CELEBRATING LITTLE THEATRE

Beginning in the 1920s when a small group of Twin City residents formed a drama club in order to read Shakespeare, the Strauss became the main cultural outlet for the area in and around Monroe. At the time of their official incorporation, the group took the name, The Little Theatre of Monroe, Inc., set their dues at $1.00 a year per family and in July of that same year put on their very first show, The Whole Town’s Talking. The group spent the next few years performing on whatever local stage was available. They put on performances at the Grand Street Theatre, Central Grammar School, Georgia Tucker, Neville, Ouachita Parish Junior College, and Crosley Elementary. They even put on a special courtroom drama in the parish courthouse itself.

During the Second World War, the Little Theatre of Monroe gained some national attention when American actress Shelley Winters graced its stage for two performances at the start of her career. Her husband at the time, Captain Mack Paul Mayer, attended Selman Fields Air Force Navigation School and she practiced her art with the company during their time in the Monroe area. Shelley Winters would go on to win two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy. After the war ended, Selman Air Force Navigation School was closed and the City of Monroe rented The Red Cross Recreation Building on it’s campus to the Theatre, giving the group their first home stage.

In 1958 Mr. Clifford Strauss, upon seeing “The Pajama Game,” one of the Theatre’s first ever musical productions, offered a matching donation of $50,000 through the Carolyn Rose Strauss Foundation in order to build a new home theatre for the group. And so construction began on 1300 Lamy Lane, the current home of the Strauss Little Theatre, who changed their name in honor of the donation while remembering their beginnings. In 1961 construction was completed and the theatre group has been performing on their very own stage ever since. Over the years, the Strauss continued to grow and expand, collecting members, patrons, and donors. One notable player in this expansion was Executive Director, Chris Ringham, who joined the group in 1967. Chris spent the next 35 years improving and expanding the theatre into what it is today.

These days the Strauss puts on five major shows a season as well as several dinner theatres and special events throughout the year. Most productions are directed by local talent. In fact, that is one of the many ways the Strauss’s presence for the past 90 years has impacted the community of the Twin Cities. Community Theatre provides opportunities for young

and developing talent to gain confidence in their abilities and learn skills they might not get to otherwise. Strauss has had a parade of established and talented leadership come through its doors and help train the young actors and actresses of the area. From set designers right out of Hollywood to directors and professional choreographers from NYU, the Strauss is the premier option for young performers looking to develop their skills and hone their craft. Beginning with Shelley Winters in the early years, Strauss has maintained a tradition of fostering and sending out young talent into the entertainment world with the skills they need to succeed. In more recent memory, some of COMMUNITY THEATRE these names include Chase Coleman, who went on to act on-screen in HBO’s Boardwalk “Being a part of the theatre community has Empire and the CW’s The Originals. Another undoubtedly changed my life for the better. Some of my very best friends are people I’ve met in the theatre. Also, it’s such an impactful medium of storytelling, and I feel Strauss alum who’s succeeded on the national stage is Sarah Jane Nelson who made her Broadway debut in The Green Bird, so lucky to have a space for it here in North directed by Julie Taymor and went on to Louisiana.” ~ Aubri Skinner star in Swing!, a musical conceived by Paul Kelley. Nelson also is credited for a small role on CMT’s Nashville. Off the stage, Strauss contributor Joey Joseph worked as a musical director on Broadway for the shows Beetlejuice (2019) and Pippin (2013). The Strauss stage has also showcased three Miss Louisianas over the years, including Linnea Allen, local celeb and news anchor for KTBS in Shreveport. But the Strauss is not just a place for the up and coming, it is first and foremost a community theatre. Bob Chambless, President of the Board of Directors, emphasized the fact that there is a place and role for everyone at Strauss, no matter your age, physical ability, or area of expertise. “We need them,” He says,“We can’t exist without them!” Whether your interests lie in acting, costume design, lighting, sound, back crew, set design, or simply volunteering the night of, it takes a community to put on these shows. Anywhere from 50-100 volunteers are needed for each production. It takes every one of those volunteers and every small part they play to make it possible for the show to succeed. At the end of the three to five months that everyone has been working together, they report unanimously that there is an incredible sense of accomplishment when it all comes together, not to mention the friendships, connections, and memories they have made along the way. Strauss community member Aubri Skinner says, “Being a part of the theatre community has undoubtedly changed my life for the better. Some of my very best friends are people I’ve met in the theatre. Also, it’s such an impactful medium of storytelling, and I feel so lucky to have a space for it here in North Louisiana.” And storytelling is what it’s all about. Strauss doesn’t just put on plays and musicals, they tell the story of humanity, of what it’s like to exist in particular moments of time and how no matter what circumstances or difficulties we may face, our shared experience unites us. In a time where there is so much to mourn, Strauss is offering us something to celebrate. “There is nothing like live theatre,” Mr. Chambless remarks, “Every

images courtesy of the Strauss | Michelle Tripp

photo courtesy of the Strauss

performance is different because there is a kind of conversation that happens between the audience and the actors. Every night something different happens on stage, that’s the beauty of it.” One of their top priorities is to add value to the people of Twin Cities’ lives through developing and maintaining a culture of performing art. They seek to connect people to one another through our shared human experiences and to help all those who pass through their doors grow in their own personhood.

On August 17th the Strauss held a Grand Re-Opening and ribbon cutting to celebrate and recognize this special occasion. The Strauss would like to invite all of the surrounding area to come out and see some family oriented live theatre this year during their 90th season. The Theatre is dedicated to maintaining a clean and safe environment for its patrons as they abide by all CDC recommendations and state mandates. The first show of the season, Disaster!, is a light-hearted musical comedy centered around the music of the 1970s, including hits like “Hot Stuff”, “Knock on Wood”, and “I Will Survive.” The production will be showing the weekends of September 16th - 19th and 23rd - 25th. It’s sure to be a fun time for all generations, but especially those with fond memories of the seventies.

The other shows Strauss has planned for this season include: The Man Who Came to Dinner showing November 4th - 7th, 12th, and 13th, Nunsense showing January 13th -16th and 20th - 22nd, The Odd Couple showing March 17th - 20th, 25th, and 26th, and Company showing April 21st - 24th and 28th - 30th. Tickets will be available for purchase to non-members at the box office four weeks prior to the show dates or at the door starting after opening night. For premier access to tickets, opening night showings, and other benefits you can support Strauss Theatre Center by becoming a member online at strausstc.com/membership, in-person at the box office located at 1300 Lamy Lane, Monroe, between the hours of 10am and 4pm Monday through Friday, or over the phone by calling 318-323-6681 during the box offices hours. With 4 membership levels, there is something for everyone, from local businesses looking to advertise in playbills to casual theatre goers who just want tickets to a few of the main stage shows. For details about pricing, auditions, volunteering, and sponsorship please see the website, strausstc.com. Be sure to follow the Strauss Little theatre of Monroe on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @strausstheatre as well as the blog, which can be accessed through the website, for updates, announcements, and to learn more about special events this season!

WHAT STARTED AS AN ONLINE BOUTIQUE operating out of a single bedroom in Lindsey Mullican’s home five years ago has quickly evolved to become a downtown staple in the small town of Winnsboro, Louisiana.

The journey to boutique ownership was not a straight line and came after years of pursuing a career as a registered nurse, working in the emergency department and surgery. After leaving healthcare following the births of her sons, Lindsey felt she was meant for something bigger and in October of 2020 she took a leap of faith and opened the doors to Southern Glam Boutique.

As a Louisiana native and self proclaimed country girl at heart, the decision to combine her love for fashion into a quaint little space in the heart of downtown Winnsboro was a no-brainer.

When stepping into the boutique, you are immediately greeted with a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by Lindsey’s bubbly personality. Aiming to provide shoppers with a one of a kind shopping experience, the shop is bursting with hand-selected pieces to take you from the office, to date night, then straight into the weekend.

When describing her fashion philosophy, Lindsey says, “fashion to me is so much more than just clothes - it’s a means of expression, it’s empowering, it allows you to say who you are without even speaking.” With denim from brands like KanCan, accessories from Taylor Shaye Designs, and a top notch selection of tops, you are sure to make a statement in any piece from Southern Glam Boutique.

Combining her love for fashion and people, Lindsey hopes to create genuine connections with her clients, and her ultimate goal is for her shoppers to leave feeling confident, beautiful, and empowered to take the world by storm!

Offering customers unique and standout pieces is a passion of Lindsey’s, so much that Southern Glam has expanded and now offers shoppers an online experience. With the help of her husband, Southern Glam Boutique launched online and since doing so, little touches of Southern Glam have been making their way all over the country. Speaking of touches of Southern Glam, be sure to check out one of our favorite fall looks featured in this month’s fashion issue.

Lindsey is essentially a one-woman shop, from buyer to model to stylist, she does it all, and through it all she is incredibly grateful to her family and the town of Winnsboro for their continued support of her dream. The revitalization of the downtown area has been significant and Southern Glam is thrilled to be part of it.

To shop Southern Glam be sure to stop in on your next stroll along Prairie Street in downtown Winnsboro. Can’t make the drive? Take a peek at our website and let us ship your new favorites right to your door. New fall styles are added daily!

Southern Glam Boutique is located at 617 Prairie Street in downtown Winnsboro. You can also shop online at www. shopsouthernglam.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram @shopsouthernglamboutique.

ULM VOLLEYBALL IS A FAST-PACED, DEMANDING SPORT that requires year-round training and conditioning. Volleyball student-athletes maintain a high muscle mass-to-fat ratio and work hard to achieve a balance between strength, speed, endurance and skill. Andi Holyfield RD, LDN developed a nutrition strategy for Chloe, ULM volleyball athlete, that maximized volleyball training and performance. Her plan included establishing a balanced and consistent 6-week core eating plan, hydration plan, grocery list, menus, recipes, travel tips, and guidance on the right choices in the ULM café. Andi designed a diet plan to increase Chloe’s muscle and decrease her body fat.

“Between training, school, travel and competition, it’s hard to stay consistent with good nutrition throughout the season. During the competitive season, all the training and eating out start to take a toll that impacts my fitness, athletic, and academic performance. I asked Andi if she could create a nutrition strategy that works well at home and on the road,” says Chloe. Chloe started the Eat to Lose plan April 16th, 2021 and finished her plan 34 pounds less body fat weight, 13 pounds weight gain of muscle, and raised her basal metabolic rate from 1455 kcal up to 1652 kcal. Most women athletes desire a 15-28 percent body fat range for elite performance; Chole’s body fat dropped from 34.8% down to 16.5%! “My favorite part of the 42 day plan was eating often since I have hypoglycemic spells,” says Chloe. Chloe has won most all her tournaments now that she is 28 pounds lighter and 13 pounds stronger. Her visceral fat dropped from level 12 down to level 4; visceral fat can only be decreased by changing your diet. If the VF is above level 10 research suggest it may put one at risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

1. Spread your calorie intake during the day. Pre-fuel and do not skip meals. 2. Calculate your carbohydrate requirements to form the foundation of your eating plan. 3. Include a variety of foods and food groups in each meal. 4. Hydrate throughout the day. Consume fluids frequently during training session, with the goal of 4-6 ounces every 15-20 minutes. 5. COMPETITION- collegiate volleyball competitions are primarily, although not exclusively, held during afternoon or evening hours.

Tournament play is the exception. 6. Andi can plan out the best pregame meal and pre-event meal for any athlete. Not comfortable during the COVID pandemic? Andi coached many elite clients during the quarantine remotely. 7. During competition fueling and post-competition recovery is vital;

Andi teaches how to plan to travel with the most nutrient dense foods and fluids.

Coach Charlie Olson, ULM’s volleyball coach, agrees with allowing a Sports Dietitian like Andi Holyfield to coach an athlete on diet and nutrition skills if the athlete desires a body composition change. Losing weight and under fueling does not result in sustainable improvements in performance. Approaches to changing body composition must be individualized and monitored by a registered dietitian. Andi Holyfield develops nutrition strategies for athletes to maximize performance. Let Andi establish your athlete’s balanced and consistent core eating plan that promotes a positive team culture towards nutrition.

LUNCHES ARE PACKED, NEW CLOTHES HAVE BEEN bought and backpacks are waiting by the front door, but is your smile ready for the school year?

Routine dental cleanings and checkups are essential at every stage in life. However, cleanings and routine exams are vital in children when it comes to preparing for future dental goals in life. More than one-half of all children ages 5-9 years of age have at least one cavity or filling. Being seen by a dentist regularly can help get a child on track for orthodontics, keep plaque and build up at a low, and decrease cavity risk. Finding these issues early can help them be resolved when cost and damage is minimal.

Sealants: Sealants are a preventative form of dentistry. The grooves of teeth are filled with a plastic material. Having these grooves sealed prevents bacteria from accumulating and causing cavities.

Fluoride: Fluoride topical is done here in the office after each dental cleaning. Fluoride reduces sensitivity and the risk of decay in adults and children, as well as repairs decay in the early stages. It can also be ingested through tablets or fluoridated water. Our local water does not contain fluoride, so fluoride treatments are a great option!

Brushing and Flossing: The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn down. A worn-down toothbrush cannot adequately clean the teeth and ensure proper plaque removal. Children around the age of 7 years old can begin to brush their own teeth, but usually require supervision until the age of 10-12. Flossing can be a little more difficult and is usually best if done by parents until the age of 10. Brushing 2x a day, especially before bed can help prevent plaque and tartar build up as well as dental caries. Brushing and flossing before bedtime is more important.

Dr. Jan T. Bagwell and Dr. Jessica Johnston are the only motherdaughter dental duo in Northeast Louisiana. Their practice is located off 165 North in Monroe, right next to Sterlington High School. They offer regular hygiene checkups as well as general dentistry such as dentures, partials, extraction, and root canals. Cosmetic dentistry is also offered that includes whitening trays, veneers, porcelain crowns, and implant restorations to improve the appearance of your smile. Dr. Jan T. Bagwell and Dr. Jessica J. Johnston always work with compassion to make their patients feel as relaxed as possible and strive to give the best dental care. Make your appointment today and let us help you put your best smile forward!

FALL IS ON ITS WAY AND THAT CAN ONLY MEAN one thing... The Monroe Munchkin Market Fall 2021 Event is just around the corner! From September 28th through October 2nd, the Fall/Winter event will once again be held at Pine Grove Church Gym, located at 4300 Loop Road in Monroe. There will be new and gently used children’s clothing (girl’s: newborn to junior; boys: newborn to 18), toys, books, DVDs, baby equipment, furniture and gear, shoes and much more.

Monroe Munchkin Market is a small business started by longtime friends and moms, India Gregg and Amie Smith, both of Monroe. “We are moms and know the expense of trying to keep your children clothed. At Munchkin Market, you can buy your child’s whole season wardrobe…a one-stop-shop! We help a huge number of families in our community clothe their kids for less and also donate after the sale to help out even more families!,” says India.

The sale is open to the public Tuesday, September 28th, from 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 29th, from 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30th, from 12:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 1st, from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00p.m. Shopping days Thursday - Saturday, everything marked in RED will be ½ price. There is no charge to shop during the public sale! Don’t want to wait? An Early Bird Presale is available for eager patrons from 10:00 a.m.- 3:00p.m. on Monday, September 27th for $10. Are you a new mom or mom-to-be? Or a grandparent? Simply register online at www.monroemunchkinmarket.com and you can shop at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 27th.

Ever wanted to consign? There are so many perks to consigning with Munchkin Market… now is your chance! With 400+ consignors, our consignors make on average $300-$350. Also, you will make more at Munchkin Market than selling at the local children’s resale store! And last but not least, if you consign and volunteer, you get to shop FIRST! What are you waiting for? Sign up to consign NOW at www. monroemunchkinmarket.com.

You don’t want to miss out on this event. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get in on their awesome contests and much more.

Once you experience the Monroe Munchkin Market, you will keep it on your calendar for years to come. For more information about the sale visit www.monroemunchkinmarket.com, Follow Monroe Munchkin Market on Facebook and Instagram or send an email to info@monroemunchkinmarket.com.

EXPERIENCING HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS AND A general drop in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone production with age can have major consequences for your sexual health and wellness. These menopausal occurrences are also responsible for the inconvenient or downright irritating symptoms you experience as your body stops its menstrual cycle for good. Hormone replacement therapy offers a way to replenish the hormones within your body so they can better regulate certain processes. As a result, you’ll experience fewer menopausal symptoms and relief from any resulting sexual dysfunction or pain. Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy can lower your risk for bone density issues that can come as a result of a drop in hormones during menopause. The team at Louisiana Center for Women’s Health tailors your treatment to suit your needs, and uses the lowest dosage of hormones possible to achieve results safely. bone fractures or bone density loss, vaginal dryness, vaginal itching, painful sex, insomnia, weight gain, mood changes or early menopause or an estrogen deficiency.

You might still get periods as you approach menopause, but they don’t come as regularly or consistently as before. You’ll know you’ve reached menopause when you stop getting menstrual periods altogether.

Louisiana Center for Women’s Health works with you to decide on the best way to take your hormones. If the team has decided that taking hormones will benefit your health and wellness, they may recommend low-dose hormonal vaginal products. Low-dose products like vaginal estrogen creams or tablets can improve some vaginal or vulvar symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness or painful sex.

Hormone replacement therapy has the potential to ease many of the symptoms and complications that arise as you approach menopause. The symptoms are so diverse that you might not even link many of them to menopause at first. The Louisiana Center for Women’s Health team might recommend hormone replacement therapy if you have moderate-tosevere symptoms of menopause like: hot flashes, night sweats, frequent

Systemic hormone therapy is available in several of its own forms, like skin patches, pills, or implanted pellets placed under your skin. These contain higher doses of estrogen than low-dose products and are absorbed throughout the body instead of just in the vaginal tissues.

If you’re interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy or finding out if it can relieve your symptoms, call Louisiana Center for Women’s Health for a consultation or book online today.

THOSE SPARKLING LITTLE TREASURES article and illustration by LOU DAVENPORT

Since this month’s issue of BayouLife is the style issue, I chose to write my column about a very stylish little bird, the hummingbird. They have been called “the acrobats of the air” and the “celebrities of the bird world.” And, they are fierce little birds, too! I’ve always been fascinated by birds and I turned into an avid bird watcher when I lived in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was on a “fly way,” that is, migrating birds heading south flew right through there. And, I lived on a lake, so, they would often stop around my house to rest for a while on their long journeys. I’d write down the day I’d see certain birds in a Petersen Field Guide I’d bought.

I also figured out many of the birds I saw arrived on the same day year after year such as prothonotory warblers, summer tanagers,

Baltimore orioles, Orchard orioles, Great

Crested Flycatchers and cuckoos! Yes, I did see a “yellow billed cuckoo” once!

I was lucky enough to see an Orchard oriole build a nest in an oak tree on the side of my house. Their nests are like hanging baskets! The babies that hatched were yellow and luckily, the babies made it.

Those were just the birds that migrated through there. The ones that stayed year round were cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, titmouse, mockingbirds, Great Blue Herons, green herons and Kingfishers.

I’m sure there were hummingbirds around but I didn’t have a feeder or any red or orange flowers that they might have used to get food!

Since I live in Monroe now, I don’t get to see those birds anymore, but, I’ve come to be fascinated by hummingbirds. For the past two years, they too, have arrived in late February and left around the first of September. They are so much fun to watch buzzing around my feeder. But, what I didn’t know was how really amazing these tiny birds were!

Here’s just a few of the interesting facts I’ve learned: • They are the smallest warm blooded animal in the world. • Hummingbirds weigh less than a nickel. • Hummingbirds can only perch. They do not have the ability to hop or walk around like other birds. They also use their wings to fly differently than other birds. Their wings flap in a straight line, while other birds bend their wings to give them lift. Hummingbirds hover, other birds can’t. And the beating of their wings sound like they are buzzing. They are constant motion with their wings buzzing at about 80 beats per second.

They have to constantly find nectar from flowers or feeders to keep their metabolism high because they fly all the time to find their food. They start feeding in the morning and stop around dusk. They must eat at least every 15 minutes. They consume five times their body weight every day. Their metabolism keeps their blood sugar so high, it would most likely kill a human. Some of the sugar is stored in their liver where it is converted to fat. They also need protein and get that from catching small bugs “in air.” They have been called “mini flycatchers!”

When they do stop at dusk, they find a cool, safe place and get still. Their bodies go into a sort of hibernation called “torpor.” When they are in “torpor,” they cannot move so it puts them at danger of nocturnal predators. At sunrise, it takes about 30 minutes for them to warm and then, off they go on their mission to find nectar and that goes on most of the day, just perching long enough for a short rest.

The flowers and hummingbirds have a symbiotic relationship in that hummingbirds help pollinate the flowers they feed from. Pollen sticks to their faces and when they move to the next flower, the pollen rubs off. Even more amazing is the hummingbirds know exactly which flowers to go to and exactly how long it takes those flowers to refill with nectar.

Hummingbirds do seem to be attracted to the color red, orange, pink, even purple. They have a keen sense of where flowers with the nectar or food they need are and often return to the same gardens or feeders every year. I had three hummingbirds last year and three again this year, so I think that is true. What intelligence from a tiny bird that’s brain is the size of a kernel of rice!

These tiny birds do not even stop flying when it rains or if the winds are high. They will perch on tree limbs and bath and groom themselves but not for long. Their need for “sweetness” goes on even when they do stop for a few moments.

Around here, we only have “Ruby Throated Hummingbirds.” The males have a ruby red patch under its bill and on the sides

of its body is a bright emerald green. Their feathers actually sparkle and look iridescent. Their tales are notched. The females aren’t nearly as flamboyant, but, are dull green with a few white spots. Their tales aren’t notched.

Their beaks and tongues have evolved for good reason. They insert their long beaks into the flowers, and then use their sticky tongues to extract the sweet flower nectar. And they are pollinators, getting pollen on their faces and then passing it along to the next flower. Plants and hummingbirds have a good relationship helping one another the way they do!

Their hearts can beat about 400 beats per minute but can rise to 1200 beats at times. At that rate, they need a lot of oxygen!

Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward and also rotate on the spot and even fly upside down. Pretty amazing!

During mating season, which happens around here, the males put on a “show” to impress the females. If the female mates, she builds a tiny nest that’s protected and lays the tiny eggs. Then, she sits on the eggs without leaving for food until the eggs hatch. The males do not help in any way. When the female finally does get to leave the nest, she is weak but still has to find nectar to get her strength back and feed her young. It’s a delicate balance, but, somehow nature takes care of the females. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird has never been on the endangered species list.

The very first hummingbirds were first in South America in the Andes Mountains. The first one discovered was thought to be very large and had dull markings. Plants evolved in the cool mountains and so the hummingbirds had to as well. Those hummingbirds that live there now, have very different beaks that are used to get nectar from different flowers. There’s one called a “Woodstar” that has a booked beak. It only drinks the nectar from a tropical plant called, Heliconia. Another hummingbird that lives in the same area has large “angel trumpet” plants. The flowers are very long and tubular so the bird has an extremely long beak and tongue to reach into the plant to extract the nectar.

There’s many ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard or even your patio. They really like red, tubular shaped vines like the “trumpet honey suckle.” Or any other kinds of flowers that are red or orange, even pink, especially Bee Balm. You can also provide feeders and fill with sugar water. A DIY easy recipe is use one part sugar to three parts warm water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Some people boil theirs, but, that’s not really necessary. With our hot summers, it’s necessary to change the nectar about every two days or if it looks cloudy. Clean your feeders well with vinegar and water to stop any mildew that might begin to grow. If there’s a lot of “gunk” you can add some rice with the vinegar to act as an abrasive. Rinse at least three times, pour in the fresh homemade nectar and hang. Some people say to hang the feeders in the shade, but my hummingbirds don’t seem to mind either way.

Our little ruby throated hummingbirds will be leaving us before you know it. They load up on as much nectar as they can and many fly off for the Gulf Coast. There, especially in Rockport, Texas, there might be up to 10,000 hummingbirds show up to feed once more before they begin their migration of 2500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America. Rockport residents have a yearly festival just to make sure the little hummingbirds have enough to eat before they leave.

At some point, the hummingbirds start to gather at the edge of the Gulf and prepare to leave at night. Off they go and that has to be an incredible sight! Scientists still don’t know exactly how they travel so far without stopping. Doppler radar has been used but after so many miles, the birds get out of range.

So, make sure to enjoy your hummingbirds while you still can. They’ll be gone soon and will not return until late February or March. I’m sure going to miss mine!

There’s a legend that says if a hummingbird flies up to your face, it’s sending you positive energy, something we could all use right now.

The annual Back to the League event was held on August 10th at the Junior League House of Monroe. The event serves as the kick-off to the 2021-2022 year of women building better communities. Active members and incoming provisionals were in attendance of the “Come one, come all” carnival themed event that included music by Josh Love & food provided by Fieldhouse. Carnival games were played throughout the night, including a few competitions amongst members. The Traveling Chic Boutique and local Scentsy representative were also in attendance allowing members to shop with a cause as a portion of the proceeds were donated back to the league. The Junior League of Monroe looks forward to their 91st year of serving women & children in the community.

This event did have Covid-19 safety protocols in place and social distancing was encouraged. Masks were required but could be removed for photographs.

1 Jessica Hale and Lauren Hassell 2 Temeika Cooks, Patience Talley, Mary Francis Siggers, Ashley Johnson and Dee Charleston 3 Jordan Raborn, Ashley Johnson and Jennifer Fox 4 Mary Francis Siggers and Lauren Voorhees 5 Toya Hubbard, Emily Moore, Ashley Johnson, Jordan Raborn and Gina White 6 Courtney Phillips

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ANEW SCHOOL YEAR BRINGS NEW BEGINNINGS AND fresh faces and that is exactly what you will find at Neville Junior High. The school is located in the heart of Monroe and serves 7th grade and 8th grade students. This year, they are excited to introduce their new Principal, Mrs. Ashley Ellis. Mrs. Ellis has been an educator for 19 years and has worked on all levels of education from elementary, middle high school, district and state levels. For the past four years, she has served as the Assistant Principal of Neville High School. The majority of her teaching career was with the Ouachita Parish School System at Riser Middle School as an eighth-grade language arts teacher. “Junior High is truly my favorite grade level to work with,” said Mrs. Ellis. “I am happy to have come full circle back to such a wonderful season in my teaching career.” Mrs. Ellis follows in the footsteps of Dana Mullins, who was at Neville Junior High for 20 years and is honored to to carry on the tradition of excellence the school has become known for. As she embarks on this new journey, Mrs. Ellis is honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such hardworking students, an extremely dedicated staff and a supportive school community. The school is also led by Assistant Principals Coach Carter and Mr. Pierce, who have been at the school for decades.

Mrs. Ellis believes the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of students. “I believe that students are at the center of all school-related decisions, and that is no different at Neville Junior High,” said Mrs. Ellis. She is looking forward to working with students and parents alike and encourages all parents to get involved as much as possible. “Junior high is a tough season for some students, and now more than ever, they need to know that they have a support system,” said Mrs. Ellis. When asked about her vision for Neville Junior High, Mrs. Ellis says it is really quite simple. “We want to provide a place where kids want to come to school every day, where they feel safe and welcome,” she said. “We want to create an environment where they want to be, showing them that school is enjoyable and an impactful place for their future.”

Her dedication and devotion to education make work a huge part of Mrs. Ellis’ life. She has been married to her husband, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, for two decades and their children attend Monroe City Schools. Friday, III, is 15 and a freshman at Neville, Asher is 12 and attends Sallie Humble and Aurie Grace is 8 and is at Lexington Elementary. Mrs. Ellis was elected to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to represent the 5th District. The Board is the administrative body for all Louisiana public elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, Mrs. Ellis serves on the planning committee for the Center for Children and Families as well as the Board of Directors for The Wellspring. The Ellis family also has a heart for fostering, fostering to adopt and are adoption advocates.

Being involved in the community and serving is at the heart of the Ellis family and this new journey will be no different. “As I look back over the past eleven years as an educational leader, I see how every career choice has led me to this moment,” said Mrs. Ellis. “Becoming the principal at Neville Junior High has combined all of my passions… my work, my family and my community. I feel fortunate to be here and I look forward to not only this year, but years to come!”

BY B. JONES

ISAT DOWN WITH MADISON GUERRIERO, THE OWNER of The Nude Nomad, to discuss her five year business anniversary and what it is like to be a successful young entrepreneur. At the age of 24, Madison opened a women’s clothing, shoe, and accessories boutique in the heart of downtown West Monroe inspired by her travels across the world. Flash forward five years, and The Nude Nomad is one of the premiere boutiques in Northeast Louisiana.

Nomad? Back when I was living in Los Angeles, I distinctly remember feeling unfulfilled with my job and where I was in life. I prayed for God to reveal my greater purpose and guide me in my career. I unexpectedly awoke in the middle of the night and wrote down the words ‘The Nude Nomad’ and immediately fell back asleep. The next morning when I saw those words, I knew I needed to trust in God’s plan. I moved back to my hometown in Louisiana and followed my purpose to help build strength and confidence in women through fashion. I’ve always believed confidence is the most beautiful thing a woman can wear and that when you love who you are and embrace what makes you unique, you can conquer the world.

What sets you apart from other boutiques? It was really important for me to cater to all ages, not just teens. Having such a large age demographic makes buying for the store a lot harder, but it is worth it. Growing up, I always cherished spending quality time with my mom shopping, but we had trouble finding boutiques that catered to both ages. The Nude Nomad is a one-stop-shop created specifically with mom, daughter, and grandmother in mind. Whether it’s a gorgeous blouse, comfortable pair of shoes, or a one-of-a-kind handmade necklace, The Nude Nomad has something special for everyone.

Nothing in life is predictable. You have to be resilient. Who would have imagined we’d be facing a life-changing pandemic that essentially shut the state and world down this past year? I am fortunate to have had a family that encouraged me to not give up and a loyal customer base that supported me every step of the way. Without them, The Nude Nomad would not be what it is today. Not only did we have recordhigh Black Friday sales last year, but we also grew our online store and are now celebrating five years in business!

Join @TheNudeNomad’s fashion adventures on Facebook and Instagram, shop online at www.thenudenomad.com, or shop in store at 222 Trenton St. in West Monroe, LA.

AS WE MATURE IN LIFE, SO DO our surroundings. Our dwellings become a safe haven of refuge. We gather and collect objects passed down from ancestors, tchotchkes acquired from trips and impulsive bars of those things that caught our eye and delighted us. As time goes by we manifest an array of oddities, art, and trinkets that collectively represent our personalities. Sometimes minimalists will claim this to be clutter and parallel it to that trusty junk drawer most of us have in our kitchen or laundry rooms. They will not understand that these treasures are simply a roadmap of our journey in life. They tell a story. They possess a history. They capture a moment in time. They cause us to reflect. They bring us joy. They allow us not forget. Many of these finds have more sentimental value than monetary worth. That is not always the case. Antiques in particular increase in value. Many people do not know how to differentiate between one and a collectible. An antique must be at least 100 years old. Moving a year ago to downtown, I packed my many treasures to further establish my roots where it all began for my family more than 150 years ago in historic downtown Monroe. As forefathers, Robert and Fredrick Endom established themselves as business leaders downtown as well as the 1st judge and mayor of Monroe post civil war, it’s clearly in my DNA to carry on the a century and a half later. In the past few months I have unboxed some of these treasures. Most are more sentimental than valuable, but they hold a special place in my heart. As my style has advanced both in life and design, some of these objects deserve to be enjoyed by someone else’s life journey. At Revival, my main desire is to offer a unique retail experience transitioning those very special treasures of our consignees and ease into the homes and wives of others. As we evolve day by day at Revival, we hope to manifest in to the most bizarre and exciting shopping experience in the south. We want to break down barriers of blight in our downtown area and continue to add to its economic growth and social development. Over the next year, me and my staff look forward to continually bringing amazing finds, unique events and impactful developments to our community. As we continue to readjust and readapt to a new variance of life, we look forward to offering you an amazing experience filled with both the past and the present. As we advance into another season and fall begins, we have many stylish new lines of furniture, gifts and accessories that we are adding to our showroom. We also have new artists and artisans joining our 10,000 Sq ft space. If you are looking to advance your style check out our showroom. Also take advantage of me and my design team to transform your home or office with our design services. Revival is located at 300 Walnut in Historic Downtown Monroe. Our hours are TuesdaySaturday 11am-5pm. We can be reached at 318-381-8191.

Thank you for supporting our local business. - Clinton Downing