BayouLife Magazine January 2015

FRESH

FASHION SEASONAL

Health& Beauty

MAKEUP HEALTHY

LIVING +

BOB ALLEN FRANK HAMRICK BRIAN BATEMAN

BL contents

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JANUARY 2015

22 / FISHING WITH KENNY Why I Fish Shallow When the Water is Cold 26 / P. ALLEN SMITH From the Pot to the Plot 32 / BAYOU PAGES Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace 38 / BAYOU DESIARD COTILLION 16 Local Girls Set to Debut 46 / SEASONAL MAKEUP From Winter to Fall, BayouLife Has the Trends for 2015

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50 / BAYOU KIDZ Pay it Forward with Cindy Foust 52 / BAYOU ZEN An Incredible Garden Nestled in North Monroe 54 / BAYOU ICON BayouLife Recounts the Martial Arts Adventure of Bob Allen 68 / BRIAN BATEMAN Monroe Native Hosts A Hole-In-One Radio Show 72 / BAYOU ARTIST The Eternal Imagery of Frank Hamrick 84 / PUT ON YOUR WALKING SHOES Being Physically Fit Helped Save Dr. Lisa Colvin’s Life

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90 / ASK ERIN Starting Your New Year Right 96 / BAYOU EATS The Legend Arrives in Monroe, Doe’s Eat Place 102 / DESIGN IN THE DELTA The Home of Terri and Elee Trichell

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BayouLife

HE NEW YEAR IS HERE, AND

I am sure that everyone is already well on their way to accomplishing their New Year’s resolutions.

I loved reading Melissa Sanderlin’s article on page 10 about setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. Then I read Erin Love’s column on page 90 and thought to myself - I can be that person. Most of my thoughts revolve around being more organized. I say this as my desk looks like a tornado passed over it, and my house has laundry piled on the dining room table. I will do better in 2015. I will put up clothes when they come out of the dryer, I will grocery shop on Sundays and actually cook the food I buy, I will run a 1/2 marathon this year and I will be a better person. I don’t know about the first three, but I can guarantee that I can be a betperson, a better mom, wife, daughter, friend and boss. That’s my top goal.

To give you a little inspiration on your diet and exercise goals, April S. Kelley interviewed Dr. Lisa Colvin on page 84. Dr. Colvin battled a life-threatening super virus this year and credits her recovery to being physically fit.

I love makeup, but I’m not always sure what to do with it or how to enhance my features. On pages 46-48, our expert makeup artist, Meka Bennett, takes you through each season and gives tips along the way. Thank you to our beautiful model Kristen Reppond and the lovely ladies at M.D. Minerals for letting us use your amazing products.

We had a great time shooting this month’s fashion shoot. Our “dream team” models: Ellie Jackson, Karlee Malone, Emily Prestridge and Rheagan Sutton looked

amazing in outfits from area boutiques.

Thank you to Meka and Michaelangelo for hair and makeup, Mrs. Patricia for letting us shoot in your space and my right hand man, Martin G Meyers for taking such gorgeous photographs.

My girls were all over town this last month. We attending Up on the Rooftop, Twin City Ballet’s Festival of Trees, Art With a Downtown View, Dowtown Gallery Crawl, Richland Parish Art Council’s Men Who Cook, Monroe Chamber’s Gala and even fit in one of the Vantage series talks on gluten-free living. It’s through your generosity and support that these non-profit groups get the funding they need and are able to provide essential services. So, please, keep going to these events and giving to those who are less fortunate.

We are happy to announce that we’ve added two new team members to our BayouLife staff. Ashley Yeldell and Ellie Jackson will be joining our BL family! We are so excited to work with these smart and gorgeous gals! And a huge thank you to Meredith McKinnie for copy editing this month. I’m more grateful than you will ever know.

With all my love and thanks, we truly hope that you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Please like us on Facebook at BayouLife Magazine and visit our webpage at www.bayoulifemag.com.

~ Cassie Livingston

Fresh Fashion, page 108

2107 Honor Street, Suite E Monroe, LA 71201 Phone: 318.855.3185 Fax: 318.855.4645

WW W. B AYO UL I F EM A G . C O M PUBLISHER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com EDITOR Maré Brennan mare@bayoulifemag.com STAFF WRITER Michael DeVault michael@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Moffett melanie@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Toni Navarro toni@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Scarlett Holland scarlett@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Ashley Yeldell ashley@bayoulifemag.com OFFICE MANAGER Ellie Jackson ellie@bayoulifemag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maré Brennan Dan Chason Kenny Covington Dr. David Finley Cindy Gist Foust Linda Holyfield April S. Kelley Erin Love Casey Matthews Dr. Timothy Mickel Dr. Lauren Mickey Mary Napoli Melissa Sanderlin Delia Simpson P. Allen Smith Brenda Tarver Beatrice A. Tatem Judy Wagoner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Martin G Meyers Scarlett Holland ON THE COVER Makeup Through the Seasons, page 46 Cover Photography by Martin G. Meyers Model: Kristen Reppond Hair and Makeup: Meka Bennett

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BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 12,000 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($20) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com.

BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts or other materials. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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Once in a Blue Moon An Artfully Crafted Beer

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

BLUE MOON BREWING COMPANY

Blue Moon Brewing Company believes brewing is truly an art. It’s been that way since head Brewmaster and founder, Keith Villa, first created Blue Moon® Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale back in 1995 in downtown Denver, Colorado.

It all started with Keith’s idea to craft a beer inspired by the flavorful Belgian Wits that he enjoyed while studying brewing in Belgium. He brewed his interpretation using the highest quality ingredients like Valencia orange peel, versus the traditional tart Curaçao orange peel, for a subtle sweetness.

Then he added oats and wheat to create a smooth, creamy finish that is inviting to the palate. As a final touch, he garnished the beer with an orange slice to heighten the citrus aroma and taste.

After earning his Ph.D. in brewing from the University of Brussels in Belgium, an honor only a handful of brewers have achieved, Keith came back stateside with the idea of crafting beers inspired by Belgian styles, but with a twist. His first interpretation turned out to be the most popular beer, Blue Moon Belgian White and the start of the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Since then, Keith has gone on to brew several award-winning beers like our Vintage Blonde Ale and Summer Honey Wheat. Today, Keith continues to have fun experimenting and creating new beers for the brewery he founded in 1995.

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find him restoring classic American cars and bikes in his garage.

John Lenard, the current Brewmaster’s story starts about an hour north of Denver in another Craft-beer-centric town—Fort Collins, Colorado. After winning awards for his homebrews, he knew he wanted to brew for a living. He worked his way up at small breweries, honing his brewing skills, until one day he got the call to join Blue Moon Brewing Company. From the start, John has helped the brewery bring home several medals from beer festivals, as well as create many Blue Moon seasonals and specialty beers. This year, be on the lookout for two new offerings: Blue Moon White IPA and Blue Moon First Peach Ale. For an extra taste of Blue Moon, serve up these treats at your next gathering!

Miniature Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Orange Marmalade Ingredients Blue Moon Belgian White* Orange Marmalade: 4 oranges, medium-sized 2 bottles Blue Moon Belgian White* 4 cloves 1 lemon, zested and juiced 2 cups sugar 1 cup clover honey Grilled Cheese With Orange Marmalade: 2 slices of dark rye bread 2 slices of fontina (or enough to cover the sur-

face of the bread) 1 slice of prosciutto 1 heaping tbsp. orange marmalade 1 tbsp. butter

Directions Blue Moon Belgian White* Orange Marmalade: Thoroughly wash oranges. Slice oranges into 1/8-inch rounds (using a very sharp mandolin makes this very easy). Once sliced, quarter all the rounds and place into a large pot. Add the two bottles of Belgian White*, cloves, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the pot, set it over high heat, and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a good simmer and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently until fruit is very soft.

Once this mixture has been reduced, add the sugar and honey and bring back to a boil, stirring frequently. Let this cook down for about 10–15 minutes, until the color of the mixture has darkened a bit. To test to be sure the marmalade is ready, chill a plate in the freezer; then add a teaspoon of the mixture to the plate. After 30 seconds, move the plate around. The mixture should have a gelatinous consistency and not slide around on the plate.

Once the marmalade is ready, place into sterile glass mason jars, cool, and seal. The recipe makes roughly 24 oz.

For info on local events and more, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/choicebrands and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/choicebrandsinc.

A New Year, A New You? Setting SMART Goals for Yourself Going Into the New Year

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BY MELISSA SANDERLIN, LPC NCC

NEW YEAR IS UPON US. IT seems 2014 has passed in the blink of an eye. But before rushing into 2015 with big plans and a list of goals, first take a moment to reflect on the past year. We so often forget to assess our lives, to take pride in our achievements, appreciate our blessings, and learn lessons from our missteps. We rush into a new year with grand resolutions that are rarely put into action. We are so quick to note all of the things we have not accomplished, that we forget to enjoy what we have. So before you chastise yourself for what you planned and did not do in the past year, give yourself some praise for what you did. Did you graduate? Did you get a new job or promotion? Did you develop a new relationship? Or improve on an existing one? Did you learn to be more patient with others? Positive things happen to us all the time, but we usually ignore them and attend to only the few negatives.

Reflection is a necessity if progress is to be made. We must build upon the positives and learn from the negatives. That being said, how do we make 2014 a productive and satisfying year?

New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals for ourselves - if done

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properly. Unfortunately, we tend to make broad, vague goals. The most common are: get in shape, make more money, and quit smoking. Though they sound like straight-forward goals, they are only wishes that need definition and action.

First, it is helpful to work towards the positive rather than the negative. For example, make a plan to drink 3 glasses of water a day, as opposed to giving up sodas. Both will have the same result, but we are less likely to stick to something that feels like punishment. Phrasing goals in positive terms give us something to look forward to, thus producing more lasting changes.

Second, set SMART goals for yourself: (S) – specific (M) – measurable (A) – action-oriented (R) – realistic (T) – time based Rather than saying “I will exercise more” say, “I will work-out at the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 to 5:30.” Or instead of “I will make more friends” say, “I will attend one social event at school, church, or in the community once a week.” Using SMART

goals helps define exactly what you are working for, makes you more accountable, and helps you manage your time accordingly.

Also, be prepared for setbacks!! We let slip-ups and procrastination hinder our plans. One week off schedule and we throw the entire goal out the window.

But setbacks will happen. It doesn’t mean we have failed, and it doesn’t mean all we have done so far has been for nothing. Expect life to get in the way sometimes. Recognize it as part of the process, and move forward.

It doesn’t need to be January 1st to make plans for change. In fact, that day may put undue pressure on us to have meaningful goals for ourselves that we just haven’t defined yet. So make resolutions for change at any point you feel motivated! And make sure the goals you set are for YOU. No lasting change will happen if you are only changing to please someone else.

If you are struggling with difficult issues, consider speaking with a licensed professional counselor. You can contact Melissa and her staff at 318.323.7575 or info@sanderlincounselingservices.com.

Hearing Loss In The Elderly Hearing Loss - Associated With Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Falling in the Elderly

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HIS NEW YEAR, MAKE IT A GOAL to help a parent or grandparent prevent any of the causes of Alzheimer’s or dementia. One of these causes, unbeknownst to many, may commonly be hearing loss. Recent studies conducted at the University of Washington’s Department of Medicine found that out of 100 patients with Alzheimer’s, 83 patients had hearing loss. Once fit with hearing aids, a third of those patients were classified with a less severe case of dementia.

SO HOW IS HEARING LOSS RELATED TO ALZHEIMER’S? Well, hearing loss actually plays a large role in brain function and stimulating brain activity in processing sounds. The term ‘auditory deprivation’ refers to depriving the brain of stimulation from sounds. For those with untreated hearing losses, the reduced ability to hear every day sounds may lead to reduced sound processing activity by the brain.

As the brain receives fewer sounds, it becomes less active in processing a person’s surrounding and recognizing speech.

HEARING LOSS LINKED TO THREEFOLD RISK OF FALLING Hearing loss has been linked with a variety of medical, social and cognitive skills, including dementia. However, a new study led by a Johns Hopkins researcher suggests that

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hearing loss may also be a risk factor for another huge public health problem: falls.

Dr. Lin, an otologist and epidemiologist, says among the possible explanations for the link is that people who can't hear well might not have good awareness of their overall environment, making tripping and falling more likely.

Another reason hearing loss might increase the risk of falls, Lin adds, is cognitive load, in which the brain is overwhelmed with demands on its limited resources. "Gait and balance are things most people take for granted, but they are actually very cognitively demanding," Lin says. "If hearing loss imposes a cognitive load, there may be fewer cognitive resources to help with maintaining balance and gait.

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

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Our mission is to bring understanding among people through hearing care by focusing on awareness, education, protection and treatment, So the World May Hear!

At Audibel The Hearing Center, we care about your well-being and the lives of the less fortunate around the world. As a proud supporter of The Starkey Hearing Foundation’s “So The World May Hear” program, we are changing lives through the gift of hearing.

Your support through the purchase of Audibel Instruments and your donation and trade in of any model hearing aids goes to the foundation’s programs to provide hearing instruments to children in the most remote and poverty stricken regions of the world.

ABOUT US Audibel The Hearing Center is Northeast Louisiana’s Audibel dispenser. Cherry Phillips “The Hearing Lady” has been serving this area for over 27 years. We offer free hearing screenings, free second opinions, extended warranties and repairs on all makes and brands of hearing aids. You can find out more by visiting our website www.AudibelMonroe.com and you can see more and like us on Facebook.com/AudibelMonroe.

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

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T SOME POINT DURING YOUR life, it is very likely that you will be faced with a medical emergency, such as an injury, life threatening illness, potential heart attack or stroke.

Whether it’s a broken bone, a deep cut that needs stitching, or something more serious, we’re prepared to take care of your medical needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our board-certified emergency room doctors and nurses are always here to handle a medical crisis with timely, high-quality treatment.

We know that all medical emergencies are stressful. Our staff is committed to easing your fears and concerns by providing frequent progress reports about your diagnosis, condition and treatment.

Our state-of-the-art, 16-bed Emergency Department includes: • Only fully accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in Northern Louisiana • Private patient triage area • Comfortable treatment rooms • Bedside registration • Fast-track for minor illnesses and injuries • InQuicker online minor emergency registration service • Advanced patient monitoring equipment • STEMI heart protocols “Seeing patients quickly is vital to providing optimal patient care,” said Ron

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Elder, GRMC CEO. “We are striving to provide a high level of care, while addressing the growing problem of long emergency room waits. At Glenwood Regional Medical Center, your emergency is our emergency.”

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

FULLY ACCREDITED CYCLE IV CHEST PAIN CENTER When you’re having a heart attack, where you go for treatment could be one of the most critical decisions of your life. Cycle

IV accreditation is the highest rating a Chest Pain Care facility can earn. Glenwood earned it by demonstrating expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria. Glenwood is the only fully accredited Cycle IV Chest Pain Center in Northern Louisiana.

ER STEMI PROTOCOLS A STEMI is the most severe type of heart attack, in which a clot blocks the coronary artery and as a result, the heart muscle being supplied by the affected artery starts to die. Rapid percutaneous intervention (PCI), commonly referred to as angioplasty, is crucial to the survivability of a heart attack. Experts say the sooner that a patient is treated to relieve the blockage causing the STEMI, the better the outcome.

The Glenwood ER’s STEMI protocols ensure that patients with chest pain who need advanced care in a cardiac catheterization lab are taken care of as safely and quickly as possible. The STEMI service, along with Glenwood’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and Hybrid OR, is designed to save lives.

For more information about Glenwood’s emergency services, visit www.grmc.com or call 877-726-WELL (9355).

National Catholic Schools Week

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Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School | St. Frederick Catholic High School | Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

EACH ME, LORD,YOUR WAY; that I may walk in your truth, single-hearted and revering your name. I will praise you with all my heart, glorify your name forever, Lord my God.” (Psalm 86:11-12) Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School, St. Frederick Catholic High School, and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School will be celebrating National Catholic Schools Week this year beginning on Sunday, January 25th, and continuing until Saturday, January 31st. On the local level, as well as nationally, Catholic school students will have the opportunity to participate in community service projects, spirit days, games and more to commemorate this annual celebration of Catholic schools. Locally, students from all three schools will participate in a Religion Scholars Bowl that will be held in Shreveport during the week along with an All Catholic Schools Mass which will be held at St. Frederick’s Marsh Memorial Gym. National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Each year, it begins the last Sunday in January and continues all week.

The theme for the 2015 National Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with masses and other activities for students and families. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contribu-

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tions to our church, our communities and our nation.

The theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service”, highlights the fact that faith development, academic excellence and dedication to community service are all integral components of a Catholic school education. With high academic standards grounded in strong moral values and high graduation rates, Catholic schools and their graduates make a significant contribution to our society as a whole as well as our local community.

“Our Catholic schools appreciate the support we receive from the community throughout the year and encourage our students to give back through service projects all year,” said Jesus the Good Shepherd School Principal, Lisa Patrick. “It’s part of our effort to provide a well-rounded, Christ-centered education.”

There are a multitude of reasons to choose to send your children to a Catholic school; however, the National Catholic Educational Association has narrowed it down to the following twelve reasons to choose Catholic schools: • We offer an education that combines the Catholic Faith and teachings with academic excellence.

• We partner with parents in the faith formation of their children.

• We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed.

• We provide a balanced academic curricu-

lum that integrates faith, culture and life.

• We use technology effectively to enhance education.

• We instill in students the value of service to others.

• We teach children respect of self and others.

• We emphasize moral development and self-discipline.

• We prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.

• We have a 99% high school graduation rate on the national level and a 100% graduation rate locally (SFHS).

• We cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring and effective.

• We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.

National Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Jesus the Good Shepherd School and Our Lady of Fatima School serve students in Pre-K 3 through 6th grade while St. Frederick High School serves students in grades seven through twelve. Prospective students and their families as well as community residents are encouraged to visit each individual school to witness first-hand how these schools benefit the northeast Louisiana area. For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact a northeast Louisiana Catholic school today.

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Looking Back While Moving Forward The Spirit of the New Year

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

HOULD AULD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT, AND NEVER brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne! For auld lang syne, my dear. For auld lang syne. We’ll take a cup O’kindness yet, For auld lang syne”. Auld Lang Syne, a Scottish Folk song sung at midnight to celebrate the New Year while saying goodbye to the past, translates as “old long ago” or “days gone bye”. The lyrics, “we’ll take a cup o’kindness yet“, refers to the tradition of raising a glass, in remembrance of “good will, friendship, kind regard and noble acts”. It is frequently sung by people joining in friendship, to pledge whatever changes life brings; old friends will not be forgotten.

It is fair to say Auld Lang Syne is a song about looking back while moving forward. The start and beginning of things are viewed differently by people. Today, New Years Eve is celebrated in various ways, the ball dropping in Times Square, gatherings with family and friends, lifting and toasting with champagne and worshipping at religious services. Some start the year with a bang with fireworks, many with great anticipation, others with a fear of what might come; some sleep through the eve and awake to a new day in a New Year.

There is no one way to celebrate. Regardless of how the New Year is celebrated, it has become a time of reflection. It is a time of looking back while moving forward.

New Year’s Eve has past. How did you “bring” in the new year? What were you doing and with whom? Did you make resolutions? Are the resolutions reflective of your past and relevant to your future? Each year many reflect on the past in preparation for a new year. I have been reminded of the importance of remembering the past and not being stuck in the past. Our past experiences inform and shape our choices and future opportunities. Intuition can be helpful as well as the advice and guidance of others. When making decisions, there are no better guides than past experiences. The past years can inspire us for the new year. When I reflect on 2014, I think what a year, and yet when I think forward to 2015, I think what a 18 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

year. What comes to mind are new beginnings based on past experiences. Perhaps you can relate?

At the turn of the century, I experienced a phenomenal New Year’s Eve. It took place on a cruise ship where I was in the company of three generations of family and friends. The cruise occurred at the end of a particularly meaningful year, a year of promise and a year of good intentions. The cruise was a time of great celebrations and gatherings; a time of reflection, resolution and talk of plans for the future. It was symbolic of my getting back into life, freeing myself from the rigors of years of study, my claiming time for self and gaining independence. It was a time to step back from life to reconsider how to get back into life, a time to look back to move forward.

Memories of the cruise have become symbolic of how I have experienced transitioning from one year to another. Leaving the joy and pleasure of one port enhanced my anticipation for pleasures I would find at the next port. With each port, there was something exciting and good. I looked forward to the next port for what was there to experience. The cruise proved to be a wonderful end to the year and wonderful start to the year ahead.

This year feel endless inspiration, experience change, celebrate the chance to do it right this time. Work toward a happy new you; soak in the power of reflection and the richness of transformation. Be mindful some things need to stay in the past. Set realistic and meaningful resolutions. Align your thoughts and desires with your actions and with your vision. Appreciate new and recognize the “happy” in the new year. Look back at the events that led you to this point… look back while moving forward. Cheers to a new start and a Happy New Year.

For more information on counseling and outreach services contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 1900 North 18 th Street, Suite 414 Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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Balloon Sinuplasty Technological Advancements in Sinus Treatment

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S IT ALLERGIES, A COLD OR SINUSITIS? Your nose is congested, and it’s hard to breathe. Thick mucus irritates the back of your throat. Your face, head and even your teeth hurt from the pressure. You’re losing your sense of smell and taste. You’re incredibly tired and irritable.

You think that it must be yet another cold or allergy attack again this year.

You take allergy or cold medicines to relieve your symptoms, but they don’t help.

Finally, you see your physician.

After listening to your history of symptoms and conducting an exam, the doctor says you have acute sinusitis, which is temporary inflammation of the sinus lining that is cause by a bacterial infection and commonly called a sinus infection. Your doctor may recommend saline nasal spray, antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants and over the counter pain relievers to help the condition.

However, if you experience symptoms for longer than 12 weeks, you could have a chronic sinus infection.

When you have acute or chronic sinusitis, the mucous membranes of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing cold or allergies. Swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents normal mucus drainage, causing mucus and pressure to build up. Symptoms include: drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat; nasal obstruction or congestion; tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, 20 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

nose and forehead; and/or a reduced sense of smell and taste. The impact of chronic sinusitis on a person’s quality of life could include: throbbing facial pain or headaches, congestion, bad breath, irritability, fatigue or nausea.

Patients who do not respond well to medications become candidates for conventional sinus surgery, which is known as functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Conventional surgery is no longer the only option. Balloon Sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis.

With Balloon Sinuplasty, a specially designed catheter is inserted into the nose to reach the inflamed sinus. A small balloon is slowly inflated, which widens and restructures the walls of the sinus passage without cutting and with minimal bleeding, helping to drain mucus from the blocked sinus and restore normal mucus flow. The balloon is then removed, leaving the sinus open.

Balloon Sinuplasty can be safely performed in the physician’s office under a local anesthetic. This procedure can also be performed in the operating room under a general anesthetic, in conjunction with other more invasive procedures such as a nasal septal reconstruction.

Ninety-five percent of patients who have had Balloon Sinuplasty in an office setting say they would have it again.

Many patients, when presented with sinus surgery using traditional methods, decide to delay or forego surgery. Surgery with

the Balloon Sinuplasty devices now provides a minimally invasive option for these patients who want safe and effective, clinically proven relief from their symptoms and the ability to return to their normal activities sooner.

Sinusitis patients require nearly 30 million prescriptions each year. While the medical management of sinusitis is designed to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, some patients become disappointed when their symptoms recur or are persistent.

When patient response to medical management fails, referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist is appropriate. It is estimated that up to 60 percent of chronic sinusitis sufferers do not respond to medications. Some of these patients, but not all, can be made better with procedural intervention such as sinus surgery.

A specialist has more diagnostic tools with which to assess the sinus patient. An endoscopic exam using a sinus telescope is one such tool. Allergy evaluation is often indicated. CT scan of the sinuses will delineate the sinus anatomy and look for occult polyps or growths causing sinus symptoms. When symptoms have been present because of anatomical obstruction to the sinus, drainage procedural intervention can be of benefit.

If you would like additional information about the office performed Balloon Sinuplasty, please call Dr. Lauren J. Mickey’s office at 318322-9882, or visit our website at www.laurenjmickeymd.com.

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FISHING with KENNY

The Water Is Cold and I Fish Shallow

by KEN N Y C OV INGTO N IN ALL MY YEARS OF FISHING, I HAVE

found the month of January to be the most difficult month of all to find and catch bass. There are numerous reasons for this, but probably the most logical reason is weather related. I have fished during the month of January wearing short sleeves one day and then turned around a few days later having to fish with enough clothes on to make an Eskimo proud.

Probably one of the most frequent questions I get is “Where do bass go when the water and the weather gets so cold?” Well my answer on one hand will make perfect sense, but on the other hand, I am going to totally contradict one answer with the other. Both answers have their places, and both can be equally effective.

So where do they go? It is my experience that true winter weather will move bass to deeper areas such as creek channel bends, old road beds or any type of vertical structure that will allow the fish to move easily from shallow 22 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

to deep without having to move great distances. These type places can be difficult to locate, but once found, can produce tremendous catches.

Now for the contradiction; I have also found that a lot of winter time bass can also be caught in even the coldest of water six foot deep or less. 75% of the time in the dead of winter on our local waters, you will find me fishing this way. For years fishing publications gave the fisherperson the idea that the colder the water, the less bass will feed. It was believed that once the water temperatures reached the mid 40’s, bass were practically uncatchable. This is simply not true. I once placed 2nd in a tournament by catching fish in 38 degree water with every fish being caught in a depth less than four foot. If you find them, often times they will bite.

Shallow water fish are in the same mindset of the ones you will fish for at deeper depths, but can be found in more predictable

locations, making them easier to catch. Boat docks, dead lily pad fields, shallow grass flats or rocky banks are all potentially good areas to focus your efforts.

When it comes to my lure choices, I try to keep it fairly simple. My first choice is always a small 3/8 ounce black or black/blue jig with a matching trailer, but the trailer will have very little built-in action to it. When it comes to presentation, subtle is the key. A common mistake I see with young fisherpersons is they tend to overwork their lure giving it too much action. In a cold water scenario, this looks unnatural. A slow lift and drop retrieve is generally all you need, but be aware of what your lure is doing at all times as must strikes on a jig come on the initial fall. This is my favorite technique when fishing boat docks.

My next choice would be a bladed swim jig such as the chatterbait. I have had my best success using black/blue, although green pumpkin can be a good color choice. The key with this lure is to move it slow enough where you can just feel the vibration of the lure as it comes through the water. Pay close attention to what is going on during the retrieve; most of the times the strike will be subtle, which is why I prefer to use fluorocarbon line with this technique. This is my number one choice for fishing grass flats this time of year.

My third lure choice, and to some maybe even a surprise choice, would be a crankbait.

Firetiger, crawfish or shad colors are all good choices with crawfish schemes getting the nod most of the time. Bass that strike a crankbait in cold water are not striking out of hunger; they are striking out of instinct. The retrieve should be slow and deliberate, but it is still a good idea to pause your lure if it hits something. A simple change in direction is sometimes all it takes to trigger a strike. This is a simple, but effective, way to fish rocks or any other rock-related area.

January is such a diverse month when it comes to our weather and our fishing patterns as well. I have found bait placement and lure action to be critical ingredients when it comes to my success rate. Don’t be afraid to experiment and keep an open mind, two things that are key to being successful on the water, and you won’t find them in your tackle box.

Remember to be safe in the woods and on the water; catch one for me and I will see you next month!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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Holidays in CedarTown

Louisiana's favorite chef and favorite mom teamed up for the Silver Anniversary Brunch Nov. 13 during Holidays in CedarTown, a benefit raising money for Cedar Creek School. Nonna and Restaurant Cotton Chef Cory Bahr and Duck Commander's Kay Robertson presented a cooking demonstration and then served a brunch from 10 to noon. That evening, festivities continued with live music, holiday demonstrations and appetizers.

The event ran through Nov. 15, when the Frozen Snow Sisters and Snow Hunk paid a visit to the Frozen Wonderland. Throughout the event, special public shopping days were held, as well.

Cedar Town was sponsored by Community Trust Bank, Louisiana Plastic Industries, Restaurant Cotton, Spring Media, Minute Magazine, Hood Petroleum, Green Clinic, Nonna, Durrett Law Offices, Duck Commander, Kelly Moore Bag, First National Bank, Hodge Bank and Trust, Lenard Services, Lincoln Builders, North Louisiana Medical Center, Petite Paws, Lynda and Doug Steed and Turpin Orthodontics.

Save the date! Next year’s Holidays in CedarTown will be held November 12th-14th.

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1 Samantha Lantrip and Melannie Turpin 2 Fran Ewing and Katie Bonnette 3 Esma Smith and Joy Smith 4 Jana Beck and Heather Shaw 5 Jennifer Connelly and Rachel Atkins 6 Kendal Franklin and Jill Williams 7 Shannan Inman and Caleb Connelly 8 Blair Walpole and Sarah Jeords 9 Claudette Wright and Vicki Caskey 10 Nancy Chipmon and Sharon Schimmel 11 Kay Robertson, Chef Cory Bahr and Chef Cassie Kacvinsky 12 Robyn Brown and Velissa Rollins 13 Amy Keifenheim and Lissy Compton 14 Lana Bullock, Lauren Roebuck 15 Rachel Huber and Rebecca Duke

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P. Allen Smith

Little Rock Urban Farming is located right in the heart of the city.

From the Pot to the Plot Urban Farms Are a Growing Business PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: HORUS LTD. AND RHETT PEEK

grew up in a family that worked hard to grow their own produce. My grandparents, uncles, and aunts farmed. They had a keen ability to grow almost anything. It was an inspiration to a little guy like me to see these things being grown, and it made an indelible mark on me.

It seems that the past few years have seen a sort of resurgence in popularity of enjoying fresh, seasonal produce. Whether it’s growing your own produce in a few pots on the patio, or shopping the local farmers market on the weekend, we want fresh food, we want to know where it comes from, and we want to get to know the people who grow it. Urban farming is quickly becoming part of this movement

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Urban Movement

Simply put, urban farming is growing or producing food in the city or a heavily populated area. Imagine a concrete jungle turned green with lush, fresh produce. This may sound like community gardening, but urban farming is different in that it assumes a form of commerce rather than growing produce for personal consumption. Produce is either sold to local restaurants or directly to consumers through farmers markets, retail stores, or community supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

Those involved in this movement are at the front lines of the food system. They’re increasing access to locally-grown food while educating people about what grows seasonally in their area. Little Rock Urban Farming (LRUF) is just one of a handful of such farms cropping up across the state. Chris Hiryak, executive director of LRUF (LittleRockUrbanFarming.com), sees LRUF as helping the community experi26 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

P. Allen Smith at his farm just outside of Little Rock.

ence fresh food in a new way.

“We want people to think and act differently about their food,” says Hiryak. “We’re trying to reintroduce people to food in a way that, I think, we’ve lost as a culture.”

Hiryak started the farm on G Street behind Fletcher Library in Little Rock following time spent as an apprentice with the Dripping Springs Gardens in northwest Arkansas. He visited similar farms across the country to see what worked and what didn’t. He then brought back those ideas that he could easily replicate in a space in the heart of Little Rock.

LRUF gives Hiryak the opportunity to do what he loves—farm and connect people to local, seasonal foods. He sees urban farming as a way to put people back in touch with the natural environment—it’s a way to feed people in their hearts and souls.

“We’re showing people what’s happening in their own backyards and helping them connect to their surroundings. I also think when people can gather together around good food, it can really open them up for meaningful discussions about what’s going on in their communities.”

Feeding communities

Urban farming can go a long way in addressing the food insecurity issues facing our state. It takes a collaborative effort to feed our communities. Operations like LRUF are not just focused on the commerce side of farming— they’re focused on awareness, education, and empowerment. These groups want to show others what they can do for themselves and their community with some seeds and patience. Hiryak created an apprenticeship program to serve as a catalyst to get similar farms up and growing across the state.

“I think you learn best by doing, so the apprentices learn the skills they need to go out and, hopefully, replicate the LRUF operation in other areas.” The apprenticeship program isn’t just about growing, though. Hiryak believes it’s important for the apprentices to learn the business end of farming as well. Those in the program learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Get Cooking

If all this talk about seasonal produce has your mouth watering, then I encourage you to find a way to support an urban farm in your area—shop at a farmers market promoting local growers; join a CSA, or, shop local stores carrying the produce from area farms. This time of year, shop for cabbage, collards, and turnip greens. Here’s a family-favorite recipe using in-season cabbage:

Cabbage and Apples

Ingredients 2 lb. head red cabbage 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup cider vinegar 2 to 3 tbsp. brown sugar 3 apples, peeled, diced 1 tsp. salt

Instructions Start by coring and cutting the cabbage into thin slices and place it in a large pot. To this add about 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, about 2 to 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bring all of this to a boil over medium heat.

For a little extra flavor, add to the cabbage the peeled and diced apples. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Of course, if you want, add some salt, about a teaspoon is all you'll need or just suit your taste.

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

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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Balloon Sinuplasty™

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A Minimally Invasive Procedure for Treating Chronic Sinusitis

INUSITIS IS ONE OF THE MOST common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year with symptoms like congestion, fatigue, headache and facial pain.

About 12% of Americans under age 45 have symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Here in Louisiana, the number is exceptionally high due to higher pollen counts and yearround humidity.

Living with chronic sinusitis can be a full-time struggle. Sufferers often depend on allergy medications, nasal steroids and over the counter pain relievers for sinus headaches to make it through the day.

Trouble with sleeping and sleep apnea are common problems because of difficulties with breathing through the nose. Recurring sinus infections, often as many as 4 per year, cause missed work and significantly impact the ability to enjoy regular activities.

Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat offers, Balloon Sinuplasty™, a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation and pain outside of the operating room and without general anesthesia. Performed by Brent Metts, MD, PhD, it delivers all the benefits of conventional sinus surgery without the bleeding, pain and prolonged recovery time. Most patients feel immediate relief following the procedure and are able to walk out of the office and work without

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restriction the next day.

Until recently, the only surgical option available to correct chronic sinusitis has been standard endoscopic sinus surgery, where bone and tissue are cut and removed from the nasal passages to open obstructed sinuses and promote drainage.

This more traditional procedure is usually associated with moderate pain, bleeding and a 7-10 day recovery time.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ is designed to open blocked sinuses without removal of tissue or bone from the nasal passages. Dr. Metts passes a small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostril and into the blocked sinus. When the balloon is inflated, it gently reshapes and expands the sinus’ natural drainage pathway to permanently restore normal sinus function. A typical procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Following the procedure, patients experience less facial pain and improved sleep, use less antibiotics, and are able to perform day-to-day activities at home and work.

ABOUT DR. METTS: Dr. Metts provides adult and pediatric patients with a full range of ENT services.

His training began in a M.D, Ph.D. combined training program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed his residency at the Medical

College of Wisconsin and earned a fellowship in Endocrine – Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia. He was also a member of the teaching staff at Children’s Medical Center in Augusta, GA. Dr. Metts is one of the few surgeons in the nation who is fellowship trained in “minimally invasive” and “endoscopic-assisted” thyroid and parathyroid surgeries.

For decades, these were inpatient procedures involving large incisions, extensive tissue trauma and scarring. This procedure is now performed by Dr. Metts on an outpatient basis, with a small incision, much less tissue trauma, less pain, a quicker recovery time and little or no noticeable scarring.

In addition, Dr. Metts has a Ph.D. in Vestibular Neuroscience. Combined with his medical training in ENT, he specializes in the evaluation of patients with dizziness and equilibrium issues. Dr. Metts also provides treatment of sinus and thyroid disease, hearing loss, voice care, sleep apnea and dysphagia.

Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat is located in the Glenwood Medical Mall at 102 Thomas Road, Suite 202, in West Monroe.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metts, call 318-3298458. Office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (M-F). Most insurances are accepted.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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Don’t Be Blind-Sided by Glaucoma Haik Humble Eye Center

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LAUCOMA IS SOMETIMES CALED THE “SILENT THIEF of sight” because it slowly damages the eyes and can cause irreparable harm before there is any vision loss. But this disease is stealthy in more ways than one. It has no warning, no symptoms and, left undetected, glaucoma steals sight. There are treatments to delay vision loss, but no cure, making it a leading cause of blindness all over the world.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can result in vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The optic nerve is a bundle of nerves that carries messages from the eye to the brain.

There are many forms of the disease, but primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form.

What causes glaucoma?

At the front of the eye, there is a small space where clear fluid flows in and out. This clear fluid feeds nearby eye tissues. When the clear fluid flows too slowly, it creates pressure on the optic nerve. This pressure can harm the optic nerve and cause glaucoma and vision loss. The higher the intraocular pressure, the more likely the person is to develop glaucoma and the more likely it is to progress. That’s why controlling pressure inside the eye is important .

Can I develop glaucoma without an increase in eye pressure?

Yes, glaucoma can develop without increased eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is called low-tension glaucoma. It is a type of openangle glaucoma.

Who is most likely to get glaucoma?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people have a higher chance of getting it. People who have a higher chance are: • African Americans over age 40 • Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans • People with a family history of glaucoma 30 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

In its early stages, glaucoma has no symptoms. It causes no pain.

Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. As glaucoma gets worse, you may slowly lose your side vision. If it remains untreated, you may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of your eye. It is like looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains.

How do you know if you have glaucoma?

An eye doctor can tell if you have glaucoma during a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Then a special lens is used to look at the optic nerve for damage. Your eye pressure will be measured. You may also have a visual field test to check for changes in your side vision.

How can glaucoma be treated?

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be treated to keep it from getting worse. Catching it early is key to protecting your vision. Treatments include: medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

What can you do to protect your vision?

The most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years. This is more important if you have a higher chance of having glaucoma. Finding and treating glaucoma early can help keep the disease from getting worse and reduce your risk of vision loss.

Most medical insurance, including Medicare, will help pay for an annual dilated eye exam for some people at high risk for glaucoma. For more information about glaucoma, contact Haik Humble Eye Center at (318) 325-2610.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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Bayou Pages SMALL VICTORIES:

SPOTTING IMPROBABLE MOMENTS OF GRACE

BY ANNIE LAMOTT | REVIEW BY CASEY MATTHEWS

ood writers can make almost anything interesting; great writers can make it meaningful. If you know anything about Annie Lamott, you know that she is a prolific writer, staunch activist, Democrat, and devout Christian. If you know anything about Lamott’s writing, you know that she writes about the simple, everyday tasks and places where we are able to reflect and find God. Her new book, Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace, is a candid collection of essays in which she explores the depths of her own life experiences and details her own struggles of forgiveness.

Lamott opens up about many painful experiences in her life—losing close friends, past addictions, her painful relationship with her parents. She does not gloss over her raw emotions; in fact, Lamott knows that her brutal honesty is, in many ways, her own saving grace. The more honest she is with herself, the more she is able to fully heal, and there are moments in which I find myself so admiring how introspective and revealing she is willing to be with her readers.

Her essays are written with a mixture of Christianity and Zen philosophy. Lamott is quite clear that God’s omniscient presence in her life is how she is able to contend with the loss of loved ones. One of the most poignant essays is where she discusses the tumultuous relationship she had with her mother, which, for her, continued after her mother’s death. She wanted for so long to forgive her mother, to let go of her pain, and through a slow process of prayer and acceptance, she

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finds a release to her feelings. She must let go in order to really let go, which sounds very simple, but as we all know, holding on to our own feelings of resentment and anger feed us more than we are willing to let forgiveness truly heal us. She quotes theologian, Lewis Smedes, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

As spiritual as Lamott is, she also does not shy away from politics and other controversial topics. She delves into the Iraq war, mommy wars, and a mid-life foray into online dating. However, she shares her opinion and beliefs without offense; she mixes humor into her essays, often making herself the object of ridicule, and most importantly, she always returns to using prayer as the center of her existence.

Every reader will find a passage that personally speaks to him or her.

As we begin a new year with new possibilities, we look at our past year as a guide map for our new one. We can choose to follow similar paths, or we can strike out on our own. Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace is an inspirational read that will get you ready to begin your journey.

Casey Posey Matthews graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from University of Louisiana in Monroe and her Master of Arts degree in English from University of New Orleans and is now an English teacher at Beachwood High School in Cleveland, OH.

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1.Lincoln Outdoor Living 2. K-Sera 3. Erin’s Attic 4. Hollis & Co. Jewelers 5. M.D. Minerals 6. Fiesta Nutrition Center 7. Derma MediQ 8. Material Things 9. Maison Couture Clothiers 10. Haik Humble Eye Center 11. Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique 12. Sleepy Hollow Furniture 13. Pampered & Polished 14. Pelican District 15. The Children’s Shoppe 16. Pearl Pumphrey’s 34 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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he Monroe Garden Study League, member of the Garden Club of America, is putting on a winter FUNraiser! Join this industrious garden club for Floral Artistry with world renowned floral designer Bruno Duarté on Wednesday, February 25th, 2015, at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. The fun begins with apéritifs at 5 o’clock p.m. Bruno Duarté takes the stage at 6 o’clock p.m. for his presentation “Fresh Floral Creations.” Floral arrangements created by Duarté will be raffled off after his presentation. Tickets ($50) are on sale now and are extremely limited. For ticket inquiries, please call 318.381.0037.

About Bruno Duarté: From the mountains to the markets, Bruno Duarté grew up surrounded by flowers on his family's farm in Madeira. This island paradise off the coast of Morocco is known as the floating garden and is home to rare species of flowers from around the world. It's here where Bruno's passion for orchids and all things floral began.

Much like his Belgian contemporaries, Bruno's approach to floral design is both sculptural and emotional, blending organic materials and found objects together to create works of art. His floral studio in Toronto is often mistaken for an art gallery, where weekly window displays are created to showcase his artistry.

His exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design techniques have captured the attention of socialites and A-list celebrities in Canada as well as international glitterati like Renée Zellweger, Patti LaBelle and Sir Elton John.

When Bruno's not at his studio, he can be found designing in front of a live audience.

He frequently appears on local and national television programs and gives floral demonstrations at Home and Garden shows. Design firms in the city have Bruno on speed dial and call upon him to create large structures for art galleries, restaurants, luxury condos, hotels and private homes. He is also a regular contributor to magazines in Australia, Canada and the United States, where his seasonal decor and wedding work are prominently featured.

You can check out Bruno Duarté's work at www.freshflorals.com

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WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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Bayou DeSiard Cotillion 1 6 L OC AL GIR L S SET TO D EBU T

Miss Ashleigh Brooke Adams is the daughter of Jay and Rayne Adams. She is the granddaughter of Arlon and Dorothy Adams of Start, and Edgar and Jacqueline Roques of Covington, LA. Miss Adams is enrolled in the Honors College at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where she is pursuing a degree in English Literature. Miss Adams is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Miss Adams’ escort is Mr. Sean Austin Adams. Sean attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he is pursuing a degree in Physics and is actively involved in the LSU Baptist College Ministry.

Miss Laura Melissa Centola is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Centola and the granddaughter of Mr. James C. Liner III and the late Mrs. Marion Wallace and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Centola. Miss Centola attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA; she is pursuing a degree in Pharmacy and is a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Miss Centola’s escort is Mr. Nicholas Buttitta of Monroe. Nicholas attends Louisiana State University where he is pursuing a degree in Petroleum Engineering and is a member of Kappa Alpha Order.

Miss Catherine Neal Creed is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Carl Creed, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Mennon Campbell, and the late Dr. and Mrs. George Alton Creed of Alexandria, LA. Cate is a graduate of Neville High School and attends the University of Texas at Austin, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and Public Relations, and is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Miss Creed’s escort is Mr. Lennon Stanton Coon, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Collins Coon. Mr. Coon attends Louisiana State University, where he is pursuing a degree in Predentistry and is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

Miss Laura Susan Dona is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Grant and Cindy Dona. Miss Dona attends the University of Mississippi where she is pursuing degrees in Anthropology and Classical Studies. She is Alumnae Relations of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.

Miss Dona’s escort is Mr. Dylan James Ritter of Somerset, New Jersey. Dylan attends the University of Mississippi where he is pursuing a degree in Chemistry and is a member of Delta Psi Fraternity.

Miss Sarah- Katherine Drost is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Tommy Lolley and Mr. Joe Drost. She is the granddaughter of Wendell and Sue Drost, Gloria Barfield and the late Ross Barfield. Miss SarahKatherine attends Louisiana Tech University where she is pursuing a degree in business/pre-law and is a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Miss Sarah-Katherine's escort is Mr. Austin Vidrine of Monroe. Austin attends Louisiana Tech University where he is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology and is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Miss Selwyn Kennedy Fox is the daughter of Patchez and Peter Fox. Selwyn is the granddaughter of Elton Kennedy of Mer Rouge, Tomette Shivers of Monroe, Sheila Fox of Abilene, TX, and Peter Fox, Jr., of Lometa, TX. Selwyn is a graduate of Neville High School and attends the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, where she is pursuing a degree in Nutrition and is a member of Chi Omega sorority. Selwyn’s escort is Mr. William Guice Head of Monroe. William attends Louisiana State University where he is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business and is a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Miss Baylee Alexus Hanson is the daughter of David and Deanna Shively and David Hanson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Young of Bossier, LA, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hanson of Tyler, TX and Mr. and Mrs. Barney Tucker of Monroe, LA. Miss Baylee Hanson attends the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she is pursuing a degree in Biology and is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Miss Baylee Hanson’s escort is Mr. Bryce Hanson of Monroe. Bryce attends Neville High School.

Miss Reagan Elizabeth LaPietra is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jesse M. LaPietra Jr. She is the granddaughter of Sandra Haile and the late Ronnie Haile and the late Lucille and Bucky LaPietra. She is the great granddaughter of Mrs. D. A. Stancil.

Miss LaPietra attends The University of Mississippi in University, MS, where she is pursuing a degree in Pre Veterinarian Medicine. She is a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Miss LaPietra’s escort is Mr. Benjamin Reed Sims of Winnsboro, LA. Mr. Sims attends the University of Mississippi where he is pursuing a degree in Forensic Chemistry and is a member of The Chancellors Leadership Program.

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BAYOU D ESIAR D C OTIL L ION C ON TIN U ED Miss Richmond Hayes McGough is the daughter of Faith and Joseph Gremillion and Kristie and Greg McGough. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Aubrey McGough of Monroe and the late Mr. and Mrs. Huey Pierce Richmond of Vidalia, LA. Miss McGough attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where she is pursuing dual degrees in Kinesiology and Dance. She is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and is a dancer with the LSU Dance Ensemble. Miss McGough’s escort is Mr. Gregory Charles Long. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ivo Long of Monroe. Gregory attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he works as an undergraduate researcher while pursuing a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine.

Miss Anna Elizabeth Sager is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Harlan Sager, III. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Norene Smith the late Mr. Luther Ray Smith and the late Mr. & Mrs. Miles H. Sager, Jr. Miss Sager attends the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science and is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She is also a member of the Political Science Club and College Republican Club.

Miss Sager’s escort is Mr. William Godfrey Daniels of Monroe. Will is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Derek Lee Daniels. Will attends the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he is pursuing a degree in Construction Management and is a member of the ULM Warhawk Baseball team.

Miss Susan Davenport Shackelford is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Shackelford, III. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hooper Lacey of Canton, MS, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Duke Shackelford of Jones, LA. Miss Shackelford attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, where she is pursuing a degree in biology and is a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Miss Shackelford's escort is Mr. George Alexander Spires, son of Dr. and Mrs. Allen Larkin Spires of Mer Rouge, LA. Mr. Spires attends the University of Louisiana in Monroe where he is pursuing a degree in business. .

Miss Ashley Caroline Tannehill is the daughter of Melinda and Joe Tannehill. Miss Tannehill attends the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, where she is pursuing a degree in Marketing and Corporate Relations, and is a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Miss Tannehill’s escort is Brendan Patrick MacGregor, of Monroe. Brendan currently attends River Oaks High School. He plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall. .

Miss Caroline Mackin Trettin is the daughter of Dr. David and Heather Trettin and Dr. Karla and Andy Querbes. Caroline attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, where she is pursuing a degree in History and is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Caroline’s escort is Mr. Spencer Christian Roark of Monroe, Louisiana.

Spencer attends the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he is pursuing a degree in Biology and is a member of Kappa Alpha Order. .

Miss Katherine Ann Trettin is the daughter of Dr. David and Heather Trettin and Dr. Karla and Andy Querbes. Katherine attends Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, where she is pursuing a degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and is a member of the Tulane Tennis Club and Pre Med Society.

Katherine’s escort is Mr. Joseph Brian Barefoot of Monroe. Brian attends the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he is pursuing a degree in Accounting and is a member of the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s baseball team. .

Miss Anna Claire Yarbrough is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David A. Yarbrough. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray A. Yarbrough of Bastrop and Mr. and Mrs. Pete Melancon of Mer Rouge. Miss Yarbrough is a graduate of Ouachita Christian School and attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where she is pursuing a double degree in Mass Communication and English with a minor in History and is a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Miss Yarbrough’s escort is Mr. Garrett Joseph Holdridge of Saint Amant, LA. Garrett attends Louisiana State University where he is pursuing a degree in Pre-Medicine and is a member of The LSU Tiger Band and The LSU Symphonic Band.

Miss Evyn Caples is the daughter of Dr. Ricky and Mrs. Lynna Caples. Miss Evyn Caples attends Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she is pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences and is a member of the Pre-Dental Society. Miss Evyn Caples’s escort is Mr. Hall Caples of Monroe. Hall attends Louisiana State University where he is pursuing a degree in Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship. .

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Did You Know?

-Just in Time for the New Year, Dr.Hopkins Offers Tips to Look Your Best

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ID YOU KNOW A BROW LIFT CAN be achieved now without surgery? Dr. Hopkins combines Filler and Botox/Xeomin to give a nice lift to this area, thereby getting a natural result leaving you looking rested and alert.

Did you know the deep troughs under the eye (that produce shadows) can now be eliminated in one treatment with Beletero?

This filler is not as dense and can be used in the fine lines around the lips as well.

Did you know nasal restoration is available at Hopkins Dermatology? A highly trained Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Janine Hopkins, can correct, treat or sculpt the bridge of the nose bringing it into symmetry and contour abnormalities. Nasal Restoration using appropriate fillers is now a viable option for immediate results.

Did you know the tip of the nose begins to droop as we age? A tiny treatment done in the clinic can lift the tip of the nose for a more youthful profile. Dr. Janine Hopkins uses Botox/Xeomin to provide this subtle boost.

Did you know your earlobes can look young again? By utilizing a painless injection, Dr. Hopkins can re-volumize your earlobes restoring and replenishing them within minutes using this new technique.

Did you know the jaw line diminishes as we age? But with Sculptra and Voluma injections, definition of the jawline can be restored.

Dr. Hopkins uses the “PHI” technique which

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enables her to restore proper balance, ratio and contouring for a more youthful look.

Did you know Radiesse is for hands?

This incredible product may be used to restore a more youthful appearance to hands for men and women. Results last up to 18 months. Pile on the rings, and shake hands with confidence again.

Did you know it is important to choose who administers your injections? Either fillers or nuro-toxins such as Botox/Xeomin should only be injected by a Board-Certified Doctor who has formally trained in the anatomy and function of the soft tissue, muscle and bone in the face. Dr. Janine Hopkins has the education and experience to properly tailor these injections for optimal results.

Did you know that sun protection is just as important in the fall as the summer? Sun Protection is of utmost importance all year round. Cooler Temps do not mean to drop the defense against UVB rays. Hopkins Dermatology offers a variety of Sunscreens for women and men, tinted or untinted. Fall sunshirts are available in great transitional colors to wear for all outdoor activities. Be sportive and wear one belted down with a skirt and tights, or throw on with a pair of denims.

Did you know that Hopkins Dermatology has partnered with Caudalie, Paris? The SPA side is now open with Caudalie Treatments available for the first time. There is a side entrance for easy “in and out” access. Caudalie,

Paris (the Collection) including the Divine Oil, Beauty Elixir, and Vinexpert Firming Serum are all at Hopkins Dermatology.

Did you know that Grapevines produce Resverstrol for firmer, denser skin? It stops glycation, the cause of deep wrinkles, at the source. All of the Caudalie products use the natural grape as the key ingredient combined with gluten free organic substances.

Did you know that your calling card is your face? Therapeutic facials should be part of your routine to keep your skin healthy and glowing. If a patient has a good at home skin care regimen and has no major skin issues, a once-a-month facial can maintain excellent skin quality. Problematic skin (such as acne, large pores, sun damage, etc.) requires twice-amonth treatments to monitor progress and continue with quality products to achieve the best results.

Did you know that the skin has a delicate oil/water balance? Many people have dehydrated skin. Facials are like prescriptions; they must be tailored to the particular skin type.

It is has been our privilege and pleasure to host the international team from Caudalie Paris at Hopkins Dermatology to train the staff. The treatments and products are from Bordeaux France and are derived and inspired by the grapes of this region. The European techniques will be incorporated into all Facials and Body Treatments.

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BayouBuzzworthy

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Christmas Wish List

The 1st Annual Christmas Wish List event sponsored by Kirby-Orten-GuillotBreaux, Associates from Merrill Lynch, and facilitated by the Big Whit 77 Foundation in partnership with University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana Tech University athletes, gave families from Lincoln and Ouachitia parish a night of memories. The Big Whit foundation hosted families that could use encouragement this season and provided pizza and games at Chuck-E-Cheese and then a shopping spree at Toys-R-Us. Athletes from both LA Tech and ULM joined the kids in running through the store and selecting items they wished for most. The experience was truly a blessing for all of those involved and a reminder of the giving season. The Big Whit 77 Foundation strives to empower families in the community through each of its unique programs.

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Ruston Merle Norman Open House

Ruston’s new Merle Norman location held its Open House and Ribbon Cutting on December 11. Owner Gloria Hayne hosted the event, which offered free complimentary facials and makeovers along with wine and hors d'oeuvres. Their new space is located at 722 Celebrity Drive in Ruston. Pictured above: Cindy Morris, Gloria Hayne and Sydni Witt

Strings For Sam >

Meet Sam. He is the son of Jennifer and Drew Routon of West Monroe. Drew is a football and baseball coach at Neville High School, and Jennifer teaches at West Ridge Middle School. On November 14th, 2014, they were given the heartbreaking news that their 2year-old son, Sam, had been diagnosed with high risk Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.

A custom guitar is being built in honor of Sam to be raffled off to raise money for the Routons. Guitar parts, as well as money, can be donated for the build by contacting Stephanie at stringsforsamrouton@gmail.com. Any excess funds will be deposited into a benefit account for Sam. For more information, visit facebook.com/stringsforsam. #samstrong

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TCBC Gala Bells were jingling as the holidays got an official merry welcome from Twin City Ballet at the highly anticipated 6th Annual Festival of Trees Auction and Gala that took place before the ballet Saturday, December 6th at the Monroe Civic Center Theatre. A capacity crowd filled the Jack Howard Theatre lobby where patrons gathered to bid on beautifully decorated trees and auction packages created by TCB board members, as well as other local designers. Thurman's Food Factory turned up the cool factor with an impressive menu of hors d'oeuvres and desserts that turned the lobby into a land of sweets.

This year’s gala performance was sponsored by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Moss Eyecare, Sammy and Therese Naegam and Monroe Athletic Club.

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On the BayouScene

1 Emilee McGuire and Kayla Stites 2 Linda and Paula Ford 3 Sherri and Kalvin Flowers 4 Charles Page and Linda Lou Bourland 5 Logan Green, Katie Edwards, Clayton Ford, Kayla Edwards and Danielle Brown 6 Christina Elahi and Sylvia Masur 7 Katie Jones, Mallory Head and Lora Head 8 Meg and Charles Page, Christine Rambo 9 Bella Harrell, Marsha Powell, Martha Harrell 10 Virginiaa and Brian Lenard 11 Alyssa, Jasmine and Demetria Marshall 12 Martin and Vanessia West 13 Charlie and Bob French 14 Stephenie Meredith and Laureli White 15 Quinn, Georgia, Janelle and George Snellings, IV 16 Tashia Hines and Lisa North

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BayouLOOK

MAKEUP through the

SEASONS When the leaves and the landscape start changing, so should your makeup. From a light, shimmery look in winter to a bold, autumn-hued look in fall – we take you through the four seasons. Our expert makeup artist walks you through tips to keep your makeup looking fresh and on-trend.

MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT PHOTOS BY MARTIN G MEYERS PRODUCT BY M.D. MINERALS MODEL: KRISTEN REPPOND

On the eyes: Meka applies Ivory Tower from the lid to the brow bone. Gold spun is used on lid to give contrast and glow.

On the lips: A soft lip is created by using Neutral Lip Crayon and Madison gloss.

*MEKA TIP: As the seasons change, make sure to hydrate for a natural glow. Keep everything neutral, but highlight features - brow bone, cheek bone and cupid’s bow.

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When your eye is soft and shimmery, apply tons of mascara for a dramatic, winter look.

SPRING BEAUTY

Spring is a time for haute hues and fresh faces. Add pops of bold color on the eyes and lips for a look that is show-stopping. Keep cheeks rosy and pink, and add depth with vivid shades on the lip. *MEKA TIP: Keep a youthful glow by adding pinks in the eyes and on the lips.

On the lips: Pink Lady Lip Liner is used as the foundation; then Too Hot 2 Handle lipstick is applied as an all-over color. Finish the lip in a haute hue like this Party Girl Lip Laquer.

On the cheeks: Meka applied Pink Swirl on the cheeks as well as on the lid. She also used the Aqua Baked Beauty Trio.

Don’t be afraid to play with color this spring. Use a pink on the eyelid, and play with colors (like blues and greens) on the upper and lower lash line for a beautiful approach.

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LOVIN’ SUMMER LOOKS

Make your skin look radiant this summer with makeup tips from Meka Bennett. Use bronze eyeshadows and coral accents to bring a warmth to your face.

To create a warm glow, Belini Swirl was used on the collar bone as well as under the bottom lash.

*MEKA TIP: Less is more. Use a bronzer to highlight cheekbones and as a multi-purpose eyeshadow.

Create a dramatic look by utilizing every surface of the eye. Meka used Copper Flashing on the lid, Truffle in the crease and Redwood as an eyeliner on the bottom lash line. She also applied Cider on the water line.

On the lip: Antique Rose lipliner was applied as well as Rum Runner all over the lip.

Coral Crush lip gloss was used in the center to create a sultry, summer lip.

FALL FOR COLOR

Fall makeup usually takes its cue from the elements. Explore with golds, reds and browns. Don’t be afraid to play with a matte lip and shimmery eyes.

Use a liquid shimmer in the inner corner of the eye to brighten your look. *MEKA TIP: Don’t be afraid to be bold with color. As the leaves on the trees change color, change your lipstick to relect the season. Lipstick and eyeshadows in wine and gold colors will be a hit this fall.

Use a bronze highlight powder to contour the cheekbones.

For the lips: Keep it simple and bold with a lipstick in a deep burgundy like Don’t Wine.

On the eyes: Meka used Pomegranate in the crease of the eye to enhance Summer’s lighter shade. She also smudged Holly Green on the bottom lash line.

BayouKidZ

Pay It Forward Setting An Example of Kindness | By Cindy Foust

Does anyone out there ever read the news or watch a news channel and get really sad?

Depressed? Worried? Seriously, watching the news really substantiates that we live in a world full of strife and evil. I often write about the role models our children are surrounded by or how much influence the "world" has on our younger generation. Yeah, it's pretty scary out there, but just about the time you give up on any flicker of goodness in mankind, something happens - something that restores your faith in the fellow man. And it’s ironic, since I write a column for children, something that gives you a perfect storyline for a children's column.

That something for me happened just over a week ago. In case any of our readers are interested, my son, that I frequently love to write about, plays football for an area high school, and his playoff success had our family traveling to Destrahan to watch a semi-final game. Let me start by saying that a future column will be on the importance of supporting ALL area teams and supporting ALL players (especially on the team you are cheering for), even when they make an error. As my son so

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eloquently put it, "Mom, I might throw an interception, fumble the football or miss my read (whatever the cat hair that means), BUT, I'm not doing it on purpose!" Thank you, son, I think I will tattoo that on my back for next season, just in case anyone thinks you are playing for the other team, in some covert football operation, but, as usual, I digress.

No, my intended subject matter this month, quite simply has little to do with football and more of this - honesty will always be the best policy. To get our readers on board, we've all been on that highway traveling down to your child's game, in high anticipation of a great meal in South Louisiana and a great win by your team. Close your eyes for a moment, as you remember that rest stop you must take, about an hour from your destination, when your bladder forces you to make a pit stop (that kind of sounds like a commercial for Depends). Oh, it’s always the hurry and the scurry to race into the convenience store, anxious to get to the urinal (sadly, the longer I am married to my husband, the more I sound like him, and that's not always a good thing), and perhaps grab a bag of Hot Flaming Cheetoes

or an extra large bag of Skittles, you know, for sharing. Suddenly, you and your caravan (we travel in packs in my neck of the woods) are back on the highway, discussing everything from how you will order your shrimp to what offense you think the other team will run (admittedly, I don't know the offense from the defense in football, but hey, it sounds like something you would discuss on the way to a football game). Then it happens; your mother's cell phone rings. "What? Yes, this is Ruth Gist.

Yes, I did take my wallet in the Kangaroo.

What? Are you kidding me? Yes, yes, please take it to the front cashier. Oh my goodness, you are so kind to call; we will be right back."

HUH? (My mother obviously doesn't realize we are in the middle of the causeway and the only way to get to the other side is to Dukes of Hazard it over the median.)

Yes, you guessed it. My mother left her wallet (which, incidentally, on this particular evening, could have made Wells Fargo a loan) in the urinal at the Kangaroo. Holy bladders, Batman, we've got to turn around. For you see, my husband happens to love his mother-inlaw, quite honestly, more than he loves me, so risking life and limb, he starts looking for the next exit. Our confused caravan followers made the exit with us and watched as we rolled down the window and screamed at them (why we didn't just call and tell them what we were doing still remains a mystery) that we were turning around to get back to the “loaded with cash” wallet.

This is the part of the story that you should not try at home, but my husband had but one intention, and that was to put on his Robo Cop face and watch the speedometer of that Hyundai Santa Fe reach its top potential.

Racing past cars, we did; weaving in and out of traffic, we did; yelling (okay, that's probably too mild) at vehicles that tried to thwart our mission, we did...flashers on, crash helmets on, my mom in the backseat, desperately trying to get "Kathleen" back on the phone. Our hearts sank. Kathleen had started counting the cold hard cash and decided to enjoy her lucky day of finding a wallet in the toilet and made away with it. She wouldn't take my mom's call. It kept going straight to her voicemail! On two wheels we flew into the Kangaroo parking lot.

My mom and Scott (he decides he needs to escort her into the store, you know, in case any big muscles were needed) jump from the car before it's even in park and race into the store.

I, on the other hand, stay put.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 71

BayouZen

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN AN EXTRAORDINARY GARDEN IS IN YOUR MIDST?

y

ARTICLE BY MARÉ BRENNAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS You may pass it every day, never knowing what lies beyond a hidden path or behind an evergreen hedge. How do we, as a country, preserve beautiful gardens, private and public, so that all may see them, with free access to enjoy them at any time of year?

The answer lies in an unprecedented collection of over 7,500 American gardens which are photographed and documented at the Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens (AAG).

Images in the collection, which show views from the 1870s to the present, include such features as garden furniture and ornamentation, fountains, sculptures, fences and gates, parterres, and garden structures, to name a few. The design styles represented range from large Italianate estates to herb and rose gardens, cottage and patio gardens, and urban parks.

The core of the Archives is a collection of nearly 3,500 hand-colored glass lantern slides dating from the 1920s and 1930s along with approximately 37,000 35mm slides of gardens that date from colonial times to the present. The gardens documented in this extensive collection illustrate the design work of dozens of landscape architects including Marian Coffin, Beatrix Farrand, Lawrence Halprin, Hare & Hare, Umberto 52 JANUARY 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM

Innocenti, Gertrude Jekyll, Jens Jensen, Warren Manning, the Olmsted Brothers, Charles Platt, Ellen Biddle Shipman, and Fletcher Steele. The collection was donated to the Smithsonian in 1992 by the Garden Club of America (GCA). This organization helps support the AAG with ongoing research and development activities. Through its national network, GCA members continue to expand the collection by photographing and documenting contemporary gardens.

By turns, the Monroe Garden Study League, member of the Garden Club of America, has been responsible for submitting several outstanding Monroe gardens which are represented in the Archives, including ELsong Gardens at the Biedenharn Museum; Nosegay Garden, which had been the gardens of former Louisiana Governor and Mrs. James A. Noe; Boxwood Court, a new addition to the Smithsonian which features over 250 boxwoods; and Bayou Zen, a peaceful retreat on the shores of Bayou DeSiard. It is Bayou Zen that we explore today to learn what wonders lie behind its modern, yet tranquil façade.

BAYOU ZEN Bayou Zen is an artistic and intriguing combination of structural and landscape architectural design. The present owners are only the second family to occupy this home built in 1961 by architect F. A. Wardlaw, who studied and worked with Frank Lloyd Wright.

Bayou Zen sits on a slooping two-acre site that extends into the historic Bayou DeSiard. The theme of 'water' is introduced initially at the

BAYOU ZEN’S ORIENTAL THEME IS REINFORCED IN THE LANDSCAPE. home’s entrance lawn where plantings of large, Natchez white crepe myrtles rise from a sea of Liriope (Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’).

At the rear of the house, and connected directly to the house with aggregate decking, is an inviting water element. The geometric vanishing edge pool constructed by the owners visually links the house and pool to the bayou. From various vantage points in the pool and house, the pool edge appears to be spilling into the bayou, evoking a sense of tranquility and continuity in an urban setting. The relationship between the house, land and water is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater,” built in near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the family of Edgar Kaufmann Sr., in that it blurs the line between indoors and out by its incorporation of water and water views.

By night, the dramatically-lit pool takes on an other-worldly, graphic quality. “This pool is about infinity. It looks like it just disappears and what is beyond that?” muses the homeowner. “Is it hell, heaven or the beyond?” Simplicity and repose rule the nights spent gazing upon the calming blue pool which graphically embraces the home.

The home’s interior, elegantly appointed, relies on a restrained oriental palette. The interior embraces the exterior through a series of glazed openings across the entire rear façade. The oriental theme is reinforced in the landscape and at the pool by aesthically positioned Japanese plant material: Japanese painted ferns (Anthyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’), Japanese Iris (Iris ensata), Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum), Acer palmatum ‘Virdis’ (Greenleaf Japanese

Maple), and moss-covered stones and graceful containers.

Descending to the bayou’s edge through a naturalized landscape, one arrives at a large geometric ‘floating’ dock, which encompasses the stately trunks of the elegant native Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum).

This creative and dramatic landscape embraces the water theme one last time when, from the dock, steps descend mysteriously beyond sight into Bayou DeSiard.

The landscape architect responsible for Bayou Zen is Rachel Lilly, principal of her own firm since 1983, who has designed and restored gardens throughout the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York (Long Island), Massachusetts (Cape Cod), Virginia and West Virginia. Her practice is dedicated primarily to residential, estate and farm landscape architecture, master planning and garden restoration.

Mrs. Lilly is considered an authority on Charles Gillette, a prominent landscape architect in the upper South that specialized in the creation of grounds supporting Colonial Revival architecture, particularly in Richmond, Virginia. He is associated with the restoration and re-creation of historic gardens in the upper South and especially Virginia, and is known for having established a regional style—known as the "Virginia Garden."

A lingering view from across Bayou DeSiard as the cypress trees turn exquisite shades of burnt sienna and cinnamon and the garden’s Japanese maples add hues of crimson that ombré into gold reveals the Bayou Zen landscape as a whole, and all is Zen with the world.

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BOB

ALLEN

On an unseasonably ANYTIME BOB ALLEN warm December morning, is sitting behind his desk Allen was at the dojo earlyin the Bob Allen Dojo, -he's there every morning chances are he's facing by 9 a.m. to work out on away from the people From tiny Cabot, Arkansas, to Munich weights and bags with surrounding him. StuGermany, BayouLife recounts the Martial friends. After a spirited dents, parents, and old powerful workout, he friends stream through Arts adventures of BayouIcon Bob Allen dressed to receive a group constantly. Some are of non-traditional students. coming to work out or These kids, ranging in age practice. Others are dropping off their monthly dues or retrieving the random from 6 to 15, are a part of his homeschooled class.

He took his place at the front of the room and began piece of equipment left behind. Still others are just popping leading the students through the paces. First, there were calin to say hi.

He greets each visitor with a smile, a kind hello, and for isthenics. Then, for a significant portion of the class, the stuthe black belts entering, he stands and bows, one of the hun- dents worked through patterns. Then, class ended with dreds of rituals that fill the life of a master practitioner of a stretches and a gentle reflection, led by Allen.

Even in a gi, Allen strikes a more paternal note than martial art. But Allen isn't just any practitioner. He's one of America's premiere authorities on the sport of Karate, a 7th coach note. For Allen, Karate is a link back to his own youth, Degree black belt who, at one point, was nationally ranked just not in the way one might immediately think. "My best and competitive on the world stage. Former world champion friend, Carlos, started taking when I was in junior high," Tokey Hill remembers Allen well. He should, if only because Allen said. "I was so jealous that, when I joined the Marines, he squared off against Allen in his march to that first world I started Karate."

The year was 1967. Though the Vietnam War was raging, championship.

"What a great match it was," Hill told BayouLife. "Yet Allen's first stop was Yuma, AZ, where he would remain for two years. While there, he joined a Karate club and began to today, I still think about it."

Today, Hill divides his time between Ohio and New compete in tournaments around the Southwest. Allen also York, where he operates a successful dojo. He's still involved accepted Christ, became a Sunday School teacher, and was a in the national Karate scene, too, but not as a competitor. He's song leader during worship service. His plans were to bethe head coach of the U.S. National Karate team, and Allen come a Southern Baptist youth minister. Vietnam would interrupt those plans. "Most people can't remember when they is a member of his coaching team.

Hill laughed when he began thinking about Allen's per- finished reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, but I finsonality in and out of the ring. Hill likened Allen to a Dr. ished it when I got to Da Nang, Vietnam," Allen said. "I read Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Outside the ring, Allen is polite and re- the last three chapters that night."

For two years, Allen served in country in Vietnam. Like served. Things change inside the ring. "Once you get into that many of his comrades, he couldn't get out quickly enough. ring, he's vicious," Hill said.

But it's a good vicious, Hill adds quickly, and it's good "One tour was enough," said Allen, who left Vietnam in 1969, because even in the ring, Allen approaches karate with the with just three months left in the Marine Corps. He was same measured consideration he approaches life. That does- transferred to Okuni, Japan, with less than three months ren't soften the surprise of Allen in the ring. "He's got such a maining. While Allen taught English to Japanese students warm, pleasant personality that, if you never saw him at a ranging from two to adulthood, he picked up his study of tournament or in a gi, you'd never know he's a fighter."

Karate.

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“T

he got to know Hill and dozens of other competitors. On the world stage, Allen perfected his pursuit of the sport.

Thirty-seven years later, Allen remains as involved in Karate as he was then. Even at 66, he's still a formidable athlete. He works out every morning with weights, dresses out with the classes and leads most of them. And that quiet, intense demeanor persists. He's also established a legacy.

His son, Hiroshi, leads a successful club in Las Vegas.

Hiroshi is a nationally recognized competitor, too. So is Hiroshi's daughter, who recently finished third in the PanAmerican championships. Though Allen is no longer competing, he's still frequently seen in the ring--as a referee, which Hill points out is a huge honor in the world of competitive Karate, where few individuals ascend to the rank of referee.

Allen knows it's an honor, and he appreciates the position he's been entrusted with. After competitions ended for Allen, he was invited to become a judge, an honor in and of itself. "Very few make it to referee," Allen said.

The referee's job is to help determine who wins or loses a match. "Being one of the people who decides who is world champion is one of the most exciting things I've ever done," Allen said. The position has taken him from Monroe to Munich, with stops in Rio de Janeiro, South Korea, and even back to Japan. "It gave me a chance to go around the world."

He's still coaching with Hill on the national team, and they're hopeful that Karate will be made into an Olympic sport in the 2020 “Besides loving it, and I feel blessed doing it, Summer Olympics. Their chances are good, too, beI can really help others, especially children, to strengthen cause the 2020 games will be their bodies and their minds and also to fill their spirits.” held in Tokyo.

Faith continues to play the most significant role in When he returned to the states, Allen settled in Monroe Allen's life. Christianity finds its way into his classes. "I temporarily, where he studied English at then Northeast teach from a Christian perspective, where Christ is Number Louisiana University. He completed a Bachelor's degree in One in my life. My children are second," he said, emphatiEnglish, then followed it up with a Master's degree with the cally. Watching him with students, it was easy to see that intention of returning to Japan. While in Monroe, he opened children, even other people's children, are a close second. his first Karate club, expecting the move to be temporary. Children and their interest in the sport are one of the reasons he's kept at it all these decades.

"The club started to do really well," Allen said.

"Besides loving it, and I feel blessed doing it, I can really In the meantime, he won six national championships.

By 1977, Allen was captain of the U.S. national Karate team, help others, especially children, to strengthen their bodies a world-class athlete at the top of his sport. This was where and their minds and also to fill their spirits," Allen said. here was a Karate club on base," said Allen.

"The instructor was a most unusual man."

Hitoshi Akiyama was not just an instructor at the base dojo. He was also the chairman of the Japan Karate Association, the largest federation in the nation. For Akiyama, Karate was a hobby and a passion, and soon, Allen was captivated by the master. "He was a big man, very strong," Allen said.

The first day Allen set foot in Akiyama's dojo, he was just a brown belt. But two months after landing in Japan, Allen would hang up his brown belt for good when Akiyama promoted him to 1st Degree black belt. Before he left five years later, he had attained his 3rd Degree black belt.

He had also returned to tournament competitions, appearing in the All-Japan championships as part of Akiyama's five-man team each of the five years he was in Japan. In his last All-Japan championship, he won three fights and lost the fourth. It wasn't a bad showing for an American competing in the land that had invented the sport.

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St. Frederick Open House January 22

January Events: Open House, Catholic School Week and the Strength Complex Construction Kick Off

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E INVITE YOU TO TOUR THE school and visit with the faculty, students and administration to learn about the great things that are happening at St. Frederick Catholic High School.

Prospective students and their parents will have the opportunity to learn about all of the clubs and teams such as Robotics, FCA, Speech and Debate, FBLA, Theatre, Equestrians, Volleyball, Cheer, Showstoppers and all of our successful athletic teams as well.

Campus tours will be offered so that guests can see the great improvements in the library as well as the biology, engineering, physics and computer labs.

“It’s so exciting to be an integral part of the design and development of our science facilities,” said Dr. Debra Jackson, the new Biology Chair of the Science department. Phase II

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of the Biology Lab upgrades begins this summer.

Other teachers will be on hand to discuss opportunities for college credits, leadership and achievement, as well as individual attention to scheduling.

“We have added several new electives from which to select as the students determine their pre-college education,” adds Mrs. Kasey Witherington, who heads up the College Counseling program at St. Frederick.

“Because of the success that the students here at St. Frederick have had in the classroom, in athletics and in extracurricular activities, we have a waiting list in some grades, but we are prepared to expand to meet the needs of additional students,” said Guy Farber, Principal.

“Our Robotics Team was the state runner-

up last year. That success led to the design and construction of a state-of-the-art robotics practice arena on campus to help our team reach their goals,” said Neal Brown, Board Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

The Robotics Team is open to all students to help generate more interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We believe that through the world of robotics, students not only learn methods for building, programming and operating a robot, but also realize the immediate benefits of mathematics and engineering as they compete for their school.

The Open House is from 6-8 p.m. on January 22, 2015. For more information, contact Melissa Hall at 323-9636 or go to stfrederickhigh.org.

Start the New Year With a New Room HGTV® Home Furniture Gallery at Sleepy Hollow Furniture

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ET EXPERT HELP FROM THE HGTV® HOME DESIGN Studio at Sleepy Hollow Furniture to create custom sofas, sectionals, beds and ottomans in the perfect combinations of finishes and details, including hundreds of fabric options. Your made-in-USA design will be delivered within 30 days. Expert craftsmen have created coordinating furniture collections and accent pieces available in showrooms across the country. Whether designing a bedroom, dining room or living room, our collections offer exclusivity, quality construction and outstanding value.

Are you getting tired of your living area? Is your living space feeling lifeless or stale after having the same furniture around for years? It might be time to upgrade your couch to a new leather sofa or turn your television viewing into an entertainment experience with a new media center. Maybe all your room needs is simple, yet elegant, accent furniture from our HGTV design experts to pull your room together. HGTV Home has chairs, sofas and loveseats, sectionals, credenzas and tables to suit every need. No matter what your needs are, HGTV Home Furniture Collection has all the furnishings you need for an inviting and useful living room.

For those who appreciate traditional grace but long for a contemporary touch that suits their modern look at life, the Modern Heritage group is a dream come true. In the Modern Heritage Collection, timeless sophistication styling comes together with truly extraordinary detailing to make a statement as unique as your personality: a geometric metal fretwork, noire black finishes with rubbed copper metal hardware, neoclassical inspired case detailing, the list of signature details goes on and on to create an unparalleled combination of refinement and forward thinking design.

If you know that it is time to update your living room or you haven’t decided yet, now is the time to visit Sleepy Hollow Furniture and see the HGTV Home Furniture Collection for yourself. With amazing furniture collections, we have every look and style your home may need. Do you enjoy spending time in your living room?

Make your living area worth living in even longer with HGTV. Sleepy Hollow Furniture is proud to partner with HGTV as North Louisiana’s only HGTV Home Furniture Gallery! Create. Inspire. Refresh. Imagine. Custom. This is your way to a look that reflects your own personal style!

Instant Orthodontics The Benefits of Cosmetic Porcelain Veneers

BY DAVID FINLEY, D.D.S.

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Before

After

ORCELAIN VENEERS ARE ULTRA-MODERN PORCELAIN shells that are bonded directly to your own teeth to camouflage smile flaws. They can be thinner than a contact lens, yet so strong and so transformative that they have been called “Instant Orthodontics.”

Cosmetic porcelain veneers can remake a crooked and uneven smile into a glamorous one... that is completely natural looking! Veneers can also: shorten teeth that are too long, lengthen teeth that are too short, re-proportion your smile, whiten and much more.

There’s more? Absolutely, veneers can actually plump out wrinkles around the mouth, taking years off your appearance – without surgery.

A veneer smile make-over is convenient. Compare two office visits with 2-4 years and numerous orthodontic sessions. And braces won’t even whiten your teeth!

Are veneers different from bonding? Definitely, porcelain veneers are: • Custom-made by lab technicians • One solid piece, instead of applied layers—they won’t peel • Longer lasting and stronger—less likely to discolor • Completely natural looking

Unnatural looking materials that resemble Chiclets really are a thing of the past. Porcelain veneers allow light to shine through— just like natural teeth enamel.

So, be confident! Close gaps, brighten your smile and cover up flaws. Veneers could be your best cosmetic choice ever!

Call us at 318-323-9303 to set up your complimentary cosmetic consultation appointment! We’ll be pleased to show you our before and after library and to answer any questions you may have. Call today!

Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8-5 and Friday 8-2.

Bayou Dental Group is located at 901 North 3rd Street in Monroe. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. .

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First National Bank

New Beginnings. Same Uncommon Values

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FIRST NATIONAL BANK BOARD OF DIRECTORS (L TO R): Kerry Banks, Brian Woodard (President/CEO), John Hood, Trott Hunt, Scott Hill, John Belton, Gloria Bramlett, Russell Woodard (Chairman)

HE YEAR, 2015, MARKS OUR 110TH ANNIVERSARY as a locally owned and operated hometown bank. We, at First National Bank, would like to thank our valued customers for their loyalty and continued business throughout the years. We could not have reached this celebratory milestone without you.

Adding to the excitement is the construction of our new Monroe branch to be located on the corner of 18th street and Hudson. This new branch of First National Bank will offer state of the art facilities for customers and staff. The new branch will provide traditional services such as personal lobby transactions, drive-thru services and vaulted safety depository. While keeping core services intact, we will also offer the latest in banking technology to include enhanced video and remote business transaction units and multimedia and conferencing technology. The building will also house our sister company, Ensure – The Insurance Agency.

First National Bank began operations in Arcadia, Louisiana, in 1905. Starting in the year 2000, we expanded our offices to include locations in Farmerville, West Monroe, and three offices in Ruston.

We look forward to our future growth and will continue to serve our customers with the same sense of commitment and trust. We take our title “The Uncommon Bank” very seriously.

We are uncommon in our commitment to our local communities.

We are uncommon, not just as a bank, but as a trusted friend to generations of families and businesses. We invite you to learn more about First National Bank and all we have to offer. Visit our website at www.theuncommonbank.com.

Happy New Year! May it be filled with blessings and wonderful new beginnings. Once again, thank you for being a part of our extended family of valued supporters.

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Happy New You

“I’m in shape. Round is a shape” – Anonymous

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

T HAS BEEN SAID THAT INSIDE MOST OF US IS A THIN person struggling to get out... but that person can usually be sedated with some cookies or a few pieces of chocolate cake. As the New Year begins, fitness club parking lots will be packed, and cross-fit classes will be full. But after a few weeks, they will empty out. Then my parking lot will be packed and my waiting room full.

Look, I’m not complaining…I’m just saying. If only our willpower matched our resolve.

Most people think plastic surgery is an alternative to working out. Either you sweat and toil and burn off the fat, or you have it sucked out. Either you tighten skin by building muscle, or you have the skin cut off. I strongly believe that the two things are complimentary. The first step in all body contouring is diet and exercise. Patients who are fit and close to their ideal body weight are better surgical candidates for a number of reasons.

First, a fit patient will get a better result because the procedure will entail fine-tuning, not a total overhaul. Second, a fit patient will be more likely to meet me halfway and maintain optimal results because he/she works out and maintains muscle tone after surgery.

Third, fit patients heal better because fitness means better blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Finally, anyone familiar with the hard work that goes into a fitness regimen tends to be more realistic about the results. Even though surgical results can be dramatic, they usually won’t take you from the couch to the front of Shape Magazine overnight.

So, set a goal, and stick with it. As Yogi Berra famously said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” Make a New Year’s resolution, and do your best to persevere.

Whether your goal is to have sculpted arms, awesome abs or a beautiful back, work hard and keep at it. When you’ve done all you can do and you still have problem areas that just won’t improve, come see me, and we can discuss surgical options like liposuction and abdominoplasty, or non-surgical options like Coolsculpt for making you look your best. Of course, there is no exercise to increase your cup size--so if you want “bikini breasts,” the only option is surgery.

I wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. Good luck reaching your fitness goals, but if you hit the wall, or are simply ready to take it to the next level, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 to see if breast or body contouring surgery is right for you.

Visit www.mickelplasticsurgery.com for more information.

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Continued from Previous Page leven years after our practice began, we moved into our own building in January 2006.”

“Doll Vines came back to us in a consultant's role and was instrumental in the design of our building. After several years as our office manager, she understood patient flow and had an excellent feel for what our immediate and future clinical needs would be,” he explained.

“Doll visited several pain management clinics around the South to determine the characteristics of an efficient and attractive office, “ he said. Louisiana Pain Care hired Carroll Blewster, an architect from Baton Rouge who specializes in medical buildings, to finalize the plans. Joe Holyfield constructed the building and, Nonie McKie was the decorator, with input from Dee Ledbetter and Lana Forte."

The partners also built the Arklamiss Surgery Center where most of their interventional procedures are performed. It is conveniently located adjacent to their office.

Dr. J. Hardy Gordon has been with Louisiana Pain Care for five years now. Originally from Tifton, Georgia, Dr. Gordon did most of his training in the Southeast. Hardy’s wife, Claire, is from Lake Providence. Hardy is a huge Georgia Bulldog fan, so coming to Louisiana

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Donna Courson, FNP

may not have been at the top of his list. Out of devotion to his wife and in-laws, he decided to look for work in Northeast Louisiana.

“Hardy contacted us, and we invited him to meet us and see our practice,” John shared.

Dr. Gordon said that he was pleased and impressed that they included his wife Claire, along with John's wife, Dee, and Vince's wife, Lana, in the initial meeting.

"We liked both of them immediately, and I think Hardy was pleasantly surprised with our practice. Once we made him an offer, he decided to join us. It turned out to be a great choice, certainly for us. Hardy has done a wonderful job and built a large patient base. He is now a partner in our practice," John said.

I asked Dr. Ledbetter about the staff at Louisiana Pain Care and Arklamiss Surgery Center, and he couldn't contain his enthusiasm.

"From the very beginning, God has blessed this practice with an incredibly talented and devoted staff, most of whom treat it as more than just a job. As I said, Lisa Martin has been with us essentially since we opened the doors, and Chase Soong is in his 12th year as our administrator. We have an extremely hard-working group of nurses, the most senior being Charlotte Hubbard and Lori Moeller. We currently

Lisa Martin, Manager

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have five nurse practitioners, led by Andy Austin and Donna Courson, who have been with us for ten and nine years, respectively.

Our ASC and clinic nurse managers are Sheila Freeman and Lisa Dalfiume, both of whom have been with us for almost ten years. Our billing department is second to none, behind the leadership and wisdom of Ann Fisher.

Patchez Fox has been our physician liaison and marketing director for most of the past decade.

There are many others, too numerous to name, who are devoted to our mission and vital to our operation."

Our discussion then moved to the changes that the practice of medicine has experienced over the past twenty years.

“Twenty years ago, managed care was minimal, and doctors could do what they were trained to do for their patients. The patient and the doctor decided on a treatment plan and then proceeded with it. As we all know, it's a more complicated arrangement today, with the insurance companies often utilizing their veto power over the doctor and patient's joint decision. It has been a bit frustrating for doctors who can remember 'the good ole days,' " he commented.

Charlotte Hubbard, RN

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Andy Austin, FNP, FAAPM

Gardening Through the Ages

Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners 5th Annual Gardening Seminary

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EXT TO BASEBALL, GARDENING Next to baseball, gardening is quite possibly America’s favorite pastime.

And, it’s an activity that is passed down through generations. Agriculture itself is as old as the most ancient civilizations. The theme of the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Association’s fifth annual January gardening seminar is “Gardening Through the Ages,” and we want to invite you to join us at the West Monroe Convention Center on Saturday morning, January 17th, 2015. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will include three expert speakers, door prizes, a centerpiece contest, and exhibits by members of the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Association.

We hope you’ll join us!

Keynote speaker: Peter J. Hatch is a professional gardener and historian with 38

years experience in the restoration, care, and interpretation of Historic landscapes. He is a celebrated author of four books on the gardens of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, where he served as Director of Gardens and Grounds for 35 years. Hatch has lectured in 36 states on Jefferson and the history of garden plants. Presently, he gardens and botanizes from his home in Virginia, travels extensively to promote his latest work, “A Rich Spot of Earth” Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Gardens at Monticello, and consults on the installation and maintenance of both public gardens and private estate landscapes.

WilliamWelch is a professor and TexasAgriLife Extension Service Landscape Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University.

His books, Perennial Garden Color and Antique Roses for the South, have been best sellers. He

considers the plants grown by ancestors as living antiques, because they are tangible symbols of success for generations of gardeners. In addition to his books, he is a regular contributor to Southern Living Magazine.

Chris Wiesinger: Graduate of Texas A&M University, owner of The Southern Bulb Company near Tyler, TX, and a member of Texas AgriLife Extension Service was dubbed “The Bulb Hunter” in a 2006 New York Times feature story. What started as a personal passion and college project turned into a lifestyle and profitable business. His book, The Bulb Hunter is a story of his adventures to find, grow and propagate heirloom bulbs that had fallen out of fashion and off the market, co-authored by William Welch.

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BRIAN BATEMAN

onroe native Brian Bateman has made a career out of his love for golf. Most recently in April, Bateman began a radio show on Sirius XM airing every Wednesday night. “I stay connected to the world of golf and all of my friends that still play. It’s been a lot of fun. I take a lot of pride in the show and put a lot of effort into it to make sure I put the best product on the air,” Bateman said.

The Radio Show is called Sea Island Golf Radio, as Bateman currently resides in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Individuals can tune in on Wednesdays at 7pm Eastern time live on Sirius Channel 208 or XM93.

It is a regular show on the PGA Tour channel. It started out with two demo shows in April and has now evolved into at least 30 live shows.

“I host it. I interview celebrities, professional golfers and other athletes.

We talk a lot of golf but we also talk about the world of sports in general, basically any topic that is happening presently, but it does remain largely golf-based,” Bateman said.

Bateman loves his radio show almost as much he loved his days spent as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. “This keeps me connected to what’s happening in the world of golf. It’s a great show. It’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of fun, and I really enjoy putting it out every Wednesday night,” Bateman claimed.

Sea Island Golf Radio is something that Bateman can see himself continuing to do for the foreseeable future, especially since it has received such a positive response from listeners. “Keeping connected with the game is great, but it’s also so much fun. I see myself continuing with the show and who knows, it may open up doors in other media outlets. I feel like it has gotten a lot of good response. We have a ton of listeners, and I’m trying to do the best that I can. I have no prior training in television or radio, but it just kind of comes natural to me, and I cannot reiterate enough how much fun I’m having,” Bateman said.

Long before a successful radio show, Bateman’s love of golf was bred right here in Monroe where he was born and raised. “I started playing when I was probably 6 or 7, and I started playing competitively in Junior Tournaments when I was about 10,” Bateman declared.

Bateman went on to play golf at Neville High School, among many other sports. “My dad played golf and introduced me to the game. I played all sports at that time though. I took lessons with Johnny Myers, who sadly is no longer with us, but he was my only instructor. Once I got a little bit older and got into high school, the other sports started to fade away. I began to concentrate more on golf. It

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came pretty easy to me, and I was a pretty good athlete as a kid. In order to cultivate my success in golf, I had to give up other sports. I just didn’t have time to play basketball, football or baseball, so they got pushed aside.

And when I started traveling and playing competitive golf as a junior in high school, it took all of my focus,” Bateman stated.

Like anyone in any field, Bateman also has a professional that he both admires and gains inspiration from. “As a kid, my hero was Jack Nicklaus. He was the golfer that I looked up to the most. It was the way that he carried himself, the way he was a family man and all the success that he had. He was the golfer I idolized as a kid. When I was taking lessons as a youngster over at Forsythe Park with Mr. Myers, he molded all of his teachings after Jack Nicklaus. I was exposed to all of the videos and techniques of Jack Nicklaus at an early age. That is probably a big part of why he was a hero of mine,” Bateman acknowledged.

After graduating high school, Bateman went on to play golf while he attended Louisiana State University. He graduated with a degree in Marketing in 1996. He became a professional golfer that same year.

Once becoming a professional, he played on a Nationwide Tour from 1997-2001, winning once.

From there, Bateman earned himself a spot on the PGA Tour after much hard work at a Q-school, or Qualifying School. “We don’t have Qualifying Schools anymore. But basically, it was three different tournaments or stages that you have to advance from the first one to the second one to get through to the finals. The Finals were six rounds.

There were roughly 200 guys there and only 30 spots available. If you finish within the top 30 in that last round, they give you your Tour card for the following year. Then, once you are on the PGA Tour, you must achieve within the top 125 of the year or return back to Q-School to get re-qualified. It is so very stressful. If you didn’t play well in the year, you had to almost start over. I went to Q-School 6 or 7 times within my career,” Bateman said.

Bateman played on the PGA Tour from 2002 until 2013. The culmination of his professional golfing experience came when he won the PGA Tour at the Buick Open in 2007. “At that point, I had been out on tour for five or six years, so it was the culmination of a lot of hard work.

It was a great feeling. It opened up a lot of doors for me. It kind of justified what I had been striving to do my whole career and what a thrill!

It’s a small fraternity of players that were on the PGA Tour, and it’s pretty cool to be a part of that fraternity,” Bateman said.

Brian Bateman, Monroe Native and PGA Champion Hosts a Hole-In-One Kind of Radio Show on Sirius XM

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Bateman holds up the championship trophy after making birdie on the 18th hole during the final round to win the Buick Open at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club July 1, 2007, in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

BRIAN BATEMAN

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Before he ever won in 2007, Bateman had already felt like he had made it when he was offered a spot in this inclusive fraternity of professional golfers. “I think once you become a member of the PGA Tour, that’s a pretty big stepping stone in professional golf. And the when you can justify all the hard work by winning the PGA Tour, I think that’s when it hits you that you have done something not very many people have done,” Bateman said.

Once an individual wins a PGA Tour that individual is then considered a permanent member. “I was fortunate to play well at the right time when I won the PGA Tour in 2007. I became a lifelong member of the PGA Tour, so that was another perk when I won the 2007 Buick Open. It enabled me to become a lifetime member of the PGA Tour which is pretty cool,” Bateman said.

Despite Bateman’s monumental win in 2007, there have been many ups and downs in his professional golf career. Luckily, he never gave up due to unyielding support from his friends and family. “There are a lot of ups and downs in golf, and more downs it seems like. That’s what makes the game so great. If you’re committed to it and willing to put the hard work in, it can be great. You have to persevere quite often because it’s a tough way to make a living. Sure, there were times when I was down, but I always had a good support staff with family and friends. That kept me going. Then I had the inner-drive, not wanting to waste all the years of practice, which pushed me forward as well,” Bateman declared.

Bateman has since retired from the world of professional golf, but it is something he will always be passionate about. “It was a good run. I had a lot of fun playing. I don’t play much anymore. I haven’t been on tour for a couple of years, so I’ve kind of moved on from golf. I work for a really large financial planning company in Atlanta called Capstone Financial and spend lots of time with my family,” Bateman said.

Bateman’s seven-year-old son, Oliver, likes to take on all of Bateman’s many hobbies. “He likes to go to the golf course with me, and we hit some balls on the cutting green. He does show a ton of interest like I did at his age, but it’s too early to tell if he has any potential. He can whack the ball pretty well and fairly naturally. But he’s just a boy; who’s to say if he will have any future in golf? I just want him to do whatever makes him feel happy,” Bateman said.

At his home in Georgia where he lives with his wife and son, Bateman spends his time cultivating other hobbies, alongside Oliver, who loves to do whatever his father is doing. “I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I spend three, four, sometimes six nights a week cooking dinner.

Cooking has always been a passion of mine. I’m a self-described foodie.

I collect recipe books and play around with recipes. My son also shows a lot of interest in being in the kitchen with dad,” Bateman confirmed.

Being from Louisiana, Bateman has many other southern hobbies that he enjoys. “I’m also an outdoorsman, being from Louisiana. Hunting and fishing is also a big part of my life as well. When I was playing golf, that was always a good break to be able to get out in the woods or be on the water and put golf aside for a while. I have also built many great relationships with friends doing these outdoor activities. I would say cooking, fishing and hunting are my biggest passions, currently,” Bateman responded.

Professional golfer, family man and outdoorsman, Brian Bateman seems to be living the American dream at his home in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Both Johhny Myers and Jack Nicklaus would be proud.

Though he no longer plays golf professionally, he can still talk shop.

Sports and golf fanatics rejoice - one of professional golf’s greats still carries his passion around in his pocket, or via airwaves rather. Monroe’s only native pro-golfer has left his mark.

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I, the writer of this column, who is never at a loss for words, stares straight into the eyes of our "Kathleen." Yes, as calm as can be, smoking her Camel with no filter, with her Harley Davidson jacket, chain wallet and leather gloves, there stood the person who would render this writer speechless, "Kathleen." Kathleen calmly observed my mom and my husband jump from the moving vehicle and opened mother's wallet to compare the license with my mom's face. At that moment, a smile gently cracked her lips. I got out of the car and said, "You must be Kathleen." Yes, readers, Kathleen discerned pretty quickly (well, after she had to take mom's wallet to the bank and have a teller count all the money) that the best thing she could do for the owner of the wallet was not to give it to the head cashier, but instead, sit tight until she, herself, could put the wallet safely in the hands of the owner. Kathleen stopped her life, her plans, her trip (she is from the great

state of the Mighty Miss-sis-sip) and make sure my mother got her wallet. I walked to the door of the store, where my husband had started an FBI interrogation of the head cashier, who knew nothing of a lost wallet being returned, and informed them that Kathleen was outside.

Oh, the site that unfolded was something out of an airport movie scene, when my mom threw herself in Kathleen's arms, thanking her profusely for waiting for us. Kathleen, the proud Harley biker lady, as it turns out, was just that, a lady, an honest, lovely person with a heart for doing the right thing.

Kathleen, who found a loaded wallet, who looked for a number to call to return it to its owner, who did just that, waited until she could return it to my mother. Of course, my mom tried to pay her, as a small way of trying to thank her, and as you might expect, Kathleen refused. Her only request, as she mounted her Harley to drive away, was to "pay it forward."

Kathleen, we will in fact do that. Because you see, one tiny element of the story that I left out, was there was also a 10-year old passenger in the backseat with my mom (I didn't really want to admit it, because when my sister reads this, she's likely to be really mad that Scott drove 100 with Ryder in the car). This impressionable 10-year old just witnessed an honest, pay-it-forward act of kindness, in a world that is often filled with acts that are anything but.

In this long drawn out tale of woe, there is a glimmering light of goodness, that restores your faith in our fellow man (or woman). And this offers a stark reminder that our children are watching at all times, even in the most unique of situations, that often creates opportunities for life's lessons, that remind them, and us, what is good in this world. I wish Kathleen could read this, wherever her Harley took her, in a small attempt to thank her, for her simple, yet colossal, act of kindness. It's an appropriate reminder as we start the new year, that kindness and honor are alive and well, and when we experience it, we should exploit it in front of our children. Happy New Year, BayouLife readers; I hope your year is filled with many "Kathleen" moments.

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The Eternal Imagery of

FRANK HAMRICK Ar ticle by M ARY NAPOLI & Photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

HE WANTED HER 35 MM PLASTIC CAMERA. She wanted his hat. So, they made the trade. His 12 year-old sister walked away with a light blue, straw hat that had originally belonged to their grandfather. Ten year-old Frank Hamrick walked away with the tool that would be responsible for his future career.

Hamrick is an an artisan in the truest sense.

From a young age, he found both solace and joy in the act of creating art and forming objects from materials found in nature. While his artistic talents are many, he is best known for his extraordinary photographs.

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body around the prickly wires of a fence intended to keep others away. The way a lake produces gentle, ever-changing shadows in its perpetual movement, through his lens, every day, natural beauty becomes a fascinating work of art.

Hamrick moved to the North Delta region to serve as Assistant Professor in Photography at Louisiana Tech nearly ten years ago. He is a well traveled Southerner who finds inspiration in the various natural landscapes of the places he has visited and lived--New Mexico, Maine, Italy, and the American South, among others. His subject matter is vast, but it most often depicts the subtle beauty of a rural setting. Although he is not from Louisiana originally, his aesthetic is something residents can closely identify with.

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grew up outside of Macon, Georgia, in a rural technology of a digital camera, but deeply enjoys using environment near two dairies and a ranch. methods of photography that have long since passed. He There was a lot of open space and woods to ex- uses an 8x10 large format view camera to create images on plore, so a lot of my time was spent out in the tin types, similar to cameras that were invented in the 19th woods either with a friend that lived nearby century. The results are images that are impactful, yet as with our dogs or by myself...In some ways, the fragile as a dry leaf in winter.

His fascination with alternative process began during culture and the land here is really similar to where I am his time as a graduate student in photography at the Unifrom in Georgia, so I feel pretty at home," he shares.

The similar landscapes and terrain give Hamrick the versity of Georgia and led him to explore other crafts, such comfort of familiarity. He enjoys nature in a variety of as paper making. When a classmate informed him of her ways--by observing the beauty of the forest or by the experience at a book press in Atlanta where she had been process of planting and tending to the gardens that he reg- an intern, Hamrick was interested to learn more. He was ularly keeps. In any form, he is endlessly talented at cap- able to secure an internship at the same book press and was introduced to the concept of "artists' books." This particuturing the ethereal beauty of nature that surrounds him.

What is striking about the photographs Hamrick pro- lar book press specialized in creating books for artists in duces is not only the composition or the way light dances which to showcase their work. There, Hamrick first became on the subject, but the intrinsic timelessness that has been "taken with the possibilities of a book." He began to uncaptured. Each image is a moment in time, a sigh, a derstand that books not only contained art through the imthought recalled in a flash. That visual experience trans- ages on their pages, but as an object of beauty themselves.

"The book itself can be the work of art. The shape of lates to each person differently, often bringing back a memory that, until that moment, had been just out of reach. The photos allow the viewer to appreciate that specific time “I tell my students: every image shows something, but good in a way that life often can not, because the moment leaves too soon--the shadimages usually suggest something beyond what you are seeing.� ows an ancient tree casts upon a body of water, the gentle curve of tall grass that shelters a pensive animal. Scenes may appear ordinary upon first glance, but the beauty lies in the details. The images are timeless, and the emotion that can be found in the stillness reaches out and leaves an indelible mark upon the viewer.

"I like images that can be interpreted in different ways and people can project on to them. I tell my students: every image shows something, but good images usually suggest something beyond what you are seeing," he explains with sincerity in his voice.

"What I would like for my work to do is to provide a starting point Maybe it doesn't answer all your questions, but it gives you a place to wonder from.

Some images suggest a place, and then you are left to go from there in your mind."

He is a young man, but dedicated to the pursuit of learning the historical methods of his craft to further evolve in his profession. He is adept at capturing breathtaking images with the modern

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Combining his talents in book making and photography opened doors for Hamrick. His unique approach caught the eye of individuals and multiple galleries throughout the US.

FRANK HAMRICK

it, the pages, the way it opens and closes, and things like that," he explains.

For his work at the book press, he was rewarded with the opportunity to make his own book. He chose to make a small book that showcased a collection of black and white photographs he had taken.

He was enchanted by the way a handmade book of photography gave a completely different physical experience than viewing framed images on a wall.

"I like how a book can do that. You can have multiple images or images with writing. [The photos affect] the way the book is put together, the size, the color scheme, all sorts of things. It becomes a tactile experience. It’s also a personal experience, because you are holding it. Whereas when you have artwork on the wall, you can't touch it. When you are holding a book, there is also the aspect that other people can't see what you are looking at, so it’s a personal experience. It is intimate in a way. Or you can share it, and pass it along to someone else. You can’t exactly do that with a picture on the wall--here, take this and get it back to me when you are done with it. But with a book, you can do that."

He enjoyed watching people interact with the book, each viewing an individual experience. He also realized that this was an easy way to connect with other artists and to create opportunities to further his work.

"I was with another artist who asked what I had been doing, and I pulled the book out of my coat pocket. It was something you could hold in your hand. That book had about 15 pages in it, so you could see a little body of work. I compare [the books] to an album with 1015 songs on it. If you listen to one song on the radio, you probably won't get a good sense of what that artist is capable of. But if you listen to an album, you have a much more accurate representation of the work."

Combining his talents in book making and photography opened doors for Hamrick, and his books began to get noticed. His unique approach caught the eye of individuals and multiple galleries throughout the U.S. Although his books now command a higher price than what they originally sold for, the books still allow him to reach a more diverse audience than he would by working with galleries exclusively. He has produced 17 books to date, with captivating titles such as Letter Never Sent and Chasing the Sun. "Doing exhibitions can be costly. Frames, installation...it costs money. People who liked my work and my peers didn't have the money to spend on the art. But a small book is more affordable. It was a way to make it more accessible to people, and you didn't have to come to a gallery to see it. It can be shipped easily and more affordably. There are so many possibilities with a book.

As a craftsman, Hamrick also holds endless possibilities. He continues to grow and evolve as an artist and an educator. His observant eye and adept hands will continue to lead him to creative places he has yet to travel.

"There are different goals at different points. If you do something well and people notice that, other opportunities will come...It's kind of like gardening. You are always investing in the future and taking chances, that you don't know is they will pay off or not or if they will be fruitful. But, you take that chance, and hopefully it will come."

View more of Hamrick's work on his website www.frankhamrick.com.

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Governor’s Cigar and Pipe in Monroe

Where Novices Become Aficionados aficionado n. a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime

“It’s really easy for beginners to become overwhelmed with information about cigars,” says Friday Ellis. “There are terms a novice smoker may not understand, and there are hundreds of varieties of cigars.

That’s where finding a great tobacconist becomes important.”

For novice smokers and cigar aficionados alike, Governor’s Cigar and Pipe is just such a tobacconist. The shop opened in 2014, and in the past several months, Governor’s has become a fixture in the cigar and pipe world, and there’s good reason for that. The walk-in humidor is always well stocked with something to satisfy every price point

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and even the most discerning of smokers.

In the back room, cigar and pipe connoisseurs congregate and visit for hours, enjoying cigars, trading notes about a Jericho Hill as it compares to the latest A.J. Fernandez offering. Ellis likes to think of Governor’s as much as a club as he does a cigar and pipe store. “That’s what cigars are all about,” Ellis says. “Sitting around, talking about the cigars, discussing news or sports, or just shooting the breeze with a few jokes.”

Along the way, visitors pick up a whole lot of knowledge about cigars, pipe tobaccos, and the culture surrounding fine smoking. At the same time, Governor’s staff and more than a few regulars are always on hand to offer up suggestions to beginners.

Advice runs deep, too. From how best to

trim the end of that particular cigar to how to hold a torch to the tip, novice smokers can rest assured that they’ll have the knowledge to fully enjoy a new experience—and to enjoy it well.

“There’s a mystique that comes with cigars, I think, and it can be intimidating,” Ellis says. “But it doesn’t have to be.” Each cigar has a character, a certain history and lineage, and the individual smoking that particular cigar can approach it with a variety of techniques and tools. A knowledgeable tobacconist is able to explain a cigar in a way that even the most inexperienced smoker can understand. In the end, Ellis says guiding new enthusiasts is what sets Governor’s Cigar and Pipe apart from other cigar vendors in the market. “That’s why we’re here,” Ellis says.

Knowledge and Expertise

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Your Vehicle is in Good Hands at Carwash West

ASTROL PREMIUM LUBE EXPRESS at Carwash West is one of Castrol’s select privately owned quick lubes. Castrol evaluates their select quick lube on a regular basis to ensure that the highest standards are met. Their AOCA certified lube techs have the knowledge and expertise to keep your vehicle performing at factory recommended specifications. Castrol Premium Lube Express services foreign and domestic vehicles alike. You can trust their lube techs to let you know what services are due for your vehicle by mileage and from visual inspection. Their techs will alert you to which services are critical, from a nail in your tire to an extremely worn belt. They price the services they offer so that you can compare with other shops.

They do not pressure sell, they just give you the information you need to make a decision.

Carwash West’s services are reported to CarFax, which offers a free smart phone app.

This app allows CarFax to notify you when services are due for each of your cars. They even will let you know when your registration is due.

They are a state inspection station and also provide windshield crack repair on site. On rainy days when the carwash is closed they provide a wash raincheck for their lube customers.

Carwash West offers lube packages for people on-the-go, whether you need the bare minimum or the works.

Express starting at $34.99: Oil and filter change, includes free exterior wash.

Full Serve starting at $39.99: Full 19-point oil change and inspection with Free full service wash You can also upgrade to any of their wash packages for a discounted price with the purchase of a lube package: • Wash n’ Wax- $5 (Reg.18) • Super Wash- $9 (Reg. 22.99)

• Deluxe Super Wash- $11 (Reg. 24.99) • Max- $25 (Reg. 38.99 • RainX- $3.99

OTHER SERVICES • Tire Rotation-starting at $16.99 • Cooling System Flush and Fill- $79.99 • Castrol Synthetic transmission Flush and Fill$129.99 • Power-Steering Flush and Fill- $49.99 • Fuels System Tune-Up- $69.99 • Air Filters- Starting at 7.99 • Differential/ Transfer Case Fluid Replacement $36.99 • Manual Transmission Fluid Replacement $29.99 • Serpentine Belt Replacement- Starting at 49.99 For full pricing, visit us online at www.carwashwestmonroe.com or give us a call at 318.388.0626.

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Come Celebrate 2015 at The Yoga Barre

It’s the Year of Self Care

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015 BRINGS THE CHANCE TO SET a new tone for the rest of the year. It is time to develop new ideas, new patterns and new attitudes. This year, fall in love with taking care of yourself- mind, body, and spirit; 2015 is all about self care! Balance is the new achievement, and feeling good is the new looking good.

At the Yoga Barre, we offer many different classes that make you feel good and, as a side effect, make you look good too. You will leave the studio feeling accomplished and ready to take on whatever life throws at you.

All of the classes on our schedule are suited to all levels of experience. Remember, we were all beginners at some point, and the only way to grow is through experience. The Yoga Barre is an inviting and vivacious at-

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mosphere, and we are not afraid to laugh and have a good time while working up a good sweat.

When you feel good about yourself it shines through when you are taking care of others. It is important to stay healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Finding balance in these three areas of your life will improve your quality of life exponentially.

Let us help you achieve this balance by joining us for Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, or Soulful Vinyasa class. Are you looking to rev up your heart rate and burn maximum calories? Try Xen Strength: Yoga With Weights or a Booty Barre class. We have what you are looking for!

The Yoga Barre strives to bring a distinct style of fitness to Northeast Louisiana, as

well as give back to our community and promote our local business families. Our goal is not to intimidate class attendees, but to connect with them to meet their fitness needs.

We offer a small, more intimate workout setting that feels safe and fun. In addition to our regularly scheduled classes, we offer private lessons in the form of individual or group lessons. Our instructors are friendly and committed to delivering the best classes possible!

Come fall in love with taking care of yourself-mind, body, and spirit. See you at the barre!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email (yogabarrestudio@gmail.com), call, text, or stop by the studio!

We Deliver...

Quality Care

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

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OREHOUSE GENERAL HOSPITAL has proudly served residents of Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas since 1930. Delivering babies is one of the things that we do best. We love bringing new babies into the world at Morehouse General Hospital; and we are committed to providing quality healthcare before, during, and after birth for all of our mothers and their babies.

Dr. Janos Guoth graduated medical school in Hungary and relocated to the US in 1986. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Guoth has practiced in the US for more than 25 years and has been a valued

member of the Morehouse General Hospital medical staff for the last 6 years. He is board certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is located at 425 South Vine Street. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 281-8555.

Dr. Curtis Sanders earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport in 2000. He practiced at EA Conway in Monroe for 12 years before joining the medical staff at Morehouse General Hospital.

Dr. Sanders is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetri-

cians and Gynecologists. He is located at 618 South Washington. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 281-5035.

Dr. Martin Young graduated from the University of London, in London, England.

He completed a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at Children’s Hospital of Boston and is a member of the Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Young has practiced for more than 30 years and in 2012 joined the medical staff at Morehouse General Hospital. He is located at 323 West Walnut . To schedule an appointment, call (318) 283-3032.

Rachel Waller is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who has more than 10 years’ experience caring for pediatric patients. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a BSN, and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree from Grambling University. Rachel is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and is now a member of the Morehouse General Hospital medical staff. She is located at 323 West Walnut. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 283-3032.

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Bastrop Open House Hundreds of visitors strolled Bastrop's historic downtown business district Sunday, Nov. 16, for the annual Bastrop Open House. Merchants around the square opened their doors and invited the public in for afterhours browsing, holiday entertainment, and more than a little Christmas cheer.

Bastrop retailers Seligman's, Steve's Jewelry, and the Market joined other downtown anchors, such as A'Michaels, Antiques and Accents, and Whit's Pharmacy. In addition, Arnett Jewelry, Freckled Frog, Limetree Boutique, Flower Tree, and Pearce Pharmacy also received visitors.

While browsing, shoppers were treated to light hors d'oeuvres, hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider. The annual holiday open house is celebrated each year as a kickoff to the busy Christmas shopping season. The event encourages residents and visitors alike to “shop local� and support home-grown businesses.

On the BayouScene

1 Jerrye Sipes and Emma Garison 2 Belinda Oden, Linda Davis, Teresa Pearce, Jodi Ford, Kim Crnkovic and Caren Walker 3 April Johnson, Andrea Hayes, Heather Ganey, Karen Luzader and Karen Oliver 4 Pauline Kinnaird and Jennifer Stephenson 5 Jordan Caldwell, Haleigh Petty and Kristen Oliphant 6 Jennifer Robinson and Janice Mcgowen

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Ideal Protein: Your Last Diet

With Professional Laser Center, Losing Weight is Stress Free

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BY JUDY WAGONER

VER FIVE YEARS AGO, Professional Laser Center introduced an amazing weight loss program to the state of Louisiana, and since then, we've seen hundreds of men and women who are loving their bodies for the first time in years.

The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program promotes fat loss and enhances muscle tone.

While some high protein diets, often high in saturated fats, can tax the liver and the kidneys, the Ideal Protein method provides the right amount of the highest quality protein, needed to protect and improve muscle mass and vital organs.

The Ideal Protein Method is a medically designed protocol, developed in France over 20 years ago by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, MD PhD, who focused his career and research on nutrition, with an emphasis on the treatment

of obesity. It's a 4-phase protocol, which helps stabilize the pancreas and blood sugar levels, while burning fat and maintaining muscle and other lean tissue. It's also an excellent treatment for cellulite reduction. The FDAapproved products are only available through trained and certified coaches. Our Ideal Protein experts will guide you through the program stress free.

Principles Behind the Protocol: Learn to live off the body's own fat reserves. The body employs energy from three reserves: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. First, from it's carbohydrate reserves, and when depleted, the body turns to its protein and fat reserves for energy. Simple and complex carbohydrates can prevent weight loss. The body stores approximately three days worth of carbohydrates.

The Ideal Weight Loss program has a beginning and an end. Until 100% of the weight loss goal is achieved, sugars are restricted. As long as sugar is consumed, the body is not burning fat. It's as simple as that.

The main principle is to deplete the carbohydrate reserves to compel the body to turn to its fat reserves to burn calories.

The centerpiece of the protocol is gourmet, protein-based foods, which the dieter will consume during the program. These are high, biological value proteins. They're delicious, practical and satisfying and are available in an array of textures and flavors.

Call Professional Laser Center today, and let us show you how to get the weight off, and most importantly, keep it off. You won't believe how easy it is!

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A Night at Casino Royale with 007

The Cancer Foundation League Presents a Night at Casino Royale with 007

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HE CANCER FOUNDATION LEAGUE (CFL) IS betting you will not want to miss the 2015 gala! You will feel like you have entered the most exclusive casino when you enter the West Monroe Civic Center. On Saturday, February 28, 2015, it will be the premier event in town and a fabulous way to close out the month of February.

Your ticket to play includes fabulous food, drinks and the chance to dance the night away to the exciting sounds of Almost Famous. Almost Famous is a band out of Memphis, Tennessee, and is guaranteed to get everyone up and moving. Almost Famous showcases three lead singers, and members of the band are credited with performing for US Presidents, national television appearances, movie sound tracks, touring with top Grammy Award winners and having their own recording contracts. Bottom line, you will not want to miss out!

For a unique experience that you can’t find elsewhere, come out, and join us and help us meet our mission of offering financial assistance to Northeast Louisiana cancer patients undergoing treatment. A Night at Casino Royale with 007 will be on February 28, 2015, starting at 7pm. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased from the Cancer Foundation League office or by calling 966-1953. Tickets will also be available at Albritton Photography and The Coffee Bean.

The Cancer Foundation League was founded in 2002 by two Northeast Louisiana women, Dee Dee Cook and Virginia Knickerbocker, who saw the need to address the immediate concerns for cancer patients. The two women collaborated about offering financial assistance to those impacted by the cancer diagnosis. Funds are used to help pay patients’ non-medical bills, such as rent or groceries or giving gift cards to help patients with travel expenses to treatment sites. In the last 12 years, the Cancer Foundation League has spent over $1,300,000 assisting over 3500 patients.

For further information on the Escape to the Alps gala, any other CFL events or the Cancer Foundation League in general, please visit our website www.cancerfoundationleague.com or find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/cancerfoundationleague. We will see you in February!

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Living His Dream

Introducing Wayne Thibodeaux, M.D.

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AYNE THIBODEAUX, M.D., WAS 12 YEARS OLD WHEN he underwent exploratory surgery for hip and joint issues.

His anesthesiologist explained the procedure in detail, and when he was finished, he asked 12-year-old Thibodeaux about his plans for the future.

“I told him, ‘I’m going to have your job,’” Thibodeaux recalled with a laugh. “I was always intrigued by science, but the interaction with that doctor really caught my attention.”

Now, at the age of 45, Dr. Thibodeaux enjoys his profession just as much his 12-year-old-self anticipated.

He was named one of the area’s top five anesthesiologists in the 2014 DeltaStyle Best of Healthcare.

“What I love most about my job is that there’s a beginning and an end.

It’s my job to prepare the patients for the surgery, get them safely through the surgery, and help them awaken. And while I enjoy every age group, the child in me really enjoys working with kids.”

Dr. Thibodeaux, who started working at P&S Surgical Hospital in August 2014, enjoys his co-workers too. The sense of collegiality inherent to P&S has meant a lot to him, he said.

“The staff here is great. We work together really well and help each other out when needed.”

Raised in south Louisiana, Dr. Thibodeaux attended medical school at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport. A self-proclaimed “diehard LSU fan,” he tries to attend as many games as he can.

Attending his alma mater’s football games is just one of many pasttimes. He has traveled to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, ziplined 500 feet in the air, and jumped off a cliff in the Caribbean Islands. He has also enjoyed scuba diving and white water rafting.

Dr. Thibodeaux, also an avid tennis player, spent some of his vacation at home, but it just wasn’t for him.

“Life is too short. I try never to stay too still. I spent 12 years training to become an anesthesiologist, and I saw nothing but the inside of a classroom—and many textbooks—until I was 31. So, now I’m making up for that.”

Perhaps his greatest joy is spending time with his three children: Brandon 24; Matthew 21; and Jonathan 19.

“All three of my sons make it a point to include me in their activities, and it means so much to me. I enjoy that time with them immensely.”

What are his plans for the near future? “I have a trip to Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, planned. That should be a lot of fun.”

P&S Surgical Hospital is a joint venture between St. Francis Medical Center and 50 physician specialists.

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Put on Your Walking Shoes Being physically fit helped saved Dr. Lisa Colvin’s life. She takes us through her journey from fitness guru to survivor. By April S. Kelley.

Photography by Brad Arender.

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one of us are exempt from health issues, no matter how fit or healthy we think we may be. Dr. Lisa Colvin, the interim dean of the ULM Graduate School and a kinesiology professor, can attest to this hard truth that we all must face. Earlier this year, Dr. Colvin suffered from a super virus that nearly claimed her life. She firmly believes that her success in surviving such an ordeal was due to her impressive level of fitness. Though fitness cannot prevent such health issues, it can help a person to survive against all odds. Our bodies are our vessels, and they must be taken care of and strengthened regularly to meet these illnesses head on, never faltering in their innate abilities to function at full capacity and fight with all they’ve got. Our bodies are very resilient, especially if we take quality care of them.

“I was very, very fit when I went to Europe in May and I got very, very sick, and the only reason I lived is because of my fitness. Without my being healthy, I would have died,” Colvin said.

Colvin has an endowed professorship through Dr. Lucy Shackelford, who was her advisor. From Dr. Shackelford, Colvin learned the importance of health and fitness from a true inspiration, someone she admired and respected greatly.

“The exercise that you do is a protective factor and I found that out the hard way. I never ever thought that I would be as sick as I have been in the last seven months,” Colvin said.

Dr. Colvin took a trip to Aigle, Switzerland for a sporting event. At that time one of the athletes had become ill. From there, three other athletes became ill as well. “So, I brought them food.

I wiped their heads off. I held their hand. I helped them get in and out of cars to go to doctors,” Colvin said.

It was at this point that Colvin began to feel ill. “One of the athletes had a virus that overtook my body, and in ten days I was so sick that I could barely get out of bed. At that point, I had to call the US Embassy,” Colvin said.

From there, Colvin was transported to Geneva and then to Evian, France. “I stayed in Evian, France, until I was no longer contagious. It was a ten day incubation period, but that doesn’t mean it went away. It stays in your body. I couldn’t give it to anyone else, but I still had it. I wasn’t getting better. I was running extremely high temperatures, and it was all really terrible,” Colvin said.

Though not as active as she had been accustomed to being when the illness took over, Colvin still credits her successful battle with it to her overall fitness level. “I came in fit, not real fit because I had been working the semester. I would ride my bike a little and do a lot of walking, but at the time I had hurt my knee.

So I wasn’t in great shape, but I was healthy. I wasn’t fit to race but I was healthy fit,” Colvin said.

When Colvin became well enough to fly, they flew her from Evian to Geneva and then back to the United States. When she arrived back in the states, her health seemed to get significantly worse. “My husband, Lane Colvin, is a hospital administrator, and he knew right away that there was something not right. I

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tried to bike when I got back, and I couldn’t even make it a mile.

I couldn’t breathe, and my heartbeat was almost beating out of my chest,” Colvin said.

From there, Colvin slept for three straight days. Then, on the 17th of June, the real journey started. “I went to Affinity Health Care first. I couldn’t breathe. My heart was beating out of my chest. I just couldn’t breathe. They tried everything, and I started coughing, and my chest would hurt. I would cramp up everywhere,” Colvin said.

After that, Colvin was sent to Glenwood. Colvin kept having episodes of stomach sickness, chest pains, vomiting, cramps, heart pains and trouble breathing. These episodes recurred over and over for about two months. Glenwood had a pretty good grip of what was going on with Colvin but they needed to send her somewhere with more resources. At this point, Colvin was airlifted to Ochsner’s in New Orleans due to congestive heart failure.

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even as low as 50%. I was at 28%, so my heart was dying. It was failing,” Colvin said. The doctors at Ochsner’s went to work really fast on Colvin’s heart.

“It was weird to be on a transplant floor. I kept thinking, ‘How did I get here?’ And my husband kept saying, ‘You’re fit.

You’re fit. You’re going to hang in there,’” Colvin said.

Colvin survived at Ochsner’s, but little did she know, the worst was not yet over. “A week later, I got sick again and had to return to Glenwood. My virus had moved away from my heart, but was now in my gut. I had lost 6 units of blood and didn’t know where it went. We found out it was coming out of my GI tract. So as fast as it was coming out, they were putting it in,” Colvin said.

From there, Colvin was sent to Baylor in Dallas to take care of the GI issue. A week later, she felt ill again. She couldn’t eat.

She kept vomiting. As it turned out, now her gall bladder had lost its functionality. The gall bladder was subsequently removed.

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On July 21, they thought I was going to die. That’s why I tell everyone, do something and be fit. Just put your shoes on and walk out the door. I’m begging you; just do something.

A month later, the pain in her heart began again. “It felt like an elephant sitting on your chest,” Colvin said.

Finally, Colvin went to Duke University and was diagnosed with mild pericarditis, which means the lining of the heart was rubbing repeatedly, and there were also enzymes found in Colvin’s blood that make it look like she was having a heart attack. “So Duke figured that out about six weeks ago, and here I am today,” Colvin said.

Dr. Colvin does not take this near-death experience lightly.

She fully understands the magnitude of the situation and is grateful for everyone that stood by her side. “I have a lot to be thankful for. I am grateful for everyone that’s helped me, particularly my husband and our families. My students were wonderful. They came and saw me in the hospital,” Colvin said.

She also has become even more passionate about helping others with their own fitness goals. “On July 21, they thought I was going to die. That’s why I tell everyone, do something and be fit. Just put your shoes on and walk out the door. I’m begging you; just do something. The survivability of what I have is 36%.

I have made the six months, and I’m going to make it. The good Lord has me here for a reason; that reason is to be that person to help people be fit and healthy,” Colvin said.

Fitness is one of the most important things in the life of any individual. It is what keeps the human body going, which then interconnects with the well-being of the mind and the overall quality of life. “It isn’t that hard, but being sick is hard. If you have that fitness behind you, you’re going to make it,” Colvin said.

According to Dr. Colvin, fitness is not about going to a gym necessarily, but about being active. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 85 or 90. In fact, the older you get, the more important it becomes to do something physical. It can be simple things: ride a stationary bike, walk with your kids or grandkids, have your kids play soccer or frisbee, walk the dog, ride a bicycle, join a club that focuses on physical activity,” Colvin said.

One of the most important things an individual can do to get fit is find an accountability buddy. “Find people that can hold you accountable. That’s the thing; there’s your motivation.

Not only will you have these accountability friends, but you will also build incredibly close bonds with these people. You make bonds with people who decide to put on their walking shoes and take that first step out of the front door. Whether it’s you or your friend, you are taking that first step to live,” Colvin said.

Another factor Dr. Colvin pointed out is that exercise is not simply a selfish endeavor. “You aren’t doing it just selfishly for yourself. You are doing it for everyone that loves you. You are

doing it for everyone that may one day love you,” Colvin said.

In fact, Dr. Colvin can facilitate your health and wellness goals with her plethora of knowledge. With her numerous licenses, certifications and her wealth of experience, Colvin can take any individual from an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle and transform him/her into a fit, healthy and happy person.

On the first floor of ULM’s Brown Hall, there is a lab that can test the physical fitness of any individual. “We’ve got all the testing. We have underwater weighing. We can do laboratories.

We can do full-out testing and research studies in here. We can tell you how in shape you are and if there are any problems with the electrical conduction of your heart,” Colvin said.

Colvin is even writing a book pertaining to EKG studies, titled Clinical Exercise Electrocardiography, which should hit the shelves in 2016. “Based on these machines in our lab, I can tell if there was something wrong with your heart, and I would refer you to a physician,” Colvin said.

The lab at ULM also performs many other tasks. People can test their flexibility, their body composition and muscular endurance. After all of these tests, the lab will then write out a detailed training program. “From all of the information from the tests and the family history, we can put together a package of what you look like physically, and that becomes your starting point, “ Colvin said.

The lab creates a detailed workout plan along with a limited nutrition plan, which is based on the US FDA new food pyramid. Individuals will then check back every 3, 4, or 6 months to check on their progress. “The nutrition part is pretty easy to start with. You just change one thing at a time. For example, you stop reaching into the candy bowl at work. That’s it.” Colvin said.

Another important lesson of Dr. Colvin’s is to never restrict any foods from your diet. “For example, if soda is your vice, drink half the amount. You don’t want to cut it out completely, or your body will want to drink an entire liter,” Colvin said.

Dr. Colvin also recommends never stepping on a scale. “My thing is never step on the scale. Look at how your clothes fit instead,” Colvin said.

The lab at ULM is very dear to Dr. Colvin. She believes it could help many in the community get on the right fitness track, if only they knew that it existed. “This is a community laboratory. We are right here, anytime, for anyone in the region. I think it’s a hidden jewel in the area. This laboratory is here to serve the people of the region,” Colvin said.

Dr. Colvin has heaps of advice on how to jump start your fitness goals that are not only easy to implement into everyday life, but they are down –right simple.

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TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING FROM DR. COLVIN WALK MORE It can be as easy as parking at the back of the parking lot or taking the stairs. Walking is also one of the greatest stress relievers.

“When you are at work and you are stressed, get up from your desk, and blow off your steam by walking. Just walk away. Because we all get mad at work, we all get stressed. We all get to that point where you want to pull your hair. It’s better to get up and walk away, and plus, you are getting the benefit of the walk. Walk for fifteen minutes and come back. And all you really need is thirty minutes per day, so you are halfway there,” Colvin said.

STAY AWAY FROM FAD DIETS Whether it’s juicing or the paleo-diet or even The New York Times’ Scientific 7-minute workout, fad diets are nothing more than fads. They are not healthy, and they are certainly not realistic.

“If anything says you can lose 10 pounds in a week, stay away.

Weight loss should be only one or two pounds per week. Stay away from fad diets. Focus on fruits and vegetables. Shop on the edges of the store for the fresh produce, meat and vegetables. And as far as this new-fangled Scientific 7-minute workout, seven minutes of activity is not going to give you any health benefits,” Colvin said SLEEP Sleep is probably the most important and most overlooked and undervalued piece of fitness.

“This is the time that you are regenerating new cells, new fighter cells for new viruses or bacteria you may have,” Colvin said.

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DO IT TO LIVE Most importantly, fitness should be seen as something that improves your quality of life. Fitness is about taking care of all that you are, whether you are young or old; this body is all you have and it should be taken care of to the best of your abilities.

“Do it because your life means something to someone, and your life should be fulfilling. And if you ever get sick, like I did, walk out that door, because it saved me. So walk out that door and save your life,” Colvin said.

Expecting a Little One Soon?

Prenatal Classes Offered by St. Francis Medical Center

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T. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS AN ARRAY OF classes to get you and your family ready for having a baby, one of life’s special moments. Class content is helpful for expectant parents, including those who may need a refresher course. Classes are held 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Community Health Center (CHC), 2600 Tower Drive, in Monroe, are open to the public and most are free. Pre-registration is required via www.stfran.com or (318) 966-4700.

ABCs of Baby Care Classes provide essential information about newborn infants and their care. Topics include newborn characteristics and needed supplies, as well as diapering, bathing, feeding, and safety. Common concerns are addressed, making this a very worthwhile experience for parents-to-be. 2/3, 4/7, 6/2, 8/4, 10/6, 12/1

Breastfeeding Class This class is for those who are interested in learning about breastfeeding. Content includes preparation benefits, positioning, and common problems associated with breastfeeding (and their prevention). 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12, 6/9, 7/14, 8/11, 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8

Childbirth Basics Classes prepare couples with an overview of the labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum experience and includes a video of an actual birth. The person who will be in the delivery room with you is encouraged to attend. Information about Cesarean birth is included.

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Prepared Childbirth This three-week series for couples prepares them intellectually, physically, and emotionally for the childbirth experience. Prepared Childbirth is a comprehensive overview of what you will experience starting at 36 weeks through labor, birth and into the postpartum period. This course offers ways to cope with pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Breathing and relaxation, as well as medication and epidural options are covered. You will also learn about hospital procedures during your stay as a patient. We emphasize knowledge, preparation, and your role as an informed patient. The information taught is relevant to everyone, no matter what your desire for a labor experience. You should begin this class between 28 and 32 weeks. If you have any questions about this course, please call Labor and Delivery at 966-4188. There is a $50 fee for this class. A new course begins each month and lasts for three consecutive weeks. 1/5, 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4, 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7.

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ask erin STARTING YOUR NEW YEAR RIGHT

by Erin Sharplin Love

s one of your goals for this year to get more organized? If so, you are not alone! Getting organized is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. We all have good intentions, but unfortunately, the resolution to find order in our lives is the one we are least likely to keep because we simply do not have a good plan to execute the promise.

To make sure you don’t become one of the statistics, I’ve created an organizing checklist for each month of the upcoming year. Each checklist contains tasks, along with tips, on how to complete each task efficiently so you are less likely to become discouraged during the organizing process.

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Set your yearly goals - Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a successful entrepreneur, setting goals is an important part of getting things done. Rarely does a goal happen if you don’t commit to it. Write it down so it becomes real to you; then keep the list where you will see it every day. Feel free to add to the list monthly.

Clear out the holidays – Try not to procrastinate on putting away your holiday décor and gifts . Hopefully, you already have a convenient storage spot, but if not, consider large, clear, plastic bins! They are economical, stackable, easy to see through, and keep dirt and critters away. Finding space for the new gifts might require clearing out old or unused items.

Organize your photos – I will bet that you took a lot of pictures over the holidays, but haven’t even thought about organizing them right away. Instead of letting the pictures pile up on your phone or camera, print them as soon as possible or set up a “Christmas 2014” folder on your computer. You will thank me later!

JANUARY

Start preparing for tax time – If you haven’t already, now is the time to set aside a separate file for tax-related paperwork that will be arriving in the mail. You can also start organizing your receipts and statements for the past year so they will be ready for your tax preparer.

Reorganize your master bedroom – The master bedroom should be a place of com-

FEBRUARY

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plete relaxation for you and your significant other, so take time to declutter and organize the space this month. Clear out anything that is weighing you down and that you don’t love.

Consider changing your bedspread or duvet cover – you wouldn’t believe how good it feels to make this slight change. Remove anything that might be hiding under the bed, and clean thoroughly so the relaxing energy has room to flow.

Toss any expired medication – I think the medicine cabinet is one of the most overlooked areas in a home. I suggest taking time once a year to toss any medication that has expired, and then make a list of items that need to be replaced, such as band aids, hydrogen peroxide, pain relievers, etc. Pharmaceutical research suggests that expired medication might not pose a life-threatening risk, but the potency of an expired medication may be weakened and, therefore, will not cure your ailment.

Organize your closet – The beginning of a new season is the perfect time to organize and clear clutter from your closet. Be sure to take note of what you need to toss from seasons

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gone by and what you need to add for the upcoming season. Shopping without a plan can backfire on you, so keep your list handy for those spur- of- the- moment outings.

Prepare for and complete spring cleaning and decorating – Now is a great time to create a spring cleaning list. Take note of what chores need to be completed and whether or not items need to be purchased in order to complete the chore. I also suggest creating a “mini zone” by corralling all cleaning and organizing products into one area or tote, so when you get ready to tackle your spring cleaning, you will have everything in one spot! It will also be uplifting to begin decorating for the upcoming Easter season, so break out the cheerful bunnies and pastel colors. *Note – This is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and check your carbon monoxide detector.

Declutter you home office – If you don’t already have an organization system in place for your home office, there is no time like now to create one. Make sure to consider your lifestyle and needs when putting a system in place for this area, or it will be sure to become a disaster

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zone again. My top tip is to stop clutter at the door by tossing any junk mail before it even enters your home.

Clean out your refrigerator and pantry – Like the medicine cabinet, your refrigerator and pantry can quickly become engorged with expired and ruined products, so take time, at least once a year, to give this space a thorough cleaning and detoxing.

File your taxes – Thankfully, you prepared for this task in February, so pull out your files and complete any paperwork that is still lingering before completing the tax-filing process.

Get organized for the summer – Begin planning your summer goals now! The kids will be out of school soon, so you’ll need to be prepared with some fun activities and treats.

Make a plan for completing outdoor organizing projects – For instance, how is your garage or outdoor shed looking? If it needs some maintenance, May is the perfect month – not too hot or too cold. Be sure to create a list and mini- zone so you will be prepared when that small window of time opens for you to begin this project.

Document your school routine – What worked and didn’t work for you and your children this school year? It will be in your best interest to decide what needs to be changed so the new school year can start stress free! For example, would scheduling homework time sooner or later avoid bedtime hassles or make afterschool activities more enjoyable and less rushed?

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JUNE Organize your child(s) room and/or playroom – Get rid of anything your child no longer uses or needs. Remember, the closets are more than likely full of clothes she has outgrown! *Tip – Create a “summer fun” basket for each child that is filled with his/her favorite outdoor games and paraphernalia. When the time comes, all she will need to do is grab and go!

Clear and prepare your outdoor entertaining area – Collect all grilling utensils, plastic serving pieces, beach towels, and anything else you use for this area on a yearly basis. Replace anything that you have run out of or that no longer works for your needs. Now you are ready to plan your first summer party!

Corral all of your child(s) artwork and school papers – Create a space dedicated specifically for these items. I suggest customizing filing totes or baskets for each child. Once

the basket is at its capacity, ask your child to help you get rid of any items he isn’t attached to.

Declare independence! - Schedule fifteen minutes each day of this month to tackle a clutter hotspot in or around your home – Need an idea of where to start? Drawers are the perfect spot!

JULY

Prepare for Back-to-School – You should have already assessed what worked from last year and what didn’t, so now all you need to do is get all school bags and supplies purchased and in order. And, take that last summer trip, too!

Organize your car - This is a task that should be handled once a month, but if you can find time only once a year, August is the perfect time. Go over every hotspot that you can think of and create a storage system. For example, purchase a folding cargo box for the trunk of your car or the back of an SUV to store jumper cables, shopping items, and toys to keep the kids occupied on long (or short) trips.

Prepare for fall sports – Most children are in some sort of school sport, so create another mini- zone so you never leave home without an important accessory again!

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Evaluate your fall décor – Now is the time to prepare your fall décor. Does anything need to be replaced or fixed? If so, take time to do it this month.

Organize a shopping list – I can never stress enough the importance of shopping with a list! It doesn’t matter if you are grocery shopping, convenient-store shopping, or clothing shopping, creating and sticking to a list will save you time and money in the long run; so this month, create a master shopping list for each store you frequent.

Check in on your goals – Remember the goals you set at the beginning of the year? How are those coming? If you’ve” fallen off the wagon” a bit, make the commitment to begin again and with renewed fervor.

SEPTEMBER

Organize the coat closet – Make sure everyone is prepared for winter by checking for correct sizes and worn-out clothing. If you don’t have a “coat closet,” create a space near the door for cold-weather items.

Prepare for Halloween – What will the kids wear this year? Will it be homemade or

OCTOBER

purchased? Make a shopping list for what needs to be done NOW so the date doesn’t sneak up on you. Don’t forget to start buying candy, too!

Schedule seasonal photos – Photographers tend to book up during the holidays, so book your Christmas card sessions ahead of time!

NOVEMBER Begin holiday decorating and decluttering – Get rid of and replace any broken items or those things you no longer love and use; then create a plan for completing the decorating process.

Organize a menu plan – Get ready for the fast-approaching holidays by creating your menu plan early in the month. What will you bring to Thanksgiving dinner this year? What about Christmas dinner? You should also prepare for unexpected guests by creating frozen meals that are easy to pull out and pop in the oven.

Refresh the guest room – Be sure to begin washing bed and bath linens so that they are fresh when your guests arrive. It is also a nice idea to set out a few toiletries (toothbrush, mouthwash, soap, lotions) that they might have forgotten to bring themselves. I love organizing these items in a cute apothecary jar or basket, and then set it on the bathroom counter.

Finish your holiday shopping – I suggest doing this at the very beginning of this month if you haven’t completed it yet! Remember to make a plan and a list, but don’t forget to attach those holiday coupons and specials to it.

Consider your goals for the new year – Maybe you could start a journal or notebook that will help keep you on track for 2015.

Let go of ten things – As a final task, I challenge you to take a walk through your house and notice any items that you haven’t used in the past year. They could be duplicate appliances, collectibles, clothing, shoes, décor items…anything and everything is open for consideration. Now, grab a bin and place at least ten items in it. If you aren’t totally sure you want to donate or trash these items, try storing them in your attic for a few months. If you don’t think about or remember these items by this time next year, out they go! Then you can begin the whole process again.

Getting organized is an extremely cleansing and uplifting experience if done correctly and at your own pace. Hopefully, this checklist inspires you to start 2015 with an organized bang!

DECEMBER

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Up on the Rooftop

Was that Santa and his sleigh? No! It was Up on the Rooftop, hosted atop the Vantage Tower Parking Garage. Hundreds turned out for what is quickly becoming a new Monroe tradition, thanks in part to the efforts of Monroe Downtown Renaissance.

Choice Brands, Marsala Beverage and Glazer's were all on hand to ply the crowd with drinks, and some of Monroe's most popular eateries dished up plate after plate of their best dishes. Shreveport party band FunHouse! kicked it up a notch, while partiers were invited to create memories of the event in the Smile Moore Photo Booth manned by Kelly Moore and her team.

But the centerpiece of the night wasn't the music or the food. It was the fireworks, which Monroe Renaissance has helped bring back downtown and make bigger and better each year. All proceeds from the Up on the Rooftop event benefit Monroe Renaissance.

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On the BayouScene

1 Mary Simpson and Delia Simpson 2 Micheal Steele and Laura King 3 Murven and GiGi Shoemaker 4 Ashley Lee, Santa and Tara Holmes 5 Chris Gordy, Jeremy Claborn, Anthony Jacola, Brandon Sullivan, Brandon Earl and Allison Earl 6 Victoria Smith and Joshua Mitchell 7 Kevin Caston and Melody Olsen 8 Jena Bass and Jessica Lawson 9 Kacie Mathieu, Cameron Cicero and James Matuschka 10 Brandi Brownlee Howard, Heather Land and Jo Ellen Gilliland 11 Julie Montgomery and Ryan Roark 12 Leah and Mac Reitzell

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AN EVENT PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CHOICE BRANDS

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Eat to Lose

Union General Hospital Staff Celebrate the 912 Pounds They Lost during Andi's Eat to Lose Corporate Wellness Program.

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FEW MONTHS AGO, EVALYN Ormond lost 23 pounds and transformed the way she viewed food. As the CEO of Union General Hospital, she wanted to share that discovery with her staff.

Just like Ormond, the hospital staff in Farmerville followed the Eat to Lose program, developed by registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, and author Andi Holyfield. The medical staff also found success; 76 employees lost 912 pounds in six weeks.

Ormond has recently lost seven more pounds for a total of 30. “I had experienced this program first hand and had such great success; I wanted my employees to benefit from it also.

Since we hire a majority of women, and we all fight weight and never have time to eat healthy, it has been a huge success,” Ormond said.

“This program makes you think about eating

habits, how the food is good for you, and portion control.”

Holyfield developed the Eat to Lose program 12 years ago, and has been transforming the health of her clients ever since. She recently began offering the plan through a corporate wellness program. Last summer, she published the program in a new book, Eat to Lose, which is now available on Amazon.

Each of the 76 staff members received her new book, customized plans formatted for his/her individual success, and weekly phone consultations. Throughout the six-week program, Andi visited the hospital three times, guiding the staff through the program.

Ormond observed that the employees seemed happier, which led to a more productive work environment. Holyfield commended Ormond for empowering her staff to embrace

good health.

Holyfield said, “When the company pays for the employees to be healthy, it shows the staff that their boss cares about them and views them as family. I witnessed a great support system among the 76 people that went through the Eat to Lose program. Many of them are no longer taking blood pressure and diabetes medications.”

Holyfield’s six-week Eat to Lose plan is built around the concept of eating healthily, building a strong metabolism, and staving off hunger. She does not sell any products, but instead provides detailed grocery lists that are affordable and attainable.

For more information about her plan, which is detailed in her new book, visit: www.eattolose.net

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Continued from Page 66 he physicians of Louisiana Pain Care commented on the changes that have occurred in the field of pain management as well as with their practice. Dr. Ledbetter noted that when he first began administering epidural steroid injections, the use of fluoroscopy to guide the needle was not the standard of care, but the widespread availability of fluoroscopes has changed this. Certain technologies have improved, and their use has become more common and effective. One technique is spinal cord stimulation that is used to decrease severe lower back and leg pain that can persist after a patient has had back surgery. A technique gaining even wider use is radiofrequency denervation, which is utilized to effectively and safely numb painful, arthritic joints in the back and neck. Another positive change has been the implementation of Louisiana's Prescription Monitoring Program to help lessen the incidence of pain medicine abuse or diversion.

"Specific advancements within the practice of Louisiana Pain Care include a urine toxicology lab and ongoing participation in FDA-approved clinical research trials," said Dr. Forte.

When asked what makes Louisiana Pain Care unique in this area, Dr. Ledbetter said, “We are the only board-certified, fellowship-trained pain management physicians in northeast Louisiana. Our entire focus is the evaluation and non-surgical treatment of acute or chronic pain problems." He added that most of their patients come to them for back or

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neck pain from bulging, herniated, or damaged discs or from arthritic or muscular conditions. The pain management doctors also treat fractured vertebrae, neuropathies, shingles pain, and cancer pain. Besides interventional procedures, modalities commonly utilized include oral or transdermal analgesics, physical therapy, and home exercise programs.

I then asked all the doctors that if they could see into the future, what changes would they envision at Louisiana Pain Care over the next twenty years. They all felt confident that John's original vision and their purpose will remain the same, which is to provide the highest quality and up-to-date interventional and clinical pain management care to patients in the community. They are all committed to remaining on the cutting edge of technological and pharmaceutical advancements. Technology continues to improve, and new techniques will continue to evolve. In the near future, they will likely become involved with genetic testing, which can help identify which medication within a certain class might be most effective for a particular patient.

Something else they’re watching closely are advances in regenerative therapy, by which stem cells or various concentrated plasma components are harvested from a patient’s body and injected directly into his/her joints or discs to promote healing.

As we concluded our visit, Dr. Ledbetter shared words of appreciation to all of those who have played a role in their success.

“As I look back over the past twenty years, I do so with much gratitude for those physicians, providers, and patients who have believed in us and in the need for specialized pain management in our area. On behalf of our partners, I would like to thank our entire staff, from those very first employees and the ones who have been with us for many years, to those who are newer to our practice. Without them, we could never have reached this milestone or met so many needs. We are truly excited about the future ahead,” he pointed out.

210 Layton Ave. • Monroe, LA 71201 Ph: (318) 323-6405 • www.lapaincare.com

No More Failed Resolutions

This New Year Create a Healthy Lifestyle That Sticks

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S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION list as long as your holiday shopping list?

If you feel overwhelmed by your newly set wellness goals, the professionals at Delhi Hospital can provide the support and guidance you need to get you on the right track for a healthy year. Having a personalized plan for wellness will make your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.

Diabetes Self-Management Program Our AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators) Nationally Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Program is designed to help persons with diabetes or prediabetes gain and maintain a better control of their condition and feel good about them-

selves while doing so. Our staff of Certified Diabetes Educators teaches skills that will enable you to keep your blood glucose levels as close to the normal range as possible.

Medical-Nutrition Therapy Your diet can have a critical impact on your health and overall wellness. Eating healthy can relieve symptoms of some medical conditions, increase your energy level and improve your quality of life. Through our Medical Nutrition Therapy Program, you can work with a Registered Dietician to develop a meal plan to meet your individual health goals. These small changes can very positively impact your long-term eating habits and healthy lifestyle choices.

Obesity Prevention Program Obesity is such an alarming condition because of the increased risk for a number of health problems that can develop as a result of being overweight. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, which are all leading causes of preventable deaths.

Our Obesity Prevention Program can help you discover a lifestyle of healthy eating and physical activity to both control obesity and improve your overall well-being.

Don’t allow your New Year’s resolution to go unfinished; let the experts at Delhi Hospital help manage your medical conditions and become a healthier you. Whether it be controlling your diabetes, shredding those extra pounds gained during the holidays, or coordinating a personalized nutrition plan, Delhi Hospital is your place to discover a Healthy You in this New Year!

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THE LEGEND ARRIVES

BY MICHAEL DEVAULT PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARTIN G MEYERS

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ucked in the quiet, elegantly dim cellar of Washington Plaza, Monroe restaurant history is being made. For the uninitiated, the name "Doe's Eat Place" stands out as a touch strange, a curiosity.

But for those in the know, the name conjures images of a ramshackle building in the heart of Greenville, MS, and some of the best tamales on the planet.

In the world of southern cuisine, Doe's Eat Place No. 1 is legendary. The brainchild of Dominick "Big Doe" Signa and his wife Mamie, the restaurant opened its doors in 1941. At first, they served up the signature tamales--more about those a bit later--and quickly added other items, most notably the steaks that would make them an international sensation.

Decades later, the family franchised the concept and now, the thirteenth location of Doe's calls Monroe home.

"Doe's is a come-as-you-are fine dining restaurant," says Sean Hammons, who owns Doe's in Monroe with Andy Eaton and Andy's mother, Virginia. "It's a place where great food and service are provided in an atmosphere where you can be comfortable as you are."

Fresh from the boardroom or just off the 18th green, diners of all stripes will find themselves at home in Doe's Eat Place. The restaurant has close proximity to downtown commerce and recreation, and it's close enough to major residential and retail areas to make it a convenient place for a meal on the way home. Sometime in the first quarter of 2015, Doe's Eat Place will begin to offer lunch, too. (For now, it's dinner only. And you should probably call ahead for a reservation.)

Hammons and the Eatons undertook extensive renovations of the restaurant's interior. Maintaining much of the original exposed brick, they built new tables out of salvage lumber, antique pie cases and weathered tin replace mahogany and leather trim of the old Cellar restaurant. Another new feature of the restaurant is a private dining room that can seat up to 15. "We wanted to build a restaurant that's comfortable, functional, and inviting," says Andy Eaton. "But it also needed to be intimate and appeal to a broad audience."

The result of their efforts is down-home, southern chic, and on any given evening, diners will find themselves surrounded by people in golf shorts and a tee shirt on one side and the husband and wife in a tuxedo and gown on their way to a charity ball on the other. That's exactly what they were hoping for, Hammons says.

But what about the customers themselves? What is it that those who've eaten at the original Doe's in Greenville know that others might not? What is the Doe's mystique?

For the answer to those questions, look no further than the menu, where at first, visitors are struck by the simplicity.

For appetizers, choose from chili or gumbo, broiled or fried shrimp, or Mamie's tamales--in orders from three to a dozen.

For a bit of flare, add chili, and kick it up with a healthy dash, or six, of hot sauce.

"The tamales are a classic," said Hammons. "They're exactly the same way Mamie Signa used to make them back in the day. So you're getting a taste of Doe's history with each bite."

Tamales are not only a popular appetizer. Many people order a half dozen as a meal. Doe's Eat Place also sends dozens of tamales out the door each day in to-go orders. "People love the tamales. We'll have people call and order 48 of them in a single to-go order, to take to the camp for the weekend or to an office party," Hammons said.

On the other side of the page, in tall, proud Times New Roman, the menu proclaims the main courses: S T E A K S! At the top of the scale, there is the Filet Mignon, an eightor 10-ounce cut of only the best meat. Broiled to perfection, Doe's filets are almost fork-tender. Order medium rare for a hot, red center, and pair it with a bottle of Hahn Cabernet.

The steak is served with a choice of sides and a salad.

Another favorite is the Bone-In 2-Pound Ribeye. A prime ribeye is cut thick, left on the bone, seasoned, and broiled to order. At 32 ounces, it's a big cut of meat. "It will feed two,

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easily," said Hammons. "That's how we sell it, as dinner for two. But every once in a while, someone will come in and order it just for themselves."

Savory black pepper and salt season this cut of meat without overpowering the flavorful steak. Doe's Eat Place cooks the steak in a flame broiler, which seals in flavor and juices while adding a dark, picante finish outside. Even at medium, the steak is still tender and succulent. The Bone-In 2 Pound Ribeye comes with choice of two sides and two salads; so even if dining with a companion, bring a healthy appetite.

Other "fit for two" options include a 14-ounce filet and a 1 1/2 pound strip steak. If you and your companions are really adventurous, though, and you truly want a night to remember, pick up the 3 Pound Porterhouse. "It's a huge steak," said Hammons. "It'll feed four people, easily."

Like the ribeye, the Porterhouse is served with choice of two sides and two salads. Additional sides and salads are available for an additional charge. And what sides they are.

From a traditional baked potato or seasonal, steamed vegetables, every bite is a flavorful adventure of southern cuisine.

Almost any meal at Doe's goes well with its hand-cut French fries. Crispy, peppered, and perfectly salted, let the bottom layer of fries rest on the plate while enjoying a steak. The result will be a juicy, tangy finish to a meal, the perfect kick of umami before dessert.

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syrup, orange bitters, and Maker's Mark combine for a fresh, original take on the historic first cocktail.

Another popular seasonal offering is the Jackrose Cocktail. Applejack is combined with measures of freshly squeezed lemon juice and house-made grenadine to yield a drink that is at once sweet and tangy, smooth and biting.

To sample the Maple Old Fashioned or Jackrose Cocktail, hurry. Eaton said the drinks menu changes frequently, and what they make today at Doe's may not be possible tomorrow.

After all, they make all of their mixers in-house. For bourbon fans, Doe's may just be a new home away from home.

The cocktail menu features more than a dozen premium bourbons and American whiskeys, from Basil Hayden to Old Charter 8. Willet and Weller sit along side Blanton's and Wild Turkey. Be sure to check with the bartender, too. After decades in the bar and nightclub business, Eaton has a few tricks up his sleeve. (While BayouLife was on hand, they were unpacking a fifth of Jack Daniels Sinatra Select, one of the rarest Jack Daniels offerings.)

The selection of scotches is virtually unmatched. Traditional favorites like the Glenlivet and Dewar's share shelf space with three vintages of the Glenfiddich and Balvenie.

And, like the whiskey selection, the bartender will most likely have a stash of three or four harder-to-find off-menu offerings.

Once dinner is cleared away and the last vestiges of the bottle of wine are finished, it's time for dessert. Save space for Sweet Potato Pie if they're making it. Or, ask your waiter to provide you with a few choices. Like the drinks, the dessert menu will change seasonally.

Par 2 by Prodigy

LOCAL DISC GOLF CLUB DONATES TO TOYS FOR TOTS

Overcast skies and cool temperatures did not keep local disc golfers away from Lazarre Park in hopes of raising money to purchase bikes for Toys for Tots. Cloud 9 of West Monroe and Acehole Disc Golf Designs hosted only the 4th ever Par 2 by Prodigy event in the country. Players competed on a shortened 12-hole course where all holes were 80 to 150 feet long. 58 players registered for the event and had the option of playing a second round to improve their scores. For their registration fee, players received the disc they had to use for the day, a Prodigy disc hat and a sticker.

The best score of the day was a 26 by two players, Joe Matz and Tim Thompson, both of West Monroe. Matz won in a playoff to take home the grand prize which was a Prodigy Tournament bag full of 18 Prodigy discs.

Thompson took home the second place prize, a stack of 12 discs. Other players competed in

putting contests for numerous prizes and won closest to the pin prizes that were donated by local businesses including Waterfront Grill, Little Bella, Bayou Bobby, and University Ink, among several others.

The goal was to raise money, and the event did just that. More than $500 was raised,

which was matched by Cloud 9 to purchase a total of 20 bicycles from Toys for Tots. “We are really humbled by the support the disc golf community has shown for this event. We didn’t have much time to get it together, and the people really showed up to make it happen,” said Chris Zagone, event promoter and tournament director. “It’s amazing how much one group can do when we work together.”

Just the week before, nearly 100 disc golfers played at the same course for the 16th Annual Lazarre Turkey Shoot, where Cloud 9 was a major sponsor and helped substantially with the Twin City Disc Golf Club’s tournament. “We are proud to support the disc golf community,” said Connie Stewart, owner of Cloud 9. “It was very special to see the disc golf community support us and something so close to our hearts.”

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A G REAT STORYTELLER

DUCK HUNTING WITH THE GREAT “UNCLE SI” article by Dan Chason

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ith the dawn of a new year, some folks take this time to start looking at their lives and make some changes. Diets are common, fitness centers start running numerous ads attracting new clients and nicotine patches sell like hot cakes. The problem is that most of us won't keep a New Year's resolution for the whole month of January. But never fear. Duck hunters can still look forward to some of the best hunting of the year. No resolutions here, as we have one thing on our mind: Bring on an arctic cold front.

Cold fronts affect ducks more than any other factor. For years now, due to the Federal Government's intervention into the commodities markets, thousands of acres of set-aside lands are left in the fields north of us. Beans, corn, milo and every other kind of grain a duck loves are there. These ducks that used to hit our blinds in mid-December, now show up later and later. This makes the month of January a boom town for duck hunters in Louisiana and South Arkansas. Most of the fields have been eaten down and are now frozen.

Again, good arctic fronts are the key. If we get the arctic fronts, we will have mega ducks. No one knows this better than one of the most famous duck hunters in the country, Uncle Si Robertson.

I spent some time with Uncle Si this past fall at our duck lease. Joining us was Si's son Scott, actor/producer Kirk Cameron and his sons James and Luke along with Jon Gimber of Duck Commander, my good friend Leon Miletello and cousin

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Frankie and my son, Andy. We hunted two of my favorite blinds in North Louisiana, and the flight was on. We had a short window of cool weather and the fog was thick. It was going to make for one interesting day. Just how interesting came in the renowned tales of one bearded Duck Man and the heavy flights of every species of ducks that showed up that morning.

In the course of my work, I deal with Si quite a bit, but it never ceases to amaze me when he starts talking about hunting. The man absolutely loves to hunt. And with those hunts over the years, he has come up with some stories for all times. One of these he told was about a trip through the woods with his brother Phil Robertson. It seems they drove up on a group of hogs that were in the back waters of the Ouachita River.

As they spied these critters through binoculars, Si says that "they stood in a semi-circle" as if they were about to fight. All of them had their snouts in the water, and Phil and Si were trying to figure out what they were doing. Suddenly, one of them rammed his head in the water and came up with a medium sized alligator gar and "flung it on the bank.” The hogs all ran to the bank, and according to Si, went to feasting on their prey. Si says that Phil looked over at him and said, "Si, them hogs are fishing!" Needless to say, our entire hunting party was laughing. Si wasn't finished. This is the rest of the story: "That ain't nothing, Jack. One time, me and Phil were down in the river bottoms scouting for ducks. We were looking out over this big pocket when I seen a river otter. Then another.

Then another. Ended up there were like ten of these rascals all in swimming towards the bank.

Kirk Cameron doing his Willie imitation

Uncle Si and Dan Chason Kirk and his sons Luke and James, relaxing at the pit blind

Andy Chason

They were in a semi-circle, but the hole in the middle was like 30 yards wide. They never made a sound and just eased that circle tighter and tighter. It was like watching cowboys round up cows.

It took them about 10 minutes, but they finally got that circle less than 15 feet when you could see fish moving between them....all grouped up. All of a sudden, one of them made a big splash and came up with a buffalo. They flung this fish up on the bank and you ain't never seen such a ruckous." Now remember, Si will tell you that his stories are 95% factual. But the way that he tells them matters very little to the listener. It is just a treat as the animation and conviction he uses captivates and entertains whether they are fully accurate or not. To sit there and watch Kirk and his sons listen to these tails reminded me of snipe hunts in years past. I think that if Si was selling snake oil, they would be takers regardless of the price.

Anyone who has watched Duck Dynasty or the Duck Commander shows or videos can attest to Si Robertson's ability to spin a tale. What I can assure you of is that Si is who he is, on camera and off. The other thing about him that is not well known is his true love of children. It is such a treat to watch him when he is around the kids. I have never seen him pass up an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with a child. Regardless of how busy his schedule is or what he is doing, he will always stop to make a child's day. We think a big reason for this is that Uncle Si is just a big kid at heart. He understands them and has a way of connecting with them unlike anyone I have ever seen.

That is my New Year's resolution this year. Take more time with my kids and grandkids, spend time with positive people and try to duplicate their positive traits. Such is the case with Silas Merritt Robertson, a good man, a great hunter and a story teller like no other. It was a day that all of us will remember, especially the image of river otters playing cowboy.

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DESIGN IN THE DELTA THE HOME OF TERRI AND ELEE TRICHELL

FRESH STARTS come in lots of shapes and sizes. A new year brings a million and one ways to bring joy into your home, whether it’s changing pillows and paint colors or a total redesign. An interior designer for the last 42 years, Terri Trichel is always on go with a myriad of small to extensive projects for clients.

“Our home was two years old when we bought it,” says Terri. “It was perfectly laid out for our needs, and literally every piece of our existing furniture worked perfectly within the spaces. And my husband, Elee, loves the deep colors that were already on the walls.” Talk about kismet.

Blooms plumbago and bougainvillea cascade from large planters that accent the entryway and front courtyard. The back gardens overlook a small lake and are a haven for migrating hummingbirds, which return year after year for the couple.

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Adding to the enjoyment of their property are the thirty-plus trees planted since they moved in and a retaining wall near the patio. The patio is a favored spot for studying Bible lessons and for the couple to spend time together enjoying the solitude of nature. To further bring the outdoors in, Terri had all the windows and doors screened, so that she and Elee could open the windows and doors and let the breezes blow through.

Sconces, made by Hart Lighting, are resplendent with crystals that refract light into dancing prisms. Each sconce is placed above the carved foyer table and on either side of an exquisite Friedman Bros. mirror, which is hand-carved and gold leafed in 14k gold. The imperfections of the handcraftsmanship are what attracted Terri to the mirror as each piece carries the mark of the artisans who labor to create something so beautiful.

The home’s kitchen is a study in efficiency with a wall of cabinetry that camouflages small appliances behind cabinet doors. The Jenn-Air gas stove top gets star treatment nestled underneath a brick arch and a subway tile backsplash. Floors throughout the kitchen and keeping room are a natural slate set on the diagonal. Wall color picks up the natural burnished reds found throughout the flooring. A pair of counter height stools with caned backs and gingham cushions are nestled up to the extra wide center island which features an extra prep sink. Tole trays the homeowner has collected add colorful accents above the cabinetry. interior design by TERRI K. TRICHELL photography by MA RTIN G M EYERS article by M ARÉ BRENNA N

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The chandelier over the kitchen table is

by Ruston’s Hart Lighting as well. The kitchen table, buffet and chairs upholstered with nailhead trim are from Elee’s previous home and blend seamlessly into the space.

Terri added light-toned Kravet handprinted linen panels and an Oriental rug with a cream background to create a lighter feel in the kitchen and keeping room. Century wingback chairs upholstered in a multi-hued fabric are paired with an extra wide chair and an ottoman to create a relaxed seating area around the fireplace.

Lumbar pillows in a Schumacher linen print with tassel trim are a detail Terri can’t live without.

“I love animals and animal prints. I always have,” says Terri of one of her signature looks for home décor. Everywhere one looks, the eye falls on a playful monkey sconce, elegant rooster painting, exotic elephant lamp base or a luxurious zebra or leopard print fabric. Nowhere is that more evident than in the home’s formal living room. “If ever there was a fire,” laughs Terri,

“I would grab this bronze elephant lamp.”

Prominently sited on an accent table in her formal living room, the Maitland-Smith lamp is solid bronze and has tripled in value since she acquired it. An antique Heriz rug, over 100 years old, anchors the formal living room space and has been part of Terri’s own home for over 20 years. “When I decorate, I make purchases that are permanent. I love nice things that can stand the test of time for myself or my clients,” explains the designer.

Cozied up to the fireplace is a chair covered in a dreamy Cowtan and Tout leopard silk fabric, which is also used on the large sofa pillows to pull the room together. The living room is also a favorite of Terri’s four-pawed gal pal, Coco Chanel Trichel, an adorable cream and tan Pekingese who can often be found “hiding out” under one of the room’s skirted club chairs when she’s not shadowing Terri.

What sets Terri’s interiors apart is her eye for detail. “I love accessories,” she explains. “That’s what makes a house!” The inspiration for colors within the formal din-

ing room is taken from the Country French landscape painting of vibrant crimson poppies by J. C. Cazin, a noted 19th century French artist. On either side of the painting are wall sconces by Maitland-Smith, one of the designer’s favorite home furnishings companies, topped with Oriental figures.

Picking up on the painting’s hues, Terri upholstered her dining room chairs in a cream, green and red striped print. “Red and green are my ‘go to’ accent colors,” explains the designer. Creamy silk panels soften the eyebrow arched window that looks out onto the front courtyard.

In the couple’s study, an extraordinary painting on silk from India, framed between pieces of glass, takes center stage. Silk painting can be traced back to the 2nd century AD in India when the 'wax resist' technique for embellishing silk was used and reached its pinnacle of popularity during Moghul rule in the 17 - 19th centuries. A swan motif brass La Barge cocktail table with a glass top is placed before a plush sofa in colors that complement the exotic Indian artwork.

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The master bedroom is an amalgam of luxurious textures and finishes. Terri had a gorgeous Kravet chenille in a snow leopard pattern lightly tack-quilted for her bed, using her source for custom quilting. “I believe this is the prettiest bed ever made,” says Terri of her carved shell bed by Hickory Chair. “My bed is probably one of my favorite pieces in this whole house.” Decorative pillows throughout the bedroom are from Sweet Dreams and are resplendent with a myriad of buttons and miles of fringe trim. A series of African animal prints found at W. King Ambler are hung above the couple’s bedside tables upon which rest Frederick Cooper bronze lamps, which Terri acquired when she worked for Carl Tidwell. Terri recently updated the lamps by replacing the shades. The bedroom’s dresser is home to a MaitlandSmith bronze camel clock, a carved wood elephant which was a present from her good friend, Vicky Husted, and a sliced horn box also by Maitland-Smith. His and hers Avon silk upholstered chairs and ottoman create a cozy seating area beneath a wall of windows which overlook the pond and woods beyond. “My workroom created the drapery,” says Terri of the masterfully tailored voluminous panels of silk with an attached valance embellished with silk fringe in elegant shades of taupe and cream.

The chic master bath features a large soaking tub with bronze fixtures and a shower with a bronze and glass door. A wrought iron étagère, a find from Pete Bailey’s Mexican import business in West Monroe, holds towels and toiletries at the ready by the tub.

“I have a source for literally everything. When Carl Tidwell closed his shop, I was grandfathered in to be able to carry all the lines of furnishings he carried. Carl was so good to me and helped me get started in my own interior design business.” explains Terri.

Upstairs, Trichel is totally in her element. In what used to be an upstairs living room, Terri has created the perfect workroom and office for her creative profession. Shelving is filled top to bottom with the latest fabric and wallpaper samples. True light flourescent lighting was installed to help the designer see colors truer. Exotic trims and beading spill over perfectly prepared client “story boards” ready to be presented and a set of houseplans she’s been working on of late. “I had a guy from Rays of Sonshine put up all my racks and shelves for me when we moved in,” says Terri, as she turns to touch a sample of linen fabrics by Brunswick hanging from an orderly wall display. “I love linen prints,” she smiles with a twinkle in her ice blue eyes. “There is nothing to compare.”

Indeed, there is nothing to compare to the interiors Terri Trichel is able to conjure using color, fabric, lighting and furnishings. The new year is here, and there is nothing like the present to generate a new way of thinking about your home, maximizing your enjoyment of both your interior and exterior spaces. Good design begins at home, especially in the case of Terri and Elee Trichel’s home.

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FRESH FASHION

The new year is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe. Add investment and statement items to breathe life into garments that might seem dull or overworn. Accessories make all the difference – add layered bracelets, hats, cute booties and scarves for fun and playful looks. Find these outfits and more at our local boutiques. Photography by Martin G Meyers.

Hair and makeup by Meka Bennett. Models: Emily Prestridge, Rheagan Sutton, Karlee Malone and Ellie Jackson.

SALT & PEPPER ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE

ERIN’S ATTIC IN RUSTON

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MAISON COUTURE CLOTHIERS

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PELICAN DISTRICT

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K-SERA BOUTIQUE

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Monroe Chamber Gala The best and brightest of the Monroe business community got into the Christmas Spirit Dec. 4 for the annual Monroe Chamber Gala and Auction, held at Bayou Desiard Country Club. This year's gala was presented by Community Trust Bank and Thomas and Farr Agency. In addition, more than two dozen other businesses and individuals sponsored the Chamber Gala and Auction.

As attendees enjoyed complimentary wine and beer, they noshed on delicious delicacies prepared by the culinary masters at Bayou Desiard.

Crowd pleasers Flashback 5 helped ensure that everyone danced the night away. Among the luminaries in attendance were West Monroe Alderman Staci Mitchell and her husband, assistant district attorney Jay Mitchell, Janet and Bob Durden, and Linda and Joe Holyfield.

The annual Chamber Gala and Auction is held each year to help raise funds and awareness for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and its business activities. Over the years, the Chamber Gala and Auction has become one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season.

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On the BayouScene

1 Leigh Ann and Brian Moore 2 Montana LaBorde and Kyle Moore 3 Mickey and Sunni Chevallier 4 Stephanie Smith and Paulen Luttgeharn 5 Ashley and Frederick West 6 Bernadette and John Rainbolt 7 Jim Crotel, Linda HolyďŹ eld, Bob and Janet Durden, Scott Martinez and Joe HolyďŹ eld 8 Amanda Edge, Roderick Worthy and Sue Nicholson 9 Barbara Hanson, Juanita Woods and Kim Johnston 10 Carol Anne Barnes, Grisham Lenard and Brittany Ramsey 11 Brandy and Chris Jones 12 Jay and Shana Hopper 13 Staci and Jay Mitchell

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Will Dance for a Cure

A group of local runners recently competed in the St. Jude Marathon, where they placed 2nd in overall money raised, thanks in part to their efforts back home with Will Dance for a Cure, a Masquerade. Local running group Team WillPower hosted Will Dance for A Cure was held Nov. 15 at Bayou DeSiard Country Club, and dozens of patrons turned out to support St. Jude.

Dressed in their finest and hidden behind masks, patrons enjoyed food and drink prepared by the talented Country Club staff and danced to the tunes of the Josh Madden Band. Team WillPower volunteers were also on hand to help raise money for the group’s mission—unmasking childhood cancer.

Team WillPower is named for Will McGee, a West Monroe teen who was diagnosed with terminal cancer at 17. He was treated at St. Jude, but ultimately lost his battle to cancer in 2002.

Through Team WillPower, friends, family, and supporters continue his fight, raising awareness of juvenile cancer and generating much needed funds for research.

On the BayouScene

1 Camille McCandlish and Tara Creech 2 Ashley Doughty and Jenifer Johnson Walker 3 Margarette Parker, Heather Walters, Myka and Steve Simms 4 Donna Donald McGee and Mike McGee 5 Mary Ann Whitman, Kylie Berry, Savannah Allen and Josh Kountz 6 Jenifer Johnson Walker, Dolores Johnson and Virginia Vacinn 7 David Brasher and Amanda Wimberly 8 Sarah Kirksey, Zach Kirksey, and Sarah Munoz 9 Michael and Amy Sawyer 10 Mike McGee, Rachel Madden and OraLea McGee 11 Zach Kirksey and Rheagan Sutton 12 Jennie Head and Glen Gibson 13 Mackenzie Webster and Chris Noren 14 Larry and Tracey Culp 15 Teresa and Chuck Adams

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An Evening of Mercy

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Duck Dynasty's own Miss Kay Robertson joined gosepl great CECE Winans for An Evening of Mercy, a one-night only engagement celebrating Mercy Ministries. An Evening of Mercy was held at the West Monroe Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 13.

The free-to-attend event was organized to bring attention to the mission of Mercy Ministries, a Christian organization that has provided help to young women in distress. The ministry was founded in 1983 and, over the years, has provided support to women who are seeking help with the effects of sexual abuse, eating disorders, cutting, addictions, and many other afflictions.

Though the event was free, visitors were given the opportunity to contribute to the support of Mercy Ministries.

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On the BayouScene

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1 Misti Cordell, Melissa Adkins, Will and Sara Barham and Hardeman Cordell, Margaret Matthews and Marcie Saucier 2 Dee Ledbetter, Dr. John Ledbetter, Hannah BuďŹƒngton, Jeanette Calloway, Jessica Evans, Stephanie Giuliani, Carol McDonald and Shea Smalling 3 Patti Rigal, Dawn Platt, Linda Tatel and Sandra Lawson 4 Parker Timpleton and Brightie Lowe 5 Jim and Diane Spiller 6 Kay Robertson, Nancy Alcorn, Laine Craft, CeCe Winans, James Davison, Al Cherry, Janie Wynn, Dianne Davison, Demetrus Stewart and Lisa Evans 7 CeCe Winans, Nancy Alcorn, Jessie McCormick, Bob McCormick and Kay Robertson 8 Sandy Sartor, Janelle and George Snellings 9 Terry and Taylor Renea 10 Claire and Tom Bullock 11 Amber Krogmire, Shelly McCormick, Bob McCormick, Debbie Isbell, Kayle Greer, Myles and Cherish Roberts 12 Paul and Lindsey Bussey, Pastor Sam and Becky Carr, Taylor Carr, Jennifer Car, Amadeus and Lainey Marquez 13 Big Al Cherry 14 Renee Galyean and Tracey Adcock

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Art with a Downtown View

The Vantage Building ballroom sparkled and glowed with some of the region's best art, as the Monroe Symphony Orchestra hosted Art With a Downtown View. The annual art extravaganza was held Nov. 21 and offered patrons the opportunity to not only view, but to buy art by local artists and sculptors.

During the event, patrons enjoyed fine food, signature drinks, and live music while taking in the sights provided by some of the region's best artists. Crowd favorites Caroline Youngblood and Victoria Smith were just two of the presenters. Art With a Downtown View also gave art lovers the opportunity to visit, catch up with old friends, and most importantly, to appreciate the efforts of the region’s artistic community.

Art With a Downtown View also featured a live auction, with a trip to New Orleans, a Georges Rodrigue print, and a weekend at the Paragon Casino all on the block. Proceeds benefitted the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, which has been entertaining Monroe audiences with live orchestral concerts since 1971.

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On the BayouScene

1 Alissa Russell and Elizabeth Lewis 2 Aleta Eley and Charles Jackson 3 Nancy Johnston and Erica Ryan 4 Kelly Keahey and Linda Woods 5 Reannon and Nils Borquist 6 Adam and Jennifer Haneline 7 Margaret Barker and Debbie Luey 8 Lisa Ragsdale and Betty Lee Crane 9 Jared Scheinuk, Jessica Crain and Jennifer Hensley 10 Bob and Lori French 11 Victoria Smith 12 Jenny Ellerbe, Charlie Heck, and Mary Lou Moriniaux 13 Bill and Michelle Zollinger 14 Cherry Phillips and Larry Collum

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Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

...Through Downtown Monroe

article by Michael DeVault

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Monroe tradition will return to its roots after more than a decade Feb. 7, when the 32nd Annual Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade rolls through the Twin Cities. In only the second time since its inception, the parade will alter its route and, with the change, hopefully bring in a wider audience and more Mardi Gras memories, according to Krewe member Lacy McCarthy.

"We've partnered with Monroe Renaissance, and we wanted to work with them to help with their revitalization of downtown Monroe," McCarthy said. She added that the Krewe of Janus was hopeful that new revelers would attend the parade, which draws more than 175,000 people annually.

The parade originates where it always has, along Natchitoches Street in West Monroe.

After proceeding through downtown West Monroe, the parade turns and crosses the Louisville Bridge before making an immediate right turn onto Walnut Street. From there, it proceeds to Desiard, where it will turn left and travel two blocks before turning onto 4th Street. A couple of twists later, the parade returns to Louisiville Avenue at 2nd Street.

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"We're excited to see how it's going to work, how it'll bring some more people out and bring exposure to downtown Monroe," said Joe Hakim, Krewe of Janus parade manager. Hakim has been working Mardi Gras parades since the second year of the Krewe, and over the years, much has changed. The 32nd Annual Mardi Gras Parade will feature as many as 22 floats, eight marching bands, and numerous other groups, who will walk miles in the cold to celebrate carnival season.

Each year, the parade brings tens of thousands of visitors from numerous countries and virtually every state in the union. What sets the Monroe Mardi Gras apart, according to Hakim, is the family-oriented nature of the parade. In fact, Hakim said families drive much of what happens at the Krewe of Janus parade.

"A lot of families from around the country plan their family reunions around the parade. That way, they can get together with family and watch the parade with family," Hakim said.

Because the date of Mardi Gras is pegged to the day before Ash Wednesday, the date of the parade moves back and forth. Previous Mardi Gras have come as late as the first week of March and as early as the third week in Janu-

ary. The earlier the date, the more challenging it is to mount a parade. Yet, the Krewe pulls it off every year. "It's early, but we make it work," Hakim said.

In previous years, both local and national celebrities have led the parade as Grand Marshal. Usually, grand marshals are designated based on theme. This year's theme is superheroes, so for the 32nd Annual Mardi Gras Parade, the Krewe decided to honor some heroes of our own.

"We're using different members of the Armed Forces," Hakim said. "The theme is superheroes, so we're honoring some war heroes from different branches of the military as our grand marshals this year."

Carnival season in Monroe kicks off Jan. 5 with the Krewe of Janus Twelfth Night party.

On Jan. 24, King and Queen Janus will preside over the Grand Ball. Finally, the season culminates with the running of the 32nd Annual Mardi Gras Parade Feb. 7. For more information or to inquire about tickets, visit the Krewe of Janus Web site at www.kreweofjanusonline.com.

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Randy Smith Jewelers Holiday Open House

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Patrons gathered at the Randy Smith Jeweler’s annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 4th. Guests mingled with store owners, Denise and Randy Smith, while enjoying wine and hors d'oeuvres and browsing Randy’s exquisite collection of antique gold and platinum pieces, pre-owned Rolexes and much more.

On the BayouScene

1 Randy and Denise Smith 2 Karen Watson and Tracy Norman 3 J.W. and Megan Perry 4 Marguerett and James McLemore 5 Pat Jordan and Randy Smith 6 Doug and Susan Sevier

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Downtown Gallery Crawl

Fair skies and warmer temperatures greeted the final Downtown Gallery Crawl of the year, as dozens of artists displayed hundreds of works along Art Alley in historic Downtown Monroe Dec. 4. Visitors strolled among the seven downtown galleries while also enjoying complimentary wine and beer, food, and music.

Regular crowd favorites such as Emily Caldwell and Ricky Sikes joined other popular local talent, Jason Byron Nelson and Leah Reitzell. And, marking her return to the Monroe art scene, hometown girl turned New Orleans artist, Anna Schriefer, presented several paintings featuring views around her Marigny home. Schriefer returned to the Downtown Gallery Crawl after an absence of more than two years.

The Downtown Gallery Crawl takes place the first Thursday of every other month along Art Alley in Monroe and at several galleries along Desiard Street near Restaurant Cotton. For more information, find Downtown Gallery Crawl on Facebook.

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On the BayouScene

1 Stephan and Lauren Wall 2 Georgia and Bill Street 3 Nicole Amman and Frank Elkins 4 Libby Giord, Kelsey and Logan Dugard 5 Mara Loeb, Nancy Shutt and Anne Eberle 6 Brad Arender and Joey Slaughter 7 Cindy Blanchard and Sheri McNeely 8 Coltan and Alana Cooper, Ashley Yeldell and Kevin Caston

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Moonlight and Merlot

Landry Vineyards opened its doors the night of Nov. 20 to help raise $15,000 for efforts fighting cancer. The American Cancer Society hosted the Moonlight and Merlot Gala at the vineyard, and for the lucky ones in attendance, it was a beautiful night among the vines.

The money raised by the American Cancer Society is used in the strategic fight against cancer, and the society also provides information and programs to cancer patients through its local services and web site. Moonlight and Merlot is just one of several annual fundraisers that help these efforts.

The Backwoods Blues Band entertained the crowd while hosts Jeff and Libby Landry made sure the corks kept popping on delicious Landry Vineyard creations. Sponsors included Ageless Skin, Crossfit Chivalry, Liberty Healthcare, CTB, and the Radio Group.

On the BayouScene

1 Tiany Hendry and Brittany Brugman 2 Jim and Barbara Bailey 3 Sarah Peavy, Cassie Remington and Stacy Frost 4 Ellie Parker and Libby Landry 5 Sarah Peavy, Cassie Remington, Stacy Frost, Alyson Aulds, Ashley Dickens, Jennifer Lowery, Lacey Russell and Heather Guillot 6 Shelby Aulds, Stewart Cathey, Jr. and Rick Guillot 7 Mac and Leah Reitzell 8 Annah Livingston and Jennifer Mills 9 Suzanne and Randy Lay, Doty Guinn and Alyson Guinn Aulds 10 Je Landry and Joe Jacobs 11 Aly Taylor and Cyd Page Jacobs

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Richland Parish Men Who Cook

The men of Richland Parish took over cooking duties Nov. 15 to raise money for the Richland Arts Council. Grills ablaze, sweet smoke filled the air for the annual Men Who Cook banquet, held this year at the home of Amy and Calvin McKenzie.

Dozens of dishes were prepared by local men, with more than a few savory bits of smoked and grilled meats. Also, dipping sauces, sausage, and signature side dishes were all over the place. A few presenters even prepared desserts.

Patrons danced the night away to the musical stylings of the Mike McKenzie Band, and hundreds turned out for the Men Who Cook.

On the BayouScene

1 Robert Kordisch, Sarah Spillers and Catherine McBruer 2 Rick Jones and Sharon Hibler 3 Doug and Carmen Sullivan 4 Wayne Hopper and Timmie Thames 5 Jack Green, Don Cumpton and Trent Livingston 6 Lee Harrell and Charles Johnston 7 Tree Erwin and Lew Hubbard 8 Jeanelle, Melissa and Jason Davis 9 Sharon Smith, Lori Lockeby, Hilda Ramsey, Will Copeland, Lindsey Cumpton, Wayne Hopper, Ramona Haire and Calvin McKenzie 10 Mallory Head, Katie Jones, Will Copeland, Lindsey Cumpton and Katie Copeland 11 Teara Sanders and Jennifer Wilson 12 Billy Sanders and Tom Hendrix 13 Dennis Parker and Cathy Poe 14 Tommy Carr and David Fallin 15 Lori Lockeby, Calvin and Amy McKenzie

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com Through-2/14/2015: Shared Earth: The Ancient Mounds Project This exhibition features photographs by Jenny Ellerbe. It deals with the landscape of Northeast Louisiana as a cultural object whose layers heap one on top of another. Shared Earth: The Ancient Mounds Project exhibition is a collaboration between the Poverty Point Station Archaeology Program and the Masur Museum of Art. It will feature ďŹ ne art photography and archaeological artifacts. Free lectures and educational activities will take place at the Masur and Poverty Point State Historic Site during the exhibition.

Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: masurmuseum.org January 5th Warhawk Basketball ULM vs.

Arkansas State Time: Women's Game: 5:15 p.m.; Men's Game: 7:00 p.m.

Show your school pride, and come to the ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum to watch your Warhawks play against the Red Wolves.

Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary; Students get in free with I.D. Phone: 318- 342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com January 6, 13,20 and 27th Meals From Around the World Time: 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; 7:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.

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the globe by Chef Pat Nolan and Chef Eli Carle. Seating is limited, and you must make reservations. BYOB. Venue: Chef Pat Nolan Catering Admission cost: $20 per person Phone: 318-237-4859 Web: chefpatnolan.com/events January 15th Warhawk Basketball ULM vs. Troy Time: Women's Game: TBA; Men's Game: 7:00 p.m.

Show your school pride, and come to the ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum to watch your Warhawks play against the Trojans Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary; Students get in free with I.D. Phone: 318- 342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com January 16-17th AG EXPO 2014 Time: Friday: 2:00-8:00 p.m.; Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

AG EXPO is a combination of several events tied into one venue, which assures wide appeal for people of all ages. There is an educational "ag alley" which includes a mini farm that targets youth, but is enjoyed by all ages; a junior livestock show, a miniature cow show, a trade show, and an Agricultural Awards & Legislative Appreciation Luncheon which recognizes regional agricultural leaders and legislators.

Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena Admission Cost: $5 in advance; $7 at the door Phone: (318) 325-9160 Web: www.agexpo.org

January 16th Warhawk Basketball ULM vs. Central Baptist Time: Men's Game: 7:00 p.m.

Show your school pride, and come to the ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum to watch your Warhawks play against the Mustangs.

Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary; Students get in free with I.D. Phone: 318- 342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com January 17th Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners 5th Annual Gardening Seminar Time: 7:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

“Gardening through the ages” will feature 3 nationally known authors and speakers, Peter J. Hatch, William Welch, and Chris Wiesinger.

Reserve your seat today! Pre-registers are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

Venue: West Monroe Convention Center Admission Cost: $20.00 Phone: 318-680-9252 Warhawk Basketball ULM vs. UALR Time: Women's Game: TBA; Men's Game: 7:00 p.m.

Show your school pride, and come to the ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum to watch your Warhawks play against the Trojans Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary; Students get in free with I.D. Phone: 318- 342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com January 19th Warhawk Basketball ULM vs. LSUAlexandria Time: Women's Game: TBA; Men's Game: 7:00 p.m.

Show your school pride, and come to the ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum to watch your Warhawks play against the Generals.

Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary; Students get in free with I.D. Phone: 318- 342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com January 22nd Warhawk Basketball ULM vs. UT Arlington Time: Women's Game: TBA; Men's Game: 7:00 p.m.

Show your school pride, and

come to the ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum to watch your Warhawks play against the Mavericks Venue: ULM Fant-Ewing Coliseum Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary; Students get in free with I.D. Phone: 318- 342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com January 22nd Whispering Pines Artist Talk at the Masur Museum Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

The Masur Museum of Art proudly presents the Reception and Artist Talk for Birney Imes’ Whispering Pines. Whispering Pines is a series of photographs by the renowned American photographer Birney Imes.

These images tell the very personal story of white juke joint owner Blume Triplett's informal journey towards desegregating his beloved business and home, the Whispering Pines. Imes’ photographs possess a genuine warmth and hardscrabble honesty that parallels broad political and cultural themes in the twentieth century South. Birney Imes, himself, will give a brief Artist Talk at 6:30 pm.

Venue: Masur Museum of Art Phone: 318.329.2237 Web: masurmuseum.org January 23-24th Monster X Tour Trucks Show Time: 6:00 p.m.

Bring the family for a monster show! Packed with engines revving and action packed times, you don't want to miss out on the Monster X Tour Truck show.

Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena Admission Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Phone: 318-325-9160 Web: theike.com January 24th Krewe of Janus Grand Ball Time: 7:00 p.m.

Save the date because the Krewe of Janus is having their Mardi Gras Grand Ball. Live music and a cash bar will kick this Mardi Gras season off with a bang. Bring your friends for all of the fun!

Venue: West Monroe Convention Center Admission Cost: $100 Phone: (318) 323-0230 Web: www.kreweofjanusonline.com/ Events.html WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JANUARY 2015

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