BayouLife Magazine May 2014 by BayouLife Magazine

Features MAY 2014

36 P. Allen Smith Vegetables, herbs or cut flowers can come from just one container garden

52 Summer Camps A guide to north Louisiana’s camps for kids

66 Nonna Chef Cory Bahr pays homage to his grandmother in his newest venture

76 Bold Brights Area boutiques show off Spring’s boldest styles

90 A Rose in the Sun As lovely as the roses she tends, this month’s BayouIcon is Adele Ransom

100 The Art of Family Mother and daughter connect creatively. Sue and Addie Sartor share a love for art and community

112 The Senior Scam How to protect your loved ones from financial abuse

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ODAY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST DAYS

I have had at our little house. It’s Easter Sunday, and I am finally settling down with my two girls after a day of laughs and memories. At one point today, I got really emotional thinking about my grandmother and what she would say if she saw all of these little kids climbing trees and hunting eggs at the house she built. I had to stop and soak everything in. It was so precious to see my two-year-old running around with her Easter basket trying to keep up with her older cousins. She cracked a few eggs, ate a ton of sugar...and a few pieces of cat food, giggled until her face turned red and cried when everyone went home. Watching her play and then turning around to see my mom holding my newborn reminded me of how fortunate I am to be a mother. I really never understood why my mom would hug me so long or always seem to worry about the smallest things concerning me and my sister - but I do now. This Mother’s Day I want to salute all of you who know the love of a child and dedicate this issue to you and to the most nurturing woman I know, my mother, Jeanie Green. This issue is full of articles about women who have made an impact in north Louisiana. On page 90, Michael DeVault features this month’s BayouIcon, Adele Ransom. I have been fortunate to receive a gift of roses from the “lady with the green thumb” myself. Mrs. Ransom is as lovely as the roses she tends. Mary Napoli highlights a mother and daughter who share the same love for art and community. Addie and Sue Sartor are this month’s BayouArtists. Read their story on page 100. We love a good love story and a fun makeover - this month we combined the two in our Military Mom Makeover on page 132. Our winner, Vanessa Wilson, will say goodbye to her husband as he prepares for deployment to Kuwait in a few weeks.

BOLD BRIGHTS, PAGE 76

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Thanks to the very generous Leslie and Josh Culp of Hemline Monroe and Holly and James McCready of Rain the Salon, Vanessa enjoyed a day of pampering and style before embarking on a much needed date night with her husband, Bracy. When we were getting ready to line up vendors to help us transform Vanessa, I learned that one of our clients and friends will also be in the same unit being deployed to Kuwait. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Danny Rachal, Joshua Culp, Bracy Wilson and all who continue to serve our country we salute you! This month’s photo shoot was a blast, and it couldn’t be done without the gracious hospitality of Merion and Matt Sanderson. Our models, Rheagan Sutton and Courtnee Crews, were stunning in bold and bright looks from area boutiques. Joli Livaudais was brilliant - as always - and Meka Bennett transformed these girls to bayou beauties! We had a blast and wish we could talk the Sanderson’s into letting us set up an office in their pool house. If you’re at a loss regarding what to get mom for Mother’s Day or if you’re looking for the perfect graduation gift, look no further. On pages 120-125, find our BayouLife Gift Guide for moms and grads. And don’t forget to find all of this and more on our new website - www.bayoulifemag.com. We want to thank our moms: Phyllis Thompson, Mary Fuglaar, Jessica Ashmore, Blanche Wilks, Shana Sutton and ShirleyNapoli. And also remember the life our late writer, Sunny Meriwether, you will be dearly missed in north Louisiana. We hope you enjoy this issue of BayouLife Magazine.

~ Cassie Livingston

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American Craft Beer Week It’s All About Choice!

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT, SPECIALTY & IMPORT MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

AY IS DEFINITELY A MONTH TO celebrate. The sun is finally reappearing after an especially long winter, Mother’s Day is upon us, and there is an abundance of delicious craft beer to enjoy! For the ninth consecutive year, the Brewers Association has declared May 12th – 18th American Craft Beer Week. Last year, all 50 states participated, making it the largest celebration to date. 2014 promises to be even bigger. With the creative use of unusual ingredients and innovation in the brewing process itself, craft beer production in the US is experiencing a real renaissance. In 2011, there were 1970 American craft breweries in operation. As of June 2013, that number had jumped to 2483. And it continues to grow every day. It’s not just the number of craft brewers that is expanding, though. The American palate is as well. Where we used to be more apt to stick with one style of beer, we are now branching out and trying IPAs, Stouts, Brown Ales, etc. Words that used to be reserved for wine tastings are now being thrown around in the beer world. Aroma, color, body and mouthfeel are just a few terms you may hear in the crowd at a beer sampling. And the food pairings are endless! Because of the large 8 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

array of styles and ingredients used in beer, there is an almost unlimited possibility of flavor combinations and contrasts with your favorite dishes. There are many new beers from our favorite craft brewers to celebrate with this year. Sam Adams (Boston Beer Company), once again named the #1 brewery in the US by the Brewers Association, has some particularly interesting offerings. Rebel IPA, a west coast style IPA, is brewed with American Cascade, Simcoe, Chinook, Centennial and Amarillo hops. It is bright copper in color and has citrus notes which balance its hop bitterness, making it a perfect example of this all-American style. Honey Queen, a braggot style ale, will be exclusively available at a couple of ACBW events this year. Its exotic ingredients include orange and lemon peel, dried plum, Grains of Paradise, coriander, anise, hibiscus, rose hips, tamarind and vanilla. Reminiscent of medieval brewing recipes, it is a concoction not to be missed. Of course, our home state favorite, Abita Brewing Company will have some special brews for us as well. There will be one cask of Citra Hopped Jockamo IPA. The beer is produced in the brewhouse and fermented in the same manner as Jockamo IPA. After

fermentation, the beer is dry hopped with Citra hops in the aging tank. After aging, the beer is cask conditioned and more Citra hops are added to the cask. The hops add an even more pronounced citrus and fruity flavor and aroma to the beer. The cask will be tapped on site, which always makes for a fun evening! Bourbon Street Baltic Porter will be the second. This is a dark colored ale brewed with pale, caramel and roasted malts. After fermentation, the ale is cold aged for six weeks to allow the flavors of the malt and hops to balance and produce a smooth flavor before the bourbon barrel aging begins. It’s not just any bourbon barrel, either. These are aged in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels. The result is a robust porter that brings out the sweet and roasted flavors from the malt and the warming bourbon flavors from the barrels. To get more information on local American Craft Beer Week events, including the specialty brews mentioned above, as well as more from Harpoon, Blue Moon, Leinenkugels and more, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/choicebrands.

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Glenwood Emergency Services Fast•ER, Bett•ER Emergency Care

T SOME POINT DURING YOUR life, it is very likely that you will be faced with a medical emergency, such as an injury, life threatening illness, potential heart attack or stroke. Whether it’s a broken bone, a deep cut that needs stitching or something more serious, we’re prepared to take care of your medical needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our board-certified emergency room doctors and nurses are always here to handle a medical crisis with timely, high-quality treatment. We know that all medical emergencies are stressful. Our staff is committed to easing your fears and concerns by providing frequent progress reports about your diagnosis, condition and treatment. Our state-of-the-art, 16-bed Emergency Department includes: • Only fully accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in Northern Louisiana • Private patient triage area • Comfortable treatment rooms • Bedside registration • Fast-track for minor illnesses and injuries • InQuicker online minor emergency registration service • Advanced patient monitoring equipment • STEMI heart protocols “Seeing patients quickly is vital to providing optimal patient care,” said Ron Elder, GRMC CEO. “We are striving to provide a high level of care, while addressing the grow10 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

ing problem of long emergency room waits. At Glenwood Regional Medical Center, your emergency is our emergency.”

INQUICKER® InQuicker® is an innovative online service that allows patients to virtually hold their place in line at the emergency room without having to be present. Patients arrive at Glenwood’s ER at their projected treatment time and are seen as quickly as possible. InQuicker estimates treatment times based on the facility conditions. The InQuicker online portal allows patients to be assessed by evaluating their medical symptoms online to see if immediate care is necessary. Those who indicate a life or limb threatening medical condition are prompted to dial 911 or go immediately to the ER. It’s another way that Glenwood is taking busy lives into account and making access for minor medical emergencies faster and more efficient. To schedule an appointment using InQuicker, visit GRMC.com.

FULLY ACCREDITED CYCLE IV CHEST PAIN CENTER When you’re having a heart attack, where you go for treatment could be one of the most critical decisions of your life. Cycle IV accreditation is the highest rating a Chest Pain Care facility can earn. Glenwood earned it by demonstrating expertise and

commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria. Glenwood is the only fully accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in Northern Louisiana.

ER STEMI PROTOCOLS A STEMI is the most severe type of heart attack, in which a clot blocks the coronary artery, and as a result, the heart muscle being supplied by the affected artery starts to die. Rapid percutaneous intervention (PCI), commonly referred to as angioplasty, is crucial to the survivability of a heart attack. Experts say the sooner that a patient is treated to relieve the blockage causing the STEMI, the better the outcome. The Glenwood ER’s STEMI protocols ensures that patients with chest pain who need advanced care in a cardiac catheterization lab are taken care of as safely and quickly as possible. The STEMI service, along with Glenwood’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and Hybrid OR, is designed to save lives. For more information about Glenwood’s emergency services, visit www.grmc.com or call 877-726-WELL (9355).

Improving Relationships Melissa Sanderlin Encourages Communication to Improve Relationships

BY MELISSA SANDERLIN, LPC NCC

HAT MAKES A RELATIONSHIP A GOOD relationship? Most people would agree, whether referring to friends, family or romantic relationships, communication is the biggest factor affecting satisfaction. But what are the characteristics of good communication? I would say that honesty and openness are of the utmost importance. That sounds simple enough, right? While honesty and openness are simple concepts, they can be quite difficult to implement. We are a society that values strength and independence. We tend to view vulnerability as a sign of weakness. However, we also crave closeness and connections. And for good reason! Research studies have shown that affection and personal connections improve a person’s immune system and prolong life span. So why do we struggle to let people know our true feelings and thoughts? Simple: we loathe and fear rejection. We think if we can protect our emotions, we can never get hurt. However, the harder we work to protect ourselves and keep others out, the more we suffer. Bottling up emotions and hiding true thoughts lead to depression, anxiety, low self esteem and poor self worth, as well as physical issues including high blood pressure, headaches, appetite problems, insomnia, etc. Lack of honest communication manifests in many ways in relationships:

• Passive aggressive behaviors - This is a person’s way of subtly expressing feelings of anger, such as intentionally procrastinating, “forgetting” things he/she agreed to do, or sulking then replying “no” when asked if upset. • Distrust – Those in relationships where there is little expression of true feelings, often begin to distrust emotionally, which leads to worries of infidelity. If a person does not know where the relationship stands or is unsure how committed the other is, he/she rarely believes the partner is being truthful about activities and associates. • Emotional distance – In order to avoid getting hurt, one person in a relationship may “have one foot out the door” which usually leads to the partner either pulling away or becoming clingy.

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• Fighting – People sometimes begin picking fights in a relationship in order to test the other’s commitment or even drive the person away.

All of these things have the same results – disintegration of the connection between partners. I see the behaviors above with clients that really love and appreciate their partners and truly want to work things out, but rarely even realize why they are behaving inappropriately. In order to have more satisfying, longer-lasting relationships, we must learn to overcome this fear of rejection. The vulnerability associated with open communication is not a sign of weakness. It takes strength and courage to expose yourself emotionally to the people around you. Being open, honest and “real” around others causes other people to feel comfortable and trust you. We are inherently attracted to these “real” people and that leads us to be more “real” and open in response. Try expressing what is truly on your mind the next time your partner says or does something that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable. The key is to focus on expressing your emotions and thoughts rather than blaming the other. Blame only leads to defensiveness, which will shut down appropriate communication. So if your husband upsets you for making plans without consulting you, try saying, “I feel really disrespected and unimportant when family plans are made without my input.” This may sound silly when you first try, and it may go against your typical reaction to sulk or start an argument, but you will appreciate this open communication when your husband reacts with more understanding than usual. Think about what your true motives are for your behaviors and reactions to help you express what you are really feeling. If you are struggling with your communication skills and would like to improve how you relate to others, contact Melissa and her staff at Sanderlin Counseling Services at 318.323.7575 or info@sanderlincounselingservices.com.

Shop Local

Mr. P’s Tees Now Available in Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston

O, WHAT IS THE LATEST WITH US at Mr P’s Tee’s? 2014 has been great for us so far. It’s hard to believe we have been in business for a year and a half now. Brent and I are truly thankful for all the positive support we have received from the community. We never dreamed our little designs that first started on baby onesies, would of grown so much. As a way to give back and pay it forward, we created ”shirts that give back.” This past Fall, our Bearded Duck thermal raised over $1100 for the NELA Food Bank. We now have a super cute Southern Giraffe tee that is helping local missionary Kay Frost with her Transform Tanzania Project in Africa. Fifteen percent of these tees goes directly to helping her ministry. Yee Haw! We participated in the Junior League Spring Market in March and had a blast. We worked hard to make sure our booth represented us – artist + hunter! We had large rustic palette walls that Brent built and even a mannequin with a skirt on that was made out of hundreds and hundreds of sticky notes. Big thanks to our friends (Diana, Beth, Allison, Jordan, Alan, Jill, Staci, Leigh and Addison) who volunteered their time to work a shift. And to our families (and Marsha) for watching our kids all weekend… It 14 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

truly takes a village. In April, we had a group of dancers from Debbie’s Schoool of Dance who modeled our tees and tanks at Fashion Fusion. These kids stole the show with their high energy dance moves to ”Happy” by Pharrell Williams. The seven girls: Tamyra, Kylah, Lizzie, Kaylee, Breanna, Bailey and Addy all wore our tees and tanks with little blue jean shorts over colorful leggings and special TOMS-inspired shoes with our logo painted on them. The two boys, Jon Michael and Jordan, wore our tees with sports jackets, jeans, fedoras and converse with bright orange shoelaces. These kids were the epitome of “Comfy Cool.” Another highlight this Spring was turning on the latest episode of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and seeing precious little River Roberston wearing our v-neck chocolate deer tee. What a great surprise! This is our son Pearson (aka Mr P’s) favorite shirt to wear. These deer tees range in size from a toddler’s 2T all the way up to an adult XXL. We are so pleased to announce that our original designs can be found at Herringstone’s in Monroe, K-Sera in West Monroe and Rodéo Boutique in Ruston. HerringStone’s carries our women’s designs, such as tanks and maxi dresses. K-Sera is carrying

everything from baby onesies and youth tees, up to our men’s and women’s designs. Rodéo Boutique currently has women’s tanks and dresses, too. We are very proud to be in these three locally-owned stores! And as, always, we ship every day but Sunday. Check out our online store at www.mrpstees.bigcartel.com. Prices range from $23-$68. We plan to be at the Downtown Rivermarket on Saturday, May 31st from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. along the Ouachita River in Monroe. It is in conjunction with the Louisiana Food and Music Festival. We promise to have some new designs for Summer for you. Thanks so much for reading! If you want to keep up with us, our blog is www.misterpstees.blogspot.com, and we are also on Facebook and Instagram under Mrpstees. Mr P’s Tees is owned by Lissy and Brent Compton of West Monroe. They are the proud parents of Pearson, 2 and Phoebe, 10 months. Their designs are all hand drawn by Lissy and then screen printed on high quality tees, tanks and dresses.

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Excellence in Art

Ouachita Christian School Teacher Karen Sharp Creates Exemplary Art Program

HEN OUACHITA CHRISTIAN comes to mind in our community, many will think of our strong academics, state championship athletic teams or community service with CASA and the NELA Food Bank. While each of these areas is essential to our mission as a Christian school, there is another facet to our school that deserves our recognition, our exemplary art program under the excellent direction of Karen Sharp. Mrs. Sharp has brought a fledgling art program of a small private school to the forefront of national, statewide and local notice in her 24 years at the helm. Over 1,500 students have graced her classroom over the years. Mrs. Sharp teaches dual-enrollment Art Appreciation through LA Tech, fine arts survey, AP Art, honors art and regular art classes during the school day and afterschool art to preschool and elementary students making her one busy and multi-tasking instructor. Karen is on the State Board for Louisiana State Art Council selected by Governor Bobby Jindal and earned a BFA from Louisiana Tech University in Graphic Design. She attended Northeast Louisiana University for her Art Education Certification K-12. This active mother of two previously worked in the commercial art arena, which brings a great business perspective to her students. The OCS library and all of the offices on 16 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

campus are decorated by students’ awardwinning art works. In the past four years alone, Mrs. Sharp’s students have won over 300 regional and local awards, 80 national awards through prestigious Brass Rings and Scholastic art foundations, regional literary rally winners and AP Art credits. Mrs. Sharp begins with her preschool art programs and meets each child determining where they fit developmentally and mentors them through their senior year in high school. Each year, the OCS ArtFest has over 700 entries in its April show for friends and family. The Art Club hosts the event and provides arts/crafts for this family friendly school-wide event each year. Chrys Howard (parent and grandparent) – “OCS was blessed beyond words when a young, energetic and inspiring art teacher joined the staff in 1990. Karen Sharp's decision to spend her days teaching young people to use their gifts to their fullest also had a huge impact on my family. My own three children loved every minute spent with Mrs. Sharp, whether it was listening as she carefully critiqued their work in her classroom or standing with her admiring a master's work in a museum in Italy or France or New York. My daughter Korie was even inspired to major in art education because of Mrs. Sharp's encouragement. My grandchildren are now

experiencing the same high quality art education, complete with travel abroad, that their parents were privileged to experience. I am so thankful that Mrs. Sharp came our way and stayed.” Emily Green (Art major at LSU) – Mrs. Sharp was so much more than a just a teacher; she helped me through everything in art and in life. She inspired, encouraged and pushed me to become my very best in every aspect of my life.” Jarod Stokes (BFA, CenturyLink) – “Karen Sharp taught me to view the world in line and shapes that are in relationship to each other. That has become the foundation for how I approach problem solving and critical thinking. I was blessed to have taken classes from Mrs. Sharp from first grade through senior AP Art. I look forward to my daughters having her as a teacher.” Christie Jones Echols (Architect) – “Mrs. Sharp taught me how to really look at and see my environment and not just make subconscious assumptions about it. That changed my appreciation for and interaction with the world around me. Her nurturing and tutelage guided my choice in a career path while the skills I received from her gave me an advantage in architectural school. She sparked in me a love of details, light and texture that CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

Revolution Park Kicks Off 2014 Racing Season with a Bang

F YOU WEREN’T AT REVOLUTION PARK MARCH 28-29,YOU missed out on an incredible short track experience. The pits began filling up on Thursday with competitors from Florida renting the track for a 3 hour test and tune. With the threat of impending weather looming on Friday, a field of 24 Legends car drivers and crew from as far away as New Jersey assembled in the pits for the first race of the 3 race series. After open practice and hot laps that afternoon, the competition began with qualifying laps and heat races. By the time the green flag fell on the first race of the 3 race series, severe weather was bearing down from the west and closing fast. With a field of 24 fiercely eager and competitive drivers on the track, spectators saw a fast paced wreck and caution laced show, which ended with a dramatic wreck involving the #33, Cole Edwards. Cole, which flipped over in turn one and slid into the wall upside down in turn two in full view of the crowd on the deck of the suites. The flagman quickly red flagged the race and all watched with breath held as the safety crew extricated the driver from his still upside down against the wall crushed car. He was clearly not severely injured much to the relief of all. However, during the prolonged cleanup of the results mess there was an abrupt shift in wind with a sudden 15 degree drop in the temperature. 50 mph winds to the south followed that. The race director saw lightning grounding and called for all to clear the track and the grand stands. As this was in progress, a wall of cold rain drove sideways into the stands and the track ending the competition for Friday with a scant 6 laps of the planned 20 lap race completed. Class of the field for the first segment was the #300 car Baiden Heskett from Texas (Ft. Worth). Saturday dawned cool and clear, with steady winds to quickly dry the track and stands from the storm from Friday night. Pit gates opened at 10:00 a.m., and the pits filled up with drivers eager to resume the fight. The ritual of open practice and hot laps out of the way, the race from the night before had to be completed before the scheduled 2 races for Saturday could begin. The green flag fell and the field of 23 (without wrecked Cole Edwards #33), bolted onto the track. Caution and wrecks flew, of which involved the #23 crashing against the wall in turn one. 18 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

After a restart, Joe Pike ran from his wrecked car to begin a shove altercation with Ernest Morris, which was quickly cautioned by track personnel and sheriff deputies. The wrecker removed the #23 sending Joe Pike to his back-up car for the last 2 races. As the checkered flag flies, Baiden Heskett remained the leader. By 4 p.m. the field was set for the next race which again involved fierce wrecking, collisions, oil spills and caution delays. When the checkered flag finally fell again, Baiden Heskett was the winner. The cars retreated into the pits to prepare for the final round of the 3 race competition. By evening, the grand stands contained many eager faces ready for the conclusion of the chase. Hot laps for the final race were punctuated by the dramatic failure of Joe Pike’s back-up car, which burst into flames in turn four. After some moments of heart stopping drama, Joe was extracted from the flaming car, with a disappointing conclusion to his day. The Legends field returned to pits to await the final race while the field of Thunderstocks began their allowed open practice. The field of 8 began their feature fast and loud. Rivalry from last year was not forgotten as EXCO and Carpenter battled for supremacy. During the first laps of the race, Kulp’s steering wheel came loose and the car smashed the wall in turn four, bursting into flames. Again, the RP Safety crew came quickly to the rescue and Kulp sustained only minor injuries, not so much the car, ending his night. At the conclusion of the race, the field had slimmed to 6. Jerry McMasters beat Dennis Carpenter at the finish line but not preventing Mr. Carpenter from pinning McMasters in turn one and crushing him against the wall. As McMasters flew out of his car, fear for his safety was derailed by fear for the safety of Mr. Carpenter. However, McMasters was contained by track personnel before harm to Carpenter occurred. The Thunderstocks were scraped off of the track and everyone took a deep breath before the Legends cars. As the green flag opened the last race of the night, the remaining Legends rolled onto the track. Again, the pushing, shoving and spinning created a host of cautions, the most dramatic of which involving a 5 car pile-up in turn 2. Justice Wrecker shuttled the #05 Tiffany Hemphill car off of the track. The others dusted off, the track was

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

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Revolutionary Technology Hearing Aids and Smart Phone Technology at Audibel the Hearing Center

UDIBEL THE HEARING CENTER IS EXCITED TO announce that it is one of the first to offer Audibel® A3i™, a Made for iPhone® hearing aid, engineered to be compatible with iPhone, iPad® and iPod touch®. The A3i hearing aid gives the more than 26 million Americans with untreated hearing loss a new, discreet option that seamlessly connects with some of the most popular electronic devices available. A3i combines Audibel’s superior hearing aid technology with iOS to deliver a revolutionary new hearing solution that makes every aspect of life better – from conversations to phone calls to listening to music. It connects with the TruLink™ Hearing Control app, which is available as a free download in the App StoreSM.

Together, A3i and TruLink, when paired with an iOS device, deliver the most personalized hearing experience ever and are designed to: • Stream calls, FaceTime®, music and more from your iPhone directly to your hearing aids through a Bluetooth® connection. • Allow you to use your iPhone to control your hearing aids’ volume and settings. • Personalize sound settings to any environment and geotag that specific memory. • Deliver pristine sound and exceptional listening clarity. • Help you hear comfortably in noise.

In addition to seamless integration with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, A3i hearing aids are also stand-alone hearing aids packed with Audibel’s best-in-class performance features including feedback cancellation, adaptive noise management and directionality. For more information about A3i and TruLink, visit TruLinkHearing.com.

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WE CAN HELP! A simple hearing test and video otoscopy can answer a lot of questions about your hearing. We will have a consultation about options to get you on the right track to improve your speech understanding and to make listening in group situations less fatiguing and more enjoyable. We will discuss technologies and fitting options to best fit your lifestyle and budget. The sooner we can get you started with your Aural Rehab, the sooner you will start enjoying those soft sounds.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Our mission is to bring understanding among people through hearing care by focusing on awareness, education, protection and treatment, So the World May Hear! At Audibel The Hearing Center, we care about your well-being and the lives of the less fortunate around the world. As a proud supporter of The Starkey Hearing Foundation’s “So The World May Hear” program, we are changing lives through the gift of hearing. Your support through the purchase of Audibel Instruments and your donation and trade in of any model hearing aids goes to the foundation’s programs to provide hearing instruments to children in the most remote and poverty stricken regions of the world. ABOUT US Audibel The Hearing Center is Northeast Louisiana’s Audibel dispenser. Cherry Phillips “The Hearing Lady” has been serving this area for over 25 years. We offer free hearing screenings, free second opinions, extended warranties and repairs on all makes and brands of hearing aids. You can find out more by visiting our website www.AudibelMonroe.com and you can see more and like us on Facebook.com/AudibelMonroe.

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The Power from Within Human Connection is Key to Good Mental Well-Being

BY BEATRICE A. TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

OHN LENNON SAID, “YOU MAY SAY I’M A DREAMER, BUT I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” Perhaps my dream of ”joining” with everyone will someday be realized. Perhaps, I am a dreamer. I believe there is something about everyone that can be connected …I seek human connection because it feels good! Human connection is like magic. Connection is life itself. It is soulful and meaningful. It is uplifting. To connect is to love, understand, listen, observe, appreciate and value. Where there is connection, there is power. Connections Connect. The power of human connection was evident at a recent professional conference held in Hawaii. Attendees, therapists from the United States and numerous countries, gathered for several days to discuss elements of human behavior. These therapists were friends, colleagues, students, peers and researchers coming together to address the status of mental health. While waiting for a session to begin, I watched the conference attendees as they met each other, some for the first time in months and some for the first time in years. There was interaction, joining, bonding, positive energy; there was connection. Hugs were offered, laughter was heard, business cards were exchanged, eye contact was made and stories were shared. These interactions exemplify the importance of connections for mental health. Human connection is key to good mental health. Humans are by nature social beings with an emotional need for relationships and positive connections to others. People connect around good times as well as bad times. Consider times of adversity and the connections that develop. The spirit of human connection has healing power which can result in your feeling better. Connection occurs in numerous and various ways. Some believe increased technology has increased connection. Others question the quality of the connection. For some, connection is the sharing of thoughts, feelings and ideas.

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For others, connections are nurturing relationships in which support is given and received. The potential to be connected exists, and yet our own subjective perspectives can hamper a connection. Simply stated, when it comes to well-being, people matter. One of the most rewarding aspects of therapy and life is human connection. As a dreamer who happens to be a therapist, my intent is to see the world through others’ eyes as an attempt to understand their perspective. My desire is to have a common connection. Therapy is about connection to self, to others, to ideas and to the world around us. Therapy is about an emotional connection with self to overcome challenges, to address issues, to problem solve, to make decisions and to find solutions. Emotional connection can lead to engagement, promising careers, stronger relationships, greater family ties and positive self-esteem. Evidence shows that good relationships with family, friends and the wider community are important for mental well-being. This dreamer dreams of human connections. This dreamer invites you to reflect on your connections big and small, old and new, personal or in passing. Connect with the people around you…your family, friends, colleagues, teammates, neighbors or schoolmates. Go ahead and get a life lift, connect and reconnect for mental wellbeing. In Hawaii there is a saying “heart to heart.“ When hugging, you place the area of your heart to the area of the heart of the other person. A gesture symbolic of opening your heart and soul…in essence a human connection, a power from within. For more information on counseling and outreach services contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 414, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 23

Cedar Creek Celebration

It was a packed house – record attendance, actually – at Cedar Creek’s annual Spring fundraiser, “Chillin’ and Grillin’ at the Creek” held April 4 at the Ruston Civic Center. Cedar Creek School parents and volunteers spent countless hours preparing for the fun night that included a barbeque cook off, music from the band Hands Down and both a live and silent auction. Guests came away with dozens of exceptional items from the auctions. More than 80 items were featured in the silent bidding, which included fine gifts, specialty items and artwork from area retailers and other businesses. More than 32 live auction items were up for bid. Some of the work included a bound photo memory book of ninth graders, “Creekopoly,” a Pre-K picnic table and quilts. The proceeds will be used to kick off the school’s capital campaign, which will include improvements to current facilities and construction of new classrooms. Without the generosity of our many volunteers and donors, the fundraiser would not have been as successful. Thanks to the following silent and live auction donors, whose generosity made Celebration 2014 an overwhelming success: All That Jazz, Amy Marcus, Learning Rx , Arby's, Barnes, Beasley Photography, Beau Monde Boutique, Ben Christmas, Bernice Pharmacy, Builders Supply, Bulldog Athletics, Cedar Creek Athletics, Cedar Creek Faculty and Staff, Cedar Creek Spirit Groups, Celebrity Theatre, Celebutante, Cindy Hockenjos, Classic Designs, Connie Howard, Counter Culture, Dallas Darlings, Denise Stinson - Cooking Ya-Ya, Dowling's Smokehouse, Emily Pullin, Eskamoe's, Everything Artsy, Fox's Pizza, Frame Up, Julie & Mark Graham, Green Clinic Aesthetics, Green Long, Wood Imaginations, Head Start Driving, Mr. and Mrs. John Hood, Hot Rod BBQ, J. Hilburn , Julie Shirley, Jim Taylor Ford, Katie Hall - Hall of Hoops, Kay Prince, Kelly Moore Bag, La Bella Salon, Lagniappe Embroidery, Landry's Market Place, Lauren Roebuck Designs, Lewis Boutique, Lincoln Outdoor Living, Log Cabin, L Tech Nails, Lusiana Traditions, Maxwell's Marketplace, Sharla McClusky, McKinney Honda, National Jewelry, Northside Furniture, Official Store, On Time Feeders, O’Neal Feed and Seed, O'Neal Gas, Patton's, Pearlie Sue and Company, Lee Ann McDonald, Penny Per-

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fect, Petite Paws, Pizza Inn, Pontchatoulas, Portico, Portraits Plus, Power House, Regal Nails, Rocket Fast Car Wash, Rodeo Boutique, Roma’s, Rustiques, Ruston Animal Clinic, Ruston Body Works, Ruston Cleaners, Ruston Tractor, Salon 4160, Dr. and Mrs. Billy Smith, Soap Opera, Social Bites, Spring Creek Shooting, Squire Creek, Super One, T.P.Outdoors, Teriyaki Grill, The Avenue, The Cleaners, The Cottage, The Fabric Shop, The Fashion, The Pewter Company, The Spotted Giraffe, The Zone, Thirty One Gifts, Laurie Robbins, Thomas Nursery, TOTS , Townsend House, Trey's Lawn Service, Two Crazy Girls, Visual Difference, Walpole Tire, Dr. and Mrs. Addison Ward, Zija Products- Brittany & TJ Soto, Project Chairs:, Alice Byrnes, Jenn Black, Ashley Thomas, Melissa Salter, Eric Sutherland, Olitsa Robbins, Garson Woodard, Jill Menzina, Jennifer Riley, Nicole Kitishian, Laundi Williams, Tonya Slusher, Candi Moak, Laurie Robbins, Eugenea Howard, Jennifer Farrar, Angie Rasberry, Staci Stucki, Diane Futch and Linda Pardue.

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Cedar Creek School seeks to provide a superior college preparatory educational experience to students in North Central Louisiana based on the highest standards of academic excellence and personal conduct.

On the BayouScene

1 Michelle and Andy McIntyre 2 Dr. David and Christine Osafo 3 Donnie Barmore with Chris and Shondra Gray 4 Steve and Emily Gatlin, Julie and Matt Shirley 5 The winning cook-oﬀ team, the Tailgaters

Balloon Sinuplasty™

The New Minimally Invasive Procedure for Treating Chronic Sinusitis

INUSITIS IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CHRONIC health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year with symptoms like congestion, fatigue, headache and facial pain. About 12% of Americans under age 45 have symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Here in Louisiana, the number is exceptionally high due to higher pollen counts and year-round humidity. Living with chronic sinusitis can be a full-time struggle. Sufferers often depend on allergy medications, nasal steroids and over the counter pain relievers for sinus headaches to make it through the day. Trouble with sleeping and sleep apnea are common problems because of difficulties with breathing through nose. Recurring sinus infections, often as many as 4 per year, cause missed work and significantly impact the ability to enjoy regular activities. Now available at Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat, Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation and pain outside of the operating room and without general anesthesia. Performed by Brent Metts, MD, PhD, it delivers all the benefits of conventional sinus surgery without the bleeding, pain and prolonged recovery time. Most patients feel immediate relief following the procedure and are able to walk out of the office and work without restriction the next day. Until recently, the only surgical option available to correct chronic sinusitis has been standard endoscopic sinus surgery, where bone and tissue are cut and removed from the nasal passages to open obstructed sinuses and promote drainage. This more traditional procedure is usually associated with moderate pain, bleeding and a 7-10 day recovery time. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is designed to open blocked sinuses without removal of tissue or bone from the nasal passages. Dr. Metts passes a small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostril and into the blocked sinus. When the balloon is inflated, it gently reshapes and expands the sinus’ natural drainage pathway to permanently

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restore normal sinus function. A typical procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. Following the procedure, patients experience less facial pain and improved sleep, use less antibiotics and are able to perform day-to-day activities at home and work.

ABOUT DR. METTS: Dr. Metts provides adult and pediatric patients with a full range of ENT services. His training began in a M.D, Ph.D. combined training program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and earned a fellowship in Endocrine – Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia. He was also a member of the teaching staff at Children’s Medical Center in Augusta, GA. Dr. Metts is one of the few surgeons in the nation who is fellowship trained in “minimally invasive” and “endoscopic-assisted” thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. For decades, these were inpatient procedures involving large incisions, extensive tissue trauma and scarring. This procedure is now performed by Dr. Metts on an outpatient basis, with a small incision, much less tissue trauma, less pain, a quicker recovery time and little or no noticeable scarring. In addition, Dr. Metts has a Ph.D. in Vestibular Neuroscience. Combined with his medical training in ENT, he specializes in the evaluation of patients with dizziness and equilibrium issues. Dr. Metts also provides treatment of sinus and thyroid disease, hearing loss, voice care, sleep apnea and dysphagia. Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat is located in the Glenwood Medical Mall at 102 Thomas Road, Suite 202, in West Monroe. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metts, call 318-329-8458. Office hours from 8:00am to 5:00pm (M-F). Most insurances are accepted.

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 27

Hooks, Line and Sinker by Kenny Covington

atching fish is the

ultimate goal of each angler. We get caught up in favorite lures, secret areas and hidden hotspots so much that we often times forget the simplest items of the fish catching equation. Fishing kept simple is usually when fishing is the most fun. HOOKS

Fishhooks have come a long way since I caught my first bass over 40 years ago. If you were to go look into our local tackle stores or shop online the choices are endless to the brands, styles and varieties of fishhooks for every angling scenario you can think of. Our topwaters and crankbaits are now produced with hooks that are effective when used straight from the package. While the quality of some may not be top notch they are still better than what we used years ago. The materials now are much better and even a questionable hook can be made razor sharp with a few seconds with a good hook file. At one time, bass fisherman would buy molds and create their own jigs and spinnerbaits, because the hooks that came in the factory-created lures were substandard. Now, the need to build your own lures is more out of creativity than need. Even though you pay more

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for the product, the hooks are of the best quality and razor sharp. Hooks for plastic worms and other soft plastics have improved dramatically as well. Gamakatsu, Owner, Eagle Claw and Mustad are the more popular fishhook companies. While each company makes an excellent product, reputation being what it is, Gamakatsu is arguably the more popular choice by fishermen. When choosing your hooks for fishing soft plastics for bass, the biggest mistake I see being made is the hook being used doesn’t fit the application it is being used for. Make sure the size of the hook matches the size of the plastic being used. 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 are the more popular sizes, but each has its place. For bigger soft plastics such as a 10 inch plastic worm or most creature baits, a 4/0 hook is usually a good choice. When fishing a smaller creature bait or plastic worm, 2/0 or 3/0 hooks are the standard size. The only time I use a 1/0 hook is when I am Texas rigging small finesse worms or if I am drop-shotting and need to rig my lure weedless.

LINES

The importance of fishing line can’t be argued, since it is your connection to the fish. Fishing lines have been around for hundreds of years, and today there are several to choose from. Because monofilament, braided lines and fluorocarbon are in abundance, it can get confusing as to which ones to use for different situations. If I had to choose one line to introduce

someone to bass fishing, it would be 15 lb. Berkeley Big Game green monofilament. This is a very good all-around fishing line. It’s tough, durable, manageable and, best of all, it is cost friendly. I can use it for throwing most topwater lures, fishing a Texas rigged plastic worm, and throwing a variety of crankbaits and spinnerbaits with equal effectiveness. Is 15 lb. line the answer to all of the monofilament needs of a fisherman? No, but it is a great starting point for a beginning angler or for the casual fisherman. Other good choices in mono fishing line are P Lines 12 lb. moss green CXX and Trilene XT green 14 lb. lines. Both lines are good for a variety of applications and are effective for most fishing techniques. Remember, we are trying to keep a simple approach to a sport that can easily become overwhelmingly complex. Braided and fluorocarbon lines are more specialized in their usage. Braid is used for such applications of fishing frogs or flipping heavy cover while fluorocarbon is mainly used in light line and clear water applications. Both have their advantages in their technique-specific areas; however, they are limited in their overall effectiveness.

SINKERS

One of the major changes in the fishing industry in the past few years has been the introduction of tungsten weights. While lead sinkers are still quite popular among fishermen, the tournament anglers have realized their fish catching ratio when using tungsten over lead is much better. Tungsten allows a fisherman to have more feel of the bottom contour and cover which in turn gives a better feel for the action of the lure. More importantly tungsten sinkers also allow for a better hook up ratio due to the smaller size of the sinker being pulled thru the fishes mouth on a fisherman’s hook set which actually allows the hook to penetrate easier. As you can see, even basic things like hook, line and sinker can be quite a challenge when it comes to deciding what’s what. Hopefully the information provided above will make things a bit easier for you. Please be careful on the water and catch one for me! See you next month!

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 29

BayouKidZ

Throw Back Thursday I

A Mother’s Day Tribute by Cindy Gist Foust

’VE GOT A STORY FOR MY READERS. Hang on, cause it's TBT also known as "Throw Back Thursday." When I write this month's column…TBT, is of course, a common indulgence among social media enthusiasts. For those of you, like myself, that have to get their eight-year-old to show them how to use their phone or are still stuck in the rotary dial era, let me interpret TBT and explain that if you live in the social media world, and it's a Thursday, you are supposed to "throw back" to a time and a place of special interest. That being said, I am "throwing back" to circa 1994, when my mom had to convince me, well, bribe me actually with a dress from Field's, to go to my 10-year high school reunion. Yes, this writer had chosen to abstain from attending an event that I perceived to be equivalent to a root canal. I was convinced that if I went to this reunion, everyone there would be married and have children and at this particular juncture of my life, I had essentially sworn off the notion of ever getting married or having children. Oh, the reasons are too many to name, unless my friends at BayouLife will let me have the entire magazine to explain the marriage moratorium that I had placed on myself. But since my column has a word limit, let me just say that due to a series of unfortunate events in my early twenties, primarily the loss of my beloved sister, Angel, in a car accident, plus my inability to find "the one," I had made 30 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

the rather critical decision to just devote myself to…well, myself. Yes, it was going to just be me, myself and I, without a man and without children. And then my mom made me do it. She bought me a dress from Field's, carefully selected by the late Morris Blumenthal, and sent me to my high school reunion. It was there that I would run into someone, whom I had quite commonly referred to as a "mow-ron" in high school. This "mow-ron" as it turns out, wasn't really a "mow-ron" at all, in fact, he was just the opposite and with his sweet talking ways, he swept me off my feet and a little over a year later, we were married. Now, here we are once again, at this BayouLife juncture with the question…how will this writer connect the proverbial dots again this month by starting with a "Throw Back Thursday," blowing into a dress from Field’s and morphing into the story of my wedding, without boring my readers into a Rip Van Winkle stupor? Just give me a minute to connect these dots with my own admission that were it not for that dress from Field’s, that fateful 10-year class reunion and my husband's determination to "stalk" me until I had lunch with him, I might never have realized that swearing off "motherhood" would have been a grave and unfortunate decision on my part. For you see, sometime, shortly after we said "I do," something in me decided that perhaps "I might" want to have a

child. I'm not sure how many of my readers are mothers, but I suspect the number is pretty high, and if you are sitting out there reading this calamity of a column, you know exactly what I mean when I say that you remember where you were when you realized that being a good mother is one of the single most important things you can do as a woman. Yes, contrary to my original thoughts on motherhood, the moment they handed me my little boy, nearly four years after my reunion, my entire universe turned inside out (I know that sounds very Lifetime the Channel for Women hokey, but it's true, nevertheless.) Wait a minute…did someone just stop the clock? Suck the wind out of the room? In one minute there was you, and in the next minute there are two (Dr. Seuss lives). I think the question at this point, is it even possible to be adequately prepared for motherhood, or for the love that takes over every molecule in your body? The answer is “no.” Is it even possible to imagine what was important in your life prior to your baby? The answer is “no.” Is it even possible to imagine what your life would be like without this new life that has been gifted to you? The answer is “no.” The one thing, however, that you can answer “yes” to, is that motherhood does change your life, irrevocably, and for the better. After you come out of your sleep deprived state of delirium, you are jolted with the knowledge that

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1. Children’s Shoppe 2. Moss Eye Care 3. Parterre 4. The Muﬃn Tin 5. Diamond Vault 6. Serendipity Designer Jewelry 7. Beau Monde 8. Flair Fine Jewelers 9. Mr. P’s Tees 10. Hollis & Company 11. Pearl Pumphrey’s 12. HerringStone’s 13. Woodstock Furniture Revival 14. K-Sera Boutique 15. The Pewter Company 16. Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique 17. Fabulous Fabrics 18. M.D. Minerals 19. Avenue Shoes 20. Haik Humble Eye Care 21. Thurman’s Food Factory & GIfts 22. Merle Norman of Ruston 23. Debbie’s Hallmark 24. Fiesta Nutrition Center 25. Material Things 26. Hemline 27. The Attic

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 33

Cooley House Lecture

Preservationist Patricia Gay Featured Speaker for Cooley House Lecture Series

atricia Gay, Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, will present a lecture on preservation as part of the Cooley House Lecture Series. Her talk, which is free and open to the public, will be given on Thursday, May 29th, at 6:00 pm at the Ouachita Grand Plaza auditorium (501 South Grand Street). Gay’s passion for preservation has been the cornerstone of her public life. Even before becoming Executive Director, Gay was an active volunteer for the citywide non-profit preservation organization. An enthusiastic advocate for promoting the preservation of both historic architecture and neighborhoods, Gay sees these as companion projects that together drive economic development and an improved quality of life. An important voice at the local, state and federal levels, Gay supports preservation legislation protecting historic resources, providing incentives and promoting neighborhood

revitalization. An author and frequent guest speaker, she is internationally recognized for her expertise. Twice she has been sponsored by the State Department to address preservation in Indonesia. Gay has served on the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, International Council on Monuments and Sites, Presidential Roundtable on Preservation and Neighborhoods and the State Tourism Development Commission. Following Gay’s lecture, the Cooley House Foundation will host its annual fundraiser. This year’s “Garden Gala” will be held on the lawns of the 1924 Gilbert Brian Cooley house at 1011 South Grand. Tickets are $50 per person, and may be purchased at the Masur Museum front desk at 1400 South Grand in Monroe. The gala will be a “step

back in time” as guests enjoy the hospitality of the Cooley’s of yesteryear. Highlights of the evening include tours of the renovated fountain area, Cooley house interiors and a steamboat exhibit curated by Lestar Martin assisted by Jean Huenefeld. Even the refreshments for the affair will be follow the theme featuring delicacies from the 1920s and ‘30s including champagne and strawberries, glazed baked salmon and a gourmet brownie bar with liqueurs and coffee. The Cooley House Lecture Series is made possible through an endowment by the Family of Gregory P. Stone. Stone’s widow, Jorenda, and his brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Kathy, underwrote the first year and established an endowment fund for future speakers.

Excellence BayouKidz In Art Continued from page 16

still keeps me inspired and excited in my career today. I have a great affection for Mrs. Sharp and the gifts she gave me at a young age.” Christie Bennett Jones (Art teacher, Monroe City Schools) – “Mrs. Sharp influenced me so strongly I decided to join her as an art educator. No matter your skill level or talent Mrs. Sharp made all of us feel like true artists and guided us to follow our strongest areas to gain the best results. I also appreciated that learning went beyond the walls of our classroom. Mrs. Sharp provided us with opportunities to travel within our country and to other countries abroad. On these trips, we learned about the areas’ culture, history, and art. All of these wonderful things I have taken and tried to pass on to my students, often reminding myself of the hours I spent in her room and hoping that my students enjoy my class as much as I enjoyed hers.”

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Continued from page 30

someone now depends on you, for everything they need to exist; that the me, myself and I mentality will no longer cut it; that there is now a set of eyes watching every move you make (even if they are peeking under the door while you are in the bathroom or when you honk at the little old lady driving 35 on the Interstate); and suddenly, just like that, you are responsible for making this new life feel as loved and as secure as you possibly can. With that realization, am I right that you also feel a new weight or responsibility that you never thought humanly possible? Did someone just sit a Buick on your chest? Even though this new responsibility does bring many anxious moments, many worrisome days and many sleepless nights…no matter the age of your child, the reality is that all of that is far surpassed by the overwhelming love you feel for this new life that you helped create. It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest gifts from our Creator, and despite the challenges, and in the absence of a parenting handbook when you leave the hospital, the single most rewarding and fulfilling relationship a mother can have. So it is on this "Throw Back Thursday," and on the eve of Mother's Day 2014, that I sit at my computer and give thanks for my three children, for the privilege of being their mother, and for the gift of motherhood, even if it took me a while to embrace it. And that, my readers, is how you turn a black dress with unfortunate linebacker shoulder pads into a Mother's Day tribute. Stick with me…I have a few more tricks up my sleeve.

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 35

P. Allen Smith

Single Container Satisfaction Vegetables, herbs or cut flowers and a whole lot of selfesteem can come from just one container garden. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANE COLCLASURE

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` Gardening, in addition to being a means to feed yourself or beautify your yard, has an important spiritual facet often overlooked; it reminds us of our connection to the earth and it fosters mindfulness, happiness, positive self-esteem and hope. The average American spends about 8.5 hours in front of a screen per day, whether that be a computer, TV or phone, a 2009 Neilsonfunded study found. That’s a lot of screen time. Now I appreciate all the innovations of our age, yet I worry that we can all too easily lose touch with our connection to the planet, our connection to our ecosystem and our understanding of ourselves as living things. While digging in the dirt, we recover intangibles that we lose in our over-scheduled, clipped modern lives. We connect with something elemental. Science, of course, supports common sense: being surrounded by life improves our lives. Endless studies have outlined gardening’s rewards, among which are reductions in stress levels, improvements in mood and lower risks for dementia. Yet you don’t need a full-scale garden to reap the benefits of being around plants. A few containers on the patio will do. But beware, once you get started, you’ll want to keep adding. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! As you begin, consider your space. Will your new plant rest in a windowsill? Next to your chair on the patio? An array of containers can suit the style of the space and infuse it with personality. Pick a galvanized watering trough and put a few drainage holes in it for a sturdy, farm chic planter. Likewise, you can’t go wrong with classic terra cotta pots; plants thrive in the breathable material. Similarly, a half whiskey barrel is a go-to favorite. The wood and metal combination is rustic and appealing. Plus, like the aforementioned, it can work with an array of styles. Finally, experiment and make your own. Repurpose a vintage pail, wheelbarrow, watering can or whatever else strikes you into Sage, basil, and thyme – three must-have herbs for Summer and Fall dishes

a planter. Now for all of these, remember adequate drainage is key. If the planter of your choice has no holes, poke a few; plants hate having wet feet. Also remember, if you want a big pot and anticipate moving it around, get a plant platform with wheels. Another trend I’ve been fascinated with recently is planter bags. Yes, they are exactly what you envision them to be—special bags filled with soil that plants grow in. They stand, others rest against walls and a few hang. They are a durable, relatively inexpensive and practical method of gardening and are used primarily to grow produce.

A garden, complete with a climbing rose, grows in just a few containers.

Edibles Now that the container has been taken care of, pick your plant. If you want to foray into growing food in your container, start with plants you eat. If you love a tomato on your summer salad, plant tomatoes. Look for dwarf varieties for all container plants. Once you’ve planted a vegetable, consider adding a companion herb or two to the container. For example, I like to plant squash, lemon thyme and cilantro in one pot. Make sure to use a larger pot (22-inch to 24-inch), especially when combining a few plants. A raised planter box, which just means it has legs, is also a solid option. Herbs are another possibility for containers: they are easy, vigorous growers. If you plant one herb, you might as well plant an array in one container because you won’t be able to get enough. Combine rosemary, sage and thyme, which are perennial in most regions of the country, in a container with basil. Rest it in full-sun, a place where it gets 6 to 8 hours a day, for a kitchen brimming with dishes seasoned with fresh-cut herbs.

Flowers For eye-catching beauty, try a few flowers. First, consider what you want to use the flowers for and then pick the plants based on those considerations. Will the flowers be a cutting garden or more of an outdoor focal point? Think seasonal and update as the year progresses. In spring, sweet peas, pansies and violas will be showing out. When fall comes around, plant bulbs like tulips, hyacinths and daffodils for radiance the following spring. Summer blooms suited for containers include coneflowers, zinnias and dahlias. Dahlias are an impeccable flower and make for a perfect summer cutting garden. They are one of the best-keeping cut flowers. They bloom almost continually like an annual, but they can be replanted every year, or depending on the climate, be left in the ground like a perennial. Moreover, the more they are cut, the more they produce. Dwarf varieties should be planted about 2 feet apart to ensure maximum blooms. In the mild climate of Louisiana, dahlias can be left in the ground over winter. Even though in warm places it’s possible to overwinter dahlias, many choose to dig them up to plant something for winter in the container or spring flowering bulbs. Still some prefer to simply plant over the dahlias with a cool season annual like pansies.

Flowers for containers

• Asiatic Lilies - These lilies are among the easiest to grow. They require no staking, are hardy and only require well-draining soil. • Dahlias - Select a dwarf-version of these perky flowers and plant in a pot with at least a 12’’ diameter. • Dwarf Sunflowers - While their counterparts can grow up to 15’ tall, dwarf sunflowers tend to top off at 12” to 15”. • Tulips - Plant a container in the Fall for early Spring blooms. • Zinnias - These bright, cheerful annuals grow quickly in summer and bloom heavily.

P. Allen Smith P. Allen Smith is an award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert and host of two public television programs, Garden Home and Garden to Table, and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith’s Garden Style. Smith is one of America's most recognized and respected design experts, providing ideas and inspiration through multiple media venues. He is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books. Allen is also very active on social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more at www.pallensmith.com.

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 37

ESSENTIALS FOR GRADUATES BY RHEAGAN SUTTON

Learn to Manage Your Money Keep God Your Top Priority Move Out of Your Parents’ House Keep Your Resumé on Hand Explore the World Keep in Touch with Old Classmates Build New Relationships Never Stop Learning Stay Active. Join a Gym Be on the Lookout for Opportunities Never Settle for a Job Keep Your Family Close Stay in Touch with Professors Never Be Too Proud to Seek Help Volunteer! Give back to the Community Interview for as Many Jobs as Possible Accept that Rejection Will Happen Set Boundaries for Yourself Don’t Be Afraid to Move Away Listen to Your Intuition Stay Connected to Social Media for Job Opportunities Read Books to Feed Your Mind It’s Okay to Fail Always Know What is Going on in the World Have Fun and Enjoy This New Chapter

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MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 39

B AY O U

PROFILE ith titles such as instructor, assistant, operator, carpenter, superintendent and ironworker it seems that there was none more important than Director to this month’s Bayou Profile—Dr. Keith Parker. “Getting to see the students come into our school as a raw gem and leave into the industry and then return polished is what I feel is the most memorable,” stated Dr. Parker as I sat across from him at his desk. “This is all that’s left of a 26 year career,” as he points around the room to a few boxes, pictures and awards. “I have packed it all up as of today and in 30 days to the date I will be in this office and at the helm the last time.” With over thousands graduated and a couple thousand taught, it’s unique to see the sparkle still in his eye for what has been a challenging yet rewarding time. Frankly, for a moment while at his desk, I hope that he doesn’t give me the glare of disdain while pushing his glasses up that I have seen before while attending his class and being under his direction. I was fortunate to pass through the School of Construction Management while Dr. Parker was in charge and sat in several of his classes. With a reputation that preceded him, Dr. Parker was

Releasing the Reins

ULM SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR RIDES INTO SUNSET AFTER 26 YEARS OF SERVICE BY TRENT LIVINGSTON

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challenging but knew how to get the most out of his students. You seemed to always know that even though the “tough love” was there, he was only preparing you for what lay ahead in the construction industry. He knew what he was doing at that moment would more than reward him in his favorite thing, “seeing the success of graduates of the program.” “What besides the memories are you leaving with?” I asked. “A set of colleagues and peers as friends, no regrets, and white hair and beard.” “Miss or not miss?” I questioned. “I will miss the graduates coming back to visit and not miss being the disciplinarian.” Looks like where Dr. Parker is headed for the next while, he won’t have to worry about the disciplinarian part. As Dr. Parker sat in his chair, I asked, “What is the next chapter?” He smiled and replied, “Costa Rica for the next three weeks.” If you see Dr. Keith A. Parker, this month’s Bayou Profile thank him for his service and congratulate him on his next chapter which he begins writing after a much needed vacation.

Blend of the Bayou The Spring’s Premier Party and Fundraiser for the Arts

S A PERFECT SUNDAY SPRING AFTERNOON WINDS down, the crowd begins gathering for great food, jazzy music, a beautiful bayou-side outdoor setting and a lot of fun. The event can be no other than Blend of the Bayou by Men Who Cook, the annual fundraiser held each spring by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. The wildly popular activity centers around a wide array of delicious food and beverages prepared and served by prominent area professionals and businessmen who generously volunteer their time and talents for the cause. The Men Who Cook either underwrite the preparation costs of their specialties or secure funding from one of their contacts in the business community. The results of their labors are served from whimsically decorated tasting tables in a pastoral bayouside setting on Island Drive. Adding the finishing touches to a perfect afternoon is a group assembled by everyone’s favorite, Mason Granade, to provide upbeat live music for the event. Additional support is donated by area businesses, such as BancorpSouth, sponsors of the Men Who Mix, whose officers and other celebrity bartenders provide guests with their favorite libation and Community Trust Bank, sponsors of our newest addition, the Men Who Brew, a group of young professionals who are perfecting the art of home-brewing. Corporate Benefactors include CenturyLink, The Scott Foundation, First National Bank, Hixson Autoplex, Progressive Bank, Dr. Kevin Williams, Cohen & Lynch, LLC, Atmos Energy and Mulhearn Corporation, joining with our in-kind sponsors, Marsala Beverage, Cordill Propane, Lyons Speciaty, McLemore’s Garbage Service, and Ouachita Coca-Cola Bottling Company and our Media Sponsors, The Radio People, BayouLife Magazine, Mike Healey Productions and KTVE to make this event the most successful ever! This year’s Blend, scheduled for May 4, will be the 17th since the activity began in 1997 with 16 volunteer cooks and 250 guests, growing each year since with last year’s party including 70 cooks and bartenders serving over 800 guests. “You’ll see everyone you know 42 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAD ARENDER

there,” notes Arts Council CEO Tommy Usrey of the most enjoyable benefit of the event’s skyrocketing attendance numbers. “As we all know, food is a Louisiana artform, so we asked several of our friends who are some of the best cooks in the region including Bob Stratton, Jim Norris, Joey Cordill and Jim Lockhart, to join us as some of the original Men Who Cook and we were off and running and still going strong!” These men volunteer to prepare and serve their specialties and provide the funding for what they serve. “It’s really hard to believe that several of these guys, Bob Brown, Stephen Harrison, David McMillin and Ben Marshall, III, just to name a few, have been right there supporting our efforts for more than 15 years. There is a sense of camaraderie among the cooks, bartenders and brewers, that makes this such a special group. Tickets to Blend of the Bayou are now on sale and may be purchased for $50 per person at the Arts Council office in West Monroe City Hall, at Community Trust Bank locations, City Apothecary in the P&S Surgery Building and The Toggery. Or, you may be interested in something with a little more panache. Because of their popularity over the years, we will once again offer area of reserved tables for our $500 Bayou Benefactors where you can entertain 8 guests or clients with no fuss or cleanup at home. Adding some spice to the afternoon, you'll have an opportunity to acquire original artwork by some of our leading visual artists at the Bayou Gallery, so bring your checkbook and support YOUR favorite artist! Works by 25 of the area’s most prominent professional artists will on display for a silent auction during the event. For more information or to purchase tickets by credit card, call 318396-9520 or drop by the Arts Council office in West Monroe City Hall. In the unlikely event of rain, “the show must go on” as we move to the Vantage Parking Garage in downtown Monroe for more of an urban atmosphere. Good food, good drinks, good music, good friends and great art . . . the all come together at Blend of the Bayou!

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BayouOutdoors

Ruffin It

SPRING TURKEY HUNTING AT RUFFIN RANCH article by Dan Chason

fter a long weekend at the Duck Commander 500, I was joined by friends Allen Butler, William Hatten and Jason Bullock of JPS fame on a jaunt over to Eden, TX with the General Manager of Ruffin Building Systems, Jimmy Worley. We were met at the airport by the Shelton "Red" Ruffin and his wife Patsy who led us on a short drive to the Ruffin Ranch. I had high expectations as stories of giant deer and exotics which were only exceeded by the videos of our prey for this week: The Rio Grande Turkey. I have turkey hunted on a few ranches in Texas and had seen the differences displayed by these birds versus the turkeys that call Louisiana home. The Eastern Wild Turkey is a skittish animal with everything in the woods looking to eat it. They are shy, wary and if they could smell, I don't think any of them would ever leave the woods in a turkey vest. In contrast, the birds of West Texas are plentiful and a bit less wary. When I say plentiful, I mean unbelievable. I asked our resident turkey pro, Will Hatten, to take Jason, as he had never killed a Spring turkey. Truth is, neither had I, as most of my turkey hunts had ended with a bird hung up and never presenting a good opportunity. I had hunted with world champion turkey callers and with my own professional, who happens to be my son, Andy. But this trip, I wanted to achieve something on my bucket list: Harvest a turkey on my own, sink or swim. So Jason and Will went north and Allen, who volunteered to video my hunt, went south. Upon arrival, a hen ran across the road where we were let off. At least I knew there were birds in the area. Allen and I watched the truck leave with a "what do we do now" look at each other, as both of us were novice

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turkey nimrods. We talked a minute and decided to set up where the Ruffin's had put a ground blind in proximity of a deer blind. The set up was good, but I feared that we would end up having to move a lot as that was always the case in my previous adventures. I sat in the blind, and let things quiet down. I was amazed at the amount of doves in the area and looked down at the deep valley to my right and thought about the old days, days where covered wagons came down these same rocky hills towards the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. I envisioned gold miners on their trek west to the mines of California. My thoughts were interrupted with the distant sound of a gobbler. I honestly thought I was hearing things. I picked up my "Uncle Si's Mouth Call" by Flextone and gave a yelp. Instantly, the hills came alive as not one but five gobblers replied. I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. The first gobbler was close...about 200 yards and the wind was carrying my sounds towards him. I was nervous but confident, as I felt like I could call him on in. Every time I would call, all 5 would reply. It was absolutely enthralling. I started a short series of purrs and then just got quiet. About 10 minutes later, I could see the head of a hen easing through the tall grass, coming up the hill from the direction I had heard the gobble. One, two, three, then four hens came out and started working through the grass without having a clue I was there. I thought about the times where I was sitting against trees in the Tensas woods and how much my back would hurt. It was pretty nice to be comfortable and concealed in the Primos "Club" popup blind. The hens worked around me, and I decided that live decoys were much better than any call I could make. So, I just shut up. Suddenly,

I could hear the distinct "thump" of a drumming gobbler. Through the grass, I could see the signature red head as this gobbler started his dance for his group of ladies. Back and forth he worked, less than 30 yards from me. I knew he wasn't in Allen's view so I waited. Spitting, drumming and fanning just like I had seen on outdoor TV shows...but this was my first time seeing it in person. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw other movement coming down the fence line. To my amazement, here came not one but THREE gobblers. Behind them, another younger gobbler was approaching. I had called up 5 gobblers on my first attempt at calling live birds. The three coming down the fence never made a sound. They were running to the hens, but this was not to the pleasure of the strutting gobbler, who already had his hens herded. He spit, drummed and cut up until the three came within gun range. That was far enough, and I had my trophy, a 21 pound bird with a 8 inch beard. After a lot of high fives and dances that would embarrass my wife, Allen and I sat back down in our concealed hideaways. In Texas, you can harvest multiple birds on a trip (not to exceed the county limits with a state limit of 4 per season) and so far we had been in the blinds less than an hour. There was lots of time to play. I reached into my bag and retrieved my "Uncle Si Flextone Box Call" and gave it a whirl. Nothing. I waited another 10 minutes and again, hit the box call which was much louder than the mouth call. Nothing....or so I thought. It wasn't but about 10 minutes, and I detected movement to my extreme left. There he was. Another huge gobbler was easing towards the exact spot, where I had harvested my first. That was close enough, and it was over. Here I was with not one but two turkeys on the ground, and it was only 6:30. I am told this was a typical day at the 5500 acre Ruffin Ranch. After being picked up by Jimmy, I was told that Jason and Will had scored and Jason had his first bird. We took our photos and spent some time at the lodge with Mr. Red and his wife Patsy where we sat down to a great meal of hushpuppies and white perch that we had brought. Mr. Red showed us photos of world class whitetails, exotics and then to our rooms. They were roomy, clean and even boasted satellite television wired to big screen televisions. You talk about nice. I was impressed by our host, who was most non-assuming and casual about this oasis in the Hill Country. But as impressive as our hosts were, my mind will always go back to that first echoing call that returned from deep in that canyon, as I was able to notch off one more item on my bucket list. And I was surrounded by folks that made the hunt as enjoyable as any I have ever encountered. It is a place I knew I would always remember and a place I will look forward to returning to hunt. To book a hunt on the Ruffin Ranch for turkey, deer or exotics, go to www.ruffinranch.com. In my opinion, it is the best kept secret in Texas.

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Warrior’s Luau on Island

On April 12, the Island Drive home of Catherine and Collins Coon became a tropical get-away for St. Frederick’s supporters, who gathered poolside to raise funds for the high school and set the tone for Spring. The PTO Chairs for the event were Catherine Coon, Brenda Hilburn, Misty Cordell and Kathryn Wilson (lovely in a tropical print dress flown in from the Big Island for the party), who called in all their troops to make the event a rousing success. Guests were treated to a visual and culinary treat provided by Janet and Lewellyn Simon, who roasted and carved a beautifully-prepared Polynesian-style whole pig, while Thurman’s Food Factory provided a feast fit for a Hawaiian king. Sliders from Central Station’s mobile Slider Central food truck, which was parked at the entrance to the party, kept the “Aloha” vibe strong. Alan Brockman was in hilarious form, encouraging live auction bidders throughout the night. Party-goers festooned with colorful leis danced beneath the moon to the sounds of Flashback 5.

On the BayouScene

1 Fakhre and Saidi Fakhre, Ayfarah Frangieh 2 Brenda Hilburn, Chris Edwards and Shannon Glover 3 Ann Breard and Julie Weaver 4 Jason and Katherine Wilson 5 Bob and Franny Kelly 6 Bridgette and Chad Tannehill 7 Sandy Dansby and Wendy Napoli 8 Kathryn and Kevin Williams 9 Chap and Ann Breard, Dan and Emery Wood, Merion and Matt Sanderson 10 Todd and Dawn Burgess, MaryBeth and Michael Dickerson 11 Camille Barham and Misty Cordell 12 Chap Breard, Jeﬀ and Evelyn Johnson, Amy Ellender and Collins Coon 13 Jeﬀ and Meghan Foote, Hardeman Cordell, Sr. and Hardeman Cordell, Jr.

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Summer fun and learning opportunities for young people abound in the Northeast Louisiana area. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a traditional summer day camp with swimming and canoeing, or workshops exploring iFilm or Shakespeare, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for every child in the northeast Louisiana area. Check out our guide to summer camps. BY ANGELA GENUSA

BOB ALLEN DOJO KARATE CAMP June 16-20 (5-7 year olds) July 28-Aug. 1 (8-12 year olds) Karate, jujitsu, and kickboxing camp for youth age 8-13. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.noon. $125 per student, includes uniform and snacks. To register, call (318) 3489747. Deadline for June camp is June 11; deadline for July camp is July 23. BRICKS 4 KIDZ ® June 2-Aug. 1 A variety of camps for children pre-K (completed) and older, such as Super Hero Academy, Comic Creator, Brick Dynasty, Movie Making 101, Bricks 4 Girlz, Advanced Robotics Beginner, Mining and Crafting, Space Adventures, Space Adventures, and more. All camps will be held at The IDEA Place at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, 135 Wisteria St, Ruston. Each session of camp is $150 with a $25 deposit. Multiple camp and sibling discount of $15. Only one discount may be applied and is limited to the full price. Refunds on camp are issued only if cancellation is made two weeks prior; otherwise, a credit is issued. To register, contact Sarah Wages at (318) 243-4580 or visit http://www.bricks4kidz.com/louisianawestmonroe-ruston/ CAMP CH-YO-CA Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Junior 1 (ages 8-11) June 2-7 Swimming, sports, ﬁshing, games, and more keep campers busy and learning. Cost: $230. Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Day Camp 1 (5 years old-5th grade) June 3-7 Campers will enjoy the same activities as night campers, such as swimming, crafts, sports and Bible, but will go home at the end of the day. Price includes breakfast, lunch, T-shirt, and camp picture. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $155. Camp Ch-Yo-Ca High School Overnight Camp (ages 11-graduated senior) June 9-14 "A week to remember" as teens gather to make new friends, learn new skills, and grow stronger in their faith. Cost: $250. Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Middle School Overnight Camp June 16-21 (ages 11-14) Enjoy the outdoors while meeting new friends, playing new games, and learning new skills. Cost: $240

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Elementary Overnight Camp Junior 2 June 24-28 (ages 8-11) Swimming, sports, ﬁshing, games, and more keep campers busy and learning. Cost: $230 Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Day Camp 2 June 24-28 (5 years old-5th grade) Campers will enjoy the same activities as night campers, such as swimming, crafts, sports and Bible, but will go home at the end of the day. Price includes breakfast, lunch, T-shirt, and camp picture. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $155. To register, go to http://www.campchyoca.com, or call Danny Sidders at (918) 510-2956. CAMP QUALITY LOUISIANA May 31-June 6 For children who have been diagnosed with cancer in any state of treatment or remission, ages 5-18. Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. Many diﬃcult physical and emotional challenges face a child, and his or her family, when battling cancer. There is no cost for children to attend any of Camp Quality’s activities. Siblings of cancer patients may also attend on a space-available basis. To register, go to http://www.campqualityusa.org/la/Home .aspx and click on “Be A Camper.” CUB AND BOY SCOUT CAMPS Camp T.L. James Boy Scout Summer Camp June 8-14 Cub Scout Camp June 25-28 Downsville, LA Camp T.L. James is located in Union parish, and consists of approximately 1142 acres of land. Two programs unique to T. L. James are the Project C.O.P.E. and ATV safety instruction course. C.O.P.E stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, The COPE program is challenge and ropes course where scouts form a team and work together to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles. The ATV program is brand new scouts have fun riding through the multitude of trails at camp, but will also learn and the safety and maintenance of operating an ATV. (Boy Scouts only) CAMP ATTAKAPAS Boy Scout Summer Camp June 15-21 MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 53

SEEKER SPRINGS

GIRL SCOUTS

Cub Scout Camp June 22-25 Camp Attakapas in Trout, LA, in LaSalle Parish approximately 35 miles from Alexandria. Scouts enjoy programs like, archery, rifle, and shotgun instruction, as well as swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Traditional scouting activities are taught like fire building, cooking, forestry and conservation, as well as wilderness survival and pioneering skills. Cost for camps is $195 for Boy Scouts and $100 for Cub scouts. Both camps offer 40 merit badges. To register or for more information, contact the Louisiana Purchase Council at (318) 325-4634 or visit http://www.louisianapurchasecouncil.org

placed with their entire troop or adult volunteer. No tagalongs allowed. No bus transportation available. Fees are camper, $125; Program Aide, $75. Late registration fee is $25. Deadline to register: May 1. Mail registrations to: Chrystal Woodard, Summer Camp, 1700 S. Barnett Springs, Ruston, LA 71270. For more information, call (318) 325-2691.

LOUISIANA DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE STEM Summer Camp June 16-22 The week-long camp will give high-school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with science models, enjoy engineering (robotics) challenges, create digital projects, sharpen math skills, and explore cool careers. Campers will work in teams as they master STEM concepts through daily challenges, earning points towards the STEMthusiasm Award. Camp runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Louisiana Delta Community College is located at 7500 Millhaven Rd., in Monroe. Cost is $35 per student, includes tuition, materials, lunch and TShirt. To register, visit http://www.ladelta.edu. For more information, contact Jeanne Collins at (318) 362-4288 or jcollins@ladelta.edu

Session 2: July 12-18 Sunday 4:30 p.m.-Friday 7 p.m., deadline to register: June 18 Camp sessions to be held at Holiday Express, Lake D’Arbonne State Park. Tagalongs allowed on the day(s) their parent volunteers if someone volunteers to be in charge. They are not allowed to stay the night. No bus transportation available. Fee: Camper $125, Program Aide $75, Tagalong $20. Late registration fee is $25. Mail registrations to: Sarah Diﬀy, 406 Leland Pardue Road, Chatham, La. 71226. For more information, call (318) 325-2691.

GIRL SCOUTS Overnight Camp June 1-7 (check in Sunday 2-4 p.m.) Girls Can Do It: If you can dream it, you can do it! Join us in making a change in your world through service and practice to better your camp. Build your future by making memories and leaving footprints at Camp Wawbansee, 610 Girl Scout Rd., Simsboro. Each Daisy Girl Scout (maximum 12) must be accompanied by an adult female. Girls may not be 54 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

Overnight Camp Session 1: June 7-11 Every day’s a holiday. Enjoy songs, crafts, swimming, ﬁshing, canoeing and so much more while camping in luxury. Sat. 4:30 p.m.-Wed. 7 p.m., deadline to register: May 14

Specialty Day Camp June 16 -20 Girls Power Up (girls entering 4th grade and up): When girls attend this STEM-focused camp, they will build bridges, erupt volcanoes, have computer fun and top it all off with a field trip to Sci-Port Science Center in Shreveport. University of Louisiana at Monroe, Strauss Hall, Monroe, LA, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. No Tagalongs allowed. No bus transportation available except to and from Sci-Port from ULM. Fee not available at this time due to funding opportunity. Deadline to register: May 16. Late registration fee $15. Each girl will receive a Get Moving Journey book and will fulfill criteria for the Get Moving Journey Award. Mail, fax or email registrations

to: GSLPG, 102 Arkansas Ave., Monroe, LA 71201; fax: (318) 325-7903 or email: dnolan@gslpg.org. For more information, contact Katherine Stagg, (800) 960-2093, ext. 224, kstagg@gslpg.org. LOUISIANA PURCHASE GARDENS AND ZOO June 9-13: Down on the Farm (ages 4-6): Learn about our Zoo farm animals, how they are cared for, their diets, and behaviors. There are ducks and pigs, horses and cows, turkeys and chickens and more! June 16-20: Critter Twitter (ages 7-9) How do animals communicate? Vocalizations, behaviors and movements, even color changes can indicate an animal’s intentions. June 23-27: Flying High (ages 10-12) There are so many species of birds even in our own area. What is a raptor? Do all parrots imitate sounds? What is the diﬀerence between a parrot, a parakeet, a cockatoo and a cockatiel? Owls can be as small as a softball or as larger than a 3 liter bottle of soda! July 7-11: Wild Design (Girl Scouts Only) This week is for Girl Scouts, and will explore why animals look the way they do and how their bodies and anatomy are adapted for their habitats. July 14-18: Animal Wrappers (ages 4-6) Why do some animals have fur or hair, others feathers, some skin or scales? Animals are wrapped in a wide variety of packages, and they all feel diﬀerent to the touch. July 21-25: Bayou Beasts (ages 7-9) Louisiana has an incredible array of creatures from birds to mammals, reptiles to amphibians. What do an alligator and a barred owl have in common? They’re both found along the bayou, but there’s another similarity! July 28-Aug 1: Party with the Animals (ages 10-12) Do you ever get bored? You need enrichment, something to do and so do the animals. From hidden treats to toys and activities, zoo animal keepers are always ready to be creative in order to keep our animals occupied and behaving normally.

NELA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Aug 4-8: Feeding Frenzy (ages 7-9) Animal diets are all very diﬀerent: Some eat meat, some eat vegetation, some like fruit and seeds, some eat it all! Discover animals’ favorite foods. Most camps are full-day, but half-day camps may be arranged. Camps begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Early arrival, 8 a.m., and late pickup, 5 p.m., can be accommodated. Fees are: Full day (Zoo Society members) $105; full day (non members) $130; half day (members) $55, half day (non-members) $65; multiple camps or multiple family members: members, $90; non-members $115; extended care (8-9 a.m.) daily $3 weekly $10; extended care (4-5 p.m.) daily $3, weekly $10. Fees are payable by credit card, check and money order. All attendees receive a Zoo Camp T-shirt. To register, contact Kim B. Dooley at (318) 329-3308 or kim.dooley@ci.monroe.la.us. MASUR MUSEUM OF ART Adventures in Art: Ages 5-8 June 2-6 or July 8-11, 9:30 a.m.-noon Learn drawing and design skills while experimenting with a variety of materials. Students will try their hand at sculpture, drawing, painting, collage and printmaking with the Masur’s etching press. Students will tour the museum and develop art vocabulary. The goal of this session is to have fun and foster an appreciation for art. Students will create several works of art to take home! Fee: $75 nonmember/$65 member (all supplies and daily snack provided) Young Artists: Ages 9-12 June 9-13 or July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-noon Improve drawing skills and learn important drawing and painting techniques while experimenting with new media. Students will also enjoy printmaking with the Masur’s etching press! Students will get tours and hands-on experience relating to the museum’s current exhibition. Creativity and skill

CAMP QUALITY

building are the emphasis of this session. By the end of the week, students will have several works of art to bring home! Fee: $75 non-member/$65 member (all supplies and daily snack provided). To register, contact Jenny Burnham for more info at (318) 329-2237 or jenny.burnham@ci.monroe.la.us MEDCAMPS OF LOUISIANA June 1-6: Camp Little Giants (for children living with sickle cell anemia) June 8-13: Camp Rolling Thunder (for children living with spina biﬁda and orthopedic conditions) June 15-20: Camp Rough Riders (for children living with cerebral palsy) June 22-27: Camp Kandoo (for children, ages 6-12, living with developmental disabilities) June 29-July 1: Camp Busy Bees Retreat (3-day retreat for children with autism and one parent) July 6-11: Camp Smiling Suns (for children, ages 13+ living with developmental disabilities) July 13-18: Camp Easy Breeze (for children living with asthma) July 20-25: Camp Big Hearts (for children living with hearing/speech/visual impairments) July 20-25: Camp Shining Stars (for children living with epilepsy/seizure disorders) To register, call the MedCamps oﬃce or visit http://www.medcamps.org. For more information, contact Camp Director Wes Cavin at (318) 329-8405 or toll-free at (877) 282-0802 or via email at wes@medcamps.org. NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CHEER CLINIC August 4-8 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; ages 3+ $65 (early registration until July 15); $75 (day of clinic). Registration fee includes cheers, dance, arts and crafts, T-shirt, picture and daily snacks. To register, pick up registration forms available at H. Mickel Sports and Neville High School. For more information, call Sherry Stephens at (318) 381-7943.

NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BENGAL BELLE DANCE CLINIC July 28-August 1 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; ages 3+ $55 (early registration). Registration fee includes dance instructions, T-shirt and daily snacks. Dancers will learn Bengal Belles award-winning dance techniques and perform for parents and friends at the end of the week. For more information, contact Jessica Smith at (318) 450-1417 NORTHEAST LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM Every Wednesday in June and July, The Children’s Museum has Drop Off Days. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., drop off your child with a sack lunch for a super fun time. Ages 4-8. June 4: Artic Blast June 11: Pajama Party June 18: Cooking Up a Storm June 25: Rockets and Aliens July 2: Party in the USA July 9: Use Your Noodle July 16: Around the World in a Day July 23: Dog Days of Summer July 30: Heroes Among Us Also, in June and July, The Reuseum will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Come visit and make and take a summer craft (no extra charge). Fridays are Fantastic Fridays! Check Facebook and our website to see what’s happening each Friday. Fee for each week is $35 for non-members and $25 for family members. Registration is required and limited to the first 25. The fee includes snacks, supplies for all crafts and activities, museum exploration time and more. To register, contact the NELA Children's Museum at (381) 361-9611. NORTHEAST LOUISIANA SOCCER ASSOCIATION A variety of camps for ages 3 and older to be held at the CenturyLink Soccer Complex, Chennault Park, Millhaven Road, Monroe. Sign up at http://www.challengersports.com or for more inforMAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 55

mation, contact Nick Rundell, area manager Challenger Sports (469) 713-2737 or at nrundell@challengersports.com OUACHITA PARISH SHERIFF OFFICE’S CADET ACADEMY AND CSI TRAINING Youth Cadet Academy June 2-6, July 14-18; July 28-Aug. 1 (Ages 10-13) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; $50 per student. Teen Cadet Academy June 16-20 (Ages 14-18) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; $50 per student. CSI Forensic Workshop June 9-10 (Ages 14-18) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; $25 per student. Must register by May 16. Pick up an application at any city or parish school or go to opso.net. For more information, contact Deputy Sharon Bacle, (318) 410-2436 or sharon.bacle@opso.net. SEEKER SPRINGS DAY CAMPS June 9-13 Day Camp 1 (Girls and boys 1st-6th grade) June 16-20 Girls Only Day Camp (Girls 1st-6th grade, girls 3rd-6th grade can spend the night) Jun 23-27 Sports Camp (Girls and boys 1st-6th grade; same as other day camps but with sports tracks such as basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.) June 30-July 3 Boys Only Day Camp (Boys 1st-6th grade, boys 3rd-6th grade can spend the night) Four-day camp cost: $100 ($115 after May 17) July 21-25 Day Camp 2 (Girls and boys 1st-6th grade) Day camp cost: $115 ($130 after May 17) Transportation available at Hobby Lobby in WM: 7:30 a.m. pick up and 5:30 p.m. drop oﬀ ($10 per week) Overnight Camps Four-day, 3-night camp June 16-20 Girl’s Camp (Girls 3rd-6th grade) $175 ($190 after May 17) June 30-July 3 Boy’s Camp (Boys 3rd-6th grade) $150 ($165 after May 17) July 7-11 SLAM (Student Leadership and Missions) Camp for youth, 7th-12th grades 56 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

$185 ($200 after May 17) Early Bird Special for all camps ends May 27, $15 oﬀ. All camps require a non-refundable $25 deposit (applied to camp fee). For tickets, go to seekersprings.com or for more information, call (318) 249-4495. STRAUSS YOUTH ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS SYAA CenterStage Workshop Series (Six one-week camps for students age 5-12) June 9-13: SYAA’s High School Musical June 16-20: How to Stage Your Dragon June 23-27: Despicable Minion Madness July 7-11: Cinderella’s Princess Academy July 14-18: Superhero Academy July 21-25: Matilda’s Adventures on Broadway Monday-Friday from 1-4 p.m. with a parent showcase on Fridays at 5 p.m. Cost per week: $130 if pre-registered by May 30, $150 after May 30. SYAA Summer Intensive Series (Two two-week camps for older campers) May 27-June 7: Shakespeare Intensive (ages 10-18) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; public showcase: Saturday, June 7, 7 p.m. June 16-27: Musical Theatre Intensive (ages 12-18) Monday-Friday from 5-8 p.m.; public showcase Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m. Cost per camp: $145 if pre-registered by May 20, $165 after May 20. SYAA’s Film Series (ages 12-18) July 7-11: Scriptwriting for Stage and Screen, 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $80 if pre-registered by May 30, $100 after May 30 July 14-25: iFilm Camp, 9 a.m.-noon Cost: $200 if pre-registered by May 30, $220 after May 30. SYAA Bonus Workshop (ages 10-18) July 14-25: A Trip in the Tardis, 5-8 p.m. Cost: $145 if pre-registered by May 30, $165 after May 30. To register for all workshops or for more information, visit http://www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com or contact Strauss Theatre at (318) 812-7922. TIGER ROCK MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY June 9-12 Aug. 4-7 Martial arts, acrobatics, weapons classes for 713 year olds, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Campers must bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or warmed and a beverage each day. $149 including weapons. To register, call (318) 3254754 or email tigerrockmonroe@gmail.com. TRAVELER'S REST FARM 14TH ANNUAL HORSEMANSHIP CAMP Calhoun, LA June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, July 711, July 14-18, July 21-25; 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; ages 6+. Provides intensive, fun-filled equestrian instruction and experience for youth interested in horsemanship skills. The goal of the program is to enrich each camper’s ability, knowledge, and enjoyment of horses through a safe and structured environment. Campers of all horsemanship levels will be guided through a sequence of activities that are fun, build self-esteem and empower youth to work with others. Other activities include swimming and campfire games. $300 per session. To register, call Herman McGuire, (318) 644-2051, or write to P.O. Box 295, Calhoun, La., 71225. UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA-MONROE SUMMER CAMPS The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is offering a wide variety of summer camps this year that are about sharpening skills, learning and fun. These camps include sports, Lego camps, science, music and more. For a complete list of camps offered, visit http://www.ulm.edu/summercamps/. For more information, contact Katie Smith at ksmith@ulm.edu or (318) 342-1030. YMCA OF NORTHEAST LA YMCA of Northeast LA Childcare and Character Development Summer Academy June 2-Aug. 1 M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; pre-K to 6th grade. Focuses on science and math enrichment. Science experiments, arts and crafts, aerobics, character development, Friday field trips and snow cones, and more. Campers must bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or warmed and beverage each day. Camps are located at Jack Hayes Elementary School in Monroe and Ridge Avenue Baptist Church in West Monroe. Registration through May 23, $25 registration fee, $80 week. Late registration: May 24-June 6, $35 registration fee, $85 week. Clothing needs to be appropriate. To register, contact Jermand Johnson at (318) 387-9622. YMCA (318) 3662463, or email jjohnson@ymcanela.org

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 57

Lose Weight and Keep It Off for Life

Medi-Weightloss is The One That Works With Over 2.6 Million Pounds Lost Nationwide

BY DR. STEVEN MCMAHAN

HETHER YOU’RE OBESE OR JUST LOOKING TO shed a few extra pounds, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to living a long, happy life. Being overweight affects millions of Americans and can result in various conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. In Louisiana, 34.7% of adults are obese. By losing between one to two pounds per week, you can improve your health and your quality of life. At Medi-Weightloss® we teach our patients how to make healthy lifestyle changes, so they can keep the weight off for life. During the initial consultation, we will review the patient’s detailed medical history and identify factors that could affect your weight loss and overall health. A blood panel and EKG will be administered. We’ll also measure your weight, body fat percentage, determine your BMI and take other simple measurements. We prescribe an individualized weight loss program that will include a nutrition and exercise plan, supplements, vitamin-based injections and, if medically appropriate, an FDA-approved prescription. Patients visit us on a weekly basis to review progress, and we’ll make adjustments to the patient’s weight loss plan. We provide nutrition and exercise education, motivation and support every step of the way. Once patients reach their goal weight, they will transition into the wellness phase where they will learn tools to help keep the weight off. On average, patients lose 6.4 pounds the first week and 14 pounds the first month. We also offer the Medi-Weightloss® Adolescent Program specifically designed for overweight and obese adolescents ages 13-17. This program was developed by trained professionals in Pediatrics, Public Health, Bariatrics and Nutrition. Together with Dr. Mark Dollar, Dr. Byron Henry and Dr. Michael McCormick, we are proud to now offer Medi-Weightloss® at The West Monroe Family Clinic, AMC and are now open at 1900 North 7th Street. For more information or to schedule your Free Assessment, please call 318-582-1126 or visit mediweightloss.com. I look forward to helping you achieve your weight loss goals. 58 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

Instant Orthodontics

The Benefits of Cosmetic Porcelain Veneers BY DAVID FINLEY, D.D.S

Before

After

ORCELAIN VENEERS ARE ULTRA-MODERN PORCELAIN shells that are bonded directly to your own teeth to camouflage smile flaws. They can be thinner than a contact lens, yet so strong and so transformative that they have been called “Instant Orthodontics.” Cosmetic porcelain veneers can remake a crooked and uneven smile into a glamorous one...that is completely natural looking! Veneers can also: shorten teeth that are too long, lengthen teeth that are too short, re-proportion your smile, whiten and much more. There’s more? Absolutely. Veneers can actually plump out wrinkles around the mouth, taking years off your appearance – without surgery. A veneer smile make-over is convenient. Compare two office visits with 2-4 years and numerous orthodontic sessions. And braces won’t even whiten your teeth! Are veneers different from bonding? Definitely. Porcelain veneers are: • Custom-made by lab technicians • One solid piece, instead of applied layers—they won’t peel • Longer lasting and stronger—less likely to discolor • Completely natural looking Unnatural looking materials that resemble Chiclets really are a thing of the past. Porcelain veneers allow light to shine through— just like natural teeth enamel. So, be confident! Close gaps, brighten your smile and cover up flaws. Veneers could be your best cosmetic choice ever! Call us at 318-323-9303 to set up your complimentary cosmetic consultation appointment! We’ll be pleased to show you our before and after library and to answer any questions you may have. Call today!

Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8-5 and Friday 8-2. Bayou Dental Group is located at 901 North 3rd Street in Monroe. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. . MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 59

Miss Louisiana Organization

Miss Louisiana Jaden Leach Looks Back on a Memorable Year

UNE 29, 2013 IS A DAY THAT WILL BE forever engrained into my memory, which is ironic considering that the entire night is a huge blur consisting of adrenaline, excitement and utter disbelief. It is hard to believe, even ten months later, that I was given the job of Miss Louisiana. Upon my crowning, I thought I knew exactly what to expect. I knew the job would be a good mixture of fun and business, but I had no idea how amazing this year would truly be. I have been blessed to be the spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network, where I have come in contact with numerous children who, through tough times, amazed me by their consistent smiles and courage. I have traveled tens of thousands of miles to visit and speak to schools, represent the Propane Dealers of Louisiana as an advo-

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cate for clean energy, partner with CITGO as a partner of their “Fueling Good” campaign, model and promote Laundry by Shelli Segal, prove good physical health as the spokesperson for Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and many more. I have been blessed to work closely with both the Monroe/West Monroe CVB, City of Monroe, and my most favorite university, the University of Louisiana at Monroe. This year has brought forth more opportunities, events and friendships than I could have ever thought possible. Above all else, though, I can’t begin to explain how much being Miss Louisiana teaches a person about oneself. Even the most selfless and down to earth person known to man, if given the job of Miss Louisiana, would become even more humble and selfless. The

driving and communicating with different people makes you realize how blessed you truly are. Whenever things start feeling hard, I simply remind myself of that sick child in the CMN hospital or of the starving man I fed at the homeless shelter. Suddenly, nothing seems that bad. I knew that the job of Miss Louisiana was to impact others, but I had no idea how much it would impact me. This has been without a doubt the most incredible year of my entire life. Thank you for allowing me to represent you, Louisiana. I love you all!

Jaden Leach

Miss Louisiana 2013

Time is Critical

High Blood Pressure and Stroke Awareness

BY SHARON DEAR, NURSE PRACTITIONER

AY IS NATIONAL HIGH BLOOD Pressure Education and Stroke Awareness Month. Approximately 31% of adults over age 20 (67 million) suffer from high blood pressure. Fewer than half of those are considered controlled, meaning their blood pressure is above the recommended goal. Yet, there are still an estimated 5.7 million people who are unaware they have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Heart disease and stroke remain the leading killer and cause of disability in the US (CDC.gov). Most major risk factors for stroke are preventable however, 80% of Americans have at least one major risk factor which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity and dia-

Nandini Sunkireddy, MD

Sharon Dear, Nurse Practitioner

betes. These risk factors can be controlled with diet, exercise and medications. Recent guidelines for persons over age 60 is BP <150/90. Those age 30-59 with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease have a goal of <140/90. While most people would call 911 if someone were having a stroke, the majority are unaware of the signs of a stroke. Early recognition leads to early treatment and better outcomes. According to the American Heart and Stroke Associations, treatment must be given within three hours of symptom onset to be effective and have an impact on survival and quality of life. Public unawareness of stroke symptoms led to the development of the Stroke Heroes Act FAST educational tool. FAST stands for the following (CDC.gov): • Face – Face numbness or weakness,

especially on one side • Arm – Arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side of body • Speech – Slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding • Time – Time to call 9-1-1 if these signs occur suddenly or are accompanied by loss of vision, loss of balance, dizziness or the worst headache of your life - with no known cause, both sudden and severe Time is critical when dealing with blood pressure and stroke. High blood pressure left untreated damages your heart and kidneys, as well as increases your risk for stroke. A stroke left untreated can lead to death or long term disability. What can you do? It’s never too late to start fresh. Developing a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise is essential to overall health. Annual wellness exams can help identify undetected high blood pressure as well as other risk factors for stroke.

Dr. Nandini Sunkireddy and Sharon Dear are members of St. Francis Medical Group and provide care at St. Francis Primary Care-North. Patients are screened for risks and education is provided about healthy lifestyle choices to prevent disease. The clinic is currently accepting new patients. Please call (318) 966-8800 for an appointment.

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BayouBuzzworthy >

Attention music fans: Hardlucy is back! Matt Biersmith and Vince Chao have ﬁnished the band's third album, which will drop in mid-June. The album, titled "Misanthropy," is an uncompromising, eclectic selection of songs drenched in Louisiana politics and deeply personal themes: think Randy Newman with a knife. The album is dedicated to their long-time manager and friend, Albert Elias, and features artwork by Monroe native Randy Lowe. For more information and updates, follow Hardlucy's page on Facebook.

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Hardlucy Harris French Attends Is Back Leadership Forum Harris French recently returned from Washington DC as a participant in the People to People World Leadership Forum. Harris visited signiﬁcant memorials, museums and monuments during his week long stay. Along with hands-on activities, Harris had the opportunity to hear relevant professional speakers with insight on the importance for informed and inspired world leaders. People to People oﬀers students a unique blend of specialized educational, leadership, and cultural exposure while creating lifelong friendships and memories. Among the highlights of the trip for Harris were Arlington National Cemetery, Gettysburg and the U.S. Capitol.

Focusing on the Arts in Our Schools

Jesus the Good Shepherd Emphazises the Importance of Art Education

VER THE LAST DECADE, SCHOOL SYSTEMS ACROSS the United States have shifted their curriculum to focus primarily on the common core subjects of reading and math, but what about the arts? It’s widely known that arts education – both visual arts and music - benefit a child’s cognitive development, especially when it comes to the external, academic aspects of learning. Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. In fact, new research shows that not only does music improve skills in math and reading, but it promotes creativity, social development, personality adjustment and self-worth. At Jesus the Good Shepherd School, we realize the vitality of arts in a well-rounded education. Our visual art class curriculum, Meet the Masters, introduces students in grades PK4-6th grade to visual artists who have made significant impacts on the world around us. From Degas to Warhol and everyone in between, artists’ lives, techniques and inspirations are explored within age

appropriate lessons. Students complete each section of M.T.M. with not only a better understanding of the art and artist, but of the world as it was during the artist’s life and what made the particular artist important in history. Another aspect of the art curriculum at JGS is our music classes for Kindergarten – 6th grade. Mrs. Lori DiGiulian, our music teacher, is a professionally trained voice coach and instrumental musician who guides the students through various styles and genres of music. In addition, our 4th, 5th and 6th graders participate in the JGS Hand Bell Choir which performs at the school as well as occasional Sunday Masses. The importance of including art in education is obvious to anyone who tours our school. At JGS, we know that if a child is taught to “think like an artist,” their academic and personal lives can only be enriched. It’s a part of our lives, and we invite you to make it a part of yours. For more information, please consider taking one of our weekly tours which take place each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. or visit our website, www.jesusgoodshepherdschool.org.

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 63

Boots, Boogie and Blues

2014 Fashion Fusion A Huge Success

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HE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST Louisiana and the Debbie Bourg Dancers would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Fourth Annual Fashion Fusion. Community support went well beyond our expectations. The production, which was performed to a sold-out crowd, was absolutely the best yet! Thirteen area boutiques were featured as the dancers and models took the runway with high energy modeling segments fused into spectacular dance routines. A true highlight of the evening was the talented duo of Kelsey Tanner and guest performer, Zach Wilson. Everyone enjoyed a little Southern Charm with the theme of this year’s event – “Boots, Boogie and Blues.” As guests entered the main lobby of the West Monroe Convention Center, they were awed at the mannequin centerpiece, created by Clinton Downing, adorned with fresh flowers and of course a touch of denim. The main doors opened and the staging was revealed! Numerous hours of hard work were put in to create a one-of-a-kind rustic masterpiece by Above and Beyond Designs. Vintage tin and wood framed the stage and the three screens, which displayed videos and photos throughout the show. Thank you to Showcase Video Productions for bringing our show to life! Local salons and stylists, including Salon Prestige, Rain The Salon, Cathy Bone of Cosmetic Café, Tracy Frantom of Hair Solutions, Amy Grassi, Stormie, Amber Lee, Edward Morales and Kristi Shepherd, gave their time and talent to do hair and make-up for the models and dancers, giving them the experience of a professional production. It was quite amazing to see how it all came together. The weeks of rehearsing, planning and coordinating from everyone involved definitely paid off! We were truly honored to host an event showcasing the tremendous talent in our area. The Children’s Coalition, along with the dancers, models and salons, came together to create a unique way of raising awareness for those children in need. The Debbie Bourg Dancers were so thankful to be partnered with the Children’s Coalition for such a meaningful opportunity. We would especially like to thank our sponsors for helping make this event possible: Community Trust Bank, Skyjacker Suspensions, Vantage Health Plan, Helping Hands, Entergy, Salt and Pepper,Inter Mountain Management, Hulsey, Harwood and Sheridan and the Mintz Family. Featured Boutiques: Bent Oaks, Cara’s, Duck and Dressing, HerringStone’s, Hemline, J&H Boots and Jeans, K-Sera, Kim’s Kloset, Miss Persnickety Joon, Mr. P’s Tees, Rodéo, Rustic Rose and Salt and Pepper. Photos are available for viewing and/or purchasing online at stevenpalowsky.zenfolio.com

Nationally Recognized

P&S Surgical Hospital Receives Outstanding Patient Experience Award

BY LINDA HOLYFIELD, PRESIDENT AND CEO, P&S SURGICAL HOSPITAL

ACH DAY, OUR HOSPITAL STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE VERY best in patient care, so it is especially rewarding when our efforts are recognized on a national level. Most recently, P&S Surgical Hospital was named in the nation’s top 5 percent for incredible patient experience, achieving the Healthgrades 2014 Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Our hospital was recognized for “providing outstanding performance in the delivery of positive experiences for patients during their hospital stay,” according to the company. For the 2014 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, Healthgrades evaluated 3,582 hospitals that submitted patient surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, covering admissions from March 2012 – April 2013. Of these hospitals, 3,000 hospitals met additional clinical quality requirements to be considered for this Healthgrades distinction. The top 15 percent of this group—or 447 hospitals— achieved the award. P&S Surgical Hospital classified in the top 5 percent. Healthgrades, a leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, evaluated P&S Surgical Hospital’s performance as assessed by the hospital’s patients. These measures range from cleanliness and noise levels in a patient room to factors such as pain management and responsiveness to patient’s needs; the measures also include whether a patient would recommend the hospital to friends or family. We are always exploring new innovations in patient care so that our patients enjoy the best experience possible. Leaders at our hospital have implemented several quality improvement measures throughout the hospital, including a streamlined registration process. They have also created the “Hospitality Team” to assist with patient flow, provide a clean and friendly environment and to give refreshments to family members as they wait on their loved ones. In the overnight unit of the hospital, patients and their families can enjoy comfortable family sleeping chairs. Guests of the patient also receive a complimentary tray of food. I am so appreciative of our incredible physicians and medical staff who work to ensure our hospital delivers excellent healthcare to northeast Louisiana. Our national recognitions exemplify their commitment to outstanding patient satisfaction. P&S Surgical Hospital is a joint venture between St. Francis Medical Center and 55 medical specialists. MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 65

ITALIAN WITH A SOUTHERN STYLE CHEF CORY BAHR PAYS HOMAGE TO HIS GRANDMOTHER IN HIS NEWEST VENTURE, NONNA. THIS NEW RESTAURANT OFFERS CLASSIC ITALIAN DISHES WITH BAHR’S SIGNATURE SOUTHERN-STYLE. BY MARY NAPOLI / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOLI LIVAUDAIS

hef Cory Bahr has often said that his love for cooking began in his grandmother’s kitchen. For many of us, the dishes that grandmother prepared will always be the yardstick to which all other food is measured. With that in mind, he pays homage to this influential woman at his newest venture, Nonna--which translates to “grandmother” from Italian. At Nonna, the Chopped! champion offers classic Italian dishes that bear his southernstyle signature. The fare is not the Creole-Italian made popular in New Orleans; it is something new and different. Bahr successfully bridges the expansive gap between Old World Italian and North Delta cuisine in a convincing and delicious way. What could North Louisiana and Italy have in common? More than you might think. Italians are known for their laid back approach to life and penchant

for celebratory behavior. Unless you have been hiding under a rock or had the misfortune of growing up outside of the South (bless your heart), you know that in Louisiana, we love to pass a good time, and we love to take our time doing it. Both of our cultures have a fierce love of family, food and religion, and are known for our deep passions toward our own traditional cuisines. Italians and North Louisianians both take advantage of our own local agricultural resources and make use of what is fresh and in season. Need a visual aide? Put a bowl of grits next to a bowl of polenta, and there you have it. Old World Italians truly enjoy the beauty of sharing a meal with friends in a relaxed setting, and Bahr has created an atmosphere that invites guests to come and "sit a spell." The decor is an eclectic mix of Old and New World, with modern paintings and sculpted lighting juxtaMAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 67

posed against rustic farm tables. The interior dining room is stylish, yet comfortable, and the patio area is contemporary and informal, with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. The bocce ball court invites guests to interact with one another while they eat and play. "When you have two places (restaurants) in a small town, they have to be completely different from one another," says Chef and owner Cory Bahr. "Nonna in itself is Italian, with Southern roots. We express our sense of place within the North Delta in Louisiana." Family-style restaurants are easy to find in Italy, and Bahr has created a menu at Nonna that includes several menu items that are intended to be shared. Together with Chef Nick Oskoian, Bahr has crafted a beautiful offering of delightful cheeses, cured and smoked meats, antipastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas and magnificent pasta dishes that are meant to be shared by the table. Imagine yourself at your own grandmother's house, and say "pass the pasta." Pasta offerings are an eclectic mix at Nonna. There are traditional dishes, such as the 20 Layer Lasagna and the Cannelloni, or more adventurous fare, such as the Pappardelle, which features succulent, tender and slowly braised rabbit with wild mushrooms and truffle tossed in buttery pasta. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Garganelli Bolognese, classic Italian comfort food in its truest form. The dish features beautifully crafted pasta cooked al dente and covered in a traditional tomato based meat sauce. Flavorful and filling, the sauce clings to each ridge and fills each tube of the delicate pasta. This is a wonderful choice for those who long for a pasta dish that is part of the time-honored tradition. Nonna does not fail to impress when it comes to American's favorite way to eat Italian--pizza. The "Total Carnage" is a meat-loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream. Pair it with a Great Raft beer, a Mississippi-made brew that Nonna gained access to before anyone else in Louisiana. Toppings feature proscuitto, house made fennel sausage, smoked bacon, roasted pork and spicy pepperoni. Each bite is filled with carnivorous ecstasy. Although

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the smoky meats in each bite are ridiculously delicious, the pizza is worth ordering for the crust alone. It is chewy, but not too thick, and can hold the weight of the toppings without folding. The outer rim of the pizza crust is a treat in itself--crispy, salty, and slightly chewy--the perfect finish to the each flavorful slice. Italian dinners practically beg for wine, and Nonna provides a delightful mostly Italian selection. However, consider a delicious cocktail from the menu before you nosh. Nonna's bar manager, Topher Cagle, has created several drinks that incorporate the luxurious indulgences that Italy brings to mind. All mixed drinks are hand-crafted with care and with fresh fruit and flavors--there are no shortcuts taken here. The cleverly named "Rosemary's Baby" is an incredible creation. This cocktail is light, fresh and delightfully fragrant, owing to the fresh rosemary muddled with fresh grapefruit. Mixed with gin and house syrup, its’ a drink that offers complex and interesting flavors that make for an enchanting apéritif. The sweetness of the syrup offsets the bitterness of the grapefruit, but allows the citrus flavor to shine through. The rosemary-infused gin presents itself on the back of the palate, and the torched lemon rind provides depth to the citrusy flavor. Crisp and lovely, this is not an intensely flavored drink that will compete with the heavy flavors of some dishes on the menu. Try it on its own, or with a pre-pasta dish. Another experiment in lusciousness is the "St. Vitus Dance," another creation of Cagle's that offers complex, but well-balanced flavors. A Luxardo cherry is the most amazing feature of this drink, and it will spoil you forever. This is no neon-colored cherry you might find on top of a sundae. These deeply-flavored gourmet pitted cherries are candied in Marasca syrup and must be experienced to be believed. A jar of these cherries may be costly, but they are worth every penny. It seems that every cocktail created at the Nonna bar is a delicious indulgence. For anyone who has been to Italy in the warmer months, you most likely have fond memories of sipping limoncello, a century-old homemade lemon liqueur. Cagle obviously did his homework here, because this limoncello is powerfully authentic. In keeping with traditional limoncello making methods, his version requires nearly a month of prep time. The zest of lemons, traditionally Sorrento lemons, are fermented in grain alcohol until the oils are released and the liquid takes on an opaque yellow color. This process often takes several weeks. The resulting liquid is then mixed with a simple syrup and served chilled in a small glass. But please, do not let the size of the vessel fool you--this is NOT a shot. Limoncello is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. The powerful, citrusy liqueur is a perfect warm weather drink and could easily quell the heat of a summer afternoon. Even the tiniest taste provides a warmth to your throat and a smile to the lips. As at grandma’s house, Nonna encourages us to eat, converse, play and enjoy in the style of Old World Italy. Plan to take your time, and relish all the Southern-infused Italian beauty that Nonna has to offer. Now everyone in Monroe has an Italian grandmother.

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More Than Just Shipping

The UPS Store of Monroe Offers Gift Wrapping, Small Business Design Services and More

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HEN ONE THINKS OF THE UPS STORE,THEY THINK only of boxes and shipping but, we offer so much more. At The UPS Store of Monroe, we are your one-stop source for many of your small business needs. We offer a large variety of services from designer gift wrapping for that perfect gift to crating and shipping of your grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special antique dresser. Specializing in designer gift wrapping, we can make your perfect gift even more special. We are proud to offer quality design in papers and ribbons and have a large selection for your special occasion. Drop off services are available, and we will have your packages perfectly wrapped and ready for your convenient pickup. We have a full range of print services available for your personal or business needs. Our services meet the needs of a small business to the corporate client at competitive pricing and quick turnaround. We offer print services from business cards, personalized invitations and even your church bulletins. Laminating, binding and a variety of other document services are also available. Do you have a need for a personal or business mailbox where Fed Ex, UPS and other carriers can deliver to you? Unlike the post office, our mailboxes offer all customers an individual personalized mail and ship-to address, to which you can have 24-hour access. At The UPS Store, we offer many more services than the post office. We can receive, sign for and securely hold your packages for you until you are ready to pick up. Providing expert packaging, crating and shipping, we can ship just about anything to nearly anywhere. We offer business and residential pickup services and can build a custom crate just for your items, if necessary, or packing to make sure your shipment arrives safe and secure. Whether you are shipping highly sensitive electronics or museum quality artwork, moving an estate or entire office or sending family heirlooms to multiple locations or manufactured items worldwide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can depend on The UPS Store of Monroe. If you have an item to ship that is too big and bulky for you to handle, give us a call at 318.600.4728 to discuss our pick up services. We are a locally-owned and operated family business, so drop by for a visit and let us show you the services we have to offer for your personal and business needs. Located at 1800 Forsythe on the corner of 18th and Forsythe, we are open Monday - Friday from 7:30 to 6:30 and Saturday 8:00 to 1:00.

C’mon, Get LA-Z-y!

Burney’s Furniture Features La-Z-Boy Specials During the Month of May

LISA FOSS HICKS AND TONI FOSS

ID YOU KNOW THAT LA-Z-BOY FIRST INTRODUCED the recliner in 1928? Then, as now, the goal was to make people’s leisure time more recuperative... more enjoyable. It’s been decades since that first recliner was introduced, but, then, as now, La-Z-Boy has never been a company to rest on its laurels. There’s a reason that the La-Z-Boy name is arguably the most recognized in the furniture industry.. Year after year, La-Z-Boy pushes the bounds of innovation for a single purpose – to make you more comfortable. The beauty of the La-Z-Boy product line is just that... beauty (or style if you like) is built in to every single La-Z-Boy design that sits on the showroom floor.

THIS MONTH’S TREATS! It’s a great time for furniture shoppers in Monroe, because Burney’s has 3 terrific specials, all with that legendary La-Z-Boy comfort and comfortably affordable price-points in mind. Don’t let the lowprice fool you. The “Conner” is both a Rocker AND a Recliner and is one of the most feature-filled chairs available. With its comfortably wide seat and channeled bustle back, the Conner is the cure for your tired body, and of course, features La-Z-Boy’s patented reclining mechanism. YOU GET 2! The “Charlotte” is a very proper, very attractive, perfectly sized chair (only 33" wide) that will dress up any living area and give it some much-needed comfort. It sits on pointed dark brown feet and is covered in a soft, durable, chenille fabric. Plus, it’s a wall recliner, which means you can put it up to three inches from a wall and still recline fully, making it easy to decorate with. YOU GET 2! And finally, the “Beacon Hill” Sofa offers that super stylish slipcover look and is offered in a variety of custom fabrics and can be paired with matching pieces. ALL AT BURNEY’S! And remember, Burney’s is the area’s ONLY La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio, which means that Burney’s can get you ANY PIECE that LaZ-Boy makes. How’s that for convenience. All with complimentary in-home design services, plus interest free financing to fit your needs. That’s Burney’s Furniture, 3111 Louisville Avenue in Monroe.

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The Second City – 50 Years of Funny

ARCO Celebrates 60 Years with Special Entertainment from The Second City I, I AM DOUG PEDERSON, THE Offensive Coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs and NLU Alumnus. I started my football career as an Indian and have made it full circle, you could say! Having attended NLU (now ULM), I have lots of family and deep roots in northeast Louisiana---including my longtime support of ARCO, A Community Resource a nonprofit United Way Agency that provides services for babies and adults with developmental disabilities. I have been hosting the Doug Pederson Event for twelve years now, and this year’s will be one of the best! Not only are we celebrating ARCO’s Sixtieth Anniversary, but we will have special entertainment from The

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Second City! This fundraising event will be memorable, and I hope you join me in honoring ARCO’s services and individuals with developmental disabilities by attending. The event will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the West Monroe Convention Center. No plane ticket needed, you are headed to “The Second City” of Chicago-50 Years of Funny! The main event will feature a one-hour comedy skit that has been custom written for you. There will also be an improvisational part of the event that you won’t want to miss. Be prepared to laugh, folks! Then, let the fun continue with the golf tournament, which takes place on Monday,

June 23, 2014 at Calvert Crossing. This year there are two flights to choose from, AM or PM, and each golfer will receive a gift card from Titleist! Please consider becoming a sponsor. We have many levels to choose from. Or perhaps, giving an in-kind donation is a better fit. If you need a little help figuring it out or have questions, we have an awesome group of volunteers that can help. Please go to ARCO’s website for all the details and sign up today! Sincerely, Doug Pederson

Start Your Engines Continued From Page 18

cleaned up, and finally the chase concluded again with Baiden Heskett as the winner. After the points were totaled, the winner of the number one prize was Baiden Heskett #300, in 2nd place #13 Brockhouse, and in 3rd place Revolution Park’s own, Ethan McMillon. The fans were enthralled. Despite the many delays, few left until all was over. What a start to the 2014 season! Don’t miss the next exciting race, April 26th.

RACING SCHEDULE • April 26 – SPEEDFEST and Mobil 1 Night, 2014 Season Race #1, "Education Day" honoring our local educators and the RP Bandolero Drivers • May 3 – Thunder and Lightning

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• • • • • • •

Event (Saturday Day Race, Thunder and Lightening Carload Pricing) May 31 – Season Race #3 (Saturday Night Race) June 14 – (Saturday Day Race) Frank Foster Concert (Saturday Night Event) June 28 – Firecracker 50 Event for Late Models, Season Race #3 (Saturday Night Race) August 9 – Whelen, Law Enforcement and Military Night, Season Race #4 (Saturday Night Race) August 23 – Season Race #5 (Saturday Night Race) September 6 – Season Race #6 (Saturday Night Race) September 19-21 – Night Races

Andy’s Match

I would like to personally send out a heart-felt thank you to Joey Trappey and his wife Holly for their overwhelming support of Andy and our entire family! Joey has graciously opened his restaurant two consecutive years for a fundraiser for Andy. Our family has been able to use the money raised to pay many medical bills, purchase Andy's medicines and even travel to Denver to see a new doctor. Andy is now in the care of one of the best doctors in the country. Thank you, Joey, for making all of these things possible! You are such an awesome example of a selfless, giving person that is using your business to support us and our community. Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts. ~ Leslie Trahan

ZO Skin Care

Out with the Old, In with the New

BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, FACS, BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

HE RECIPE FOR GLOWING SKIN used to be pretty easy. Wash your face, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of water and don’t sleep in your make up. But skin care is not so simple anymore. And it’s big business! When was the last time you took a trip to the cosmetic counter at a big department store? Gone are the days when lipstick, make-up and perfume were the main offerings. Now you’d think you were at a medispa in a resort. There are bottles of goo that will lift, smooth, rejuvenate, remove hair and give you inner peace all at the same time. The marketing materials tout active ingredients that sound like they came from a presentation at the National Academy of Science. Products promise to utilize “aquacurrent science” to repair your DNA and stem cells to provide “cellular level cleansing” because everyone knows that just cleaning

the surface and leaving behind a bunch of dirty cells makes no sense at all. In general, over the counter products, no matter what they claim, contain a lower concentration of active ingredients than comparable prescription grade products and therefore are not as effective. Unfortunately, as most women know, they don’t always cost less. So if you are going to spend money on a skin care regimen, it makes sense to spend it on products that have ingredients with proven medical benefits at a high enough concentration to produce a noticeable result. Retin-A is a time-honored agent with proven therapeutic results. Scores of scientific studies have shown that retin-A improves fine wrinkles, increases cell turnover and reverses aging skin changes over time. That’s why I believe retin-A or one of its vitamin A derived cousins, should be the cornerstone of

any skin health and maintenance program. The original Obagi program – which I introduced to this area over fifteen years ago – was built around retin-A. It was (and still is) a good program for patients who are willing to be flexible and put up with a significant degree of initial skin irritation and redness. They also need a sense of humor to put up with the smell of the products, which is similar to my dog’s “garbage can” breath. And what about people with sensitive skin or young patients who don’t need such an aggressive regimen or people too impatient to wait for the redness to subside? Dr. Zein Obagi, the creator of the original skin care program, sold the company (and the name) and no longer has anything to do with the Obagi line. In 2007, he started a new company, ZO Medical, with an expanded line up of effective and pleasant smelling products. Retin-A is still the cornerstone of the program for patients that need a more aggressive approach. It is used in conjunction with cleansers, toners, pigment equalizers and exfoliants in much the same way as the original Obagi program, so the transition to ZO will be easy. For younger patients, gentler products that still offer the therapeutic benefits of CONTINUED ON PAGE 145

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 75

HEMLINE

Rheagan is stunning in this cut-out bikini and patterned wrap. Layer necklaces, large cuffs and these stylish laser-cut wedges for a look that can take you from the Bayou to the beach.

BEAU MONDE

Courtnee looks radiant in this ruffled top dress from Beau Monde in Ruston. Add turquoise stacked bracelets, layered necklaces and large hoops for a complete look.

HERRINGSTONES - Finding the perfect swimsuit is always a chore, but HerringStoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has a large variety to choose from. We adore this high-waisted bikini and floppy yellow hat. Add a large statement necklace, stacks of bracelets and these crotcheted platform wedges to complete this sunny look. MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 79

THE ATTIC

Courtnee looks super chic in this 70s-inspired dress with bell sleeves and a bold print. The statement necklace and hoop earrings complete the outfit.

PEARL PUMPHREY’S

Show off your wild side in these gorgeous python printed shorts from Pearl Pumphrey’s. Add a pop of color with a scoop neck top and finish the look with a metallic necklace, large hoop earrings and shredded bracelet.

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SALT & PEPPER ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE Make a splash this summer in a long printed dress from Salt & Pepper. We love the round, colorful sunglasses, stacked bracelets and statement necklace.

K-SERA

Rheagan is stunning in these high-waisted pants and flowerprinted crop top paired with nude platform wedges and large sculptural bracelet from K-Sera Boutique.

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MERLE NORMAN OF RUSTON

Rheagan is pretty in pink. This sassy tunic dress gets an modern touch with a skinny belt and metallic accents. Add a large brim hat and you are ready to hit the beach.

We Deliver... Quality Care

Morehouse General Hospital Provides Quality Care and Delivery Services For Mothers and Babies

OREHOUSE GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS PROUDLY SERVED residents of Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas since 1930. Delivering babies is one of the things that we do best. We love bringing new babies into the world at Morehouse General Hospital; and we are committed to providing quality healthcare before, during, and after birth for all of our mothers and their babies. Dr. Martin Young graduated from the University of London, in London, England. He completed a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of Boston and is a member of the Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Young has practiced for more than 30 years and in 2012 joined the medical staff at Morehouse General Hospital. He is located at 420 South Vine Street. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 283-3032 Dr. Janos Guoth graduated medical school in Hungary and relocated to the US in 1986. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Guoth has practiced in the US for more than 25

years and has been a valued member of the Morehouse General Hospital medical staff for the last 6 years. He is board certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is located at 425 South Vine Street. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 281-8555. Dr. Curtis Sanders earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport in 2000. He practiced at EA Conway in Monroe for 12 years before joining the medical staff at Morehouse General Hospital. Dr. Sanders is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is located at 618 South Washington. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 281-5035. Rachel Waller is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who has more than 10 years of experience caring for pediatric patients. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a BSN, and went on to obtain her Masters Degree from Grambling University. Rachel is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and is now a member of the Morehouse General Hospital medical staff. She is located at 420 South Vine. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 283-3032.

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Landscaping and Lawn Experts

NorthPro Landscaping and Lawn Care North Louisiana’s Property Preservation Professionals

INCE 2009, NORTHPRO LANDSCAPING

and Lawn Care has been serving the northeast Louisiana area and striving to keep their customers happy. Owner Tommy Neck has expanded his business to include seven crews, over thirty employees, and currently serves customers all over northeast Louisiana. No job is too big or too small for NorthPro, whether you are looking for help with design or maintenance. North Louisiana residents agree, as Northpro has been voted Best Lawn Care Service of the Delta over the past few years. NorthPro Landscaping and Lawncare is one of the leading full-service landscaping companies in the Monroe/West Monroe area. Our services include landscape design, land-

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scape maintenance, lawn care, hardscapes, water features, outdoor lighting and debris removal. We have experienced landscapers and guarantee clean, prompt and reliable service. Tommy Neck has always loved the outdoors. At the age of sixteen he began mowing lawns for extra money. By the time he was out of high school he had employees to help him maintain his large customer base. Tommy has a landscape horticulture license (#3747) and an irrigator contractor license (#0442). Now a family man with a wife and three boys, he balances his work life with his family life working hard to promote his business and spend time with his kids. Tommy’s creativity and business sense are assets in his thriving business. He manages NorthPro Landscaping and Lawn Care while keeping the same core val-

ues that the business was founded upon – clean, prompt, reliable service the first time and every time.

“We started with a large empty yard and not much else. Tommy Neck and the crew at NorthPro helped us develop a plan to turn our blank yard into a beautiful outdoor retreat full of inviting places to relax, play and even birdwatch! Our yard now has several interesting shady spaces we use every day. His creative mix of flowers, trees, shrubs and hardscapes transformed the way we spend our time outdoors. His crew was always professional, on time and kept us up to date with the project. Tommy called several times to inform me of the progress and ask my preferences on plants and colors. The hardscape he designed turned out better than I imagined, and the budget was exactly what he estimated. Now that the project is complete we spend more time outside than we ever have before. I get compliments on my yard at least once a week! It’s like we added on to our home, because we have so much more useful space outside. Thank you Tommy Neck and your crew for making our yard nicer than we dreamed it could be!” – Rebecca Frye

Fun and Fellowship for the Entire Family

First West to Celebrate Family Fun Day May 21st AMILY FUN DAY WILL BE A GREAT TIME OF FELLOWSHIP for First West (First Baptist Church of West Monroe). We will be celebrating the baptisms of those who have chosen to follow Christ in their life and want to make public that decision. Baptism is a first step of obedience and is a public declaration that they have chosen Christ and Christ has chosen them. This great event will include a great meal, celebrating the Lord's Supper, and the licensing to ministry of our worship leader Carey Amos. Carey is a gifted musician and a growing leader of music groups to lead out in taking the congregation on an awesome journey of worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. This day will also be a Family Fun Day! We will have inflatables and jump houses for children to enjoy the Spring weather. We will also have our student praise team, as well as our children providing some wonderful God-honoring music performances to bless all the generations of our church. This will be an amazing evening of fellowship and fun, celebrating the goodness of God in our church family's life. Bring the whole family and join us as we seek to honor God's work in the lives of those who are new to the faith and encouraging

our families to know that the family of God is growing at First West. We also want our region to know that the church is where true joy is found in a growing relationship with Christ and each other living in biblical community. We welcome all to join us for what we believe will be a memorable day in the life of the church. Encouragers will be available to help those who want to know more about faith in Christ and becoming a part of the First West family. This event will be held beginning at 5 p.m. and ending by 7:30 p.m. on May 21st in the N. 3rd Street parking lot area. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs, so you have a comfortable seat to watch your kids play and to enjoy the music provided by the students and children. Water bottles will be provided free of charge as well as an evening meal. Don't miss out on this great night! First Baptist Church of West Monroe • 311 Mill Street • West Monroe, LA 71291 • 318-322-5104 • www.firstwest.cc.

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Second Location Coming Soon

The Children’s Shoppe Announces Opening of Second Location at The Shoppes on Tower

HE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE,VOTED BEST OF THE DELTA for six consecutive years, is pleased to announce the opening of a second location located at The Shoppes on Tower, next to Orange Leaf. Warm weather is finally here and we have everything you will need to dress for any occasion! We offer a range of clothing from everyday playwear to that special event. The Children’s Shoppe has one of the largest selections of clothes for boys and girls in Northeast Louisiana. We carry clothing for girls up to size 16 and boys up to size 12. Our vast inventory includes brand names such as E. Land, Bailey Boys, Mulberribush, L’Amour shoes, Jack & Teddy, Sun & Sand Sandals, Mustard Pie and Giggle Moon. The Children’s Shoppe is a place where children can be children. Children can play in the play area while Mom shops. It is also the perfect place for moms-to-be and grandmothers to find a complete layette for a new baby. They offer a premier baby registry that helps others to select just the right gift. You can find toys and gifts that are sure to please everyone. The Children’s Shoppe carries a large selection of books, as well as educational toys for kids. The Children’s Shoppe also carries an extensive amount of baby accessories such as Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags, Swaddle Designs blankets and Caldrea baby products. They also have a large selection of bibs, burp cloths, towels and blankets. It is not unheard of for a mother to enter the store and be greeted with smiles and service from one of the helpful and knowledgeable employees. In addition to retail, the Children’s Shoppe offers a monogramming service. They are available to personalize gifts of all kinds. The friendly staff is always there to offer free gift-wrapping. The Children’s Shoppe is located at 109 North Trenton Street in Ruston and after May 1st in the Shoppes on Tower in Monroe, LA. Visit them from 9:30 – 5:30 Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:30 to 5. The Children’s Shoppe – What a specialty store should be.

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Fiesta Nutrition Center

Introducing Blue Planet Eyewear and Other Spring Essentials for the Whole Family

T’S HIGH TIME TO INTRODUCE AN INTEGRAL MEMBER of the Fiesta Nutrition Center team. Meet BLUE, a four-year-old Australian Shepherd rescue dog that belongs to our employee, Taylor. Behind the Blue Planet sunglasses are the most beautiful crystal blue eyes you’ve ever seen. Blue Planet is a new line of readers, eyeglasses and sunglasses being launched this month at Fiesta. This eco-processed eyewear is hand-crafted from recycled materials, including sustainable bamboo. The styles are so hip and the durable construction makes them a wise investment. To add “substance” to the style Blue Planet has founded the Lion’s in Sight Global Project that donates a pair for every pair sold to people in need in the USA and abroad. We feel fortunate to be in a position part to promote products from companies that are making the world a better place through generous donations and practices that preserve our environment.

BADGER OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS Badger makes certified organic and truly natural body and skincare products including sunscreens, zinc-oxide sun lotions and effective anti-bug balms and sprays. The sun-skin products offer broad-spectrum protection and are water-resistant and biodegradable. Good for the skin/bad for the bug insect and mosquito repellants are made with essential oils and contain no hidden nasty chemicals and are proven safe for baby to grandpa.

LIFEFACTORY WATER BOTTLES Go glass! These sturdy water bottles, with a handle for ease in carrying are made of shock–resistant clear glass (so you can see what’s inside) and is protected with lively-colored BPA-free material. . They are dishwasher-safe and can go from boiling to freezer without breaking. Who knew our water bottles could mean so much to us? Shop Fiesta for great gift ideas for Mom, babies and graduates. Like us on Facebook to see the latest!

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R O S E

I N

"Have you ever been to Sedona?" she asks. She's seated in a high-backed chair that makes her look much smaller than her impossibly small frame. A shock of white hair whisps across her forehead, perpetually windswept from the hours she's spent tending her flower garden, which is visible through the window beyond the patio. At 86 years old, Adele Ransom has done more than most women in her generation. She's taught for decades, raised a family and become a Rosarianâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a high honor that's rare in northeast Louisiana, where only two or three others have ever achieved this level of expertise on roses. If that weren't enough, she's known for

T H E

S U N

her volunteerism at a Who's Who list of charities and arts groups, and she served two terms on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury from 1988 to 1995. But none of that matters right now. Instead, Ransom is idly fingering the coral and fuchsia petals of a single rose in a small bud vase. This rose, the Sedona Rose, is what triggered the question in the first place. It's signature Adele Ransomâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;using roses or whatever else is handy to deflect attention away from herself and onto her conversational partner. It's a pattern she'll repeat numerous times over the following three meetings, more evidence of why she was successful in politics than it is of a good upbringing. And Adele benefits from

article by MICHAEL DEVAULT | photography by JOLI LIVAUDAIS MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 91

lice Jury. In many ways, the Poboth, traits that helped her to ingralice Jury controls the parish. They tiate herself to Monroe society when are the responsible entity for she moved here after college. drainage and road maintenance, Adele arrived in Monroe in for funding the jail and soliciting 1948, in those early post-war years federal funds from state and fedwhen agriculture boomed in the reeral agencies for major infrastrucgion. She had met her husband, Paul ture projects. The floods of 1984 Ransom, while she was attending were still fresh on Adele's mind LSU and studying for her pre-med when she picked up the banner degree. She had been a Tri-Delta at for a flood control project. LSU and had chosen to focus her The parish engineer at the studies on science. time, Don Harrison, showed "I never got to be a cheerleader," Adele the problem: when the she says. "I wasn't good enough." Chauvin Basin filled up with Instead, she applied her enerwater, the rest of northeastern gies to her studies and graduated Ouachita had nowhere to drain. with her bachelor of science degree, If there were pumps in Chauvin which she has used ever since. "It's to drain it into the Ouachita, helped me growing roses," says flooding would be less likely to Adele, who often is heard extoling occur, Harrison said. The cost of the virtues of education. "You lean the pumps ran into the millions, on it your whole life." making it unlikely the Police Jury Paul and Adele settled in northcould foot the bill itself. eastern Ouachita Parish, where Paul So, Adele turned her attention had leased 100 acres of farmland. to state and federal legislatures. Because they were just starting out, She worked contacts in the state financial resources were scarce. In House of Representatives and addition to preparing the farm for lobbied the Louisiana congresplanting, Paul took a job with Monsional delegation for funding. roe Furniture. For her part, Adele Two years later, the Police Jury began substitute teaching. After a Like the roses she tends, her life has been a broke ground on the flood conyear, she had earned enough for a trol pumps. Ransom was front down payment on a new tractor. carefully managed effort to make the most of and center, smiling. "We got a tractor and had a opportunities, to gain as much as she can from She left the Police Jury behind hundred acres of land," Adele says. the world around her, and to provide the world in 1995 and, now retired comPaul went to work in earnest. While pletely, devoted her attention to farming cotton and soybeans, he at large as much beauty and joy as possible. roses. Her back yard is evidence continued to sell furniture. By year enough that she's found success three, he took out a small loan and leased some 1,000 acres near Selman Field. It was weeds were so high in the ditches," she said. In here, too. On this bright Spring afternoon in addition to being unsightly, the weeds were April, Ransom's roses are just starting to leaf out. hard work, but it was rewarding. "He ended up, when he died, farming about choking off drainage and causing water to back Unseasonably cold weather and heavy rains have delayed their start. 3,000 acres of cotton and soybeans," Adele says. up. After a bit of research, Adele determined the "They'll be blooming in a couple of weeks," She wasn't done with working, either. She continued to substitute teach for years until, one day, responsible agency was the Police Jury, the parish she tells me. "I hope you'll come back and see she decided she would teach full-time. She re- governing body. Neighbors said they had tried them." I stumble along the way, taking in the names turned to college at Northeast Louisiana Univer- to get the Police Jury to act, but to no avail. She sity and earned a teaching certificate in science, told her husband she planned to do something of each plant, a testament to the whimsy of rose which opened the door to a career teaching junior about that. She would run for Police Jury, and she growers everywhere. There's the Double Delight, high science at Swartz and River Oaks. "I was planned to win. "I walked 4,000 houses in the which blooms red and white. The American happy when I was teaching science," Adele says. middle of July," Adele says of her first campaign. Beauty lent its name to a major motion picture a few years back. Marilyn Monroe films are a parHer students appreciated her efforts, too. "Many "It was the biggest district you could see." Adele knocked on door after door, meeting ticular feature of rose names, and in Ransom's of them are doctors today." her neighbors, then their neighbors. She didn't let yard, there's a Some Like It Hot. Ransom says She retired from teaching, had raised a family and was settling down into a new home Paul foul weather or a merciless Louisiana summer roses are a labor of love that she loves to share had built her near North Monroe Hospital. deter her goal. Ultimately, the voters rewarded with friends, family random acquaintances. Everything was beginning to wind down for the the white haired woman they'd met on their "There's nothing that makes someone happier Ransoms, or so it seemed. On a walk one day in porches. She took office that Fall and set to work. than to give them a few roses." "It's a lot you can do," Adele says of the PoI leave the Ransom home feeling that I've the late 1980s, Adele noticed something. "The

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gotten to know just a small part of Adele. But I want to visit more. So the following evening, I pick her up for a trip to ULM's performance of Into the Woods. The Director's Gala is Saturday night, and Adele is dressed for the event. She's waiting in the driveway when I pull up, wearing a faux fur vest and a royal blue tuft blouse. She's wearing the same, Sedona-red lipstick from the day before and clutching a small black handbag. When she arrive at the ULM Sculpture Garden a few minutes later, faces throughout the crowd light up. It's almost as if the entire gathering gravitates toward "Miss Adele." She shakes hands with Arts Council president Tommy Usrey and Derle Long, head of ULM’s school of Visual and Performing Arts. By the time Georgia Street finds her, she's given way to hugs. At 86, Adele is as popular as ever and showing no signs of slowing down. Following the show, she gushes about the performance. "Those young people! They were just so talented," she says of the cast. On the ride home, we discuss aspects of the performance, how this girl's acting was "superb" or that boy's voice was "amazing." Adele's been no stranger to the arts over her years, and she's ever-surprised at the steady stream of offerings available to res-

idents of the Twin Cities. Adele visits gallery crawls—especially when her son, Burg, has a new show hanging in a gallery. A wildlife photographer of some renown—he won the Convention and Visitor's Bureau photo contest last year and his work has appeared on the cover of BayouLife, Burg's best works hang in Adele's kitchen. She also has paintings by Edmund Williamson and a number of other local artists. "You have to go," Adele says, noting the variety of activities locally and regionally. Life is short, she cautions. "So enjoy good books and good music." As I walk Adele up the sidewalk to her door, Flapper rushes out to greet us. Now seven, the Wire-haired Fox Terrier is Adele's near constant companion. When she stops, Flapper's tail wags furiously. When she walks, Flapper's nose is to the ground. "She's my roommate," Adele says with a laugh. Throughout the house, there are paintings, prints and photographs of Wire-Haried Fox Terriers. In the den, by the fireplace, Adele's reading chair is decked with a pillow featuring a wirehaired fox terrier. "I saw that pillow and thought, 'Doesn't that look just like Flapper!' So I bought it, and there it sits."

Adele's life is still full, though she says she doesn't do as much as she used to, especially at night. "I don't drive at night." Even still, she's quite active. She's a member of two garden clubs and is a past president of the Monroe Garden Club. She takes part in a regular book club, too. And, whenever she's asked, she tries to continue volunteering for the various organizations she's so attached to. All of this effort was rewarded in 2011, when Nicholls State University called with an invitation. They asked Adele to travel to New Orleans for a banquet, because they had a presentation to give her. That presentation: induction into the Louisiana Center for Women and Government's Hall of Fame. The citation: for Outstanding Public Service. If Ransom has made it look easy, it's an illusion. Like the roses she tends, her life has been a carefully managed effort to make the most of opportunities, to gain as much as she can from the world around her and to provide the world at large as much beauty and joy as possible. It's fitting that roses have become her chief pursuit late in life and that she "gives them away all the time." Growing roses is not an easy task. "It's a wonderful challenge every day," Adele says.

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 93

Warriors Wear it Well

The tenth anniversary of “Warriors Wear it Well” style show and luncheon tradition featured the St. Frederick High School graduating Class of 2014. Thanks to numerous event sponsors, this year’s event was a tremendous fundraising success! The event, held at the Monroe Civic Center on Friday, March 21st, featured the school’s senior class modeling the latest clothing styles from Rustic Rose, Pearl Pumphrey’s, HerringStone’s, The Camouflage Shoppe, River Outfitters, The Toggery, J&H Boots and Jeans, King of Hearts, Anitra’s Attic, K-Sera, Rustico and Jos. A Bank.

On the BayouScene

1 Sandra Haile, Robin LaPietra and Bert Stancil 2 Nelly Elkins, Olga Trejo and Cindy Hendrix 3 Rita and Harvey Hebert 4 Sean Christian, Jon Braswell, Steve and Cathy Whipple and Holly Richard 5 Merion Sanderson, Brenda Carso and Holly Richard 6 Linda Williams, Debbie Harris and Debbie Nichols 7 Liz and Guy Farber, Anthony Trombatore and Sister Carol Shively 8 Joey Swanner, Mistie Myers, Letha Swanner and Kristen Head 9 Jeﬀerson and his mom, Ashley Manning 10 Sandra Ledbetter and Dolly McGill 11 Julie Weaver and Jan Daniels 12 Dawn and Ann Minor

Style Show Fund Raising Success

Warriors Wear It Well Showcases St. Frederick Senior Class

T. FREDERICK’S FUN-FILLED LUNCHEON AND STYLE SHOW was a fund raising success. “We have acknowledged so many special people, but we want to thank our sponsors again,” said Cathy Whipple, Warriors Wear It Well Chair.

PLATINUM Rena & Jon Braswell • Larry Dana,M.D. • Guy & Liz Farber • Evelyn & Jeff Johnson • Sherry & Eric Mahaffey

GOLD ServiceMaster Action Cleaning - Alexander • Trey Altick Foundation • Brian Bulloch M.D. • Daniels - Burgoyne Family • Jennifer & Nolan Clark • Chrissy & Darrell Evans • Nancy Fritche in honor of “The Big Guy” • Family Life Home Health • First Choice Hospice • Kristi & James Jones • Diana & Bobby Kelly - Kelly Plumbing • Amy & Ted Kincannon • Robin & Jesse LaPietra • Ashley & Wendell Manning • Lynn & James Moore • Christy & Jason Rea • St. Fred Alumni, Family & Friends • Jesus the Good Shepherd Church • Carmen & Buckshot Sims • DB Real Estate, Inc. & The Toggery • Olga & Daniel Trejo • Julie & Dewey Weaver - Inter Mountain • Jane & Sam Weems • Waterfront Grill • Cathy & Steve Whipple SILVER Community Trust Bank • Kathryn & Wilson Barham • Bershen Family • Sandra & Malcom Bishop • Lucy & Archie Neal Brown • Melanie & Sean Christian • Gastroenterology Clinic - Coon Family • Cameron Hines Co.- Dickerson Family • The Fish House - Brad & Cherry Elias • AXA Advisors - Chad Elias • Tamera & Tommy Fields • Claire Gray, Mike & Catherine Gray • Monica & Mark Guerriero • Hoyt, Highfill, & Associates • Julie & Brian Johnson • LaPietra Family • Leazel & Scott McDonald • Mulhearn Funeral Home • Progressive Bank • Regions Bank • Fabulous Fabric - Richard Family • Ryan Auto Group • Dawn & Harlan Sager • Lucy & John Shackelford • Jesus the Good Shepherd School • Janet & Lewellen Simon • Karyn & Kevin Smith • Letha & Scott Swanner

BRONZE Assurance Financial - Brodtman • Kanzadia & Briley Brothers • Lydia Bulloch • Alicia Doyle • Hernandez - Eberts • Wendy & Frank Giovingo • Pat & Frankie Joseph • Dawn Minor • Deborah & John Roa • Angie & Bernard Sager • Brockman-Shaw • Kathy & Sam Terracina • Snellings, Breard, Sartor, Inabnett & Trascher • Doll & Ken Vines • The Woman’s Clinic – Wilson Family • Courtney & Roderick Worthy

MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 95

Beautiful Bayou Lot for Sale in Monroe

Unprecendented Bayou View and More in Oliver Plantation

R. DAVID GOVENER HAS A beautiful bayou lot for sale in The Villages of Oliver Plantation. The purchaser will get the benefits of a highest end subdivision with the advantages of a large and spacious lot (1.29 acres). This lot boasts an unprecedented bayou view that captures the best of Louisiana nature with the comfort and community of a beautiful neighborhood environment. You can be away from it all in a peaceful and natural environment while at the same time being only minutes from town. The lot is unique in that it offers a little bit of everything. The view from your front door is majestic. The distant tree line frames the wide open space and will give you the feeling of living in a beautiful painting. In the backyard, the landowner will enjoy shade from the gorgeous cypress trees, huge pines and tower-

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ing oaks. The tree canopy that runs the length of the water frontage (135.73 feet) provides much needed coolness and shade from the hot Louisiana sun. There are endless hours of enjoyment that can come from viewing and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the cavernous water forest in your backyard. The bayou changes through the seasons and even each day, giving you the feeling of waking up to a new and beautiful work of art every morning. Native Blue Herons and other wildlife are awe inspiring. This is an ideal spot for those who enjoy walking, running or biking. Period street lights, underground utilities, finished streets and an active homeowners association are other advantages. It is an ideal place to raise a family or build your very own retirement resort home.

Your home value will increase instantly and retain value because of the quality and sizes of the homes adjacent to the property and the newness of the subdivision. Lot restrictions of the highest standards including a 3,000 square footage building restrictions also secure the property value of the buyer. Additionally with the expansion of Finks Hideaway Road and the increased ease of access to Highway 165 the advantages of this location become even more apparent. CenturyLink transplants and new hires will likely find this an attractive option based on proximity. If you are looking for beauty, nature, friendly responsible neighbors, ease of access,and long term property value, this lot is for you. Please call Misti Hajj of Keller Williams Realty at 318.348.5945 for more information.

Celebrating Three Years of Success

Third Anniversary Party Set for June 6-7 at Woodstock Furniture Revival E CAN’T BELIEVE OUR THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY is already here! It seems like just yesterday when we were getting everything ready for our Grand Opening. Our store and customer base has grown so much in the past three years. We have introduced new furniture and home décor lines such as, Pom Pom bedding and Moss Studio upholstered sofas. We started carrying Pom Pom almost two years ago and since then the all linen bedding line has grown tremendously! They now carry seven new colors and over five new styles of bedding. Moss Studio continues to impress our customers with their customizable sofas and chairs. You get to choose your fabric, your measurements, and which style of sofa you want. They cater to our customers’ every need! We have also expanded some of our gift lines including Lollia bath and body and Lafco home collection candles. We introduced Lollia’s new line Library of Flowers, last summer, and it has been a hit! The light floral scents and bright colorful packaging makes this line hard to resist! Lafco home collection has grown to be our customers’ favorite candle! We started carrying this line with only six

scents, and now we have 29 scents in stock; furthermore, proving these candles are simply amazing! Over the past three years, we have gotten to know our customers, which in turn helped us cater to their needs. As we continue to grow our business, our goal is to continue to satisfy our customers’ needs while also introducing new and unique lines. At Woodstock, we strive to offer a one-of-a-kind experience to our customers. Our customers know when they come in that we will help them find the special gift for someone or help them find a great piece of furniture to complement their home! So come celebrate with us for our 3 year anniversary, Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7! We will have refreshments and door prizes, along with some great deals! You won’t want to miss it! Woodstock Furniture Revival is located at 1806 North 3rd Street in Monroe. “Like” us on facebook to stay up-to-date on new merchandise and special offers! We are open Monday through Friday from 11–6 and Saturday from 11-4.

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Gifts, Home Décor and More

From a Gift for Mom or the Bride-to-Be, The Pewter Company in Ruston Has it All!

AYBE YOU’RE LOOKING FOR that perfect gift or you need the ideal serving piece for a party. Look no further than The Pewter Company in Ruston. No other store in the region stocks the selection of pewter items that can be found there. The store is a factory outlet for numerous pewter manufacturers, so their prices cannot be beat. Pewter products are more popular than ever with today’s brides. The Pewter Company’s bridal registry offers a wide selection that is sure to please. "Pewter gives the look of sterling without the upkeep or the price," store owner Connie Cline says. It is low maintenance, low cost and great looking. From cake stands, punch bowls and ladles to trays, platters, bowls and serving

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pieces, it's all to be found on their shelves. But pewter is only part of their story. The Pewter Company also stocks a full range of home products. They have table runners and linen pillows, specialty cookbooks, picture frames and original art. Trendsetting jewelry, jute bags, sunglasses and scarves satisfy the fashion enthusiast. As Connie puts it, "Our name is The Pewter Company, but we are so much more than that. We are a home décor and gift shop." The Pewter Company offers several lines of candles coupled with waxes and warmers. Swan Creek candles are poured in beautiful vintage style pots while the Orleans line of candles are inspired by the City of New Orleans and proudly display the Fleur de Lis. Popular fragrances include Orleans #9, Vieux

Carre, Citrus Sage, Olive Verbena, Natural Linen, Wedding Cake and Girls Night Out. Looking for body products? The Pewter Company is a dealer for the popular green skin care line Olivina that offers natural botanical lotions, creams, bath wash and perfumes. Choose from Olive, Lavender, Milk and Honey, Blue and more. A stroll through the aisles of The Pewter Company provides guests with a plethora of sights, scents, textures and sounds. Among the monogrammed linens, chalkboard items, stamped serving pieces and wine related gifts, visitors can immerse themselves in the enjoyable shopping environment. People come for the pewter, but they stay for the enticing atmosphere.

Perfect Your Look from Head to Toe

Boardwalk Salon and The Attic Are Your One-Stop Shop for a New Look

OARDWALK SALON IN RUSTON, Louisiana is a full service hair salon with a whole lot to offer. The salon is home to five licensed cosmetologists that are always ready to serve! Boardwalk Salon has been locally owned and operated for eight years. Located on North Monroe Street in Ruston on the boardwalk, the salon accepts walk-ins and appointments alike and is even available for late appointments. Boardwalk is proud to carry the Fleur de Vie makeup and skin care line. The makers of Fleur de Vie had an inspiration to create an incredible collection of skin care and cosmetics for women. Their simple and easy to use skin care products are plant based, full of vitamins and botanicals, and are fast and effective. They offer a variety of cosmetics that

will keep your look both trendy and classic! Energize your skin and show off your beauty with Fleur de Vie! In September 2012, Boardwalk Salon opened The Attic, a complete boutique located in the loft upstairs from the salon. The Attic carries fun and fresh clothing and jewelry, accessories, handbags and more. Between the salon and the Attic you can easily perfect your look head to toe in one day! Stop by for a new cut or color and go home with a new wardrobe! The Attic would love to announce the arrival of the Missy Robertson clothing line from Southern Fashion House. The line was created by designer/founder Stephanie Carter of Southern Fashion House. The

Spring collection appeals to working moms who want to look put together without having to put a lot of effort into it while staying modest and age-appropriate. The line is made of quality fabrics rich in color and texture with longer hemlines and shapes to flatter real women of all ages. The Attic and Boardwalk Salon are located at 106 North Monroe Street in Ruston. Their hours are Monday through Saturday and you can reach them at 318-513-9229 for appointment. Remember, they also accept walk-ins, and you can always shop while you wait! Find them on Facebook and Instagram!

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THE ART OF FAMILY Mother and daughter connect creatively. Sue and Addie Sartor share a love for art and community. ARTICLE BY MARY NAPOLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOLI LIVAUDAIS

he Sartor home on Island Drive is every bit as warm and charming as its Southern architecture implies. It is the kind of home where those who cross the threshold are welcomed not as guests, but as friends. The family inside is genuine in their love for one another and the community they feel fortunate to be a part of. Sue Sartor is a studied and accomplished artist with a successful career. She is a brunette beauty that exudes grace and elegance, but not any of the supercilious pretension that often accompanies such traits. Her husband, Walter, is an outstanding surgeon, as well as an exceptional musician who plays guitar in multiple local bands, like Code Blue and the Flatliners. Their three children inherited their parents creative genes along with their amiable dispositions and grounded nature. Adelaide, called Addie, is a sixteen-year old budding artist, with extraordinary and instinctive talent. At thirteen, Lucy is a gifted actress and performer who has a contagious smile that lights up her face and the entire room. Walt is quite the charmer, and at ten is a promising musician. The home they share brims with creative energy. The children are encouraged to explore their creative sides in the supportive and nurturing environment created by their parents. In many ways, Addie is her mother's reflection. Physically, they favor one another, with their long, dark hair, expressive eyes, and delicate hands that always seem to be reaching for something. They share many similarities, as well as an admiration of and deep appreciation for art. Their walls of their home feature paintings created by family, friends, and artists they enjoy and respect. Addie's interest in art most likely began at home, where her mother made it a habit of engaging the children in some sort of craft or art project. But it was her grammar school art teacher, Mr. Jamie Norton, who fostered inspiration in the young lady and encouraged Addie to explore her natural talent. “Norty,” as he is affectionately known by his students and most everyone who is lucky enough to cross this kind and gentle soul's path, kindled the artistic spark in Addie. In his middle school theology of art course, he motivated Addie to apply for Neville High School's tal-

ented art program, to which she was accepted for her freshman year. Addie's sincere affection for Norty is evident, and even at her young age, she realizes that his guidance is an important part of her creative journey. "That was a great haven for you," says Sue, looking at her eldest daughter. Addie nods in agreement as Sue adds, "All good things are associated with Norty's art room at Grace." Addie continues to study art as a Neville Tiger, a passion she began to focus on more intently after an injury prevented her from continuing to dance with the Bengal Belles during her sophomore year. Her talent has flourished under the guidance of her teachers Patricia Harris and Karen Medley. Her portfolio shows that she has natural ability for many mediums--pen and ink, pastels, charcoal--but when she found a paintbrush, she found her calling. Her first oil painting, a brilliantly colored still life, titled “Vibrancy,” shows incredible potential. Addie's eye for light and form is breathtaking, and her attention to detail is astounding. Recently, she presented her painting, “Blue Danube,” at ULM's High School Juried Art Show and was awarded second place overall. She was presented the Department of Art Award, a prize bestowed on the artist that the faculty has collectively chosen as most promising. The still life magnificently depicts a cup and saucer from her great grandmother's china pattern, Blue Danube. "I can see her in that painting," says her mother, contemplating her daughter's artwork as it sits nearby. "It amazes me that she can do that with such a precise level of detail. And she gets such enjoyment out of it; I admire that in her." Addie beams on the sofa next to her. "Thanks, Mom." Sue gives her daughter a tender look and earnestly replies, "You're welcome, Addie." Sue and her husband encourage their children to spread their wings just as their parents once encouraged them. Growing up on the East Coast and New England, Sue, like Addie, developed her love of art early in life at Summit High School in Summit, New Jersey under an art teacher, Harry Wilson, who encouraged his students to think “out of the box.” Sue mentions how similar Harry Wilson and Jamie Norton were as

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teachers. “Teachers can have a profound impact at such a young age," she notes. "It is just incredible.” She was a driven student and pursued her education with vigor. At Tulane, she passionately studied art history and devoted herself to studio art and oil painting. Her time in New Orleans seemed to determine her course in life, and was also the place where she was introduced to her future husband, Walter, who was in medical school at the time. As an artist, Sue gravitates toward Color Field and Abstract Expressionism. The artwork of Robert Motherwell, Cy Twombly, Helen Frankenthaler, Clifford Still, and Franz Kline resonates deeply with her and continues to provide inspiration. “I like to think of my work as atmospheric expressionism," says Sue. "Each piece expresses a certain sensibility of a feeling, time, space or place. However, there is usually no horizon line or literal play on subject 102 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

matter. The pieces are not narratives and are supposed to hit the viewer all at once...I want for the visual inexperience to be pleasurable and take the minds’ eye away. It is through the manipulation of brush stroke, contrast of mediums and play of color that helps to create this energy." ue possesses a particular talent for incorporating ethereal layers of color and shape to create harmonious compositions. She uses subtle and strong brushstrokes to create texture on the canvas and often experiments with different tones of a specific color within her work. The result is a canvas that invites the eye to travel and rest on different areas in a meditative fashion. She enjoys staining her canvas with ink pigment in the beginning stages and layering different elements--acrylics, oils, charcoal, oil bars and pastels-- to create a pleasing composition. "Although many realist artists stay away from

mixing oils and acrylics, I love what happens naturally to paint when the two interact. There is no way to imitate that reaction when they repel one another. The result is perfect for creating interest in abstract work." she explains. While she admires the still life paintings that her daughter creates, her paintings are usually more abstract or have a sense of atmospheric landscape. "My paintings usually start with a feeling or a color based on a memory. It could be reminiscent of a season or the colors I recall during summers of my childhood on the Cape," she says. "No matter where I begin, it is such a pleasurable experience. Painting is like coming home for me." "It is definitely something we bond over," the younger Sartor adds. "It such an outlet for both of us--a departure from the world." Sue does a great deal of work for commission and is represented locally by interior designer and art consultant, Tish Miller of Inside Indigo. Before marriage and children, she worked in galleries located in New York, Monte Carlo and Paris and spent a few years in fashion working for names like Calvin Klein and Escada in New York, Washington, D.C. and Dallas. While her family is her first priority, painting remains her passion, and she is well known to be a champion of local arts organizations. She generously gives her time to causes dear to her heart, and supports the arts with enthusiasm and intensity. As her children grow and begin to find their own paths in life, she plans to continue to pursue her artistic goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope I can continue to grow as an artist. Once my kids are older, I would love to do a showing in Summit, New Jersey, where I lived as a child. Some day, I would like to get involved with a nationally established gallery. I feel like there is much more ahead," says Sue. With such distinguishable talent, it is hard to imagine this artist couldn't achieve any goal she sets for herself. As for Addie, the world is hers for the taking, and the opportunities available to this lovely and deserving young woman are endless. With her sights set on liberal arts schools, such as the University of Texas, she prepares to embark upon a bright future. She plans to continue developing as an artist and to possibly study occupational therapy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also just want to be like my mom," says the teenager with candor. And in all the important ways, she already is. View more of Sue Sartor's artwork at www.suesartor.com or on her Facebook page, Susan Kelligrew Sartor Abstract Paintings. For commissioned artwork, she can be contacted at suesartor@comcast.net or art consultant Tish Miller at tishmiller63@gmail.com. MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 103

The Alley Cats The Alley Cats to Headline Doo-Wopalooza on May 3rd

he rockin' sounds of the '50s will return to Farmerville on Saturday, May 3, when The Alley Cats quartet stars in the Doo-Wopalooza at Union Christian Academy. The school and Union Arts Council are jointly presenting the event, which begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the gym located at 700 S. Main Street. The '50s-style dinner will be followed by an American Bandstand dance demonstration, and then The Alley Cats doowop performance beginning at 7 p.m. The event also will have costume contests, '50s-era cars, and door prizes. Tickets are $12 for dinner; $12 for the performance (adults); and $5 for the performance (ages 17 and under). Tickets are available at Community Trust Bank

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on Main Street, Farmerville; Marion State Bank, Farmerville; and at the school office. The award-winning Alley Cats are renowned for their lively performances with unique style and stage antics that have entertained crowds across the U.S. since 1987. They have been the opening act for Jay Leno in Las Vegas since 2007. This performance of The Alley Cats is supported by grants from the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. In addition, The Alley Cats will lead a free workshop for area singing groups and leaders at 1 p.m. on May 3, in the Union Christian Academy gym. To register or for more information on this performance, call 318-368-7570.

Signature Event

LA Tech’s Performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ouisiana Tech University’s School of the Performing Arts and Stone Theatre has announced the cast for its final production of the academic year, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Directed by Louisiana Tech’s Lallage Wall Endowed Professor and Coordinator of Theatre Cherrie Sciro, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a Signature Series event for the 25th anniversary of the School of Performing Arts. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. nightly, April 30 through May 3 in Howard Auditorium located on the corner of Dan Reneau Drive and Adams Boulevard on the Louisiana Tech campus. The cast for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” incudes Rowan Johnson (Conway, AR) as Chip Tolentino, Aaron An-

thon (Monroe, LA) as William Barfee, Kevin Keeler (Haughton, LA) as Leaf Coneybear, Jamie Robinson (Oak Grove, LA) as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Schwartzy), Ashley Davis (Covington, LA) as Marcy Park, Maddison Gilcrease (Shreveport, LA) as Olive Ostrovsky, Molly Page (Gadsden, AL) as Rona Lisa Peretti, Trey Clark (Vera, OK) as Mitch Mahoney and Paul Crook (Ruston, LA) as Douglas Panch. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” follows six students of Putnam Valley Middle School as they compete in the annual spelling bee. However, this is not the average contest as audience members will be selected to participate in the competition. With the spelling bee on, it is a fight to the finish and only one student can be v-i-c-t-

o-r-i-o-u-s! The Box Office in Howard Auditorium will open for general admission ticket purchases beginning April 16. Hours are 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday – Friday. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for youth under 14 years of age and seniors 65 and over, and $10 for students with a valid student ID. Please note that this show contains adult language and content. For more information about “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and to learn more about the School of Performing Arts Calendar of Events, please visit http://www.latech.edu/performingarts/calendar.shtml. More information on the Louisiana Tech Department of Theatre can be found at www.latechuniversitytheatre.com.

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Party 318!

Who puts the ART in pARTy? The Masur Museum of Art, of course. The Masur presented their second party in a new series of free special events for young professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s. This fun party featured delectable treats from local food vendors Nick Oskoian and Chef Cory Bahr of Nonna Restaurant, award-winning BBQ from Rhoda Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Hogwash Caboose and declicious treats from Tacos the Guero. The ever-generous Marsala Beverage provided libations for the celebration. It was a great gathering of fun, food and art â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quite the pARTy!

On the BayouScene

1 Emi Harris and Austin Bantel 2 Ben Hickey, Rene Hatten and Evie Stewart 3 Lauren and Stephan Wall 4 Austin Bantel, Joey Slaughter, Nicole Duet and Jana Giles 5 Alanna Quillen, Kaitlin Sanson and David Cawton 6 Shan Delaphous, Ashley Brown and Alexis Thomas 7 Ashley Yeldell, Andrew Hubenthal and Renata Rushing 8 LaTasha Williams, Brenathia Tenner and Naterrica Ford 9 Dr. Lane Eddleman, Daniel Echols, Meredith Beene and Justin Tarver 10 Emilie Riser, Katherine Flowers and Meredith Beene 11 Jerilyn Hickey and Alexa Hickey 12 Carol Anne Barnes and Emily Barnes 13 Susan and Dr. Marc Saad

Summer Merchandise and More Arriving Daily

Hemline Monroe Offers Swimwear, Cocktail Attire, Men’s Clothing and Much More UR FIRST FEW MONTHS HAVE been an overwhelming success and we would like to thank you for your friendship, business and support. Our Preview Party was a hit, and since then, we’ve had Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and Spring Break events at the store. We served cupcakes from Ruby’s Bakery, drinks and even gave away a free L Space swimsuit. We also participated in Fashion Fusion and had a blast. Debbie’s School of Dance puts on a great show highlighting their dancers and models from local boutiques. The best part is that all of this fun benefits a great cause, The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. We can’t wait for next year! Over the last few months we’ve become involved in the community and look forward

to participating in more community events. We are new members of the Chamber of Commerce and have supported many local schools with donation items and advertisements. Our ribbon cutting and official Grand Opening Party was held at the beginning of April and we were humbled at the turnout. Everyone enjoyed shopping, food, drinks and live music by The Flaming Asburys. We even gave away a pair of Bijoux earrings and two Hemline gift certificates! We appreciate everyone who came out to show their support at these events. We’re thankful for everyone at Holyfield Construction, and we’ve been very pleased with our partnership with them. New merchandise is arriving daily at Hemline, and we’re your one-stop shop for swimwear, casual wear, cocktail attire for

weddings, graduation and other exciting events this Spring and Summer! Remember, we have men’s clothing too! We recently added 47 Brand sports apparel for the sports fan in your home. We’re planning future events that support causes that are close to us. Being a military family and veteran-owned business, we plan to have Memorial Day and 4th of July sales and giveaways. Follow Hemline Monroe on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all of our latest arrivals and upcoming events. We’ve enjoyed meeting new people and look forward to a lasting relationship with all of our customers. Thank you,

Leslie and Josh Culp Natalie Sutor

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KEDM Director’s Gala

An evening of wishes, dreams and the path to fulfilling them began on Saturday, April 5th at the KEDM Public Radio Director’s Gala for Into the Woods, at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The ULM Sculpture Garden was transformed into a garden of magic before the Saturday performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical. Stuart Scalia and Karen Bennett cast a spell on the garden to help make it a truly unforgettable night. The cast of Into the Woods, Director Robin Stephens and Musical Director Dr. Jason Rinehart, were on-hand to meet and mingle with guests, while guitarist John Famer enchanted partygoers with his magical performance. The forest-inspired menu was created by Chef Eric Johnson & Company, Chef Pat Nolan Catering, iDream Cake, Chow Baby Catering and others. It was truly an enchanted evening and a great success for KEDM Public Radio and ULM’s Visual and Performing Arts.

On the BayouScene

1 Robin Stephens and Derle Long 2 Brittany Ramsey and Carol-Anne Barnes 3 Georgia Street and Melissa Tucker 4 Adele Ransom and Hailey Hatcher 5 Jay Curtis, Erin and Kris Harper 6 Ronald and Marilyn Koepke 7 Laura Knotts and Kiwana Sutton 8 Wendy Giovingo and Karen Bennett 9 Dr. Gwenn Jackson, DH Clark, Mary and Delia Simpson 10 Susan and Gary Thomas, Jorenda Stone and Bill Rambin 11 Jean Mintz and LaVerne Brodron 12 Chip Strode and Bob Lenox 13 Sharron and Terry Jones 14 Mary Lou Rountree and Debra Blackmon

Spring at Parterre... Wow!

Parterre Has the Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day and More

HAT AN EXCITING SPRING it has been at Parterre! With new merchandise coming in every day, we have not stopped! Summer Classics, our new line of outdoor furniture, has been a huge success, and we are continuing to consult with customers on improving new or existing outdoor areas. We searched for a long time to find just the right dining chairs for our concrete tables and are very pleased with the look that the aluminum, stackable Summer Classics dining chair provides. The finish has a five-year guarantee and looks like painted wood. These dining chairs can be special ordered with delivery in approximately three weeks. Always wondering what to do for Mom on her special day? Let us help you choose

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from a beautiful orchid or unique accessory for her home. Our signature orchids can be potted in one of our containers or bring one of her favorites from home. A beautiful coffee table book is always a lovely gift, and we have a huge selection! If she is a candle lover, we have several lines of candles. Aquiesse comes with its own book of matches and a cover for the vessel and has several scents from which to choose. LafCo, one of our favorites, continues to be a top seller. We have hooked many customers on Vie Luxe because their scent fills a room nicely without being overpowering. Parterre also features framed prints, artwork by local artists and gorgeous lamps which would really “brighten” her Mother’s Day. It is a perfect time for us to spruce up the

outdoors while the weather is pleasant. Our ivy topiaries are beautiful and come in all sizes. We just received a shipment of landscaping material including Little Gem magnolia trees, white mandevilla bushes and trellises, juniper topiaries and pompoms, hydrangeas in sea blue and lime green, boxwood cones and globes, and rosemary and olive tree topiaries. Our beautiful concrete olive jars and containers can withstand the harsh seasons we endure in the south. Want to find some tranquility in your garden? Consider adding a fountain. Ours are self-contained, water recycling and simply require an electrical outlet. The birds even use them as a birdbath! Stop by soon for a visit to let us show you all that’s happening at Parterre.

Dr. Hooton Honored Dr. Jeff Hooton Was Named This Year’s Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award

r. Jeff Hooton, of Monroe, LA was named this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award that was presented during the 134th House of Delegates of the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) on April 5, 2014, at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the LDA and is given annually to individual members who exemplify the highest standards of professional conduct in dentistry and make extraordinary contributions in organized dentistry and their community.

Dr. Hooton has been a member of the LDA, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Northeast Louisiana Dental Association (NELDA) for 30 years. He has been active at both the national, state and local levels. After serving in various leadership roles with NELDA, he was elected as 1992 president. He also served on the Louisiana Dental Services board from 1994-2000 and on the LDA Council on Government Affairs from 2000-2006. He has been a member of the LDA Board of Directors since 2006 and served as the 2012-2013 president of the LDA. He has also represented the LDA as both a delegate and an alternate delegate at the ADA House of Delegates.

As a former member of the U.S. Army, Dr. Hooton served two tours in Vietnam and received the U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Valorous Unit Award. He is a member of Grace Episcopal Church, former committee chair of the church’s Community Service Committee and served as the Vestry’s Senior Warden. As a founder of New Orleans’ Trinity Episcopal Church Central America Dental Team, he has served on their medical mission team since 1991. He served on the founding board of directors for the Northeast Louisiana Virtual Clinic and was the NELDA Member of the Year in 1997. He is married to Belinda Hooton. They have four daughters, Babbette, Sage, Maurie and Ainslea, and one grandson, Reed.

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The Senior Scam How to Protect Your Loved Ones From Financial Abuse BY ANGELA GENUSA

“Granny!” sobbed Justin* into the phone, in a voice she barely recognized because of the muffled crying, “If you don’t send me $1,700, they won’t let me out of jail here.” Here was the Dominican Republic, of all places, where Justin said he had gone on spring break. A gruff-voiced who said his name was Roger Clark took the phone from Justin and demanded that 85-year-old Pauline* send the $1,700 in the form of a Green Dot card (a prepaid debit card) or else he would imprison Justin on the 112 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

charge of driving while intoxicated. Clark handed Justin the phone back for another minute with his grandmother. “I’ll pay you back, Granny. I promise. And whatever you do, please don’t tell mom and da—”. Someone snatched the phone away from Justin, and there was silence. Pauline panicked. The thought of Justin in a foreign prison thousands of miles away from home frightened her. She went straight to her bank and withdrew $1,700 from her savings account.

Within less than hour, Pauline stood in line at the MoneyGram counter at Walmart in Monroe with the $1,700 cash in her purse. Roger Clark had instructed her to buy a Green Dot card for Pedro Rosa-Pena in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Another elderly couple then stepped forward to the counter—also ready to buy a Green Dot card for $1,700 for Pedro Rosa-Pena in Santiago to get their grandson out of jail. “Wait a minute,” said a concerned Walmart MoneyGram counter employee.

“Both of you can’t send that much money to the same man in the Dominican Republic. We’ve had customers come through here lately wanting to send Green Dot cards to the same name, same address, everything. It’s a scam.” Confused but still frightened about what would happen to her grandson, Pauline stepped out of the line with the other couple as the cashier had asked them to do, and the Walmart manager came over to speak to the three grandparents. He explained to them that it was a scam and asked them go home and investigate it further before sending any money. Pauline left saying, “I’m going to check it out.” But the other elderly man didn’t believe it was a scam. “This is my grandson, and he’s in trouble,” he said. “I’m going to send the damned money one way or the other!” When Pauline got home, she called her son in Minneapolis, and Justin, it turns out, was not on Spring Break. Pauline immediately texted Justin, and he called her right back saying he was in the library studying for finals. She then called her son in Minneapolis back and he said, “Mother, this (scam) is going on all over Minneapolis, too.” Pauline had fallen for—and almost been victimized by—what is called “The Grandparent Scam,” just one of many scams that target senior citizens and bilk them of millions of dollars every year. The financial abuse of older Americans like Pauline has become epidemic. Scammers fleece our seniors out of an estimated $3 billion a year. A 2010 survey found that 7.3 million older Americans—one out over five citizens over the age of 65—have been ripped off. In 2012, people 60 years and older made up 26 percent—the highest of any age group—of all fraud complaints tracked by the Federal Trade Commission. Scams targeting seniors have become so widespread that elderly financial abuse is being called “the crime of the 21st century.” Why seniors? Because as Willie Sutton, the infamous bank robber said of banks, that’s where the money is. After a lifetime of working and saving, older Americans sometimes have enormous nest eggs. But it’s not

just wealthy senior citizens who are targeted. Scammers don’t discriminate: They’ll take the money and run, whether they can get it from the rich, the middle-class or the poor. Older people can be easy prey for con artists. Experts believe that the elderly are more vulnerable to scams, because they tend to be too trusting, naive, live alone and don't always have someone keeping an eye on

The financial abuse of older Americans like Pauline has become epidemic. Scammers fleece our seniors out of an estimated $3 billion a year.

their finances. Loneliness also plays a role. Senior citizens with nothing but time on their hands are happy to have someone with whom to talk—not suspecting that the “kind man” on the phone may be trying to steal their money. “People who grew up in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s were generally raised to be polite and trusting,” says the FBI in a warning about elderly abuse. “Con artists exploit these traits.” Declining cognitive abilities also make senior citizens easy targets. More than onethird of Americans over the age of 71 have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s

disease, it is believed. Tina Anzalone, 52, of Monroe said her now 87-year-old mother Flo had been getting piles of mail from politicians, charities and other organizations soliciting money for several years before Tina noticed something was wrong with her mom. Her mother was finally diagnosed with Sundowner’s Syndrome, an ailment that causes symptoms of confusion after “sundown.” These symptoms appear in people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. “Four or five years ago, she was getting all this mail, and she was reading and studying it. It was like her daily job,” Tina said. “I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time. I figured it was her money and her time.” But early this spring after Flo was diagnosed with Sundowner’s, Tina spotted two checks her mother had written within four days of each other—the first check was for $5,000, and a second one for $2,000. On the memo line of each check, she’d written “Dan.” “Dan,” it turned out, was a mechanical signature on a letter “personally” addressed to Flo soliciting money for what Tina believes to be an illegitimate—but perfectly legal—politically oriented cause. “That’s when I knew I had to take her checkbook,” Tina said. “I did go to her bank, and I talked to them for some general advice,” Tina said. “They’re well aware of it, but they said this was not fraud, because my mother intentionally wrote the checks and sent them. They suggested that I put in a change of address on her mail. But there was nothing I could do about the $7,000.” And in the last week of March, Tina found in her mother’s checkbook a notation of two checks written for $600 within four days to “USIU” where she made a handwritten notation: “Investigative Unit.” Tina has just begun to decipher her mother’s checkbook to discover any money her mother might have sent in reply to all the direct mail pieces. Tina and untold numbers of others face one of the most frustrating things about financial abuse of the elderly: the crimes are MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 113

Better Business Bureau of Northeast La. (318) 387-4600 (800) 960-7756 http://www.bbb.org/north-east-louisiana/ Louisiana Attorney General’s Oﬃce About Elderly Issues and Scams Consumer Protection Hotline (800) 351-4889 (To report elderly fraud or to receive additional information) http://www.ag.state.la.us/Article.aspx?articleID=17&catID=9National Fraud Information Center http://www.fraud.org/ Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service P.O. Box 643 Carmel, NY 10512 (To remove your name from mailing lists) https://www.dmachoice.org/ Do-Not Call Registry (To reduce telemarketing calls) (888) 382-1222 http://www.donotcall.gov Louisiana Do-Not Call (To reduce telemarketing calls) (877) 676-0773 www.lpsc.org Federal Trade Commission (888) 382-4357 http://www.ftc.gov/ Public Service Commission (To report Do Not Call violations) www.lpsc.org Louisiana Law Help (For information on elder ﬁnancial abuse) http://louisianalawhelp.org/issues/seniors/elder-abuse AARP Fraud Watch Network http://www.aarp.org /money/scamsfraud/fraud-watch-network/ Wise Giving Alliance (Check the records of national charities through this program operated by the Better Business Bureau) (703) 276-0100 http://www.give.org

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rarely investigated, much less solved. Much of it goes unreported, due to seniors or their children not even being aware that they’ve been had. Seniors who have been scammed are ashamed of being conned and are reluctant to report it to anyone, even their children, for fear their independence will be taken away from them. There is a general lack of knowledge of how to report the crimes and to whom to report them. In addition, no laws exist preventing some of the deceptive practices soliciting money from the elderly, such as the kind of direct mail Tina’s mother received. “A lot of these letters are coming from senators, representatives, sheriffs—some of it legitimate,” Tina says. “Nancy Pelosi sending my mother a letter is not illegal. Some of these organizations are trying to get money for their causes. If you’re in your right mind, and you believe in that stuff, that’s fine. But I don’t get this mail at my house, so I believe this is targeted to elderly people.” The variety of schemes, the FBI notes, “is limited only by the imagination of the con artists who offer them.” According to the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Louisiana, the current top 10 scams that target senior citizens are: 1. Health Care/Medicare/ Health Insurance Fraud 2. Counterfeit Prescription Drugs 3. Funeral & Cemetery Scams 4. Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products 5. Telemarketing 6. Internet Fraud 7. Investment Schemes 8. Homeowner/Reverse Mortgage Scams 9. Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams 10. “The Grandparent Scam”

According to the Better Business Bureau and other organizations, caregivers can take steps to spot red flags to help protect their elderly parents and grandparents from scam artists and fraud against senior citizens. These include:

• Make chitchat with elderly relatives to find out if something strange has happened. Ask them questions: Did the phone ring today? Have you made any new friends? What did you get in the mail today? • Visit their homes regularly. Watch for a full mailbox. A mailbox bulging with letters soliciting money indicates that the senior is on a mailing list targeting seniors—or even what’s called a “sucker list.” • Establish a code word or code question that the senior can ask that only they and their children and grandchildren know. Use this code word or code question in any phone conversations in which the senior might need to be sure they are not talking to an impostor. Beware of using answers and information that is readily available on the Internet, such as other family members’ names, birth dates, and addresses. • Get involved with seniors’ finances as much as possible, especially when managing their own personal finances has become a burden to them. Encourage them to let you balance their checkbook, so you can spot suspicious or large deductions. • Encourage them not to answer the phone and let voice mail pick up if the number on the caller ID is unfamiliar and not that of a family member or friend. Caller ID can be spoofed by scam artists. Official agencies, such as the IRS, will never call and ask for personal information over the telephone. • Warn your parents not to ever give out personal information, such as their social security

numbers, banking information, or credit or debit card numbers by phone. • If someone calls from a "government agency" demanding money, request a certified letter on an official letterhead. • Tell your elderly relatives not to answer the door (unless they are expecting you) and never to hire someone who shows up at their door. A scammer may tell them their roof or plumbing needs repairing, but they take the money and never do the work. • Warn your parents and grandparents never to make an "onthe-spot" decision. Scammers and con artists will tell them they have to take the offer immediately or miss the opportunity. Legitimate companies do not pressure people to act without giving them the time to look into a deal. • Put the senior's phone number on the National Do Not Call registry and sign them up for the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference service to remove them from telemarketing calls and mailing lists. Jo Ann Deal, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northeast LA, encourages all senior citizens and their caretakers to report such fraud to the Better Business Bureau and other investigative agencies. “What we want people to know is that anybody can make a mistake,” she says. “And we want the world to know that just because we’re old doesn’t mean that we’re stupid.” * Names changed to protect identities

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Jazz Legend, Ronnie Cole, Will Perform May 10th

Ronnie Kole Performance Will Benefit Rotary International

EW ORLEANS JAZZ LEGEND, Ronnie Kole, will be performing a concert on Saturday, May 10th, at 7 p.m. at Neville High School Auditorium in Monroe. The concert will benefit Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio world wide. The fifth inductee to the New Orleans Musical Legends Park, Ronnie Kole is a world renowned pianist/vocalist/entertainer. Born in Chicago, Ronnie Kole began his professional career on television, gaining exposure on the Johnny Carson Show. After a stint in Las Vegas, he followed his mentor, Al Hirt, to New Orleans. Kole honed his act in Hirt’s club on Bourbon Street, before opening his own club, Kole’s

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Corner, which, along with Hirt and Pete Fountain’s clubs, became a top venue for world class entertainment and music. Tickets for the event are $20 general admission, $100 VIP and can be purchased by calling (318) 322-9502. Kole is a lifelong philanthropist, sharing his talents throughout his professional career with charitable organizations. Among them, Kole contributes his time and energy to Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. Rotary, a humanitarian service organization with nearly 34,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas, made polio eradication its top priority in

1985. Rotary has since contributed $1.2 billion, and its members have logged countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries. Overall, remarkable progress has been achieved in the fight against polio. Since 1988, the number of polio cases has been reduced from 350,000 a year to fewer than 700 cases in 2011. The Americas were declared free from polio in 1994, the Western Pacific region in 2000, and Europe in 2002.

Fabulous Fabric, Fabulous Selection

Fabulous Fabric in Monroe Has a Huge Selection to Meet Your Needs

ABULOUS FABRIC, LOCATED AT 1803 Lamy Lane in Monroe, has the largest stock of drapery and upholstery fabric in the ArkLaMiss. We have it all; whether it's animal prints, bright colors, solids, neutral linens, cut velvets, indoor/outdoor fabrics, recycled leathers, vinyls, upholstery camo, discounted remnants, brush fringes, tassel fringes, pillow forms in all sizes, ready-made or custom drapes, in-stock drapery hardware and so much more. Our friendly staff is happy to help with all your projects! It's time to get your outdoor living space ready to enjoy! "Sunbrella" fabric is the best quality indoor/outdoor fabric to use for Louisiana's extreme weather. If you have outdoor cushions that need replacing, bring them to us, and we will take care of the fabric and upholstery for you.

And don't forget outdoor drapes for your patio. Sunbrella ready-made panels with grommets are simple to install with our outdoor drapery hardware. Pops of color with outdoor pillows will add happiness to any outdoor setting. Need us to make them? We will be happy to! If the inside of your home needs freshening up, we also carry ready-made panels in tons of colors, patterns and textures. We will be happy to walk you through all the steps for a quick and easy window treatment. Do you have an odd window size or need a Roman Shade? Let our designer on staff come out and measure, bring samples and consult on custom window treatments. Want to freshen up your living room or bedroom quick? Pillows do the trick fast! We have tons in stock to choose from or we can custom make them for you too! Just

come in, and let us help you have a "Fabulous" home! There's always new and "Fabulous Fabric" arriving! We have a large sample room, so that if we don't have what you're looking for in stock, we can search our extensive resources and find it for you and can certainly special order it for you. Greek key flat banding is in high demand...we can show you how to add it to draperies, pillows, bedding, etc. to create a custom look with little effort and cost. Come in and get your home looking the way you've dreamed it could look. This Spring is the perfect time to have something "Fabulous" in every room of your house! Fabulous Fabric is open Monday thru Saturday 10:00 to 5:00. Our phone number is 4108106.

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Surprise Party

Bayou DeSiard Country Club was the setting for a surprise party celebrating Brian Bulloch's 50th birthday. Hosting the event were Carmen Adams and Russ Bulloch, Kim and Tommy Lolley, Kristy and Chris Rizzo, along with Sherri and Freeman Mowad. Numerous friends and family members were on-hand to celebrate. Everyone pitched in, helping to make this a special occasion. Brian was extremely surprised when he showed up to a room full of loved ones to celebrate his belated birthday. Guests dined, socialized and of course, enjoyed cake with the guest of honor, Dr. Brian Bulloch.

On the BayouScene

1 Dr. Russell Bulloch, Carmen Adams and Dr. Brian Bulloch 2 Dr. Ralph Asbury, Dr. Tom and Kim Lolley 3 Nancy Counts, Katherine Spires and Anjel Liles 4 Diana Kink, Susan Chappell and Margo Albright 5 Buddy and Diane Rizzo 6 Kevin Goldman, Anjel and Dr. Doug Liles 7 Cathy Hall, Sue Nawas, Diane Rizzo and Jackie Bailey 8 Kim Lolley, Carmen Adams, Brian Bulloch, Sherri Mowad and Christy Rizzo 9 Dr. Brian Bulloch and Bud Bulloch 10 Diane Rizzo and Sue Nawas 11 Dianne and Dr. Mike Cage 12 Carmen Adams, Dr. Brian Bulloch, Dr. Russell Bulloch, Bud and Carole Bulloch 13 Sherri and Freeman Mowad 14 Dr. Doug Liles and Dr. Mike Zambie

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First Choice Hospice

First Choice Hospice held their annual National Volunteer Month luncheon on Friday, April 11th at the home of Denise Smith, Volunteer Coordinator for First Choice. Each year, an appreciation luncheon is held to honor the First Choice Hospice volunteers who give of their time and talents to enrich the lives of terminally ill patients.

On the BayouScene

1 Elspie Franklin and Barbara Franks 2 Maurine Herlevic and Barbara Arrington 3 Susan Russell and Sheila Herrington 4 Rachel McIntyre, Debbie Rainwater, Tracy Norman and Denise Smith 5 Rachel McIntyre and Lori Middlebrooks 6 Kathy Hill and Jennifer Bass 7 Frances Woodhom and Barbara Wright 8 Megan Smith and Pam Lavender

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The Speaker’s Stone. These stunning Chalcedony gold bezel set earrings with a moonstone drop are the perfect gift for the new graduate. It is said to encourage reﬂection and meditation. This set can be found at K-Sera Boutique in West Monroe.

A Future So Bright. These camo Costa Sunglasses are great for the outdoorsman. Costas are known for offering superior lens technology and unparalleled fit and durability. Find them at Haik Humble Eye Center. Pack It Up. “Oh, the places they’ll go.” This Deirdre McGehee Hello duffel bag and monogram tote is the perfect gift for your grad. Find these and many more great gift ideas at HerringStone’s Boutique in Monroe.

We’ve Got Spirit. Send your new graduate oﬀ to school in these super soft original t-shirts by Mr. P’s Tees. Available in Warhawk, Bulldawg and Tiger designs, these shirts come in S-XXL, also available in toddler and youth sizes. Find them online at www.mrpstees.bigcartel.com.

She’s Got Bling. Make her happy, happy, happy with this gorgeous ring from Diamond Vault in Monroe. This fabulous 18K white, yellow and rose gold ring is comprised of .62ctw round white diamonds and .12ctw of round yellow diamonds.

Wrist Candy. These Tory Burch-inspired cuﬀ bracelets come in fun summer hues and are a great way to send the new graduate out in style. Find these and more accessories at Beau Monde in Ruston.

Bengal Bangle. Unforgettable memories are made here. Lifelong friendships are created here. A foundation opens your mind to opportunities that will positively change your life. Proudly support the place that will remain forever in your heart will these Alex&Ani collegiate bangles from Serendipity Designer Jewelry in Monroe.

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Dream Big. Set your goals big and dream even bigger. This stylish Dream tee from Michael Stars is a great gift for the new graduate. Find the latest styles and accessories at Pearl Pumphrey’s in West Monroe.

Kavu For You. This Kavu Folklore print satchel available at Fiesta Nutrition Center in Monroe is a great gift idea for any grad. Stop by and check out their wide selection of Kavu merchandise and so much more!

Pearly Brights. This Mikimoto Graduated Pearl necklace and stud earring gift boxed set, all perfectly matched with dignature dhite gold clasp, will make the perfect graduation gift.

No Place Like Home. Get her a unique gift with this Monroe coordinate bracelet and oil spill earrings by Porter Lyons. Each brass ID bracelet is personally engraved with Monroe coordinates. Get lost and be sure that you'll ﬁnd your way home. Part of the proceeds beneﬁt wetland preservation. Find this and more at Hemline in Monroe.

We Heart Purses. This adorable purse from The Attic located inside Boardwalk Salon in Ruston is a wonderful gift for the grad on the go. Find this and many more styles of handbags at The Attic.

Mirror, Mirror. Every girl needs a makeup mirror to create a ﬂawless look. This Zadro 1x/5x mirror will be a great addition to her dorm room this year. These and other great gifts can be found at Merle Norman in Ruston.

Shades of Summer. These Maui Jim aviators from Moss Eye Care in Monroe are a musthave summer staple. Just in time for graduation, designer sunglasses from Moss Eye Care will make a gift they won’t forget!

In a Clutch. Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique in West Monroe carries lots of stylish essentials that make great gifts. This paisley makeup bag and retro print clutch are great for those planning senior trips!

Guide and Protect. This gorgeous handcast Our Lady of Guadalupe on a gold toggle front dangling from hand wire wrapped turquoise chain will make a beautiful present for the new graduate. Find this and other great accessories and clothing at K-Sera Boutique in West Monroe.

Totes Adorbs. This super cute tote is perfect for a senior trip. Take it to the beach or anywhere! Find gifts like these and so much more at The Pewter Company in Ruston.

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Naturally Awesome. Zum products available at Fiesta Nutrition Center in Monroe are fragrant, natural and super addictive. The Zum family oﬀers products such as goat’s milk soap, candles, lotions, body and room mist, and more!

Cross My Heart. This divine 18K white cross can be worn as a single piece or as two separate pendants - perfect for a mother and daughter. It is comprised of 1.45ctw round white diamonds. Find this and more at Diamond Vault in Monroe.

Décor and More. Is the mother of your house a home décor guru? Fabulous Fabrics has gorgeous drapery hardware that will wow her. They have everything you need to dress up your windows. Stop by Fabulous Fabric in Monroe and check out their selection and great customer service.

Boho Chic. Give her a super stylish Mother’s Day this year with something from Beau Monde Boutique in Ruston. This bell sleeve top features crochet for a boho chic look that is sure to please.

An Orchid For Your Beauty. Give the gift of elegance this year for Mother’s Day with a beautifully potted orchid from Parterre in Monroe. These gorgeous ﬂowers have long since been a symbol of love and beauty. Find these and more springtime ﬂowers and plants at Parterre.

Mom’s Quiet Time. Wherever you hang it; on the patio, from a tree in the garden; a Cacoon hanging chair available at Lincoln Outdoor Living in Ruston will enhance your garden with its cool, designer look. Whatever the weather, It’s perfect for lounging in the garden, but be prepared to be sneaky – unless you’re alone you might have a ﬁght on your hands to get in any hanging out chill time before anyone else! Stop by Lincoln Outdoor Living in Ruston and see what they have in store!

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We Heart Art. This ﬂeur de lis wall art is perfect for any Southern lady. The neutral hues are sure to match any décor. Find these and more at Burney’s Trend House Furniture in Monroe.

Coach Us. Coach sunglasses from Moss Eye Care in Monroe are sure to be a hit this Mother’s Day. These tortoise shell frames with a hint of lime green are the perfect summer accessory. Check out these and other designer sunglasses at Moss Eye Care.

Vintage Chic. Chanel necklaces by RVC "recycled vintage couture" incorporates authentic vintage Chanel buttons, chains and jewelry. These buttons are from actual couture clothing that have found new life in signature RVC pieces. The pieces are meticulously handmade using gold plated brass and make the perfect Mother’s Day gift! Find this and more at Hemline in Monroe.

Leather and Pearls. Looking for a beautiful and unique gift for your sweetheart this Mother’s Day? Pearl Pumphrey’s in West Monroe has a vast selection of gorgeous, hand-made jewelry to choose from. This shredded leather bracelet with gold and pearl accents hits the right notes. Find this and more at Pearl Pumphrey’s.

Sweet Dreams. These bSoft cotton pajamas from Merle Norman in Ruston really live up to their name. Make her feel pampered this Mother’s Day with these unbelievably smooth p.j.’s.

Bath Time. Stop by Woodstock in Monroe for easy Mother’s Day gift ideas such as these Library of Flowers bath products. Library of Flowers, a sister company of Lollia, oﬀers beautiful packaging and a variety of products from bubble bath to perfumed cream and bath milk.

Maxi-mize Your Style. This super chic navy pelican racerback maxi dress from Mr. P’s Tees is casually cool and great for summer. Available in sizes S-XL, this maxi also comes in a charcoal racerback tank, S-L. Available online at www.mrpstees.bigcartel.com.

Espresso Yourself. This coﬀee mug and spoon set will make a precious gift for the java enthusiast for Mother’s Day. Explore the vast selection of gifts at The Pewter Company in Ruston.

Accessory Heaven. This beautiful turquoise cross necklace from Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique will make a Mother’s Day gift that she will love. The jewelry line is customizable with diﬀerent charms to ﬁt every personality. Find these and more at Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique on Antique Alley in West Monroe.

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Pillow Talk. Fabulous Fabric in Monroe oﬀers a selection of throw pillows that are sure to transform any room into a designer showcase. Stop by and browse their vast array of prints and colors. They can help match any color in your home to make a great custom Mother’s Day gift.

Haute Hues. She’ll swoon over this fabulous dress from the Missy Robertson Collection by Southern Fashion House. Find these and more at The Attic, located inside Boardwalk Salon in Ruston.

Eyes On You. This Aqua Trio is great for Mother’s Day, just in time for a trip to the beach! Hues of blue, complimented by a neutral shimmer are reminiscent of the waves and shore. These and more great gifts can be found at MD Minerals inside Hopkins Dermatology in Monroe.

Bronze Age. Spoil mom this Mother's Day with this gorgeous bronze handbag from HerringStone's. We adore the snakeskin look and gold details. It's the perfect new accessory for Summer. Find this and more at HerringStone’s in Monroe. Light Of My Life. LafCo candles from Woodstock Furniture Revival in Monroe are extremely fragrant. They oﬀer 90+ hours of burn time and come in awesome Spring and Summer scents that will ﬁll your entire house. These all-natural soy-based candles are Woodstock’s best selling candle.

Bird’s The Word. Give her a true Louisiana themed Mother’s Day with this ceramic pelican from Burney’s Trend House Furniture, located on Louisville in Monroe.

Off The Cuff. This unique 14 kt. gold feather cuff bracelet is a standout statement piece to complete any outfit. Mom will be thrilled to receive this gorgeous piece this Mother’s Day. Made by h.Weiss. For many more gift ideas, visit Hollis & Company in Monroe.

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A Green Thumb. Succulents are known for their beauty and have interesting and varied foliage. They are perfect for indoor gardeners and make great gifts, as they are relatively easy to care for. Find these and many more great gift ideas at Parterre in Monroe. .

Walk On The Wild Side. These butterﬂy-shaped sunglasses in acetate with the iconic Dolce & Gabbana animalir print are the perfect gift for mom. These polarised brown gradient lenses are the ultimate in luxury. Find these and more at Haik Humble Eye Center.

She’s Charming. A mother's love and support is extraordinarily strong without limitation. The peony, the queen of the garden, symbolically encompasses the maternal traits of healing, love's blessing and bravery. Embrace the heartfelt connection, strength and respect associated with the Mom Charm as a token of admiration. Find great jewelry and gifts at Serendipity Designer Jewelry in Monroe. Couture Bags. Designed in an array of decorator fabrics, Haul Couture Cargo bags from Lincoln Outdoor Living do it all beautifully. Original Cargo bags are insulated to keep food cold for up to eight hours and hot for up to six hours. The overhaul sling bag carries just about anything. It moves from the laundry room, to the beach or through the hotel lobby in style. Find these styles and more at Lincoln Outdoor Living in Ruston. Baked Beauty. This Baked Beauty in Biscotti found at MD Minerals inside Hopkins Dermatology is a versatile gift that won’t disappoint. It can be used on the eye as a shadow, as a subtle highlight on the cheek, and you can even pop a touch of it in the center of your lips to create a perfect pout. MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 125

EXCELLENCE in ACTION

Roosevelt Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gambit to change the game of education with his new school, Excellence Academy. Article by

MICHAEL DEVAULT

Photography by

JOLI LIVAUDAIS

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hen the Monroe City School Board approved granting a charter for a new middle school, few people in the community believed the organizers would ever open the doors—much less that the group of religious leaders, parents and community activists would open on time for the 2013-14 school year. That lack of faith didn't deter the group, who set about immediately renovating an abandoned furniture store into a state of the art school for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. "Fifty-two days," says Roosevelt Wright. "We did this in 52 days." On this particular Thursday afternoon, Wright is standing in the lobby of Excellence Academy. He's wearing a bright red blazer embroidered with the school's logo, a crisply pressed white shirt and equally crisp khakis. It's the uniform of every student and employee of Excellence Academy, and today is a special day. The Sonima Foundation is paying a visit with two of their biggest stars—rising country-folk singer Caroline Jones and Stedman Graham. The Stedman Graham. Jones's appearance at the school is part of a day-long AIR session, or Artist-In-Residence program. Throughout the course of the morning, Jones has presented master classes to students, visited classrooms and discussed the importance of music and the arts to becoming fully formed individuals, and conversed one-on-one with many of Excellence Academy's 239 students. Her part of the festivities will culminate in the afternoon at an assembly in the school meeting room and cafeteria, where she will perform a concert. The idea of a young country singer performing for a group of minority students at a school serving underprivileged students isn't lost on Wright, who notes that he was more than a little concerned that the students might not take to "someone who's not performing Hip Hop or Rap." But for the 230 or so students and faculty packed into rows of white chairs for Jones's performance, it's pretty clear that this is one engaged audience. When she takes the stage, the students stand up and cheer wildly. She thanks them for the welcome and sets off into a slow ballad. Some of the students are familiar with the tune from earlier in the day, and they hum along quietly. Caroline Jones isn't the first gamble that's paid off for Excellence Academy.

A NEW KIND OF SCHOOL

It takes money to build and run a school. For Excellence Academy, that number is about $2.1 million a year, the amount the Monroe City Schools must provide in formula funding for the students who choose to attend classes. As a Type 1 Charter School, Excellence Academy is functionally a part of the Monroe City Schools system. Test scores and student head count are factored into the system's overall record. But Excellence Academy has its own school board, its own organizational structure and, for the most part it operates independent of Monroe City School Board oversight. That's part of the point of a charter school, according to Wright, who touts the charter model as a means to transform education and lives for a group of students who might otherwise never have the kind of opportunity for a quality education. Wright puts it another way.

DELIVERING THE TOOLS PEOPLE NEED FOR LEARNING OR TEACHING IS, PERHAPS, THE MOST INNOVATIVE ASPECT OF EXCELLENCE ACADEMY’S MODEL. "What we've done is completely eliminate the administrative overhead," says Wright, who frequently points out that schools turn an operating profit on the money they bring in per-student from the State and through local taxes. "So instead, we put that money with the kids." The twenty percent or so that the school saves on administrative expenses turns up in the classroom, in the form of technology. Excellence Academy utilizes Accellus, a learning program that delivers electronic instruction directly to students via laptop or tablet. Each student works at his or her own pace with the guidance and assistance of a teacher in the classroom. In each class, every student has an iPad and a laptop waiting for their use. Meanwhile, Accellus enables Excellence Academy to provide nonlinear instruction. That means every classroom has some sixth graders,

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some seventh graders and some eighth graders. The teacher floats from student to student, providing the specialized instruction that the student needs in that moment. The results are immediately apparent: students have a large control over their pace of learning. That is important to Excellence Academy sixth grader Keosha Rattler, who was born too late in the year to start kindergarten with people her own age. Consequently, she's always felt a year behind. "It's giving me the chance to catch up," Keosha tells BayouLife. She works hard to get ahead in each subject area, so that when she finally completes the eighth grade, she'll be well-advanced and ready for high school. In essence, she's skipping a grade. "I've already moved on to a higher grade in my science class," Keosha says. Wright estimates that, by the time Keosha completes her three years at Excellence Academy, she'll be working on material from tenth grade in most of her classes, which presents an issue for some of the students at Excellence Academy. For freshman year, the students must transition back into the City Schools. Neville, Carroll and Wossman are the immediate future for the current crop of eighth graders. That may change, though, when Excellence Academy approaches BESE later this year with a roadmap for their future. By 2015, the organizers of Excellence hope to be operating a second charter school, this one focused on the four high school years. Wright sees it as an imperative step to continually transforming these students into life-long learners. "After you've been in this kind of culture, it would be very difficult to go back to a traditional model," Wright says. Opening a high school will allow the students to continue experiencing their education in a non-linear, arts-intensive manner. After all, in the classroom Excellence Academy doesn't much look like a "regular" school. There are no rows of desks, no chalk boards. The teacher doesn't stand at the front of the room and lecture. Students are given freedom of movement and place within the classroom, so long as they continue to make responsible decisions about their education. "Structure," in any sense of the word, is almost wholly absent from the classrooms at Excellence Academy. Principal Shandra Smith spent nine years in the Chicago Public Schools before she moved to Monroe. She understands the importance of building relationships with parents and community stakeholders in a school. At the same time, she appreciates the almost foreign nature of classroom learning at Excellence Academy. "If a student wants to sit on the floor, they sit on the floor," Smith says. "If they feel like they need a snack, a sugar bump, they can eat a piece of candy. Or they can get a non-carbonated beverage if they're thirsty." Some of the classrooms offer bean bags for students. In others, poolside loungers offer a comfortable spot to perch with an iPad and a reading lesson. According to Wright, one student likes to sit behind the door to do his lessons. "So, he sits behind the door," Wright says with a laugh. Smith says it's all part of Excellence Academy's "outside-the-box" educational model, a model she believes will ultimately develop each of the students at the school into life-long learners, which is their ultimate mission. Teachers, too, get what they want as far as classroom materials and tools are concerned. Wright recalls one teacher who desperately wanted a digital whiteboard, or SMARTboard, in her classroom. Teachers don't typically lecture, and though administrators saw little use for it, she had asked for it. "So we got her a SMARTboard." Delivering the tools people need for learning or teaching is, perhaps, the most innovative aspect of Excellence Academy's model. Though the ideas of using technology in a classroom or having a school uniform are 128 BayouLife Magazine MAY 2014

hardly new, something sets Excellence Academy apart: it's all provided. Students, families and teachers don't pay for anything out of pocket. "That's what a public school is supposed to do," Wright says.

TO BUILD A SCHOOL

Excellence Academy's gamble wasn't without its detractors. Many people questioned the logic of stripping some $2.1 million from the City Schools budget and "turning it over" to an untested method. At the same time, Wright points out that there were naysayers who "didn't think we could open the doors." The charter, though, was ultimately approved and the money began to flow. With just 52 days from the approval to the first scheduled day of classes, though, there was much work to be done. Smith recalls it was a difficult time for everyone involved. "We worked 18 or 20 hours a day, arriving at six a.m. and sometimes not leaving until one or two in the morning," Smith says. There was much to be done. Excellence Academy is leasing a building owned by Wright's church, and when they were first approved, the building was an empty shell, mostly vacant space that had once housed Dixie Furniture. The parking lot was not conducive to school buses or drop-offs. There were no walls for classrooms, not enough restroom space, and the facility lacked a kitchen to provide meals. That's when Wright pointed out something. "The Bible says that walls of Jerusalem were built in 52 days," Wright says. So they set out to accomplish an equally Herculean task. Fifty-two days became the unofficial motto of pretty much anyone

connected with Excellence Academy. "When we went to the bank to secure the loan, the banker wrote '52 Days' on the memo line of the check," Wright says. Walls were studded in, plumbing lines laid and a kitchen fleshed out. Up next, running electrical wiring for a 21st Century school. It all came together. All the while, the school's board set about hiring teachers, finding staff and securing the materials the students would need on Day One. And, miraculously, they pulled it off. "Exactly 52 days later, we held the first class," Wright says. Failure was never an option, though, according to Smith. She says missing the first day of school would have meant the naysayers were right and would have been admitting that they couldn't do it. "You have to remember, many didn't want this to succeed." Nevertheless, they worked. They persevered. "We continued to fight, and we made it. We never gave up," Smith says. The fight's not over, either. Not long after the school opened, the City of Monroe threatened to condemn an old gymnasium structure adjacent to the school. While the roof was solid, a high wind had taken out part of a cinderblock wall. The building was unstable, according to the city, and must come down. In signature, Excellence fashion, the school's community took up the challenge. The wall was repaired, saving the building, but they didn't stop there. By mid-April, stud-walls were going up inside. A lobby and restrooms were taking shape on the eastern end of the building. To the west, there were dressing rooms, a storage area and a separate entrance for students. And, in the middle of the building, where only a few months before there had been concrete, rises a stage, highlighting yet again Excellence Academy's ultimate attempt to marry an arts-centric education to academic success.

Chicago. He also travels as part of the Sonima Foundation's efforts to build "whole" healthy students. He's seen a lot of changes around the Educational community, and it's clear he's impressed by Excellence Academy and its heavy reliance on independence and the arts. Graham's consulting firm assists individuals with the formation of "whole" persons, fully self-identified and realized. It's a heady way of saying grown-ups with maturity to be individuals. The arts play a significant role in that, especially for creative types. "I teach people how to find out who they are," Graham says. "That's important for the students because the students often times memorize, take tests, repeat the information, but organized around the school." They are learning facts and figures, but they aren't necessarily learning how to use those tools in daily life, and they aren't learning how to learn on their own in the "real" world. "So what I do is teach them how to take charge of their own learning, how to take information and education and make it relevant to what they love, what they're passionate about, what their skills are, so that they can become life-long learners." The students are impressed by Graham and they're engaged with Jones. But are they learning? Is it working? The jury's still out on that. Late in April, the students are taking part in the LEAP test, the high stakes measure of a student's, and ultimately, the school's academic progress. Wright is playing down this year's round of scores, because they're just one year into the school. He doesn't expect major progress until next year, after the students have worked for some time in the Excellence model. The model seems to be working, though. And if the current mood of Excellence Academy students, faculty and staff is any indication, very little can stand in the school's way.

TO THE FUTURE....

Keosha Rattler wants to be a professor in a college when she grows up, hoping to teach either mathematics or science. She says the creative space that Excellence has allowed her encourages her to branch out and try new ideas. "The science teachers are working on a science fair," she says. She's looking forward to entering. The future at Excellence isn't just about a new high school, either. Smith says next year they plan on increasing from 239 students to more than 300. Ultimately, she hopes north of 500 students will call the school home, becoming life-long learners with a deep appreciation for knowledge wrapped in the joy of the performing and visual arts. During Jones's concert, it's apparent this gamble is already paying off. The students clap along, they cheer each song and they answer questions with a raucous cacophony when asked. Jones chuckles and laughs along at their shared jokes. And then, she takes a personal turn. She talks about writing each morning in her journal, a list of "gratitudes." "Do you know what the first one I put down this morning was?" she asks. She points at the students one by one and smiles. "Excellence Academy. All of you." That night, the assembly is of a different sort. Stedman Graham is on hand to discuss with the parents the importance of transformative education in the lives of their children. It's a subject with which he's quite familiar. When he's not being "Mr. Oprah Winfrey," as many in the press have dubbed him, Graham operates an educational consulting firm out of

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Cinderella and the Glass Slipper Ball

In celebration of its 10th anniversary season, the Louisiana Delta Ballet Company presented the family classic, “Cinderella” at Monroe Civic Center’s Jack Howard Theatre on Saturday, March 29. Choreographed and staged by LDB Artistic Director Missy Crain and assistants El Marie Wessels and Shawnee Chason, this classical ballet featured all the magical moments that make “Cinderella” such a timeless tale — the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more — plus some extravagantly detailed tutus and tiaras. Hair and makeup for the performance’s main characters was masterfully executed by David Harp Evans. The performance was sponsored by HerringStone’s, K-Sera, Pearl Pumphrey’s, Finley Construction and Dan Holt, D.C. Season sponsors include CenturyLink, Hixson Autoplex and The Costume Shop. Dancing the principal role of Cinderella was LDB’s Kelley Davis with the dashing Prince danced by professional guest dancer Michael Levine. As an added treat prior to the gala performance, LDB hosted a Glass Slipper Ball in the lobby of the theater. Little princesses and princes and their parents enjoyed refreshments while meeting and having their photographs made with LDB’s Cinderella and her Prince.

1Natalie and Sheree Cobb with Roberty Kerrey 2 Lonnie, Daisy and Heather Walters 3 Heidi and Rachel Stoor with Hadassah Tenison 4 Val, Aby, and Alyson Mobley with Gabi Stoor 5 Bella and Tonya Smith 6 McKenzie Coleman, Kinley Hollins, Marli Jones 7 Emma Kate Mann with Cinderella and the Prince 8 Satchie and Katherine Godfrey with Carmen McNew 9 Katherine Godfrey with Cinderella and the Prince 10 Georgia and Bill Street 11 Ashton Pullig and Onna Gallagher 12 Sheila and Sophie Mariano 13 Andrew Koehler and Deborah Criscuolo 14 Braelin and Wayne Singley 15 Whitney Shell and Harper Gable 16 Charlie and Sarah Grace Aron

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On the BayouScene

Hemline Monroe

On April 12th, customers and friends gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting and official grand opening of Hemline in Monroe. Everyone enjoyed shopping, foo, drinks and live music by the ever-popular The Flaming Asburys. Raffles were held throughout the day and a few lucky winners received gift certificates and a pair of Bijoux earrings.

On the BayouScene

1 Jeremy, Colin and Jennifer Breehne 2 Diana Kirk and JeďŹ&#x20AC; Oleson 3 Margo Albright and Sadie Traxler 4 Ellie Stareds, Natalie Sutor, Leslie Culp, Becky Woods and Joshua Culp 5 Trey, Jack and Becky Woods 6 Ralph Asbury, Carvel Avis, Mary Honeycutt and JeďŹ&#x20AC; Albright 7 Baylee Bastoe and Jen Avis 8 Bennett Schauf and Natalie Sutor

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VANESSA AFTER

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merican military moms have to be strong on so many fronts, and BayouLife Magazine wanted to give one of these unsung heroes a makeover to remember. With so many US Servicemen and women locally, we sent out the search via Facebook and our website, www.bayoulifemag.com, last month for a deserving military mom who would enjoy a head to toe makeover. After reading through lots of deserving nominations, Vanessa Wilson, the darling young wife of an American soldier and a mother of two very small children, was chosen as our first Military Mom Makeover. Wilson and her family are living in Rayville and have just learned that Vanessa’s husband, Bracy, will soon be deployed to Kuwait for nine months after training for three months with his National Guard battalion. The Wilson’s first met at Ruston’s Temple Baptist College Department in 2005 when they were attending Louisiana Tech. Both were freshmen, but Bracy was a little bit older since he had served our country and been deployed prior to coming home to attend college. After going on a mission trip to Seattle with the church, the two started dating in May of 2006 and said “I do” in November 2009. The longest the couple has been apart since their wedding was three months and the occasional 2-3 weeks of training with the Guard. After getting the news of Bracy’s upcoming deployment to Kuwait, Vanessa and Bracy decided to move out of their apartment and move in with their parents with the goal of being able to save money and buy a home when he returns. “I’m trying not to think about it [Bracy’s deployment], and when he leaves it will definitely be different. A year is a long time.” But what scares Vanessa the most is Bracy’s return from service. “The kids will be different, and Lucy [the couple’s infant] probably won’t recognize her daddy at first,” says Vanessa. “And I worry about Ty, our two-yearold, since he is really close to his daddy.”

What makes this makeover extra special is that Hemline – Monroe donated the clothing for our Military Mom Makeover, and Hemline’s co-owner, Josh Culp, is in the same National Guard Battalion and will be deploying alongside Bracy Wilson. Knowing the sacrifices and struggles that military families go through is nothing new for Culp, his wife Leslie and his sister Natalie Sutor who were excited to be an integral part of this

makeover for Vanessa. The outfit Vanessa chose was right on trend with white on white tones which are perfect for Spring and transitioning into Summer. Holly and James McCready of Rain the Salon fame also donated their expertise to creating a new look for Vanessa. Holly, a master of hair color, warmed up Vanessa’s tones. And James emphasized her gorgeous blue eyes with earthy tones and finished the look with a garnet lip.

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Spring Market

The 16th annual Spring Market opened to a great reception on Friday, March 21st. Hosted by the Junior League of Monroe and sponsored by Community Trust Bank, this annual shopping event is eagerly anticipated by the community each year. The Market opened on Friday morning with the classic event, Shop ‘Til You Drop!, sponsored by The Mulhearn Corporation, this event featured a champagne brunch catered by The Coffee Bean and entertainment provided by Rod Allen Payne. Later in the evening, Spring Market’s signature event, Girls Just Want to Have Fun!, sponsored by Progressive Bank, included catering by Thurman’s Food Factory and entertainment by Mike McKenzie, and of course, Everyone’s favorite “Market-ritas.” Shopping continued throughout the weekend, and this year brought a new event focused on family fun – Breakfast with the Bunnies. Little ones gathered with mom for a light breakfast, a photoshoot with live bunnies, a book reading and an appearance from peter Cottontail himself. Spring Market serves as one of the major fundraisers for the Junior League of Monroe. This year’s event was a huge success and was definitely a great gathering of gifts and gardening.

On the BayouScene

1 Nanya French and Amber Pepper 2 Rose Osbon and Becky Lee 3 Sarah Raymond and Dana Tarver 4 Cindy Rogers and Karen Finley 5 Pat Brashier and Linda Nolen 6 Robin Posey and Whitney Harger 7 Cheryl Futch, Kim Antley and Rhonda Chevallier 8 Rose Mary Harris, Virginia Sue Barr and Blanche Wilks 9 Tracy Costello, Miranda Clark and Jennifer Files 10 Samantha Hamby, Ashley Tarver and Felicia Hamby 11 Malerie Gwin and Christa Ford 12 Christina Murray and Mary Beth Towns 13 Amy Collinsworth and Diane Gregory 14 Tori Hamby and Emily Thornhill 15 Dewana Flowers and Paige Driskill 16 Emily Wallace and Tracey Cassels 17 Diana Wade and Lissy Compton

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Fashion Fusion

On April 5th, fashionistas gathered at the West Monroe Convention Center for an exciting night of dance, fashion and entertainment. The Debbie Bourg Dancers presented the Fourth Annual Fashion Fusion – “Where Dance Meets Design” benefitting The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Lousiana. Fashion Fusion featured performances by the talented Debbie Bourg Dancers fused with a high-energy runway-type style show. Zach Wilson, who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars and High School Musical and was paired with North Louisiana’s very own Kelsey Bourg Tanner in Dance Wars, were this year’s star guests. Walking down the runway in the latest fashions were local models from area boutiques such as: Bent Oaks Boutique, Cara’s, Duck and Dressing, Hemline, HerringStone’s, J&H Boots and Jeans, K-Sera, Kim’s Kloset, Miss Persnickety Joon, Mr. P’s Tees, Rodéo and Salt & Pepper Boutique.

On the BayouScene

1 Shanda Crews, Maureen Gallagher, Lynda Gavioli and Jessica Pollard 2 Debbie and Lawrence Bourg 3 Maureen Gallagher and Misty Hajj 4 Clinton Downing, Annamaria Hutson and Shirley McDonald 5 Miss Louisiana Jaden Leach and Steven Palowsky 6 Hanna Lavergne and Kaysi Hutto 7 Margie Nielsen, Kelly McAlister and Lindsey Murray 8 Models for Miss Persnickety Joon 9 Ellie Jackson (with Tootie Bell), April Hooper, Kemper Block, Annamaria Hutson, Rheagan Sutton and Melody Block 10 Jill May, Diana Wade, Leigh Moses 11 Taylor Antley, Amy Grassi, Jaelin White, Jade White, Kallie Bible, Jennifer Shamblin and Chandler Guerriero 12 Leslie Culp, Debbie Herrington and Natalie Sutor

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Princess Storybook Time and Tea Party

On Saturday, April 12, a fairytale came true as little princesses gathered at the St. Francis Conference Center for storybook time and a tea party with Miss Louisiana Jaden Leach. This special event hosted by St. Frances Medical Center helped raise money for the March of Dimes. The local March of Dimes organization strives to end premature births as well as performing lifesaving research and programs related to infant survival. From tiny Cinderellas to adorable Annas, this turnout of fairy princesses were treated to a magical time to benefit the March of Dimes.

On the BayouScene

1 Brianna Thomas and Miss Jaden Leach 2 Bentley King and SueAnn Graeber 3 Jaden Leach and Jillian Leach 4 Alexandra Sanders, Jessica DaďŹ&#x20AC; and Amanda Harris 5 Hannah Clair, Sidney and Annebelle with Jaden Leach 6 Theresa Lynn, Ahndi Clare Thompson, Melinda Lynn, Robert and Grace Lynn 7 Lily, Sadie and Mercy Neal

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Taste and See

Beneath a starry sky at the JGS courtyard, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church held its 7th Annual Taste and See Fundraiser on April 11th, featuring amazing art, delicious foods and tasty wines. The event was chaired by Jennifer Sparks and Missy McKenzie and the JGS Development Office with lots of helping hands from Annie Ajlani, Sue Blackford, Tracey Blanchard, Allison Cattar, Vee Dickey, Margie Godwin, Kerri Frantz, Misti Hajj, Miranda Hemrick, Katherine Joyce, Kym Marsala, Therese Nagem, Babs Oakley, Stuart Scalia, Norma Sherman, Cindy Smith, Kelly Southern, Beth Swanner, Virginia Vincent and Jean Ward. Musical entertainment was provided by Bill Boles, Paul Amy and Mary Honeycutt. Highlights of the evening were a fantastic wine pull and a silent auction with lots of local artists’ work represented. Those part of the great turnout for the event truly got to Taste and See the best of northeast Louisiana!

On the BayouScene

1 Casey Stevens, Olga and Bill Barkley 2 Frank Hoﬀman and Father Richter 3 Megan Ortolano and Ellise Deseamus 4 Nicole and Michael Creighton 5 Josh and Crystal Leonard 6 Stephanie and Chris Strovel 7 Aimee and Tim Kane 8 Allison Cattar, Terri Arthur, Brenda Marsala and Tess Cash 9 Stephanie and Carter Hay 10 Therese Nagem and Jacilyn Hall 11 Szuwei Domingue and Lori Spence 12 Larry and Susan Foreman with Babs Oakley 13 Delaine Wylie, Charlene Campbell and Jennifer Sparks 14 Brett and Perry Estis, Jeﬀ and Katherine Joyce, Martha and Fred Amman

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Grace Gala

Grace Episcopal School is known for its traditions, and the 16th Annual Grace Gala was no exception. Chaired by Shannon Glover, the Mexican Fiesta themed fundraiser was held April 4 at the Sager Life Center. Live and silent auction chairs, Sandy Dansby and Carrie James, worked with their committees to make sure bidders would not leave empty-handed. Among the awesome auction items were artwork created by the students at Grace School. Creative supermom Breanna Young helmed the festive decorations committee, transforming the gym into a lively South of the Border hotspot. Portico provided comida fantastica (that’s “good food”), and Flashback 5 kept the energetic, party crowd on their feet. Arriba!

On the BayouScene

1 Sue Sartor and Sandy Dansby 2 Jay and Emily Morris 3 Laura Flynn and Gina Kennedy 4 Susan Sparks, Susie Sparks, Liz McQueen and Jennifer Sparks 5 John and Kristi Davis, Tommy and Allyson Perryman 6 Marilynn Waller, Wendy Colvin and Andrea McKea

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Downtown Gallery Crawl

After a long, cold winter, art enthusiasts hit the streets for the Downtown Gallery Crawl on April 3rd. Nine galleries hosted the crawl on either side of the Ouachita River. On Antique Alley in West Monroe, over 30 artists were represented at The River Gallery. Joli Livaudais, owner of Livaudais Gallery hosted talented photographer Ashley Feagin before taking off for her own solo opening at New Orleans’ Martine Chaisson Gallery. One of the newest galleries to the lineup, Luna Blue, hosted works by six Louisiana Tech students who are helping to restore and improve downtown Monroe by collaborating on a mural on the side of the Luna Blue building. At Sugar Galley, our very own Bayou Icon Adele Ransom’s son, Burg Ransom, had his large, gallery-wrapped, metallic photographs on display while Stacy Medaries showed new works in aluminum colored with alcohol ink. It was a great start to Spring and the wonderful things that are happening in Downtown Monroe.

On the BayouScene

1 Delia Simpson and Porsha Brown 2 Mackey Brewer, Bryson Galle, Morgan Kee and Frank Hamrick 3 John Bruscato, April Dovorany, Courtnee Crews and Beau Johnston 4 Blake Gillikin, Landon Williams, Seth Spillers and Forest Spillers 5 Seth Ryan, Megan Anderson, Kate Durham and Brent Vallery 6 Rachel Barnes, Anna Marie Beagley and Justin Lacombe 7 Jason Grisham and Ashley Feagin 8 Jamie Cooksey and Melanie Douthit 9 Jon Aiken and Christen Parker 10 Sharron Ratcliﬀ, Keisha McDonald and Scottland Strader 11 Ben Bennett, Amanda Norris and Leah Kieﬀer Norris 12 Ed Lang, Bethany and Remey Wilkson 13 Betsy Putnam and Victoria Smith 14 Mary Thompson and Kelley Bell 15 Jamie Guillot and Katie Putnam

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Downtown RiverMarket

Spring is in full gear and so is shopping in downtown Monroe. On April 5th, shoppers convened on the picturesque Ouachita River for the opening of Downtown RiverMarket. This growing event is a recognized Louisiana Festival and continues to generate a “buzz” with both locals and tourists. The French-style market showcases artisans, fine crafts, produce, food, live music, street performers and several heavily-attended special events. Make sure to mark you calendar and attend an upcoming RiverMarket, Saturday through May 31st.

On the BayouScene

1 Courtney Geroux, Deborah Bourgeois and Lori French 2 Melissa Hammett and Brooke Hagan 3 Jeannie Cason 4 Leslie Swillie – Fun with Fabrics 5 Ray and Debbie Lee – Bayou Country Cooking 6 Kendra Jones 7 Melanie Lemoine, Holly Gibbs and Stephanie Nordman 8 Janet Hendrix, Genevive Bailey and Sandy Bailey 9 Mickie Douglas, Sarah Rogers, Kathy Wedgeworth, Alison Douglas, Dusty Teer, Paige Kaufman, Montez Fairchild, Stephanie Blackmon and Dianne Smith 10 Karen Ulsh, Jessi Andrews, Rachel Niblett and Jacquiela Dorsey 11 Jenniﬀer Web 12 Karen Armstrong – Main Street Trends 13 Josh Simms 14 Charmaine Winters and Dawne Walsworth 15 Catherine Reeves and Norma Ramos 16 Will Evans – Cajun Will’s Sweet Spot

Better Than Ezra: A Bayou Benefit

Benefit Concert for Beth Payne Cummings Set for June 14

ONROE’S FAVORITE BAND IS back in town and on a mission! Gather all your friends and plan to join us for an unforgettable evening with Better Than Ezra at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. This special performance has been coordinated by friends and family of our favorite Bayou Belle, Beth Payne Cummings, to assist with medical costs associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Join Better Than Ezra as they show love for one of their favorite locals! Beth is a Monroe native, devoted mother, beloved educator at Neville High School and an all-around incredible woman. By attending the Better Than Ezra concert, you are guaranteed a night to remember and have

the opportunity to assist Beth in her fight against MS. Beth has dedicated her career to strengthening the public education our young people receive. Now it is our turn to show our appreciation! • General Admission tickets can be purchased from the following sponsors: Portico, The Coffee Bean and Ryan Chevrolet • Adult tickets are $150 and Student Tickets are $100 • Sponsors enjoy a private patron party before the concert with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction of incredible items donated by local businesses with big hearts and way cool generous people. • Sponsorships are not limited to businesses

or corporations. Groups of friends are welcome to join together to purchase a block of tickets and enjoy the same benefits by sponsoring this event!

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS: Coming Home – $2500 • 20 tickets with preferred seating • Logo recognition on T-shirt and promo materials • Patron party Bayou Belle – $1500 • 12 tickets with preferred seating • Smaller logo on T-shirt and promo materials • Patron Party

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Shindig 2014 The Ouachita Council on Aging's 6th Annual Shindig was held on March 21st at MBH Farm in Calhoun. The fundraiser, which helps fund the Council on Aging’s varied programs, was catered by Catfish Charlie’s. Cowboy boots were seen cruising around the barn floor as Easy Eddie and the PartyRockers kept everyone’s toes tappin’!

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On the BayouScene

1 Beth McGhee and Linda McGhee 2 Chris and Annie Pappas 3 Bobbie Dana and Jeannie Lucien 4 Amy and Mike Sawyer 5 Karla and Bubba Richardson 6 Beto Pappas and Annie Pappas 7 Jason Hawkins and Brandon Cruse 8 Geneva, Darian and Michelle Hodge 9 Debbie Harkness and Sandra Correro 10 Stacey Pailette, Sue Walker and Ruby Sistrunk 11 Frank and Marianne Wilcox 12 Sheri Jennings and Mary Callison 13 Maggie Turner with Big Mike 14 Jeremy Claiborne and Carol Anne Barnes 15 Lorrie Mixon and P.J. Bryant 16 Ronnie and Billie Teague 17 Jude Green and Michael McDonald

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ZO Skin Care Continued From Page 75

retinol (a cousin of retin-A) and the protective effects of sunscreens and antioxidants have been added. There is even a simple regimen for men. We introduced ZO to this area and have used ZO products as our main skin care line for almost a year. The results have been remarkable. To learn more about the new ZO line, we invite you to call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 and set up a free skin care consultation with my aesthetician, Natalie Green. Better yet, join us for a wine and cheese open house on Thursday, May 29 at our office in the Garden District. Sample the products and let us help you make the transition from the old Obagi to the new ZO program. Your skin will thank you for it.

Sweet Sounds

Area Choruses Leave Musical Mark on Houston

Two North Louisiana choruses took Houston by storm during their first competition in Sweet Adelines International's Region 10, bringing home the Audience Choice Award in the open division and second place in the small-chorus division. Southern Acappella Sound Chorus of Monroe captured the Audience Choice Award with a show package featuring a "Duck Dynasty" theme. Piney Hills Harmony, based in Ruston, won second place in Division A, for choruses with up to 31 members on stage, and sixth place overall. Seventeen choruses performed at the contest which was held April 3-5.

Sorority Recruitment

Young women planning to participate in sorority recruitment at colleges and universities in the Fall or Spring of the 2014-2015 school year, may pick up a recruitment information form at Vee's Flowers, 1812 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, LA. Fill out the form and return it with required copies, photos and attachments to Vee's Flowers no later than June 16, 2014.

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MedCamps on the Greens First Annual Golf Tournament

Two-Man Scramble to Benefit MedCamps of Louisiana to be Held May 19th

BY JULIANNE TIPPEN, MISS SHREVEPORT

ROM THE TIME SCHOOL IS OUT IN JUNE UNTIL IT STARTS again in the Fall, there is a significant three-month period when children can learn and further develop their value systems. Summer camps provide children with safe environments where they can develop self-confidence, social skills and good work habits, and just have fun being kids. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this American tradition – even those kids who live with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Fortunately, Dr. Michael F. Zambie felt so strongly about this philosophy that he founded MedCamps of Louisiana in 1987. MedCamps of Louisiana holds a series of one-week, fun-filled camps each summer free of charge for children facing physical and mental disabilities. Each camp is designed specifically for a particular type of disability, and it includes appropriate health professionals and specially trained staff. The focus is on what campers can do, and all campers are encouraged to reach their full potential. In the safe environment of MedCamps, surrounded by other children with similar challenges, these special campers discover they are not alone, and they gain a genuine sense of belonging, accomplishment and self-worth.

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After working with MedCamps for the past two summers, I have seen the benefits of this program first-hand. Because I feel so strongly about the organization and opportunities it provides for over 3,500 Louisiana children, I have implemented MedCamps of Louisiana as my platform for the Miss Louisiana Organization. Silas Beech, the very first camper I met, greatly influenced my commitment to this organization, because he truly embodies its philosophies and spirit. Because this young boy won me over with his sense of humor and kindness, I knew that I wanted to share with others how MedCamps has provided a safe, caring environment for Silas and other kids throughout the state. I encourage others to volunteer with this wonderful organization and to donate generously. As Miss Shreveport, I have organized a fundraiser called “MedCamps on the Greens,” which, hopefully, will give more special needs children an opportunity to experience summer camp. The two-man scramble will be held May 19th at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant. For more information, email juliannetippen@gmail.com or visit www.medcampsonthegreens.ezregister.com.

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Calendar of Events May 1 Jazzin' on the Vine The Monroe Symphony Orchestra presents Jazzin' on the Vine, a fundraiser for the MSO, May 1, 2014 at Landry Vineyards. Join us for a sampling of wine and tasty down-home fare featuring live entertainment. Landry's Vineyard (318) 557-9051 www.landryvineyards.com May 3 Revolution Park presents: Thunder and Lightening Event Time: Gates open: 12:00 pm; Race begins: 2:30 pm Racing action includes: Legends, Bandoleros, Thunderstock and Factory Stock. Join the thrill of all things racing at Revolution Park. Revolution Park Race Track 318-812-7223 www.revolutionparkentertainment.com The Monroe Jaycees presents: The 10th Annual Smokin' on the Bayou Rib Cookoff Time: Participants begin cooking-6:00 am; Gates open to public-11:00 am; Judging-4:00 pm The Monroe Jaycees invite you to come out to the 11th Annual Smokin' on the Bayou Rib Cookoff. The cookoff will be held behind Warhawk Stadium at ULM. From a first place prize, people's choice, and dessert competition you can win big! Smoke em', grill em' and sauce em'’. However you do it, come ready to knock people's socks off! ULM Malone Stadium (318) 355-6195 www.monroejuniorchamber.org/Rib_C ook-off.html May 3-4 Jean Lafitte Gun Show Time: Saturday- 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sunday- 10:00 am-5:00 pm Visit the Jean Lafitte Gun Show at the Monroe Civic Center. Guns of all shapes and sizes will be on display and

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available for purchase. Monroe Civic Center (318) 329-2338 www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center.php May 3 RiverMarket Days: Thunder on the River Motorcycle Fest featuring Blue Harley Davidson Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 downtownrivermarket.com May 10 Strauss Theatre Presents: The Voices Time: 7:00 pm Strauss Theatre invites you "The Voices." Featured performers include: Cory Trahan, Claire Vangelisti, Travis Sherwood, Lisa Lee Pfeiffer and Margaret Ann Zentner. Proceeds will benefit the Strauss Theatre in their need to repair damages from the storm. For tickets please call the Strauss Theatre. ULM Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall 318-323-6681 The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens presents: Classic Car Show Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm What goes better with the vivid colors of and chrome of a classic car than Coca-Cola? The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens will host local classic car collectors in the parking lot behind the Coke Museum. Additionally, we will display Coke vehicles from the Biedenharn Collection. The Car Show and Coke Museum are free from 10-2 (Full tours including the Home, Bible Museum and Gardens will be available at the regular price). Call 807-3204 for information to

register your car for the show. Biedenharn Museum and Gardens (318) 387-5281 www.bmuseum.org Landry Vineyards presents: Mike McKenzie Band Time: 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Landry Vineyards outdoor concert featuring the Mike McKenzie Band. A mix of Country, Rock & Funk will have you, family & friends dancing all night. Make sure you pack your lawn chair, blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy the outdoor show. Landry's Vineyard (318) 557-9051 www.landryvineyards.com/ RiverMarket Days: RiverMarket Book Festival Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 downtownrivermarket.com May 15 Bottles and Brushes Painting Class with Rene Hatten Time: 6:00-8:00 pm The Masur Museum of Art is proud to announce the return of Bottles and Brushes Painting Class with teacher René Hatten! Students are welcome to bring a bottle of wine or other preferred beverage. You must be 18 or older to attend the class, and 21 or older to drink alcoholic beverages. Bottles and Brushes will be held on a regular monthly basis: the third Thursday of every month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Masur Museum of Art Carriage House. A new painting will be offered every month. No prior painting knowledge is needed. Masur Museum of Art (318) 329-2237 www.masurmuseum.org/index.php May 17 Annual Home Tour Luncheon benefitting the Children's Museum Time: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm Enjoy a leisurely visit through four lovely homes in North Monroe. The homes feature exceptional designs and unique architectural styles inside and out. The homes will be open 2:00 pm5:00 pm and tour tickets are $20 only.

Or, join for the tour and luncheon, featuring guest speaker Cindy Zollinger. Tickets for tour and luncheon are $50 and there is limited seating. To purchase tickets please visit the Children's Museum. Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum (318) 361-9611 www.nelcm.org Bayou Desiard Dragon Boat Festival Time: Races begin-8:00 am The dragons have invaded Northeast Louisiana and will make their annual appearance the third weekend in May at the Bayou Desiard Dragon Boat Festival. Gather your friends, join a team or just come out to watch the racesthere will be fun for everyone! Races begin at 8:00 am at the corner of Forsythe Avenue and Loop Road. Bayou DeSiard 318-388-2323 www.facebook.com/BayouDesiardDragonBoatFestival RiverMarket Days: International Festival Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket oﬀers produce, artisan handmade items, food and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 downtownrivermarket.com May 17-18 3rd Annual Ronald McDonald Big Bass Tournament Time: Fishing Dates are May 17 & 18 Fisherman mark your calendar for this year's Ronald McDonald Big Bass Fishing Tournament. Hourly Payout and Prizes! Big Bass of the tournament receives $10,000 cash! Net proceeds beneﬁt the Ronald McDonald House. For registration or more information, call 387-7933. Lazarre Park 318-387-7933 May 18 Spring Tea Talks: Hot Grills and Sweet Ice Tea Time: 2:00 pm-3:00 pm The Spice and Tea Exchange invites you to their Spring Tea Talk Series on Sunday afternoons. There will be Hot Brew, Cold Brew, Flash Chill and other fun ways to Brew or Cook with tea. Hot Grills and Sweet Ice Tea features Green Tropical, Bonita Peach and International

Breakfast. Spice and Tea Exchange (318) 388-3920 May 23-25 Crawfish Craze 5-D Barrel Run Time: All Day Head out to the IKE for the threeday Crawfish Craze Barrel Run. The thrill of barrel racing is something all family members can enjoy. The event is free and open to the public. Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena (318) 325-9160 www.westmonroe.com/departments/ik e-hamilton-expo-center May 24 Roe City Rollers Bout Time: Doors open-6:00 pm; Derby begins-7:00 pm Monroe's very own female roller derby team invites you to the Roe City Rollers Bout. The exciting derby is thrilling and fun for everyone! Monroe Civic Center (318) 329-2338 www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center.php RiverMarket Days: Health and Fitness Day Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 downtownrivermarket.com Chennault Aviation and Military Museum presents: Run for the Red White and Blue Time: 8:00 am Join Chennault at 8:00 a.m. for their second annual Run for the Red White and Blue 5k Race/Walk to benefit the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Special features will include free tours of the Museum, supervised inflatable games for kids, Armed Forces Color Guard, memorial balloon release for deceased and living veterans and presentation of awards. Paper registration forms are available at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum or you may register online. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum (318) 362-5540 chennaultmuseum.org

ECS Vindicta Boxing Time: 7:00 pm A night of boxing at the Monroe Civic Center. Don't miss your chance to see the action packed ring and talented boxers! Monroe Civic Center (318) 329-2338 www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center May 30-31 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. The 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time. Strauss Theatre Center (318) 323-6681 www.strausstheatrecenter.com May 31 Dog Day in the Garden Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm Bring you dogs to the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens for a nice leisurely stroll through the gardens! Dog admission benefits PAWS of Northeast Louisiana! Biedenharn Museum and Gardens (318) 387-5281 www.bmuseum.org Revolution Park presents: 2014 Season Race #2 Time: Gates open: 5:00 pm; Race begins: 7:15 pm Racing action includes: Bandos, Thunderstock, Factory Stock, Legends, Compacts and Pro Late Models. Join the thrill of all things racing at Revolution Park. Revolution Park Race Track (318) 812-7223 www.revolutionparkentertainment.com RiverMarket Days: Louisiana Food and Music Festival Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 downtownrivermarket.com MAY 2014 BayouLife Magazine 149