18 minute read

LOUNGE MAKEOVER

There's nothing I love more than a makeover – I could watch HGTV all day long. So when the opportunity presented to makeover a local teacher's lounge in this month's issue, Taylor Bennett and I jumped on it. As the daughter of a retired educator, I understand the personal and financial sacrifices that teachers make to provide their classrooms and students with the best opportunities.

We reached out to local schools to submit their wish list for a teacher's lounge makeover. The thought was to provide teachers with a place to unwind during lunch, or take a quick break. We also wanted to create a beautiful space to gather to celebrate achievements and milestones among the staff. We approached Progressive Bank to help partner with this makeover, and they graciously obliged.

Most of the furnishings that were in the space were donated to the school and just needed to be updated. This was the application that Garrah Rankin, Curriculum Coordinator at Good Hope Middle School, sent: "I have had the pleasure of calling Good Hope Middle School home the last 17 ears. The 2022-23 school year is extra special for us as we will be celebrating our 20th year of serving the families in our community. It is also unique for us in that we will have seven new members join our staff family in the wake of a tumultuous three years. I have been working to refresh our school throughout the summer so that this beginning to our 21st year would be just as promising as our first. With very little funds to work with, the gift of a lounge makeover would be such a blessing to us. The Good Hope family has a long standing tradition of cultivating meaningful relationships among staff and the families of our students. I see this lounge as a place for our staff to bond, make memories, and collaborate. It is the heart of our school home, and I believe that it should be as warm and vibrant as those who have the pleasure or working and learning at Good Hope. I would love to see more up to date, comfortable seating. A large table would be nice. We love to share meals and lots of laughs together! We could also use a new refrigerator. Our current refrigerator has no handle, and it can prove quite tricky to open. It, like many other pieces in our lounge, may actually be original to the school. So, before we begin this year of recalling our school's rich history, reuniting with former Colonels, and forming lasting friendships with current members of our staff and student body, nothing would be more meaningful than honoring this school we call home by having you help us "feather our nest" and bring it into the next 20 years! Thank you so much for considering us.

Local businesses donated artwork, accessories and furniture to help create a cohesive look for the teacher's lounge

BEFORE THE MAKEOVER

Minimalist black and white artwork donated by Material Things. Beautiful wood table donated by Walsworth & Company

PRESENTED BY:

Taylor Bennett chose an accent wall in Hale Navy and a neutral color, White Dove, to use on the remaining walls. Painter Leo Gonzalez transformed the space with donated Benjamin Moore paints from Harrison Paint Co. A coffee station was created with a beautiful wood table donated from Walsworth & Co and black and white floral artwork from Material Things. In the sitting area, a large sectional from Ivan Smith Furniture pairs with a custom art piece from Lissy Compton. A private donor supplied the refrigerator, while Palette House and Plume offered hand soap and an abstract art piece from Margaret Moses. Progressive Bank and BayouLife Magazine partnered to provide florals from Fine Folks, rugs, an extended table and chairs, pillows, a coffee table and numerous accessories to complete the space.

Tech Partnership

Helps ‘Narrow Gap’ for Blind Students

LOUISIANA TECH AND THE NATIONAL FEDERATION of the Blind (NFB) have partnered in a new innovative program that will train 13 Maryland teachers to better instruct, inspire, and support blind students. The “Narrowing the Gap for Blind and Low-Vision Students in Maryland Teacher Preparation” program will allow the teachers full funding to attend Tech’s Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness that trains teachers of blind students. “The Institute on Blindness is proud to be partnering with the NFB to provide graduate education to teachers in Maryland,” Dr. Eddie Bell, Director of Tech’s Institute, said. “The reputation of Louisiana Tech for excellence in preparing teachers of blind students is known nationwide, and this partnership is a testament to our commitment to increasing the qualifications of teachers across the country.” “Our Institute under Dr. Bell’s direction continues to provide innovative and meaningful services to our community, state, and nation,” Dr. Don Schillinger, Dean of Tech’s College of education, said. “The College of Education is very proud of the research and instruction conducted by Dr. Bell and his outstanding team.” Founded in 1996 with the help of an experimental/innovative grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Tech’s Institute prepares highly-qualified professionals to educate and rehabilitate individuals who are blind or visually impaired, conducts research that broadens and deepens an understanding about blindness, and practices the best methods for increasing independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Through the partnership, the hope is that the program will both enhance the education of blind students and serve as a template for programs nationwide. The program is funded in partnership with the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services. Founded in 1940, the NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more.

Bowl and Bling

To Support The Wellspring

MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND THE WELLSPRING BOWL & Bling presented by Trinity Diamonds Direct Friday, August 19th from 7-10 p.m. at Bayou Bowl. Bowl & Bling is a fun night out where it is not your skill that counts – it’s YOU! Come join the fun as we throw strikes, spares, and more than a few gutterballs to raise money for one of northeast Louisiana’s oldest and most effective non-profits! Enjoy unlimited bowling in the black lights while listening to a variety of great music by DJ TBayB. You will enjoy delicious food from Trapp’s and drinks from Marsala Beverage! Each team can have up to six people on it. $100 per person includes bowling, food, drinks and shoe rental. You can register as a team or individually at wellspringofnela.org/bowlandbling or by calling (318) 323-1505. $50 tickets are available for non-bowlers who just want to enjoy the food and fun. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, so contact The Wellspring for more information. We will hold drawings for some exciting prizes including a duck hunt, Lake Bruin trip and beach vacation. For more information about our raffle prizes, visit wellspringofnela.org/bowlandbling. All proceeds benefit The Wellspring. Since 1931, The Wellspring has served as a community leader in bringing people and partners together to address some of the greatest challenges of our time: violence, homelessness, sexual assault, poverty, mental illness and children facing adversity. The Wellspring also serves as our region’s only accredited Sexual Assault Center, and the lead agency in the Family Justice Center of Ouachita Parish. Come join the FUN and partner with The Wellspring to change our community, one life at a time! Thank you to our Sponsors!

The Perfect Game:

• Trinity Diamond Direct

Lucky Strike:

• SERVPRO of Monroe/West Monroe, 318 Construction, and 318 Heat & Air

Spare:

• Ashley & Dom Pere’ • Entergy • Jim Taylor Auto-Group • Origin Bank • Vanguard Realty

Split:

• Copeland Electric • Estates by RC • Mutual of America • Paramount Healthcare • St. Francis Medical Center

As a 501(3)(c) charitable not for profit corporation, your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Let’s talk with Jeffrey Pearson, MD

A Great Year… A Look Back at his First Year in Practice

FOLLOWING HIS ORTHOPEDIC RESIDENCY AT THE University of Alabama in Birmingham and his total joint fellowship at the Southern Joint Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Jeffrey Pearson returned home to Shreveport, Louisiana to begin his practice at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana in August 2021. We recently sat down with Dr. Pearson to ask him about his first year in practice and here is what he had to say:

OSL: So, what a difference a year makes? Tell me about some of the highlights for you this past year?

JP: In clinic, it is having the opportunity to establish my own practice and figure out what works and where I would like to see my practice grow and prosper. Working with my partners has given me great insight towards establishing a successful practice, while also allowing me to do things on my own to create a practice that is built on what I have learned in medical school, residency, fellowship and from my family and peers. Personally, this year has been amazing. My wife, Laura, and I welcomed our third son, moved back home to the Ark-La-Tex and bought a new house.

OSL: You specialize in total joint replacement- knee, hip and shoulder- would you say in your first year that total joint has been the mainstay of your practice?

JP- Fortunately, most of my practice this past year has been helping patients that are suffering from knee and hip pain. I have also seen quite a few shoulders and of course treated fractures/ trauma. In your first year of practice, you really see everything… it’s a great opportunity to meet new patients and pull from all areas of your specialty.

OSL: What has been the best thing about working at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana?

JP- The people- from my partners, the scheduling team, the business office- really everyone has made this first chapter in my practice great. We are really blessed to have such a great team at OSL. I have a great medical assistant, Jodie, and we have both learned so much about working in a clinic setting and building a strong practice.

OSL: Many of your partners sport black scrubs to clinic, but you have distinctively chosen to wear a white coat and tie in clinic… why is this important to you?

JP: During my residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, I worked with a lot of the doctors from the esteemed Andrews Institute. All these doctors wore a blue blazer to work… the blue blazer is somewhat iconic to the Andrews Institute doctors. I guess I saw them wearing that blazer as a sign of respect towards their patients and their teams. For me, I like wearing a white coat and tie because it’s my way of letting my patients and our team know that I tried and that I respect them. It’s a personal choice that is tied into what I know and admire. My dad was in pharmaceutical sales, and I think early on I watched him make the effort to be professional and approachable. He dressed for work, he greeted everyone and learned their names… I think it made an invaluable impression on me and how I interact with my colleagues, co-workers, friends, and patients.

OSL: What have been some of the challenges you have faced in your first year of practice?

JP: Beginning a private practice at the tail end of a pandemic has been challenging. For so many folks, going to the doctor is something they put off if they can and with additional precautions added due to Covid, taking the time, and making the effort to come to a doctor may seem even more difficult. It’s important that my patients know that I value their time, and if I had to look for the silver lining of starting a practice amid a pandemic, it’s that I value my patients’ efforts and time even more.

OSL: Where would you like to see your practice go in the next year?

JP: As I grow my patient base, it’s important to me that I continue to be easily accessible to my patients. I want my patients to be able to see and talk with me. If a patient calls with a question or concern and I am in the operating room or in the middle of clinic, I want them to know I will call them back. If a new patient comes into clinic to see me, they will see me, and I will take the time to listen and hopefully help them feel better. I want my patients to know I’m with them for the duration and will always be available to them and consider it a privilege to care for them.

Jeffrey Pearson, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement-hip, knee, and shoulder. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pearson, please call Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana: (866)759-9679 or visit: orthopedicspecialistsla.com or jeffreypearsonmd.com

Helpers and Healers

Apply to Work with The CFCF

THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (CFCF) IS seeking family therapists in our northeast Louisiana location. The positions are available in several of our evidenced-based programs including Functional Family Therapy (FFT,) Functional Family Therapy - Child Welfare (FFT-CW,) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST.) Each of these programs provide evidenced-based counseling services for youth and their families. Our mission is to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. The Center for Children and Families has developed and implemented innovative treatment programs that specifically target fractured family relationships.

Our agency is highly respected throughout the community for our excellent standard of service to both providers and clients. At the Center, we are guided by the principles of servant leadership, where the driving force of our actions is not status or power, but serving others as we pursue a common mission. Therapeutic Services has a reputation for terrific outcomes, not just because of the people that choose to work with us, but also because of the support we receive from the community.

When a family feels like giving up, we seek to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to keep going. When a positive outcome feels impossible, we are able to find a way. We meet families where they are, reminding them that they are not alone.

Likewise, when discouragement comes knocking at the door, we remind ourselves of the countless families who are now thriving because our staff and clinicians have invested in them. When you join The Center for Children and Families, you belong to something bigger. You are a part of a family.

At the Center, we believe that personal growth is just as valuable as the job that we have been hired to do. Through our Huddle series, we explore how we relate to each other and those around us. By developing community through shared meals or taking time out to play, we find that being a part of this agency is more like being a part of a family. Our Core Values of Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Excellence are the guiding principles of our organization. We believe that these values are the very foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices.

Candidates for these positions must hold a Master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Psychology. Preference is given to candidates who are fully licensed as an LPC or LMFT or provisionally licensed as a PLPC or PLMFT in Louisiana. These are full-time independent contractor positions.

We are looking for someone with more than just the perfect resume. We are looking for individuals with a passion to serve children and families in our communities. Someone who doesn’t want to do this life-changing work alone. Someone who is ready for the opportunity to develop not only as a clinician, but also as a person.

If you’re a qualified applicant who wants to be the hope for families in Northeast Louisiana, learn how to submit your resume at https://www.standforhope.org/career-opportunities.html.

Calendar of Events

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

August 4

Downtown Gallery Crawl It's time to Crawl! Come and celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (513) 857-1292

August 5

Beaux Atkins Live at Trapp's Trapp's is proud to present live music from Beaux Atkins! Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Venue: Trapp's, 113 S Riverfront St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 272-5990

August 5-7

Big Creek Trade Days Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday of the month with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday & Saturday 9AM – 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 4PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304

August 6

The Dixie Center for the Arts presents: Sweet Cecilia This Grammy-nominated band is a family trio from Cecilia, LA whose music is deeply rooted in country, rock, folk, and Cajun influences. Hours: 7:00 PM - Until Cost: Adult $30, Students/Youth $15 Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 N Vienna St, Ruston Phone: (318) 255-1450

August 6, 13, 20, 27

Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM Cost: Free to attend Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305

August 11

Downtown Rundown Join Fleet Feet at the Flying Tiger Brewery every 2nd Thursday of the month for a free 5k Fun Run / Walk! Hours: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery, 506 N 2nd St, Monroe Phone: (318) 855-3146

August 12

Wine and WOD Join Spearpoint Fitness for a workout followed by drinks and vendors. Hours: 6:00 PM - Until Cost: Suggested Donation $20 Venue: Spearpoint Fitness 2399 Ferrand St, Monroe Phone: (318) 515-0253

August 13

Children's Funday The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens invites you and your kiddos to Children's Funday of 2022! This session's theme is Rock Picture Holder! Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

Love, Peace, & Rock-n-Roll Concert River Cities’ Charities proudly present the first annual Love, Peace, & Rock-n-Roll Dance Concert at the West Monroe Convention Center. Vince Vance & The Valiants will be performing! Proceeds to benefit Pilots for Patients and the Twin Cities Krewe of Janus. Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Cost: $40 per person Venue: West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave, West Monroe Phone: (318) 323-0230 Battle of the Badges Battle of the Badges is back on August 14 at the Monroe Civic Center! Watch as local police officers and firefighters battle it out in an amateur boxing show! Hours: 6:00 PM-uNTIL Cost: Ticket prices vary. Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2225

August 17

Summer Film Series: Bayou Maharajah Gearing up for their fifth year, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council has selected a collection of top-notch shorts and feature films for this year’s series. Hours: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Cost: Free Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery, 506 N 2nd St, Monroe Phone: (318) 397-6717

August 19 - 20

LO Sister Conference Calling all sisters and friends: Don't miss out on a 2-day conference full of some of your favorite speakers & leaders! SESSION 1: Friday, 7PM-10PM SESSION 2: Saturday, 10AM - 12PM SESSION 3: Saturday, 2PM - 4PM SESSION 4: Saturday, 7PM - 10PM Cost: $99.99 – $199 Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe

August 20

Super Saturday The Children’s Coalition opens the gates to the Origin Bank Family Garden every third Saturday of the month to host Super Saturday, . Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Venue: Origin Bank Family Garden, 127 Hall St, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8775

2nd Annual Barak Shriner Car & Truck Show Don't miss out on the 2nd Annual Barak Shriners Car, Truck and Bike Show in West Monroe! Come hangout and support the Shriners! Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Glenwood Regional Medical Mall, 102 Thomas Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 245-4542

August 27

Prop Blast: A Wine Pairing Join Pilots for Patients on August 27th for a wonderful night of hors d'oeuvres and wine pairing, along with a live and silent auction! It will be a night of great food, great fun, and great people, all while helping a great cause! Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $150 Venue: Vantage State Building Rooftop Garden, 122 St John St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 322-5112

Bayou Black Open Rodeo Catch all the rodeo action with bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Enjoy a full day of events with a parade and tailgating before the rodeo begins. Hours: 7:30 PM - Until Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (903) 753-3165

August 30

Ouachita Live Tribute Concert Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live! With great local food trucks and great music, it's sure to be a great time! Hours: 6:00 PM - Until Cost: Free Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe

This article is from: