel like you have this ranch to yourself and I find that to be exciting.

When we arrive at our hacienda, there is a fire pit in the back with a sweet fire going and chairs surrounding. All the supplies for a s’mores party are waiting for us. The refrigerator is stocked with complimentary wine and all kinds of local drinks including Texas Root Beer.

We enjoy the fire and s’mores under the Texas night. Later in the evening, I will go for a swim and experience the outdoor shower under the stars. My daughter will take advantage of the deep, jetted tub with an impressive selection of bath salts and honey to enhance the bubble bath experience. Beside the tub, you will find lavender, rose Dead Sea minerals, vitamin soak and muscle bath salts that will help you create a beneficial bath.

Ranch Day… The next day, breakfast will be delivered through the Butler’s pass which is designed into the hacienda, so that you are not disturbed for room service. You simply open a cabinet and there you will find the trays filled with goodies.

I noticed the wooden, carved box that holds muffins and pastries. I will set up breakfast on the screened back patio where we will enjoy omelets, bacon, toasts and juices & coffee.

After breakfast and a swim, we will drive around on our golf cart and explore the ranch. Driving around and introducing ourselves to the horses, I meet two beautiful and powerful Clydesdales that are utilized to pull carriages for rides for the guests.

The barns and arenas are what equestrian dreams are made of.

It is great to spend time with horses and with the people that love them. One of the newest staff members is a retired school teacher and now works directly

JENNIFER SCHMEER

with these two Clydesdales. I have a feeling he will enjoy his retirement.

Cooking with The Chef…

After our time exploring the ranch, we now have the privilege of spending time with the Executive Chef Matthew Padilla.

Guests are invited back into the kitchen to see firsthand how they utilize organic produce and create five-star quality dishes when signing up for cooking classes.

Chef Matthew Padilla shared his culinary background with us and he took us through a cooking lesson in the heart of The Inn at Dos Brisas. We got to see all the organic produce and some fivestar cooking tricks of the trade.

My mom and daughter worked side by side with Chef Matthew Padilla in creating several dishes that included Arugula Almond Pesto and Potato Gnocchi with short rib ragout while I filmed this experience.

The General Manager, Ruben Cambero-Sedano took the time to pop into the kitchen to say hello

and make sure our dinner last night exceeded our expectations.

We were all praise!

Afterwards, we were able to enjoy the dishes that were just prepared for a wonderful lunch in the dining room overlooking the infinity pool. Our cooking class was educational and lunch meant more since we were part of the process. It was a lot of fun with lasting benefits.

Guns & Targets…

In the afternoon, the staff arranged for us to have a little gun slinging. Holly will pick us up in a golf cart and drive us across the ranch to a designated shooting area. All of the necessary equipment is neatly placed out on a table like a buffet of bullets, vests and guns.

Holly is a true Texan and when I asked if her dad had taught her all about guns; she replied it was her mom that taught her. Her mom felt that girls should be able to do everything guys can do. Kudo’s to Holly’s mom.

Holly is a great instructor and

took her time in explaining gun safety and reviewed the steps in shooting a gun. We had a selection of guns to choose from and we decided on the 20 gauge Berretta. Everyone took turns target and clay shooting.

My daughter excelled in shooting hitting her targets and professing an adrenaline rush.

As a parent, I do think it is important for girls to have a certain level of knowledge regarding fire arms from safety to protection.

The resort can arrange all types of hunting experiences for guests and is the perfect location for corporate or wedding events.

As we were leaving the shooting range, Holly offered my daughter a couple of clay targets for mementoes from the trip.

Her first time shooting and it was Holly that showed her the ropes and continued the tradition of passing down knowledge to girls.

From first time shooting to our first cooking class with a five-star chef, this trip was memorable! There are truly so many

wonderful experiences to be had at The Inn at Dos Brisas. The hacienda’s design will hopefully inspire the design of a future home.

The cooking class will enhance our skills in the garden and kitchen and inspire future dishes. Being able to share such wonderful meals with my family; true blessings. I fell in love with Clydesdale’s and already inspired my own horse search.

Nelda from Limousines Unlimited is waiting to take us home. We say goodbye to all of the friendly faces and head back home.

Behind us is Hurricane Harvey that has hit Texas. Fortunately, The Inn at Dos Brisas and staff are sparred. They are open for business and as neighbors we support them!

The Inn at Dos Brisas- 979-2777750; www.dosbrisas.com Limousines Unlimited- 318-3255466; info@limousinesunlimited.com Red Cross/Harvey Reliefwww.redcross.org

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River Cities Humane Society Presents

Saturday, October 28, 2017 Evening Gala At Bayou Landing 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Costumes are optional

For sponsorship & event information, visit our website www.rivercitiescats.org Hometown Productions

Sponsored By:

Armand Dental - Dr. Jeff Hooten • Booth Wealth Management • Carolyn Brooks • Corner Vet of Sterlington • Dr. Justin Tarver • Danny & Keri Rogers • Dr. Lauren Mickey • Debbie Beeman • Dr. Terry Tugwell Dr. Troy Bostick • Dr. Mark Napoli • Dr. Jim Rittelmeyer • Heart, Lung & Vascular Clinic • Dr. Cregg & Shelley McCullin • Jimerson Cutlery • Lee Edwards Mazda • Lefebvre Veterinary Medical Clinic • Lindsay Veterinary Clinic Marsala Beverage • Monroe Animal Health - VitalPet • North Delta Title Co. • Shelter Insurance - Brad Smith • Sir Speedy • Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits • Tomi Tharp • Vantage Health Plan • White Oaks Landfill

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DE LTASTY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 71

P.E.O. Chapter AE hostess, Lois Hoover; vice president, Margaret Brock; guest speaker, Joe Holyfield; and president, Felicia Kostelka.

GEORGIANN POTTS

HOLYFIELD GIVES UPDATES ON HOUSING/BEAUTIFICATION M GEORGIANN POTTS

embers of P.E.O. Chapter AE gathered on a beautiful early fall morning at the home of Lois Hoover to do the business of the organization and hear a presentation by local entrepreneur, Joe Holyfield. Holyfield wears many hats in the region, and has his “fingers on the pulse” of many issues important to the citizenry.

Holyfield, a founding member of the Ouachita Business Alliance, focuses his energies within that group on housing, beautification, litter abatement, and recycling. He began his presentation with a housing overview, focusing on the increased demand for housing in our area because of the expansions at Century-

Centerpieces

GEORGIANN POTTS

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Link, IBM, Affinity, and others.

He said that several years ago, a study was done to see exactly what kind of housing, and in what price range, was in the highest demand. That study revealed that the greatest demand is for single-family housing in the $250,000 to $300,000 range. It also showed an unexpected demand for multi-family housing.

“Many of the professionals moving here with CenturyLink, IBM, and others want to live in apartments for awhile until they learn more about the community and see where they would like to live permanently,” Holyfield explained. “As a result, apartments are a premium.”

Holyfield reviewed some of the newer developments that have either already come available to consumers or are in the

Loura Barr, Michelle Brown, and Felicia Kostelka

process of being built. Among those he discussed were the Lost Lakes development in West Monroe, Oak Trace and Somerset Park developments in Swartz and Sterlington, Park Place and Egret Landing in north Monroe, Century Village, and The Reserve.

“What we are learning is that professionals moving here from the larger metropolitan areas have expectations about their homes and neighborhoods that must be addressed,” Holyfield told the group. “They want sidewalks, landscaping in place, bike paths, and kid-friendly and petfriendly spaces.”

Century Village is well underway, according to Holyfield, with the IBM anchor building approximately 80% complete. This development will bring in 650 new homes, some 60,000 feet of retail space, and approximately 100,000 feet of office space.

There is considerable “buzz” about new construction projects in the region, according to Holyfield, with the Sterlington area being one of the hottest growth areas in Louisiana.

Next Holyfield discussed the establishment of Ouachita Green, a coalition of groups working together to make Ouachita Parish beautiful and clean.

He mentioned the recent success of WaterSweep 2017 which, when begun a few years back, attracted fewer than 100 volunteers.

This year, over 400 gathered to clean the bayous and the river.

He encouraged the ladies to become participants in the Ouachi-

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Yvette Greer

GEORGIANN POTTS

ta Green projects throughout the year.

Recycling was of particular interest to the members, and their questions were excellent.

Holyfield talked through the various recycling avenues currently available to citizens, but pointed out that limited resources is a limiting factor.

“It takes $35,000 to do a large recycling drive,” Holyfield explained. “Much fundraising is necessary to offset funding shortfalls.”

The long-term answer to the litter challenge is education, according to Holyfield. By sponsoring educational programs in the lower and middle grades, new mindsets can be formed and progress will happen.

Following Holyfield’s presen-

Tency Tarver and Carolyn Gates

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Gretchen Hamel and Melanie McStravick

tation, the ladies lingered over a lovely brunch that had been prepared by the hostesses – Lois Hoover, Lauretta Tucker, and Gretchen Hamel. Throughout the Hoover home, seasonal decorations delighted everyone. The formal dining room was centered by a particularly lovely arrangement featuring mums, petite gourds, fall berries, and leaves scattered below. Among the temptations offered there were tea sandwiches featuring hams and cheeses, delicate fried pies, petite cinnamon swirls, and a pecan-covered cheese ball with assorted crackers. Juice and coffee completed the menu.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), one of the pioneer societies for women, was founded on January 21, 1869, by

GEORGIANN POTTS

seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to almost a quarter of a million members in chapters in the United States and Canada. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission: promoting educational opportunities for women. Our sisterhood proudly makes a difference in women's lives with six philanthropies that include ownership of a two-year women's college, Cottey College; and five programs that provide higher educational assistance: P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, P.E.O. Scholar Awards, and P.E.O. STAR Scholarship.

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D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 7 5

TALKS on TOWER

Purchase your $50 tickets today!

Tickets available at stfran.com or by calling (833) 884-2277 > Drawing on November 15 > Ticket proceeds benefit the St. Francis NICU and Pediatric Unit

Susan Campbell

Julia Cascella

“Advancements in Breast Health Imaging” Presented by: Julia Cascella, Account Manager AND

Susan Campbell, Mammography Specialist of Hologic, Inc.

Thursday, October 12th

12:00 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

Proceeds benefit St. Francis NICU and pediatric unit

MN-1000668722

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Talks on Tower is a series provided by St. Francis Medical Group.

StFranMedGroup.com

OGLESBY FINANCIAL GROUP College is Coming – Have You Started Saving Yet?

Darren Oglesby, Registered Financial Consultant

How times change! In 1940, half of Americans finished their education in eighth grade. College degrees were relatively rare. Just 6 percent of men and 4 percent of women had one.1 During the past 80 years, college has become far more popular. As interest in higher education grew, America’s network of colleges and universities expanded. Oxford Bibliography described it as:2 “A radically pluralistic system of public, private, and for-profit two- and fouryear training institutes and colleges and professional and graduate schools, the American system is generally regarded as the best in the world. A by-product of the American commitment to liberty…

Consisting of 4,700 institutions that enroll upward of 20 million students from the United States and abroad...”

Despite the number of colleges and universities, demand has consistently driven education costs higher. In 1940, tuition at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School set students back about $400 per year. Once room and board, books, and fees were added, costs rose to $985 ($16,900 when adjusted for inflation to 2016).3, 4 Is college worth it?

To the dismay of many, college costs have risen far faster than inflation. In 2016, College Board reported the average cost for undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board was about:5 • $11,580 for in-district public two-year

colleges and universities • $20,090 for in-state public four-year colleges and universities • $35,370 for out-of-state public fouryear colleges and universities • $45,370 for private non-profit four-year colleges and universities Of course, the amount students actually pay varies by institution. Ten percent of fulltime students attend colleges or universities that charge less than $12,000 a year, and 7 percent enroll in schools with tuition of $51,000 or more.5 Imagine having three or more children who are close in age and all want to attend college.

Even parents with significant wealth may find it challenging to pay multiple tuitions in a single year. It’s not a surprise the potential cost of college is overwhelming for many parents, and it begs the question: Is the cost of college really worth it?

The simple answer is yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, “Few things affect people’s earnings power more than their level of education. In general, more education means more dollars earned.”

In 2014, income varied significantly by educational achievement. Americans with:6 • Less than a high school education earned about $25,000 per year • A high school education earned about $35,000 per year • Some college earned about $40,000 per year • A bachelor’s degree or higher earned about $62,000 per year When you do the math, the difference in lifetime earnings for a person with a high school diploma and a person with a bachelor’s degree is more than $1 million.

Take one bite at a time In the 1970s, U.S. Army General Creighton W. Abrams said, “When eating an elephant,

take one bite at a time.” It’s good advice anytime you confront a difficult task that seems insurmountable.7 When it comes to college, taking one bite at a time may mean: • Setting aside a few dollars each week or month in a tax-advantaged account earmarked for tuition • Contributing some of a student’s summer earnings to a college account • Asking grandparents, relatives, and friends to give to the college fund at birthdays and holidays, in lieu of gifts • Learning about and applying for local and national scholarships and grants • Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for grants, loans, and work-study • Applying to less expensive colleges and universities • Applying to smaller private colleges and universities that may offer more aid to attract good students • Joining a military or community service program that helps pay for college (e.g., ROTC, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps) • Learning through interactive online courses that may be offered for free by some of the world’s best colleges and universities The bad news is college is expensive. The good news is there are a lot of ways to pay for it. If you would like to learn more about saving and paying for college, please contact our office.

Sources: 1 https://nces.ed.gov/pubs93/93442.pdf (Page 7) 2

http://www.oxfordbibliog r aphies.com/view/document/obo9780199756810/obo-9780199756810-0057.xml

3

http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/tuition/1940.html

4 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis CPI Calculator app: https://www. minneapolisfed.org/community/teaching-aids/cpi-calculator-information (Click on App information) (or go to https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ peakcontent/Peak+Documents/Oct_2017_CPI_Calculator-Footnote_4.pdf) 5 https://trends.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/2016-trends-collegepricing-web_1.pdf (Page 9, Table 1A) 6 https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2015/more-education-still-means-morepay-in-2014.htm 7

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/creightona207381.html

Securities offered through Oglesby Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. The above material was prepared

by Peak Advisor Alliance. Peak Advisor Alliance is not affiliated with the named broker/dealer.

W W W. O G L E S B Y F I N A N C I A L . C O M

MN-1000649574

•

866-OGLESBY

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 7 7

DON'T BE AFRAID TO TRAVEL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OCTOBER'S SCARY TRAVEL DEALS DIANNE NEWCOMER

T

he month when all sorts of strange things happen is here! Now, please know I'm not talking slasher HALLOWEEN or Stephen King PET SEMATARY scary, but, let's be real, even in my world of travel, something very curious is going on!

In Latin, the root for the word October is octo, which means eight, so I decided to give you 8 travel deals, all good examples of what I am talking about. We certainly have more great specials at Monroe Travel Service that are effective this month, but I thought if I told you more, it just might scare the pants off you! Here are my 8 October specials where the savings are so spooky good that you should not ignore them:

Scary Travel Deal #1--DON'T BE AFRAID TO CATCH THE SPIRIT OF ALOHA! Not only do you have the opportunity to save $250 per booking when you fly from select gateway cities, but at Monroe Travel Service, we can offer reduced room rates of up to 35% off when you stay at the beautiful beachfront WESTIN Nanea Villa Resort in Kaanapali, Maui. We can even throw in 3 days of breakfast buffet vouchers! The WESTIN Nanea Villas just opened this April, so you get to stay at a resort that is redefining beachfront luxury, and you will be on Maui, everyone's favorite island for fun and sun!

Scary Travel Deal #2--ENJOY A SPIRITED LITTLE TOUR OF IRELAND! On this escorted tour, you will learn about Irish folk traditions and fun tales as you explore the cozy pubs of this beautiful little country. Your pub-crawling fun will include story-telling at Dublin’s Oldest Pub, the Brazen Head, and dinner and music at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, plus there will be visits to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and

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Dublin, Ireland

Guinness Storehouse. What I like about this Spirit of Ireland tour is you get to stay in magical little villages like Kilkenny, Killarney and Westport, towns renowned for lots of lively pubs!

June dates start at $1975 per person for a 7-night tour, which includes 13 meals, but other dates throughout the year are available. Just give us a call at Monroe Travel Service and let's discuss options. On this pub trip, the "spirits" will show you an Ireland you'll never forget, but we have other tours if you’re not into the spirits, so just call 323 3465 for a free brochure!

SCARY TRAVEL DEAL #3--YOU CAN'T BEAT CANADA! Venture to the land of the grizzlies and glistening glaciers on this 8-day escorted tour which gives you an in-depth exploration of the amazing Rocky Mountain! Your journey begins in Calgary's Stampede country before heading through scenic icefields, breathtaking lake landscapes, and the alpine villages of Lake Louise, Banff, and Jasper.

At Monroe Travel Service, we have a 10% tour discount offer available if you book and pay in full by January 11th, so don't be afraid to take advantage of these cool summer vacation savings while prime 2018 dates are open. With the 10% discount, this 7-day tour which includes 9 meals, all sightseeing, tour transportation, and accommodations is currently on sale in May for only $1795 and June dates are going for $1845. Like I said before, you need to grab'em and go!

SCARY TRAVEL DEAL #4--EXTRAORDINARY MATTERS! When how you see the world truly matters, I think you need to go with Tauck. This is a tour company with deluxe journeys to every corner of the world, and they simply do not settle for "good enough." Their goal is to make your vacation easy, to handle all the day-to-day details so you can experience your trip at its best. It was after a Canadian Rocky Mountain trip with Tauck that Margaret Brock, one of my favorite clients at Monroe Travel Service, said " Tauck is just needlessly nice."

What a great compliment for a tour company! The Tauck 2018 brochures have arrived. We can’t offer any really scary savings on their tour programs, because basically what you see in their brochures is what you get--and usually it's extraordinarily more than what you thought you were buying when you go with a Tauck tour! Call me for a free brochure today and see how nice travel can be!

SCARY TRAVEL DEAL #5 --TOO SCARY TO BELIEVE! You need to get onboard this deal fast, because it leaves the marketplace right after the Hallowed Day of October 31st! Not only will you get a cabin upgrade if available (in other words, we book a minimum priced balcony stateroom, and you get moved to the best one available in that same catego-

. . . h h h Shhh Don't D on'tt tell tell any yone!!! anyone!!!

ry), but prepaid gratuities and up to $150 in shipboard credit to enjoy on any 2018 sailing Princess Cruise offers if space is open.

Here are just a few frighteningly good sailings that we offer at Monroe Travel Service: Alaska Inside Passage-- 7 days from Seattle on May 26 Balcony from $1945/inside from $999 Mediterranean Cruise--7 days from Rome to Athens on June 9 Balcony from $1599/inside from $999 New Zealand Sailing--8 days from Sydney on October 28, 2018 Balcony from $2319/inside from $1479 SCARY TRAVEL DEAL #6--CRUISE AWAY FROM NEW ORLEANS Imagine spending the Christmas holidays enjoying warm sunny days in the Caribbean and not cooking, cleaning or feeling lonely or sad. For this chillingly wonderful deal, you need only to head to the Big Easy and get onboard the Carnival DREAM. On December 24, 7 days of fun starts at only $814 for an inside cabin per person; balcony is from $1159. This price includes accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment for the week, and you visit Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan. Go away for the holidays! It's a present to yourself to always remember.

SCARY TRAVEL DEAL #7-BE MYSTIFIED BY MACHU PICCHU AND THE AMAZON! For an eerie, but extraordinary, adventure, consider a 10 day Lima to Cusco journey that includes one of the world's very best natural wonders--Peru's incredible Machu Picchu. With a small group of no more than 16, you will have the opportunity to get in touch with the Andean past and local culture in the former Inca capital of Cusco, spend 2 nights in a jungle lodge on the Amazon listening to the wildlife all around you, and hike the Inca Trail (or catch the

scenic train if you prefer) to the once-in-a lifetime experience of enjoying the views from the incredible Machu Picchu. You will be traveling with the region's top guides, but make no bones about it: this trip is physically demanding--especially if you choose to undertake the four-day guided Inca Trail hike.

Priced from $2599, this 10-day journey is guaranteed to show you things you simply won't believe can be real! Give us a call and we will talk dates and availability!

SCARY TRAVEL DEAL #8--TRY AN ENCHANTING RIVER CRUISE Pick your river and, at Monroe Travel Service, we will throw in $300 per couple if you choose to go river cruising in Europe on one of these dates: Tulip Time in Holland--April 28--round trip from Amsterdam--from $3199 Paris and Normandy--May 24--round trip from Paris--from $3699 Delightful Danube--July 15--Nuremberg to Vienna --from $3299 Enchanting Rhine--August 20--Basel to Amsterdam--from $3499 Here's the bottom line: October is loaded with all sorts of amazing deals simply because it's a turning point in the travel industry. The brochures have been sent out, prices are set for a new season, and the inventory is open. Everyone wants you!

Don't be skittish. Call Monroe Travel Service--323 3465-- and let the travel professionals help you make your plans for 2018 now, because these spine-chilling savings won’t last forever.

Missing out on October's travel deals would be simply ghastly!

Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, 1908 Glenmar St. in Monroe.

Contact her at 318 323 3465 or dianne@monroetravel.com for your next trip.

These travel deals are so good it's

318 323 3465 Info@monroetravel.com DELTA STYL E MAGA Z IN E | O CT O BER 2017 | 79

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An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Fitness Before completing my sports medicine fellowship at Ohio State and joining Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and Specialists Val Irion, MD Hospital Shreveport, I was a high school athlete.

I played football and baseball in Shreveport at Captain Shreve High School. I am still proud to call myself a Gator. Sports and fitness have always been a major part of my life, ultimately leading to my choice of profession.

After joining Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and Specialists Hospital Shreveport, it became obvious I wasn’t the only orthopedist who had been a high school athlete or had an ongoing love of sports and fitness. There are 21 partners in my group. Our ages range from our thirties to our sixties, and most of us are former high school/collegiate athletes. We are a mix of Cross Fit addicts, avid golfers and tennis players, runners, walkers, hunters and fishermen and our newest partner, Dr. Chase Lobrano- an Olympic Weight Lifter. We also are the parents and grandparents of football players, soccer players, baseball/softball players, basketball players, gymnasts, dancers, etc. Sports and fitness are no longer recreational pursuits of our youth, but now an important factor in maintaining our health and well-being.

with my family. Sure, my boys are young, so the training may not be super intense but, running after these little guys propels me to stay in shape.

3. I love golf, and I will not forget it. I’ll admit that I’m a living cliché… I’m a doctor who likes golf. Some days I secretly hope I get to cut clinic early to hit the links. I’m always striving to better my game and if I am lucky enough to play, I am happy to get a little extra cardio in by being my own caddy.

4. I practice what I preach. Plus, the better the shape I am in, the better resource I am to my patients.

So with all the benefits of exercise, why are we not all joining the gym, becoming a Cross Fit junkie or even just taking a walk around the block for 30 minutes?

Because we are living longer, we are learning that maintaining a healthy level of exercise in our 30s, 40s and 50s can greatly assist in sustaining a healthy weight and muscle strength. Consistent exercise and healthy diet throughout middle age is also a considerable factor in the prevention of hypertension and heart disease later in life. One of the most common excuses is that there is not enough time in our busy schedule because with middle age comes with more responsibilities and less free time.

Another factor is injury or joint pain.

Many patients come in for an evaluation complaining about joint pain- knee, hip, shoulder, foot or back pain. This hinders their ability to maintain a fitness regime because of this pain. Lack of exercise often leads to weight gain and muscle weakness. They may think they are too young for an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or too young and too busy for possible orthopedic surgery.

Today, with advancements in orthopedic care and the non-surgical and surgical treatment plans in orthopedics, there So, with a busy practice, a lovely wife are many options that allow for shorter and three active little boys, how do I recovery times and quicker return to an maintain a healthy fitness level? active lifestyle. One of the more recent and greatest strides in orthopedic Here are components of my personal surgery is Mako Robotic partial and total fitness routine: 1. I train for events like Tough Mudder, a 10-12-mile knee replacement. At Specialists, my partners and I are highly invested and obstacle course designed by the British Special Forces. Goals inspire motivation. Training to trained in this technology because we participate in events like Tough Mudder require know the CT navigational technology one to focus on cardio and increase strength daily. allows for greater, more consistent and Like Cross Fit, you become part of a community, reproducible surgical results. which allows for greater accountability.

So, I will end with a few suggestions: 1. Nike says it best, “JUST DO IT!” Whether it’s a walk around the block after dinner or walking with a co-worker at lunch, try to add 30 minutes of cardio into your day. Also, don’t forget strengthening exercises. Fifty sit-ups, 25 push-ups, 25 squats equals a healthy heart and healthy joints.

2. Don’t necessarily believe the old adage, “no pain, no gain.” If something hurts and prevents you from maintaining an exercise regime, consult an orthopedic surgeon or your general practitioner. If you hurt, you are less likely to be able to maintain an exercise regime.

3. Make fitness fun and incorporate opportunities to include family and friends.

Stay active, and remember…If you are just getting back into any type of fitness regime, it’s always a good idea to consult your physician before doing so.

Shreveport’s Own, Val Irion, MD joined Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and Specialists Hospital Shreveport in 2013. Dr. Irion is passionate about sports and medicine, which have aligned well in his orthopedic practice. He specializes in sports injuries, disorders of the shoulder and knee and is highly invested in Mako robotic partial and total knee replacement. Although, Dr. Irion is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon, he does believe you should factor in all treatment options- both surgical and non-surgical.

2. I coach for my boys’ teams and plan activities

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DE LTASTY L E M AGA ZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 81

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Liven up your Halloween party with these chilling concoctions.

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PINEAPPLE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

PINEAPPLE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER 2 oz. vodka 1 oz. blue curacao 2 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. grenadine 1 oz. cranberry juice Combine vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice, grenadine, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until combined.

Fill glass with ice. Pour purple people eater cocktail mix into glass until full.

Serve immediately.

LONG-ISLAND BONE CHILLER 1 oz. Gin 1 oz. light rum 1 oz. silver tequila 1 oz. vodka 1.5 oz. triple sec 2 oz. sour mix Top off with sprite and a splash of orange juice In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all liquids. Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with Sprite and a lemon and mint garnish.

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 8 5

POISON APPLE 3 oz. vodka 4 oz. ginger ale 1 oz. pomegranate liquor 3 oz. cranberry juice Grenadine In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine liquids. In a glass, garnish with 1 oz. of grenadine poured inside the edge of the glass. Add ice and pour combined liquids into glass.

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CANDY CORN MARTINI 5 oz. Cakeflavored vodka 3 oz. Pineapple juice 3 oz. heavy cream ¼ cup of candy corn Start by letting the candy corn sit in vodka overnight.

Strain the vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice. Add pineapple and heavy cream. Shake well and serve in a martini glass.

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 8 7

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D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 8 9

SQ's

TARA AMBROSE

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DELTA

BEASTS OF THE BAYOU

Monroe/West Monroe’s Bloody Mary Bests

O

TARA AMBROSE

ctober provides a plethora of tasting options throughout the North Louisiana region, one of which is the annual Bloody Mary Fest hosted by the Downtown Monroe Alliance, which will be held this year at Origin Bank RiverMarket on October 7, 2017. With this highly anticipated event on my agenda, my mind couldn’t help but wander to our local establishments to see who in our area boasts of a behemoth Bloody Mary beast behind their own bars and kitchens? Who in my string of local eateries plays host to “more than a mouthful” when it comes to this curious concoction, and which one could possibly become my favorite?

Though the actual history of the creation of this saucy cocktail has been some debate over the years, historically speaking one of the popular legends has its creation date sometime in 1921, involving a bar in Paris called “Harry’s New York Bar” and a bartender by the name of Fernand Petiot. While the history has had some debate, as most legacy dishes and cocktails, there is no doubt the Bloody Mary’s popu-

larity over the decades has not delineated.

For serving, the Bloody Mary is traditionally served in a tall glass, such as a beer pint, highball or hurricane glass (which expressly aides in the appeal our local restaurants use building their behemoth Bloody’s). Traditionally, Bloody’s are comprised of vodka (pick your favorite brand, or join in with Petiot’s customer, for whom he prepared the Bloody for, Vladimir Smirnov, of the Smirnoff vodka family), add typical accompaniments such as tomato juice (or Zing Zang as some prefer), celery stalk, lemon wedge, pickled green beans, pickled okra, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and olives just to name a few.

At the onset of this month’s fabulous findings, my trusted cohort, “Gary the Gastronaut” and I mauled around where to go, and one of the first places that came to my mind was Cascio’s Chateau with bar master, Carter Cascio. Carter’s drink captures those who opt to indulge with his own signature in-house-made Bloody Mary mix, which combines the perfect amount of heat on the back of the pallet with sublime subtleties of citrus to create an overall delightful cocktail, of which I can most certainly recommend to the DeltaStyle

Planter's Oyster Bar

GARY GUINIGUNDO

PHOTOGRAPHY

Downtown Bloody Mary Fest Hosted: Downtown Monroe Alliance Where: Origin Bank Rivermarket 316 South Grand Street Monroe, LA When: October 7, 2017 from 12 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Tickets: $25.00 each prior to October 7th, 2017, $35.00 at the door on the day of the event.

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Miletello's Sport City Grill

Cascio's Chateau

TARA AMBROSE

TARA AMBROSE

readers.

Moving right along in the search for these mammoth monstrosities, I met up with Brian Eskew at SQ’s on the Ouachita, and his trusted drink crafter, Shane Wall.

Sitting down with a pen in hand, Shane eloquently drew out his “master plan” for their Bloody. “We are going to take several items that are signature SQ appetizers, and we are going to combine them with our fabulous Bloody Mary,” Wall states, and he certainly did not exaggerate. SQ’s Bloody Mary consists of a traditional mix topped with SQ’s signature meatballs, their cheese sticks, duck wraps, massive onion rings, bundles of bacon wrapped green beans, seafood stuffed mushrooms AND… chicken strips with waffles! “We will either go big, or go home”, Eskew adds, but my journey in search of this area’s master mixers doesn’t stop there!

Jumping ship to the other side of the

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Ouachita, I stopped in to visit with Sharron Miletello at Miletello’s Sport City Grill, owned and operated by Sharron and her husband, Leon. Crafting wonderful cocktails is something that Miletello’s is also quite wonderful at, and their Bloody mary most certainly didn’t disappoint! Served in a tall glass with a salted rim, Miletello’s adds unique flavor to their cocktail with a full grilled shrimp skewer, boudin ball, signature duck wrap, cheese stick, onion ring, snack worthy chicken wings, and garnishes it off with a stalk of celery, a stick of bacon, and the traditional green olives. The Miletello’s and their staff certainly have it down to a science!

River Grille was next on my list of places to visit, and as Gary and I arrived, we were quickly greeted by Shanna Hopper and her husband, Jay Hopper, who are the happy proprietors of River Grille. In my search of uniqueness, the Hopper’s

River Grille

GARY GUINIGUNDO PHOTOGRAPHY

most certainly didn’t disappoint with their customization and “build-your-ownBloody-Mary” line up. River Grille proudly offers patrons with a do-it-yourself customization for this fabulous drink, and even provides patrons with a check list for ease of observation. River Grille’s customizations include such items as traditional vodka’s, premium vodka’s, spice ranges from mild to hot, vegetable garnishes such as pickled green beans, pickled carrots, pickled okra, dill spears, jalapenos, cocktail onions, green olives, blue cheese stuffed olives, cucumbers, celery, cherry tomato, lemon and/or lime wedges, or an orange wedge. River Grille also offers their patrons the option to embellish their glass with additional herbs and seasonings, as well as a variety of meats and cheeses such as pepper jack cubes, mozzarella cubes, bacon strips and in house pickled cocktail shrimp. So as any fan of this

The Fieldhouse

GARY GUINIGUNDO PHOTOGRAPHY

beloved cocktail can attest, your whistle will not go un-whetted!

Moving down South Grand to the waters edge, Gary and I pick up the pace and climb the stairs to The Planters Oyster Bar, located just above Restaurant Cotton.

Bo Smith and Chef Jack Melson leave no stone unturned in their magical mixer, created by bar master Zack. The Planters offers a Bloody Mary that is not only visually stunning but it palatably pleasing in the most fantastic way. Zack accents his Bloody Mary with his own jam up cocktail mix, but that’s not quite where the fun kicks in! This beautiful ruby cocktail is served nestled within a rustic styled tin serving tray, surrounded by one half dozen fresh Louisiana gulf oysters! Yes, you read that correctly, surrounded by a full half dozen of Louisiana gulf oysters and adorned with shrimp wraps, various cheeses, andouille sausage and finished

with a grilled lemon for that final “wow”!

All in all, I must certainly recommend The Planters’ Bloody Mary as not only aesthetically pleasing, but a palatable powerhouse!

Last but certainly not least, the Gastronaut and I ventured to Fieldhouse Grill to sample the beast of the bar that Joey Trappy has on hand. Made with a traditional Bloody Mary mix, the Fieldhouse staff salt the rim, add various pickling items, cram in a boudin ball wrapped in a battered onion ring, toss on a slider, Cajun waffle fries, bacon, mozzarella sticks and top it all off with fried pickles. Come hungry and make sure you bring a friend, because Trappy’s Bloody Mary isn’t for the light at heart, nor those wishing to watch their waist lines, but for all those fans of the Bloody, this one not only is piled high with sharable snacks, it tastes pretty snazzy as well!

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 9 3

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IShopHolidayMarket.com

Presents

November 4th 10am - 5pm Origin Bank Riverwalk Holiday Decor Demonstrations Perfect Opportunity to Buy Gifts Delicious Food & More

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DELTA

An unforgettable trip of a lifetime

I

STANLEY PIETERSE SAFARIS

Cabin 8 at Stanley Pieterse Safaris

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Krystle Mahoney

n January while shopping online at Landgea.com, I saw that my favorite online shopping site for hunting and outdoor products was doing a giveaway to win a trip to hunt in South Africa. This wasn’t just any African safari giveaway; it was a 10 day all expenses paid trip for one including round-trip airfare to a beautiful 5-star hunting resort in the Limpopo Valley called Stanley Pieterse Safaris.

The qualification to enter was by simply purchasing products from their website, and considering I am a regular shopper on their site, I earned quite a few entries. I never dreamed I would actually win! To my surprise, when announcement time came around, my name was called! I spent the next few months going over a check list making sure I had everything to travel. I had to get a new passport and get vaccinated for travel. I had no idea there were so many recommend-

Krystle holding the Sick for the Hunt Edition Athens Revelation Bow

ed shots to get when traveling abroad. Up until this point, I had only been hunting in the U.S and until 2016 I had only hunted in Louisiana. My horizons have expanded over the last two years when it comes to geographical hunting locations and species harvested.

On August 19th, I started my 10-day trip of a lifetime. I traveled from Monroe, LA to Atlanta, GA and then came the 16-hour flight to Johannesburg, Africa.

Being a woman traveling to another country alone can be a bit scary, but my excitement of what was to come out weighed any nerves I had venturing out. When I arrived in Africa I was greeted by a PH or “Professional Hunter.” The PH and I stood and talked about all the different animals and places to hunt in Africa along with shot placement and how it varies from animal to animal while we waited on the rest of our hunting party to arrive from Cape town. Many of the vi-

tals on an African animal are much further forward in the body than in whitetail deer and luckily they even had a book of vitals that I could study before we began hunting so I would be well educated on where to place my arrow when the moment of truth arrived. Shot Placement is so important in hunting, especially in bow hunting. There is more forgiveness with a bullet. With an arrow, you need to be spot on.

When Stanley and the rest of our hunting party arrived from Cape Town I was talked to him about his establishment.

“Growing up in the African bush, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Hunting has enabled me to preserve my passion by means of conservation. We are based on our family owned private game reserve, Kieuw. Situated in the Limpopo Province, a 2-hour drive from the Polokwane Airport and a 5-hour drive from O.R Tambo International Airport (Johannes-

KRYSTLE MAHONEY

Shot Placement book being used in the blind during the hunt with impalas at the watering hole.

D ELTAST YL E MAGAZI NE | OCTOBER 2017 | 9 7

Matt and Krystle

burg – Gauteng). We believe in quality rather than quantity, specializing in the hosting of individual groups at a time, providing you with a personalized service that will make you and your family feel at home. Attention to detail is key. Together with our personalized service, we also offer the services of professional hunters and well-trained guides to accompany you on your hunting safari, ensuring a successful and memorable adventure. We specialize in customized and affordable hunting safaris, for bow and rifle hunters, from the first time to the experienced hunters as well as non-hunting observers and family groups. Our mission is to advocate sustainability through conservation of wildlife and commit ourselves to a fair chase in all our hunting ventures,” says Pieterse.

After Hunting and staying at Stanley Pieterse Safaris I Know, first hand, this to all be true. The owner and his wife Seugnet made

sure every detail of our stay was taken care of and they were both so accommodating. They have now become lifelong friends and I look forward to vacationing there with them for years to come. I hope to one day bring my fiancé and 8 year- old son back to South Africa to watch their faces light up when they see the assortment of wildlife that roam the bush.

The first night in South Africa, I stayed in Johannesburg and got the opportunity to get to know Rhonda and Matt Hiatt, owners of Landgea.com, and hear about the vision and purpose of their business. I absolutely admire the family-focused, business-driven couple. They have been together since high school and have built a beautiful life for themselves and their daughter, Lauren. Matt explains, “The idea for Landgea was born after we spent several years working with small business in the outdoors who were just trying to get their products to the market. We have met some of the hardest

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working, most down to earth, good folks. Each person we have met has had the same goal. Get the best outdoor products into the hands of outdoor lovers. Unfortunately, big businesses in this industry are all about profiting as much as they can and they don’t really care about the little guy. And, in many cases they don’t really care about the quality of products either. Because we have a passion for the outdoors, Landgea was founded on the idea that the best products in the industry should be in the hands of those that want and need them most. Landgea is the first, original outdoor marketplace that features handcrafted, unique, high quality and hard to find outdoor products.

Products you will likely never find in the big retail stores. We believe in treating our partners and our customers with respect and care because that’s how we like to be treated. We think that we all deserve an online store that is just for us.

This is exactly the reason I

started shopping on Landgea in the first place. Even though it’s an online shopping site, I felt as though the items sold there, and the people selling them, were items tailor made for people like me, by people like me. Also, it gives you the feel and satisfaction from buying from a small, local business and that is what we try to do with any and every purchase we make. You can customize your likes and dislikes and the site is set up to suit your specific outdoor shopping needs. I am so grateful that they to truly cater to the needs of the everyday shopper, and provide small businesses an opportunity to reach many potential buyers. They even gave this once in a lifetime opportunity hunt away just for simply shopping on their site, and it was a dream come true for me.

The next morning, we drove 5 hours to Stanley Pieterse Safaris where we would spend the next 8 days eating the most delicious meals and hunting African game.

KRYSTLE MAHONEY

Overlooking a watering hole

The compound was not the typical “roughing it” kind of place you think of when you hear the word hunting. Instead, there were individual stone and thatchroofed villa’s for each person complete with two twin beds, plug in converter, air conditioning, hot and cold water, a claw foot tub, and a walk-in shower.

There was Wi-Fi on the camp grounds, a laundry service, two gourmet chefs, a game room, skinners, trackers, a full open bar, swimming pool and a masseuse brought in to accommodate any spa treatment you could imagine.

It was a little slice of heaven! All the staff were so nice and helpful.

Each morning before the hunt I would overlook the valley as the sun rise peaked over the horizon.

It was the most breathtaking view I had ever seen.

Not only were the accommodations more than suitable, the hunting was second to none. I saw more African game while hunting there than I knew existed.

From Vervet monkeys to giraffe, zebra, Gemsbok, Cape buffalo, impala, wart hog, Guinea, Baboon, Eland, Bush Buck, and the list goes on and on. It was all so surreal to see and experience things from half way around the world. It was an opportunity I will never forget.

My first harvest was an Eland.

To watch them interact was as if I was watching national geographic on my couch back in Louisiana.

It was all so fascinating to me. After taking my Eland, we decided to hunt a nearby property to see about getting Matt a zebra or wildebeest. Mid way through the day a bush buck with beautiful spots and thick, full chocolate hair came to the watering hole.

After careful consideration and waiting for just the right moment, Matt decided to add the Bush buck to the trophy list. The next day we separated and went to different hunting locations and he was able to harvest all the animals on his list.

My second harvest was a 9 year-old Impala. I couldn’t figure out what made one a shooter over another until I saw this particular one. It’s simple to recognize a mature whitetail, they have the sag in the belly, slight curve in their back and their brisket is full, but all the bodies of the impala were tight and in shape. So my PH explained, when an Impala is fully mature his horns will curve to the back and then go straight up like a football goal. If the horns are still curved toward the center at all that means, it’s not mature.

This impala’s horns defiantly looked like a football goal so I made the shot.

My third harvest is probably the one that meant the most to me. Before I left for Africa, I asked my 8 year-old son, Braxton, what he wanted me to hunt the most. He said “No matter what you do, please oh please shoot a wart hog. They’re so crazy looking and cool and I really want a wart hog mount.” That’s exactly

what I did for him! Stanley took me to hunt in the largest diamond mine in the southern hemisphere to make sure I could hunt a wart hog for Braxton. As if hunting in a diamond mine wasn’t amazing enough, I got to put the biggest smile on my child’s face when I called to tell him that I got his wart hog!

After it was all said and done, Matt, Chris and I managed to harvest a total of Eleven animals and made more memories than I can count. The overall experience is one I will forever be grateful for.

Before leaving Africa, I told Stanley about the Whitetails Unlimited banquet hosted by the brand-new Louisiana Outdoor Women’s Chapter to be held at the West Monroe convention center on Saturday December 2, 2017. He was gracious enough to donate a hunt and lodging to be auctioned off at the event. I know one thing for sure, I will absolutely be attending and bidding on it!

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Outside Gallery, Art Alley (N. 2nd Street) facing the railroad tracks, Monroe, LA In partnership with the Outside Gallery, the Masur Museum (through its Alt-Ex program) will present Social Vices, an outdoor installation by Zach Hannibal. Social Vices deals with how social media affects our relationships and sense of connection with people around us.

Downtown Gallery, 137 Art Alley (N. 2nd Street), Monroe, LA Rick Sikes’ Downtown Gallery presents Tom Richard, who lives and works in Monticello, Arkansas, as a professor of art. Richard was born in Houma, Louisiana, receiving his BFA from LSU and his MFA from the University of Albany. With numerous solo exhibitions throughout the area and inclusion in over 100 national juried and invitational exhibitions, his work addresses issues of history and identity through specific historical art references and images of childhood toys.

Big Room Gallery, 133 Art Alley (N. 2nd Street), Monroe, LA

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"Open Studio" is the highly descriptive title of October’s Gallery Crawl show in the Big Room, curated

by Anna Rowan. Actual studio spaces where works are in progress by Leigh Buffington, Alyssa GuidryPosey, Emily Caldwell, and Anna Rowan will be open for guests to see and experience.

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UPSTAIRS gallery, 133 Art Alley (N. 2nd Street), Monroe, LA

"Full Tilt" is the collection of painting, photography, mixed media work and collage curated by Emily Caldwell and created by Anna Rowan, Jenny Ellerbe, Leigh Buffington, and Emily Caldwell, as well as nature-inspired jewelry by Amy Ouchley.

The Palace Gallery, 220 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA This month, The Palace Gallery will show one of our very own. The immensely talented and skilled Gary Ratcliff will be showing two types of work in this exhibit: painted surfaces, beautifully broken and cracked, along with his trademark ceramics.

The Sugar Gallery, 135 Art Alley (N. 2nd Street), Monroe, LA As always, Sugar Gallery will have some sweet things going on during the Crawl. Sugar welcomes new gallery artist Douglas Breckenridge. Breckenridge, who divides his time between architecture and painting, is known for his oil paintings that include streetscapes, figure paintings and landscapes.

Sugar's guest artist for October is Lisa Harp with Harp Strings Jewelry.

Rumo’s Gallery, 211 Trenton Street (Antique Alley), West Monroe, LA Rumo’s Gallery, curated by Austin Bantel and hosted by owners Russell and Morgan Moore, features Shelly Nealy as its October artist with the show “Transitions and Reactions.”

Garrett House, 520 South Grand Street, Monroe, LA The Garrett House, curated by Brooke Foy, looks forward to this show every year! This is the gallery’s 2nd annual "Go Local" show. Over twenty local artists have agreed to participate in this fundraiser Art Show! Our community is so blessed to have such talented artists here in our midst.

Arender studio & gallery, 131 Art Alley (N. 2nd Street), Monroe, LA The featured artist at Arender Gallery will be Cliff Tresner, who recently was named the William R. Hammond Professor of Liberal Arts at ULM.

The party continues as Crawlers can enjoy free Coke floats, donated by the Biedenharn Museum along with the Creamery and the Coca-Cola Company. Also there will be food trucks/tents and a booth for the new Crawl Companions—the new “friends group” that will help to keep the Crawl a free event. At each Crawl during this anniversary year, there will be new swag for Crawl Companions and other fans of the Crawls. You’ll love the new Crawl logo designed by Jason Byron Nelson!

The next Downtown Gallery Crawl will be Thursday, December 7, 2017, when the galleries will continue to celebrate their tenth year of entertaining their neighbors.

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Memories of autumn evenings—remember those? October 5 is the perfect time to be out and about for an evening’s visit with one’s neighbors and friends while enjoying wonderful art, good food, and live music in our lovely historic downtowns. Now may even be a great time to begin holiday shopping!

Produced by the Downtown Arts Alliance as well as numerous faithful sponsors, the Downtown Gallery Crawl spans the Ouachita River, with eight galleries in downtown Monroe and one in West Monroe. RUMO’S Gallery anchors Antique Alley in West Monroe, while GARRETT HOUSE, the PALACE, ARENDER studio + gallery, DOWNTOWN Gallery, UPSTAIRS Gallery, SUGAR Gallery, the BIG ROOM, and OUTSIDE Gallery are in beautiful downtown Monroe.

Both resident artists and guest artists from the area and beyond enjoy sharing their talents with northeast Louisianians of all ages. The event takes place every first Thursday of evennumbered months (the next will be December 7). The event is always free, the only expense incurred if you decide to buy some original art.

The Ramble Bus will be on Antique Alley for this Crawl, while more music, food and drink will be scattered among the galleries. So the party, continuing the Crawl’s 10th Anniversary year, is ON! Don’t forget to pick up your “passport” and get it stamped at each gallery for a free prize at partner Flying Tiger afterward.

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A B C D E F G H I

Rumoʼs Gallery Arender Gallery Upstairs Gallery Sugar Gallery The Big Room Downtown Gallery Outside Gallery The Palace Gallery The Garrett House

DR. TERRY TUGWELL • CROSS KEYS BANK VAL SALOMON • SIR SPEEDY D ELTAST Y LE MAGAZ INE | OCTOBE R 2 017 | 101

All lit up R

CAST AST YOUR HOME IN A WHOLE HOLE NEW LIGHT WITH LLANDSCAPE ANDSCAPE LIGHTING

egardless of egardless of where where we e live, live, we we all all want want we our ur homes homes to to have have atatour tractive ractive curb curb appeal. appeal. tractive Although lthough the the traditradiAlthough ional “ghouls “ghouls and and goblins” goblins” tional holiday of Halloween will Rose Lee, soon be here, the exterior NELA of our home does not have Master to be a dark and shadowy Gardener scene, unless intentionally planned. Landscape lighting can be the key to boosting curb appeal and casting a home in a more welcoming light.

Benefits There are several benefits to adding landscape lighting. First, an aestheti-

10 2 | O C TOB E R 2 017 | D E LTA S T Y LE MAGA Z I NE

cally pleasing exterior not only enhances the overall appearance of a home, but also increases the real estate value of the property. Additionally, exterior lighting can serve as a safety measure to help protect against unwanted elements, such as wouldbe burglars and nuisance wildlife creatures, by lighting up dimly lit areas around the home. Moreover, because an exorbitant amount of time and energy may be invested in creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape, who wouldn’t want to highlight the results of their efforts?

deavor. As with interior lighting, exterior fixtures vary greatly in price and come in a wide variety of materials, including plastic, cast iron and copper. Hence, a decision regarding the budget and preferred type of fixture finishes should be made prior to making a purchase. Moreover, it must be determined whether solar or transformerpowered fixtures will be installed. There are advantages and disadvantages to both; so it would be helpful to peruse the information on the package label or to research options before making a final decision.

Location, Location, Location!

Installation & Maintenance

Prior to making any purchase, it is important determine the desired placements for the lighting. Common locations include: along pathways, on stairs or steps, or within flower beds and shrubbery. To cast even more light on ground or floor surfaces, installing down-lights in trees and soffits or on post caps are also viable options.

In regards to installation, solar-powered fixtures tend to be easier to install than those operated with transformers. In addition, only minimal maintenance, including periodically replacing batteries and keeping solar panels free of debris, is typically required to keep the fixtures functioning properly. On the other hand, for electrically powered fixtures, an electrical source along with electrical wiring and one or more transformers are required. Hence, rather than attempting installation as a DIY pro-

Cost & Fixture Finishes Lighting up a landscape does not necessarily have to be an excessively costly en-

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ject, it is strongly recommended that a professional be hired to install and maintain these fixtures. By paying attention to these details, anyone can create an inviting, welllit exterior around their home to welcome family, friends and other wanted visitors.

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318-325-9459 • 2299 Sterlington Rd, Monroe, LA 71203 D ELTAST Y LE MAGAZ INE | OCTOB ER 2 017 | 103

2017

Contact Darren Burgess 318-237-4840 herbalharvest@stpaschalchurch.org

Saturday, October 21, 2017 9:00AM -3:00 PM St. Paschal Catholic Church 711 N. 7th St. West Monroe, LA 71291

Vendor Inquiries Welcome -Accepting Applications Now Herbal Harvest Original Arts and Crafts Festival FREE event which will host more than 60 vendors selling original artisan

arts and crafts. St. Paschal will be selling herb plants and foods prepared by our church members. Delicious Herbed Chicken Salad, Taco Soup, Grilled Sausage, freshly baked Breads, Cakes, Cookies and Sweets, Almond Tea and Cold Drinks will be available for purchase. Bring the entire family for a fun time. This is the 26th year for this event.

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www.stpaschalchurch.org

Beautiful 5br\4.1ba over looking Bayou Desiard Country Club golf course. Living rm and family room, separate dining rm. Master suite has huge cedar closets and enormous storage. Kitchen has top of the line appliances and granite counter tops. Workout room over garage, large den upstairs. Solar panels, anderrson storm windows, security and sprinkler systems, 4 car garage and circular drive and the list goes on and on. A must see. Monthly entergy avg.: $223.32. 3374 Deborah Dr. Monroe MLS177464

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GEORGIANN POTTS

Franklin Parish Public Library patrons enjoy a day of learning about the First Ladies of the White House.

FPPL PATRONS STUDY LIFE IN THE WHITE HOUSE GEORGIANN POTTS

GEORGIANN POTTS

F

ranklin Parish Public Library director Onie Parker and her staff created the perfect atmosphere recently for their patrons. The occasion was a three-session program entitled “First Ladies and the Caretakers of the White House” presented

by Georgiann Potts. This program was designed to educate those attending on the re-

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alities of life in the White House from the perspective of the First Ladies and their servants. It also served to showcase the evolution of the role of First Lady through history. A highlight each week was a trivia quiz concerning little known facts about the First Families.

To make each session special for their patrons, Parker and her staff created menus for the refreshment break that reflected

GEORGIANN POTTS

Franklin Parish Public Library patrons enjoy a day of learning about the First Ladies of the White House.

the theme. For the first week, the staff prepared and served a light lunch using favorite recipes of former First Ladies. Pat Nixon’s chicken casserole was a favorite, with Barbara Bush’s mushroom quiche a close second. Rounding out the menu were Betty Ford’s blueberry banana bread, Laura Bush’s Texas Governor’s cowboy cookies, and Hillary Clinton’s chocolate chip cookies. Tea and coffee completed the menu. For the remaining two sessions, the ladies offered traditional southern fare including a delicious gumbo and tempting sweets --- all underscoring the importance of entertaining properly at the White House. In both the dining area and the education room, there were interesting displays of appropriate books for additional reading on the topic as well as appropriately patriotic decorations.

All of the patrons thoroughly enjoyed themselves and deeply appreciated the efforts made by the FPPL staffers. Working with Parker were Jean Lemos, Janis Smith, June Chapman, Kathy (Kat) Muckelrath, Linda Lochbrunner, Stephanie Foy, Lynn Strahan, Bobbie Temple, and Dale Berry.

Each one made at least one dish and contributed to the delicious food.

GEORGIANN POTTS

Franklin Parish Public Library patrons enjoy a day of learning about the First Ladies of the White House.

GEORGIANN POTTS

Franklin Parish Public Library patrons enjoy a day of learning about the First Ladies of the White House.

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A HUGE THANKS GOES OUT TO OUR 2017 BEST OF THE DELTA TITLE SPONSOR. WE APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH!

Christian & Catherine Creed 108 | OCT O B E R 2017 | DE LTASTY L E MAGAZ IN E

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

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Katie Burke

G E N E R A L M A N A G E R / E D I TO R Katie was born and raised right here in the Delta in Downsville. After High school, she attended Louisiana Tech University at Shreveport.

She began her career with DeltaStyle in 2013 after moving back to the area. Starting as an account executive, she thrived in connected with the community, growing revenue and building relationships. In the beginning of 2016, she took a brief hiatus upon adopting a child only to return in March of this year as the new general manager/editor.

When not working or at community events, she spends her time with her husband, and 3 children, ages 13, 10, and 1.

Her kids keep her busy with football games, cheerleading, and soccer. With all of that running, it is only natural to need a break.

“My favorite thing to do in the world is travel. I truly believe I was born with the DRD4 gene, dubbed the “wanderlust gene”. I have been fortunate enough to give my kids some great experiences as we have traveled cross-country with them many times and brought them on some amazing adventures,” says Katie. When she is not traveling or with her family, you are sure to find her devoting her time to the magazine. “I am so excited to be back at DeltaStyle and my goal each month is to use this platform to showcase the area and the great people that live here. This magazine is local gem and community staple and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Emma Sager

E D I TO R I A L A S S I S TA N T Emma has been a member of the DeltaStyle team since January 2017. As the Editorial Assistant and Account Manager, she takes part in much of the magazine development and presentation, as well as writing editorial. She was born and raised here in Monroe, LA. She spent most of her time growing up attending Grace Episcopal School and went on to be a student at Neville High School.

At the end of high school, she knew that she wanted to venture out of state to pursue her undergraduate career. Her sister, Allyson Sager, suggested that she consider Auburn University in Alabama. Though moving to a different state alone was a challenge, Emma feels that it was the best choice she could have made. During her junior year, she decided to travel to Berlin, Germany to study abroad. This experience opened Emma’s mind to the part of her that has a passion for getting to know people and communication. This led to Emma studying Public Relations and Communications to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree.

After graduating from Auburn, she moved to Nashville, TN to be a sales representative at a local marketing firm. She stayed there for a year before moving back home to Monroe to spend more time with her family.

Emma’s favorite aspect of her time working for the magazine is being able to write articles on local non-profits to raise awareness to help these organizations. Emma loves that DeltaStyle provides her with the ability to relate to people of the community and use her communication skills every day.

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Gary Guinigundo

S TA F F P H OTO G R A P H E R Gary is originally from Hamilton, Ohio and moved to Louisiana with his family in 1987. His interest in photography began while volunteering as a webmaster and photographer for his local church. Gary has been published in the Sun Magazine and the Catholic Connection, interned at the Masur Museum in Monroe, and owns Gary Guinigundo Photography LLC. He has been the staff photographer for DeltaStyle Magazine in Monroe, Louisiana since 2013.

Before becoming the DeltaStyle photographer, he graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in PreMed and obtained his M.D. at Fatima College of Medicine in the Philippines in 2000. He practiced medicine before also obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at Louisiana Tech University in 2013.

He spends his free time volunteering at local churches playing keyboards and drums. Composing music, learning movie soundtracks, and playing for fun at his home studio also consumes a lot of his time. He also enjoys mountain biking at Lincoln Parish Park and road biking near his home in Monroe. He also travels to destinations in Europe to photograph architecture and people.

If you ever attend the local social gatherings, you are likely to see Gary photographing the event for the magazine.

Mallory Parks

ACCO U N T E XEC U T I V E

After graduating from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Marketing, she began her journey with DeltaStyle in April.

Mallory was born and raised in Northeast Louisiana and knows the community & people like the back of her hand. She places great care in making sure all clients are happy, and well taken care of. To her, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is getting to build upon existing relationships, and making countless new ones along the way. She could not be happier to be starting to be starting her professional career right here at Home.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family & friends, binge watching Reality TV & Hallmark Movies, and traveling all over. She is very close with her sister, Melanie, and loves watching her cheer on Football Friday Nights. As an active alumni of Phi Mu, she loves giving back to her Sorority and hanging out with her sisters any chance she gets. She believes her time at LA Tech & Phi Mu has shaped her into the well-rounded and outgoing person she is today.

Mallory is truly grateful for the magazine for giving her an outlet to let her creative side shine. Through her background and education, her appreciation for details and design have proven to be a real asset in this position. “Each day and task is a challenge, but nothing is too great or too small for me to tackle,” she says. For any Advertising or Marketing needs you may have, your gal.

Brittany Ramsey

ACCO U N T E XEC U T I V E Brittany is new to the DeltaStyle team! Proud to call NELA her home, Brittany loves living life right here in the Delta. She loves to experience new things and meet new people! From great food & drink to live, local music, she is passionate about the culture of our community. Brittany is serving her second term as President of the Advertising Club of Northeast Louisiana. She is very dedicated to this organization that protects and serves the very industry she thrives in day to day. She also enjoys giving back to our community is thru volunteering for The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, KEDM Public Radio, & United Way of Northeast Louisiana. She also is a member of United45, thru United Way of NELA. Safe to say, she prioritizes her time to match her passions!

In her personal time, Brittany likes to spend time with her loved ones and closest friends. She is a mother of one daughter, a student of Salli Humble Elementary School. Being a mom keeps her busy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “There is nothing as fulfilling as being a mother!”, she says. She loves spending time with her friends, whether it’s sitting around discussing Game of Throne theories or getting all dolled up for a night on the town. She loves animals, especially cats! She loves playing with her fur-babies, Beaux & Jack, as well as her pup, Pedro. As far as interests go, she is quite eclectic - she loves all things coffee, thrift shopping, & The Beatles!

To Brittany, “Life is all about experiences and time invested with those you love most in this world!”

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