NELA’S BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK ILLUSTRATIONS BY MEAGAN RUSSELL || ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

riginally from Houston, Doran Smith searched for a new beginning. He moved to Monroe two years ago with the hopes of establishing himself in a new place. His desire to serve people comes naturally and sincerely. He believes in hospitality and making people feel loved and cared for. Establishing genuine and lasting connections with patrons is essential to Parish’s success. Doran takes pride in the establishment and goes the extra mile to remember faces and preferences. Patrons want to feel special, and the service at Parish is consistently devoted to pleasing the public.

Doran is currently Parish’s MaÎtre d’,ensuring all guests have a pleasant, relaxing dining experience that invigorates the taste buds. Doran started out as a server and bartender at Parish, which was a different atmosphere but, to him, working on the floor is incredibly intimate. Servers are expected to maintain and meet all the guests needs. The bar is a divided space, where guests sit on one side observing the bartender crafting cocktails, maintaining conversations, and keeping a clean space. Doran describes bartending as putting on a show, entertaining people while serving them. He focuses on making cocktails as ordered, and staying keen to tiny details that contribute to confidence in overall quality. A favorite summer cocktail recently introduced is the Strawberry Rhubarb Mule, and the refreshing flavor became a quick favorite. It’s easy to drink in the Louisiana heat as the alcohol taste is subtle. The Strawberry Rhubarb Mule recipe is detailed on the opposing page.

Doran is an integral part of Parish’s success. It takes a team, and all Parish employees rely on each other to maintain the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere. Pre-shift meetings involve role playing, where servers learn each night’s menu and anticipate guests’ questions. Doran insists, “We don’t just remember your name.” Catering to each guest individually ensures a sense of longing to continually dine at Parish Restaurant and Bar. As MaÎtre d’ Doran’s responsibilities extend beyond one section of the restaurant. He is able to interact with all guests and continue building relationships with repeat customers. People who dine at Parish expect the best, as many of them have traveled all over the world and have dined in some of the top restaurants. Parish takes pride in competing with those world-class establishments.

Doran’s personality fits the Parish vibe. He is mellow, yet refined and invested in highlighting a true dining experience. Monroe is not exactly a small town, but retains a small-town feel. Doran loves running into guests at Standard Coffee Co. or the grocery store, often remembering what they ordered at Parish and how they responded. He knows people like to dine, and he shares Parish’s vision for a refined dining experience.

oshua Colson found his way behind the bar almost 15 years ago. His friend Joe Summerscales offered Joshua a bar back position at Top Gun in Monroe. Joshua remembers making his first drink, mistaking the ingredients in a basic margarita. After three years at Top Gun, he moved out of state before returning to Monroe. He started working at Doe’s in 2015 as a server. Chad Watson, the Doe’s bar manager at the time lured Colson behind the bar and showed him the world of craft cocktails. Joshua enjoys building drinks from scratch, juicing his own fruits, and using signature flavors. He has greatly expanded his knowledge of the spirit world.

Joshua appreciates a good bourbon, and Doe’s offers over 300 varieties. The bourbon need not be expensive to suit your palate. Joshua and his fellow bar workers call themselves the spirit guides. He likes encouraging patrons to step outside their comfort zones. He promises if he makes a drink and you don’t like it, he’ll drink it. Joshua’s repeat customers describe him as fun, a showman of sorts who elevates the bar experience. He prefers drinking at Doe’s bar be an educational experience, learning about different types of spirits and branching out. Doe’s Eat Place offers guests a calm, sophisticated experience, with the best steak in town and generous portions.

Doe’s signature cocktails offer a variety of flavors for all tastes. The sophisticated Champagne Cocktail features hints of orange; the Blurricane blends spiced rum with lemon zest and fruit punch; the traditional Mint Julep is a southern staple and suits the dark wood ambiance. The Smoked Old Fashioned is infused with wood chip smoke, reliant on the bourbon staple and orange flavors. The cocktail menu reflects Doe’s recognition of its customers, simple sophistication in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The team at Doe’s is one of the many reasons Joshua loves working there. Everyone helps everyone, and they have formed genuine friendships. They recognize that a collective effort is critical to Doe’s success, and the camaraderie makes for a pleasant and encouraging work space. Joshua wants his customers to feel comfortable and entertained. He enjoys getting to know the people who come in for a drink, and he shies away from the cookie-cutter approach to serving people. Building bridges and finding common ground involves truly listening. Many patrons like to interact with the bartender, and Joshua’s ability to read people while producing quality cocktails keeps those patrons coming back.

Joshua Colson’s signature cocktail can be found below.

THE “BLURRICANE”

RECIPE BY Joshua Colson

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Captain Morgan • .5 oz. Lemon Juice • .5 oz. Blue Caraçao • .5 oz. 151 Rum • Torched Lemon Peel • Pinch Cinnamon • Fruit Punch Ice Cubes • Fire

DIRECTIONS

Pour fruit punch in ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, place cubes in glass. Pour Captain Morgan, lemon juice, Blue Caraçao and rum over ice.

Garnish with torched lemon peel and cinnamon.

Ignite your drink and sip away after flames have subsided.

endy Borrow calls Monroe home. For the last 17 years, what started as a side job in college has morphed into a passion for people and crafting cocktails. Wendy loves making new friends and drinks at the bar. It’s never felt like a job. After living all over the country, Wendy moved to Monroe four years ago and started working at Miro’s when it opened in early 2019. She’s a people person, bubbly, energetic, and optimistic. She makes her patrons feel comfortable by molding herself to the establishment’s guests. Being able to read people is essential to connection, and while exchanges at the bar can be brief, Wendy indulges the guests who want to stay awhile. Miro’s riverfront location is ideal for kicking back with friends or making new ones, and Wendy relishes highlighting that experience for Miro’s guests. She shares stories and learns about her patron’s lives. She believes in building connections across the bar top. Personality is key to successful bartending, and while the people may change, Wendy’s attitude stays the same. She loves Monroe and the people she has gotten to know here. The city has welcomed her with open arms.

Determined to make Monroe her city, Wendy visited local bars and restaurants to discover what Monroe likes to drink. She created Miro’s cocktail menu after noticing the town’s affinity for mules, frozen drinks, and fruity concoctions. She has an eye for detail and thrives on making people smile. Miro’s cocktail menu features the Miro’s Mary, the bar’s take on the Bloody Mary; four variations of mules; a Spicy Margarita; and the Velvet Hammer made with Tito’s vodka and fruit flavors, just to name a few. Wendy is most proud of Miro’s version of the Old Fashioned 46, where she replaces traditional simple syrup with praline liqueur. She knows what Monrovians like, and the cocktail menu explores new options based on those preferences. The relaxed, yet sophisticated Miro’s menu, parallels the vibe in the establishment, and Miro’s thrives on its diversity. Someone in a full-length dress is often found at the bar next to someone in dust-covered work boots, and everyone feels happy and relaxed in the welcoming space.

Wendy’s brief time in northeast Louisiana hasn’t gone unnoticed. She serves on the Downtown Monroe board, Krewe of Janus, the Rivermarket, and was nominated for The BayouBuzz Award for best bartender. Wendy was also voted Top 5 Best of the Delta for bartenders last year. She believes in diving into her community, and knowing a passion for people and positivity only enriches the community. She strives to become everyone’s best friend when they visit Miro’s, and her popularity is a toast to a job well done.

Wendy’s signature cocktail, the Old Fashioned 46 is listed on the opposite page.

OLD FASHION 46

RECIPE BY Wendy Borrow

INGREDIENTS

• 2.5 oz. Maker’s Mark 46 • 1 oz. pecan praline liqueur • Fresh muddled orange slice • 3 dashes, Angostura bitters • 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry • Ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

Mix together the pecan liqueur, bitters and muddled orange slices into a rocks glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Add the Maker’s Mark 46, and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The ULTRA Lifestyle

Michelob Ultra Infusions: Pomegranate and Agave

MICHELOB ULTRA INFUSIONS POMEGRANATE AND Agave, will join Michelob Ultra Family in distribution this month. The Pomegranate & Agave flavor will join a fastgrowing brand franchise that includes Michelob Ultra Light, Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold. The Michelob Ultra Family of brands are the top-performing brand families in the beer industry.

Michelob Ultra Infusions Pomegranate & Agave is the future of flavored beer. A crisp, refreshing light lager infused with real exotic fruit. At just 95 calories and 4.0% ABV, Infusions is perfectly balanced, with no artificial sweeteners and a clean finish. This unique flavored beer is brewed to be a superior choice for those who live an active, balanced lifestyle. The product will be released in 6 pack bottles and 12 pack cans. The beers in the Infusions line each have 95 calories and 4 percent alcohol-by-volume.

Michelob Ultra™ appeals to a wide audience of beer drinkers that are interested in a superior tasting light beer that also promotes a healthy, active, social lifestyle. In an era when many beer drinkers are looking for the newest, hoppiest or most local brew, it is surprising that a light beer that has been around for nearly 15 years has emerged as one of the fastest growing brands in the business.

The Michelob family has been around a long time, has brought us many great-iconic beers such as, Michelob Lager, Michelob Light and Michelob Amber Bock. In 2002, they introduced Michelob ULTRA and it has actually proven to be the fastest growing brand in the business as Michelob Ultra remains the largest share gainer in the US, now for eight consecutive quarters.

Appealing to active people of all ages, the Michelob ULTRA™ family promotes the “ULTRA™ lifestyle,” Michelob ULTRA supports an active, social lifestyle and is proud to be a sponsor of athletic events across the country, ranging from running and cycling competitions to golf tournaments.

It’s positioning – call it inspirational for the aspirational -- reflects a clear understanding that people today, especially the younger, more affluent people that represent the brand’s target audience, are inspired to live an all-together healthier lifestyle. Not dieting or eating less fattening food, but pursuing healthier choices in all aspects of life.

Since Michelob ULTRA™ was introduced in 2002, its high end American-style has appealed to the masses. People who are interested in a low carb lifestyle finally had an option to choose from when it came to beer. Its subtle fruit and citrus aromas compliment this light-bodied beer’s smooth and refreshing taste. One year after its introduction, Michelob ULTRA™ became the fastest-growing new brand in the industry and was a phenomenal hit among adult fitness enthusiasts, adult consumers living an active lifestyle, and those looking for a greattasting beer with lower carbohydrates and fewer calories.

The original Michelob ULTRA™ has 4.2% alcohol by volume, 95 calories and only 2.6 grams of carbs per serving, making it one of the lowest carb beer choices on the market. But Michelob ULTRA™ isn’t the only choice when it comes to low carb brew. The ULTRA family offers many choices for a wide variety of taste. • Michelob ULTRA™ Amber is a beer that is full in flavor and rich in color with great amber taste and 3.7g of carbs, 114 calories and 5% alcohol by volume. • Michelob ULTRA™ Lime Cactus boasts a refreshing lime taste, perfect for summer days. With 4% alcohol by volume, 95 calories, and only 5.5 grams of carbs per serving it makes a great choice for healthy beer drinkers. • Made with organic grains from the country’s finest fields, Michelob

ULTRA™ Pure Gold is a light lager with a superior, golden taste.

With only 2.5 carbs and 85 calories, Pure Gold is triple filtered and brewed free of artificial colors and flavors.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important – quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts.

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media:

Facebook: Marsala Beverage

Twitter: @marsalabeverage1

Instagram: @marsalabeverage

Want To Win Free Braces?

Caples & Robinson Car Crew Will Make You Smile

CAPLES AND ROBINSON, MONROE’S TRUSTED orthodontic practice, have some big news you don’t want to miss! Doctors Ricky Caples and Chris Robinson are excited to announce their “Make You Smile - Free Braces” giveaway program.

The program is simple and fun… and open to everyone. We are happy to bring this new program to both patients and non - patients. That means anyone can participate for the chance to win monthly giveaways and a grandprize of free braces!

Here’s how you can join in on the fun: • Simply stop by any of our convenient locations to pick up your free car magnet. • Place the magnet featuring our Caples and Robinson logo on your car and wait for it to be seen! (The fun comes to you!)

There are many styles to choose from representing a few local and regional high school sports along with other organizations and fun designs: • Every month, the “Caples and Robinson Car Crew” will head out on a mission to find cars with the CRO magnets proudly displayed on them. • If they spot a magnet on your car, you will receive a winning postcard left on the windshield of your car. • Once you receive the winning ticket, bring it to any of the Caples and Robinson Orthodontic’s Offices to claim your $50 Visa Gift Card or other gift cards to local restaurants and establishments.

Three winners will be chosen a month so be sure to hurry in and get your magnet on display to be one of the lucky three. At the end of the year, all thirty-six winners will be entered into a drawing for FREE BRACES or INVISALIGN! This can be applied to new treatment, to pay off an existing account, or may be gifted to the lucky recipient of your choice. The possibilities are endless so this truly is a game for any and everyone. The magnets will be on display at each office in Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, Bastrop, and Mangham, so stop by and pick yours up today!

OUR LOCATIONS INCLUDE:

• Monroe: 2210 Forsythe Ave, Monroe, LA 71201 • West Monroe: 206 McMillan Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291 • Ruston: 300 W Alabama Ave, Ruston, LA 71270 • Bastrop: 2004 E Madison Ave, Bastrop, LA 71220 • Mangham: 4279 Hwy. 15, Mangham, LA 71259

THIS PROGRAM WILL KICK OFF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Caples and Robinson Orthodontics, along with their brilliant staff and “Caples and Robinson Car Crew” is awaiting your visit today! Pick up your magnet and let them be part of your journey to the best smile of your life. *Contest is open for patients and non-patients of CRO to participate.

Doctors Ricky Caples and Chris Robinson, of Caples and Robinson Orthodontics, are your trusted Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. Together they bring 46 years of collective quality orthodontic treatment and a staff with over 150 years collective experience in the best of patient care. Offering many services such as: • Early Orthodontic Intervention • Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment • Adult Orthodontic Treatment • Invisalign • Damon Braces • CLARITY Advanced Braces • Retainers • Other Orthopedic Appliances • Orthognathic Surgery

A NOTE FROM GRATITUDE FROM THE STAFF:

Your comfort, safety, and beautiful smile has always been our top priority. We are proud to offer excellent service that strives to go above and beyond making our team the trusted Orthodontic Office[s] in Northeast Louisiana. We are humbled and honored to have been nominated and named winner of the 2020 Bayou Buzz Award. We know that your smile is the first, and lasting, impression on the world.

THE PLATTER A variety of cheeses and meats, plus grapes, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries with crackers, honey and jams.

BAKE318 Blackberry Pie Bars made with fresh picked blackberries from Mt. Grace.

STANDARD COFFEE CO.

These gluten-free blueberry muffins with lemon streusel are a great morning treat.

BERRYLICIOUS

Looking for inspiration from your garden? These delicious dishes from area restaurants feature berry medleys used in flavorful ways. From handcrafted pastries to summer salads, these berrylicious servings will tingle your taste buds.

M I S S K A Y ’ S SWEETS & EATS

These homemade hand pies are filled with fresh blueberries and baked to perfection.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

A seasonal salad featuring fresh greens and the season’s freshest fruits, cheeses and crunchy toppings. The strawberry salad is perfect paired with the poppy seed dressing.

FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER

The Good Earth Juice & Salad Bar inside Fiesta Nutrition assembled a delicious blend of açaí berries topped with fresh berries, granola, nuts, fruit and nut butter.

CC’S COFFEE HOUSE

This Blueberry Braid is a mouthwatering pastry oozing with delicious, seasonal blueberries.

Customize Any Celebration

The Paper Market Boasts Balloons and More

IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, BIRTHDAYS, PARTIES AND GET togethers have looked a little different. However, The Paper Market has continued to make things pop….literally. “We are excited to expand our balloon selection and offer some unique things,” said Amy Robinson. “For almost a year, I have been researching the idea of the balloon mosaics and trying to figure out how to build the structure. During our quarantine down time, I was finally able to finalize the details and introduce them in the last month.” The balloon mosaics are larger than life numbers, made of a durable board material and filled with balloons that are a variety of sizes. “This is a great way to add a fun detail to a party, or even make someone feel special during this social distancing time with drive by parties,” said Amy. They come in 3 foot and 5 foot options and the cost includes delivery, set up and pick up.

Another item Amy and her staff have added to their options of balloons is yard numbers, a stake covered with latex balloons topped with whatever number you need. These are a great way to mark a house for guests to know where the party is or just a fun way to surprise a birthday boy or girl on their special day.

The Paper Market has quite the selection of balloons, even offering a balloon bar where you can create your own balloon masterpiece. “These days, balloons can be so much more than just a helium balloon with string on it. You can create balloons for gender reveals, photoshoots or even make the balloon a gift in and of itself by filling it with money for the recipient to pop,” explains Amy. You can add confetti to a balloon, as well as collar, ribbons, streamers, tassels and more.

The Paper Market can also personalize balloons with vinyl, so you can add a name, monogram and more. The balloons themselves can be trendy chrome colors of gold, silver, rose gold or copper, giving a shiny and metallic finish. There are also orbs to choose from. They come in multiple colors and resemble a bubble, giving a pop of uniqueness to a bouquet, sculpture or garland. “We have great relationships with our vendors who share with us what is trending,” said Amy. “We are always watching to see what is popular so we can make sure we have that available for our local customers.”

In this new age of drive by parties and open air events, The Paper Market has made sure to grow their selection of freestanding backdrop options. “We have a variety of arches, circles, squares and rectangles that we can decorate with balloons,” said Amy. “These are perfect for photo ops, drive by parties, wedding celebrations. Plus, they can be used indoor or outdoors and can be customized for any occasion with certain colors and design.” Decorating with balloons is always a great idea when utilizing a big open space or an outdoor area because they fill up so much space and add a pop of color and design at the same time. “Right now, balloon design is really organic and we are seeing this in garlands draped across entryways, in arches and in centerpieces,” explains Amy. “You can also use balloons in centerpieces for a fun design element.”

The Paper Market is excited to introduce their new line of mix and match partyware. “For years, we have been known for our wall of tableware including napkins, plates, forks, and more in a variety of colors and this is really an expansion of that,” says Amy. “We will have matching tassels, garland, confetti, balloons and more, which allows a party to be completely custom and creative. Often, people come in with theme colors and this will allow them to find exactly what they want to match the look they are going for.”

When it comes to kid parties, there are still some themes that are very popular. For girls, unicorn, rainbow and mermaids are still very trendy. For boys, it is outer space, superhero and video game themes like Mario and Fort Nite. The Paper Market has matching napkins, plates, wearables, goodie bag items and more to go along with all of these themes.

Smaller celebrations like backyard weddings have become more popular in recent months and The Paper Market has everything you need. From placemats to platters, sterno cans to serving pieces, you can host a successful backyard wedding, reception or party with disposable pieces, making the clean up a breeze.

The Paper Market is conveniently located in the Northgate Shopping Center, in the heart of Monroe. “We are excited as we enter into almost a decade of business,” says Amy. “We have been the store that people depend on for their birthdays, engagements, showers, weddings, graduations and any celebration in between. And we look forward to continuing to celebrate with our community for many years to come!”

Fishing With Kenny

You Got Questions, We Have Answers article by KENNY COVINGTON

Every year I fish between thirty and forty bass tournaments. It’s what I do. I don’t have the patience to hunt and I don’t play golf because I refuse to play a sport my kids would consistently beat me at. So, I fish both competitively and for fun all year.

Fishing tournaments and spending as many days as I can on the water allows me a large learning curve. I research, learn and then try new techniques or the how’s and why’s of my competitors when they were successful on days that I may not have been. Even after all the years I have spent on the water, I still try to learn something every time I go fishing. I believe that is one of the key ingredients to being a good angler.

Fishermen, besides being over analytical, are notoriously curious. We like to ask questions. We speculate, ponder and downright question the goings on underneath the water of the particular lake we may be fishing. The harder it gets to figure out why the fish aren’t biting, the more questions we tend to have, oftentimes without answers. In this month’s “Fishing with Kenny” article I thought I would share with you some of the more common questions I have been ask or have heard over the years and the answers I supplied to those questions. WHAT IS THE BEST COLOR SOFT PLASTIC TO USE IN OUR AREA AND IF YOU COULD ONLY PICK ONE SOFT PLASTIC LURE TO USE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

When it comes to my color choices of soft plastics, I try to keep it simple. While a lot of people try to narrow it down to a choice or two, I always keep these five colors in my boat: watermelon/red, junebug, black neon, green pumpkin and candy bug. These five colors, regardless of the soft plastic you are using will catch fish anywhere, on any body of water in this country.

My choice of soft plastic would be a Zoom Baby Brush Hog. The techniques and ways to fish this little guy are endless. You can Carolina Rig it, flip/pitch it, swim it or use it as a jig or Chatterbait trailer. No matter the technique, it will catch fish. It’s just that good of a lure. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE TO BE THE BEST ALL ROUND CHOICE FOR A FISHING LINE THAT CAN BE USED FOR THE MOST APPLICATIONS?

Without a doubt, when it comes to cost, production and all-round fishing usage, the best line ever made is the green 15 lb. test Berkley Trilene Big Game monofilament line. It’s not even close and there is no sense arguing about it. This line was originally designed for deep sea fishing but it caught on with bass anglers quite quickly. Topwater, crankbait, worm fishing, spinnerbait, this line can do it all. Is it 100% fool proof? No, but nothing ever is. When it comes to picking a good fishing line to use for just about any technique or lure choice, there is none better.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT FISHING IN BAD WEATHER AND DO CERTAIN LURES AND COLORS WORK BEST WHEN IT RAINS?

I have fished in just about every weather condition you can think of. Snow showers in April? Yes. Tropical Storm warning? Yes. Tornado warning? Yes. The coldest day I fished was 20 degrees. The hottest day I fished was a temperature of 105 with a heat index of 115. I have fished in it all. No matter what the conditions are, however, you have to keep a good mental outlook while on the water. I have always believed the tougher the event, the easier it is to win. If you can keep your mental focus, a lot of times this will help you figure things out while others struggle.

I enjoy fishing in the rain but I will not, under any circumstances, fish with lightning in the area. A fish is not worth losing your life over! However, if I am able to fish while it is raining, I have noticed a couple of things that might help you on your next rainy-day trip. One, use bone or black colored topwater lures. A buzzbait or Whopper Plopper are also great choices. Two, if the fish will not come up and strike a topwater lure, which is often the case when fishing after a strong thunderstorm, pitching/flipping a dark colored soft plastic or jig will get you bites. HOW DO YOU APPROACH FISHING A NEW LAKE AND/ OR HOW DO YOU FISH A LAKE YOU KNOW EXTREMELY WELL?

When fishing a lake for the first time, look for things you are comfortable fishing. Is there a rocky shoreline? What about boat docks? Are there are cypress trees? Anything you can find that you have fished before is where you want to start trying to piece together the puzzle. Regardless of the lake, always fish shallow water and look for the dirtiest water you can find. Clear water lakes are a whole different story and require different techniques and mindsets to fish them so always look to try and establish something shallow.

When it comes to fishing a lake you know extremely well, try to think outside of the box. Instead of fishing past history, try to look at it as if it were a new lake. Explore areas that weren’t good in the past to see if maybe something has changed about them to attract fish. Or try a technique that you think the fish haven’t seen much. Anything you can do to keep from having preconceived notions before you get on the water will make things a lot easier.

WHAT IS A LURE YOU WISH YOU HAD TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO THAT IS POPULAR NOW?

This one is probably the easiest one to answer: a Senko and a Chatterbait. The Senko is arguably the best soft plastic ever created and the Chatterbait is just an excellent fish catcher regardless of the time of year and it catches big fish. Both are a staple in any serious bass fishermen’s tacklebox and you should always have one or both of them on a rod ready to go.

Well it looks like we have run out of space and time for another month. I hope we were able to share some information with you to help you catch more fish your next time out on the water. It is the dog days of summer so take extra sun related precautions, drink plenty of water, and please be courteous to other boaters while enjoying our local waterways. Oh yeah, and be sure to catch one for me!

See you next month!

Your Hometown University

Home is Where the Hawk Is

FROM ITS INCEPTION, THE University of Louisiana Monroe was established with one goal: to serve the educational needs and desires of the people of Northeast Louisiana. ULM has served the region with academic opportunities for almost 90 years and is positioned to continue a strong tradition of excellence far into the future.

Now is not the time to postpone your education. ULM Online provides an opportunity to pursue your educational goals 100% online. ULM also has announced instructional methods and enhanced safety measures to ensure our students can continue their academic journey on-campus.

ULM Online

Prepare to compete and succeed in an ever-changing global society through a transformative education with our highquality, 100% online programs. ULM offers over 35-degree programs 100% online, with student resources and a caring faculty community to provide support while earning your degree. Designed with you in mind, our accelerated online degree programs are respected, affordable, and accessible – so you can achieve your career goals while working fulltime. ULM Online is ranked the No.1 in “Best Online Colleges in Louisiana” for 2020 by Value Colleges.

Fall 2020 On-Campus Course Delivery Methods

Where possible, some small classes will continue to be taught in a face-to-face format as long as social distancing can be maintained to ensure the health and safety of students and faculty. Some large classes will be transitioned to an online delivery format. Due to social distancing requirements and to maintain classroom occupancy rates at 50 percent, ULM is transitioning many courses for the Fall 2020 semester to a HyFlex model. The HyFlex model is a mix of students attending classes face-toface or via Zoom on assigned days. For example, for a Tuesday/Thursday class, on Tuesday, half of the students will attend in-person, and half will attend remotely on Zoom. On Thursday, the students will switch; those in-person on Tuesday will participate via Zoom, and those who were on Zoom will attend in-person. Safety Measures. To keep the ULM campus safe, the following measures have been taken: • Face coverings are required on campus for faculty, staff, and students. • Seating in classrooms will be marked to ensure social distancing is practiced for faceto-face instruction. • Disposable disinfectant wipes will be available in classrooms for students to disinfect their areas at the conclusion of class. • Plexiglass shielding is placed in high-traffic areas. • Hand sanitizer dispensers are in place in various locations on campus. Use hand sanitizer when handwashing with soap and water is not readily available. • Floor markers are placed in waiting areas of office spaces to ensure social distancing.

Whether at the beginning of your university journey, seeking an advanced degree or returning to complete your degree, you will thrive in one of ULM’s 90 degree and certificate programs. ULM invites anyone interested in learning to join us where The Best is on the Bayou!

Choose with Confidence

St. Francis Emergency Department

OUR EMERGENCY ROOM IS available 24/7 to take care of you and your family. We are working non-stop to ensure the safety of our patients and team members by minimizing the risk of contracting COVID-19.

The following are the measures we are taking in our ER: • Our team is following all recommendations from federal and local authorities, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Everyone, including our doctors and team members, undergo a daily health assessment when entering our buildings including a check for fever. • You will see all of our staff wearing masks while caring for all patients. • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) identified as N95 or procedural masks, gowns and gloves are worn while caring

for any patient suspected of COVID-19. • All our doctors and team members perform frequent handwashing. • We perform diligent room disinfecting throughout the day including reception areas, nurses’ stations, and other common areas. • Exam rooms are thoroughly disinfected between each patient.

WHEN VISITING OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

• Before coming to the emergency department, if possible, remove jewelry and other valuables. • On arrival, park in a lot reserved for the emergency department. • On entry to the building, a nurse or a technician will perform a brief screening for symptoms of COVID-19 including taking your temperature. A mask will be placed on all patients. Depending on whether you exhibit symptoms, you will be registered first, or you will be guided directly to the triage screening area.

Based on the needs of each patient, and patients with symptoms of COVID-19, you will be sent to a designated waiting room for registration and to await triage. • We are now allowingER patients to have one visitor accompany them during their stay. We ask that visitors not leave the patient’s room while visiting in the

ER. Once a visitor has left the ER, they will not be allowed back in. • Once in an exam room, patients may be asked to put on a hospital gown.

Some patients may be connected to equipment that will monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, heart rate and heart rhythm. A provider will take a history of symptoms and perform a physical exam as necessary. Blood work, x-rays, and other tests may be ordered.