BayouLife Magazine November 23

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36 28 / GIVE ME S’MORES

NOVEMBER 2023

Indulge in the perfect blend of chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker, warming your soul. This delicious cocktail will have you asking for S’more.

30 / SKILLET BREAKFAST

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering skillet breakfast, savoring the flavors of turkey, sweet potatoes and warm gravy.

36 / AUTUMN BLISS

Create a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape with inspiration from Taylor Bennett’s colorful setting. Elegant linens, autumnal centerpieces and flickering candles set the tone for a memorable feast.

38 / STEP OUT IN STYLE

Step into fall with neutral-colored boots, a versatile and stylish choice to elevate any cold-weather outfit.

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66 / BLOOMING BAUBLES

Embrace the magic of the holiday season with these beautiful baubles that bloom with elegance.

74 / SIMPLIFY THE SEASON

112 / BAYOU ICON

Because of her service to our region, her medical expertise, her unwavering sense of ethics, and her lifelong compassion for others, Dr. Florencetta Gibson is our November BayouIcon.

A P R I L 2 0 1 8126 / BAYOU HOME

Simplify your holiday season by supporting local restaurants and indulging in comforting cool-weather dishes that warm both heart and soul.

82 / BAYOU ARTIST

When she isn’t teaching at Louisiana Delta Community College, Stacy Medaries continues creating art. Her work spans multiple mediums, from painting to ceramics to wire wrapping. She even has plans to venture into the world of metalsmithing.

100 / BAYOU EATS | MYLK BELLY

Allison Cook is dishing out some creative, delicious, and more importantly, nutritional sweets that may just turn the average dessert craving into a sumptuous experience, even for the most avid skeptic.

After a devastating house fire, Kristi and Eliah Globke were tasked with rebuilding their home. The new space has transformed into a sanctuary for the family.

143 / BOOK OF PHILANTHROPY

Make your imprint on someoness life this holiday by giving your time and financial contribution to deserving non-profit organizations.

165 / BAYOU FASHION

Casual fall fashion is all about cozy layers and versatile pieces. Chunky sweaters, oversized jackets, plaid patterns and stylish boots come together to create an effortless look.

BayouLife

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hankfulness. When Trent and I moved home from Austin, TX back to Louisiana, we really weren’t sure how we were going to feel about it. We knew that it would be great to be back near family, but most of our friends already had kids...and we were really late to that game. To look at how things have evolved in the last 15 years since we’ve been back is incredible. Our community has really changed, we have leaders providing opportunities for economic growth and cultivating the arts in our region. There is something to do every week (remember to check out our calendar every month).

There have been challenging times, the last three years have not been the easiest that I’ve had in business. We’ve suffered losses in our family and our daughter has recently had a troublesome surgery with an unexpected outcome. Life goes through ebbs and flows, but one thing that has really resonated with me is gratitude. I’m thankful for God in my life, for my family, for my friends, my coworkers...my community.

BayouLife Magazine gives me an outlet to express my gratitude to the people in this community. I love highlighting people, businesses and places that make northeast Louisiana a great place to live. This issue, especially, gives us the opportunity to spotlight some of our local philanthropic organizations that are integral in helping those in need. From disaster relief through the United Way to food donations from the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, these organizations are at a critical need for monetary support for their programs. If you are looking for a way to make an imprint on someone’s life this holiday season by giving your time and financial contributions to deserving non-profit organizations, we’ve compiled a list on pages 174-193 of several charitable and arts organizations throughout north Louisiana. These

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1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com organizations make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors and children. Be thankful this holiday season and give back in a profound way.

There are so many fun things in this month’s issue. Taylor Bennett concoted a S’mores cocktail that made me want to drink on the job. (Page 28) Also, make sure to check out our jewelry shoot this month. Hollis & Company, Dupont Jewelers and Flair Monroe’s Fine Jeweler sent us beautiful pieces to photograph. I may or may not have tried on every piece.

Find this starting on page 66.

I love Melanie Massey Groves.

This is the second time she has let us take over her house for a photo shoot. It’s not just her charming cabin that is so captivating, but whenever Melanie is around, she provides ample entertainment. This month we shot our beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape (page 36) and our fashion shoot at her home.

Our fashion shoot features one of my favorite models, Chevy Navarro, who just happens to be one of my best friend’s handsome son. Make sure to look at all the fall fashions on page 165.

We have so many great articles, delicious food features and fun Thanksgiving ideas in this magazine. We hope you truly enjoy reading it. Make sure to get involved in our community, to love your neighbor and to SHOP LOCAL!

Cassie

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nathan Coker nathan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Katelyn McAllister katelyn@bayoulifemag.com Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com Cait Wise cait@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Darian Atkins Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Cindy Gist Foust Starla Gatson Kerry Heafner Paul Lipe Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Delia Simpson

Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera Guy Miller Georgiann Potts Phil Trahan Pam Lavender Judy Wagoner Angel Coates Clinton Downing Glenn Miers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Hill Wade Bishop

ON THE COVER Harvest Spread Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Styling by Taylor Bennett BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alum: Carole Kilpatrick

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S A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF WEST MONROE AND Monroe, Carole Eady Kilpatrick has witnessed the evolution of her community and the progress of her alma mater, Northeast Louisiana State College (NLSC), which became known as Northeast Louisiana University (NLU) and is now the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). Carole enrolled at NLSC in 1955 after being a part of the second graduating class from West Monroe High School. At the time, the NLSC, led by President Lewis C. Slater, consisted of three main buildings along DeSiard Street: Biedenharn Hall, Brown Hall, and Bry Hall, which housed Sandel Library. An athletic field for football games existed behind these buildings, and a Student Center was also close.

Carole appreciated the small size of the institution and enjoyed meeting new friends and becoming involved in campus activities.

A talented piano player, Carole majored in music and taught piano lessons to pay for her tuition. One of her students was future NLU First Lady Sharon Swearingen. While on campus, Carole was a charter member of the Alpha Rho Chapter of Phi Mu Fraternity, the first national sorority on campus.

In 1957, Carole left her music theory class in Biedenharn Hall and walked right into her fiancé, Tex R. Kilpatrick. He brought her engagement ring to the campus, declaring, “It was burning a hole in my pocket!” The couple soon married and had a daughter, Kerry, which caused Carole to pause her education. Nonetheless, Carole wanted to return to classes and finish her degree. She still loved music but changed her major and graduated from NLSC in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English.

Sisters Robin and Laura soon followed daughter Kerry. Carole dedicated her time to raising the girls and volunteering in the community. She was President of the Monroe Junior Charity League and later became a member of Chapter AZ of the PEO Sisterhood.

Carole also invested her time in the Musical Coterie and the Potpourri Book Club. She is a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in West Monroe and is active in the Promise/Friendship Life Group.

Carole and Tex stayed involved with ULM for many decades as a couple. Tex served on the University of Louisiana’s System Board of Supervisors and the ULM Foundation Board. After Tex noticed that other Louisiana 4-year institutions provided a house for university 8 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

presidents, he and Carole worked with Lynn and James Moore to secure funding for the ULM President’s home on Bon Aire Drive.

Carole also served on the ULM Lyceum Series Committee alongside dear friends Dianne Cage and Dr. Martha Jane Upshaw Anderson.

The Series welcomed speakers to our area like political strategists James Carville and Mary Matalin; Steve Forbes, the former Editorin-Chief of Forbes Magazine; and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

In 2009, she and Tex were awarded the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions and commitment to the university.

Carole and Tex focused on giving back to the community throughout their lives. Last year, Carole and her daughters established the Tex Kilpatrick Endowed Professorship in Kinesiology at ULM to honor her late husband’s memory and his focus on exercise and wellness. Tex loved visiting with the ULM Kinesiology students who would help train him at various facilities in the area and would be proud of the professorship in his name. This year, Carole is again grateful to give back to ULM and is establishing an Endowed Professorship in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at ULM in honor of her time there and her love for the piano and music.

Carole’s family has had a long relationship with ULM through the years. Her brother, Herman Ross Eady, attended the university around 1940 when it was known as Northeast Junior College.

Her daughter, Laura, graduated from NLU in 1990. In 2024, her granddaughter, Kiley, will be part of the first graduating class of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) on the ULM campus. Carole notes the VCOM addition will only continue to grow, educating medical professionals throughout northeast Louisiana to serve rural communities.

Carole believes ULM’s trajectory is consistently upward and is northeast Louisiana’s economic backbone. She is a testament to the importance of educating our young people and community to become engaged and supportive citizens. She hopes more are inspired to give back through service initiatives and financial support, which are vital to sustaining ULM’s missions of educating and enlightening students for decades to come.

Eat, Drink and Be Thankful Surround Yourself with Good Company and Better Whiskey

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HE MORNINGS ARE CRISP WITH DEW ON THE GRASS and as the nights get longer you’ll be wanting a warm fire.

This is that wonderful time that we give thanks to those in our lives and toast to the past year before we welcome a new one.

What better time than now to share a bottle or a great meal?

We’ll start this article with something that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Amish Country Popcorn makes a variety of different ways to enjoy their incredible popcorn, but we want to highlight the Whirley Pop. This aluminum pot has a crank at the end of the handle that stirs the kernels for old school style goodness. A little oil, some kernels, and within a few minutes delicious popcorn. We also have their buttery topping and popcorn seasonings to give it that movie theater taste. These gift sets include red, blue, and white kernels for you to try out and experiment with combinations.

For wine this month we wanted to highlight something unique and under $20 with the Silk Road SapeRavi. This wine comes from Kakheti in the country of Georgia. SapeRavi is a grape varietal native to the country and produces aromatic wines that are rich while tart.

In this offering from Silk Road the nose opens with blackberry and pomegranate followed by a touch of roasted coffee. On the palate we get more rich red fruits with a touch of cinnamon and baking spice. The finish is surprisingly light with enough lift to prevent the bold and rich flavors from feeling too heavy. We think this is an excellent value that offers an experience from the birthplace of wine we don’t often see in our area.

Next up, we are excited to tell you about our first barrel pick for Beef & Barrel. We’ve done many exclusives over the years at Washington Wine & Spirits, and we wanted our first here to be special. This barrel from RY3 is a 16 year old “Light Whiskey.” This cask strength whiskey is bottled at 71.9% or 143.8 proof. Some of you may have coughed when you read that, but trust us when we say, it is smooth! Oh, so smooth. The nose oozes out of the glass with aromas of rich vanilla caramel. Further nosing the glass you’ll get subtle notes of honey, sage, and some old oak. The first sip has a big hit of sweet Madagascar vanilla followed by intense honeyed caramel and then a gentle warmth. The second sip shows butterscotch, and nutty browned butter with toasted bread. For something with this high of proof it drinks almost sweet. Each sip offers something new in the way it presents its core of vanilla and caramel. This is a

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whiskey that begs you to come back for more and we’re always more than happy to oblige.

We now have the entire line of Bourbon Barrel Foods products in the store, and there are too many items to go over here, but we want to highlight the Bourbon Smoked Chef’s Blend seasoning. This is perfect for pretty much anything. This blend of bourbon smoked sea salt, bourbon smoked pepper, sugar, bourbon smoked paprika, garlic, and parsley is stunning on grilled meats or vegetables. One whiff will take you on a sensory journey of spice, bourbon, and smoke. That’s a journey we like! We also highly recommend this on our made in house ground beef or beef tips for an extra delicious take on a weeknight classic.

Finally, we want to highlight a cigar for those of you who like to share a smoke together. This month we wanted to highlight the Karl Malone Barrel-Aged by La Aurora. One of the main reasons for choosing this stick is that it pairs beautifully with our barrel pick of RY3 16 year Light Whiskey. The Karl Malone Barrel-Aged takes tobacco that has been aged for 6 years and then puts them in rum barrels for an additional 6 months. This gives the cigar a sweet note of honey and molasses before lighting. After lighting this cigar shows more vanilla and honey with a note of pepperiness.

As the cigar burns, hints of oak spice start to show and there is rich creaminess to the mouthfeel. All these flavors coalesce into a crescendo with the whiskey’s rich vanilla and butterscotch, with the cigar bringing out more honey and the sweetness of the whiskey balancing out the pepper. A gorgeous pairing that is perfect for a long relaxing conversation.

We invite you to come check out all the new goodies throughout our new location at 1030 North 6th Street Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm. Explore all the ways we have expanded, we know you’ll find it stunning. As always thank you for letting us be “Your Spirits Guides” here at Beef & Barrel.

Material Things We’re Changing the Way You Create

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AN YOU BELIEVE WE ARE HEADING into the gift giving season? And, there is no better gift than the gift of creating with the brand new Designer Epic 3 from Husqvarna Viking. As I am writing this Robert and I are sitting in the airport waiting to board the plane on our way to the HV National Convention in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl where we will be learning about this exciting machine.

Now, let’s talk about a small portion of the innovation of this machine: Needle Piercing Power Electronic needle piercing power (150NWT) provides superior results when using heavy fabrics and multiple layers.

Bright Work Light Developed by optronic experts using revolutionary LED technology and light guide optics, the work area lighting allows you to see your project in true color with virtually no shadows, so you get a clear view of your project without needing additional lighting.

Large Bobbins and Bobbin Winding Sew and embroider for longer periods without interruption and wind your bobbin through the needle to save time threading your machine. Plus the separate bobbin winding motor allows you to wind a bobbin without interrupting your sewing.

Fully Automatic Needle Threader With one touch of a button, your needle is threaded and ready to sew for hassle-free threading every time.

Integrated Dual Feed Technology and Exclusive Sensor System Feeds fabric from both the top and bottom for effortlessly sewing multiple layers of fabric or specialty fabrics, eliminating the need for a separate dual feed presser foot. Automatically and continuously senses and adjusts to any

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thickness of fabric for perfect, even feeding as you sew.

Reads Multiple Design Formats For your convenience, the machine reads the most popular design formats so you don’t need to worry about converting designs.

Exclusive Stitch Techniques Customize any project with exclusive and patented stitch techniques that give your project dimensional elements that are effortless and irresistible: Guided Pictogram, Floating, Pop-Up Stitches, Sequin Stitches, Appliqué stitches, Yarn Stitches, Theme Stitches and Laser Pictogram Stitches.

JoyOS ADVISOR The DESIGNER EPIC 3 sewing and embroidery machine will be your smartest and most skillful companion with help from the JoyOS Advisor feature with interactive tutorials, sewing instructions, step by step workbook, easy access user’s guide, stabilizer guide, quick start guide and accessory guide.

New Embroidery Unit The new unit reduces noise and vibrations and provides an industryleading largest embroidery hoop size of 460x450mm*(18.11”x17.7165”). *optional accessory Free Arm Embroidery Embroider difficult-to-hoop projects without opening a seam. Simply slip part of your project around the free-arm when attaching the optional free-arm hoop.

Reversible Hoop Capability* The first in the industry to seamlessly embroider a specialty technique like felting or bobbin work, then continue stitching over that design with conventional embroidery. *optional accessory required Embroidery Projection

Project the image of an embroidery on your hooped fabric for easy placement. See where your embroidery is to generally place a design on your project, or easily match multiple hoopings to create embroideries at the ideal size. You can use the precise positioning feature to fine-tune for absolutely perfect placement.

Automatic Jump Stitch Trim Eliminate trimming time as you create beautiful embroideries. Jump stitches are cut automatically and thread tails are pulled to the back. Automatic thread cutter cuts only the top thread at each color change.

High Embroidery Speed Stitch up to 1050 stitches per minute to finish your projects in no time.

Four Embroidery Hoops Included Get stitching a variety of designs as soon as you unbox your machine with 4 included hoop sizes: 120mmx120mm, 240mmx150mm, 360mmx200mm, 465mmx260mm Artificial Intelligence Technology Attach any included presser foot and the machine will inform you if the foot is compatible with your stitch selection. It will show you if the foot is attached incorrectly to make sure you are using the best foot in the best way for your projects.

Robert and I both will be instructed and trained on this technologically innovative machine in the operating and servicing aspects of it while we are at the national convention. Be sure to stop by the shop this month to experience the awesomeness of this machine! As you can see, there are unending possibilities on what you can create with the new Designer Epic 3-your imagination is your only limit!

XOXO - Joyce

MY TRIED AND TRUE RULES FOR

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by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE erinlove@panachebyerin.com

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Getting organized and staying organized is a learning process that never ends, but with years of organizing experience, I have developed a few steadfast rules that apply to almost every organizing scenario. Keep in mind, though, that all projects start with a plan! Without a plan, any project is certain to go awry.”

“Having no plan is having a plan to fail.” - Anonymous With that said, below are the rules I always follow:

1. Two years = Sayonara I know you’ve heard the rule that you should get rid of anything that you haven’t used in a year, but my rule is a two-year rule. I believe that there are situations in which you might not have used an item during the past year, but would use it during the next. For instance, the weather in the past year might not have been cool enough for a sweater, but the upcoming weather will be. Or, maybe you didn’t entertain very much during the past year, but plan to change that this year, so all of your pretty serving platters will come in handy.

2. Limit Duplicates. Typically, you need only one of each item in your home. There are exceptions to that rule, so if it’s feasible for you to get rid of the duplicate, please do.

3. Don’t Use Guilt as a Crutch. There are two ways that you might experience guilt during the organizing process – 1.

You were gifted an item, but you aren’t fond of it. 2. The item holds memories for you or someone in your family, but you don’t have a need or space for the item. Don’t let either of these guilty

feelings get in the way of creating the perfectly- organized space that you dream of. If possible, consider other ways you can utilize the item. For instance, if it is an old furniture piece that doesn’t fit the aesthetic of your home currently, consider painting it and changing out the hardware. Or if you received a gift that you do not foresee a need for, try to find someone who does have a need for it and donate it. There are so many ways to honor an item yet part with it.

4. If an Item Isn’t Loved, Let it Go. This tip coincides with the tip above.

Keep only things that you love and that spark joy when you look at them.

Otherwise, your home will not feel like the sanctuary you deserve.

5. Vertical Space = More Storage.

“TONS” of vertical space could be wasted in your home right now! Stop reading and check all of your closets and cabinets. How much unused space is there at the top of your closet? What about under your sink? If you see air, you are wasting usable space!! To extend storage, add shelf extenders,

In the end, remember that your home should be a living space and not a storage space. Getting organized will create more time and energy for you to be able to enjoy your home to the fullest.

stackable baskets and bins, or more shelves to these areas.

6. Don’t Just Organize…Style! Make every space in your home a place that makes you smile every time you open the door. You can do that by adding special pieces to each area, like rugs, pictures, greenery, and anything else that would make the space more inviting. This includes closets and pantries.

7. Every Item Deserves a Home. I am saving the most important steps for last.

Everything in your home should have its own personal, customized spot. A pile in the floor does not constitute a personal, customized spot, by the way. Instead, every item should be easy to find and easy to replace, so try using bins, baskets, and other containers to corral like items, for instance. The clearer and cleaner your horizontal spaces (countertops, tables, etc.) the more organized your space will look.

8. Put Everything Back in It’s Home.

This final step is the step that is going to keep you organized. Once you use an item, place it back in its personal spot each and every time. It may take some getting used to, but it will pay off in the end. Remember, take one minute and save hours later!

ARTICLE BY PHIL TRAHAN

Welcome to the reincarnation of The Tennis Life, last seen in 2018 but now returning to cover the rich landscape that is NELA tennis! We will celebrate achievements, promote programs and offer tips from the seasoned professionals plying their trade on the courts of NELA. Speaking of achievements, the local duo of Vickie Krutzer and Tori Fisher recently recently returned from Boston and a third place finish in the US National Mother-Daughter Championships. Playing on the grass courts of the hallowed Longwood Cricket Club, the Monroe girls were edged out despite earning a pool play win over the eventual champions.

Promotion and inclusion are keys to a healthy tennis environment and ULM head coach Ivone Alvaro led her team in hosting the first Faculty/Staff clinic at Heard Stadium September 15th.

Barbara and Clint Johnson are 6.0 Mixed Doubles Champs at CTA Fall Event at Forsythe.

The players became the coaches at ULM’s Faculty/Staff Clinic.

Tipster Says

This month’s Tipster is Joel McGregor, Director of Tennis at the MAC: Use the two-shot tactic to achieve better success against aggressive net rushing opponents. Many defensive players opt to hit their first passing shot down the middle of the court and at their opponent’s feet. This gives the net player no angle to work with and also forces him/her to volley up. The second passing shot has now been made much easier and it was all set up by directing the first shot low and down the middle of the court.

Heard at the Net Post

• NELA’s ability to host events and generate tennis tourism will be greatly enhanced by the recently announced expansion of Forsythe Tennis Center to a total of 15 courts accompanied by a large clubhouse with second floor veranda for viewing.

•K iroli Park Tennis will benefit from a resurfacing of the existing six courts and addition of a seventh.

• And the annual WillPower tournament benefitting St. Jude Hospital will be held at Forsythe November 11th. Contact Mike McGee at 318-614-2474 for details and entry.

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ULM Head Coach Ivone Alvaro celebrates success at Faculty/Staff Clinic.

At Right: Tori Fisher and Vickie Krutzer at Longwood Cricket Club.

Ochsner LSU Health Here for You. Here to Stay.

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HEN SECONDS COUNT AND YOU NEED THE BEST, choose Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center: Northeast Louisiana’s first and only Level 3 Trauma Center.

If you just need care for sniffles and sneezes, we also have you covered with convenient primary and urgent care locations.

Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center, Family Medicine Clinic 4864 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA 71202 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ochsner LSU Health – Community Health Center, Monroe 1625 Louisville Avenue, Monroe, LA 71201 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ochsner LSU Health – Urgent Care, West Monroe 207 Thomas Road, West Monroe, LA 71291 Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment at any of our locations, call 318-330-7168.

Transforming Healthcare in North Louisiana Ochsner LSU Health began with a vision to improve the health and well-being of its communities; provide access to care, quality and facilities; expand patient-centered technology; support the growth of the medical school; and enhance research in North Louisiana by building on the strengths of Ochsner Health and LSU Health Shreveport.

Ochsner LSU Health has more than 4,200 employees, 350 contracted positions, approximately 950 physicians, and 150 advanced practice providers in more than 65 specialties and subspecialties. Ochsner LSU Health provides care for common and the most complex medical needs to more than 165,000 patients with 600,000 clinic visits annually.

Exceptional Care • Innovative technologies give patients the power to monitor and manage their health. Offerings include secure and convenient virtual visits, Digital Medicine programs for chronic disease management, and the MyOchsner app. The app puts scheduling appointments, medical records, test results and direct communication with your care team right at your fingertips.

• Began a Hospitalist program at all three campuses, improving 24/7 care for patients.

• Offers the area’s most robotic surgery options in multiple specialties.

Recognitions and Accreditations in Northeast Louisiana • Monroe Medical Center has received Birth Ready designation for perinatal outcomes and providing a safe, equitable and dignified birth experience.

• A leader in neurological care, Monroe Medical Center has earned Primary Stroke Center Certification.

• Monroe Medical Center has been designated as Northeast Louisiana’s first and only Level 3 Trauma Center.

Monroe Medical Center • Monroe Medical Center is an acute care hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department. The campus also has an easily accessible walk-in clinic and several specialty clinics.

• Verified as a Level 3 Trauma Center in 2023 to become Northeast Louisiana’s only trauma center, in addition to becoming the area’s first Primary Stroke Center in 2022.

• Opened Northeast Louisiana’s first $3 million Hybrid Operating Room to treat patients needing multiple surgical specialties and diverse imaging in one space.

• Monroe Medical Center also offers 3D mammograms, inpatient dialysis and a rehabilitation clinic.

Improving Access to Care Ochsner LSU Health has more than 20 locations and 50 clinic access points in North Louisiana. This encompasses a service area of 20 Louisiana parishes with additional patients residing in East Texas, South Arkansas and West Mississippi.

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“Hamnet”

by Maggie O’Farrell

“Every life has its kernel, its hub, its epicentre, from which everything flows out, to which everything returns.”

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’Farrell’s historical fiction novel revisits the tragic tale of Shakespeare’s loss of his 11-yrold son Hamnet during the late 16th century. In a reclaiming of character, O’Farrell reimagines Shakespeare’s wife Agnes, whom the history books recognize as Anne Hathaway. In this story, Agnes’s father’s death has left her in the care of a wicked stepmother who thrives on misery. Along with her brother Bartholomew, Agnes is relegated to the background, forced to isolate herself in the forest and find comfort in nature. When the quirky intuitive Latin tutor William is charmed by Agnes’ unique perspective on the world, the twosome falls in love and marry against their parents’ wishes.

O’Farrell weaves a beautiful love story in the cracks of history’s telling. Though illiterate (as most women were at that time), Agnes’ intuition and uncanny ability to see the future mean she is sensitive to her husband’s need to go out on his own and make a creative living. Much of their marriage is spent with the budding playwright in London while Agnes raises their three children: Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith. When the plague reaches rural Stratford, Agnes cares for her ailing twins and holds Hamnet during his last breath. O’Farrell’s meditation on parental grief, told in the frame of a literary icon’s marriage, possesses a palpable heartbeat throughout its telling. Told in tandem

chapters between Agnes and William’s courtship and Hamnet’s diminishing health, O’Farrell creates a rebellious heroine who lives for her children and is willing to love her husband from a distance. The author shows the limited options for women, that they were often vilified for playing their parts too well, for loving too much, for giving to those they loved in sociallyunacceptable ways. O’Farrell shows the varying faces of grief, of those who lean in and those who lean back, and what happens when threads untangle.

O’Farrell writes emotion in a saturated, yet satisfying manner, digging into the push and pull of love, the frustrations that endear another to us. This exploration extends to sibling relationships, the love of knowing another from the first breath, of the shared experiences that bind us together. The theme of family is unearthed on all levels, the expectations of parents, the children who dazzle and disappoint, the children who meander in unformed identities. O’Farrell allows her characters to roam, to weave in and out of the story at their own pace. As a literature teacher and lover of historical fiction, I adore this telling and imagine you will too.

“And there, by the fire, held in the arms of his mother, in the room in which he learnt to crawl, to eat, to walk, to speak, Hamnet takes his last breath. He draws it in, he lets it out. Then there is silence, stillness. Nothing more.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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“Sea of Tranquility”

by Emily St. John Mandel

“I think, as a species, we have a desire to believe that we’re living at the climax of the story. It’s a kind of narcissism. We want to believe that we’re uniquely important, that we’re living at the end of history, that now, after all these millenia of false alarms, now is finally the worst that it’s ever been, that finally we have reached the end of the world.”

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fter a bevy of rave reviews about Emily St. John Mandel’s new speculative fiction novel Sea of Tranquility, I finally caved, and boy am I glad I did.

Admittedly, novels concerning the supernatural are not my genre of choice. I prefer realworld settings and the vaguely familiar - same with films. But Mandel uses the paranormal lens to explore themes of time, the human experience, and the moral questions that keep us awake at night. This novel evoked a meditation about the generations that preceded us and those that will follow, what the world will look like, if it even still exists, and how our moral conscience might shift in another time and place.

The book opens in 1912 as Edwin sails to another country after a falling out with his English parents. As the third son set to inherit nothing, Edwin contemplates his purpose and wanders into a forest where he experiences what he believes to be a hallucination, a blip in time accompanied by the sound of someone playing a violin. The novel then leaps to 2019 when Mirella finds out her friend Vincent is missing, a decade after the two had a falling out due to a Ponzi scheme conjured by their husbands. Next, we leap a century

into the future when Olive is on a book tour promoting a recent work about the aftermath of pandemic - a timely release months before Covid-19 forces the world into isolation.

Finally, Gasprey set a century beyond Olive, is contemplating his role in the world and lands at the Time Institute where he volunteers to time travel and explore the time continuum, a risky endeavor that his sister warns him against: “What you have to understand is that bureaucracy is an organism, and the prime goal of every organism is self-protection.

Bureaucracy exists to protect itself.” When Gasprey faces the moral issue of changing the past and risking the future, the moral questions that simmer beneath the surface are fully realized.

Mandel’s prose is quite readable, and each time period melds together. I thought the time lapses would prove complicated, but Mandel inserts little Easter eggs that connect the dots. She also imagines what our world and possibly other worlds might look and feel like in the future, reminding us that we are only a blip in time, much like the one Gasprey is chasing throughout the novel. Mandel’s meditation on humanity outside the confines of reality soars.

The Canadian novelist’s previous work Station Eleven has been adapted into a limited series for HBO Max. She is also the author of six other novels including The Glass Hotel and numerous essays. Sea of Tranquility debuted on the New York Times Best Seller List.

“If there’s pleasure in action, there’s peace in stillness.”

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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B AYOUKID Z

Gratitude Despite Grief article by Cindy G. Foust

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would really like to start this column with the typical “Happy Fall Y’all” but the truth is readers, my heart today is rather heavy…not happy. Anybody else ever get like this? Anybody? As I write this column, one of my dearest friends is facing end of life challenges and I am just grieving over this for him. Last month, I lost Daddy, readers, and while I am still not ready to write about it, I am however, still reeling from this loss. I kind of feel like someone dropped me off at the mall and forgot to pick me up. Does that make sense? Over the course of the last few weeks, I’ve had well-intending people say, pretty routinely, that “Loss is just part of life.” While I don’t disagree, as I have certainly experienced my share of it, it still doesn’t make the transitional road any easier. I use the word transitional because it’s what we all try to do, right? Transition back to life without this love, this soul that you loved so much. In this season of impending gratitude, I found myself somewhat overwhelmed by my grieving heart rather than my grateful one. I have been spending my days dreading the approaching holidays and quite frankly, readers, in my usual spirit of transparency, just blue.

Like a cloud of blueness that will just not lift. Until yesterday.

As I was driving to my favorite “hobby” store, the news was reporting yet another crisis in Israel. Bear with me readers, I will get us there…and connect the dots from grief to Israel. I will. I was lost in my thoughts as I was meeting my daughter there to buy some wrapping paper and listening to these horrific accounts of circumstances that are quite frankly, unfathomable. This did little to add to the blue energy I was already experiencing, I’m sure that is what you are thinking. At any rate, we entered the store in search of our paper and found ourselves lost in the aisles just browsing. Typical, I guess and certainly good for the store’s business, but something in the overhead music caught my ear. It was an age-old hymnal, one that is likely familiar to most of us, and as I watched my daughter meander (such a better word than roam or wander) through the store, without her noticing that I was staring at her, I was overcome with this wave of gratitude. Hang on, readers, it’s not a Hallmark movie, I promise. Well, in the end, it might be, but this

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wave of gratitude truly took over my heart, my mind and the sense of peace I had just broke me. For there I was, innocently shopping with my girl…a luxury, a privilege that I seemed to be taking for granted.

Halfway around the world there is so much suffering and evilness and sorrow, and here I am with all the freedom to be in this place, with my child, shopping on a Saturday afternoon. I’m telling you friends, we got checked out she and got in her car and went her way, and I got in my car and pulled to the edge of the parking lot. And I wept. Anyone ever do that? Just pull to the edge of a parking lot where no one can see, and just cry like nobody is watching? Let me recommend it if you haven’t because for me, it was a chance to let out all the pent-up grief and worry and strife. It was a chance to reflect on the lives that I had lost, or was losing, but also focus on the life I am privileged to have, the lives that I am honored to be part of. Because my column is never far from my thoughts, I pulled out a notebook from my briefcase and I started writing all the things, first about my daddy that I am grateful for, but then I morphed into a list of things that I am just so full of gratitude for.

My health, my marriage, my children, my family, my friends, my job… and there, in the parking lot outside the I-Hop, I began to heal a bit.

Grief will visit us all…it’s inevitable, it will infiltrate our life like an unwanted virus (that is about the worst example I can write but all I got readers, as I try to get us to the finish line with tear stained cheeks) and we have to be able to navigate it. First, for ourselves and second, for our children. Scott and I have been down this horrible, black abyss of a hole after the loss our son, Samuel, and let me say, it’s a sacred road to navigate with someone. And that, my dear readers, is an entire column for another day, but for this day, this crisp, sun-filled fall day, on the cusp of the season of gratitude, I am connecting the dots of filling our hearts with joyful memories, with gratitude for the lives we have and the lives we must give up and the freedoms we have to do it all. I may change the words in this column before it goes to print, but for now, the peace I feel as we approach the holiday season, is what I wish for our loyal readers and your lovely and precious families.

In the Spirit of Philanthropy A Mindset and Lifestyle of Giving

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

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HE OTHER DAY I RECEIVED AN ENVELOPE WITH THE statement “Your opportunity to help make things possible.” It caught my attention in the mountain of mail I received that day. The envelope was from Mayo Clinic Department of Development. It contained a letter about philanthropy, support, sharing, funding, and personal giving. This type of mail whether it is from Mayo Clinic, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Salvation Army, United Way, Northeast Louisiana Food Bank is common, particularly at this time of year when our minds and hearts are centered on giving.

I am not sure why this envelope caught my attention. Perhaps it is because I have been a patient at Mayo Clinic and have considered my treatment and service there to be exemplary. Maybe it caught my attention because of the powerful statement written on the back of the envelope in blue. For years, like many people I associated philanthropy with monetary donations and gifts. In fact, what frequently came to my mind would be large amounts of monetary gifts made to nonprofit organizations by wealthy members of the community or of societies to which I nor members of my inner circle belong. When I thought about philanthropists I considered names of celebrities, the rich and famous like John Rockefeller, Warren Buffet, Diane Von Furstenberg, Barbara Streisand, Mike Bloomberg, Madame C.J. Walker (first self-made female millionaire), Melinda and Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerburg, Angelina Jolie, Ted Turner, Jeff Bezos, Beyonce Knowles, and Andrew Carnegie. Quite frankly these are some of the names often listed.

Philanthropy as I have learned in its simplest and purest definition means “love of humanity or loving people.” Philanthropy connotes generosity in all its forms and can be defined as giving gifts of “time, talent, experience, skills and money” with the goal or intent of helping to make life better for others. A philanthropist by this definition can be anyone helping to make a difference. Many philanthropists are driven by a deep desire to solve social problems and help others. Scientific evidence has shown philanthropy benefits the well-being of the giver as well as the receiver. I will admit hearing stories of what individuals have done for others or testimonies of how people have benefitted from philanthropy has lifted my spirits while inspiring me to consider creatively what and how I can give. As a therapist, I frequently hear of the personal struggles many are experiencing. I also learn how people help others. As one client recently said, everyone needs help at some point in their lives, even the millionaire.

One may ask why philanthropy and why now? My quick response is why not. We all know there are many reasons as to why one chooses to 26 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

give and yet in some instances, the desire to give is compromised by their perceived ability to give. Some ways to practice philanthropy: Begin by embracing the definition of philanthropy. Be willing to offer your time, resources, or support to others without expecting anything in return.

Contribute your time, invest your energy, skill and creativity to causes you can relate to and that resonate deeply within you. Find a cause(s) within your community, get involved, be active and willingly engage others.

Self-evaluate, ask yourself what has kept me from giving in the past. One gentleman shared with me after traveling for years as a part of his work he has accumulated more SkyMiles than he will ever use. Each year he donates miles to St. Jude’s hospital with the hope they will benefit a family. I was able to inform him that I knew through my clinical practice individuals within the community who were benefiting from this act of kindness. Recognize that in some way, you are probably making an impact on someone else’s life…more than likely you are acting philanthropically and did not realize it.

The act of giving can take various forms, from volunteering, mentoring, offering a listening ear or making it a lifestyle. Lifestyle philanthropy is when giving is integrated into everyday behaviors and events. Adopt a mindset of giving and incorporate it in your lifestyle. I was recently inspired by the actions of a young woman who as a freshman in college wanting to help a peer battling with the side effects of cancer had her hair cut numerous inches so that she could donate her hair. When acknowledged for this selfless act her response was “it is just hair it will grow back.” As an alopecia sufferer I can tell you her contribution was more than just hair but a transformative experience for her friend. Living philanthropically, reflects feelings and thoughts of caring, education, passion, concern, awareness, empathy, interest, vision, hope, opportunity, potential. Whether you call it volunteerism, charity, donations, virtuous giving, cheerful giving, silentgiving, or philanthropy, giving is an expression of compassion, kindness, and generosity…expressions that make us all better as people. As for the notices I received in my mail, particularly from Mayo Clinic, they served as a reminder that I, you, we can all use our lives to make a difference in someone else’s life. Each of us has something to offer others, regardless of how much money we have, how busy we are, what time of the year it is, we can all be philanthropists in our own way. In the spirit of philanthropy and the season of thanks and giving may each of us embrace the mindset of giving and create an opportunity to help someone else live their best life.

For more information on counseling and outreach services contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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BAYOU COCKTAIL

Wh a t yo u n e ed :

Chocolate syrup Graham cracker crumbs 2 to 3 ounces vodka 6 ounces chocolate liquor Whipped cream or Cool Whip 6 marshmallows Cocktail picks 3 pieces milk chocolate 1 large graham cracker Prepare your glass by dipping the rim in a puddle of chocolate syrup and then in crumbled Graham crackers. Next, toast your marshmallows and add to a cocktail pick. Add ice, vodka and chocolate liquor to a shaker and strain into glass. To finish, add toasted marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles for garnish.

GI V E M E S’MOR E S

Indulge in the perfect blend of chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker, warming your soul. This delicious cocktail will have you asking for S’more.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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SKILLET BREAKFAST Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering skillet breakfast, savoring the flavors of turkey, sweet potatoes and warm gravy.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Wh a t yo u n e ed :

3 cups frozen shredded potatoes 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and ground pepper 2 tbsp unsalted butter ½ cup cooked shredded turkey 1 cup cooked vegetables, such as green beans and sweet potatoes ½ cup grated white cheddar 4 large eggs Warmed gravy, for serving Preheat over to 425 °F, with cast iron skillet on center rack. Toss shredded potatoes with olive oil. Remove pan and add butter, and spread potatoes over bottom of pan and return to over. Let bake around 25 minutes.

Remove the skillet from oven and top with turkey, vegetables and cheese.

Make 4 indentions and crack eggs into those spots. Return to oven and cook for around 6 minutes. Drizzle with gravy and serve warm.

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BAYOU EATS

HARVEST PLATTER

Craft a delectable fall charcuterie platter combining savory cured meats with autumnal delights like pears, spiced nuts and pumpkin seeds Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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Thankful for the SGA

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders at Louisiana Delta Community College ARTICLE BY DARIAN ATKINS

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TUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONS (SGAS) ARE A cornerstone of the college experience, often operating behind the scenes but playing a pivotal role in shaping the educational environment for students. These organizations, composed of elected or appointed student representatives, exist to advocate for student interests, address concerns, and actively engage in the governance of their educational institutions.

While they may not always receive the spotlight, SGAs foster leadership, promote civic engagement, and enhance the overall college experience.

Dr. Alvina Thomas, Dean of Student Success Services/Title IX Coordinator & Student Government Association Advisor, says, “One of the most poignant roles of SGAs is the opportunity to nurture leadership qualities among students. From running a campaign and participating in the organization’s many activities and student body meetings, students can develop essential leadership skills they’ll utilize throughout their life.” Thomas says she’s seen them grow to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, and make critical decisions that can impact their peers and the LDCC campus community.

Student Government Associations serve as a practical introduction to the world of politics and governance. They expose students to the principles of democracy, representation, and public service. By participating in student government, students gain a deeper understanding of how their institutions function, and they learn how to voice their opinions and advocate for changes that matter to them. In fact, one essential activity is the voter registration drive.

Furthermore, SGAs often collaborate with local, state, and even national government bodies, allowing students to engage in broader political and civic issues. Many SGA members go on to pursue careers in public service, motivated by the experiences and knowledge they gained during their time in student government.

Louisiana Delta Community College’s SGA President, David Payne, was voted from among his state-wide Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) fellow SGA Presidents to represent the voice of the students on the Board of Supervisors, which governs all Louisiana community colleges.

Payne devoted over two decades to his career as a paraprofessional, a role he believed would be his ceiling without high school credentials.

Determined to correct his course, he decided to pursue his GED and subsequently enrolled in college. “I learned about the SGA (Student Government Association) after enrolling in LDCC. In the fall of 22-23, I

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was elected by the students to be their SGA President and re-elected in the fall of 23-24. This role as president was life-changing for me. I’ve traveled all over the state of Louisiana and also to Washington, D.C., meeting people and learning new ideas about student government and how to better the college experience for future students in our state. These experiences would not have been possible without the students, staff, and administrators at LDCC. I must recognize Dr. Alvina Thomas, SGA Advisor, for all her hard work with this SGA staff and her encouragement, willingness, and acceptance of me.” Payne will graduate in May 2024 with an associate degree in general studies and plans to attend Grambling State University to earn a bachelor’s degree. Says Payne, “LDCC has changed my life and made my future so much brighter; I could never repay what this college has done for me.”

LDCC endeavors to have SGA Senator representation on all campuses and a full Monroe campus staff, including vice-president, secretary/ treasurer, and two senators.

Payne’s experience isn’t uncommon; Student Government Associations play an instrumental role in shaping the overall college experience. They are instrumental in providing a forum for students to express their concerns, advocate for changes, and improve the quality of life on campus. Issues such as campus facilities/food options, academic policies, and extracurricular activities are common interests of students.

SGAs organize events, support clubs and organizations, and implement student initiatives. These activities contribute to a vibrant and engaging campus life that not only attracts prospective students but also enriches the educational experience for current ones.

Another crucial function of SGAs is to build a sense of community on campus. SGAs often collaborate with other campus organizations and local community groups to address social and community issues.

This engagement bridges the gap between the academic environment and the outside world, helping students understand their broader civic responsibility.

“Students engage in student body governing as early as elementary skill and continue through high school, says Thomas. While these experiences are introductory, they have value, and in college, Student Government Associations are far more than just student clubs or organizations. They are impactful to the college experience, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, promoting civic engagement, enhancing campus life, and advocating for the interests of their fellow students.”

AUTUMN BLISS

Create a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape with inspiration from Taylor Bennett’s colorful setting. Elegant linens, autumnal centerpieces and flickering candles set the tone for a memorable feast.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK Special thanks to MELANIE MASSEY GROVES

Find these items at local retailers: Gold vases from Palette House & Plume and the colorful linens from Material Things

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STEP OUT IN STYLE

Step into fall with neutral-colored boots, a versatile and stylish choice to elevate any cold-weather outfit. Find these and more at area boutiques.

Special thanks to MELANIE MASSEY GROVES Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Clockwise from top: Hemline Monroe, HerringStone’s, Simmons’ Sporting Goods, Chanticleers Boutique

Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart From Outdoor Furniture to Christmas Trees, Sonny Panzico’s Has You Covered

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ONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART HAS BEEN THE premier destination for Northeast Louisiana’s gardening needs for over 47 years. With two locations to serve their loyal customers, this family-owned business has become a beloved institution in the community. From outdoor furniture to kitchens, statuaries to planters, grills to umbrellas, Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart offers a wide range of products to choose from, ensuring that everyone looking to spruce up their outdoor spaces can find exactly what they need.

One of the standout features of Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart is their impressive selection of grills and cooking accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, they have something for everyone. Among the favorites is the Louisiana Grills, known for their exceptional quality and performance. These grills are built to last and deliver delicious results every time. Sonny’s also carries a range of Kamado Joe grills, which are known for their versatility and ability to handle a variety of cooking styles. And for those looking for top-of-theline options, Bull Outdoor grills and kitchens are also available. With such a diverse selection, customers can find the perfect grill to suit their needs and preferences.

Nothing says Louisiana better than a table full of crawfish and Sonny Panzico’s offers the Bayou Classic Crawfish cooker. Perfect for large batch outdoor cooking events and backyard parties, these cookers are great for boiling crawfish and other seafood. Available in different sizes, these cookers heat a large volume of water to a rolling boil in 30 minutes and provides an easy lift basket which allows seafood to slide down into a cooler.

In addition to their impressive grill selection, Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart has recently introduced a new line of gifts to their inventory.

One standout item is the Wind Spinners by Spinfinity. These mesmerizing spinners add a touch of whimsy and elegance to any garden or outdoor space. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these spinners are not only beautiful to look at but also create a sense of tranquility as they gracefully move with the wind. They make the perfect gift for any occasion, bringing joy and beauty to any outdoor setting.

As the holiday season approaches, Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart transforms into a winter wonderland. Their Christmas trees are delivered in mid-November, ensuring that customers can find the 40 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

perfect tree to bring holiday cheer into their homes. Whether you prefer live trees or artificial ones, Sonny’s has you covered. They offer a wide variety of both options, allowing customers to choose based on their preferences and needs. And if you want to add a touch of magic to your tree, Sonny’s also offers flocking services, giving your tree a snowy and enchanting appearance.

But Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart doesn’t stop at Christmas trees.

They are your holiday headquarters, providing everything you need to create a festive atmosphere. From live wreaths and garland to paperwhites and poinsettias, they have all the decorations to make your home feel warm and inviting during the holiday season. And if you’re looking for Christmas gifts, Sonny’s has you covered there as well. They recently restocked their inventory of Lodge Iron Cookware, a beloved brand known for its durability and exceptional cooking performance.

They also carry Milwaukee Garden tools, perfect for the gardening enthusiasts in your life. With such a diverse selection of gifts, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart is not just about gifts and holiday decorations. They also offer a wide range of outdoor furniture to help you create the perfect gathering space for family and friends. Their Signature Design by Ashley furniture sets are not only stylish but also durable and weather-resistant. Whether you’re looking for a cozy outdoor sofa or a dining set for al fresco meals, Sonny’s has the perfect furniture to suit your needs. And for those chilly evenings, their gas fire pit tables provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy outdoor dinners and gatherings even when the temperature drops.

Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart has truly become a one-stop-shop for all your gardening and outdoor needs. With their extensive selection of grills, gifts, holiday decorations, and outdoor furniture, there’s no need to go anywhere else. And with their friendly and knowledgeable staff, you can trust that you’ll receive the best service and advice every time you visit. So why wait? Head over to Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart and start sprucing up your outdoor spaces today. Find them at 7540 Hwy 165 North in Monroe or at 1630 Arkansas Road in West Monroe.

I REMEMBER

growing up in the piedmont area of North Carolina at a time when part of that growing coincided with the years of World War II. During those years, the citizens of the United States were subject to rationing which limited the purchasing of some things that were needed in the worldwide war effort in which our troops were engaged. As I recall, the rationing that impacted our family the most involved gasoline and certain food stuffs.

In addition to this war-time rationing, my family would not have been considered affluent. The combination of these two factors meant that we were limited relative to what we could purchase. Despite these factors, I do not recall any time when my parents, my three siblings, and I were ever without things that we needed. This fact should have created a sense of gratitude and thanksgiving. That thanksgiving exploded when the war was over and grateful hearts gave thanks that the nations engaged in the conflict had not destroyed themselves. Celebratory parades were common and churches were filled with worshipers who sang praises to the God who had given us the victory. It was appropriate that thanksgiving be given and grateful Americans joined together to exalt the Lord.

As we approach Thanksgiving this year, how inclined are we to express our thanks to God? The response that ought to be seen in us as we receive the bountiful goodness which the Lord gives us is often dwarfed when compared to the value God’s gifts. He is so very gracious; we can be almost unmoved

by His kindness. It is good that we shall be observing Thanksgiving Day this month; hopefully that will stir in us a sense of gratitude for the benevolent love of the Father shown to His children.

One way by which we in our family seek to encourage a spirit of gratitude in our clan takes place at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. As we are gathered for the feast, and before thanks is given for our food, each of us is asked to share with the family some special blessing we have received during the course of the year, especially blessings that have come through the agency of another family member. This elevates our appreciation of each other -- and that is healthy!

Often, in our culture, our thanks is expressed primarily for temporal things such as successful coping with an illness, being promoted in our jobs, making high grades in school, having especially nice homes and automobiles, enjoying a special vacation, and being part of such an awesome family. For such temporal blessings, it is appropriate that we express our thanks, but this year I would recommend that our focus be on our blessings that are eternal in nature. Temporal blessings are just that – temporary. While we do appreciate these gifts, we should remember that they will not last.

There are gifts and blessings that are not transitory, but instead are lasting. In addition to being eternal in nature, they are, I believe, superior to those blessings which we class as impermanent. The gift that countless people value more than any others is the gift of eternal life. This gift is given without cost to those who put their faith in Christ. Though it is free to us, this gift was secured at great cost to our Father and His Son, Jesus. To purchase this gift, it was required of the Son that He sacrifice His life to be the substitute for sinners. This sacrifice involved His death on the cross where He canceled the debt of all our sin (“The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23). He graciously died in our place! This act purchased for us the promise of eternity in heaven where we shall dwell with Christ and all those who placed their faith in the Lord -- a place where there is no death, no sorrow, no sin but joy without end. This should cause us to burst with thanksgiving.

Such expressions of thankfulness will help to elevate our feelings of gratitude to God – and that is healthy!

a rtic l e by PAU L L I P E o p in io n exp ressed is that of the w riter

First West Thrift Store Bringing Hope to the People of Northeast Louisiana

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EMEMBER HURRICANE KATRINA? REMEMBER THE influx of evacuees that escaped the storm with barely the clothes on their backs? First West saw a need and jumped into action! We did everything we could to care for those fleeing their homes … shelter, food, clothes … we wanted to “See To It” that none of them missed the grace of God while they were in West Monroe.

When life eventually settled again (early 2007), we found ourselves in a position to continue to help the people of Northeast Louisiana with a ministry providing clothes and small household goods (the over abundance of items that continued to be donated by our community) at very reduced prices. We would continue to See To It by donating profits to local NELA ministries who were doing good work – work that we wanted to come alongside and support. Sales in 2008 totaled around $150,000. It was a meager start that continued to grow over the next several years and through several locations.

In 2014, the First West Thrift Store moved it its current location at 1 Stella Mill Street (The Transform Center). The building had been used for multiple purposes over the years, but now it had a new purpose!

With plenty of room to store the ballooning amount of donations, the Transform Center offered a convenient location and a great layout for retail space.

Over the next years, the Thrift Store became completely selfsustaining. And with growth in donations & sales, we were able to invest in local ministries more every year! In 2018, the First West Thrift Store met a major milestone – the store invested over $200,000 to surpass $1,000,000 in total local ministry investment. and, the store was growing so fast, it began to run out of space … again.

In 2020, the Store began an expansion in the Transform Center to open up 13,000-square feet of retail space – making it the largest thrift store in Northeast Louisiana. The remodel also created an improved process for drop off of donations and a new entrance facing the Ouachita River, giving the store a stronger visual presence as you cross the Louisville Bridge from Monroe to West Monroe.

WHERE WE ARE Donations are the bread and butter of our business; without donations, there are no sales to invest in the community! No matter how small or how large … furniture, mattresses, dishes, linens, sports equipment, medical equipment, clothes, shoes, purses, seasonal/ holiday … it all adds up to help local ministries. We accept donations

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during our business hours at the back entrance to the Transform Center on North 4th Street. We always try to have someone there to assist you in unloading your vehicle. Also, we pick up furniture/mattress donations at no cost to you! Call us at 318-410-0999 or email thriftstore@ firstwest.cc to schedule a free pick-up! We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit so all donations are tax deductible; we can provide a receipt at the time of donation.

Volunteers help keep our overhead low so we can donate more to local ministries! There are lots of different ways to volunteer with us. Our volunteers tag and prepare items to be placed on the floor and restock the floor often with new donations so we can keep our shoppers engaged. We also do a basic test on all electronics before placing them for sale, so we are selling functioning items. We even need help with answering the many phone calls we receive every day. There is a place for all skill levels and all ages; we are happy to receive any amount of time you have to share. Find community in the volunteer and staff team at First West; contact Phillip Thigpen at pthigpen@firstwest.cc or call 318.410.0999. He will be happy to plug you into the ministry of the First West Thrift Store where you can See To It as a volunteer!

Everyone can shop with us! We are truly amazed at some of the donations we are able to offer to our community at affordable prices.

We have an entire section of the store devoted to new or name brand items; we even have local businesses that donate new items & clothes for us to sell. Furniture goes fast, so come in often and shop – if you’re a DIY’er or up-cycler, you’ll love treasure hunting in the Thrift Store! We post pictures of in-store items on Facebook and Instagram often. Follow our social media accounts for announcements of special seasonal and holiday sales, including local sports teams, camo, Christmas, back to school, prom and more.

WHO WE HELP The First West Thrift Store is a ministry to the entire Northeast Louisiana area. Not only for those that benefit from buying quality items at affordable prices, but also the many local ministries we help support.

We turn your donations and purchases into greater ministry and are on track to invest almost $350,000 this year back into the community.

For more information about the Thrift Store and who we support, visit www.fwthriftstore.cc.

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Upcoming Events and Specials The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group

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ET READY, NATIONAL BOTOX DAY IS BACK! NOVEMBER 15th is Botox Cosmetic Day. Alle members can buy one $50 Botox Cosmetic Gift Card and get one free. In addition, Alle members can receive double points when treated from November 11-30. Botox provides a smoother, refreshed look, with results in 7-14 days. Depending on dosage, results can last 3-4 months. National Botox Day is a great opportunity for new or existing customers to take advantage of savings and double point offerings. The Medical Spa will also be giving away 50 units of Botox in celebration of National Botox Day on November 15th.

Be sure to follow us on social media for ways to enter for your chance to win.

Want to find out more about becoming an Alle member? Call us at (318) 966-3772.

TREATMENT SPOTLIGHT The fall and winter months are the best time of year for skin health repair and restoration. While many aesthetic treatments require little to no downtime, it’s often beneficial for skin to avoid direct sunlight following certain treatments. With our beach days behind us, and less time spent outside, fall and winter months are the perfect time for inoffice treatments. The following are a few we are recommending this fall and winter.

RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING RF microneedling encourages the generation of new healthy skin by applying RF-assisted thin electrodes which create controlled microwounds. These micro-wounds trigger the production of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Treatment is completely customizable, and downtime is very minimal. You may experience mild redness, which can last from a few hours up to a few days. We recommend not wearing makeup for 48-72 hours post treatment to allow for better healing. Results are best with a course of 3-5 sessions, with the sessions being 3-4 weeks apart.

CHEMICAL PEELS Chemical peels provide exfoliation to the top layer of the skin to enable the skin’s natural process of healing and restoration. They can treat a range of skin health concerns, such as sunspots, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts and rough texture. Peels can be

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more superficial with minimal to no healing time, or they can be more corrective and require a longer recovery time.

• ZO Glow Treatment: This treatment is great for textured and dull skin. This treatment contains a combination of exfoliating ingredients to renew and revive skin and requires no downtime.

• ZO Stimulator Peel +: A moderate strength peel that delivers rapidly smoother skin while reducing uneven skin tone and congestion all with minimal downtime. Safe for all skin types, it features the combined potency of glycolic, lactic and azelaic acids for comprehensive skin renewal.

• ZO 3-Step Peel: This potent peel provides epidermal exfoliation and boosts skin renewal for longer-lasting results. Designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, acne scarring, large pores and dullness. Downtime is typically 5-7 days. This peel requires a consultation and preconditioning to enhance overall results.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL Here at The Medical Spa, we offer laser hair removal with the Splendor X by Lumenis, a global leader in laser and energy-based technology. This laser offers customizable laser hair removal treatments for all skin tones. Splendor X offers BLEND technology by utilizing two wavelengths, Alexandrite 755 and ND-Yag 1064. The proportion of wavelengths used depends on skin type, hair color and texture, allowing for a safer and more effective treatment! By utilizing the dual wavelengths simultaneously and a dual cooling system, the Splendor X offers quick, effective and comfortable treatments for hair removal! We recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss expectations and desired results with hair removal treatment.

Before any treatment or beginning any skincare routine, we recommend an in-office treatment plan consultation to plan out the perfect product and procedure regimen to help achieve your skincare goals. Consultations are complimentary. We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont St., Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. Also, be sure to follow The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all current events, promotions and new services.

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Meredith’s Musings IN HER ABSENCE article by MEREDI T H MC K I NNI E

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sudden family death, particularly of a young person, is harrowing. When that death is your Baby Sister, it’s isolating.

We aren’t taught to ponder the mortality of our siblings. They came into being relatively close to our own births, and to contemplate their mortality would force us to contemplate our own - shivers. The odd timing of my sister’s death shortly after I turned 40 has me thinking not so much about my own mortality but more so about hers. It’s been 7 months since she passed, and though it still feels odd and unnatural, life keeps happening. It dares to go on without her.

I haven’t cried much in the last two months. I don’t feel I’ve cried enough since her death. I do believe crying is cathartic - it always has been for me. But the permanence of death makes crying about it seem insubstantial. My cry will end, but she won’t be coming back. I can’t cry her back into existence. I’m used to crying as a means of closure, but I can’t close her absence. It just is now. And it always will be. I feel I’m both coming to terms with that and fearful of fully accepting it at the same time.

For Easter, we gathered the family for an egg hunt on my parents’ property.

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hurried to find the eggs hidden the night prior. I noticed the somber mood among the adults. We all smiled and acknowledged the children’s findings, but we couldn’t escape the absence. Perhaps it was only me thinking about her not being there, but it felt collective. I wouldn’t call it grief, but awareness. She won’t ever be there with us in that place again. This was the first holiday without her in the world, and this year will feature several more. I dread Christmas; she loved it so.

We’re at that stunned silent stage, you know when someone’s name is brought up and no one quite knows how to respond, and so the silence lingers. The impulse is to avoid eye contact, to stare off into the distance, as if she might be out there. My six-year-old mentions her name the most.

She’ll say, “I miss Aunt Bonnie,” and “Can we go see Aunt Bonnie’s grave?” I’ve never been much for visiting tombstones, only accompanying someone else if I didn’t have a choice. But when Wilder asked, I took both girls to Marion. My four-year-old Fable kept asking where she was, as if Bonnie would walk out of the woods surrounding the cemetery. I searched the names of nearby tombstones, committing my sister’s eternal neighbors to memory. Wilder just stared at the overturned dirt, spotted the small

marker with Bonnie’s picture, smudged some red dirt off her face. She stood in silence, not knowing what reverence was but displaying it nonetheless. She looked like all of us since Bonnie’s death, unsure how we feel, or how to feel about not knowing how we feel, resisting the urge to name it by just sitting with it. My little six-year-old leaned into not knowing, instinctively. She didn’t look toward the woods or rest her eyes on the tombstones with unknown names. She didn’t try to distract herself from the reality in front of her. She just stood there and sat with it.

As I watched from four feet away, again resting my eyes on anything else but the grave, I thought perhaps this child’s reaction to death could provide some guidance. She is not rehearsed in how to perform. She has not experienced loss up close. She is feeling her way through it much like she is every interaction in her relatively short life.

Society hasn’t dictated a response that she’s aware of. She just expresses what she feels when she feels it, the norms unfamiliar. I’m trying to do the same. I don’t know how I feel about losing my sister, I don’t know how our family dynamic will evolve in her absence, but I will continue to stand and when necessary, sit with it. My child showed me how.

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Keep Your Teeth Healthy Good Oral Health is a Great Gift for Your Smile!

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OVEMBER IS DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH. DIABETES and gum disease are two seemingly unrelated health conditions that are intricately linked in a cause-and-effect relationship.

Diabetes can significantly increase the risk of developing gum disease, and the relationship between the two conditions is a complex one.

One of the primary ways in which diabetes can lead to gum disease is through compromised immunity. Diabetes weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, including bacterial infections in the mouth.

This impairs the immune response to harmful oral bacteria, making individuals with diabetes more susceptible to gum disease. Moreover, high blood sugar levels in diabetes can create an ideal environment for the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, heightening the risk of gum disease.

Additionally, diabetes can affect blood vessels and impair blood circulation. This reduced blood flow can lead to a diminished supply of nutrients and oxygen to the gum tissues, hurting their ability to heal and repair themselves. This means that even minor gum issues can escalate more quickly into more severe forms of periodontal disease in individuals with diabetes.

PREVENTING GUM DISEASE People with diabetes can take several steps to prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health. Firstly, it’s vital to control blood sugar levels, as consistently high blood sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and hinder the body’s ability to fight infections. Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, are crucial for early detection and treatment of gum disease. Excellent oral hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash, are essential daily routines. Quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, using an electric toothbrush, managing stress, taking prescribed medications, and staying informed about the oral health risks associated with diabetes are all important components of gum disease prevention.

By working closely with both their dentist and healthcare provider, individuals with diabetes can reduce their risk of gum disease and its associated complications.

SMILE BRIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS Taking care of your teeth during the holiday season is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, the holidays often bring an 56 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

abundance of sugary treats and rich, acidic foods. Indulging in these delights can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities. Sugar serves as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in your mouth, which can erode tooth enamel and cause dental problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing in between meals and watching sugar intake is essential to combat the harmful effects of these holiday sweets.

Additionally, holiday gatherings frequently involve socializing, photos, and close interactions with family and friends. A bright, healthy smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression on those around you. Neglecting your oral health during this festive time can result in bad breath, stained teeth, and potential dental emergencies that could disrupt your holiday enjoyment. To fully savor the holiday season and all the moments it brings, taking care of your teeth is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. It ensures that you can partake in the festivities with a radiant smile and avoid any dental discomfort or complications that might arise during this joyful time of the year.

OUR GIFT TO YOU! As a gift for the holidays, NELA Dental will be offering $99 At Home Teeth Whitening and $350 In-Office Zoom Whitening. This offer is valid from Thanksgiving to Christmas. These services can be great Christmas gifts or personal treats to ensure you can have the best smile possible for the holidays.

ROUTINE VISITS COVERED WITH OUR MEMBERSHIP PLAN We accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. NELA Dental wants to make things financially easier for our patients. That’s why we offer membership plans as an alternative to insurance.

Our membership plans offer no deductibles, no maximums, and no denials. It includes two exams and cleanings and one set of bite-wing x-rays per year and 20% off all other services. While most insurance plans cap payouts each year, there are no limits to the benefits of our membership plans.

Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville and Monroe to schedule your appointment today!

Mashaw Events

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The event held at 111 Cotton in Antique Ally on October 14th was a victory celebration for the election of Chief Marc Mashaw as Sheriff of Ouachita Parish. The photographs featured here are from the Mashaw event at the bayou home of Jada and Dino Taylor, the West Monroe Convention Center Mashaw event as well as the victory event.

Photo credit: Kelly Hill and Wade Bishop

On the BayouScene

1D iana and Jay Russell, Angela Hamby and Marc Mashaw 2A ngela Hamby and Marc Mashaw and Jada and Dino Taylor 3K ay Bishop, Marc Mashaw and Wade Bishop 4 Mark Craft and Sissy Craft and Marc Mashaw 5 Steve Tew, Brian Moreau and Kevin Patel 6 E ric and Yolanda McElroy, Angela Hamby and Marc Mashaw 7 Carla and Wallace Hardy, Anthony and Wanda Washington 8 Dino Taylor, Steve Taylor and Ken Rugg 9 Butch and Diane Mulhearn and Marc Mashaw 10 Larry Knight, Lanette and Paul Knight, Marc Mashaw and Blake Mashaw 11 S usan Lolly and David Mashaw, Jackson Barron, Anna Grace Mashaw, Marc Mashaw, Grant Mashaw, and Jennifer Allen 12 Staci and Jay Mitchell, Marc Mashaw and Courtney Hornsby 13 Allie Rae Hamby, Tate Hamby, Marc Mashaw and Angela Hamby 14 Jay Russell, Kelly and Paul Coburn 15 Judy Auger, Tessa Black and Lynn Ramsey 16 Christin Raley, Leslie Knight and Robin McKee 17 Sherry and John Mark Wilhite and Jada Taylor 18 Diana Russell, Liz Rambin, Betty and Jack Armstrong and Craig Rambin 19 Larry Knight, Patti and Chris Thurmon 20 Angela Hamby, Marc Mashaw, Nick and Cherie Anderson 21 John Miller and Wallace Hardy

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THERE YOU WILL ALWAYS LONG TO RETURN Historical Impressions

b y G u y M i l l e r, V i c e C h a i r E m e r i t u s , C h e n n a u l t Av i a t i o n a n d M i l i t a r y M u s e u m

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aving visited one summer long ago, a year ago my wife and I decided to return to Biltmore mansion to see it in its decorated holiday splendor. Biltmore, of course, has nothing to do with aviation or the military but while we were there, a limited run presentation in one of its exhibition halls was devoted to Leonardo da Vinci. In that exhibit I saw something that both delighted and puzzled me. Behind the many displays of da Vinci’s artwork and models crafted from his notes were quotes attributed to the 15th century genius. One of these quotes was as follows: “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

Having flown more times than I can count, especially including being flung all over the sky in military aircraft, this quote really spoke to me. But from my first reading of it, my brain went “Wait a minute! How did Leonardo da Vinci know what it felt like to fly?”

Da Vinci lived 400 years before the Wright brothers ascended from the sands of Kitty Hawk. Like them, he was fascinated with flight. He obsessed about birds and flying machines. Over his entire lifetime, da Vinci wrote 35,000 words and drew 500 sketches about flight. But there is no evidence that da Vinci ever built and tested one of his flying machines, and no where in his writings or sketch notes can the attributed quote be found.

Despite its absence from his written words, the quote attributed to Leonardo da Vinci has been reproduced everywhere.

“His” words are quoted in aviation books, magazines, science textbooks and some Smithsonian publications. Except Leonardo da Vinci never wrote those words; and they are not 500 years old. Like many “quotes” and “truths” people believe, this quote was

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falsely attributed to da Vinci enough times that it took on an unquestioned life of its own.

So who wrote it?

John Hermes Secondari. An American TV writer. In 1965.

Secondari is a fascinating person. I wish I had the space to introduce you to him because his Wikipedia page only tells a fraction of his background.

How did Secondari’s words become attributed to da Vinci? Skipping to the latter part of his life story, Secondari organized ABC’s first documentary unit in the early 1960s and produced over 80 documentaries. One of those projects was a series called The Saga of Western Man. This series covered key historical events that moved civilization forward. Secondari was famed for restricting the acting as much as possible to off-screen voices and using historically authentic dialogue.

One of the episodes of The Saga of Western Man written in 1965 (aired in 1966) was “I, Leonardo da Vinci.” Secondari channeled the real ideas and passions of Leonardo into his TV documentary with Fredric March providing “the voice of Leonardo da Vinci.” 16 minutes and 21 seconds into the second reel, the off-screen Leonardo narration urges people to build his flying machines. Over beautiful visuals of a wheat field, the camera pans up into a clear blue sky and “da Vinci’s” voice says: “And once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you would return.”

This is the first recorded version of what became the quote. This spoken line starts with “and,” lacks “forever” and the ending is missing the “always long to.”

Those words were added piecemeal later.

The first time the quote appeared in print was in the May 1975 edition of Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine. It was

quoted as a Leonardo epigraph in the story “The Storms of Windhaven.”

“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been, and there you long to return.”

The “long to return” phrase was suggested by was editor of Analog, Ben Bova, who claimed he heard it in a documentary about Leonardo.

The presented-as-historical-fact quotation then was read and eventually spread as truth by late 1970s hang glider pilots and sky divers. By the 1980s this powerful “quote” had caught the imagination of the wider aviation community and started being repeated in books and magazines. It’s easy to understand why this was so. The “quote” perfectly describes how aviators feel when they loosen the restrictions of gravity and look down from on high at the wonder of Nature’s beauty and the magnificence of man’s creations. It also says what we think Leonardo would have said. And it helped that fact checking the quote was nearly impossible until more recent years.

Knowing his most famous quote about flying was penned by a television ghostwriter centuries after his death would likely cause Leonardo to respond with an enigmatic Mona Lisa smile. Da Vinci enjoyed whimsical prophecy. As an example, his true words that appear to be about flight- “winged creatures will support people with their feathers”- does not refer to flying machines but to “the feathers used to stuff mattresses.” Likewise his flight evoking words “feathers shall raise men even as they do birds, towards heaven” takes a wicked turn when they end “that is by letters written with their quills.”

And now you know the rest of the story.

A Funeral is a Lifetime in a Day Kilpatrick Funeral Homes

BY PAM LAVENDER, DIRECTOR OF GRIEF AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

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HERE’S SO MUCH WE EXPERIENCE IN OUR LIVES. There are the big moments that shape us – graduation, a first job, getting married and starting a family, new home, and retirement.

When we reflect on our lives, it’s these memories and milestones that may come to mind first.

But a life story is so much more than that. The small moments and people we meet along life’s journey are a part of us and helped shape who we are and what we value. Although we may know about some of the big moments in the lives of our loved ones, we may not know much about the other experiences and people who helped shape them.

Sitting down with our loved ones to talk about their lives can be rich and satisfying. Learning about memorable events and people, places and favorite activities, values, and lessons they have learned can help bring us closer to those we care about most.

Having the talk of a lifetime can make the difference of a lifetime. It can help reacquaint us with our loved ones and help us get to know them in a new and different way.

Finding a way to start talking with a loved one may be the most difficult part; however, we might find that once the conversation starts, it may be hard to stop.

WHAT IS HAVE THE TALK OF A LIFETIME? Have the Talk of a Lifetime, founded by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC), was created to help families have important conversations about the things that matter most to them and how a person’s life story can be remembered and honored in a meaningful way. Memorialization is so much more than it used to be. Today it can reflect a person’s life story, values, interests, and experiences. Meaningful memorialization can be transformative, healing, and comforting. Have the Talk of a Lifetime offers families practical advice and tools to help them have conversations about the things that matter most and how they hope to be remembered when they die and for generations to come.

WHY IS HAVING THE TALK OF A LIFETIME IMPORTANT? Deep down, most of us want to know that we, in some way, made a difference in this world. Having the Talk of a Lifetime can make the difference of a lifetime. It can help reacquaint us with our loved ones and help us get to know them in a new and different way. Sitting down with your loved ones to talk about their lives can be rich and satisfying.

Learning about memorable events and people, places and favorite

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activities, values, and lessons they have learned can help bring us closer to those we care about most. The talk helps us reaffirm to our loved ones how much they have impacted our life.

WHO SHOULD HAVE THE TALK OF A LIFETIME? You can have the talk of a lifetime with anyone you hold dear – your parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, a spouse, or a friend.

It can happen anywhere you and your loved one are most comfortable – over a meal, at home, on a walk, at a family gathering, or while playing a game. Your conversation can take place at any time, not just at the end of life.

HOW DO I START THE TALK OF A LIFETIME? It’s often easier than you might think! And once you get started, you may find it difficult to stop!

Sometimes, using a visual prompt, such as a photo album, souvenir, or memento, can be a great way to start a conversation. Memorable places, such as the church where your loved one was married or a favorite park can also help someone begin to open up and share their story.

You could share a memory about a vacation you took together and will always remember, a piece of advice that you cherish, a song that reminds you of them or the reasons you will never forget them. You may wish to take notes during or after your conversation or make an audio recording. You should choose whatever method seems most appropriate and comfortable given the setting of your conversation.

Some questions you could ask to start the talk are: • What is your proudest achievement?

• What was the one piece of advice you received from your parents or grandparents that you never forgot?

• Tell me about the most memorable summer you had growing up.

• Tell me about your favorite teacher; what did you learn from him or her?

• If you could spend a day doing anything you like, what would it be?

• Who has been your greatest inspiration?

For more information on Have the Talk of a Lifetime download the free workbook at rememberingalife.com.

Kilpatrick will help you honor the ones you love.

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ass fishing, even in a bass will strike these lures its simplest form, on the initial fall, making the is complicated. The initial flip or pitch a critical part complicated aspect of of your success. When a bass is the sport, more than any other aggressive he might swim a few reason, is due to the increased feet to take a lure once it hits the fishing pressure; and it goes water but most of the times this beyond fishing pressure. We is not the case. You must be very have more anglers sharing our precise with your pitch because waters; we have better overall a misplaced attempt might anglers who are well-informed spook a leery fish from biting. on the intricate details of our Your lure placement is critical. sport. Add to this the many One lure or technique that tournaments on our area lakes, gets overlooked when it comes and over a period of years, you to making good, accurate casts have well-educated fish that is when throwing a topwater become harder and harder to lure.

No matter if you are catch. walking a spook, working a frog So, with the complexity of or retrieving your other favorite our sport becoming increasingly topwater, you have to make the more evident, one of the correct casts in order to make overlooked things in fishing is the fish bite. Often times if you the simplest aspect of our sport. make an inaccurate cast and Recently I was asked, “What the lure lands on top of the fish separates the average angler or in close proximity to it, the from the good, and even great fish will spook and refuse to ones?”

Without hesitation I bite. I have always had a threeanswered, “Lure presentation foot rule when it comes casting and casting ability.” No matter my topwater lures. My goal, if they are using a push button, if possible, is to have my bait THE MOST OVERLOOKED ASPECT OF FISHING a spinning outfit, or the highest land at least three feet past my article by K E NNY COVI NGTON dollar rod and reel combination intended target. I believe this available, the one who can cast give a bass a chance to zoom in theirs better than the other person is going to catch more fish. Lure on a potentially easy meal without spooking him, but it also doesn’t placement has become a critical aspect in modern day fishing. give him a good chance to look at the bait either.

When it comes to the physical part of the sport, most tournament Another aspect of casting accuracy not considered is when an anglers are equal. Boat control, figuring out the best lures and the angler must cast at a particular target from a distance. If you have right locations to fish, always levels the playing field. Even the schooling fish busting shad thirty yards from the boat, it is very equipment used is not much different from one angler to the next. important that your lure lands exactly where the fish are busting.

Aside from the technological aspect of the sport, everyone uses Five feet to the left or to the right of the area where your lure needs the same lures, rods, reels, lines and we all fish the same waters. to land can be the difference in catching bass or not. Lures you can What separates the anglers is their ability to set up and to use their throw a long way, such as a Rat L Trap or a big topwater such as a equipment better than their competitors. That is usually what Whopper Plopper, still must be accurately casted to get the most out separates the anglers in the standings at the end of the day. of their presentations.

As I stated earlier, the fish in our lakes, are overly cautious when Here are some simple rules to help you gain more confidence in it comes to anglers and fishing pressure, so the days of just leisurely your casting abilities: going down a bank and catching fish one after another are gone. I 1. Make sure you have the correct rod, reel and line set up for the have always believed in a tournament day, if I am in the correct area, technique you are using. if I can make more and better casts than my competition, I have a 2. Try to keep your equipment as universal as possible. The great chance at doing well. Over the years, I can recall numerous same rod/reel set ups will help. events where I believed my casting abilities, more than my choice of 3. No matter if you sit down or stand up when you fish, practice lure, was the key to how well I did. casting that way.

Certain lures, before you ever begin the presentation or work 4. P ractice your casting with different weights and sizes of lures the lure, have to be cast better than others. The first lure where the before you ever get on the water. cast is a factor, is a spinnerbait. Can you make the casts that other Well, it looks like we have run out of time and space again anglers might miss? Can you put it in a tight area where a fish might for another month. I sure hope we were able to share some good be hiding? Spinnerbait fishing is more than just color, blades and information and knowledge that will help you on your next trip to speed of retrieve. It is about the cast. The more accurate your casts the lake. Now that it is hunting season, please be mindful of the are with a spinnerbait, the more fish you are going to catch. hunters that might be using our waterways to get in and out of their Another lure where the cast is more important than the lure hunting areas. Take care, catch one for me, and I will see you next itself is when pitching and flipping a jig or soft plastic. Often times month!

Fishing With Kenny

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BLOOMING BAUBLES Embrace the magic of the holiday season with these beautiful baubles that bloom with elegance. Find these gems at local retailers.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Flair Jewelers

Make her holidays sparkle with these stunning gemstone and diamond pieces from Flair - Monroe’s Fine Jeweler. From sapphires to amethysts, you’re sure to create unforgettable moments of joy.

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BLOOMING BAUBLES Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Hollis & Company

Elevate the holiday spirit with jewelry that radiates beauty, grace and endless enchantment. Opals, diamonds, topaz and gold take center stage in these standout pieces.

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Dupont Jewelers

BLOOMING BAUBLES Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Shimmer and shine at your holiday soiree with the perfect jewelry, sparkling with diamonds, pearls, gemstones and a touch of festive elegance.

The Copper Whisk

Ashley Rowton, Author of The Copper Whisk Cookbook, Shares Her Family Favorite Recipes

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SHLEY ROWTON, AUTHOR OF THE COPPER WHISK Cookbook, is proud to share her collection of over 200 family favorite recipes. The best-selling cookbook has sold over 5,000 copies since 2022 and covers it all from easy game day recipes, soups (Ashley’s favorites), dinnertime saviors, savory and sweet breakfasts, slow cooker time savers, dessert (of course!) and even special holiday traditions.

Thrown in are tidbit stories here and there that make all cookbooks more personal and allow the reader to dive into her deep southern household where she and her husband Nick raise three boys, Ryan, Hank and Grady Woods. In the book you will find Ashley’s favorite spread of her grandmother’s Duck Dressing recipe with pictures of each boy as toddlers on the countertop helping make the traditional dish. Oh, and Ashley’s favorite recipe in the whole book? She definitely says it is Minnie Porter’s Chicken & Dumplings, a tried and true from-scratch recipe that is certainly what she calls her “death row meal.”

Ashley is a Minden, Louisiana native, born and raised in the small town. She attended Glenbrook School followed by Centenary College and returned home to keep Minden and her people close.

There is nothing she loves more than a kitchen full of friends and family around her counter.

Since her cookbook has been published and made its way into many new kitchens Ashley has been overwhelmed with the kindness she has received. She has been asked to attend many book signings and host cooking classes. From how to prepare a Thanksgiving feast (traditional and Louisiana style!) to slow cooker dinner how-to’s and everything in between, she loves to share her love of the kitchen with others. You can reach her at ashley@thecopperwhisk.com.

With the holidays right around the corner, Ashley shares one of the most popular recipes of 2022.

You can find The Copper Whisk Cookbook in many local stores and online at www.thecopperwhisk.com.

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PECAN PIE YELLOW BUNDT CAKE Easy, pretty, and the most delicious!

Cake ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

1 box yellow cake mix 3 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding mix 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup oil 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup brown sugar

Pecan Pie Topping ▪ 1 bag of candied pecans ▪ 1 stick butter ▪ 1/2 cup brown sugar ▪ 1/4 cup honey ▪ 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ▪ 1/4 teaspoon salt Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a bundt pan. Mix all ingredients for cake with electric mixer.

While the cake is mixing, melt butter on stove. Add brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and salt.

Pour the bag of candied pecans into bundt pan first. Spread evenly. Pour butter mixture from stove over slowly. Add cake batter. Bake until done, about 45-50 minutes. *This cake wins Thanksgiving! Serve each piece with some melted butter to put it completely over the top.

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SIMPLIFY THE SEASON Simplify your holiday season by supporting local restaurants and indulging in comforting cool-weather dishes that warm both heart and soul.

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

NEWK’S EATERY This French Dip is made with roast beef, caramelized onions, Swiss, Creole mustard and mayo on Parisian bread, and served with a side of Au Jus. The Meat Deluxe Pizza has pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, mozzarella, garlic olive oil and pizza sauce topped with fresh basil.

TRAPP’S A Louisiana staple and one of Trapp’s favorites, Maw Maw’s Classic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo features delicious dark roux mixed with chicken, andouille sausage, smoked sausage and the Holy Trinity of vegetables.

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SIMPLIFY THE SEASON Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

for HIS temple A favorite among patrons, Dana’s hearty meatloaf is served with a side of garden fresh okra and tomatoes and speckled butter beans.

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY This delicious Adrienne’s Delight is perfect for hosting holiday meals and features a delicious combination of pecans, cream cheese, raisins and more.

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SIMPLIFY THE SEASON Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

THE COPPER WHISK Grab The Copper Whisk cookbook for this tasty and gorgeous Pecan Pie Yellow Bundt Cake which features a candied pecan and cinnamon topping.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK Make things simple by picking up this delicious Pimento Cheese Ball from Chicken Salad Chick, it’s coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon.

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B AY O U H E A L T H

THE MIGHTY MUSHROOM

Why it Should Be a Fall & Winter Staple

BY S HAN N O N DAH LU M

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hen you think of seasonal fall vegetables, winter squash and pumpkins probably come to mind, along with potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, and other root veggies. Common fruits in season this time of year include apples, pomegranates, figs, cranberries, and persimmons. Another plant food that’s abundant this time of year that may not immediately come to mind is mushrooms. To be fair, wild mushrooms have both a spring and autumn harvesting season, and are neither fruit nor vegetable; they’re fungi.

Several mushroom varieties grow abundantly in Louisiana, including oyster, chantrelle, and morels. Oyster mushrooms are considered a delicacy and can be found in many wooded areas around the state.

Chantrelles are also a delicacy, with their bright orange or yellow caps and a fruity aroma. These can’t be grown commercially so they must be wild harvested by hand, which makes them more expensive to purchase. Morels have a very distinctive appearance, with a spongy or honeycomb like texture on its caps, and are highly sought after by mushroom hunters.

I’ve never known anyone to be unbiased about mushrooms; most seem to either love them or hate them. Regardless of how you feel about the taste or texture, the one thing that can’t be denied is their nutritional content. Mushrooms are a good source of selenium, which is vital for healthy thyroid function, DNA production and healthy cell function. They also contain vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B9 which are essential for energy production, cell growth and formation. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in beta glucans, which enhance immune function, ergothioneines for antioxidative potentiation, nerve growth stimulators for helping brain function, and antimicrobial compounds for limiting viruses.

What may be most impressive about the mighty mushroom is its vitamin D

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content. Few plant foods naturally contain vitamin D, and mushrooms are actually the only plant food you’ll find in the grocery store that can increase its vitamin D content through exposure to ultraviolet light, or sunlight. In the same way that sunlight hitting your skin triggers the production of vitamin D in your body, the mushroom produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D (which is the minimum required to prevent diseases of deficiency) is 20 micrograms. Raw white mushrooms that you find in the produce aisle contain about 0.18 mcg. However, when those mushrooms are exposed to UV light, their vitamin D content shoots up to a whopping 23.6 mcg! Brown, or cremini mushrooms go from 0.08 mcg to 25.52 mcg after proper light exposure.

Raw Portabellas contain 0.25 mcg and increase to 23.9 mcg of vitamin D after sitting in the sun.

If you’re able to find and purchase locally grown, wild harvested mushrooms which naturally had sun exposure, they’re already rich in vitamin D content. If you’re purchasing mushrooms in the grocery store that were likely farmed indoors, you can pump up their D content by giving them sun exposure yourself. Interestingly, even sliced and previously dried mushrooms will still synthesize vitamin D with sun exposure.

To take advantage of the mushroom’s ability to generate vitamin D, it’s recommended to place your raw mushrooms in the midday sun for about an hour when you get them home from the store. Researchers have found that letting the mushrooms sit outside for even just 15 minutes on a cloudy day can significantly increase D levels. In studies, the largest increases in vitamin D production came from oyster and enoki mushrooms, followed by portobello and shiitake. Regardless of the mushroom variety, production of D can be enhanced even further by slicing them before placing them in the sunlight. This is because

slicing them increases the surface area being exposed to the UV light.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient needed for keeping our immune systems strong and for supporting our mental health. As our sun exposure and vitamin D production begins to

diminish this time of year as the days get shorter, rates of depression and seasonal affective disorder increase. This makes it especially important for us to be intentional about consuming more vitamin D rich foods. Regularly eating mushrooms that have had some time in the sun is a simple way to do this!

Mushrooms have very tough cell walls that are essentially indigestible to us,

which means that we may not absorb their nutrients efficiently when eating them raw. Thoroughly heating them releases the many nutrients they contain and makes them more available to our bodies. I prefer sautéing my sliced mushrooms in some organic, grass-fed butter which is also rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D is fat soluble, so the fat in the butter helps our bodies absorb that vitamin D, as well. A bit of Celtic sea salt, fresh cracked pepper and fresh thyme really makes them irresistible to me!

The growing and harvesting season for wild mushrooms is actually coming to a close this month. Of course, you can always find white, portobello and shiitake mushrooms year round in the produce aisle. Even better, try your hand at growing your own mushrooms! Milliman Mushroom Farm, located in West Monroe, sells mushroom growing kits that make it easy to grow your own at home.

Check Fiesta on Eighteenth, for His Temple family foods, and Gibson’s Fresh Grocer for their products.

The outdoor veggie growing season may be coming to an end, but you can begin growing mushrooms inside and keep them going all winter long!

Whatever mushrooms you’re going to cook, just don’t forget to give them time outside to soak up some sun before cooking them.

“I’ve never known anyone to be unbiased about mushrooms; most seem to either love them or hate them. Regardless of how you feel about the taste or texture, the one thing that can’t be denied is their nutritional content.”

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Sculpted Through The Arts

When she isn’t teaching at Louisiana Delta Community College, Stacy Medaries continues creating art. Her work spans multiple mediums, from painting to ceramics to wire wrapping.

She even has plans to venture into the world of metalsmithing.

BY STARLA GATSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

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sk high school-aged Stacy Thomas Medaries what she thought she’d be doing with her life, and the Monroe native probably would have guessed she’d be popping corn and tearing ticket stubs at the Pecanland Mall movie theater forever. At the time, she didn’t think she was good enough to attend college classes. The idea of teaching them, as she does now, wasn’t even in the realm of possibility for her.

Medaries admits that when she was a teenager attending Ouachita High School, she wasn’t exactly a star student.

“I daydreamed a lot in class, skipped class, drank, hung out with the not-good crowd, and was, therefore, failing,” she tells BayouLife.

Somehow, she made it to the finish line and earned a diploma. High school graduation would be the end of her academic career, Medaries thought. But that thought was short-lived. Not long after finishing high school, Medaries decided to enroll in a local vocational-technical program.

She credits the Ford Pinto she drove at the time — it was her first car, purchased for $800 of her movie theater money — for inspiring this choice.

She explains that her car broke down occasionally, and when it did, she felt helpless. Besides, she adds, “I was always amazed at people who could open the hood, look at the car, and figure out what was wrong with it. Since I wasn’t doing much with my life, I thought maybe I could learn a little bit about a car.”

So, to remedy her helplessness, satisfy her curiosity about gearheads, and give her something to do, Medaries began attending automotive mechanics classes. She went to them for about two years, and during that time, she not

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“I just like to get in and create,” she says of her art practice. “I don’t like to know what I’m going to create. I just like to get in and start doing something. To me, it’s always an exploration. I love the journey, and I love the surprises that happen along the way.”

only learned to fix her poor little Pinto. She also developed the self-confidence she’d lacked before.

“In high school, I thought I couldn’t do or achieve anything,” she says. “When I approached everything in that mechanics class, I had the same attitude. But I tried, and I’d always do it. It was the greatest feeling in the world.”

If she could find success in one field, she reasoned she could do it in another.

She decided it was time to step away from automotive repair and into something she’d long been fascinated by: art.

“My interest in art started during high school,” she shares. “I always drew and doodled in my notebook, and after I graduated, I started drawing more from magazines and things like that. I always liked it, and I felt like it came easily to me.”

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later, at Louisiana Tech University. As both a Warhawk and a Bulldog, Medaries was challenged. But instead of backing down as her high school self might have, she eagerly rose to the occasion.

“I loved classes where I would go in and feel intimidated at first,” she says. “I challenged myself to be one of the better students in [them]. One of the things they teach is that, if you want to be an artist, you’ve got to be disciplined. And that’s what I did. I was determined.”

Medaries’s determination carried her through an undergraduate and graduate degree program — she holds an MFA in ceramics because, post-undergrad, there were still “a lot of things [she] wanted to try” in that medium — and it’s the force by which she operates as an artist today. She’s a sucker for a challenge, and the works she began making while and after earning her second degree are proof of that.

“I wanted to build huge pieces. I bought like 3,000 pounds of clay and built it up to a piece that was around 10 feet tall.

I sculpted it, hollowed it out, and put it together. In the end, it was seven feet tall. It was the biggest, most challenging piece I’ve ever done,” she remembers before adding with a laugh, “I’ll never do anything like that again.”

Medaries’s seven-foot sculpture now lives at the Monroe Airport, and though she won’t be making anything else that large, she challenges herself in other ways. One is through teaching.

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fter earning an MFA, Medaries began teaching, first at Morehouse Parish Junior High, then at Ouachita Parish Talented Art Program, and finally, at Louisiana Delta Community College, where she’s been on staff for the last 17 years or so. Stepping into the role of professor for the first time is already daunting enough.

Factor in being an institution’s first-ever instructor in a field, and you’ve got an extra-challenging situation. Fortunately, Medaries lives for those.

“I taught the very first art class ever at Delta,” she says. “I wrote and developed all the classes and got a lot of equipment.”

The Louisiana Delta Art Department Medaries pioneered and continues to serve isn’t large, as most of the school’s attendees are there to pursue other fields. Medaries says she teaches ceramics and sometimes drawing, but most of her classroom hours are spent teaching a general education art appreciation course. That’s been “challenging [her] in different ways,” she reveals.

When she isn’t teaching at Delta, Medaries continues creating work. Her work spans multiple mediums, from painting to ceramics to wire wrapping. She even has plans to venture into the world

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of metalsmithing. The artist declares she doesn’t like to be pinned to any certain medium. And that makes things — you guessed it — more challenging. Just the way she likes them.

“I just like to get in and create,” she says of her art practice. “I don’t like to know what I’m going to create. I just like to get in and start doing something. To me, it’s always an exploration. I love the journey, and I love the surprises that happen along the way.”

Those “surprises” are also known as Medaries’s pieces, and in addition to spanning a variety of mediums, they cover a range of themes.

“Some of my work is not so serious,” she explains, “It’s fun, funky, kind of weird, and expresses my sense of humor. And sometimes, I create works that are a little more serious. I love my pieces that are very spiritual and deep, but on a different level [than those that are not.]”

Regardless of what Medaries is making and the message it shares, the intention she set while creating it remains the same: to make work driven by personal passion, not sales-worthiness.

“I want to create pieces that I feel passionate about,” she says. “I hope that somebody will like them and want to buy

them, but I don’t want to care.”

This mindset doesn’t come naturally for the artist — her college years were about being the best — but she is determined to shift her thoughts until they reflect it. It’s a challenge, but surely by now, we all know how Medaries feels about those. “[Being the best] can’t be the reason you create art,” she says, explaining her desire to create for creating’s sake. “You’ve got to create art because you know nothing else. That is where I want to be as an artist. I don’t want to create art to sell it or for fame. I want to create art that I’m passionate about and that speaks of and to me. If nobody likes or wants it, that’s fine.”

Beef and Barrel Grand Opening Beef and Barrel had their grand opening on September 29th at 1030 North 6th Street in Monroe marking the beginning of an exciting new journey that Monroe is happy to have.

Indulge in the finest cuts of meat, delectable cuisine, and an amazing alcohol selection. Stop by today and check out all of the cool things these guys are doing.

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On the BayouScene

1 Meagan Williams and Susan Brooks 2 Melissa and Ryan Watts 3 Jason Baggs and Laralee Harron 4 Reid Barnhill, Tyler Barnhill and Josh Warner 5 Melissa Watts, Parker Tillman and Halayna Leday 6 Ryan and Melissa Watts, Virginia Eaton, Andy Eaton and Mel Touchet 7 Meagan Willaims, Kacey Watson, Melissa Watts, Susan Brooks, Mel Touchet and Haley Whitaker Jones

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Terri Trichel Interiors

Transforming Spaces with Personal Designs

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ERRI TRICHEL INTERIORS, INC. STANDS AS A testament to the remarkable career of Terri Trichel, an accomplished interior designer with over 30 years of experience. Based in Northeast Louisiana, Terri has left her mark on homes and spaces across various states, including Utah, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Baton Rouge. With a passion for creating designs that reflect her clients’ tastes and a deep appreciation for the art of interior design, Terri has built a reputation for her exceptional work and genuine connection with people.

Terri Trichel’s journey in the world of interior design began at Louisiana Tech University, where she earned a degree in interior design. Her education laid the foundation for her future success and honed her skills in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Throughout her career, Terri has drawn inspiration from her mentor, Carl Tidwell, with whom she collaborated for several years. Tidwell’s guidance and expertise have greatly influenced Terri’s approach to design and helped shape her unique style.

One of Terri Trichel’s defining qualities is her unwavering commitment to creating spaces that reflect her clients’ individuality.

She firmly believes that a successful design is one that captures the essence of the people who inhabit it. Terri’s ability to understand her clients’ desires and translate them into tangible designs has earned her the trust and admiration of countless homeowners. By focusing on their preferences and needs, Terri ensures that each project is a true collaboration between herself and her clients.

Terri Trichel finds immense joy in the diversity that comes with every project she undertakes. No two jobs are the same, and this dynamic nature of her work fuels her creativity and enthusiasm.

Terri’s genuine love for people shines through in her interactions with clients, as she not only creates beautiful spaces but also builds lasting relationships. Making friends along the way, Terri cherishes the connections she forms with her clients and values the trust they place in her to transform their spaces into something truly special.

When Terri is not immersed in her work, she enjoys various aspects of the interior design process. From drawing detailed plans and arranging furniture layouts to carefully selecting materials and curating furniture and fabrics, every step brings her closer to her clients’ vision. Outside of work, Terri finds joy in her role as a mother to two daughters and a grandmother to three grandchildren. Her family is an essential part of her life, providing inspiration and support in all her endeavors.

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Thankful For Our Clients North Delta Title Company

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T NORTH DELTA TITLE COMPANY, OUR PASSION IS helping make your closing experience the very best. Why choose us? We conduct all types of residential purchase and sale transactions as well as refinances from the opening of escrow to the final settlement of the sale. Our company facilitates every aspect of the transaction and works closely with the real estate professionals, the lender, buyer, and seller to ensure that every settlement runs smoothly, and is handled in an efficient and stress-free manner.

Once you have found a home you love, our office will run full title searches of land records to ensure that no liens or encumbrances will affect your ownership of the property. We prepare all settlement documentation and conduct and/or coordinate final settlement at the closing. North Delta issues title commitments, title policies, and title endorsements through First American Title Insurance Company, Stewart Title Guaranty, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Chicago Title, and WFG National Title Insurance.

Both Amy Price Sawyer and Kirby O. Price have lived in Northeast Louisiana for over 40 years. Amy graduated Cum Laude from Southern University Law Center in 2009, earning her Juris Doctorate. She specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, business and succession law.

Kirby Price has practiced law in Monroe since 1978, focusing on his real estate law practice. Price was recently recognized for 40 years of legal service by the Fourth District Bar Association and awarded an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell.

The staff of North Delta Title Company offers the best expertise in their field. Here are some of the things clients have said of their experience: “North Delta is efficient and effortless to work with. Their people are hands-down some of the nicest and most helpful at navigating what can be a painful and scary process. I’ve used them for 3 different housing transactions in the last ten years and cannot tell enough people how wonderful my experiences with them have been.”

Another client said, “My wife and I recently had our third closing with North Delta Title Company. As always, we were completely satisfied. Working in real estate myself, it’s important having professionals that I can trust when it’s time for my family to meet at the table.”

And a third client states, “Since moving to Monroe, we have used North Delta Title in all of our closings, both of our primary home and our rental properties. Amy and her team are always professional, informative and kind. They make what can be a confusing process much easier to understand. Their title work is thorough and we’ve never had any problems down the line when selling properties.

Plus, it’s wonderful to know I’m giving my business to a company that gives back to our community in so many ways.”

Since opening in 1994, North Delta Title has successfully closed over 30,000 real estate transactions and is the largest title company in Northeast Louisiana. Although our offices are located in Ouachita Parish, North Delta Title provides residential and commercial real estate closing services throughout the state of Louisiana. For more information call 318.387.1100 or visit our website at northdeltatitle.com WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 89

Key Millwork and Supply Company Transform Your House Into A Home

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OR OVER 50 YEARS, KEY MILLWORK & Supply Co. has been a trusted name in Northeast Louisiana for crafting exquisite custom cabinetry. However, their offerings go far beyond cabinetry. With products like the Galley Workstation sink, a wide selection of Artistic Tile, and a full line of Andersen windows and doors, Key Millwork & Supply Co. has become a one-stop destination for homeowners seeking to enhance their spaces with quality and style.

Creating Gathering Spaces with the Galley Workstation Sink The Galley Workstation sink is more than just a kitchen fixture – it is a functional and versatile centerpiece that transforms an ordinary kitchen island into a hub of activity. When placed in an island, the Galley Workstation sink becomes a gathering spot during the holidays. It provides a convenient and stylish space for food preparation, allowing hosts to engage with their guests while preparing meals. The sink’s accessories,

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such as cutting boards and colanders, make it easy to serve guests and keep the festivities flowing smoothly.

Artistic Tile: Enhancing Spaces with Elegance Key Millwork & Supply Co. understands the power of artistic tile in transforming spaces. Their extensive collection of Artistic Tile offers homeowners an array of options to personalize their homes. From vibrant mosaics to sleek and modern designs, the selection caters to diverse styles and preferences.

Andersen Windows and Doors: Quality and Style Combined Key Millwork & Supply Co. is proud to offer a full line of Andersen windows and doors. Andersen is renowned for its commitment to quality, durability, and energy efficiency. With a wide range of styles and customization options, homeowners can find the perfect windows and doors to complement their spaces. Whether seeking timeless elegance or contemporary flair, customers can

rely on Key Millwork & Supply Co. to provide the expertise and guidance necessary to make informed decisions.

What sets Key Millwork & Supply Co. apart is their legacy of expertise and craftsmanship.

With over 50 years of experience, their team has honed their skills in creating custom cabinetry that is not only visually stunning but also built to last. The attention to detail and commitment to quality shine through in every piece they create. From initial consultation to installation, customers can trust Key Millwork & Supply Co. to deliver exceptional results.

If you’re looking for a company that offers superior materials, exceptional customer service, top-of-the-line appliances and much more, then Key Millwork and Supply Company is the right choice for you.

Their team of experts are dedicated to making your home build or remodel an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Stop by their showroom at 4200 Jackson Street in Monroe to see various options, or schedule an appointment by calling (318)-387-9995. You can also visit their website at keymillwork.com for a list of products and project images.

With their commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Key Millwork & Supply Co. continues to be a trusted partner in transforming houses into homes.

Treating A Hidden Condition Robert D. Marx, M.D., Your Hometown Urologist

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ENS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE living with overactive bladder (OAB) and chronic fecal incontinence (FI).

These conditions not only disrupt everyday life, they are embarrassing to talk about. So people tend to keep them hidden. Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering from these conditions find relief.

OAB and FI are more prevalent than many other common conditions. When people with OAB and FI finally seek treatment, they are often unhappy with the results. Here’s why: dietary changes and physical therapy can be ineffective, medications often cause unpleasant side effects or patients don’t realize other options are available.

Medtronic therapies can help people with bladder and bowel control issues get their lives back. They are potentially life-changing

options for any patient with OAB or FI who isn’t responding well to first- and secondline treatments. More than 70% of patients with OAB discontinued medications within 6 months and many people with bladder and bowel control issues do not seek treatment.

Medtronic offers a proven therapy for treating OAB and chronic FI. Medtronic Bladder or Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStimTM system, also called sacral neuromodulation (SNM), is clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of both OAB and chronic FI. Unlike conventional treatments, SNM works by gently stimulating the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles, lower urinary tract, anal sphincter, and bowel.

This is thought to restore the bladder-brain and bowel-brain communication pathway, resulting in significant improvements in quality of life.

Unlike other treatments, SNM allows patients to experience the therapy during a short evaluation before committing to it. It is a minimally invasive procedure, 3 to 7 day assessment and helps determine likely longterm efficacy.

Complications can occur with the evaluation. Patients should be instructed on operating the test device and given other precautions related to the evaluation as well as activity restrictions. 84% of OAB patients are satisfied with SNM therapy.

Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. If you are suffering from OAB or FI please call their office for an appointment today.

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Yancey’s Pharmacy

A Trusted Local Pharmacy and Gift Store

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ANCEY’S PHARMACY, UNDER THE ownership of Mary Spicer since 2019, has been a beacon of personalized healthcare services in Rayville. Mary, a local resident who grew up in the area, took over the established pharmacy from Mr. Langston Yancey when he decided to retire. With a strong educational background in pharmacy and a dedicated team of professionals, Yancey’s Pharmacy continues to serve the community with care and compassion.

Mary Spicer’s roots in this community have fueled her desire to provide exceptional pharmaceutical services to the area. Having attended Riverfield Academy and pursued a PharmD degree at the University of Louisiana Monroe, Mary’s educational journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to cater to her community’s diverse healthcare needs. Her close ties to the local community have allowed her to build lasting

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relationships with her patients. Mary and husband, Matt, have two busy teenagers, Eli and Laura.

Yancey’s Pharmacy employs a team of professionals who share Mary’s commitment to providing outstanding care. Melissa Mathers, a long-time employee with two decades of experience, is beloved by customers for her warm demeanor and intimate knowledge of their needs. Lou Walker, hired soon after Mary took over, has proven herself to be a hardworking and valuable asset to the team. Brittany McManus, the newest addition to Yancey’s, has completed the technician workforce and contributes to the smooth operation of the pharmacy.

To further enhance the quality of service, Mary has added two additional pharmacists to the team. Martha Kay Womack, working on Mondays and filling in when needed, brings her expertise to Yancey’s. Sara Barham, who attended

pharmacy school with Mary, has also recently joined Yancey’s. Their combined knowledge and experience contribute to the growth and development of the pharmacy, benefiting both staff and customers alike. Also on staff is Robbie Love, Jada Pitman, and part-time employees, Abigail Graham, Aubrey Spruell and Mariah Crosby.

The Yancey’s Pharmacy team operates like a close-knit family, united by a shared passion for helping others. In addition to the pharmaceutical services, the pharmacy also offers a selection of gift items from well-known brands such as Royal Standard, Wild Hare Designs, Burlebo, Nectar sunglasses, Tyler candles, Old World Ornaments and much more. Supporting local artists, Yancey’s proudly displays art by Gretchen Duff and Melissa Mathers, showcasing the community’s talent.

With a focus on personalized care, a warm and welcoming environment, and a commitment to creating lasting connections with customers, Yancey’s Pharmacy has become a trusted local haven for health and happiness.

Their unwavering dedication to serving the community with a smile ensures that every customer receives the care and attention they deserve.

Look and Feel Your Best Louisiana Center for Women’s Health

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HEN YOU DON’T LOOK YOUR best, you’re not going to feel your best. Over a period of decades, our clinic has acquired the equipment and expertise to offer a palette of state-of-the-art procedures to maximize your appearance.

We strive to offer our cosmetic services and procedures at affordable prices, which represent real value in today’s world. These various hightech services can be obtained at our private clinic here in the Monroe area for a fraction of the charge for the same procedure in other cities. We are aware that our patients are interested in getting the best value, and we are structured to deliver this.

HYDRAFACIAL Everyone can benefit from the Hydrafacial procedure. It is inexpensive, gives immediately noticeable results, only takes about 30 minutes, and has no social downtime. The procedure is extremely pleasant and relaxing. We have the latest Hydrafacial equipment and a dedicated

technician to perform it in a private setting. The procedure minimizes skin discoloration and brightens skin tone, instantly minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is saturated with antioxidants and peptides to maximize skin glow.

Uncover a new layer of skin with exfoliation and resurfacing.

VASER LIPOSUCTION We are among the earliest adopters of Vaser Liposuction in the world. In fact, we have taught and demonstrated this unique procedure for doctors from as far away as Seoul, Korea.

Vaser liposuction uses a very small incision of less than 1/4 inch to emulsify and remove fat.

The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia, saving the expense of a hospital or surgery center. The results are immediate, unlike various non-invasive treatments which may or may not work.

HORMONE PELLETS Hormone pellets have helped thousands of

men and women achieve hormonal balance for restoration of their health. We offer hormone pellets and hormone testing in our clinic. The pellets look much like a grain of rice and are placed under the skin where hormones are released as they dissolve over a period of months. For most people, this is the easiest way to replace missing hormones. If you have fatigue, depression, anxiety, decreased sexual performance, muscle wasting, insomnia, or weight gain, it might be appropriate to have your hormones checked.

STATE-OF-THE-ART LASERS Our clinic has state-of-the-art lasers for the treatment of numerous medical and cosmetic problems. Unfortunately, this involves too much information to include in this space but will be detailed in future articles.

BOTOX, FILLERS, COSMECEUTICALS We also offer Botox, Juvederm fillers, and various cosmeceutical beauty correcting formulas, all priced competitively.

PURE PLASMA REJUVENATION Pure plasma for skin is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that harnesses the power of plasma energy to rejuvenate and improve the skin’s appearance. This technology involves the controlled delivery of plasma energy to the skin’s surface, stimulating a range of beneficial effects.

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Chad Eubanks with McGriff

A Life Dedicated to Safety and Insurance Expertise

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N THE BUSTLING WORLD OF insurance and risk management, professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise are essential. One such individual is Chad Eubanks, a Commercial Line Producer currently making waves in the industry. With a career spanning various fields and a wealth of experience, Eubanks is a standout example of dedication and versatility in his field.

Chad Eubanks’ journey began in the quiet town of Wisner, Louisiana, where he graduated from Wisner High School in 1990. Following his high school years, Eubanks took on a new challenge and dedicated eight years of his life to the Army National Guard. This experience instilled in him values of discipline, commitment, and teamwork, which he would carry forward into his future endeavors.

After his military service, Eubanks transitioned into the world of emergency medical services, working as an Emergency Medical Technician for a private service. His skills were further honed when he ventured

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into the offshore oil and gas industry, where safety and quick response are paramount. For a decade, he worked tirelessly, ensuring the wellbeing of those working in challenging offshore environments.

Eager to expand his horizons, Eubanks pursued higher education at Eastern Kentucky University, specializing in Occupational Safety.

This educational path equipped him with the knowledge and expertise needed to create safer work environments, particularly in manufacturing facilities.

Armed with his education and real-world experience, Eubanks embarked on a 15-year journey as a safety manager for manufacturing facilities. His role was instrumental in maintaining safety standards and preventing workplace accidents.

For the next 12 years, Chad Eubanks took on the role of a loss control consultant for a workers’ compensation carrier. This position required a deep understanding of risk assessment and mitigation, making him a valuable asset in the

insurance industry.

Eubanks further expanded his horizons by becoming a licensed insurance producer for four years, specializing in serving the north Louisiana region. His primary focus was on public entities, manufacturing companies, and the oil and gas and construction sectors. This role allowed him to apply his extensive knowledge of safety and risk management to assist clients in obtaining suitable insurance coverage.

Throughout these professional endeavors, Eubanks has called West Monroe home since 1990. His commitment to his local community and the businesses within it has undoubtedly contributed to the growth and stability of the region.

In the world of insurance and risk management, firms like McGriff have consistently delivered personalized solutions.

As a subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, LLC, McGriff benefits from the financial strength and stability of Truist Bank, one of the nation’s most esteemed financial institutions.

McGriff’s approach is centered around “Client Focused Risk Solutions.” Their experienced professionals collaborate with top insurance companies to provide tailored risk management and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes, as well as personal insurance needs. This includes commercial property and casualty, small business, employee benefits, management liability, and personal lines coverage.

Now Offering BioSculpt EMS

Transform Your Body and Achieve Your Fitness Goals

BY JUDY WAGONER

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HE WORLD OF FITNESS IS EVOLVING at a breathtaking pace. Over the past decade, the fitness industry has embraced a variety of technological advancements designed to enhance workout efficiency and promote overall well-being. One innovation leading the pack is BioSculpt EMS Body Sculpting Machine, a device that’s revolutionizing the fitness and body sculpting journey. By leveraging electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology, along with radiofrequency heat, BioSculpt EMS offers patients a highly efficient and effective workout experience, seven times more potent than traditional gym workouts. It’s high-intensity focused, electromagnetic energy pulses create supramaximal muscle contractions, activating more muscle fibers than what can be achieved through exercise alone.

The science of EMS in fitness is relatively novel. BioSculpt uses this EMS technology to send electrical impulses to your muscles, causing them to contract and relax involuntarily. This

process mirrors natural muscle contractions during exercise, but at a much higher intensity.

The result is faster and more effective muscle development. One thirty-minute session treating the abdominal muscles is the equivalent of doing 20 thousand sit ups.

The benefits of high-intensity EMS workouts are numerous. They range from fast and effective results to targeted muscle toning, reduced risk of injury, improved recovery, and suitability for all fitness levels. Clinical studies show an average 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat and a 25% increase in muscle thickness.

Despite the promising results offered by EMS devices, they are not magic bullets for weight loss or a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Abdomen, buttock, and thigh treatments are three of the most in-demand aesthetic treatments. BioSculpt’s large applicators are designed to treat those bigger areas to enhance the contour, firmness, and strength of the area.

Our small applicators target the arms and calves, which are the harder muscles to build and tone.

There’s a separate protocol for the butt. The aim is to build the gluteal muscles to a round, perky effect without affecting shape-enhancing fat in the area.

The recommended protocol is four sessions, spaced two to three days apart. Full-on WOW results can be seen two to four weeks after your last treatment.

There is no pain or downtime with the procedure. Strong muscle response is essential to maximize treatment results. During the application, you will feel intense but tolerable muscle contractions in the treated area. There may be mild, muscle fatigue after the session.

BioSculpt EMS is not just a fitness tool.

It’s a catalyst for transforming your body and achieving fitness goals quickly, demonstrating the future of fitness today. Start your body sculpting journey today. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318-361-9066.

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Melanie Massey Physical Therapy

Enhancing Performance and Recovery with Dry Needling

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HEN IT COMES TO OPTIMIZING performance and recovering from injuries, traditional methods may not always provide the desired results. This is where dry needling, offered at Melanie Massey Physical Therapy (MMPT), can make a significant difference. By combining this technique with electrical stimulation, MMPT aims to decrease pain, improve neuromuscular activation, and enhance recovery after exercise.

With locations in West Monroe, Monroe, Ruston and Shreveport, MMPT is dedicated to providing accessible and effective care to clients of all ages.

Dry needling is a specialized technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight muscles to release tension and alleviate pain. When combined with electrical stimulation, it can have additional benefits for performance and recovery. Some of the key

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advantages of dry needling include: 1. Decreased Pain: By targeting trigger points and releasing tension, dry needling helps reduce pain and discomfort. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes recovering from injuries or individuals experiencing chronic pain.

2.

Improved Neuromuscular Activation: Dry needling, when combined with electrical stimulation, enhances neuromuscular activation. This is especially valuable for individuals recovering from surgeries or seeking to optimize their performance after periods of inactivity.

3. Enhanced Recovery after Exercise: The use of dry needling and electrical stimulation aids in the recovery process after intense exercise.

It promotes better circulation, reduces muscle soreness, and helps restore the body’s natural balance.

At MMPT, they understand the importance of accessible healthcare. They accept most insurance plans, making their services more affordable and reachable for patients. The insurance verification team at MMPT is readily available to assist clients with any questions or concerns regarding coverage.

Additionally, MMPT offers a unique advantage by allowing patients to see a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription. This direct access to care streamlines the process, ensuring individuals can receive timely treatment and start their recovery journey as soon as possible.

MMPT takes pride in having dry needling certified therapists at their West Monroe, Monroe, and Ruston locations. These therapists have undergone extensive training and possess the expertise to provide safe, effective, and personalized care to clients. With multiple locations, MMPT aims to make their services easily accessible to individuals throughout North Louisiana.

For more information, contact Melanie Massey Physical Therapy at (318) 396-1969. Visit their website at www.mmptinc.com and find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Gardens of Somerset

Engaging Activities For Residents and Families

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ARDENS OF SOMERSET OFFERS AN extraordinary opportunity for individuals and their loved ones to embrace an exciting, adventurous, social, and luxurious lifestyle. With a wide array of top-of-the-line amenities and services, this community caters to the unique needs and preferences of its residents.

One of the standout features of Gardens of Somerset is the presence of an on-site activities director. This dedicated professional ensures that the community is always buzzing with engaging and stimulating activities. From intellectual pursuits to physical fitness classes, recreational adventures to spiritual gatherings, residents have a plethora of options to choose from. The goal is to foster a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle for everyone.

In addition to the diverse range of activities, Gardens of Somerset boasts comfortable living and social areas. These spaces are designed to encourage residents to connect, socialize, and build lasting friendships. Whether it’s a cozy

lounge for intimate conversations or a spacious common area for group gatherings, there is a place for every occasion.

To further enrich the social experience, Gardens of Somerset hosts community concerts, providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy live music performances and connect with fellow music lovers. These concerts create a sense of unity and foster a vibrant community spirit.

Recently, Gardens of Somerset organized a Family Fall Festival, where residents and their families came together for an evening of fun and festivities. From Trunk or Treating to games, a bounce house, and even live musical entertainment by Travis Whitehead, the event was a resounding success.

As the holiday season approaches, it becomes even more important to spend quality time with our elderly loved ones. Gardens of Somerset offers the perfect setting for families to come together and create cherished

memories. Whether it’s enjoying a delicious lunch or attending a happy hour event, visiting this community allows families to explore the possibilities and benefits of making a change in living situations.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming holiday events at Gardens of Somerset. On Sunday, November 26th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., the community will host the Holiday Stop and Shop event. This festive gathering will feature local vendors selling a wide range of items, including original art, handmade jewelry, Christmas ornaments, candles, homemade goodies, clothing, hats, and much more. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.

Every Friday at 3:00 p.m., Gardens of Somerset invites the community to join them for a huge Happy Hour. With delightful snacks and refreshing drinks, this weekly event is a great way to unwind, socialize, and build connections with fellow residents.

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DIY Studio Is More Than Arts & Crafts Finding Joy and Peace After Loss

BY ANGEL COATES, OWNER

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Y IDEA OF A “DO-IT-YOURSELF” arts and crafts studio developed during the COVID pandemic. All those homequarantine hours produced my dream of a family-friendly atmosphere for both adults and children to come create unique arts and crafts like wreaths, door hangers, and paint pouring, but my husband of 24 years, Jeremy, and I never thought it was feasible. It seemed like a complicated and risky concept that would take funding that we just did not have.

For the next three and half years, Jeremy and I experienced success in our careers, and I continued to handicraft for just friends and family. In fact, Jeremy’s last day at his finance job was February 17, 2023 as he embarked on an adventure of running his own pet taxi business.

He was busy from the start, and I continued my career in early childhood education as I began selling my projects from home for extra money.

Jeremy traveled to places such as California, Utah, North Carolina, and Florida with hopes that I could eventually begin traveling with

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him, and he encouraged me to set-up an arts and crafts room at home to expand my hobby.

Unfortunately, on February 27th, just 10 days after starting his business, Jeremy fell asleep at the wheel coming home from a long trip, and my life and the life of our two daughters, Isabella and Faith, was changed forever! His passing presented me with the dreaded task of making some difficult life decisions, and spending time in my craft room brought some semblance of peace and an outlet for my sadness. Slowly the idea of DIY Joyful Creations began to form into a real possibility, but it would take a leap of faith. I was ready for the risk this time after experiencing such a deep loss. Life is quickly put into a new perspective after tragedy, and you realize that you will never move forward without taking the first step.

Although the concept of DIY Joyful Creations was born amidst the panic of COVID-19, it wasn’t named until after Jeremy’s passing. The word Joy was a necessary part

since creating art and crafting brought me a small inkling of joy during the tragedy of losing my precious husband; thus, the business name bares his initials of J and C as well to honor his legacy of kindness and giving. These small details make the business name special.

So, yes, DIY Joyful Creations, is a do-ityourself arts and crafts studio; however, we are so much more! DIY provides Creative Wellness activities to participants with anxiety and/ or limited abilities. We also provide camps when students are out of school, field trips and corporate events/office parties. At DIY Joyful Creations, we guide our patrons through every step of the creative process as much or as little as needed, so no artistic experience is needed!

What’s next?

November brings Thanksgiving and Christmas to the studio and another Art Camp for ages eight (8) to fourteen (14). We also sponsored ten (10) foster children from the Center of Children and Families for Christmas; likewise, DIY is a collection site for Christmas items for incoming children. Please drop off items to help support efforts to provide Christmas cheer to those in need. Jeremy and I were once foster parents, and I will continue to support organizations that bring comfort to our vulnerable children in foster care. It is yet, one more way to continue Jeremy’s memory. My hope is for DIY Joyful Creations to be known in the community as a place for beautiful arts, crafts, memories, and experiences.

You’re Worth It

The Surgery Clinic of NELA Urges You to be Proactive About Your Health

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LL OF US AT THE SURGERY CLINIC of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season—full of happiness and health. We are truly thankful you continue to trust us with your care.

Speaking of health, we want to remind you how important it is to maintain yours.

To improve your well-being, we encourage you to embrace all our clinic offers—from general surgery to weight loss surgery to vein care. It can be tempting to postpone medical care. However, the long-term ramifications of delaying medical care can be significant; detecting a disease in its early stage is vital.

Surgery Clinic Patient Holly Reichardt wants you to know how important it is to “investigate your health.”

Holly woke up one morning and immediately noticed she had difficulty swallowing. She felt a large lump on the left side of her neck.

Holly, a family nurse practitioner, co-owner

of Bayou Family Care in Rayville, and the mother of two boys, was also experiencing fatigue. She assumed her busy schedule was the catalyst for her low energy levels.

“I was a little apprehensive about seeking treatment, but working in the healthcare field, I knew that further investigation was needed,” Holly said.

She agreed to a series of tests on her thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the neck’s base. The thyroid produces hormones that control every aspect of a person’s metabolism, from the heart rate to how quickly one burns calories.

An ultrasound showed several nodules on the left side of her thyroid, so she underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy, which was inconclusive. Her bloodwork revealed elevated thyroid levels.

“Dr. Patrick Smith, his nurse Kacie, and his staff at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana were very quick to get me into his clinic for an evaluation and to review my labs and ultrasound report,” she said.

Her tests did not eliminate the possibility of thyroid cancer, so after discussing the findings with Dr. Smith, she had a partial thyroidectomy (removal of her thyroid’s left side). While her nodules were benign, it was necessary to remove them to avoid future complications.Holly now takes a thyroid replacement hormone and undergoes a yearly thyroid ultrasound. She said she is grateful for the care she received.

“Dr. Smith and Kacie were so reassuring, supportive, and caring. I had an excellent surgical experience and a speedy recovery,” Holly said. “I feel great and have had no further problems since the surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Smith, Kacie, and his staff! Dr. Smith called me after my surgery, which meant so much. That personal, caring touch goes a long way.”

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, houses surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer. Contact the clinic with questions about general surgery, vein care procedures, and weight loss surgery.

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B AYO U E AT S

article by VANELIS RIVERA photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

THE HEALTHY TWIX BAR is clean and simple and is made with coconut flour, coconut oil, cacao powder, maple syrup, almond butter, reishi, and sea salt. It is organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of refined sugar.

MYLK BELLY

Allison Cook is dishing out some creative, delicious, and more importantly, nutritional sweets that may just turn the average dessert craving into a sumptuous experience, even for the most avid skeptic. weets may be good for the soul but rarely does their reputation extend beyond an indulgent treat. Even when holistic-minded bakers venture into the world of ingredient substitutions in an effort to present more nutritional value, the end products are shunned, chalked up to not as sweet or of a particularly unconventional texture.

Even then, one home baker found herself fresh out of options and braved the wilds of vegan, keto, and gluten and dairy-free sweets. Mixing superfoods and organic

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ingredients, Allison Cook is dishing out some creative, delicious, and more importantly, nutritional sweets that may just turn the average dessert craving into a sumptuous experience, even for the most avid skeptic.

Cook, a Monroe native, started baking for herself when she began experiencing severe digestive issues. “And so, when I found health and wellness, I became obsessed with it, in an unhealthy way I think. But see, I’m a health and wellness junkie,” she asserts. It became progressively more difficult to satisfy her

very active sweet tooth without feeling the unfortunate consequences. Her wellness quest began when she was living in New Orleans working at a juice bar. There, she discovered the surprising delight of raw vegan desserts.

“I loved it because it made me feel good,” she emphasizes, adding that when she moved to Austin, Texas a lot of her time was spent smoking out the healthiest desserts. She was unsure of what kind of options to expect by the time she moved back to Monroe, but was stunned that there were few and far between.

So, she turned to her kitchen.

“I started vegan, but I’m not vegan,” says Cook, listing common alternative ingredients in vegan baking that she first experimented with—almond flour, coconut oil, cacao powder, almond butter, peanut butter, and chia seeds. This led her to use adaptogens (herbs and plants, like mushrooms, with particular health benefits) like reishi mushroom powder.

One of her first creations incorporating these exciting ingredients was inspired by her love of chocolate. Cook’s The Healthy Twix bar is clean and simple and is made with coconut flour, coconut oil, cacao powder, maple syrup, almond butter, reishi, and sea salt. It is organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of refined sugar. And so, the more she baked, the more she shared with friends, and, to no one’s surprise, the more they wanted to know where they could buy her desserts. It didn’t take her long to approach the owner of one of her favorite food stops, Dana Milford at For His Temple Family Foods. “She’s the one that really inspired me,” says Cook. And so began the birth of Mylk Belly sweets, which can now also be found at Fiesta On Eighteenth.

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THE PALEO WHOOPIE PIE is made with grass-fed gelatin, locally pastured eggs, almond flour, cacao powder, coconut sugar, maple syrup, local honey, baking soda, coconut oil, vanilla, and Himalayan salt.

O N T H E M E N U : The Superfood Balls, “taste like a sugar cookie ball but are loaded with the endless benefits of blue spirulina,” informs

Cook. The bite-sized balls are made with oats, almonds, MCT oil, coconut oil, maple syrup, blue spirulina, vanilla, and sea salt. For her, The Superfood Balls beautifully encompass her aim to make tasty sweets that are also packed with nutritional value.

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nother of Cook’s first sweets to make it out to the community incorporates one of her favorite superfoods, one that is most notable for its bright color. Blue spirulina is a type of algae that is used for its health benefits, including its nutrient-dense and antioxidant properties which support detoxification and promote a healthy gut.

The Superfood Balls, “taste like a sugar cookie ball but are loaded with the endless benefits of blue spirulina,” informs Cook. The bite-sized balls are made with oats, almonds, MCT oil, coconut oil, maple syrup, blue spirulina, vanilla, and sea salt. “Our bodies need help digesting and detoxing. “If these two systems are working, our bodies are happy,” says Cook, adding, “It took me a while to figure this out, but once I did I became obsessed.” For her, The Superfood Balls beautifully encompass her aim to make tasty sweets that are also packed with nutritional value.

“Every ingredient I use is organic,” proclaims Cook who also uses minimal natural sugars like raw local honey, pure maple syrup, dates, monk fruit, and coconut sugar. “These are less glycemic, easier on the body, and the first three have many health benefits,” she adds. As a result of her baking bravado, she now has a prominent sweets menu. Her Pecan Pie Bars are gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugar, and are made with locally sourced pecans from Double P Farm. For date lovers, the Almond Joy Dates are made with dates, shredded coconut, coconut milk, maple syrup, almonds, coconut sugar, and sweetened chocolate. Her recent

favorite has been another chocolatey treat. The Paleo Whoopie Pie is made with grass-fed gelatin, locally pastured eggs, almond flour, cacao powder, coconut sugar, maple syrup, local honey, baking soda, coconut oil, vanilla, and Himalayan salt.

Every now and again, Cook turns to gluten and dairy for her bakes, but only using ingredients of the highest quality. In her Pumpkin Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies, she uses einkorn, an ancient grain with low gluten, and grass-fed butter, an excellent source of fat with many health benefits. “Quality is key in my opinion.” Her einkorn sourdough is also a prime ingredient in her Sourdough Strawberry Pop Tart, and Sourdough King Cake featuring Nancy’s probiotic cream cheese. Another unexpected Mylk Belly concoction may not be remotely related to dairy but could be used as a substitute. From the very beginning of her alternative food adventures, making her own almond and cashew “mylk” was at the forefront of her priorities. “Cashew milk is really easy,” she says. “I make this every week and use it in my coffee, recipes, and smoothies.” Her homemade glasses of milk were also inspired by her stint in New Orleans, as well as the discovery of how difficult it is to find alternative milk products that are not drowning in potentially harmful additives. To make, she begins by soaking the cashews overnight, and in the morning they go into her Vitamix with some water, blended for two minutes, then she adds some dates or maple syrup, and voilà, you have cashew milk. “You don’t even have to strain,” she adds.

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B AYO U E AT S The more Cook devoured her menagerie of sweets, the more she began to feel the best she had in a while. “I think to feel your best, you might as well eat healthier desserts. They taste good, and it starts to change your tastebuds.”

As someone who grew up eating a lot of “junk food” and processed foods, she can relate to those who have an aversion to trying new foods. “I think people’s taste buds are accustomed to a certain type of flavor like super sugary,” she says. For this reason, she strives to keep flavor in mind when conceptualizing her sweets. “No, dessert isn’t healthy,” she says, adding, “But I think that my desserts have nutritional benefits inside of them. And they’re lower in sugar and easier to digest.” In fact, many of her hormonal issues greatly diminished when she changed her diet. For many, this shift is easier said than done, but Cook finds the best way to go about change is to keep it simple. “I think, making it fun and not being too strict because I’ve been strict with it before, and I didn’t do well with that. And so, the desserts make it fun,” she says. Even

Mylk Belly is an extension of Cook’s holistic lifestyle and one she shares with her community out of love. then, Cook has learned that eating too many of her sweets, as she tends to do while mixing and baking in her kitchen, is not advisable: “You know, too much sugar is never good regardless of the source.” She does, however, want to emphasize the ability to indulge your sweet tooth with a treat that also has nutritional value.

“I’m a very holistic person,” emphasizes Cook, who relies on good food, movement, meditation, and breathwork to be at her best. Mylk Belly is just an extension of this lifestyle and one she shares with her community out of love. Through Mylk Belly, Cook invites you to train your taste buds one holistic sweet at a time.

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The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Elderly

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S THE HOLIDAY SEASON approaches, it’s important to acknowledge that this time of year can bring about feelings of sadness and melancholy, particularly for the elderly. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the “holiday blues,” affects many individuals, and seniors are no exception. However, with the right support and resources, such as those provided

by The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset, steps can be taken to prevent and manage SAD, ensuring a brighter and more enjoyable holiday season for the elderly.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. The lack of sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock and affect the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation.

For the elderly, SAD can be particularly challenging, as they may already be dealing with other age-related health conditions or

feelings of loneliness and isolation.

There are several strategies that can help prevent and manage Seasonal Affective Disorder in the elderly: 1. Light Therapy: One of the most effective treatments for SAD is light therapy. This involves exposure to bright artificial light, which helps stimulate the production of serotonin and regulate the body’s internal clock.

2. Social Engagement: Loneliness and isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression during the holiday season. Encouraging seniors to engage in social activities, such as attending community events or participating in group therapy sessions can help combat the holiday blues.

3.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise has been proven to boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Encouraging the elderly to engage in activities such as walking, yoga, or gentle aerobics can have a positive impact on their mental well-being.

4.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching seniors relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm during the holiday season.

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset provides comprehensive healthcare services for the elderly. With a team of dedicated professionals, they offer a range of treatments tailored to the unique needs of seniors, including those struggling with seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can cast a shadow over the holiday season, particularly for the elderly. However, with the right resources and support, it’s possible to combat SAD and prevent the holiday blues. By implementing strategies like light therapy, social engagement, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques, the elderly can experience a brighter and more enjoyable holiday season.

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset offers a personalized approach and comfortable environment to local primary care. Their staff is here to assist in everything from combating Seasonal Affective Disorder to minor illnesses and injuries to vaccination, and more for residents of Northeast Louisiana. Call now to schedule your appointment.

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Maria’s Queen Clean

Your Trusted Cleaning & Lawn Care Experts

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OR OVER TWO DECADES, MARIA VALLEJO AND HER dedicated team at Maria’s Queen Clean have been providing exceptional cleaning and lawn care services in Northeast Louisiana. With a strong commitment to honesty, professionalism, and responsibility, they have built a reputation as the go-to company for personalized and reliable home and commercial maintenance solutions.

To make their clients’ lives easier, Maria’s Queen Clean is now offering special rates for cleaning and lawn care services.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to have their experienced team take care of your home. Whether you need a deep clean before guests arrive or regular maintenance housework, Maria’s Queen Clean is the company for you.

When it comes to cleaning, leave it to the professionals at Maria’s Queen Clean. They offer both residential and commercial janitorial services, catering to the unique needs of each client.

Maria and her staff currently provide commercial cleaning services for several local apartments complexes and professional office spaces, and are always looking to bring in additional clients. There are several reasons that your business could benefit from hiring a cleaning service • Leave It to The Pros - Maria’s Queen Clean are professionals and their team is trained in the proper way to clean, sanitize and dust.

• Time Is Money - When you allow Maria’s Clean Queen to clean your office, you are saving money and time.

• Sanitized and Safe - When you have Maria’s Clean Queen clean your office, store or retail space, there will be less germs.

This decreases the likelihood of staff being out sick, adding a strain to your business and decreases productivity.

• Clean Office is a Happy Office - When your office space is clean, you will appreciate it much more. A clean and organized office leads to a more productive office and your staff can concentrate on what’s really important.

Maria’s Queen Clean doesn’t stop at cleaning alone. They also provide comprehensive lawn care services to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best. With winter approaching, now is the ideal time to take care of your flower beds and prepare your lawn for the colder months. From raking leaves and pulling weeds to trimming edges and blowing away debris, their skilled team can handle all aspects of lawn maintenance.

Maria and her team understand the value of customer satisfaction, and they express their gratitude to their clients.

Maria says, “We are thankful for all of the families and businesses that have trusted us with their homes over the years. We’ve been able to grow into a company that offers residential and commercial cleaning and lawncare services, and we couldn’t do that withought our loyal customers.”

They know that every job is different and requires a personalized approach. That’s why they take pride in creating customized cleaning and lawn care services for each client, ensuring that their unique needs and preferences are met. Call Maria’s Queen Clean today to receive a free estimate for your cleaning and lawncare needs.

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DermaMediQ’s Skin Solutions Put Your Best Face Forward This Fall

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HE STAFF AT DERMAMEDIQ IS HAPPY TO OFFER patrons with options to help them feel and look their best as we navigate through our crazy lives. As we approach Thanksgiving and a season of gratitude, Dr. Sowma and the friendly staff at DermaMediQ want to show their appreciation to all of their clients. Starting November 6th, join the staff of DermaMediQ as they host their Fall Specials Week celebrating over 15 years in business with offers that only come around once a year. Find discounts on fillers, specialty treatments and skincare items that will not only lift your skin, but also your spirits. The holidays are the time when you want to put your best face forward, literally. And DermaMedicQ can help you do just that. Whether you are taking family Christmas cards, going to a holiday party or hosting family and friends, you can ensure you look your best this holiday season!

For the past sixteen years, Dr. Sowma has been providing medically supervised beauty regimens at DermaMediQ. Dr. Sowma is Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine and is dedicated to providing quality skincare to men and women of all ages. She locates which areas of the face can benefit from treatments such as fillers, without over-treating. The result is a natural, rejuvenated and refreshed face for every patient. Her attention to detail sets her apart from other doctors, and her friendly demeanor will leave you feeling comfortable and relaxed. She provides non-invasive aesthetic treatments that includes Botox®, Juvéderm™, Radiesse, Kybella®, Bellafill, Restylane, Fractora, Morpheus BodyTite Pro, Lumecca, Diolaze, Thermashape, acne treatment, Sclerotherapy (for spider veins on legs), Obagi Blue Peel, Obagi Skin Care products, laser hair removal, permanent makeup, Photofacials and prescriptions for Hyperpigmentations just to name a few. The staff at DermaMediQ not only has an eye for aesthetics, but the medical knowledge necessary to safely provide patients with the relaxed and rejuvenated look they want. Combined, they have over 50 years of experience! After you complete your procedure at DermaMediQ, you can choose from a variety of quality skincare products they offer to keep your radiant glow! They carry Jane Iredale, Obagi and Skin Medica. You are sure to find the perfect product that your skin so desperately deserves. Your skin will thank you!

No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. Sowma and the amazing staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face and body forward!

Their friendly staff is currently taking appointments by phone and ensuring the health and safety of their patients by taking all necessary precautionary measures. For a full list of procedures, and all the great products and services that will be discounted during the week of November 6-10, call their office at (318) 8071060. For more information including before and after images, visit their website at dermamediq.com.

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IN THE GARDEN T

here is no shortage of things to be grateful for this year. The first and obvious are, of course, family, friends, and health.

But, 2023 has been a special year for gardening and seeds and I’m especially grateful for the plethora of opportunities! By the time this is published, I’ll be on my way to Berea, Kentucky, to attend the annual seed swap of the Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center. This is a huge event and some of the “names” in seed saving like John Coykendall, Dr. Bill Best, and Ken Fry will be there. I can’t wait! I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to obtain some new seeds, share some Louisiana heirloom seeds with others, and do some networking all for the purpose of growing our North Louisiana Seed Preservation Program.

I’m most grateful this year for the largest harvest of seeds to date from a number of interesting heirlooms. This year saw a bountiful harvest from both the Louisiana Kitchen Garden at the Zoo and the modest growing area at my house. After a schizophrenic winter, spring of 2023 saw perfect weather for snapbean production in home vegetable gardens. I grew three heirloom varieties this year: ‘Case Knife,’ half runner Appalachian greasy beans, and the Ma Savage bean, which is a landrace of the familiar ‘Rattlesnake’ pole bean. ‘Case Knife’ pole bean was grown at Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville during the 1800s. This was an opportunity to see something Martha Turnbull saw and to taste what she and her family would have tasted. ‘Case Knife’ beans have long, flattened, wide pods and the large brown seeds really bullet out as the pod matures. Greasy Beans come out of the Appalachians and are so named because the green pods lack the fuzz found on most pole beans. They have a shiny, slick…or greasy…look. Thus, their name. They are an incredibly diverse group of beans; individual families would have their own type of Greasy Bean that they grew and passed down to their descendants. Finally, the ‘Ma Savage’ bean from Union Parish, Louisiana, was used in LSU’s pole bean breeding experiments back in the 1930s and 40s. Dr. J.C. Miller used the Union Parish bean for developing varieties like ‘Green Savage’ and ‘Savage Wonder.’ Marcie Wilson at the Northeast Research Station has seeds of these available if you’re interested in growing them in your vegetable garden. ‘Ma Savage’ is likely

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< Roseland Small White Pickling cucumber performed beautifully this year.

> The Ma Savage bean is a landrace of Rattlesnake Pole Bean from Union Parish used in LSU pole bean breeding trials in the 1930s.

The Red-N-Sweet watermelon, released by LSU in 1987, has been nominated for boarding onto Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste.

Case Knife beans were grown at Rosedown in St. Francisville.

Pods are long and flat like knife blade.

a landrace of the familiar Rattlesnake Pole Bean. We know that Ma Savage, Ruby Jane Green Savage, brought seeds to Union Parish from Mississippi. Pods are long and green with beautiful purple streaks. The beans (seeds) have interesting patterns of brown streaks on them. At the height of spring, someone said the plants looked like they had green icicles hanging off them!

One of the great pleasures this season has been growing E.H. Reid’s YellowMeated watermelon. John Coykendall passed seeds along to me and I thought this would be a good late season watermelon for the Louisiana Kitchen Garden. I was not disappointed. Not a great deal is known about this melon, except that it has never been in commercial production, something the Reid Family of Cumming, Georgia, would like to see continue, and it apparently has been in that family since the 1800s. This was my first attempt at growing a yellow-fleshed watermelon and rest assured it will not be my last! This is a truly spectacular watermelon. A few characteristics stand out. First, the vine is vigorous and solid. Second, melons can be deceptively large. Being solid green, they blend in with weeds and the vine making their mature size not obvious until you sever one from the vine and try to lift it.

I grew and harvested several melons that topped out at thirty-seven pounds. The smallest was sixteen pounds. Third, this is one of the sweetest watermelons I have ever tasted. I mean, it’s no Red-N-Sweet, but the mild flavor and sweetness is not to be believed. Everybody who tasted this melon really loved it. So, Reid’s YellowMeated watermelon will a be regular in both the Louisiana Kitchen Garden and my home garden. Let me know if you’re interested in trying it.

It has also been a great year in terms of communications and being able to get information out to a large number of people. The radio companion to In the Garden is almost a year old, and I can’t thank Adam Holland and KWCL 96.7 FM enough for letting us do a five-minute segment twice a week. We’re sponsored

by Northeast Louisiana Power Co-op and VOLT Broadband. The television segment continues to do well, too. I’m grateful to Scott, Ashley, and everybody at KTVE NBC 10/KARD FOX 14 for letting us do the weekly segment for seven years. I hope we

do seven more. I look forward to Tuesdays because it’s the only day of the week that invokes anything close to routine into my schedule.

And, if a successful gardening season despite record heat and drought isn’t enough, and it should be, I’m very pleased that the Red-N-Sweet watermelon, developed at the old Calhoun Research Station, has been nominated for boarding on the Slow Food USA Ark of Taste! I’ve been serving on the nominating committee for the southern region for the last couple of years. There are so many interesting foods of historical significance out there.

Northern Louisiana is no exception. We need to preserve these foods and the ways in which they’re grown and prepared.

To learn more about the Slow Food movement, visit their website at https:// www.slowfoodusa.org.

I am a lucky man. I get to earn a living doing what I love to do and meet some neat people along the way. For all of this and more, I am truly grateful.

All of us at the LSU AgCenter’s Ouachita Parish Extension Office wish you and your family the happiest of Thanksgivings.

E.H. Reid’s YellowMeated watermelon has become one of my favorites!

Tune in to Louisiana Living every Tuesday at 4:30 for In the Garden with Kerry Heafner of the LSU AgCenter.

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Caples & Robinson Orthodontics Dr. Cammie Laird Joins The Team

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APLES AND ROBINSON Orthodontics proudly announces the addition of Dr. Cammie Laird to their team of skilled orthodontic professionals. With an impressive track record and experience, Dr. Laird brings a wealth of expertise in orthodontics, further strengthening Caples and Robinson Orthodontics commitment to delivering comprehensive and top-tier dental care.

Having completed her education at LSU Health Sciences School of Dentistry in 2019 and Orthodontic Residency training with a Masters in Science in 2021, Dr. Laird is well versed in the latest orthodontic techniques and technologies.

She became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics in 2022. Her dedication to staying up-to-date with advancements in the field will ensure that patients at Caples and Robinson Orthodontics will receive cutting-edge orthodontic treatments that yield exceptional results, comfortably and efficiently.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Laird to

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our practice,” said Drs. Caples and Robinson.

“Her passion for orthodontics, coupled with her patient-centric approach, aligns perfectly with our practice’s values. We believe that her presence will further elevate our commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients.”

“I am excited to work as an orthodontic specialist alongside my childhood orthodontists, Drs. Caples and Robinson,” Dr. Laird remarked. Being a native of Monroe, she is thrilled to be back after practicing in Baton Rouge for two years while her husband, Mark Laird, completed his veterinary medicine training. They also welcomed their first child, a daughter, Lou, in May 2023. She and her husband both look forward to serving the community where they grew up. She is an active member of the Louisiana Dental Association, American Dental Association, and American Association of Orthodontists.

When she’s not perfecting smiles, Dr. Cammie loves to spend her time with family

and her two dogs, traveling (preferably to the water), cooking, reading, watching LSU sports-(Geaux Tigers) and listening to Taylor Swift. She is very excited to be back home and looks forward to building relationships and delivering quality care to the patients at Caples and Robinson Orthodontics.

Patients at Caples and Robinson Orthodontics can now benefit from an expanded range of orthodontic services, including Damon Ultima braces, Spark clear aligners, and other innovative treatment options. Our practice offers 58 years of combined orthodontic experience with three board certified orthodontists on staff. Drs. Caples and Robinson’s reputation for creating personalized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique needs ensures that individuals of all ages will receive the most comfortable, efficient, and customized orthodontic care. Call today for your complimentary consultation.

The Ultimate Gift Destination

Join Haven for Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 9th

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AVEN WELCOMES FALL WITH A wonderful selection of new merchandise throughout the shop. If your home will be welcoming guests, stop by and let Jade, Haven’s in-store sales consultant, help you select new pillows or a quick bedding refresh. There are so many machine-washable bedding options from Matouk and Annie Selke. Haven has instock bedding and any special-order ships in just a few days. Haven is unpacking lamps and design accessories everyday right now. So many wonderful pieces for your home including small tables, floor lamps, throw pillows and large statement pieces for your coffee table or dining table. Stunning abstract art or throw pillows can provide a quick update. Haven has several instock chairs in both swivel and stationary styles to provide a refresh for your guest room or living space. New good-looking leather recliners from Sherrill should be arriving soon.

It’s not too early to start Christmas shopping!

Haven is the ultimate gift destination, and they have new arrivals in every area of the shop.

The bath area has three new lines with amazing scents and beautiful packaging. Lotions, hand cream, body butter, and shower gels are a few of the beautiful products you will see. A collection of pedicure specialty items will be perfect for gift giving.

Haven has just received a ton of new books and always has the best selection! Amazing interior design books provide inspiration or can be a fabulous accessory for a coffee table; the newest cookbooks, fun fashion books, and inspirational books that are a great read. Books are such a wonderful gift for the holiday season, whether it be for a loved one, a hostess, or even yourself!

The first of two large Barefoot Dreams shipments have arrived including wraps,

cardigans, socks, casual tops and blankets.

Barefoot Dreams is always a fantastic gift to give and receive! There is a darling short set this year and their popular socks are now available in a variety set, ready to wrap for under the tree.

Haven always has a nice selection of pajamas and robes and this year is no different.

Stop by to see the stunning set of navy pajamas, several new short sets from PJ Harlow and a couple of print pajamas. Pair a robe and slippers together and you have a special gift for someone on your list.

During November and December, Haven has extended shopping hours. In November, Haven will be open until 5:30 during the week, with even more shopping hours added in December. Stop by today and see the great selection of new merchandise.

Thanks for choosing to shop locally this holiday season!

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THROUGH TEACHING AND LOVE Today, Dr. Florencetta Gibson is recognized not only for her successful career in health care, but also for her leadership. Gibson was at the forefront of the diversity initiative in the nursing field.

She was the first African American public health nurse in Ouachita Parish, the first African American to be named to the nursing faculty at Louisiana Tech University, and the first African American to be named Director of the Nursing School at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Being the first in each of these three key areas meant that Gibson has served the entire community without, as she puts it, ‘’losing my identity.” Today Gibson maintains a private professional practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APMHCNS). This practice --Positive Changes – addresses depression, anxiety, adjustment, and psychophysiological symptoms in adults. Because of her service to our region, her medical expertise, her unwavering sense of ethics, and her lifelong compassion for others, Dr. Florencetta Gibson is our November BayouIcon.

ARTICLE BY GEORGIANN POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

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hile Florencetta Gibson was attending nursing school, a teacher asked her a question concerning a patient.

The question required the recitation of certain facts, but Gibson hesitated before answering. She certainly knew the “textbook” facts, but she also knew what she had learned from her own personal assessment of the patient. She shared these with her teacher and was rewarded for giving not just a “factual” assessment but also an “honest” one. With that, Gibson was well on her way to becoming the outstanding medical professional she is today.

A BE L OV E D ON LY C H I L D Curtis Hayes and Ruby Hayes (they had the same last names!) met during World War II at Camp Livingston in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Curtis had grown up on a rural farm near Canton, Mississippi, and was serving his country in wartime. During his younger years, Curtis had enjoyed having much of his family living nearby. No doubt being in the service meant that he was having to adjust to the loneliness that servicemen often experience. He never forgot Ruby, nor did she ever forget him.

Ruby had been born in Alexandria but spent her early years growing up in the big city of Chicago, Illinois, with relatives. She returned to Alexandria as a young teenager. During her Chicago years, Ruby had learned to do her very best at whatever task she was given.

That lesson was to serve her well.

When WWII was over, the two married and began their life together. Both shared a love for the outdoors and family. Curtis worked at first for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Later on, he opened “Hayes Local Dredge” -- his own trucking company in Alexandria. “My dad loved to route freight,” Gibson explains proudly. “He ran a tight ship for his drivers as they delivered to companies all over the city. He was not only able to delegate to his employees, but also worked with them to ensure success and good service to his customers.”

After her marriage, Ruby settled in comfortably to the role of housewife and mother. She would not work outside of their home until Florencetta was in high school. Ruby enjoyed teaching her daughter homemaking skills including cooking and sewing.

She often made clothes for her daughter’s Barbie doll during the day while Florencetta was attending school. Those clothes are treasures, and Florencetta still has some of them even today.

Florencetta’s mother was not the only family member who taught her important lessons and shared with her as much of their time as they could. Florencetta’s maternal grandmother Olivia would visit with Florencetta early each Sunday morning while they were waiting for church services to begin. These visits – and many others – meant that Florencetta learned firsthand about her grandmother’s life and struggles as she listened to stories about the Great Depression and the hard times that it brought.

Florencetta also enjoyed learning how to make many of her grandmother’s favorite dishes.

Florencetta held a special place in her paternal grandparents’ lives, too. She was Isiah and Florence’s only grandchild! They lived in Mississippi, so there were happy celebrations when Florencetta came to visit. “My paternal grandparents and aunts showered me with gifts. I still remember those holiday boxes filled with surprises!” Florencetta remembers. While visiting, Florencetta was taken to visit their friends and often spent late nights sitting on the front porch listening to the night sounds of the rural countryside. “My grandparents were known for their giving natures and for inviting all who stopped by to visit to stay and share a meal,” Florencetta says. “I have the breakfast table that my grandmother fed people on for more than 80 years. It is WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 113

in my own breakfast area now, and I hope to pass it on to my children when the time comes.”

Even though Florencetta lived in the heart of a city, she still enjoyed the benefits of her father’s country experiences. Being inside of Alexandria’s city limits did not “limit” her father. Curtis had a wonderful garden where he grew okra, tomatoes, beans, and peppers. He tried his hand at poultry, but quickly had to give that up because both his wife and daughter couldn’t stand to have them killed.

Florencetta enjoyed a traditional childhood, surrounded by comforting surroundings, good neighbors, and more than a few pets. Her dad would go to work while her mom managed the home. Florencetta learned much from each of them as she was experiencing a happy childhood. “My life lessons were kindness from my father who always said that it’s nice to be nice, and from my mother who always said that I must do my best,” says Florencetta.

Florencetta remembers taking turns on her swing in a pecan tree and on another on the front porch of their home. “I loved mowing the lawn with my dad,” she explains. “That manual push mower and the smell of freshly cut St. Augustine grass is something I’ll never forget!” She also loved going barefoot in the early morning dew, allowing the grass clippings to attach to her feet. There was a reassuring familiarity to her life as she visited the neighbors she had always known – most of them living in the same houses they had always lived in. There the neighbors watched out for each other and the children in their community.

Florencetta did not leave until she went off to college.

F A M I L Y M A T T E R S : Florencetta and Toney have two daughters in whom they are well pleased.

The older daughter Tonessa chose a career similar to her mothers and has obtained a doctorate in counseling education. Their younger daughter Franchesca enjoys patho-physiology and anatomy and loves caring for patients through nutritional support. She holds a B.S. in Culinary Arts and an M.B.A.

S T R E TC H I NG H E R W I NG S I N A N E W WOR L D Florencetta loves learning, and she learns from everyone and every experience that life presents. Early mentors were her school teachers who did all they could to ensure Florencetta’s success. Also important during these early years were friendships that began then.

She attended a Lutheran kindergarten where she met the Baldwin girls – twins who became her friends for life. When the girls were young, the two mothers often sewed identical dresses for the three so that Florencetta could be a triplet. They went through high school and college together as closest of friends, and remain so today.

When Florencetta won a scholarship to the University of Louisiana Monroe, she was “on her way” to learning even more! She arrived on campus with a 26” bicycle her paternal grandparents had given her when she was 6. Only during her final semester did she get a car – a 1968 VW Beetle.

Her first semester was cut short when her father had a health crisis. Florencetta resigned and returned home to help her mother with the business until he recovered. Her mother had worked in the business as the receptionist, but now would have to run it for a while. Florencetta did not realize that by resigning, she had forfeited 114 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

her scholarship. When she resumed her college work, Florencetta became a student worker (working as a student typist and as a residence hall assistant) for the remainder of her undergraduate years.

Work was no stranger to Florencetta.

During her school years she worked on the yearbook staff, was a school radio news reporter, joined the Girl Scouts, the Future Business Leaders club, and the Future Nurses Association. She also volunteered as a Candy Striper. Her dad would drive her early on Saturday mornings to the VA hospital in Alexandria where she quickly realized that the veterans needed conversation and care beyond the physical.

Florencetta and her sister Candy Strippers enjoyed providing the veterans with distraction, a listening ear, and time. When she was a senior at Peabody High School, Florencetta worked at the Huey P. Long Hospital as an admission clerk.

One might think that Florencetta chose nursing as a career because of her work as a Candy Stripper. She doesn’t think so. “My paternal great-grandmother Emma lived to be 110! She used herbs and home remedies as a way to heal illnesses and injuries in her family. Perhaps this was the real origin of my desire to be a health care provider,” Florencetta says.

As she took classes at ULM, Florencetta encountered a number of women who instilled in her that nursing required both knowledge and patience. “They were unsung heroines – Mary Rowden, Norma Steffenson, Elizabeth Bell, and Bernadine Adams. They valued the profession and settled for nothing less than ideal,” Florencetta explains. “They gave themselves fully to teaching me the things that I needed to know to become successful.”

L OV E C OM E S I N TO V I E W Along with her undergraduate studies, something – or someone – else was taking her time. Toney Gibson was also an undergraduate.

The two were introduced to each other at church by a special friend.

They dated for several years and married right after graduation on a very rainy day filled with lifelong friends. “Our dates consisted of walking around on campus and going to the Baptist Student Union for a soda,” Florencetta remembers. “Toney allowed me to practice my assessment skills on him!”

The couple have two daughters in whom they are well pleased.

The older daughter Tonessa chose a career similar to her mothers and has obtained a doctorate in counseling education. She has provided mental health services for 14+ years to individuals in a variety of clinical settings. Their younger daughter Franchesca enjoys pathophysiology and anatomy and loves caring for patients through nutritional support. She holds a B.S. in Culinary Arts and an M.B.A. Florencetta believes that she will mesh her two degrees together for a unique career path.

Toney, a ULM graduate, enjoyed a successful 30-year career in banking before retiring from the City of Monroe as the buyer for the

City. The two have supported one another’s careers all throughout the marriage. Florencetta admits that the greatest challenges she has faced during her career have been finding the right work/life balance, and dealing with the economic decisions in our country that make many necessary medications and treatments unattainable for many who need them the most. She says that Toney thoroughly enjoyed his career, but seems to be enjoying his retirement ever more. Florencetta says that she does occasionally think about retirement, but the time isn’t quite right yet. Still, the two have recently renewed their passports. A trip to Ireland may be on their horizon.

A C A R E E R FOR T H E AG E S A quick look at Florencetta’s vita reveals a career that has grown exponentially over the decades since her Candy Stripper days. Each step along the way, Florencetta has gained invaluable experience in virtually every segment of health care. When she became a public health nurse, the role was a combination of home health, health education, and disease prevention. While she worked, she visited many homes and saw many life-styles. “I learned that health needs to transcend race and income,” Florencetta explains. “I learned that promoting good health in any home allows for better health in the entire community.”

“My role as a mental health professional allowed me to help others find their strength and focus on what they could control. I taught them individual coping skills to help them feel secure in their ability to be successful.” ~ Dr. Florencetta Gibson

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BAYOU ICON: DR FLORENCETTA GIBSON

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hen she became Director of ULM’s Kitty DeGree School of Nursing, Florencetta was able to help shape the excellence of the nursing profession. She sought ways for her nursing graduates to interact with students from throughout Louisiana, the United States, and from other countries.

“This interaction has allowed health care knowledge gained at ULM to influence the entire world,” Florencetta explains. “Our graduates are serving in military, international, faith-based, rural, and urban communities in which they are furthering excellence in health care because of their work here.”

Also while director, Florencetta worked with local workforce development leaders in Monroe to allow ULM to have one of the first accelerated nursing programs in the region. This became even more important as a critical shortage in health care workers became more significant. Even in the best of times, that shortage needs attention.

When natural disasters or pandemics strike, such a shortage becomes even more critical and must be addressed. Florencetta has participated in finding housing and providing health care for hurricane evacuees.

She – like so many – adjusted her work and family responsibilities to accommodate the unwelcome presence of COVID. “My role as a mental health professional allowed me to help others find their strength and focus on what they could control,” Florencetta explains. “I taught them individual coping skills to help them feel secure in their ability to be successful.”

When she is asked by an aspiring young person why he or she should consider a career such as her own, Florencetta is quick to respond. “A career similar to mine would ensure a lifetime of giving, of course. But it would also ensure a lifetime of receiving much more than you give from the people you meet and how they allow you to share their lives.”

A N D I N H E R S PA R E T I M E While Florencetta admits that the thought of sitting outdoors sipping a glass of iced tea while she thumbs through home decorating magazines is a mighty temptation, the truth is that much of her “spare time” is spent volunteering. Whether it is an independent community activity, or working with her sorority – the Monroe Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Florencetta enjoys the “inside view” of agencies and departments that volunteering allows. “I get to see how they really work, because what we see on the surface is just a smooth machine helping the community,” she explains. “But the untold story is really about the hard work, finding funds and services where none exist, and still meeting the needs of the community. That is at the center of what is really happening.”

Florencetta enjoys participating in The Witness Project of Northeast Louisiana. This breast and cervical health education initiative teaches women about general breast health and breast cancer survivorship.

Florencetta serves as co-director of this very important project.

“Volunteerism allows each individual to be influential in areas of the community where he or she sees a need for improvement,” Florencetta says.

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) was a British nurse and social reformer who is best known as the founder of modern nursing. She once wrote, “The best nurses have the essential qualifications before they go to school.” When one looks back over the life and career of Dr. Florencetta Gibson, it is easy to see proof of the truth in Nightingale’s statement.

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Dupont Jewelers

Celebrating Our 71st Year Anniversary Sale

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E ARE EXCITED ABOUT the 2023 Christmas season.

Like every industry, the Jewelry business, an ancient business, is changing because of technological advancements.

Jewelry artifacts have been found as far back as 3,500 years ago. Most of the making of jewelry hasn’t changed tremendously. We use techniques like casting, rolling, striking, and drawing to form metal, just like they did in antiquity. We still set minerals, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in gold and silver, similar to how they did thousands of years ago. We set stones by hammering a soft durable beautiful metal around the stones to hold them in the piece of jewelry.

My dad, Edwin Dupont, started our business in Rayville, Louisiana in 1952, over 70 years ago. Wow! 1952. He was a horologist, a watchmaker. He served and was injured in World War II. My mom and dad raised four boys. Our life was simple. My dad loved the retail jewelry business. If he were still here, he

would be right next to me.

I have seen all types of fads and tastes come and go and come back again. Remember, in the 50s and 60s, larger white gold rings?

The 70s and 80s brought us Chris Everett who made the tennis bracelet popular. Nugget jewelry and herringbone chains were the rage, and the preferred metal was yellow gold. In the 90s and 2000s, we saw wide Omega necklaces and the pink ice craze. During this time, there was the move away from yellow gold as the preferred metal to white gold. In the 2010s, the styling was micro pave’ with small accent stones. In the last seven years, we have seen the advent of diamonds that can be grown in size. This is simply a technology-driven change allowing jewelers to sell larger diamonds of better quality at a less expensive price. These diamonds are beautiful and durable just like the counterpart mined diamonds.

In 2013, I opened a store on Forsythe in Monroe, and since then I have made over 400 one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces of jewelry for

my customers. You can see many of them at www.DupontJewelers.com. I chose not to go with the computer-designed jewelry, but to go back hundreds of years to make each piece special. No models or molds, crafted once for one special occasion and one special person.

Some people see the romance of this, and it is romantic. To think that a man would help design an anniversary or engagement ring is risky and is not a simple purchase.

We are celebrating our seventy-first anniversary. Every item in my store is on sale up to 50% off. Layaway is available.

– James DuPont wwww.DupontJewelers.com facebook/dupontjewelers Trade - Restore - Redesign - Sell Dupont Jewelers on Forsythe in Monroe Makers of Handmade Fine Jewelry

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Historic Holiday Shopping Wonderland Downtown West Monroe

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ISIT OUR HISTORIC HOLIDAY shopping wonderland! From walkthrough lighted displays and wagon rides to fireworks and a parade, experience the magic of the season with us. Mark your calendar now for these celebrations so our Downtown Christmas story can be a part of your own.

November 5 – Holiday Open House, 1-5 p.m. Enjoy a fun Sunday afternoon of shopping, refreshments and merchant specials.

November 16 – Champagne Stroll, 5-8p.m. Sip champagne while enjoying evening shopping.

November 25 – Shop Small Saturday and support local small businesses.

November 25 - Holiday Outdoor Movie – Alley Park 5:30 p.m. Free and family friendly.

December 2 – Christmas on the River Festival Day - The day includes the Kiwanis Christmas Parade, live music in Alley Park, a 5K to benefit downtown projects, and fireworks over the river. The 2023 parade theme is “Ugly Christmas Sweater.” Merchants will be dressed

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in themed ugly sweaters.

December 7 – Art Crawl and Downtown After Dark – Shop the Downtown Gallery Crawl and participating downtown merchants for late night shopping.

December 8 – Children’s Lighted Bike Parade - Children gather in Alley Park to participate in a lighted bike parade through the downtown lights. Bikes, wagons, and batterypowered cars welcome. Stay tuned to the Downtown West Monroe Facebook page for additional event details.

December 15 – Holiday Outdoor Movie, 5:30 p.m. - Alley Park 5:30 p.m. Free and family friendly.

December 16 – Christmas Market – Alley Park 10-3 p.m. Artisans and makers will be setup in Alley Park for this holiday-themed market.

December 17 – Cookies & Cocoa with Santa – Enjoy cookies and cocoa with Santa, make a holiday Christmas ornament and reindeer food. Take a ride on the Christmas wagon with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ticketed event – see our

Downtown West Monroe Facebook page for details.

Other important dates and details: Christmas Wagon Rides will tour the Christmas lights in both Downtown West Monroe and Monroe. Rides pickup in Alley Park and are set to begin the week of Thanksgiving.

The wagon will run in the evening on weekends.

Rides begin Thanksgiving weekend. You can even reserve the wagon for group rides. Check our Facebook page for more details!

Extended Hours Shopping takes place every Friday and Saturday from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

Visit the Land of Lights display on Cotton Street. This free walkthrough lights display is great for families and people of all ages to stroll downtown.

Visit AntiqueAlleyShops.org or Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/downtownwmrg facebook.com/AntiqueAlley

Inaugural Art Is Life Awards

Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Presents Awards

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N WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2023,

Louisiana Partnership for the Arts presented its inaugural Art is Life Awards at the opening reception of the Louisiana Arts Summit. The 2023 Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Mrs. Pam Atchison, Executive Director, Shreveport Regional Arts Council; Art is Life Legislator of the Year was awarded to Mr. Michael Echols, Louisiana House of Representatives, District 14; and the Art is Life Corporate Philanthropy Award was presented to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, represented by Michael Tipton, the President of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.

Pam Atchison has led the Shreveport Regional Arts Council for over 34 years.

During her tenure, she has been the lead on the revitalization of downtown and the development of Shreveport Commons, among other highly successful events like ArtBreak which provides arts education experiences to

every child in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

“The LPA strives to lead in the establishment of statewide arts policies that advance the growth and development of the arts and culture field,” said Barry Stevens, the 2023-24 Treasurer of the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts who introduced Echols. “We are thrilled that leaders like Representative Echols understand the vital role that arts and culture play in Louisiana.” Echols led the legislation introduced in the 2022 session which allowed for an Arts specialty license plate to be unveiled later this year.

Michael Tipton, speaking on behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, emphasized the importance of the arts and culture for the health of Louisiana’s citizens and an area worthy of investment.

Cornelia Garlia Jones was the keynote speaker for the event which took place at LSU Museum of Art in downtown Baton Rouge.

Jones, a writer, producer, and photographer,

is the founder of Blackboard Plays, a monthly series devoted to Black Playwrights. She is an OBIE Award recipient for “48Hours in… ™Harlem” and has published articles in the New York Times and Washington Post, among others.

The Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, a 501c3 organization, was established in the late 1990’s and is a statewide organization representing the broad and diverse spectrum of artists, arts professionals, arts educators, cultural organizations, and agencies in Louisiana. Membership in this arts advocacy organization is open to all citizens of Louisiana. https://www.artforlouisiana.com/

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Local Chef Participates in Culinary Event Cory Bahr Brings A Taste of Louisiana to Dallas

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ORY BAHR IS ONE OF 17 TOP Louisiana chefs that traveled to Dallas to feature the state’s unique flavors in several of the area’s top restaurants. Discover Monroe-West Monroe, the Louisiana Travel Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board partnered to present the “Louisiana Goes Lone Star” on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 as part of the Louisiana Culinary Trails tourism marketing campaign.

Boasting an exciting food and beverage scene, Dallas is an important regional destination and a savory opportunity to showcase the diverse culinary delights of our State. The epicurean experience of the Bayou State goes beyond just eating and drinking; it is a driving force among Louisiana events and culture. Louisiana Culinary Trails and the premier lineup of chefs were excited to inspire travel and give Dallasites a taste of what awaits them across the Texas-Louisiana border.

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“Food is a way of life in Louisiana. We plan our festivals and events around the culinary seasons, and we were excited to bring a taste to Dallas last month,” says Louisiana Travel Association president and CEO Chris Landry. “As a neighboring state, destinations around Louisiana are a short drive or direct flight from Dallas. We were excited to have 17 Louisiana chefs in restaurants around the city to whet locals’ appetites and inspire them to make Louisiana their next travel destination.”

Prior to the restaurant night, Discover MonroeWest Monroe also be attended the Restaurant Night Media Preview reception, where the Louisiana chefs prepared the state’s delicious cuisine with our fresh seafood featured for key influencers, encouraging media to write about the Louisiana culinary experience.

Cory Bahr is the owner & founder of Parish Restaurant, Standard Coffee Co. and Heritage Catering in Monroe, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Cory inherited

a passion for the great outdoors and cooking— spending weekends at the family hunting camp, running fishing lines, and hunting whatever was in season. Parish, an homage to what is most important to Cory—community, culture, and culinary heritage—presents an inventive take on classic Southern dishes utilizing live fire cooking that makes use of all the flavors, technique, and heritage of his beloved Delta region. He offers honest dishes with a strong sense of place, for which he has earned national recognition.

For more information about the Louisiana Culinary Trails program, visit explorelouisiana. com/culinary, and follow Louisiana Culinary Trails on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Revival Design and Consign

Thankful for Love, Life and Growth for Revival

BY CLINTON DOWNING

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ET ME SAY THAT IT FEELS GREAT to be alive. The past two years of grief and losing my parents made me reflect on what really mattered in life. I almost closed my shop, Revival Design, took my dogs, Cookie, Cooper, and Luna and relocated somewhere without the stress of everyday life.

I love when God gives you a wink, though, especially if it is from an amazing friend. Just when I was set to close this chapter at the end of 2023, I had several angels in my court. One whom would have liked to remain anonymous gave me the chance to continue to grow in Historic Downtown Monroe without leaving the building I was about to lose. I call him my “Brangel” (Brother/Angel) The other, my dear friend Wendy Phillips, has given me the opportunity to grow Revival into Historic Downtown St. Francisville. I am fortunate to expand Revival there with her when we open in the new location in February 2024.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m

thankful for the people who helped me grow to who I am today despite the adversities I had in my life. Of course, I could not go without mentioning my late parents, Ron and Jan Downing, who taught me all about antiques and cooking from scratch respectively; as well as my late grandmother, Mary Frances Whitney, who hooked me on brie, smoked oysters, and Soul Train; and my late grandmother, Beverly Jean Downing, who taught me how to conserve and compost. My aunt, Nannette Whitney Gorton, has kept our family trees alive with her research while my aunt, Beverly Downing Bowling, has helped bring back so much of our family together.

She introduced me and my sister, Sarah Downing Watley, to Captain and Tenille, The Carpenters, Barry Manilow, Saturday Night Fever, & so much more on 8-tracks. Speaking of my sister, words cannot explain the gratitude I have for her. Not only has she been the best sister, but she has also given me two amazing

grandsons, Paul Downing and wife Christina Downing, and Garrett Watley. I am so blessed for my greats, Jaxon Cole Downing and Liam Henry Downing who was born in June. Her husband, Ricky Watley, continues to inspire me as he works daily with his best hand while making multiple visits to MD Anderson for a rare hand cancer over the past 7 years. It brought us together.

My work family has continued to give me life. I am so grateful for Terrie Chisholm, Joy Felder, Leesa Patterson whom all keep me balanced. Now in my second year for high school / collegiate support, I am more than thankful for Bruin Hendricks, Caleb Tugwell, JJ Johnson, Charlie Edwards, Maxwell Butler, Jack Loftin, Hunt Grant, Keegan Carlson, Coy Nelson, Brice Anderson, Vaughn Wetzel, Parker Cameron and Connor Cameron.

Revival is celebrating 4 years with our Open House. We are a survival at Revival. We look forward to seeing you.

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Cajun Flavor on the Ouachita

Trapp’s Offers Comfort Foods Just In Time for the Holidays

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HEN IT COMES TO CAJUN FOOD, IT’S HARD TO FIND anything better than the Trappey brand. The Trappey name has been synonymous with Cajun food and Louisiana for over a century, 121 years to be exact. When looking for that test of South Louisiana, there is no denying that the perfect place to go in North Louisiana is sitting right on the banks of the beautiful Ouachita River.

For over eight years, Joey Trappey has been operating one of the most successful restaurants in our area. In the last few years, Paden Roberts has joined the Trapp’s family as general manager, adding great customer service and experience to the staff.

Trappey has created and honed the menu to feature a variety of South Louisiana dishes, including some family favorites. To start, their appetizer menu features mouth-watering Fried Cheese Ravioli that melts-in-your-mouth and is topped with Trapp’s popular Crawfish Marlee sauce. The seafood nachos have become a favorite and are a must with fresh made to order chips piled high, topped with fresh onion, tomatoes, fried crawfish tails, grilled shrimp and covered with the best white queso dip on this side of the Mississippi River. Creole crawfish pies, crawfish queso, fried crawfish tails, fried pickles, crab cakes and boudin bites round out the options for appetizers.

You can always depend on Trapp’s to have the best poboys, whether it is shrimp, crawfish or catfish, you have the option of fried, grilled or blackened. Served on a New Orleans style poboy bread, they

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are dressed with lettuce, tomato and housemade remoulade. Trapp’s dinner entree offerings include a spud menu – this features five different choices from a Cajun Grilled Chicken Spud to an Étouffée Spud. And now that fall is finally here, that means it is time for soups! Trapp’s has a delicious bread bowl that you can fill with your choice of soup from shrimp, crab and corn bisque to crawfish etouffee.

The grill menu features a smothered catfish with crawfish etouffee, pork chops and blackened tuna, just to name a few items. Tuesday nights are Steak Night with two 12 oz. ribeyes and four sides for just $45. On Wednesdays, its Burger Night with 2 Burgers, sides and drinks for just $14.

And don’t forget to book your holiday parties this season at Trapp’s. Their private dining room can accommodate a large group of people and overlooks the gorgeous Ouachita River. Whether you’re looking for an intimate lunch gathering for a small business, or a holiday celebration for a large corporate gathering, Trapp’s is the perfect place. The picturesque river views, delicious catered food, band stage and large inside/outside space make it ideal for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and luncheons. The also offer gift certificates for the foodie on your list. Make sure to stop by and see them today at 113 South Riverfront in West Monroe, at the foot at the Endom Bridge, find them on Facebook or call 318.855.6428.

Simmons’ Sporting Goods A Northeast Louisiana Icon Turns 40

BY GLENN MIERS

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HIS YEAR MARKS THE 40TH anniversary for Simmons’ Sporting Goods to serve outdoorsmen and their families from miles around. In 1983, Jeff and Robin Simmons embarked on a new venture to try their hand at retail in the outfitting and western wear industry.

Residing in Morehouse Parish, they originally established their store front on LA Highway 2, also known as the Mer Rouge Highway, on the east side of Bastrop. Not long after opening, the demand was so great, the young couple knew they would quickly outgrow their location, so they moved to an 1,100 square foot out of business gas station at 918 North Washington and committed to their first of 10 renovations to make their new location a haven for hunters to frequent, where it remains today.

It wasn’t easy. Robin kept an income rolling as a medical technologist in addition to countless hours at the store and Jeff still

guided waterfowl hunters in the fall and turkey hunters in the spring in addition to being a rancher in the cattle industry. It’s been hard work since day one.

Over the years, they grew their family and their business. First, they welcomed daughter Lindsey into the world followed by their son, Hunter just a few years later.

Both grew up in the store and on the farm learning the family businesses along the way.

After high school, they both began to forge a path earning bachelor’s degrees. Both have proven to be great assets in the store today with Hunter handling daily operations as the COO and growing their online presence nationally. Lindsey, now the face of the business, shoulders the responsibilities of CFO, marketing and customer service.

(Jeff) Simmons had a vision like no one could imagine. In 2001, when they engaged in their largest expansion to date, that would more than double the retail space and

incorporate a restaurant, many thought there was no way it would survive, at least not in Bastrop. Jeff had a dream that was more than anyone could comprehend at the time, and anyone that knows him will attest, when he sets his mind to something, he will work tirelessly to achieve it. He wanted to make his location a destination that outdoorsmen would flock to from not just the immediate area but surrounding states.

Now, it’s not uncommon to see license plates on vehicles from all over the country in the parking lot. Although his mission of creating a hunter’s destination has been realized, they are far from done. Believe it or not, there are still some within driving distance that have not experienced the 80,000 square foot awe-inspiring mystique that is Simmons’ Sporting Goods. They even have a ladies boutique called Duck Duck Goose, carrying some of the latest styles of clothing, footwear and even jewelry ladies love. If you haven’t been there, you should go and if it’s been a while, go back; they’ll be glad to see you. In the words of the Simmons family, “Thank you for your 40 years of support and patronage! We could not have done it without you.”

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ULM’s VAPA Professors Selected to Present

Dr. Nicholas Bratcher and Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick Will Present at LMEA Conference

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IRECOTR OF THE ULM SCHOOL of Visual and Performing Arts Dr. Nicholas Bratcher and Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick have been selected to present at the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) Conference from November 17-20, 2023, in Baton Rouge.

LMEA is the state music education conference for K-12 music educators, as well as those who teach in higher education. Each November, music teachers from across the state gather in Baton Rouge, LA for a fourday conference of professional development, interactive sessions, and concert performances.

The All-State ensembles also perform during this conference and feature some of the best secondary school music students in the state.

Bratcher will be presenting his clinic entitled: “For the Culture - Diverse and Inclusive Concert Programming for Secondary Bands”. The clinic is geared towards middle, high school, and college band directors, as

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well as pre-service instrumental teachers.

Dr. Bratcher recently began his new position as Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at ULM in June of 2023.

This will mark the second time that Bratcher has presented at LMEA (previously in 2016). “This is a wonderful opportunity for ULM and a way to provide pedagogical development to the music educators that we serve,” said Bratcher. Dr. Bratcher champions wind band music from underrepresented minority composers and has presented this clinic across the United States at various conferences. “I’m excited to return to Baton Rouge as a new member of this community and share my experiences with my colleagues in the profession.”

Kilpatrick will be presenting two clinics at this year’s LMEA conference. His first clinic is entitled: “The Musical Banquet - Intentional Repertoire Selection for Every Choir.” This

session is geared towards choir directors of all levels. Kilpatrick will also present this same session at the 2024 Florida Music Educators Association conference in Tampa in January.

His second session, geared for pre-service teachers, is entitled: “First Day to First Day Making the Journey from Intern to Teacher.”

Dr. Kilpatrick is an assistant professor of music at ULM and teaches courses in choral music education. He also serves as graduate coordinator for the master’s in music education degree. “Presenting at LMEA is an opportunity to share best practices and research-based pedagogy with classroom music teachers from all over Louisiana, just as we do with our students at ULM,” said Kilpatrick. “I am excited for another opportunity to provide ideas and activities that music educators of all levels can incorporate in their classrooms immediately.”

Your Hometown Shopping Destination Chanticleers Boutique

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HANTICLEERS IS NOT JUST A boutique, but a reflection of the vibrant community and amazing people in Northeast Louisiana. The owners, Katie Jackson and Mallory Cater, have deep roots in their hometown of Rayville and a passion for providing a unique shopping experience for their customers.

Before venturing into the world of fashion, both Katie and Mallory were dedicated kindergarten teachers at a local school. However, fate had other plans for them when Katie’s father-in-law passed away earlier this year. It was during this difficult time that Eva Horne, the previous owner of Chanticleers, paid a visit to Katie’s house with a strawberry pie. Little did they know that this encounter would spark a lifechanging conversation, leading them to take over the boutique.

Having spent years in the education field, the sisters were ready for a new adventure. They

cherished their time at the school, but the prospect of owning a boutique together ignited their excitement. Chanticleers became their canvas for creativity, allowing them to curate a collection of clothing and accessories that cater to every budget.

One of the highlights of Chanticleers is their selection of brands, with Emily McCarthy being a particular favorite. This classic line offers timeless pieces that can be worn year after year, ensuring that customers can invest in quality items. From sweaters in a variety of colors to versatile sets that can be dressed up or down, Chanticleers has everything you need to look fashionable and feel comfortable during the holiday season.

In addition to clothing, Chanticleers also offers a range of gift items. From Baldiz bags to Krewe sunglasses, Capri Blue candles to Spongelles, there’s something for everyone. The boutique has become a go-to destination for

husbands looking to find the perfect gift for the special ladies in their lives. Mallory and Katie take pride in assisting these shoppers, ensuring that they leave with a thoughtful and memorable present.

Outside of the boutique, both Katie and Mallory have their own families. Katie is married to Austin Jackson, and they have a son named Jude. Mallory is married to Corbin Cater, and they have two daughters named Georgia and Kathleen. Their commitment to their families and their community shines through in their dedication to Chanticleers.

Chanticleers is more than just a store; it’s a testament to the power of passion and community.

Katie and Mallory have transformed their love for fashion into a thriving business that not only caters to the style needs of their customers but also adds a touch of warmth and charm to the town of Rayville.

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MORE THAN A SPACE After a devastating house fire, Kristi and Eliah Globke were tasked with rebuilding their home. The new space has transformed into a sanctuary for the family and what was erected is a beautiful study of rustic hues, textured furniture and patterned surfaces.

ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

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BAYOU HOME

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round 2018, Kristi Globke and her family were adding the finishing touches to their new home perched minutes away from Bayou Desiard. “We were remodeling, so we weren’t living in it. Luckily,” says Globke of the event that shifted her idea about what makes a space a home. The luck came from a friend’s intuition. At the time, the family was staying in a friend’s guest bedroom. Afraid she had outstayed her welcome, Globke began making plans to leave, but her friend convinced her otherwise: “She was like, ‘I’ve been praying and you need to stay here.’” Trusting her friend, Globke and her family stayed.

Within three days, the home she had waited so long to paint with memories burned down. Though relieved that her family didn’t get hurt, she and her husband Eliah were faced with the daunting task of rebuilding a home. The end result—a true labor of love that would eventually serve as a reminder of what makes life worthwhile.

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space simple and casual. “I didn’t want it to be anything that couldn’t be used,” she says, adding, “We had kids, my husband’s a big kid, it just needs to hold up.” Her initial stages of planning began alongside friend and interior decorator Holly Gray, and home designer Larry James. “We sat down with him for hours just talking about what we wanted and then he came with the plans,” she says, recounting times when she felt disconnected from a design and would rely on the assistance of Gray, who, able to speak James’ language, aided in expressing Globke’s vision more efficiently. “She knows exactly what I love and so she was able to do that and she also knew my family, so she was really an integral part of making sure that what I wanted landed on the paper,” expresses Globke. Another useful tool in conceptualizing the new house was a crowded Pinterest board full of pictures of interior and exterior home design. A short scroll quickly reveals a particular aesthetic—flashes of rustic hues, textured furniture, and patterned surfaces. “I’m not fancy. I don’t really like ornate stuff. And I want things to have a purpose,” she asserts.

“This house looks nothing like the first house,” says Globke. Currently, her family lives in a minimalist Acadianstyle home with a washed-out brick exterior. If you stand far

CRAFTED TO PERFECTION Around the table crafted

by Kyle Snellenberger, blue velvet, slope dining chairs contrast nicely with the egg-white walls and impressive black metal, geometric lantern hovering over the table.

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enough, you can spy a the shape of a cross made by lined darkhued bricks. Another resounding feature of the exterior is the chunky wood beams lining the decorated porch. “I love beams. I love natural wood,” she exclaims. The moment you walk into the home, you are met by a series of exposed wood beams patterned over the ceiling and a few entryways. Natural patterns and colors pop from woven rugs, throw pillows, and wall decor in the main entryway and living room. The open living room demands attention by way of a dark grey metal fireplace surround, which features a linear gas fireplace encircled by cream-colored, upholstered armchairs, a grey sofa sectional, and a geometric chandelier. “A fireplace like this is just one of my favorite things,” she says.

The space easily leads to the distinctly-styled kitchen. “I am Mexican. And so, I have a lot of those accents in the house,” says Globke, particularly of one of the house’s boldest accents which features an adorned wood that brings the space old-world charm—antique European paneled doors from The Corbel in St. Francisville. “We bought those and I loved them. And I didn’t know where they would go,” she says, admitting that her style is intuitive and haphazard. Gray stepped in right when Globke was considering buying more, and instead suggested the doors be used as an accent. The result is an eye-catching piece that easily draws you toward the kitchen. Another charming stand-out of the stylish area is the cross-patterned, terra cotta backsplash framing a Bertazonni professional-grade oven. Above, a vintage Mexican pottery collection completes the mashup of Mediterranean and Mesoamerican details. Lightly lit by a mesh pendant fixture, the space is complete with a large, concrete top island lined with wood-topped barstools. “And then, this is Kyle’s table,” beams Globke walking toward the dining area and pointing to a statement table crafted by Kyle Snellenberger, owner of Ouachita Antique Woods. Around the table, blue velvet, slope dining chairs contrast nicely with the egg-white walls and impressive black metal, geometric lantern hovering over the table. Globke also recruited Snellenberger’s artistic skills for the doors of the house and exposed beams.

EXPOSED BEAMS The moment you walk into the home, you are met by a series of exposed wood beams patterned over the ceiling and a few entryways. Natural patterns and colors pop from woven rugs, throw pillows, and wall decor in the main entryway and living room.

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rom there, Globke eases her way passed an arched entryway toward the primary bedroom. An upholstered bedroom set unifies the magnificent accents of the room which include a large geometrically patterned rug with hues of teal and light orange, a cream sofa with indigo and burnt orange throw pillows, and large, white louvered shutters. Another exposed wood beam roosts over the shutters, one with great significance to Globke. When the fire happened, she had many people offering a variety of gifts and discounted items, one Bible study friend offered several wood beams at a reasonable price. The primary bathroom is a proper sanctuary, complete with a rectangular bathtub set under a tray wood ceiling made from leftover wood. Look closely and you can spot a few numbers written in chalk. Close by, a built-in shelf displays minimalist decorations, beautifully lit by a gold, metal pendant fixture. A few steps away, the walk-in shower is tucked next to a resplendent double vanity with wood shelves and gold and black accents.

Of all the spaces that bring the family together, the outdoor patio tends to do the trick more frequently. “We love just being able to sit out here and watch TV,” says Globke who tends to use the outdoor space to do work or take some leisure time with a book. “And we didn’t really use our patio before. I don’t know why. We had a lot of space in it,” she says, attributing her family’s newfound appreciation for the space to the many accents that make it cozy and warm.

The inviting area owes its appeal to the hexagonal terra cotta tiles, reclaimed wood accents, outdoor grilling area, firewood area, black

sofa sectional, and a banqueting table with bench and wicker seating.

Though more than enough seating space is provided for family and friends, one piece of furniture is the most coveted. “This is one of my favorite buys. We fight over the little daybed,” she says, walking toward a rattan frame with honey finish holding a plump twin-sized mattress—seating fit for a princess.

The eclectic details of the home coalesce naturally, evoking a bohemian chic aesthetic. It’s surprising then, impressive even, that many of the interior features were put together capriciously, with very little rhyme or reason. “I’m drawn to certain things,” says Globke, who refuses to define her style in any particular way. “I found that anytime you’re looking for a certain thing, you can’t find it,” she continues, having learned her lesson when furniture shopping for the former house. “My husband, he’s not necessarily a fan,” she laughs, mentioning that she knows a piece is meant to be hers when she can’t imagine leaving the store without it. From local boutiques to TJ Maxx, there isn’t a store she won’t scour as long as it contains unique and stylish pieces.

There was a time that Globke thought she had found her dream house, but now she knows a path was being paved for her and her family to dig deep into the true meaning of a home. “When the fire happened, I was like ‘Lord, I know that you moved us here. So, I know that you’ve saved us. There’s gotta be something in this for us,’” she recalls. For her, what used to be just a space has transformed into her sanctuary, a space you cherish spending time in, where you can unwind, and leave the world outside. “A place of peace,” she says.

“Somewhere you could come in, just let go, and not worry about everything else.”

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Gardens of Somerset On Sunday, October 15th, ghosts and goblins braved the weather for a spooktacular Family Fall Festival at Gardens of Somerset. Guests were treated to music by Travis Whitehead, while kids participated in fun and games at the trunk-ortreat. Delicious food, drinks and cotton candy was served. Residents and guests mingled in delightful Halloween costumes, and kids were treated to a G.I. Joe jumper.

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On the BayouScene

1 Andi Kate Culp, Charlotte Vidrine and Ashley Kitchens 2 Annita Roberson and Jeanette Stevenson 3 Ashley Kirk and Stuart Scalia 4 Chef Randy May 5 Connie Daniels and Roy Daniels 6 Jerry Brown 7 Martha Robbins, Melissa Brown, Georgie Lee Roberson 8 Natalie Penrose, Laura Yeates, Mayor Matt Talbert and Jodi Henry

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for His temple

Eight Years of Nourishing Souls

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OR HIS TEMPLE, A HEALTH STORE with a remarkable eight-year legacy, stands as a beacon of nourishment, wisdom, and community. Under the dedicated leadership of the owner Dana, who also serves as the Weston A. Price Foundation chapter leader, for His temple has become a place of profound learning and exceptional gluten-free culinary experiences.

For eight years, for His temple has been a culinary oasis for health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions, especially those requiring gluten-free options. Beyond serving mouthwatering gluten-free lunches, this establishment is a sanctuary for those seeking wholesome and delicious food that aligns with their health goals. It is a place where nourishment meets education and community.

Dana, the passionate owner of for His temple, is not only a culinary enthusiast but also a leading advocate for the Weston A. Price

Foundation’s mission. As the chapter leader, she organizes monthly meetings that dive deep into subjects that are true to the foundation’s core goals, focusing on educating the community about traditional, nutrient-dense foods, sustainable farming practices, and the healing arts. Dana’s dedication to spreading awareness and knowledge is reflected in everything for His temple stands for.

A fundamental aspect of for His temple’s philosophy is sourcing ingredients from local, sustainable farms. This commitment not only ensures quality but also supports the community and promotes responsible agriculture. Some of the farms and food artisans they proudly work with include: Mahaffey Farms, Dela Terre Permaculture Farm, El Cabo Verde, Brown Family Blueberry Farm, Stowe Creek Farm, Double B Farm, Bee Sweet Bakery, Scratch Bakehouse, 3 Board Farm, Ladelle

Farms Meat, Dunn Farms, Wall Greens Farm & Seed, H2Greaux, Mylk Belly, Two Dog Farms, Big Daddy Farm, Compton Farm & Bootleg Botanical.

By collaborating with these farms, for His temple not only offers exceptional quality in every dish but also champions the principles of sustainability, ethical farming, and community support.

For His temple continues to serve as a vital hub for the health-conscious community.

With Dana’s leadership and a commitment to education, it offers more than just nourishing food; it provides a platform for individuals to understand the profound connection between the food they consume, farming practices, and the healing arts.

In conclusion, for His temple is more than just a health store; it’s a symbol of enlightenment, sustenance, and community. Through its commitment to gluten-free excellence, dedication to the Weston A. Price Foundation’s values, and strong partnerships with local farms, it has truly enriched the lives of those who step through its doors. As it looks towards the future, for His temple is poised to remain a cornerstone of health, wisdom, and delicious gluten-free lunches for years to come.

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Sippin’ with Skellies On Thursday, October 12th Sippin’ with the Skellies on Tower Drive in the circle was held by ARCO, A Community Resource and The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum. The proceeds from this fundraiser benefitted ARCO, a nonprofit agency that provides valuable services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum’s new location at Forsythe Park, that plays a vital role in providing educational and interactive experiences for children, fostering their creativity and curiosity. The event consisted of a DJ Ben Lyons, door prizes, a wine pull, the Bash Booth, performances by The Louisiana LunaChicks and some friendly costume competitions. Food and beverages were provided by The Fat Pelican, Marsala Beverage, CC’s Coffee House, and Newk’s Eatery.

On the BayouScene

1 Courtney and Seth Thomas 2 Deidra Adair, Rickey Robertson and Dawn Landry 3 Deidra Adair, Roma Kidd and Alison McCarty 4 Dylan Cate, Kristin Finley, Kathy Vidal, Valerie and Dr. David Finley 5 Roy Heatherly, Mayor Friday Ellis and Rickey Robertson 6 Lori Gregory, Barbara Branson and Angela Green 7 Roy Heatherly, Tate Allen and Beth Heatherly 8 John Thomas and Kristen Walter

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LA Tech Awarded Grant From NIH Dr. Prabhu Arumugam Awarded $1.8 Million Grant

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R. PRABHU ARUMUGAM, ASSOCIATE Professor of Mechanical Engineering program at Louisiana Tech University’s Institute of Micromanufacturing, has earned nearly $1.8 million from the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program to continue his innovative development of implantable biosensor neural probes.

This substantial grant funds the launch of Phase II of the research, building on the success of Phase I. Like Phase I, which included students and faculty from across engineering disciplines and involved creating a more robust microarray probe with microfluidic delivery method and improved neurochemical monitoring outcomes, Phase II will be a collaborative effort that will include research across Louisiana Tech labs, with facilities at other universities, and with industry partners.

During Phase II, Arumugam and his

Advanced Materials Research Laboratory will work closely with Dr. Teresa Murray’s (Interim Academic Director for Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Louisiana Tech’s Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science) and Dr. Shabnam Siddiqui’s (Research Associate Professor at the Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science) labs to improve probe performance in well-established animal models.

The core of this research lies in the conceptualization and development of innovative neuro probes, a venture that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and lead to transformative advancements in the development of new and more effective treatments of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. The successful completion of Phase I, which focused on proof-of-concept probe prototyping and received funding for more than $200,000, paved the way for the

increased investment in Phase II. Industry partners Alcorix Co and NeuroNexus will help microfabricate, package and distribute the final product.

“I am so proud of Dr. Arumugam’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, which have been instrumental in this research’s success,” Dr. Collin Wick, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Science, said. “The neuro probes developed in his research lab represent a leap forward in our ability to explore the intricacies of the human brain. This Phase II STTR funding signifies the NINDS and NIH’s confidence in the project’s potential. It is also a recognition of Dr. Arumugam’s expertise and dedication and of the exceptional skills that the students in his, Dr. Murray’s, and Dr. Siddiqui’s labs gain at Louisiana Tech. These skills translate directly to student success in graduate school and the workforce.”

The support of industry partners further emphasizes the practical applications and commercial potential of the neuro probes. This collaborative effort extends beyond academia, reinforcing Louisiana Tech’s role as a catalyst for innovation that bridges the gap between research and real-world impact. Driven by innovative researchers like Arumugam, the University continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and foster collaboration across various fields.

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Marsala Beverage Company A Legacy Dating Back to 1952

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N THE HEART OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA LIES A COMPANY with a legacy dating back to 1952, a legacy deeply intertwined with the communities it serves. Marsala Beverage, based in Monroe, Louisiana, has grown to become the “largest malt beverage, and nonalcoholic beverage distributor” in the region, boasting a warehouse in Monroe Louisiana. Their reach extends across all 15 parishes in Northeast Louisiana, ensuring over 700 retailers receive the exceptional service they deserve. But what truly sets Marsala Beverage apart is their unwavering commitment to supporting the communities where they do business.

Budco Distributing was founded in 1952. That year the company, with six employees, delivered 50,000 cases of Anheuser-Busch products throughout northeast Louisiana. Charles Marsala went to work in the warehouse for Budco Distributing in 1971. He eventually became a route salesman, a supervisor, and then ultimately became General Manager of the company. In 1992 Charles Marsala entered a limited partnership with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. to purchase the distributorship. In 2000 the remaining shares of Budco Distributing were purchased by Charles and Brenda Marsala, Damon Marsala and Mandy Marsala Mardis.

Marsala Beverage is not just a distributor; it’s a partner in the growth of other local businesses. Their customer base includes convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars. These partnerships are the lifeblood of Marsala Beverage, and they recognize the symbiotic nature of their relationships. “We help build their business, and they allow us to build the brands we sell.” This spirit of collaboration is at the core of Marsala Beverage’s mission, and it is a testament to their dedication to the region’s prosperity.

Marsala Beverage’s success is the result of a well-coordinated team effort. The company functions as a well-oiled machine, with four integral components working in harmony. The warehouse team is responsible for product reception, inventory management, and building loads by account. The delivery team ensures orders reach the right accounts, stocks coolers, and maintains product freshness. The sales team plays a crucial role in understanding the unique demographics of their market and convincing retailers to stock their products. Lastly, the management team oversees all aspects, ensuring a seamless operation.

This interconnectedness is more than just a business strategy; it’s a reflection of the familial atmosphere that permeates Marsala Beverage.

Sales reps rely on delivery drivers, who rely on warehouse workers, who rely on operations, and so on. This unity ensures that the wheel keeps turning smoothly, resulting in personal and financial growth for

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employees and customers alike.

Marsala Beverage recognizes that its success would not be possible without the support of its loyal retailers, customers, employees, and the residents of Northeast Louisiana. The trust placed in Marsala Beverage to deliver quality products and services is the bedrock of their longevity.

To honor this trust, the company is deeply committed to philanthropy, giving back to the very community that has sustained them for over six decades.

Every purchase of a Marsala Beverage product contributes to the betterment of Northeast Louisiana. A portion of the proceeds from their sales is reinvested into the community through partnerships with non-profit organizations, universities, and local sponsorships. This commitment to philanthropy reflects Marsala Beverage’s belief in the power of local businesses to uplift the communities they serve. It’s a testament to their dedication to the well-being of Northeast Louisiana.

Marsala Beverage’s impact extends beyond philanthropy. With approximately 100 full-time employees, all of whom are members of the Northeast Louisiana community, the company plays a vital role in the region’s economic growth. These employees are more than just workers; they are community members with a shared interest in ensuring that Northeast Louisiana thrives. Their commitment to delivering quality products, timely service, and genuine concern for customers’ needs is the embodiment of Marsala Beverage’s values.

Marsala Beverage’s commitment to community extends to meaningful partnerships with organizations that share their vision. Some of the businesses and institutions they work with include the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Tech University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, and Twin City Ballet just to name a few. These partnerships not only strengthen Marsala Beverage’s ties to the community but also enable them to support education, culture, and local economic development.

As they celebrate over six decades of service, Marsala Beverage continues to thrive by nurturing the very communities that have embraced them for so long. Their commitment to excellence and their genuine concern for the well-being of Northeast Louisiana showcase the true essence of a company that understands the importance of supporting the communities where they do business. In the years to come, Marsala Beverage’s legacy of community engagement will undoubtedly continue to flourish, leaving an indelible mark on the region they call home.

Department of Labor Grant Grant Funds the High School Business Academy

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HE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND Social Sciences at the University of Louisiana Monroe held a press conference on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, to announce the receipt of a second consecutive Department of Labor WORC Delta Regional Authority grant to fund the High School Business Academy. The grant award totals $1,499,983 and will continue to fund the program for the next three years.

The High School Business Academy covers 11 parishes and prepares high school students for in-demand jobs in their communities in Northeast Louisiana.

“The High School Business Academy is a program in which ULM business faculty have created business-related courses and provide trainings to area high school teachers,” said program coordinator Kelli Cole. “The high school teachers are given all necessary information and materials to teach the courses.”

Students who take six business academy courses earn a certificate of completion from

the High School Business Academy. Once a high school student has successfully taken at least two business academy courses and has a teacher recommendation, they are eligible to apply for a paid internship. Cole coordinates all internships and matches students to local businesses based on the student’s career goals, skills, and location.

“This program is a great example of educational partnerships with industry,” said ULM President Dr. Ron Berry.

Representatives from local businesses who have participated in the program attended the press conference as well as current and former students who have participated in the in the High School Business Academy. “These students are the reason for this program,” said Cole. Speaking directly to the students, Cole added, “I truly believe the High School Business Academy is changing lives, and I am so honored to lead this program and be a part of your journey. I can’t wait to see where the

future leads you.”

Berry also thanked the high school student participants in attendance for their willingness to work with businesses in the community.

“You’ll learn later in life that getting out of your comfort zone is the best thing you can do.

That’s where you grow, where you learn, and where you get better,” said Berry.

The grant award allows for the continuation of the High School Business Academy, which has been funded for the last three years by the initial grant that was received in 2020. In the first three years of the program, local students completed 70 internships. Cole projects that 180 additional internships will be completed in the next three years.

High School Business Academy courses are currently available in twenty-four local high schools. High school students who wish to participate in the academy can speak with their school’s guidance counselor.

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Getting a Second Opinion Getting a Second Opinion Will Not Make Your Surgeon Mad

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N ORTHOPEDIC INJURY OR CONDITION CAN GREATLY impact your mobility and quality of life. An orthopedic specialist can offer you a diagnosis, but receiving a diagnosis is just the first step. You may have questions about whether to get a second opinion.

Getting a Second Opinion Will Not Make Your Surgeon Mad! Even if your orthopedic surgeon’s treatment recommendation appears to be clear cut and easy to understand, seeking a second opinion may assist in putting you at greater ease. “I think a second opinion is awesome. Most of the time, the treatment plan that is offered by the second surgeon is similar and if it’s not, the patient has options and can ultimately make a well-informed decision about their health. Second opinions are all about putting the patient at ease and granting them greater confidence in their decision,” says J. Marshall Haynie, MD. “I welcome another head in the huddle. I tell my patients you are the most important consumer in making decisions about your healthcare.

Seeking a second opinion does not make us mad, it just helps the patient make the best decision for their health,” J. David Googe, MD. states.

Do Your Research All the surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana encourage their patients to do their research. A great place to start is with your family and friends. They can be a great resource when looking for second opinion recommendations, especially if they have had the same condition or surgery you are considering. Another great resource is online. Many clinic websites offer video bios which can provide insight to how your physician interacts with others and answers questions. Google reviews, and other websites like Healthgrades can offer great insight and include actual patient experience. At Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, many of our surgeons utilize robotic joint replacement- knee and hip. Patients may want to ask what other options are available for total knee and hip replacement. “When patients ask me what new knee or hip I am going to put in them and how I am going to do it, I explain the process as best as I can. I also tell them that it doesn’t matter the name brand or part I’m putting in you… what really matters is my experience with putting that part in you and making sure we both have clear expectations of one another. The information is there… we want you to utilize it,” explains Steven Atchison, MD. Getting Orthopedic Second Opinions Before Surgery Before surgery, if time allows and if your insurance allows, requesting a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist is a good idea. A

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procedure like total joint replacement may be a great opportunity to seek a second opinion. This does not mean you do not trust your physician or agree with their recommendation. “Above all I want my patient to feel confident going into surgery. Getting a second opinion may spark different questions about the surgery. A patient that is well informed is more likely to have a stronger recovery and more successful surgery,” says Stephen Cox, MD. Depending on the orthopedic injury or condition, a second opinion may introduce you to a nonsurgical option. Although orthopedic second opinions may help offer you alternatives to surgery, the input may also confirm the need for surgery. When surgery is the best option, a second orthopedic specialist can solidify this fact and help you feel better about your decision. “Second opinions allow the patients to weigh the pros and cons of having surgery. When a colleague gives my patient a similar opinion as mine as to their treatment, I think it really empowers the patient. If our opinions differ, it gives the patient the opportunity to make an informed decision,” explains Andrew Patton, MD. Preparing for a Second Opinion Visit Contact the office of your second opinion doctor to be sure you know what medical records you should bring with you, including any images from your visit with your initial doctor. Most of the time you can have the first office forward the records to the second office by requesting they be sent and signing a release. At Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, we welcome patients to get a second opinion within our clinic. If you seek a second opinion from another doctor at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, you will still need to schedule a separate appointment with that physician, but we can access your medical records and images internally.

After I get a second opinion, what should I do next?

Your choice of treatment is always up to you. Whatever route you choose, it can be reassuring to know you did your research. Entering surgery, or any treatment, feeling you made an informed decision can help you be more committed to your care and recovery.

All of us at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana want to send our thanks to all our amazing friends, family and patients! Happy Thanksgiving!

To schedule an appointment, please call: (318) 543.BONE (2663) or visit: orthopedicspecialistsla.com

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Sazerac Rye THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS

BY DELIA SIMPSON, BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

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EW ORLEANS IS A PLACE RICH IN UNIQUE CULTURAL traditions and flavorful culinary delights. But one of the city’s most storied claims to fame is its rich ties to whiskey.

As the gateway to the Mississippi, New Orleans has always been a hub for commerce. In the 1800s, that meant vast quantities of Kentucky whiskey poured through its port. But New Orleanians weren’t satisfied to simply drink the stuff – they had to turn it into something entirely their own.

Enter the Sazerac. This iconic cocktail originated in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, and it quickly became a staple of the city’s bustling bar scene.

Made with rye whiskey, sugar, absinthe, and bitters, the Sazerac is a bold and complex drink that perfectly captures the spirit of New Orleans.

But whiskey’s importance to the city extends beyond its signature cocktail. It has been the home to The Sazerac Company for more than 150 years. Whether it’s sipping a smooth and spicy glass of Buffalo Trace neat or enjoying a refreshing Sazerac Lemonade, Sazerac’s whiskeys are a signature part of Louisiana culture.

What really sets New Orleans whiskey apart is that it is blended with other aspects of the culture. Whether it’s a Whiskey Mule, a Manhattan, or a Sazerac, wherever Louisianians gather, we come up with creative ways to savor our favorite whiskeys.

In the end, whiskey is just one more piece of the puzzle that makes Louisiana unlike any other place. Grab a bottle of Sazerac Rye, mix up one (or all) of these delectable cocktails, and raise a glass to a Louisiana icon.

Sazerac Cocktail Ingredients 1.5 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey 1 sugar cube 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters .25 oz Herbsaint Lemon twist Instructions Pack an Old-Fashioned glass with ice. In a second Old-Fashioned glass, place a sugar cube and add three dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters to it. Crush the sugar cube. Add 1.5 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey to the glass with the Peychaud’s Bitters and sugar. Add ice and stir. Empty the ice from the first glass and coat the glass with .25 oz Herbsaint. Discard the remaining Herbsaint. Strain the whiskey / bitters / sugar mixture from the glass into the Herbsaint coated glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

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Sazerac Rye Apple Cider Manhattan Ingredients 1.50 ounces Sazerac Rye .75 ounce sweet vermouth 1.50 ounces fresh apple cider .50 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice .50 ounce simple syrup 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters Instructions Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir to mix and chill, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Sazerac Lemonade Ingredients 2 ounces Sazerac Rye 4 ounces Lemonade Mint and Lemon Wheel for Garnish Instructions Combine Sazerac Rye and lemonade. Serve over ice and garnish with mint sprig and lemon wheel.

Sazerac Rye Old Fashioned Ingredients 2 oz Sazerac Rye .25 oz simple syrup 2 dashes Reagan’s Orange Bitters Orange twist Instructions In an old-fashioned or rocks glass, add the Sazerac Rye, simple syrup and bitters, then add ice and stir to mix well. Garnish with an orange twist and a brandied cherry.

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/thechoicebrands and instagram. com/choicebrands.

I WILL CARRY YOU | NORTHEAST LOUISIANA ARTS COUNCIL | CANCER FOUNDATION LEAGUE THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES | CASA | THE HOPE CENTER CHILDREN'S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA | FOOD BANK OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MONROE | LIFE CHOICES | MEDCAMPS OF LOUISIANA THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | SAM'S LOVE | ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION LOUISIANA PURCHASE GARDENS & ZOO | MASUR MUSEUM OF ART | STRAUSS THEATRE CENTER THE VINE OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA | TWIN CITY BALLET UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA | THE WELLSPRING

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT I Will Carry You is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose philanthropic mission is to support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss through birth and bereavement doula services. We are a team of doulas uniquely trained and certified to provide support in all cases of pregnancy and infant loss including miscarriage, stillbirth, prenatal terminal diagnosis, carrying to term, and infant death. We also provide grief and bereavement training to healthcare professionals and promote community awareness on the topics of infertility and pregnancy & infant loss.

WHO WE ARE We are Cesar and Kila Gonzales, founders of I Will Carry You. Our passion for supporting families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, and our reason for starting this non-profit organization, stems from our unwavering love for our second born, our beautiful daughter, Eva Katherine. On March 4th, 2019, our precious Eva died shortly after her birth due to a rare, fatal, birth defect called Limb Body Wall Complex. Though she only stayed with us here on earth a short time, she left an impact that will last forever.

When Eva died, we began fervently praying that God would reveal to us how He could use this heartbreak, how He could use us to help others, as well as bring Him glory in the process. We have made it our lives’ mission to not only keep our Eva’s memory alive , but also to help others facing the devastating tragedy that is pregnancy and infant loss. Kila decided to train, through Still Birthday Academy, to become a Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula, and to start this non-profit organization, in honor of Eva. WHAT IS A BIRTH & BEREAVEMENT DOULA AND WHAT DO THEY DO? A Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula is a trained, certified, and trusted professional birth coach who guides and supports grieving families facing pregnancy and/or infant loss, and strives to find ways to make the pregnancy, birth, and time with baby as comfortable as possible.

In a nutshell, birth & bereavement doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support to families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss. It is continuous, one-on-one support for mom and the entire family through the pregnancy, birth, time with baby, and early postpartum periods.

Our Birth & Bereavement Doulas are uniquely qualified to provide support in situations of miscarriage, stillbirth, terminal prenatal diagnosis, carrying to term, NICU care and subsequent infant death.

Our doulas are equally certified to provide comprehensive support in live birth outcomes, including subsequent “rainbow” pregnancies, and can provide labor support in all birth situations.

SAVE THE DATE I Will Carry You: Birth + Bereavement Doula Services to host the third annual Angel’s Gala on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Bayou Pointe on the campus of ULM in Monroe, Louisiana. Visit www.angelsgala.com for ticket information.

The Angel’s Gala is a black-tie fundraising event held each year for three primary reasons: to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss, to give loss families an avenue to freely and openly celebrate the lives of their precious babies, and to improve the care families receive during their loss.

Our fundraising goal this year is to raise $300,000 to build a birthing and bereavement suite at St. Francis Medical Center. This suite will be one of only a handful in the country and will be absolutely life changing for families experiencing the loss of a baby in our community and surrounding areas.

If you have an Angel of your own or love someone who does, we hope you will consider supporting our mission. We look forward to celebrating angels alongside you at the third annual Angel's Gala!

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ABOUT US Founded and incorporated in 1979, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council was established to serve “as an umbrella organization to enrich the quality of life within the region through the promotion of all of the arts…”. Cultural Region 8 (one of nine Cultural Regions in the state) for many years served eleven parishes in northeast Louisiana but is now comprised of twelve parishes; East Carroll, West Carroll, Morehouse, Union, Ouachita, Lincoln, Richland, Madison, Tensas, Franklin, Caldwell, and Jackson. Lincoln Parish was added this year, moving from Cultural Region 7. The Arts Council received its 501c3 determination from the IRS in 1983.

MISSION The Arts Council nurtures a vibrant regional arts culture through support, promotion, and education.

VISION The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council strives to be a transformative force for the community by encouraging a passion for the arts, promoting partnerships and collaboration, and ensuring access to the arts for all.

GOVERNANCE The Arts Council is governed by a Board of Directors of between 15 and 28 members elected to rotating 3-year terms. These members represent a cross section of the regions business, cultural, and educational leaders. Managing the Arts Council activities daily is a staff of two, President & CEO Barry Stevens and Community Development Coordinator, Abigail Handy.

ACTIVITIES While there have been many changes during its first 44 years, one constant of the Arts Council has been the effort to enrich the region through high quality art experiences. The Arts Council recognizes artists, arts organizations, businesses, and art educators through its annual Arts Awards ceremony. Begun in 1986, this serves as an opportunity to celebrate those engaged in the business of the arts and those businesses that support the arts. Since 1983, in October and April, the Arts Council has presented its free Brown Bag Concert Series.

Funding for the Arts Council comes in many ways, some of which are personal, business, and organizational memberships and fundraising events such as BLEND (fka Blend of the Bayou) and ARTvent, the Best Raffle Around! Additional funding is provided through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and other grant opportunities.

The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council contractually partners with the Louisiana Division of the Arts to administer their Louisiana Project Grants program in Region 8. These annual grants provide much needed funding for arts organization projects within Region 8. Additional funding for City of Monroe domiciled arts organizations is available through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Arts Council and the City.

You can learn more about all the activities of the Arts Council including its public art map, mural art, lunch & learns, the 118 Cotton Street Gallery, and Culturalyst-our artist directory, and more by visiting the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s website at www.nelaarts.org.

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OUR MISSION To provide services to area cancer patients and also to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation.

OUR MOTTO Seldom Seen, but Strongly Felt.

OUR COMMITMENT AND VISION The Cancer Foundation League (CFL) is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as the fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support LCF’s programs and services. We aim to provide direct financial assistance to NE Louisiana individuals diagnosed with cancer.

The CFL is committed to improving the financial, emotional, and physical well-being of cancer patients in Northeast Louisiana (no matter where they are being treated). We hope to help lighten the financial burden so that a patient and his/her family can concentrate their efforts on fighting the disease of cancer.

The CFL founded in 2002 was initially formed with a $25,000 donation from philanthropist Kitty DeGree and the contributions have grown over the years. Local volunteers work hard to raise funds to help area cancer patients with non-medical bills, such as transportation to treatment, nutritional supplements, medications, lodging during treatment and some household bills. Members of the CFL deliver Christmas baskets to cancer patients throughout NE LA each year.

Since our inception, The Cancer Foundation League has spent over $2,375,000 helping 6,000 cancer patients in NELA. CANCER FOUNDATION LEAGUE EXECUTIVE BOARD 2023-2024 President- Debbie Sawyer Patient Services- Donna Jackson President-Elect- Susan Harwood LCF Representative- Donna Jackson Corresponding Secretary-Katie Socha Immediate Past President- Marian Willson Recording Secretary-Holly Nichols Members At Large - Doretha Bennett, Debbie Treasurer- Erin Etheridge Bourg, Stephanie Bryant, Laura Nickelson, Michelle Assistant Treasurer- Sarah Grant Turrentine, Stephanie Weaver, and Melinda Winn Publicity- Kaleigh Mailhes PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMITTEE James Adams Amanda M. Hinton Dr. John Sutherlin Charles Marsala PAST PRESIDENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Marion Willson Heather Lee Conley Alise Oliver Janet White Carla Costello Sharon Scott Debbie McNew Staci Albritton Mitchell MEN IN BLACK… The men that have supported CFL behind the scenes for many years Scott Stuckey Mac Oliver Tim Socha Jeff McNew Clay Rhodes Lawrence Bourg Whit McMullen Charles Marsala Robert Crain Bob Harwood Al Miller Bill Sawyer Bill Willson Steven Ingram Jerry Wall Mark Guerriero Vance Costello Murray Jackson

Donna Jackson Bo Boughton Kim Verhagen Tashia Hines Mary Linda McCann

Lance Donald Dean Mailhes Caleb Ethridge Honorary: Andy Trahan

cancerfoundationleague.com | Facebook - Cancer Foundation League

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STAND FOR HOPE TOGETHER THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES PROVIDES HOPE The Center for Children and Families is a non profit organization that has been serving children and families for over 24 years. This year, our agency will serve more than 4,200 children across 48 parishes in Louisiana and 7 counties in central Mississippi, many of whom have endured some form of abuse, neglect, or trauma and are currently in foster care.

Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families. We provide advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention services through our six programs: • Brokers of Hope • The Children's Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana • Counseling Services • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA of NELA) • Family Support & Youth Transition • Medication Management THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT Over 1,200 children in our current services will need assistance at Christmas this year to have clothing, shoes, coats, and toys. Your support helps provide gifts of hope.

There are 3 ways community members can help provide gifts of hope: • Sponsor a child or teen’s Christmas wish list • Serve as a collection site for new clothing and gifts • Give a financial donation to The Christmas Project BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Margot Eason, M.D., President • Dennis Gardner, Vice President • Mary Linda McCann, Secretary • Dean Mailhes, Treasurer • Kelly N. Clay • Kenisha Gordon, Ph.D.

• Wendy Giovingo • Kathy Jackson-Franklin, Ph.D. • George Lee IV • Damon Marsala • Glen Post

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT FOR CHILDREN IN OUR SERVICES JOIN OUR TEAM: Make a meaningful impact while making a living. If you are a therapist, counselor, or social worker, visit our website at www.standtorhope.org to see our current openings.

VOLUNTEER: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA of NELA) volunteers help ensure that each abused or neglected child in the foster care system finds a safe and permanent home. To learn more about how you can change a child’s story and become a trained CASA volunteer, visit standforhope.org or call 318-398-0945.

DONATE: Your gift ensures that abused and neglected children receive the support they need through our services and programs. Text STANDFORHOPE to 53555 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @standforhopetogether

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COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA SPEAKING UP FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Northeast Louisiana is a program of The Center for Children & Families. CASA helps ensure that each abused or neglected child in foster care finds a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. The role of a CASA volunteer is to act as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the court system, collecting information through observation and interviews with key people in the child’s life and then reporting back to the judge.

Over 400 children in Northeast Louisiana are currently in foster care due to neglect and abuse.

It is imperative that these children have a voice in court. Right now, over 100 children in foster care are on the waitlist for a CASA volunteer in Northeast Louisiana.

HOW YOU CAN BECOME A CASA CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and are a powerful voice for a child in need, making a lifelong difference, one child at a time. If you are interested in learning more about how you can become a CASA for an abused and neglected child in foster care, visit standforhope.org to sign up for information. Our next training to become a volunteer begins January 25, 2024.

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT The Christmas Project for the Center for Children & Families ensures that every child and teen that CASA serves gets to experience the joy of Christmas morning. Your support helps provide gifts of hope.

There are 3 ways community members can help provide gifts of hope this Christmas: • Sponsor a child or teen’s Christmas wish list • Serve as a collection site for new clothing and gifts • Give a financial donation to The Christmas Project Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @casaofnela

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COUNSELING & MEDICATION MANAGEMENT HOPE STARTS HERE The Hope Center in West Monroe is the new Counseling and Medication Management Clinic of The Center for Children & Families. Our goal is to increase access to mental health services for children in Northeast Louisiana. The Hope Center provides services for children who have experienced trauma and their families who are navigating life’s difficult situations, as well as children with emotional and behavioral health needs.

COUNSELING Counseling Services are provided by licensed and experienced mental health professionals employed by The Center for Children and Families. Whether at a child’s home or at The Hope Center, therapy sessions are family-oriented and research-based to ensure the highest quality care. The reasons children may need counseling services include: • Anxiety • Anger or Violence • Behavior Issues (at home, school, or community) • Depression • Family Conflict and Crisis (separation and divorce) • Grief and Loss • Mental Health Issues • Running Away • Suicide Risk • Trauma (including abuse and neglect) MEDICATION MANAGEMENT With over 60 years of combined experience, our medical psychologist and nurse practitioner offer psychological evaluation and treatment plans for children with mental and behavioral health needs. Our providers work collaboratively with our counseling services to meet the specific needs of each client.

OUR PROVIDERS • Roseanne Hutchinson, LPC, Mental Health Counselor • Lacey Kennon, Nurse Practitioner • Dr. Tony Young, Medical Psychologist We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana insurance, Medicaid, as well as self-pay options.

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OUR MISSION ​The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. We address the needs of children and youth ages 0-18, as well as the adults supporting them, in these four primary pillars: Early Care and Education, Healthy Living, Parent Education and Youth Development. Founded 25 years ago, the Children’s Coalition stands by this commitment to provide access to opportunity, support, care, and basic supplies needed to make positive change in our community and its future.

MAKING AN IMPACT Located in the Downtown area of Monroe, Louisiana, the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana serves the northeast region of Louisiana which includes the following parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll. We focus on providing services that educate, support, and care for all individuals--children and adults--who are seeking positive change through the following programs: • Early Head Start provides quality child care for children from birth to age three.

• Child Care Connections helps parents find quality child care, as well as provides pro-active based coaching and training to child care providers throughout the year.

• Al’s Pals teaches pre-school children the social, emotional, and resiliency skills to make healthy choices.

• Signs of Suicide is vital more now than ever to help middle school and high school students recognize signs of depression and suicide, not only in themselves but also with others around them.

• The Family Resource Center provides families in the Department of Children and Family Services and foster care system with family skill building and visit coaching to help reunite families.

• Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation selects ambassadors to draw awareness and a plan to address underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in Union Parish.

• Origin Bank Family Garden at the Children’s Coalition promotes positive family interactions, garden-based learning, healthy living, art, and movement.

OWN A LOUISIANA BUSINESS? Did you know that you can designate to slate your tax dollars to stay and be used in Northeast Louisiana? The School Readiness Tax Credit (SRTC) is the IDEAL way to invest in the future for our children and community. Businesses with a Louisiana Tax ID can receive a DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR refundable tax credit in any amount donated up to $5,000. Donations must be received by December 31.

You have the power to decide to direct your tax dollars into programs that support early child care and education.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE There are many ways you can get involved with the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana!

We are always looking for volunteers for events such as Super Saturday in the Garden, Saturday Playground Cleanup, Harvest Under the Stars, Dragon Boat Festival, Stay Informed Conference, and more! You can also become a member of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana; financial gifts from our members and donors are ESSENTIAL to helping us respond to the needs of our community and continue creating communities where children and families thrive.

NOVEMBER 28 IS GIVING TUESDAY Giving Tuesday is a global movement encouraging acts of kindness and charitable giving. Please consider gifting to the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana on Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Together, we are creating communities where children and families thrive. #GivingTuesday Connect with us @ccnela on Facebook and Instagram 117 Hall Street | Monroe, LA | 318-323-8775 www.childrenscoalition.org 150 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

NOURISHING NORTHEAST LOUISIANA When we think of the holidays, we picture friends and loved ones gathered around a table full of delicious food. But that is not the reality for nearly 54,000 of our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity.

At the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, we believe no one should go hungry. The Food Bank is committed to ensuring our neighbors have access to nutritious food when they need it. Through our network of community partners and programs, the Food Bank serves about 25,000 people each month and provides over 6-million meals annually to our neighbors facing hunger.

Help nourish our community this holiday season by making a financial or food donation to the Food Bank.

OUR PROGRAMS Community Partners The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana distributes food to about 60 non-profits who operate food pantries and meal programs that serve children, families and seniors throughout 12 parishes.

Mobile Pantries The Food Bank hosts drive-thru distributions providing nutritious food directly from our refrigerated truck in rural and underserved communities, and during disasters.

Senior Program This program helps low-income senior citizens, aged 60 and older, stretch their food budgets by providing them with groceries. Every month over 1,400 seniors receives nutritious food.

BackPack Program The BackPack Program provides children with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other food may not be available. We provide BackPacks to students in Ouachita, Jackson, Lincoln and Morehouse Parish schools.

Kid’s Cabinet The Kid’s Cabinet School Pantry program provides food for low-income students and their families through distributions held at schools.

HOW TO HELP Donate Money For every $10 donated, the Food Bank can provide 45 meals to our neighbors in need. Give online at foodbanknela.org, or by mail or phone.

Donate Food Organize or participate in a food drive at your school, workplace, or civic club. Visit our website for a list of most needed items and tips for planning a successful food drive.

Volunteer The Food Bank could not be successful without the many wonderful volunteers that help sort, pack and distribute food, assist with office work and help at events. Call our volunteer coordinator or visit our website to learn more.

Open a Community Feeding Program If your church or non-profit agency is interested in operating a food pantry or a community meal program, we would love to speak with you. Learn more by visiting our website or call 318-322-3567.

Thank you for your generous support!

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OUR MISSION The Junior League of Monroe is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

ABOUT US Since 1930, members of the Junior League of Monroe (JLM) have devoted countless volunteer hours to meet the needs of our community through various initiatives and programs. Community leaders often look to JLM for partnerships in developing new community programs as the needs in our community continuously evolve. As a result, JLM serves as the catalyst of turning ideas into successful programs, like CASA, Teen Screen, Shots for Tots, Teen Court, Operation Abstinence, Project Child, and many others.

2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Melinda Minniefield, President Haley Holley, President Elect Sophie Barksdale, Communications VP Tara Etheridge, Community VP Baylie Churchwell, Financial VP Christa Harrison, Assistant Financial VP Shelby Kelmell, Fund Development VP Lauren Hassell-Smith, Membership Development VP

Jennifer Fox, Planning and Research VP April Hammett, Advisory Planning Chair Allison Davis, Nominating and Placement Chair Nadine Crawford, Corresponding Secretary Cydni Hanks, Sustainer Advisor Mary Earl, Member at Large – Membership Chelsie Walker, Member at Large – Strategic Planning

COMMUNITY IMPACT Classroom Mini-Grants, sponsored by Drax, has provided local educators with opportunities, materials, and supplies for classroom projects for many years. This program offers classroom grants up to $500 to continue to impacting young lives in our community.

The Cinderella Project is an annual Dress Giveaway providing high school Juniors and Seniors prom dresses free of charge. The mission of The Cinderella Project is to support local high school girls by providing resources, that may not exist to them otherwise, and to instill confidence, self-esteem, and the importance of community service.

The JLM Care Closets Program is a community-based initiative established to maintain hygiene closets in several local elementary and middle schools where the need is the greatest. The JLM Care Closets are a FREE resource where we stock feminine hygiene products, along with other toiletry items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and other essentials for students in need to discreetly access. JLM currently has Care Closets in the following schools: • Barkdull Faulk Elementary • Martin Luther King Jr. Middle • Riser Middle • Berg Jones Elementary • Neville Jr. High • Sallie Humble Elementary • Clara Hall Elementary • Rayville Middle • West Ridge Middle • Good Hope Middle • Richwood Middle The Uniform Voucher – Adopt A Student Program helps to make sure students within Ouachita Parish and Monroe City School Systems will have the basic necessities they need to learn and grow. Administrators and teachers from the Ouachita Parish and Monroe City area schools may apply to receive items for students such as uniform shirts, uniform shorts/pants, socks, undergarments, and shoes for their students in need.

GET INVOLVED Join. In order to be considered for JLM membership, a candidate must be 23 years of age by April 13, 2024, possess an interest in voluntarism and community service, and obtain a sponsorship by two current JLM members. Visit bit.ly/JLMjoin to start the application process.

Sponsor. With your financial contribution, you can help the junior League of Monroe assist women and children at risk. Your sponsorship will not only broaden your advertising footprint, but also assist us in building a better community! We offer multiple levels of sponsorships: company/community and individual/ member. Visit https://www.jlmonroe.org/sponsorships/ to see our sponsorship opportunities.

Donate. Donations are accepted year-round. You may choose to donate to a specific initiative or to our general fund. Visit https://bit.ly/DonateJLM to donate.

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ABOUT US Life Choices is a 501 (c) 3, non profit organization, primarily funded through the kindness of our community through churches, businesses and individuals. It began in 1979 out of Dr. Meade O’Boyle’s office as an alternative to abortion. Life Choices offers pregnancy tests and information in a caring and confidential environment. We provide information on choices regarding an unplanned pregnancy. Life Choices also offers ultrasound, counseling,post abortive counseling, abstinence education, birth mom support and mentoring for dads. In addition, the HOPE program is designed for material assistance throughout the pregnancy and the first year of the baby’s life. All of our services are free of charge.

MISSION STATEMENT Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, is a mission, in active obedience to Jesus Christ, that saves young women and their unborn babies from the consequences of abortion by: • E quipping people involved in unexpected pregnancy to make life-affirming choices by giving them information on fetal development, adoption, and the procedures and risks of abortion • E ducating young people about the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage and equipping and encouraging them to live chaste (morally pure) and responsible lives; • H elping people suffering from post-abortion stress to find healing, and communicating the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ BOARD MEMBERS Emily Abraham Phillip Brooks Janice Butler Tom Deal Paulla Foster Rebecca Frye

Frank Hoffman Wynn Lawrence Lynn Lincecum Wendell Manning Holly Ramsey Jason Saucer

Todd Sherwin Linda Trimble Cindi Wainwright Enaka Yembe

SERVICES We provide the following services to people seeking help navigating an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy: • Pregnancy tests • Ultrasounds • HOPE program • Community resource referrals

• One time emergency assistance • Birth mom support • Mentoring for dads • Post abortion support

Life Choices also provides speakers for groups and events and abstinence educational material for schools and churches.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Volunteer – Serve as a mentor or help in the office.

• Give Financially - Partner with us monthly or make a one time donation.

• Group Projects – Get your church group or friends involved to make baby blankets or host a baby shower for Life Choices.

• Donate – You can donate diapers as well as new or gently worn baby clothes. These items will be available for new moms participating in Life Choices programs.

• Church Ambassador – We work with local churches and you can serve as a the contact person for Life Choices in your church.

• Prayer – On your own or with a Bible study group or church, you can intentionally and specifically pray for Life Choices, the staff and the girls participating in our programs.

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OUR MISSION Improving the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through recreational and educational camping experiences.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Guillot – President James Breaux – Vice President Bradley Walker – Treasurer Lana Benson – Secretary Josh Perot – Past President Jennifer Banks Clay Borden Brad Booth Misti Cordell Mike Bishop

Gary DeWitt Sarah Warren Thomas Davison Anthony Jacola Luke Lary Teila Lee Melanie Massey Shane McVay David Moore Duke Marcus

Adam O’Neal Damion Cummins Hunter Smith Tom O’Neal Emeritus Meade O’Boyle, M.D., Emeritus Michael Zambie, M. D., Emeritus Bob Bozeman Emeritus

COMMUNITY IMPACT Founded in 1987, MedCamps of Louisiana began as a one week camp for 13 children with severe asthma and allergies. Since that time, "MedCamps" has grown tremendously. By the end of 2023, MedCamps will have served nearly 800 children and their families. Since 1987 MedCamps has provided camp to over 10,000 children and families living with varying illnesses and disabilities.

MedCamps now offers 12 residential summer camping sessionsr, each catering to the specific needs of each camper who are chronically ill or disabled. These specialized camps target children ages 6 to 16 living with: spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, juvenile diabetes, asthma, sickle cell anemia, autism, Down's syndrome, epilepsy, hearing impairments, speech impediments, visual impairments and those living with intellectual disabilities.

In addition to residential summer camps, MedCamps programs include: family camps, specialized retreats, and MedCamps on the Move (a traveling day-camp). While attending MedCamps, campers are introduced to traditional camping activities that include horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, archery, ziplines and much, much more. Not only do they get to participate in all these new and exciting activities, but they do so surrounded by other campers who have the same or a similar diagnosis. At MedCamps campers lose the feeling of uniqueness and the stigma of their disability is relieved.

MedCamps of Louisiana's residential camping programs are at Camp Alabama located just north of interstate 20 near Ruston, Louisiana. Camp Alabama provides campers with facilities that include air conditioned cottages, a beautiful lake, scenic trails and a wheelchair accessible swimming pool and much more.

MedCamps of Louisiana has never charged any dues or fees to attend its summer camps.

MedCamps programs are funded by the generous support of individuals, organizations, corporations and by the continued success of MedCamps' fundraising events.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP Give the gift of camp this holiday season and adopt a MedCamps of Louisiana camper! Your gift of $250.00 or more can help send a child with special needs to camp in 2024. You can give online at medcamps.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, October 28, 2023 Join us for The Fall Bash -A family friendly event for trick-or-treating, games, food and much more! • Camp Alabama (2090 Hwy 145, Choudrant, LA 71227) • 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

November 17-19, 2023 – Family Camp If you have a child living with special medical, physical or cognitive needs, your family may qualify to attend one of our family camp sessions. For more information and to register visit medcamps.org/events.

MedCamps of Louisiana is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. To make a donation, register for camp, apply to volunteer/work, or simply learn more about this worthy cause please visit www.medcamps.org and follow on social media at facebook.com/MedCamps and twitter.com/MedCamps. To contact MedCamps email info@medcamps.org or call 318-329-8405 154 NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

OUR HISTORY The Children’s Museum is a regional educational learning place where children are introduced to hands-on interaction through play. The Museum was founded in 1998 by two Educator/moms who both relocated to Monroe looking for a small southern town to raise their families and be active members of their new community.

While researching the area’s needs, they felt strongly that the focus of their community involvement should be in early childhood education. The critical piece in the development of the museum was, and continues to be, enhancing educational opportunities for the children who are raised in our region. Because they love their adopted hometown and continue to see the benefits of raising their families here, they want the children who visit to also see the benefit of raising their own families here. This is achievable by providing innovative experiences that continually engage and challenge young minds.

OUR VISION A long-awaited opportunity has arisen that will allow us to partner with the City of Monroe and surrounding region to relocate to Forsythe Park and construct a more spacious and modern museum that will meet the needs of children and families for the next generation. Our vision for the new location is to improve and expand this critical piece of early childhood education. The new museum will be a state-of-the-art facility, doubling in size and will include specific components that meet the educational and social-emotional needs of the children of this area. It will also add to the quality of life of citizens who live here. It will initiate the pipeline for early workforce development that will create the foundation that will attract businesses to this area and meet local employment needs.

THE NEW FACILITY Our new state-of-the-art museum will focus on educational development, the culture of our region, promoting the successes of those who call this region home. Technology focused, we will support and enhance our regional school systems. The additional space will add more programming, camps, and family focused events.. We have also become a critical partner of educational support for the various school systems in our region. School children and their families from 18 area parishes visit yearly. Thank you for supporting learning, families, and our future… let’s get moving!

For more information on our relocation, donations and current events, visit www.nelcm.org.

ADMISSION & MEMBERSHIPS $6 per person (ages 1+) | Group Rate: $5 per person for groups of 15 or more Family Memberships Include: FREE Admission for 1 year for 4 family members. (Additional members can be added), Family Wall Plaque on display, Discounts on Summer camps and workshops and 1/2 price admission to special events including Santa’s Christmas Village and Easter Village.

Cost: $125 per year Annual giving keeps us going! For donations visit Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum through PayPal or visit nelcm.org.

Come play with us in our big “Purple Box of Fun!”

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ABOUT US Sam’s Love is a 501C3 non-profit organization that was started in April, 2021 in honor of our son, Samuel Beckett Honaker.

Shady Honaker is the founder of Sam’s Love. She manages all aspects of the non-profit including shipping, social media, marketing, communications and ordering supplies. She is an East Texas native but has lived in NELA since 2009. She is married to her husband Don Honaker since 2015 and they have three children; Luke Jonah (5), Samuel Beckett (Sam), and Chandler Reece (1). She is a women’s health nurse practitioner practicing at Richardson Medical Center’s Woman’s Clinic in Rayville, LA. She has always had a special love for infertility and pregnancy after loss; but even more so after personally experiencing the death of her son. Samuel was born still into the arms of the Lord on January 27th, 2021. His story continues to impact others through his life and death. Shady hopes to change the face of bereavement care for other parents walking this path and has the longterm goal to decrease the staggering stillbirth rate within the US. OUR MISSION Sam’s Love’s mission is to increase bereavement care through our baby books tailored to those walking through stillbirth, pregnancy or infant loss. Our hope is that through these books, parents may have space to remember, celebrate, and share with others their most precious child, regardless of gestation.

SERVICES Sam’s Love provides baby books to the following hospitals and organizations as well as personal requests through social media and email.

St. Francis Medical Center, Monroe LA Ochsner LSU Monroe Medical Center, Monroe LA Morehouse General Hospital, Bastrop LA Glenwood Regional Medical Center, West Monroe LA Willis Knighton Pierremont, Shreveport LA Willis Knighton Bossier, Bossier City LA Northern Louisiana Medical Center, Ruston LA First Glimpse Ultrasound and Boutique, West Monroe LA

Richardson Medical Center, Rayville, LA Christus Mother Francis Hospital, Tyler TX Eve’s Victory, LA (as well as other branches) Julianna Grace Ministry, Shreveport LA Kymani Strong Organization, FL Bodies Light, WA The Gemma Project, FL

Sam’s Love partners with another non-profit out of Kentucky called, Blakely’s Breath of Life. We ship directly to Tara Barnes (the founder of Blakely’s Breath of Life) and she helps distribute our books alongside her bereavement boxes to supply the following Kentucky Hospitals: Deaconness Henderson Hospital, KY Baptist Health Deaconness, KY Jennie Stuart Hospital, KY Ascension St. Vincent, IN Deaconness Womens Hospital, KY Ephraim McDowell Medical Center, KY UPCOMING EVENTS Sam’s Love is holding our second 5K this January! The 5K and 1-mile fun run will be Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at Forsythe Park in Monroe, LA. The race starts at 9 a.m. and all proceeds will go directly toward our mission. To sign up for the 5K, you can visit Eventbrite.com and search ‘sams love’ or you can visit our social media pages or website for a direct link. This year we have a new goal of getting the Sam’s Love books translated into Spanish! www.facebook.com/samslovebooks | www.samslovebooks.com | samslovebooks@gmail.com HOW TO GET INVOLVED We need all the volunteers we can get for the upcoming 5K! There are opportunities to help with prepacket pick ups with shirt and bib orders or helping out day of the event. We also have plenty of opportunities to help put shipments together to ship out to the hospitals and organizations we supply with our books.

Sam’s Love also partners with the Angels Gala here in NELA. The Angels Gala’s mission is to celebrate angels and improve bereavement care in Louisiana. This amazing organization was founded by Kila Gonzales and Maranda Salters. Sam’s Love (Shady Honaker) has been involved since the first annual gala and currently holds the entertainment/program coordinator role on the Angels Gala committee. We will have our third annual Angels Gala March 2, 2024 at Bayou Pointe. (For more information on the gala please visit our website at www.angelsgala.com) DONATE To donate directly to Sam’s Love, please visit our website at www.samslovebooks.com and click on the donate tab, or you can mail a check to our address by reaching out via email at samslovebooks@gmail.com.

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ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION – SUPPORTING WOMEN’S, CHILDREN’S AND CRITICAL CARE SERVICES Since its inception, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation raised more than $5 million to help provide financial support for the hospital’s Women’s, Children’s, and Critical Care Services. Funds are raised through two signature events, the St. Francis Foundation Golf Classic & Tennis Tournament and the 2 Cars 2 Winners Raffle, along with generous gifts and sponsorships from individual donors and corporate partners and grants.

Our fundraising activities have given us the opportunity to provide cutting-edge equipment and technology upgrades, enhance services and expand access to specialized care. We have also been able to add a much-needed helipad to increase critical access to lifesaving care for our entire region, rebuild our PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and expand our adult ICU (Intensive Care Unit), which was a vital resource during the global Covid-19 pandemic. We are very excited to be embarking on the renovation of the region’s only Level III NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), which includes layout changes to enhance workflow for our physicians and clinical staff and allow for increased bonding and educational opportunities for parents.

BOARD LEADERSHIP The Foundation is led by a volunteer board of directors comprised of individuals and business leaders from our community who work to ensure adequate resources are secured to support the hospital’s critical needs to continue the healthcare mission: Evelyn Johnson (Chair); Steve Taylor, Car Town (Secretary); Jeremy Rogers (Treasurer), St. Francis Medical Center (COO/CFO); Christian Creed, Creed & Creed Law Firm; John Davis, M.D., Radiology Associates; Tori Fisher, Antares Ventures, LLC; Ashanti Jones, University of Louisiana at Monroe; Debbie Luffey; Damon Marsala, Marsala Beverage; Rolf Morstead, M.D., St. Francis Medical Group; Alise Oliver; Jonathan Perry, Chauvin Bayou Market; Amber Shemwell, M.D., The Woman’s Clinic; Hillary Sirmon; Rev. Clarence Smith, St. Francis Auxiliary; William Sparks, Sparks Nissan Kia; Mark Sutton, LA Construction Group; Colby Weaver Walker, Intermountain Management; Ashley West, Progressive Bank; Jessica Wilson, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union, Thomas Gullatt, M.D., St. Francis Medical Center (Market President); Aimee D. Kane, St. Francis Medical Center (Foundation President); Sr. Mary Ann Sepulvado, O.S.F., Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, and Cynthia Woodard.

MOVING ST. FRANCIS FORWARD A leader in Women’s, Children’s and Critical Care Services, St. Francis Medical Center is grateful to be able to provide such a high level of care for our patients. Families come from all over northeast Louisiana, as well as Mississippi and Arkansas, to have St. Francis deliver their babies and care for their children through our Level III OB/Labor & Delivery, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Level II Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and dedicated Pediatric Unit.

Our NICU has a team of nurses, respiratory therapists, case managers, lactation consultants, physical and occupational therapists, neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners who have been providing the highest level of care for premature babies at St. Francis for the past 45 years. Our specialized neonatal transport team carries some of the most fragile, critical care babies from all over Northeast Louisiana. Additionally, the pediatric and PICU team consists of specialized physicians in the areas of neurology, neurosurgery and cardiology, along with specialized pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners and staff who care for the entire family.

Our adult ICU and Critical Care Services allow us to care for the sickest of the sick. These vital services are utilized by those suffering from trauma, stroke, cardiac arrest and an array of lifethreatening conditions. Access to highly specialized physicians and medical staff is crucial for the health and well-being of our region and we are so pleased to be able to offer this level of life-saving care.

We have continued to work to move St. Francis Forward with the pursuit of a Level III Trauma Center certification, our Internal Medicine Graduate Medical Education program and the St. Francis Oncology & Hematology Clinic in the St. Francis Cancer Center. We look forward to more exciting announcements in the coming year!

Every gift to the St. Francis Foundation allows us to meet the healthcare needs of our community and enhance the quality of care received at St. Francis. For information on how you can contribute, please go to stfranfoundation.com or call (318) 966-7833. Thank you for your generosity and support!

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ABOUT US Welcome to a realm of wonder and wildlife at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo! There’s never a dull moment in this enchanting zoo of creatures and experiences. With doors open seven days a week from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM (except for select holidays), we’re your passport to a world inhabited by over 350 captivating animals spanning across more than 150 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. From the tiniest poison dart frogs to the grandiose hippo, every visit to our sanctuary is a journey into the extraordinary.

ATTRACTIONS Are you ready for a wild adventure that promises fun for the whole family? Set your course for the heart of Monroe and dive into the exhilarating Zooasis splash pad, the perfect remedy for summer’s scorching embrace. It’s just one part of the adventure that awaits you, all at a wallet-friendly price.

Embark on a magical journey through about 30 acres of mostly shaded pathways, each leading you to encounters with exotic creatures. From playful monkeys to awe-inspiring birds and majestic lions, there’s a surprise at every turn. But that’s not all! An additional 50 acres await exploration from the vantage point of our Safari Boat Ride and train ride.

Guests of all ages can cool off in our delightful splash pad, included in your admission. Satisfy your hunger at the Flaming Flamingo Cafe and pick up memorable souvenirs at the Wildside Gift Shop.

Don’t miss the ultimate safari boat ride, a one-of-a-kind experience that brings you face to face with animals you can only see from the water. We’re proud to be the only zoo in the nation offering this unique adventure. The boat ride operates during regular zoo hours, but be sure to check ahead during winter to ensure it’s running. It’s a 20-minute expedition that is only $5 per rider, while kids aged 2 and under ride for free.

Hop aboard our zoo train, a charming ride through areas where some of our creatures roam freely. The cost? Just $3 per rider, and yes, kids aged 2 and under ride for free.

For those who crave up-close animal encounters, our walk-in aviary is a must-visit. Here, you can feed around 200 vibrant and playful budgies. And if you’ve ever dreamt of mingling with giant tortoises, now’s your chance! Our trained zookeepers will guide you through this unique experience, available at $5 per patron.

Want to end your zoo adventure with our newest addition to the zoo? Come meet our sloths!

Soon, this exhibit will offer an interactive experience where you can participate in feeding sessions for a small fee. These lovable creatures are eagerly awaiting your visit.

WHAT LIES AHEAD We are cooking up some exhilarating changes at the zoo! We just broke ground on the new $2.5 million renovation of our exclusive Louisiana Purchase Exhibit. This revamp will introduce new exhibits, including an otter habitat and a gator-filled lagoon, where you can even feed the alligators!

Get ready to be amazed.

We also have thrilling annual events to look forward to. Our Easter Egg-stravaganza, a springtime Easter egg hunt for kids, takes place on the Saturday just before Easter. When the leaves start to turn, it’s time for Boo at the Zoo, where vendors set up booths for games, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and more. Mark your calendar; this event typically happens on the Saturday before Halloween. Lastly, don’t miss Jungle Bells, usually scheduled for the Saturday before Christmas, where we give our guests free admission to the zoo.

Intrigued? Come experience the magic at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Your next adventure is just around the corner!

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UNLOCKING THE ENCHANTMENT In the heart of Northeast Louisiana, nestled within the historic former Masur family home, resides a cultural jewel - the Masur Museum of Art. With an unwavering commitment to providing our community with a vibrant visual arts experience, the museum stands as the largest collecting and exhibiting visual arts institution in the region, offering an enchanting world of creativity through exhibitions, public programs, and the curation of remarkable collections.

WHERE DREAMS AND ARTISTRY CONVERGE Located at 1400 South Grant Street, the Masur Museum beckons you to embark on an artistic journey, where imagination knows no bounds. And the best part? General admission is always free, making it accessible for art enthusiasts of every age.

Prepare to be captivated as you step into the Masur Museum’s River galleries, where, until December 22, 2023, you can revel in the mesmerizing world of The Unchosen Ones: Portraits of an American Pastoral by the immensely talented RJ Kern. This interdisciplinary installation of documentary photography unveils the intimate relationships between agricultural youth and animals in the vast Midwest of the United States. An international sensation, The Unchosen Ones project has charmed audiences worldwide, even gracing the pages of National Geographic magazine (November 2017). It has also had solo exhibitions at the prestigious Plains Art Museum and the Griffin Museum of Photography. Truly, this is a visual voyage that transcends borders and strikes at the heart of humanity.

Delve into the Masur Museum of Art’s permanent collection, an impressive treasure trove of around 500 works of art. Here, you’ll find masterpieces by regional artists, lesser-known gems from artists of broader acclaim, and, most intriguing, entire series commissioned from gifted individual artists. Together, these categories come together to provide a captivating narrative that sheds light on artistic and historic trends not just in the American South but far beyond its borders.

COMING SOON Mark your calendars for November 28, 2023, when the main galleries of the Masur Museum will come alive with the ethereal “Blanket Songs” by the incredibly talented John Hitchcock, hailing from Oklahoma. A recipient of the coveted Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Artistic Innovation and Collaboration grant in New York, the Jerome Foundation Grant in Minnesota, and the Creative Arts Award and Emily Mead Baldwin Award in the Creative Arts at the University of Wisconsin, John Hitchcock is an artist of unmatched caliber. Currently serving as an Artist, Professor, and Associate Dean of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he imparts his wisdom in screen printing, relief cut, and installation art, and his upcoming exhibition promises to be an extraordinary journey into the realms of artistry.

GET INVOLVED The Masur Museum of Art isn’t just a place to appreciate art; it’s a space for you to get hands-on and embrace your own artistic potential. We offer art classes for both adults and children, as well as monthly free drop-in art activities and engaging community outreach programs. Embark on your artistic journey, learn, create, and discover a world of imagination at your fingertips. For more information, be sure to visit our website at masurmuseum.org or check out our vibrant presence on social media. Remember, general admission is always free, making it the perfect destination for every art lover.

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ABOUT STRAUSS Strauss Theatre Center is one of Louisiana’s leading not-for-profit theatres. Plays, musicals, dinner theatres and other artistic endeavors are produced by a talented staff, hundreds of volunteers and a large, supportive membership. The Strauss community continues to be a strong artistic force in Northeast Louisiana serving thousands of adults and youth.

In addition to producing live theatre in our community, we also operate as an event venue for anyone in our community who needs a host for their special event. Our theater is equipped to hold whatever function your heart desires. Our mainstage auditorium has been used for graduations, weddings, pageants, movie premieres, church services and more. The recently renovated lobby is a great space for intimate gatherings like baby showers, wedding receptions, birthdays, company parties, and anything else worth celebrating. Contact us today to learn more about renting our facility.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Frick, President Kris Kelley, Vice President Patti Morris, Secretary Everett Tolbird, Treasurer Casey Bernstein, Production Liaison Mrs. Jean Mintz, Life Board Member Fred Hill, Ex Officio Dr. Jo Ann Alley Gwen Amelin

Laura Arrington Keith Breard Dr. Avius Carroll Kirsten Gladen Wynn Lawrence Beverly Lewis Kelsea McCrary Michelle McEacharn Carmen McNew

Taylor Michiels Nash Patel Nirali Patel Ross Slacks Emily Stogner Danielle Tolbird Mike Turner Megan Wilkins

SPONSORSHIPS Area and local businesses have always been the key to the success of any performing or fine arts organizations. We at Strauss Theatre Center always encourage our community to support those businesses that support the theatre. By sponsoring a show, you are helping to keep the community spirit alive, and we gladly advertise your business to our membership.

Other benefits of a sponsorship include: • Your name in the program, on our outside electronic marquee, social media, and all other publicity • Recognition during the curtain speech for your show • Tickets available to you for the sponsored show EVENTS Upcoming shows: • Bright Star | November 9-12th, 16-19th • The Last 5 Years | January 11-14th, 18-21st • The Importance of Being Earnest | March 7-10th,14-17th • Hello, Dolly! | April 25-28th | May 2-5th

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ABOUT US The Vine of Northeast Louisiana, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing on issues surrounding pregnancy and maternity. We are organized for educational and charitable purposes, including providing assistance to women of child-bearing age with lifeaffirming decisions that protect and preserve life. We exist to disciple women as they choose life for the unborn and hope for themselves. It is our desire to come along side women and show them the love of Jesus Christ, so that they may be filled with hope, by grace, through the Holy Spirit, at the opportunity of a life and a future for both themselves and their babies.

MISSION STATEMENT The Vine of Northeast Louisiana exists to disciple women as they choose life for the unborn and hope for themselves.

VISION STATEMENT We envision a confidential and non-judgmental atmosphere where care and assistance to resources preserve and protect life, while restoring hope.

PASSION STATEMENT Preserving, protecting, and perpetuating life and hope.

HOW YOU CAN HELP The Vine of Northeast Louisiana is staffed mainly by volunteers and funded by donations. So, if you are looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our community that are facing difficult circumstances, please consider joining our volunteer team! If time is not on your side, but you would still love to help out, please consider making a monetary donation. We can’t do this without you! You are vital to the success of the ministry!

SERVICES PROVIDED Pregnancy Testing Urine based pregnancy testing and limited non-diagnostic ultrasound.

Peer Counseling Confidential one-on-one peer counseling to discuss and explore factual based pregnancy options honestly and without judgment. A place to talk through your fears and concerns regarding the unexpected.

Mentoring and Ministry We are here for both during and after pregnancy, helping to build a support system, through weekly small “DIRT” (Digging In to Real Truth) gatherings. We have groups for Pregnancy and Parenting, Post-Abortion Recovery, and Birth Mom’s.

Resource Referrals For other needs, we have community partners we work with to help find answers and assistance that may be needed.

Please feel free to call or email with any questions regarding volunteering or donating.

AMY SHERMAN Executive Director

BETHANY WILSON Client Services Director

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OUR MISSION Twin City Ballet achieves and inspires excellence in dance by offering mastery of the discipline, outstanding performances and community education and outreach. We take seriously our mission to provide quality training for our area’s talented young dancers, giving them opportunities to perform and provide superb entertainment for our community.

ABOUT US Twin City Ballet Company, under the Artistic Direction of Linda Lavender Ford, Gretchen Jones, Michelle Harvey, Linda Lou Bourland, and Wendy Waller, is a premier regional dance company with over 50 years of commitment to community enrichment through artistic and educational excellence. Based in the Twin Cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana since 1970, the company offers a year-round program of performances and classes providing young dancers with training by an experienced faculty and world-renowned guest artists as performers, choreographers, and teachers. The company embraces all styles of dance and has become a haven for exceptional dancers from a two-state region. The company enjoys the passionate support of its Board of Directors, Ballet Guild, enthusiastic Arts Council, Discover Monroe-West Monroe, BayouLife, and many local corporate sponsors, including 2023-24 season sponsors, Progressive Bank, Origin Bank, the City of West Monroe, ULM, and Marsala Beverage.

Twin City Ballet’s Honor Company includes a 26-member Senior Company and support and training groups. The company’s repertoire demonstrates our dancers’ versatile training, featuring classical and contemporary ballet, modern and jazz pieces.

The Twin City Ballet kicked off our season with the Twin City Lip Sync Battle on September 21, 2023, featuring amazing contestants from our community as well as our senior company as back-up dancers.

Oh, what a night! We are continually blown away by the community spirit we see through this event.

We are blessed by the Twin Cities support. From November 29-December 1, we will host area school children for a performance of The Nutcracker, Acts I and II. Step back in time with us to a Christmas Eve party where Clara receives her beloved Nutcracker. Get ready to attend a Christmas party, dance with snowflakes, admire fairies, watch soldiers battle and more... On December 2nd, the Twin City Ballet will host its Nutcracker Tea and matinee performance and will end the evening with our annual Festival of Trees and gala performance of The Nutcracker, Acts I and II. This ballet will feature all levels of our company and professional guest artists. We will wrap up our season in the spring under the star-studded sky at Kiroli Park with Ballet Under the Stars April 12-14, 2024.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Lavender Ford, Artistic Director Gretchen Jones, Associate Director Michelle Harvey, Assistant Director Linda Lou Bourland, Assistant Director Wendy Waller, Assistant Director Ruth Gist, Business Manager Charlotte Crawford, Costumer Meghan Sellar, President Jessica Thornhill, President Elect Emilee Nunnelee, Secretary Tashia Hines, Treasurer Melanie Moffett, VP/Marketing

Charlee Bradley Ashley Burkett Brandi Cole Judy Cousans Kimberly Donohue Paula Ford Cindy Foust Jamie Guillot Kay Harrison Melissa Holton Britton Leggett Mallory Meredith

Miranda Moss Lillian Paxton Meredith Pilcher Meredith Smith Beth Swanner Kim Taylor Breanna Young

UPCOMING EVENTS December 2, 2023 Nutcracker Tea • 9:30 a.m. | Matinee Performance of The Nutcracker, Acts I and II • 11:00 a.m.

Festival of Trees • 5:30 –6:30 p.m.

Christmas Gala Performance – The Nutcracker, Acts I and II • 6:30 p.m.

April 12-14, 2023 Ballet Under the Stars, Kiroli Park

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ABOUT UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA For over 68 years, United Way of Northeast Louisiana has been the unifying force that brings passionate individuals, businesses, government entities, and non-profits together to build a stronger, healthier community. This is accomplished by mobilizing partners and resources throughout the 12-parish region in a united effort to identify and respond to our community’s most critical needs.

Their agenda is the community’s agenda. United Way of Northeast Louisiana stands with residents, business leaders, and policymakers to take action and strategically invest in making a meaningful difference in the lives of people in Northeast Louisiana. This is achieved through three main aspirations ¬– Health, Education, and Financial Stability for every person in our community.

UNITED WE WIN United Way of Northeast Louisiana supports many essential, day-to-day services in Northeast Louisiana, and investments from the community help make this possible.

In addition to United Way’s ongoing work, they are tuned in to the most urgent and pressing needs.

In 2022, United Way NELA 211 made 33,388 referrals to resources in our community. Additionally, United Way NELA 211’s Online Database had 831 hits over the last year, and from those visits, 2,878 resources were searched. Two years ago, 211 implemented the new Louisiana 211 Referral and Care Coordinator, a staff member who provides direct client services by delivering on aligned, high quality 211 referral and care coordination services, leveraging technology and “people powered” processes. This Coordinator is trained and equipped to provide “closed-loop” referral and care coordination services. In 2022, 136 households were helped through the 211 Referral and Care Coordination services in Northeast Louisiana.

Additionally, United Way NELA’s newly expanded Financial Health Services are accessible across all 12 parishes of our region. Examples of these services include: • Access to Safe and Affordable Financial Products • Asset Ownership Programs • Credit Improvement Services • Financial Coaching & Education • Free Tax Preparation Assistance • Housing Stability Counseling • Incentivized Savings Program • Workforce Development Soft Skills Now, more than ever, United Way of Northeast Louisiana needs the support of people like you to do what they do best – improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

For more information, call 211 or visit unitedwaynela.org.

WE LIVE UNITED FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Maintaining healthy and safe individuals, families, and communities in our area is one of the many priorities of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. This aspiration is achieved through two main goals. The first is that all of us live in a safe and healthy environment. The second is that our community is strong and more inclusive. By working with partner agency programs and coordinating collaborative and initiative efforts, United Way of Northeast Louisiana makes measurable and positive change in the health of our community.

WE LIVE UNITED FOR OUR CHILDREN It is crucial for our children to build a strong educational foundation in order to succeed as adults.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana aspires to ensure that all children, youth, and young adults in our community excel after they graduate high school. This is achieved by ensuring children ages 0-3 enter preschool ready, by providing tools and support enabling elementary students to become ready for middle school, as well as equipping young adults to have the foundation needed to successfully enter the workforce.

By working with local partner agency programs that share the same goal of advancing children toward a positive future and coordinating collaborative and initiative efforts, real change has been made in our community's children.

WE LIVE UNITED FOR EVERYONE’S ECONOMIC STABILITY Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive economically in our community. This is achieved through providing accessible, adequate, and sustainable resources; by providing effective pathways to manage current income and eventually increase that income; and giving those most vulnerable the chance to live with dignity and independence. All of these goals come together to support our local economy as a whole. From partnerships with agencies providing programs for positive avenues, to financial stability, to collaboratives and initiatives that teach high school student financial literacy, United Way of Northeast Louisiana continues to see positive growth in our community.

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OUR MISSION To strengthen and value individuals and families through professional services and community leadership with compassion and integrity.

ABOUT US As one of Louisiana’s oldest and most effective non-profits, The Wellspring has served as a beacon of help and hope for Northeast Louisiana for more than 90 years. Founded in 1931, this multifaceted organization is a community leader with a focus on serving those in need. Strengthening individuals and families is at the heart of our mission and is the common thread woven throughout our programming.

COMMUNITY IMPACT With service locations across Northeast Louisiana, The Wellspring is changing our community, one life at a time. The Wellspring helps individuals and families from all walks of life overcome challenges by accessing resources and developing solutions to many of the complex issues they face. Our mission is at work each day through the comprehensive, professional services we provide, including counseling and mental health services, residential and non-residential services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, housing and supportive services for Veterans and for others who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless and positive youth development programs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Darian Atkins, Chair Cindy Gordon, Chair-Elect Christina Davis, Treasurer Aimee Kane, Secretary Heather Guillot, Member-at-Large Dean Baugh, Member-at-Large Quandrea “Q” Allen Judy Bell LaTanga Blackson Mona Crawford James Doughty Gloria George Bill Hendrix Wendell Manning Natalie Raymond Michael Sampognaro Perry Stringfellow Tammy Washington Lamont Windom Sarah Zagar GIVING OPPORTUNITIES You can provide philanthropic support to The Wellspring in a variety of ways. Giving opportunities include corporate giving, individual giving, in-kind donations, honorarium and memorial gifts, event sponsorships, endowment and planned giving, and more.

Donations to The Wellspring can be received over the phone at (318) 323-1505, online at wellspringofnela.org, or by mail to 1515 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA 71202. To give on the go, download the Givelify app on your mobile device and select The Wellspring!

UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.

Patriot Square, Winnsboro Holiday Open House Thursday, December 7, 2023, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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CHANTICLEERS BOUTIQUE This drop shoulder hoodie sweater features long sleeve in a multi-stripe weave finish with contrast solid rib bands and drawstring. It’s paired with super high rise wide leg jeans and snakeskin boots.

FALL INTO FASHION

Casual fall fashion is all about cozy layers and versatile pieces. Chunky sweaters, oversized jackets, plaid patterns and stylish boots come together to create an effortless look.

MODELS ASHLEY GREER AND CHEVY NAVARRO HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK SPECIAL THANKS TO THE GROVES FAMILY

HEMLINE MONROE Add an unexpected wild touch to your fall wardrobe.

This knit sweater features a contemporary animal print in vibrant colors. Layer with an oversized knit coat and pinch waist kick flare jeans.

Accessorize with Mimosa jewelry and suede boots.

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MAX PORTER PROVISIONS Chevy is wearing a steel blue quilted jacket layered over an oatmeal-colored, long-sleeve knit and plaid button-down. Pair with dark denim jeans and accessorize with Shwood sunnies.

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RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS Walk into the holiday season in style. This classic plaid button down can be worn casually with jeans or dressed up. It’s paired with a modern fit denim that’s slim, but not too tight and the perfect shade of blue.

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MR. P’S TEES Ashley is wearing this whimsical shirt featuring the “12 Days of Louisiana Christmas” on a long sleeve light weight navy tee. Accessorize with a foamie Mr. P’s Tees logo hat.

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME A modern crossover hooded top is paired with an oversized deconstructed coat featuring a shawl collar and front flap pockets with an un-lined interior. Wear it with brown boot-cut flares and platform sneakers.

SIMMONS’ SPORTING GOODS Ashley is ready for cooler weather in an off-white waffle knit tunic with a layered plaid shirt jacket.

Finish the look with a Columbia jacket paired with denim jeans. Accessorize with Sorel waterproof booties. Chevy is wearing a plaid flannel shirt paired with a canvas shirt jacket and khaki jeans. His look is accessorized with leather ankle deck boots.

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HERRINGSTONE’S This luxe look features high waist vegan leggings worn with a striped button-down top beneath a sleeveless Sherpa sweatshirt.

Finish the look with suede platform booties.

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THE NUDE NOMAD Ready for a day on the town or a night out, this black and floral print dress is perfect for transitioning weather. Accessorize with a gold and ivory statement bracelet, embellished floral bag, and rhinestone necklace with an Argentinian Merit Medal.

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com November 4 Bayou WAR 5K The 3rd annual Bayou WAR 5K is happening on November 4th at Black Bayou! This event is a 5K ‘race’, where you can run or walk. It features 6 stations where you will pause and help treat wilderness medical scenarios such as alligator bites, water rescue, broken bone splinting, and more before moving on with the race.

No prior knowledge is needed!

Time: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Cost: $30.00 Cash/Check. $38.00 Card.

Address: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge 480 Richland Pl Drive, Monroe November 4 Candy Cane Lane Winter Walk The Candy Cane Lane Winter Walk is a fundraiser for The Dragonfly Harbor, Inc. This family friendly walk is held under the bright Christmas lights that line the mile long Candy Cane Lane. Wear your best ugly Christmas sweaters or Christmas costumes. Postrace refreshments will include hot chocolate, candy canes, water, and a few other fun surprises!

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: $35.00 Ages 11+. $1.00 Ages 10 & Under.

Address: Candy Cane Lane 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun November 4-5 State Pickleball Championship The Louisiana State Games State Pickleball Championship is taking place November 4th-5th at the ULM Activity Center. This will be an exciting, can't miss sporting event!

Address: ULM Activity Center 210 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: (478) 361-7336 November 4, 11, 18, 25 Ruston Farmers Market Every Saturday morning you will find locally grown food, handmade items, baked goods, and so much more!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Cost: Free Address: Ruston Farmers Marketplace 220 E. Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270

Phone: (318) 957-1305 November 5 Holiday Open House Get into the holiday spirit with a Sunday shop and stroll on The Alley to kick off the Christmas season! There will be refreshments to enjoy and lots of festivities and store specials.

Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Cost: Free Address: Antique Alley 698 Trenton Street, West Monroe November 5, 12, 19, 26 Flying Heart Live Join Flying Heart for live music on Sundays! Jam out while enjoying a New York style pizza and craft beer!

Nov. 5-Clara McBroom. Nov. 12-Anna Lee’s Revolver. Nov. 19-Matthew Looney. Nov. 26-Lee Denton.

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Cost: No Cover Charge Address: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub 204 Commerce Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888 November 9-12 and 17-19 Bright Star Inspired by a true story, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past— and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives...

Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Address: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-6681 November 9 2023 NELA Music Awards The first ever people's choice music awards show in Northeast Louisiana returns! Join the music community as nominees are honored in 22 categories along with the announcement of new inductees into the NELA Music Hall of Fame. Walk

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the red carpet and enjoy live music before the show!

Time: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Address: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe November 9 Magnificent Mozart and Vibrant Weber Monroe Symphony Orchestra presents Magnificent Mozart and Vibrant Weber, a timeless pairing of works for clarinet and string quartet.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: Adult $15.00. Student $5.00.

Address: Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall Lobby 200 University Avenue, Monroe Phone: (318) 812-6761 November 10 Loyal Blue Pep Rally Kick off Homecoming Weekend with a community pep rally featuring Louisiana Tech spirit groups!

Cost: Free Address: Railroad Park 101 W Park Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 251-8647 November 10-12 Louisiana State Games BMX Racing This BMX racing event takes place at the Monroe Civic Center. All age divisions are welcome. Ready? Set. Go! Time: Sign-up is from 5:30-6:30 PM. Races starts at 6:45 PM. Address: Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 791-4457 November 10-11 The Louisiana Viking Feast Two Warriors Meadery is teaming up with Chef Pat Nolan Catering to provide a farm to table Nordic Viking meal for all to enjoy on November 10th and 11th! Come dressed as your favorite Viking for the costume contest. Enjoy axe throwing, mead, music, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: $100.00 Per Ticket Address: Two Warriors Meadery

95 McClendon Avenue, West Monroe Phone: (318) 737-5836 November 10-December 31 Candy Cane Lane Candy Cane Lane is a mile-long wooded drive decorated with over one million Christmas lights. There is even an interactive musical lights display!

Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Cost: Family Vehicle-$20.00.

Commercial Vehicle- $40.00.

Address: Candy Cane Lane 170 Hwy 151 North, Calhoun Phone: (318) 801-0670 November 11 The River Market Every second Saturday from August to November the RiverMarket will be hosting Monroe's finest growers, makers, and bakers. All items will be locally grown or handcrafted, so come out and support our locals!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Cost: Free Address: Downtown River Market 316 South Grand Street, Monroe November 11 ULM Football vs. Troy Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Troy at Malone Stadium November 11th!

Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Address: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe November 11 VFW Veterans Day Celebration Celebrate Veterans Day at the Monroe VFW! Boiled shrimp and pulled pork plates will be available for a donation.

There will be guest speakers throughout the day. Mike McKenzie will play live starting at 7:00 PM with a $10.00 cover charge. This event is family-friendly and open to the public.

Veterans and active duty get in for free and even get a free meal!

Time: 1:30 PM to 8:30 PM Cost: $10.00 Cover Charge. Veterans and Active Duty Free.

Address: VFW Rodney J Hobbs Post 1809 | 1499 Highway 594, Monroe Phone: (318) 345-4185

November 11 Louisiana Tech Football Game Come out to Joe Aillet Stadium for tailgating, football, and cheering on those Bulldogs!

Time: Kick off at 2:00 PM Address: Joe Aillet Stadium 1450 W Alabama Ave, Ruston, LA 71270 November 11 Veteran's Day Celebration & Tree Lighting Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is having their annual Veteran's Day Celebration and Tree Lighting on November 11th. The Freedom Trees will be lit up all season long from November 11-December 31.

Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Cost: Free Address: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe November 11 Jervis Campbell Enjoy the soulful voice of Jervis Campbell at this live performance in Downtown Ruston.

Time: 8:00 PM Cost: $15.00-$18.00 Address: The Depot Coffee House 211 West Railroad Avenue Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 232-7084 November 11-December 31 Freedom Trees Get into the Christmas spirit and check out the Freedom Trees at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. These patriotic themed trees honor veterans and those currently serving in all branches of the military. The Freedom Trees will be shining bright for all to see starting on November 11th and will light the night through New Years. The Christmas tree lighting will be at 5:00 p.m. on November 11th.

Cost: Free Address: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe Phone: (318) 362-5540 November 16 Champagne Stroll Stroll The Alley on a beautiful fall afternoon while sipping champagne.

Shop antiques, boutiques, specialty shops, and much more. Take part in the holiday festivities in downtown West Monroe!

Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: Free

Address: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe November 16 Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas Enjoy festive activities, holiday tunes, the tree lighting ceremony, and a special visit from Santa!

Time: 6PM Cost: Free Address: Railroad Park 101 W. Park Ave. Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 251-8647 November 16, 17, 18, 24, 25 Carriage Rides Hop on a carriage and enjoy all the holiday cheer and Christmas lights downtown.

Cost: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 12 and under.

Address: Railroad Park 101 W. Park Ave. Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 251-8647 November 18-19 North LA Giving Back Bash The North LA Giving Back Bash baseball tournament is taking place November 18th-19th at ULM University Parks. There is a 3-game minimum with 2 pool games on Sunday leading into single elimination bracket play, so get ready for a weekend full of baseball! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, don't forget to drop a non-perishable food item, new or lightly used coat, or new toiletry items at the gate for donation!

Cost: Weekend Pass $15.00. Day Pass $10.00. 12 & Under Free.

Address: ULM University Parks 4709 Bon Aire Drive, Monroe Phone: (706) 332-0035 November 18 Santa Stop Santa's taking a break from his toy making and visiting the Twin Cities!

Drive through almost 40 booths giving away prizes and take photos with Santa. This is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy!

Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Cost: Free Address: Tower Place Monroe 1500 North 19th Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 398-1983 November 20 Brass Christmas Concert in the Park This Brass Christmas Concert in the Park is happening on November 20th in Kiroli Park. Make plans to join them as they kick off the Christmas season

with joyful noise!

Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Address: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016 November 24-December 25 Christmas at Kiroli Make the season bright! Drive through a wonderland of Christmas lights at Kiroli Park! The drive-thru lights display will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Christmas Day. Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: $10.00 per vehicle. $20.00 per commercial bus or large van.

Address: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016 November 25-December 31 Land of Lights It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Check out all the light displays in Downtown Monroe & West Monroe beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night!

Time: 5:00 PM Cost: Free Address: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe | Corner of Cotton and Pine Street, Monroe and West Monroe November 25 Shop Small Saturday Historic Downtown West Monroe’s holiday wonderland is your home for shopping small and local on Shop Small Saturday and throughout the holidays! Shops are open for extended hours. There will be a free outdoor movie in Alley Park under the Christmas lights. Support local businesses all while having fun and getting all your Christmas shopping done!

Address: Antique Alley 100-400 blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe

November 30-December 2 Christmas Open House at the Biedenharn Join the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens for the annual Christmas Open House. This event features the wonderfully decorated Biedenharn house and gardens, live music, refreshments, model Christmas train, free photos with Santa, and more!

Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: Free Address: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281 November 30-December 2 Lincoln Lights up the Pines Enjoy this magical time of year with a drive-thru display of Christmas Lights at Lincoln Parish Park!

Cost: $10.00/car, $20.00/bus Address: Lincoln Parish Park 211 Parish Park Rd, Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 251-5156 November 30-December 3 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Enjoy this hilarious Christmas classic performed live on the Dixie Theatre stage.

Cost: Adult/Senior: $20.00, Student: $10.00 Address: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N. Vienna St. Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 595-0872

November 25 Krewe of Janus Craft Fair with Santa The Krewe of Janus will host its 3rd Annual Craft Fair with Santa. Local vendors will be on-site from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM selling a variety of arts, crafts, candies, crochet, cosmetics, jewelry, duck calls, woodworks, and more! Santa will be available for pictures with the kids.

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