BayouLife Magazine July 2020

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JULY 2020

24 / BAYOU ARTIST Rather Than a Clear-Cut Path, Brooke Has Followed Many Offshoots That Ultimately Led Her to Settling in Monroe and Becoming Visiting Assistant Professor in 3d/Ceramics At Tech 72 / RUSTON FARMERS MARKET One of the Most Steadily Growing In the Area Is the Ruston Farmers Market, Bringing High Quality, Fresh and Locally Grown Goods to the People of Lincoln and Surrounding Parishes 80 / BAYOU EATS Shaw Nuff BBQ Isn’t Just a Story of Good Barbecue; It’s a Story of Service to Humanity.

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92 / BAYOU GARDEN Christie And Michael Echols Along With Their Two Precious Children Have Enjoyed Outside Living and Learning During the Covid-19 Quarantine

142 / HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Take Some Time This Summer To Make A Variety Of Mouth-Watering Homemade Ice Creams 146 / THOM HAMILTON Us Navy Commander Thom Hamilton Recently Returned From Deployment To New York City Where He Worked In An ICU With Covid-19 Patients

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98 / CIGAR QUEEN Northeast Louisiana’s Own, Kadee Malone, Has Defied the Status Symbol and Masculine Rituals of Male Dominance In the Cigar Industry

108 / THE ART OF THE COMMUNITY The Masur Museum of Art Adapts to Unforeseen Circumstances 120 / BAYOU BEATS General Keith Patterson May Not Consider Himself or His Music “For Commercial Consumption,” but That’s Exactly What Makes Him the Guitar General

156 / ELECTRIC SUMMER This Month’s Fashion Shoot Brings the Heat with These Bright and Electric Outfits

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ometimes it’s the little things in life that make you truly appreciate the people around you. Lately, it’s been a lot of big things, a lot of realization of the things you take for granted on a daily basis – being able to hug your friends, going in a store without a mask, having a fully staffed magazine. This month I worked a sales desk again for the first time in a few years – it was not easy. So, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ Ashley and Katelyn for all your hard work each and every month.

This month has been an emotional roller coaster. I’ve listened to my friends as they’ve cried talking to me about oppression and racism. I’ve done a lot of soul searching in my own life about how to be a better person and better ally. I’ve prayed for friends who have lost loved ones to cancer, and those sick with COVID-19. There’s been a lot of self-reflection happening at the Livingston house, and I don’t always like what I see in the mirror. I promise to my community that I will be part of a change to make living in Northeast Louisiana better. While I’ll continue to highlight everyday people doing incredible things in the pages of this magazine, I will also promise more of my time to being one of those people to do incredible things. If we don’t raise up the least of us, the most of us will never succeed.

This month’s issue took a few turns, until we finally landed on a place we felt good about. If the 4th of July is known for celebrating Independence Day, what’s more Americana than mouth-watering, lip smacking barbecue. Sam Shaw, the owner and Pit Master of Shaw Nuff BBQ talks to us about the main focus of his business: the people he interacts with on a daily basis. He reminds us that our profession is not our humanity. Our profession is your service to humanity.

Read his article on page 80.

I met the Hamilton family years ago, when their son Corey was running their jewelry store, Serendipity. I had no idea at the time that his father, Thom, was a nurse or in the military. It wasn’t until

I saw someone’s post about him being deployed to New York City to work on the COVID-19 front lines did I realize he was much more than a business owner and city council member – he was also a hero. US Navy Commander Thom Hamilton recently returned from deployment to New York City, where he worked in an ICU with COVID-19 patients at a hospital there. This work was just one example of Hamilton’s remarkable ability to take what life gives him and make the most of it. Read his story on page 146.

If you’re familiar with BayouLife Magazine, then you might have recognized the Malone family in our pages on occasion. To know them, is to love them.

The first time I met Kay, I was genuinely nervous – turns out she’s one of the most authentic, generous and caring women I’ve known. With that said, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Kadee Malone is the co-owner of Legends Cigar & Vape in Ruston. She’s joined the league of extraordinary women in Northeast Louisiana. She is breaking the barriers in the cigar industry, being one of the only African-American female owners in the country. Read about Kadee on page 98.

While many people have the national pandemic on the top of mind, one local organization is still struggling with the aftermath of Easter Sunday’s tornado. The Masur Museum of Art is trying to make lemonade out of lemons.

The Off the Wall fundraiser that provides the Masur with most of its operating money for exhibitions and educational program will go virtual this month. Read more about it on page 108.

July’s election is fast approaching, and it’s your turn to be representative of America’s democracy. Remember, that your vote is your voice. Stay informed, hold your elected officials accountable, and vote.

Thank you for reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine. Please SHOP LOCAL. Peace and love,

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

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PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com GENERAL MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meagan Russell meagan@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Atchison, MD Dan Chason Laura W. Clark Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum Lou Davenport David D. Finley, DDS Cindy Gist Foust Lori French Starla Gatson Meagan Harkins Kerry Heafner April Clark Honaker Heather Land

Paul Lipe Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller Georgiann Potts Nick Poulos Kay Rector Vanelis Rivera Cathi French-Roberts Delia Simpson Flint Smith Beatrice A. Tatem Alana Wagner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Bailey Kelly Moore Clark Heather Land

Cassie

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BayouLife

ON THE COVER CHRISTIE ECHOLS in Bayou Gardens photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

Heal the World Surviving the Pandemic Summer

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

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INSTINCTIVELY REGARD SUMMER AS A FEEL GOOD, slower paced time of the year. Summer is associated with fresh air and bright colors. Known as the season of growth and maturation, gardens burst with flowers, and fresh vegetables are in abundance. Summer has beautiful skies, the brightest, longest and warmest days. The extra hours of sunlight provide time to nurture our creative energies and the power to fully celebrate life in its bounty. Summer is also known for good weather, heat, sweat, humidity (especially if you live in Louisiana), and late night summer breezes. Summertime tends to have the effect of happiness and energy. Sunshine and heat effects everyone differently, and yet most people describe the sun as having positive effects on their moods. The weather this time of the year is typically conducive for shared outings, vacations, recreational sports, parties and barbeques.

Symbolically, it represents easier and freer living; a reprieve from the demands associated with the fall. Summer serves as an emotional vacation associated with respectfully lazy days, rest and relaxation. The characteristics of summer suggests emotional warmth and romance and makes for a season of reconnections when friends and family gather at weddings, family and class reunions. Although admittedly different this year, summer is here and so remains the COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide protests for racial justice and equality.

It has been said there is a reason for all seasons. I welcome the summer season with the hope that the joy, warmth, growth and positive energy associated with the season will permeate our minds and souls into decent and respectful action that will be healing, uniting and restorative. I must admit this article was emotionally challenging for me. I questioned should I continue to write about the pandemic as I have done in two of my previous articles? I wondered should I write about the protests and societal discord… whether we like it or not, agree or disagree, it is impacting our lives either directly or vicariously?

Are people tired of hearing about death, pandemics (for some the coronavirus and the protest are both looked at as pandemics)? Should I write about the goodness of summer in not so sunny times? I was reminded it is because of my clients and my push for the wellness of all people that I must acknowledge what is happening in their worlds and the world at large. When I consider my clients, their feelings, thoughts, experiences, ideas and opinions, I see people from all walks of life, across the life span, of various racial and ethnic groups, of

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different lifestyles, with varied religious and spiritual beliefs, views and practices. I have clients from various communities from “different sides of the tracks,” clients that are formally educated and those who credit life itself and “the streets” as their best teachers. I see essential workers of diverse professions, veterans, retirees, believers and non-believers, Republicans, Independents, Democrats, first time voters and nonvoters with different philosophies about life and living; despite these differences the commonality of simply living in today’s world most agree, we are living in emotionally and mentally challenging times.

My clients are a microcosm of society. They are everyday people seeking therapy to address everyday concerns and needs. They talk about their individual struggle with loneliness, fear, stress, anxiety and depression. They share their views about global pandemics, societal changes and are reporting experiences of having survived COVID or the wounds created by racism, stereotyping and discrimination. They are seeking mental health services hoping for sunnier days. It was my conversation with an 8 year old client who prompted my final decision to write this article. After presenting his issue of concerns he looked at me with sadness. When I asked what was he feeling? He stated, “I feel sad for the world, everyone is unhappy, no one gets along and we can’t go anywhere. The world is just not well. I pray every night and thank God for keeping me safe.” I informed the child that I, too, felt the world was experiencing a lot of sickness and needed healing. I asked if he heard the song “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson. As the child listened to the words (heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me, and the entire human race, there are people dying, if you care enough for the living, make it a better place, for you and for me) he smiled. The past several months have been uncharacteristically different the world over and from all accounts this summer will be unlike previous summers.

The summer season is a brilliant time in the progression of the world… it breeds optimism and vitality. Here comes the sun and hopefully the spirit of goodness that is associated with it.

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

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Food Bank of NELA

Continues to Fulfill Mission to Provide Food, Hope and Dignity

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HE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO AFFECT people all over the world, and it certainly has hit right here at home in Northeast Louisiana. School and business closures, along with reduced hours have created a sharp increase in the need for food assistance in our community. We have seen so many of our neighbors experiencing hard times, and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana continues to fulfill our mission to provide food, hope and dignity to our neighbors who struggle with hunger. The following is just one of the many stories we’ve heard over the past months showing how impactful your donations to the Food Bank are to those we serve.

Kevin and Renee drove an hour from West Carroll Parish to the Food Bank in Monroe to get help for their family of five. Kevin is a heavy equipment operator, and his hours have been cut in half due to the coronavirus. Renee had just started classes to pursue a career in nursing when the pandemic began, and has been able to continue her education online. Their three children Serenity, Isabelle, and Elie are now home all day because of the school closures, and for the first time, Kevin and Renee are reaching out for help with food.

“It’s been hard on the kids being out of school; it’s not like summer vacation where we can go places. It’s hard to keep them fed too,” said Renee.

This is a sentiment we’ve heard from so many parents lately. With kids no longer receiving meals at school and a decrease in income, family food budgets are stretched thin and families are struggling to make ends meet. And, families like Renee and Kevin’s truly need the Food Bank, as their income puts them above the limit for federal food assistance programs, but is not enough to pay their monthly bills and have enough left to buy food for their family.

“It’s awesome that people are coming together during this time of need,” said Renee. “There are a lot of families like us who need the help right now. Thank you!”

Back in January, there were already over 69,000 people facing hunger in Northeast Louisiana. It’s hard to imagine how drastically things have changed in just a few months. Although many people have thankfully been able to go back to work, others are still unemployed, or are only back to work part-time. More of our neighbors than ever find themselves in need of food assistance, and thanks to your support, the Food Bank is able to help them.

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In addition to our normal program and partner food distributions, the Food Bank partnered with local cities, churches and other groups to hold 34 extra pop-up food distributions all throughout Northeast Louisiana. In place of volunteers, the Louisiana National Guard packed thousands of food boxes in our warehouse, and helped load cars at distributions. Dozens of companies and organizations gave generously to help the Food Bank secure and distribute more food, and thousands of incredibly giving individuals like you, made donations that helped provide food for our neighbors in need.

Your support is vital to help the Food Bank continue to provide food to local children, families and seniors during the upcoming months. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference for someone who is struggling in our community.

To make a gift to the Food Bank’s hunger relief efforts, please visit foodbanknela.org or call 318-322-3567.

ABOUT THE FOOD BANK OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana leads the fight against hunger in our region by providing food, advocacy, education, and disaster response. The Food Bank is a charitable organization that solicits, stores, and distributes food to partner agencies, children and seniors. Together, as a hunger-relief network we serve over 22,000 people monthly. The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is a member of Feeding America and one of five food banks in the state. We serve the following 12 parish region: Caldwell; East Carroll; Franklin; Jackson; Lincoln; Madison; Morehouse; Ouachita; Richland; Tensas; Union; and West Carroll.

To learn more about how you can help, please visit www. foodbanknela.org. Follow us at Facebook.com/fbnela, or on Twitter and Instagram @fbnela.

Our Mission: Provide food, hope and dignity to our neighbors who struggle with hunger, and lead the movement to alleviate hunger through education, collaboration and advocacy.

Our Vision: A Strong, caring community that ensures no one in Northeast Louisiana goes hungry.

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T E N T H I N G S TO D O AT T H E B E G I N N I N G O F E V E RY M O N T H

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by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

re you the type of person who thrives in an organized and routine-focused atmosphere? I most certainly am, but sometimes the world throws us a few curveballs (Covid19, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) that disrupt our patterns, and we have to be able to adjust immediately. That is why I have developed several routines to perform at the beginning of each month. These routines help to preempt any curveball that may come my way and you can quote me –

PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY TO A STRESS-FREE AND ORGANIZED LIFE.. I PREPLAN EVERYTHING!

If you are prepared for whatever comes your way, you will be less likely to falter, and you will be more likely to succeed in all of your endeavors.

Below is a list of ten things I do at the beginning of every month to keep my mind clear and my life on the path to true success and happiness.

Set monthly goals. At the beginning of each month, I sit down with my journal and map out what I want to accomplish for that month.

I list each as a “to do” item and then write statements as though the goal has already happened. This practice trains the brain for success!

Schedule important appointments. These appointments include trips, down time, kid outings, time with friends, date nights, doctor appointments, exercise times, etc. Once these most important activities are scheduled, I can plan work and other appointments around them. Preplanning will ensure you can keep your priorities straight.

Clean out and/or change my purse.I suggest that you take the time at the beginning of each month to clean out and organize your purse. I don’t know about you, but I always find empty candy wrappers, old receipts, kids toys, and even money. I also take this time to switch out the purse I am carrying at the moment.

Clean out and organize the vehicle. To tell you the truth, I really need to do this weekly, but I definitely do it at the beginning of every month so I am prepared for what’s to come. I tend to work out of my car a lot, so papers, boxes, decorative items, and catalogs pile up. I am a mommy, too, so kids’ shoes (do your kids immediately remove their shoes in your car, too?), toys, candy wrappers, trash, and a myriad of other things end up on the floor in my vehicle.

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Set a monthly challenge. As you probably know, I am into personal growth. So, at the beginning of every month, I try to find a way to challenge myself a bit. I may choose a space in my home to refresh and reorganize, or I may choose a fun, new book to read. I may even find something new to learn or try (new restaurant anyone?). Once I figure out my challenge, I write it at the top of my “monthly goals” list.

Clean out the fridge. This may sound a bit underwhelming, but believe me, once you start cleaning out your fridge on a consistent basis you will be hooked. When I clean out my fridge, I inevitably find something that is expired or ruined, and I always find leftovers that were never eaten. Starting each month with a clean slate, so to speak, is so refreshing!

Restock staples. So, once you clean out your fridge, you will need to restock any staples that you disposed of. While you are at it, go ahead and get your meals planned for the entire month and purchase whatever items you will need.

Delete old photos and emails. Free up much needed space on your phone by deleting old emails and photos that you do not need any more. I typically do this task while sitting in bed at the end of the day. Then I reward myself with a cup of tea and a good book.

Refresh closets, bookshelves, and anything else that has become messy. By the end of each month, some spaces have become a bit disorganized from use, so I put things back into shape at the start of a new month. The most common spaces that need a refresh are closets, bookshelves, desk/work areas, and the foyer. What do these areas look like in your home right now?

Start a new habit tracker. This is a recent addition to my routine, but I am loving it! There have been a few habits that I have been wanting to add and a few I’ve been wanting to change, so I have begun to track each one. This routine keeps me motivated and on point!

When you have systems and routines in place, you are better prepared for anything life throws at you. There is no better time to start than now! Please let me know what systems you have that you couldn’t live without. I can’t wait to hear!

I would love to answer any questions you may have or help guide you through this process. Please feel free to contact me at erinlove@ panachebyerin.com.

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Downtown Ruston is Open Breathing New Life Into Main Street

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F YOU TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH DOWNTOWN RUSTON, you’ll notice signs on every block that read “We’re Open!” After weeks of to-go orders and curbside pickup at local businesses, patrons can finally visit their favorite shops and restaurants in downtown. Customers and business owners alike are adapting to a new normal and are finding creative ways to experience that sense of community togetherness that makes Ruston so special.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and boy is that the truth. We’re seeing a whole new level of love and appreciation between customers and small businesses owners. From tornados to pandemics, it has been truly heartwarming to see how our North Louisiana communities have come together in tough times.

With a restored sense of hope in the air, the shops, restaurants, and service providers of Downtown Ruston have their doors open, ready to welcome you. Businesses are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of their customers – employees are wearing masks, washing their hands regularly, and disinfecting surfaces frequently. Customers’ health remains our number one priority. With that being taken care of, we can get to the fun stuff!

Downtown Ruston businesses are finding creative ways to engage customers – sidewalk sales, trunk shows, personalized shopping experiences, and special deals are just a few things you can expect to find right now in the downtown district. We’re also providing activities and opportunities to encourage people to come downtown to shop, eat, enjoy the summer weather, and just get out of the house.

The new Picnic in the Park series kicked off in late May in Downtown Ruston’s Railroad Park, located at 100 Park Ave. Every other Saturday in June and July, downtown provides music, kids’ activities, tables, chairs, and umbrellas for anyone who wants to grab lunch to-go and come eat in the park. This is a great way to support local, all while enjoying the charming atmosphere of downtown on a sunny Saturday. The remaining dates for Picnic in the Park are July 11th and July 25th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. More information on these activities can be found at facebook.com/downtownrustonla.

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Another activity that can be enjoyed every Saturday in Downtown Ruston is the Ruston Farmer’s Market. The market boasts a wide variety of local produce, meats, baked goods, and more. You can even snag a bouquet of fresh wildflowers in the summertime! In the coming weeks, you can expect to find beautiful, fresh tomatoes and peaches that come straight from the farm. Shopping at RFM is the ultimate way to support local farmers and vendors. Browse the market every Saturday from 9:00a.m. -1:00 p.m. at 220 E. Mississippi Ave. For more information on the market and its vendors, visit www. rustonfarmersmarket.org.

As we look ahead, be sure to mark your calendars for the 70th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival, which will be held on October 24th this year. While this will be the first time Peach Fest has ever taken place in October, it’s a downtown staple that you do not want to miss.

There will be peaches, pumpkins, live music, great food, and lots of fun! For more info, visit https://www.louisianapeachfestival.org/.

Downtown will continue to do fun promotions and activities over the next several months to keep the district alive and well during this transitionary period. While we might not know exactly what the future looks like, we do know that our people and small businesses are resilient and we will weather this storm, just as we’ve done before.

Keep doing your part by shopping, eating, and supporting local!

For a full schedule of local events and activities, visit experienceruston.com and be sure to give Downtown Ruston a follow on Facebook and Instagram.

My American Journey Keeping Love, Faith and Family at the Center of Everything

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BY NICK POULOS s our journey begins, I must pay tribute and honor to the countless men and women whom unselfishly laid their lives, down so we could be and remain free. For if not for those heroes, my American experience would not exist. I will share with you the riches and blessings my family has received, by being allowed by our Creator, to live in the greatest country in the history of the world.

My grandfather, Nick Poulos, for which I share his name, was born in Peramos, Greece in 1888. He arrived in America in 1909, where he worked on a ship as a dishwasher and lived in Norfolk, Virginia. Nick moved to Galveston, Texas in 1913 to live with his uncle. Prior to World War I, Nick was in the auxiliary Navy.

In Galveston, Nick became a business owner with a one-third interest in a fruit stand and a one-half interest in a soda fountain on Murdock’s Pier. After about five years in Galveston, Nick was naturalized and became a citizen of the United States of America. Nick left Galveston in 1921 on his way to Greece to find a bride. He traveled through Alexandria, Louisiana, because he had friends there from his home in Greece. My grandmother, Emily Limneou, was born in Moschonissi, Greece in 1903. When Emily was a teenager, a war between Greece and Turkey escalated to the

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point that her dad feared for the lives of this only children, two daughters.

In 1919, my grandmother and her sister, Maria, boarded a ship bound for the USA. After the seventeen day voyage, the ship arrived in Ellis Island, which served as the largest immigration center in the United States. Unable to speak any English, Emily and Maria, headed for Alexandria, Louisiana, where they had aunts that lived. My grandparents met in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1921, and my grandfather canceled his plans to return to Greece to get a bride. Nick and Emily married in February, 1922 in Alexandria. Both were strong in their faith, belonging to the Greek Orthodox Church from childhood. They moved to Haynesville, Louisiana, where he ran a café. They lived there for a brief amount of time before returning to Galveston, Texas to begin their family. While in Galveston, Emily became a citizen and gave birth to a girl, Katherine, and a son, Tommy. Around 1925, Nick’s uncle, who lived in Ruston, Louisiana, told him that Ruston didn’t have any good cafés. Nick moved his wife and two young children to Ruston and opened the White House Café.

My dad, Frank, was born in 1926, and my aunt Caliope was born in 1932. In Ruston, the café business was good to my family, and

my grandfather expanded to Jonesboro with another café. Nick ran the café in Jonesboro, Emily ran the café in Ruston, and Nick would travel back to Ruston two or three times a week to see his family. My grandparents made many sacrifices for the family, but always placed God first in their lives. The restaurants were opened from five in the morning until ten at night, seven days a week. On Thanksgiving Day, all proceeds from the restaurants went to the Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.

Nick loved to fish and was told about Lake Louie in Catahoula Parish. He would travel there and fish when he could. On one trip, he stopped in Winnsboro to eat. He couldn’t find a café and decided that Winnsboro would be a great place to open another location. He needed someone to run it, and he remembered a man he met in Texas that had fallen on some bad times. After talking with him, Nick began securing a building and installing equipment and furniture. When almost complete, he got the man from Texas to come over and see the restaurant that he would be managing.

Upon arrival, the man told Nick, “I’ve never ran anything more than a hotdog stand, and I cannot run something like this.”

So what to do…Nick discussed this with Emily, and they decided to sell the Jonesboro café. Emily, along with Katherine and

Frank, would run Ruston café, and Nick and Tommy would run the Winnsboro café. Nick named it the Post Office Café, because he opened the restaurant within weeks of when the post office opened.

After about a year, Emily told Nick that the family will live together in Ruston or Winnsboro, but no longer be separated. In 1933, Nick and Emily decide to sell the café in Ruston and moved to Winnsboro. The family first lived in an apartment above the café, and eventually rented a home on Pine Street. In 1936, the family purchased a home on West Street.

Another daughter, Nike, was born in Winnsboro, and the children attended Winnsboro Elementary and then Winnsboro High School.

Nick and Emily continued the tradition of giving to the Methodist’s Children Home in Ruston and attending Greek Church in Shreveport.

Nick and Emily purchased forty acres outside of Winnsboro and built a small farm and a chicken coop to support the café.

As the war began to rage in Europe, Tommy and Frank enlist in the US Navy. Tommy entered the US Navy after graduating from Tulane University in 1942. He trained in Ashbury Park, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois. Tommy served in Pearl Harbor, Guam, Marshalls, Gilberts, Carolines, Okinawa and Palaus on the USS Armadella.

My dad, Frank, graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1944 and entered the US Navy. He trained in San Diego and served at the Okanawa Seaplane Base. When the opportunity arrived that Tommy’s ship was in the harbor in Okanawa, Tommy and Frank, along with many other men from Franklin Parish met up. I can only imagine the young men talked about high school football games, girlfriends at home and, of course, the war experiences and places each had been in the Pacific.

After the war in 1946, Tommy and Frank returned to Winnsboro.

Tommy had an architecture degree and worked for himself until accepting a job with J.A. Harper in Crowville. Frank attended Louisiana Tech and worked for T.J. Owen building houses. Nick and Emily sold the café in Winnsboro in 1948, while continuing to work on the farm and fish. My dad came to Crowville to work for Mr. Harper and in 1956, he and Tommy purchased Crowville Mercantile. Tommy continued his work with building roads, bridges and building with Mr. Harper, while Frank ran Crowville Mercantile, a general grocery and hardware store.

In 1960, Frank and Tommy purchased Pack-A-Sack Grocery and constructed a new building to house both businesses. Here comes the red-headed Baptist…

My mom, Janice Emmons, and dad met on a blind date arranged by Travis and Janette Hernandez. After dating for six years, they married in the Greek Church in Monroe and lived in Crowville.

Janice accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1950 at Ridge Avenue Baptist Church in West Monroe during Vacation Bible School.

She was a member of the first graduating class of West Monroe High School and a telephone operator until her marriage. She then worked alongside my dad in the store until my brother and I were born. Our dad also farmed about two hundred acres of cotton with a couple of John Deere 4020 tractors, and we picked cotton with a used two row cotton picker.

Our dad passed away in 1988, two weeks before my high school graduation. Our mom took the sole responsibility of rearing two teenage boys and operating a grocery and hardware store to put us through college.

Prior to our Uncle Tommy’s death in 2014, he reminded us that he and our dad had never received medals from their service in WWII. I asked if he wanted to get the medals and he would say, “We will do that one day.” So after his death, our family contacted Congressman Ralph Abraham, and we participated in a most humbling ceremony, along with other families, to receive the medals. What an honor to be awarded our dad’s medals some seventy-three years after he earned them.

Our mom passed away in 2018, after a twenty-six year battle with cancer, much stronger in her faith, her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God is what supported her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

The true blessing is having had loving grandparents that made so many sacrifices, and taught us about the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for all, and how we should serve Him and love our neighbors as we love ourselves, so their two sons could be first generation college graduates.

There are so many blessings. The blessing that our dad and uncle, first generation Americans, along with countless other men and women who enlisted into the US Armed Forces so that aggression in Europe and Asia would not be the end of the freedoms we hold so dear. The blessing that our grandparents, leaving a country they both loved, to seek the American dream, found their way to a little town in northeast Louisiana without a café, which became our home some ninety years ago.

My challenge for you is to search yourself and identify those people in your past that helped with your journey. If they are still with us, thank them. We are not alone in this American experience. Find ways that you can pay it forward. Volunteer, serve, help, teach and share… as my family’s American journey began 130 years ago, what an awesome experience it’s been.

But 100 years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be a different and better place, because I was important in the life of a child.

Nick and Frank Poulos reside in Crowville, Louisiana with their families; both first generation college graduates and second generation American citizens. While trying to decide a lasting way to honor their parents, the overwhelming theme throughout their family generations was always love. Love for God, family and country.

The Crowville Love Park was dedicated in November, 2019 and is located at 5400 Louisiana State Highway 17, Winnsboro. People are welcome to visit the park in Crowville and take family photos. The sculpture’s height is ten feet and was constructed from stainless steel.

You can check in on Facebook www.facebook.com/crowvillelovepark and link your picture to the page. Thanks for your visit and for liking the page.

I believe that Benjamin Franklin summed it up best, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

So as I look forward, I am reminded that it’s always been about God, family and country.

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“If you are uncomfortable - in deep pain, angry, yearning, confused - you don’t have a problem, you have a life. Being human is not hard because you’re doing it wrong; it’s hard because you’re doing it right. You will never change the fact that being human is hard, so you must change your idea that it was ever supposed to be easy.”

Glennon Doyle is more than a writer; she’s a champion of women. She has lived hard, learned the hard way, and writes eloquently about hard stuff. She is willing to bear her insides, expose her bare bones for the greater good. She believes in the power of female voices speaking hard truths, looking deep inside themselves to find peace and understanding. She is a fervent believer in God, and she speaks to God in the one place she knows God resides, within herself. She speaks honestly and candidly about the ebbs and flows of her life, as a mother, as a role model, as a motivational speaker, and as a child of God. In her previous novel, Love Warrior, she told the world of trying to save a marriage after infidelity, of sacrificing herself for her children, thinking if she powered through the heartache, that peace was on the other side. And now Glennon finds herself in a new kind of romantic relationship, with a genuine partnership with her ex-husband, and how she finally exists in a family dynamic best suited for her entire family.

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Reading this book is akin to sinking into a warm bath. I read every word of it submerged in water myself. The words wash over you, as you exhale the same sentiments you’ve been feeling but couldn’t quite pinpoint the way Glennon so beautifully does.

Raising three children, two girls and one boy, she sees the world uniquely through each set of eyes, relishing in the empathy of her eldest daughter, the wild spirit of her younger daughter, and the wise independence of her son. She acknowledges the guilt of leaving a man who may have been a poor husband, but who is an exceptional father. She felt it more important for her children to see positive romantic relationships rather than two people pretending to care for one another as much as they adored their children. This is a love story to her current partner, her ex-husband, her children, herself, but more importantly, to all of us. Her willingness to sink her teeth into the grit of life and grind fearlessly until she finds the beauty in the struggle is inspiring.

It took me weeks to read this book, but only because I kept calling my friends to read chapters aloud to them, or beckoning Husband to the bathtub to hear Glennon’s insight on communicating with her teenage daughter. She is a truthsayer, and she invites readers into her world, admitting its chaotic, but insisting we stay awhile and witness the grace emerge.

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Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES “Coviction” by Denise Mina

REVIEW BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

“Just when you think something can’t get any worse someone who dislikes you comes to watch.”

Anna is a suburban mother with suburban problems. On the outside her life looks picture perfect, but behind the facade, her marriage is crumbling, and her past threatens the very existence of her present. To escape the reality of her morning mundane routine, she escapes into true crime podcasts, better to hear about richer people’s problems than navigate her own. But what was meant to be a one-hour reprieve into fancy yachts and a plotted family murder at sea, brings her past rolling back into focus when she realizes the man onboard is not a stranger in a fancy world, but someone from her previous life, the one she has kept secret from her husband and children. Anna is really Sophie, and Sophie should be dead.

Denise Mina writes with quick wit and a compelling narrative. Each chapter ends in a way that forces you to turn the page. The story seems to be moving past at the speed of a rolling train, and readers are forced to latch on for the ride. The events are set in Europe, and the idiosyncrasies of life abroad provide a riveting backdrop for the two people on the run from themselves. If Anna and Fin, a struggling celebrity musician who ends up tagging along, can solve the

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mysterious deaths aboard the ship, they may be able to save their own lives.

This novel explores the impact of social media, how we can broadcast our thoughts and suspicions and bring people across the world into our immediate present. Fin’s celebrity status and recent fall from grace guarantee a watchful audience, and the eyes of the world on their every move may be their only means of survival. Denise Mina expertly weaves Anna’s past life with her complicated search for answers. She can’t find out what she needs to know without confronting who she truly is. Anna is not sure whom she can trust, as anyone could be compromised.

Denise Mina has written thirteen novels and is a staple in the crime fiction world. A Scottish writer, Mina creates complex characters, those that evoke both sympathy and exasperation. Her plot lines shift and seem about to jump off a cliff at a moment’s notice.

Trying to stay engrossed in the action of the plot while simultaneously second guessing each new character’s motivations is thrilling. She knows how to keep readers on the edge of their couches, and she can tangle a web of intrigue. As readers, we are left in suspense and dared to try to uncover the mystery before the protagonist does. If you like crime novels and haven’t read Denise Mina, Conviction is a nice place to start.

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SWEET SUMMER TIME LSU AG CENTER

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t is officially summertime in North Louisiana! That means heat, humidity, and sweat, not perspiration, but sweat!

This also means getting out in our gardens and landscapes either early in the morning or in the evening when the afternoon fires of Hades have subsided.

LAWNS

Rains are less frequent now, so irrigating your lawn may be necessary. That said, it’s important to not water too much. Remember, Deep South turfgrasses utilize the same photosynthetic pathway that corn and sugarcane do. They need full sun and use water more efficiently than most other plants.

Even at the height of summer, watering three or four times a week is unnecessary. The LSU AgCenter recommends less frequent and longer irrigation, giving water more time to percolate deeper into the soil, instead of more frequent irrigation for shorter time periods.

Water in the early morning, so as the day warms up and the sun treks across the sky, excess water can evaporate and reduce the risk of fungal pathogens. If you notice water pooling in certain areas of your lawn, look for a way to drain excess water off so the soil doesn’t go anoxic. A heavy infestation of weeds likely means the soil’s chemistry has shifted to favor weeds and not your grass.

Applying herbicides may be a quick fix but won’t solve the problem long term. A soil test will tell you exactly where your lawn stands in terms of pH and nutrient content.

VEGGIES & FRUIT Vegetables planted in late March or early April have likely given up the ghost by now. Tomatoes may have slowed way down because heat and humidity interfere with pollination. Actually, tomatoes self-pollinate so a lack of insects buzzing about the flowers, while helpful, isn’t necessary. I’m growing an

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old LSU variety called ‘Louisiana Gulf State’ and, so far, it’s holding up beautifully as the mercury climbs. This month, get ready for your fall tomatoes by starting seeds of heattolerant varieties like ‘Bella Rosa,’ ‘Florida 91 Hybrid,’ ‘Phoenix,’ ‘Solar Fire Hybrid,’ ‘Solar Set,’ and ‘Sun Chaser’ for transplanting in late August.

Okra should be hitting its stride this month. I know I wrote about okra in February’s issue. But, I think another trip up on the soapbox about okra is warranted because no other vegetable is so… Louisiana!

If you’re not growing okra, you should be.

Okra is in the hibiscus family and it loves our summer heat. Okra flowers have an ornamental quality all their own, calling out to pollinators like a big, bright neon sign.

So, consider adding an okra plant here and there to ornamental beds if they get full sun.

There are many okra varieties to choose from and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

‘Cowhorn’ varieties produce pods that remain tender up to ten inches or more long. ‘Gold Coast’ and ‘Louisiana Green Velvet’ are

two LSU varieties developed specifically for our heat and humidity. ‘Clemson Spineless’ and ‘Emerald Evergreen’ are also popular varieties, and there are numerous others out there. Many okra varieties are openpollinated so their seeds will breed true and can be saved for next season’s crop. To save okra seeds, simply let a pod or two mature, dry, and begin to split while still on the plant.

Mature seeds are dark colored and roughly the size of a bb or a little larger. One or two pods should give you all the seeds needed for next year and then some. Keep okra seed viable by storing in a cool, dry, dark place, preferably in an airtight container or jar.

Finally, here’s an update about the RedN-Sweet watermelon I told you about last month. It’s a very vigorous vine and has no trouble setting fruit. The melon pictured

GULF STATE TOMATO

WATER LAWNS EARLY IN THE MORNING

“IT’S A VERY VIGOROUS VINE AND HAS NO TROUBLE SETTING FRUIT... MIND YOU, THESE ARE FROM SEEDS THAT ARE NEARLY TWENTY YEARS OLD!” RED-N-SWEET WATERMELON

LUNA PINK SWIRL HIBISCUS

was about the size of a soccer ball or a little smaller when I took the picture (June 12th). Mind you, these are from seeds that are nearly twenty years old! We’ll see what happens. Watermelon is another crop that thrives in our summer heat. Like okra, it originates in West Africa, so dry summers are not a problem. With less frequent rains, sugars become quite concentrated and that’s why we love it! Locallygrown watermelons should be coming in by now and those grown in home vegetable gardens should be ready to harvest soon if not now. Mid-season peaches are also coming in and figs will make an appearance this month, too.Figs are the most reliable fruit grown in the Deep South. They have few if any insect pests, and the only real fungal pathogen is fig rust that develops in fall as the trees are getting themselves ready for dormancy. Figs need between 200 and 500 chill hours, which we get even in a mild winter. Less frequent rains mean your fig trees may need watering once a week, and keep weeds and other vegetation out of the root zone as their shallow roots won’t tolerate much competition.

ORNAMENTALS

Let’s go back to the hibiscus family (Malvaceae) for a second because it is replete with hot weather troopers for the ornamental beds. Native species in the hibiscus family that are perfect for summer ornamentals include the variously named swamp rose-mallow, or rose mallow, or Eastern rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) and the Texas Star hibiscus (H. coccineus). Rose mallow is visible in wet, roadside ditches in our area this time of year, and is the species from which several cultivars have been generated including the “dinner plate” hibiscuses, so named because of their huge flowers. The ‘Luna’ series are Louisiana Super Plant selections but are dwarf versions of the larger varieties. Color. All. Summer. Texas Star hibiscus is a great example of a pass-along plant, and has been used in Deep South

landscapes for generations. We know, for example, that Captain and Mrs. G.B. Cooley used them in their landscape when their houses at South Grand and Texas was completed in the late 1920s. Texas star hibiscus is easily propagated from seeds. Be on the lookout for H. coccineus var. alba with its large white flowers. Both rose mallow and Texas Star are perennials. They also tolerate having their feet a little wet, so they are great options if your landscape has a sunny area that stays moist. Turk’s cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) is another member of the hibiscus family that will hold up in our summer heat. If attracting hummingbirds and pollinating insects to your landscape is the goal, Turk’s cap is a must have. In our area, Turk’s cap will freeze back to the ground every winter, but will always return in spring. They are drought tolerant, and easily propagated from cuttings making them a great plant to share with gardening friends. Look for both red and pink forms.

For advice on how to make your garden thrive, go to the Ag Journal page at www.myarklamiss. com and submit your questions.I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!

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BROOKE CASSADY

BAYOU ARTIST

Photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK Article Written by ALANA WAGNER

Serendipitous: that’s the word artist BROOKE CASSADY uses to describe the many moments that brought her to Louisiana Tech University this past year. Rather than a clear-cut path, Brooke has followed many offshoots that ultimately led her to settling in Monroe and becoming Visiting Assistant Professor in 3D/Ceramics at Tech.

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rooke appreciates that this is the way things have fallen. Over the years she’s learned and adopted the practice of releasing control of the final product and simply following the process. She feels it has added a diversity and maturity to herself and her work that she wouldn’t have gained from a more “traditional” path. In fact, Brooke focuses significantly on watching and following the process of materials interacting as part of her creative process. “It’s been a long time since I felt like I can make art and let it evolve naturally,” Brooke said of her current process.

Brooke grew up in Athens, Georgia, and can recall creating from the time she was a child. Her grandmother owned an art gallery in Indiana, so she knew art was in the family. Yet Brooke had a love of not just art but math and science, as well. By the time she began applying to colleges, Brooke had chosen to pursue biomedical engineering. “I love the science behind it,” Brooke said of creating. She wanted to better understand the components of her materials.

She was accepted into Boston University but told her parents that she felt like she wouldn’t be ready to go until she got art out of her system. Thus began a series of “serendipitous” moments for Brooke. She deferred at BU for one year and traveled to Mexico to study Spanish and metalworking. She then learned by happenstance of a two-month work-study residency at the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. Penland had no metalworking courses, so Brooke

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enrolled in their pottery and clay course instead. After completing the course, she continued to work until it was time to begin her studies at BU.

The attempt to get art out of her system proved unsuccessful. This was Brooke’s first time not making anything or being in her usual peer groups.

Though she was doing well in her classes, she was unhappy in engineering.

Thinking she simply needed to be among friends, Brooke switched majors to join them in business school but found that no better. So, she began looking into art programs. “They had a great studio art program, but it would add an extra year,” Brooke said. “So, I switched to art history instead so I could use my credits and still graduate on time.”

With a great environment for art history around her in Boston, Brooke said this major worked out well. “I love art, math, and science, so I get to do all three, but it’s less technical.” She finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History in 2003, returned to Penland for another work-study residency, and began attending more workshops. “I caught the ‘pottery bug.’ When they say that, it’s a real thing,” Brooke laughed.

A constant throughout her life and especially these years in college was her parents’ and grandmother’s support of her art. Brooke said her parents later told her that they didn’t understand why she didn’t go to art school in the first place. “I felt like I needed to pay them back for everything, so I needed to have a job that could pay for them to live with me later,” Brooke explained.

She felt that same support when she moved back to Athens after graduation, not only from her family but from the large potter community there, as well. This community took her under their wing, she said, and shared a great wealth of information and skills with her.

Taking frequent breaks from creating is something Brooke has tried to do. This practice, Brooke said of herself, “encourages you to build up the desire to want it as opposed to mindlessly moving forward.” Yet the years following her time at BU were full of nonstop movement. Brooke moved to New Orleans, got a studio, and began creating, teaching in New Orleans and two nearby cities, and waiting tables. Trying to make a living with her art was difficult, especially while working so many other jobs. Brooke quickly experienced burnout.

“I didn’t want to be on display anymore,” she said. “I felt raw and vulnerable and wanted to keep my art to myself.” She saw graduate school as an opportunity to step away from creating while continuing to learn. In 2008, she enrolled in Louisiana State University’s Master of Fine Arts program, studying ceramics.

Though the atmosphere at LSU was a shift for her, Brooke found deep sources of guidance and inspiration in her professors. She began to ask herself the question, “What is it about ceramics that I really like?” Her specialization, art in social practice, also led her to have a focus less on the maker and more on the act of making and creating a space for dialogue around art. Her art history professor, Susan Ryan, taught much on contemporary art and especially aided Brooke in developing this new focus.

Brooke began to see artists creating conversations and the spaces for them rather than making. She discovered that what she liked about ceramics was not just the responsiveness of the clay in the creative process, but she also enjoyed the generosity and sharing element of the community surrounding that process. What she had experienced in Athens, she wanted to incorporate into her own practice. Brooke realized, “If I can’t find this space, I’ll have to go out and create it myself.”

Something else Brooke began to see was an underlying contradiction in her work. She was concerned about the tension between creating and making waste. “I want to promote sustainability,” she said, “but I’m a maker at heart. I have to be creating.” This tension remained a challenge for her.

Another source of challenge, yet also inspiration, came from Andy Shaw, another one of Brooke’s professors at LSU. He taught an openminded approach to creating and challenged her to ask the question, “Am I making a choice because I’m scared of something or drawn and compelled toward it?” He encouraged her both to follow those things to which she was drawn and not to avoid the things that seemed to push her away.

Friends also served a significant role in Brooke’s personal and creative development. She described her best friend during graduate WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JULY 2020 27

“What we all need from art right now,” she said, “is that it can open a conversation, make us more self-aware, make us slow down, be more empathic, and enable us to have conversations that we normally couldn’t in our environments. Artists unpack and unfold that for us.” school, Adrienne Lynch Jones, as a grounding rod who modeled self-care and honesty, was compassionate and giving, and would “create without judgment.” Brooke brought this atmosphere to her own process during her MFA. A bike lover, she built a portable bike studio that she would ride around town and set up in front of coffee shops. She would invite people to make with her. “It wasn’t about teaching or guiding,” Brooke explained.

“It was more about you coming along with me. It would inevitably invite conversation.” Her bike studio was one of the ways Brooke deepened her emphasis on personal reflection, mindfulness, and how we become closer to people in shared creative moments.

Brooke met not only inspiring professors and friends at LSU, but during her MFA, she also met her now husband, Quintin Good. It was this relationship that ultimately brought Brooke to North Louisiana three years ago as Quintin began pharmacy school in Monroe. However, this was not before another significant shift altered Brooke’s creative path yet again.

After Brooke graduated from LSU in 2011, she had her own studio in Baton Rouge. Several years later, she was unexpectedly pregnant with her and Quintin’s first child, Lyla Jane. To add stress to the situation, as she was preparing to give birth, Brooke was told that she had just days to move out of her studio. Sudden though this all was, Brooke accepted it. She got rid of her supplies, packed up, and cleared out. She also decided to put creating on hiatus. “It’s good not to try to do multiple things,” she said of this decision.

“I got into adjuncting and teaching. I let the desire and need to make art build back up slowly and steadily.” This steady buildup began with teaching ceramics, then art appreciation, as well.

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When her family, with the new addition of a son, Rigsby William, prepared to move to Monroe in 2017, Brooke didn’t have a clear sense of what she would do while Quintin was in pharmacy school. Yet she was still committed to letting things emerge on their own. Sure enough, she was soon curator and director of LEVEE GALLERY in Monroe. Here, Brooke found another major inspiration, as well as a mentor and close friend, in Kathy Biedenharn, the gallery’s owner. Brooke described coming to work at LEVEE GALLERY and with Kathy as “the beginning of many serendipitous encounters and experiences since moving up to North Louisiana.”

Brooke’s desire to create continued to build. She said being around so many artists was like having a fire lit and kindling added to it. “A handful of my current ideas started then and have been idling,” Brooke said. That is, until the end of her first year at Tech when she began making again. “Doors have just opened,” Brooke said. “I’ve been in the right place at the right time, and it’s incredible and gratifying to feel like you’re trusting a path, and if you stay on that path, it does happen.”

While gratifying, this year has also been vulnerable for Brooke. She said she feels like she is in a fledgling state getting back into creating versus having things ready or building on current work. Yet she is trying to embody this as she talks to her students about the vulnerability of artmaking. Brooke is also teaching her students to let their own art evolve naturally rather than solely be driven by needing to make a certain amount of money or create for a specific show or studio. She has done commission work and has ideas for larger forms she could create for a specific space. However, just as she teaches her students, Brooke also wants to nourish and create space for making without taking on extra work, a luxury she hasn’t often had. “I’m now walking the walk,” she said of modeling this mindset.

Brooke’s current focus is breathwork and phenomenological experience.

She is interested in intense physical sensations expressed in forms, whether through creating many different forms or creating a space for the body and the form to interact. She has been creating lace forms that are skeletal and bodily. She sees adornment, whether her smaller lace forms or the jewelry she has also started making, as a good method of personal expression.

Brooke feels her pieces are successful when the experiences that inspire them are reflected upon the viewer or participant. “It’s an experience I’ve had that I want someone to experience themselves or feel in their own way,” she said, “or it presents questions to make the viewer pause, reflect, and ask why.”

Testing formulas, glazes, and colors are part of Brooke’s current process in working toward this goal of communicating experience. She has also added a metalworking component for her jewelry. While Brooke comes to campus to fire kilns, restrictions and closures due to the coronavirus mean most of this work takes place in her converted home studio. As is true for many, the coronavirus has come at an especially odd time for Brooke. She has felt the conflict of making art that only a certain group can afford or that lets only a few inhabit that space instead of making public art for a larger audience. Yet the quarantine and distancing measures have complicated inviting people into a larger, interactive space.

Though she hasn’t fully resolved this conflict, Brooke said it draws her to more interactive work. The current climate of the coronavirus and injustices makes her want to use art to create conversation. “What we all need from art right now,” she said, “is that it can open a conversation, make us more self-aware, make us slow down, be more empathic, and enable us to have conversations that we normally couldn’t in our environments. Artists unpack and unfold that for us.” For Brooke, artists give people a voice.

Nonetheless, Brooke wonders if art may sometimes be more important for the maker. She believes it is important for artists to take care of themselves so they can take care of people. One way that Brooke takes care of others is through the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser and hunger awareness event hosted by the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. She has donated bowls for the past two years and would love to see more local artists participate.

Brooke’s work is available for viewing on her Facebook and Instagram pages, @brookecassadyart. She also has jewelry for sale through her Instagram page, which is the best way to shop and communicate with her.

However, Brooke’s home studio in the Garden District of Monroe is the place to see her work and how she is letting her ideas interact and unfold. For the time being, Brooke is trying to be attentive to her ideas, but she will continue to follow “serendipity” wherever it leads in this season of making.

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Alumni Spotlight ULM Alumna: Jessica Pollard

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GRADUATE OF OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL IN 1995, Jessica Pollard briefly enrolled at Louisiana Tech. She followed her friends, unsure of where she wanted to go and whether she wanted to go it alone. But after one semester, Jessica transferred to ULM. She craved new people, a new beginning, and she wanted a fresh start.

It was a brave move, but Jessica has learned the importance of change, of shaking things up to see everything more clearly. She majored in business, and like many freshmen students, Jessica was unsure of what she wanted to become, but she never imagined her career would be so tied to who she’d always been. Growing up, Jessica’s father Tom Pollard owned a local store in Oak Grove called Redmond-Mitchiner, where customers could find clothes and furniture at, a one-stop shop.

Jessica spent her days after school and during the summer listening to her father’s exchanges with sales reps and often accompanied him to market. She knew the retail business, the importance of building relationships with customers, of maintaining professionalism and keeping a strong head. She lived and breathed small business, and even at school, eventually found her way back to her roots.

Jessica’s roommate casually suggested they take an elective together, Fashion Merchandising. A few days into the course, Jessica realized she already knew all this information; they just had technical terms for all her experience. She quickly changed her major to Family and Consumer Science and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1999. Jessica was active on campus, serving as a Diamond Girl for the ULM baseball team and various clubs. She worked in the university print shop, and during her senior year worked for Gap and Express in the mall. She dreamed of being a buyer for a big corporation, but after working in managerial positions in big-name stores and local boutiques, Jessica wanted something to call her own. She knew she had the knowledge to run her own store, and she slowly gathered the experience from both angles, first opening a local shop with a partner, then working as a sales representative all around Louisiana. She had now seen the retail business from all angles, enough to know she could handle the responsibility. In 2013, Jessica purchased Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique on Antique Alley. For two years, she kept the name, slowly incorporating her own vision into the pre-existing store and expanding her customer base. When she moved locations, just down the street on Antique Alley, Jessica knew it was time to rebrand, naming the store Eleven 26 Boutique, in honor of Jessica’s birthday.

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She finally had her own space, her own place, her own stamp in the community she so loves.

Eleven 26 specializes in women’s clothing and accessories, and most importantly, Jessica specializes in people. She knows her customer base and her product, and combined with her people skills and strong business sense, Jessica is a force in local business. She believes wholeheartedly in local business investment. She knows the people who shop in her store, and she gives back to her community. She is one of the founding donors of the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group, has served on the board for Fashion Fusion and is currently the president of the Antique Alley Merchant’s Association. She also volunteers in local cleanup projects for downtown West Monroe and for the Wild Wild West event that raises money for the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group. Jessica is a champion of shopping local, and keeping local people’s money in the community. Local business not only support local programs, sports clubs and schools, but many of those business owners’ kids play ball and go to school in the community. Local business owners live, give, and breathe local because they are local.

Jessica is a product of ULM, and like her store, ULM is local, touching each part of this community. Eleven 26 always has a ULM student employed, many of whom have gone on to nursing school. She promotes outfits for game days, and is proud of her institution and does her best to support ULM. The university brings thousands of students to our area each year, and many are absorbed into the fabric of this community, enriching northeast Louisiana. Jessica Pollard is committed to continuing the mission of promoting her community and her university. She is home-grown, home-educated, and homedevoted.

The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships, and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/alumni.

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS

Meredith’s Musings

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article by M E R E DI T H MCK I N N I E

s a young girl, I inhaled books. I loved all types as a child, and the pictures prove it as I was often found curled in a corner, my face hidden behind a compelling cover. As a teenager, I remember reading The Babysitter’s Club and the Nancy Drew series, followed soon by Sweet Valley High, and later Sweet Valley University. Mom would comment on the stacks of books I had in various corners of the house, as I often read several at once. She would quiz me about them, convinced I couldn’t keep up with so many at once. No matter where I squatted, a book was nearby in which to escape. In those stories I first learned the pain of heartbreak, for I hadn’t experienced it myself. I learned to anticipate my first kiss, and to expect bickering between friends, how to be the bigger person, and when to admit I was wrong. Books taught me how to exist in my world by observing characters in theirs. I have a lifelong love affair with books, an appreciation for authors who can create fictional worlds, and a respect for the written word.

Now I have home shelves littered with books in a semiorganized fashion. I try not to hold onto all of them, as I would have room for nothing else if I kept them all. I frequently drop off boxes with the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, as I know they will find new loving homes with book lovers like myself. The stacks in my office greet my students when they visit. Long conversations often end with me giving one of my beloved books to someone who needs to read it. Reading is a passion I adore fostering in others. As an English teacher, it’s my duty. As a devoted reader, it’s my responsibility. I’m intrigued by writers who see the world so differently than I do, and encouraged by those with whom I share a vision.

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Many people dream of a cross country trip, perhaps touring the state parks, soaking up nature. I’ve always longed to visit college campuses, particularly the old libraries, steeped in tradition and learning, and an observance of rules. I like structure, and I am comforted by knowing what to do and what is expected. Books provide structure, a leisure activity never thought to be a lazy endeavor. The local librarians know me by name, often having the reserved book waiting when they see me pull up. My library card is one of my most treasured possessions. I often wonder while perusing the pages who held the book before me, if that is some woman’s wine stain in the corner, or if she laughed at that line too.

When my daughter was born, it was imperative that she be consistently exposed to books. I couldn’t force her to love them, but I could make sure she had every opportunity to develop an appreciation. My husband installed floating white bookshelves in her room, my favorites prominently displayed, with age-appropriate material rotating in and out.

We have overflow shelves in another room, as a baby book was a convenient shower gift. At first, we only dared let her hold board books, as I couldn’t fathom pages being torn by a baby unable to understand their value. Gradually I let her turn pages, and interrupt the story. She pointed to animals she recognized and laughed when I smiled in response. Reading became our time before bed to perform a wholesome activity, one involving all the people in her little nucleus. She laughed and clearly revelled in the ritual. I posted frequent videos on Facebook of my reading to her, gritting my teeth at the sound of my scratchy, country twang, yet invigorated by her coos in response. She loves story time, and it positively thrills my soul.

In one of our favorite videos, she wore a light pink hat with a navy bow, clearly too big for her little head. For the entire four minutes of reading, she keeps reaching her chubby little hand to adjust the hat, pulling it further down her face, obscuring her vision. I could barely get through the story, my husband and I chuckling incessantly. I love our time cuddled up on the bed, daughter sitting astride my hausband’s knee, trying our best to make it through each story, as books are made to be finished. Sometimes I’m so insistent on completing, that I forget to pause and let her soak in the experience. I’m working on this.

I get it honest. Mom and I share a passion for reading, as she prefers being curled up in her chair with the latest thriller to pretty much any other activity. Our conversations often involve the plot to her current book. Our tastes in books are much different, but the love for reading is the same. I’m hoping my girls and I share a passion as well. If it’s cooking, that’s wonderful. If it’s cheering for the US gymnastics team in the summer Olympics, that’s all well and good. If it’s an affinity for swimming, and basically any water-related sport, that will make me happy too. But if it’s books, if they adore reading, well I’ll simply be tickled pink.

Fishing With Kenny

The Power of the Swim Jig article by K E N N Y C OV I NGT ON

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ne of the things that all fishermen do very well is having the tendency to take this great sport and at times, over complicate it. We get so engrossed with colors and seasonal fads that we are guilty of overlooking the obvious and more simple solutions to catching bass.

Sometimes these simple solutions give us our best results.

A jig has long been described as the best big bass bait ever created. It’s hard to argue against this claim. More big bass are caught around the country on jigs year to year, regardless of water color, temperature, season or type of fishery. They just flat out catch fish.

But what if I told you there was a simpler approach to this special lure that has been around for several decades, yet you rarely see people use the technique I am about to talk about?

The name of the lure itself is called a “Swim Jig” but the technique of swimming a jig is really nothing new. Or is it? When I was a kid fishing Cheniere Lake, I learned to never allow your worm or lizard to ever hit the bottom. The fish would always suspend around the Cypress trees so swimming a worm was and still is a deadly technique when fishing Cypress tree infested waterways.

The first time I recall swimming a jig was years later. I had heard of people using the technique down on Turkey Creek to catch monster pre-spawn and spawning fish. The idea was to pitch the jig past the Cypress trees a few feet and retrieve it under the surface a few feet “swimming” it past the targeted areas. It was the same thing I had done years earlier with a plastic worm; they simply had upped the ante by using a jig.

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see how things have changed. Now there are specialized jigs made just for the Swim Jig technique and there is an abundance of trailers as well. There are specialized rods, as well as the types of lines used to complete the whole “Swim Jig” system. Let’s take a look at what you need to get started.

The first question I am usually asked is “what color Swim Jig do you like?” I keep my choice of colors very simple. I use a white or a shad pattern, a black/blue or I will use a bream or green pumpkin color. Those three colors will cover everything I am trying to mimic so that is all I throw. I will use either a ¼ or a 3/8-ounce size with the 3/8 being my choice 90% of the time. The only time I prefer the lighter jig is if I am fishing extremely heavy grass areas. No matter the size of the jig, always make sure it has a stout hook.

Trailer choices is where the technique can get a bit confusing. I will use a boot tail style trailer, a crawfish type of trailer, or a swimming grub style trailer. In cooler water I have found the boot tail trailer to be most effective because it gives the lure its own action during a slow steady retrieve. I like the crawfish style trailer during the spawning season because of the action transmitted from the claw portion of the soft plastic and I use the swimming grub when the bass are keying on shad. I always match my trailer color to the jig I am throwing with the exception being I like a green pumpkin trailer on my black/blue Swim Jig.

My rod set up is similar to what I would use for regular jig fishing. The key difference is I will use a medium/heavy rod with good tip action. The tip action is important especially if you find yourself skipping the jig under or around targets such as trees, docks or flooded

bushes. I have found my frog rods to be the perfect rod choice for this technique.

I use a high-speed reel spooled with 50 lb. braided line. I do not use monofilament or fluorocarbon lines when throwing a Swim Jig because braid offers more advantages.

The braided line gives me excellent hook setting power, it doesn’t backlash as bad when skipping the lure and I haven’t seen where using braid costs me an abundance of strikes, even in clear water.

Fishing the Swim Jig is probably the easiest aspect of this whole concept. When fishing it in open water or over submerged grass I make a long cast, hold my rod at a 10 o’clock level and use a slow steady retrieve.

When fishing shallow cover such as gator grass or fishing around clumps of submerged moss or milfoil, I will keep the jig up near the surface and twitch and pop the rod periodically throughout my retrieve. The erratic movements tend to trigger strikes from bass that have taken refuge under or around the vegetation.

I honestly haven’t found a lake where the Swim Jig won’t catch fish and that’s the main reason, I always have one tied on in my rod box. It also works well when fished around or skipped under boat docks. As mentioned earlier, its deadly when fished around Cypress trees and grassy areas. It is especially effective when skipped around flooded buck brush regardless of the time of year. It is a great substitute when fish are short striking a spinnerbait or when fishing behind other anglers on crowded lakes.

Recently I won a tournament on a lake that had been getting an overabundance of fishing pressure. Even while fishing in one of the more popular areas of the lake I won by throwing a white Swim Jig with a matching crawfish trailer around shoreline gator grass.

I was able to fish these areas more effectively and show the fish a lure they hadn’t seen by presenting the Swim Jig inside of the thickest parts of the grass. That is the beauty of the Swim Jig and when used properly, it is a bass killer!

Well, it looks like we have run out of space and time for another month. I sure hope I was able to teach you a few things about Swim Jig fishing and that you give it a try the next time you visit your favorite fishing hole. With summer in full swing our lakes and rivers will be crowded so please be extra careful when enjoying our waterways. If you are able to go wet a hook, please make sure you catch one for me. See you next month!

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Get Outside the Lines Discover Monroe - West Monroe

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HE MONROE-WEST MONROE CONVENTION &VISITORS Bureau launched a new destination brand for Ouachita Parish on Thursday, May 28th via a livestream event on Facebook.

“We are excited to showcase this new brand for our community,” CVB President/CEO Alana Cooper said. “Through much research and creative development, we, along with our agency, have created a brand that we feel embodies the spirit of the Monroe-West Monroe Community.”

Discover Monroe-West Monroe began this project nearly one year ago. Working with the branding agency Rhyme & Reason Design (R&R), they utilized previous research studies and conducted new research through focus group with locals, community leaders, and tourism industry partners to gather information about Monroe-West Monroe. Surveys completed by area visitors also offered insight into the story this new brand would tell.

Key findings from the research indicated that the previous brand did not tell the story of our area and the need for a new brand that did.

Focus group participants wanted a brand that showcased the culture and diversity of the community and the ingenuity and creativity of our people.

“The goal from the onset of this rebranding effort was to genuinely tell Monroe-West Monroe’s story through the lens of the community,” said Scarlett Rosier, R&R’s Co-founder & Director of Operations.

“We listened intently to constituents in an effort to develop a brand that would create connection, while also encouraging exploration.

Through the visual experience and the tone of the messaging, we worked to capture the essence of the cities – the shared culture, the rich cuisine, the entrepreneurial spirit, the natural resources, the eclectic experiences and most importantly, the warmth of its residents.”

R&R created a unique logomark and ensured that each letter design choice had meaning. According to their description, “Each letter design has meaning—the stencil represents industrial roots, the radiating lines reflect ripples of water and the marquis dots shine a light on entertainment. Standing alone, the letters depict one chapter, but together, they are able to tell the full story.”

“Our new logo tells our shared story by bridging MonroeWest Monroe together in an eclectic and vibrant way,” VP of Communications Sheila Snow said. “This new palette reflects that we are tranquil, friendly, visionary and vibrant.”

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The tagline, “Outside the Lines”, represents our area’s ability to think differently. It also helps to diminish the line between our two cities and encourages Ouachita Parish residents to work together.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Discover Monroe-West Monroe had to think “outside the lines” when launching the brand. Unable to host a large public event, the new destination brand was launched virtually through Facebook live.

“Our plans, like everyone’s, had to change,” Cooper said. “Rather than postponing the launch to host a large event, we decided that launching now offered us the opportunity to rebuild our tourism impact after this pandemic with a great impression and bold new look.”

A new ad campaign showcases the ways locals and visitors experience Monroe-West Monroe outside the lines with unique dining, outdoor adventure, and more.

“As we look ahead to the future, travel is one of the strongest antidotes” Rosier said. “It offers hope, brings joy and impacts lives and livelihoods. By establishing a destination brand, we’re adding to the antidote, we’re ensuring the livelihoods of Monroe-West Monroe residents and enriching the lives of visitors. And this brand is encouraging everyone to discover more at home and down the road.”

Discover Monroe-West Monroe is excited to see the public engage with their new brand through a personality quiz that will determine your “Outside the Lines” personality. By answering a few questions, you’ll discover whether you are the Tranquil Bayou, Friendly Waves, Visionary Skies, or Vibrant Blaze.

“This personality quiz showcases the different facets of our brand identity,” said Jerrica Bennett, Website and Social Media Manager for Discover Monroe-West Monroe and creator of the quiz. “Each personality represents a characteristic of our people, culture and story.”

After completing the quiz and learning your type, a personalized itinerary will be delivered to your inbox to get you started discovering Monroe-West Monroe.

Plans are underway for continued experiences and “outside the line” events, including a photo scavenger hunt. For more information, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org/getoutsidethelines.

HOMEMADE BBQ RUB

July is here, and that means it’s time to get the grill going and make some homemade barbecue. We’re not pit masters, but we know what tastes good. This sweet and savory rub is the way to go.

Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK Styling by TAYLOR BENNETT

W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1 tbsp kosher salt 2 tsp racked black pepper 2 tsp chili powder 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp garlic powder 1 1/2 tsp onion powder 1 tsp ground mustard 1 tsp celery seeds 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container until ready to use. Best when used on chicken or pork.

You Can Navigate the Tough Conversations

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everal years ago, a friend and I were about to discuss a political issue. She stopped me and said, “You know what?

There’s no way you and I are ever going to agree about this topic, so there’s no point in even discussing it.” She then changed the conversation to upcoming movies we should watch. I could barely listen to her as I was so disheartened about what she truly believed— we were both so entrenched in our opinions that there was no hope for any intellectual exchange, period.

Throughout my studies of transformational leadership, I have learned one significant and reoccurring lesson: people are so deeply rooted in their views that those opinions become part of their identities, and subsequently, they aren’t willing to consider other ideas. When they hear an opposing belief, they immediately began crafting their response instead of simply listening.

We filter our Facebook newsfeeds so that we only see similar viewpoints because our friends’ offensive posts become disheartening. I have been guilty of cultivating my own Facebook bubble. However, being surrounded by likeminded people doesn’t spark any thoughtprovoking conversations.

How can we talk to those with differing opinions, especially now, during one of the most tumultuous times in our American history? Between systemic racial injustice, and now the pandemic, we are surrounded by heated debates. Somehow, even masks can be a polarizing topic. Recently, a stranger verbally assaulted one of my friends for wearing a mask in a grocery store. This woman incorporated several expletives, and my friend quickly walked away.

We live in a small midwestern town, and the exchange left our small circle of friends, even though we weren’t present for the interaction, disheartened and even a bit nervous.

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a r t i c l e by L AU R A W C L A R K

I am not advocating we engage with those who accost us in grocery stores because, I think that kind of irrational exchange could escalate into violence. But I do think we could—and should—begin talking about the uncomfortable topics with our families and friends, especially with those who don’t look like us and who come from diverse backgrounds.

Christopher Voss, a formal negotiator for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and CEO of the Black Swan Group, which trains companies and individuals to negotiate, wrote the book, “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depends On It.” Voss offers these tips for entering a tough conversation: Typically, when we envision the impending conversation, we instinctively picture ourselves getting angry. Because we default to our highest level of preparation, we will exhibit anger during the exchange. But if we mirror what athletes do—imagine ourselves performing well—we will have a much higher chance of a thoughtful conversation. Imagine yourself using a calm voice; an even tone will lower your stress during the discussion.

Reframe how you think about the conversation: view it from a place of gratitude. Remind yourself that you are fortunate to have this person in your life.

You want the other person to experience oxytocin, otherwise known as the brain’s feel-good chemical. Listen to their perspective— without immediately disputing their negative thoughts— and summarize your understanding of their viewpoint. When you summarize their ideas, they feel understood, and you create a bond. When they do not feel heard, they instinctively raise their voices, and the chance for an effective discussion dissipates.

How do we deal with the inevitable anger that arises? Intentionally work to make the other person feel heard. Doing so will positively impact your brain, making you and the other person feel calm.

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Avoid common communication pitfalls.

When you launch into a lengthy explanation of your viewpoint, the other person receives the unintended message that they aren’t smart enough to understand the topic. Instead, after the other person feels heard, ask them, “How do we move forward?” This question prompts the other person to think about the negative consequences of their viewpoints. You are also defending your position without being viewed as combative.

End the conversation with a positive thought. The other person will likely leave the conversation thinking about your exchange instead of dismissing it. They may even return to you with a new idea or resolution, which is the ultimate goal.

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Throughout my life, I have found it helpful to enter discussions with an open mind and an understanding that the other person is likely as deeply committed to their ideas as I am to mine.

Engaging in tough discussions at work is even more tricky, but in 2020, it is absolutely crucial. My friend and colleague, Kandice Guice, a Louisiana attorney and social activist, created an innovative template that outlines pragmatic steps for inquiring about an employer’s plan for addressing racial inequality. Kandice wrote: “It’s okay to ask your company what actionable steps it plans to take to be more inclusive and to embrace diversity at all levels of management.

It’s okay to ask whether there are any plans to embrace management diversity through organic growth or outside recruitment.” Follow her on Facebook, and download her template here: https://bit.ly/310mf07.

None of this is easy. But, we have to listen—really listen—to grow, to use our voices effectively, and to help others do the same.

Laura W. Clark, is the owner of Vivian’s Voice, LLC, a communications consulting company, can be reached at findyours@viviansvoice.com

Dr. Nick J. Bruno Retires from ULM On Tuesday, June 16, Dr. Nick J. Bruno celebrated his retirement with family, friends and colleagues.

Dr. Bruno served as President of the University of Louisiana Monroe for 10 years and has worked in higher education in the state of Louisiana for 45 years.

Among Dr. Bruno’s most significant accomplishments - and there are many - was securing the partnership with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to build a medical school on the ULM campus. Dr. Bruno was named the 8th President of ULM on November 8, 2010 and retires on June 30, 2020. He and First Lady Linda Bruno will return to his roots in Tangipahoa Parish, near the town of Amite.

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On the BayouScene

1 Camile Currier and Nick Bruno 2 Nick Bruno, Kristal Anzalone, Ahmaad Solmone, Sami Owens and Trey Wilson 3 Linda and Nick Bruno 4 Nick Bruno and Leazel McDonald 5 Nick Bruno and Olivia Bailey 6 Mayor Jamie Mayo and Nick Bruno 7 Nick Bruno and James Moore III 8 Nick Bruno with Sushma Krishnamurthy 9 Kay McDonald, Nick and Linda Bruno, and Charles McDonald 10 Linda Bruno, Alberta Green and Nick Bruno 11 Nick Bruno and Susan Chappell 12 L inda and Nick Bruno, and Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos 13 Nick Bruno, Jo and Charles R. McDonald 14 Sheriff Jay Russell, Nick and Linda Bruno 15 Joe Holyfield, Linda and Nick Bruno, and Linda Holyfield 16 Nick Bruno and Camile Currier

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I REMEMBER THINKING THAT MY HEART WAS GOING TO STOP BEATING

us when we are facing a crisis; the

I REMEMBER thinking that my presence of THE Friend is a source heart was going to stop beating. of the greatest peace which sustains This thought surfaced as I watched us in the crisis. a team of surgery nurses push a Additionally, He is sovereignly gurney which was carrying my preable to help. Even if I were able school-age daughter – they were to be present, there is absolutely headed to the area of the hospital nothing that I could do to help with where only medical personnel were her medical problem. The Lord, on admitted. My daughter, who was the other hand, has no limitations dearer to me than life itself, looked relative to what He can do. In faith so small, so frail, so vulnerable. She and trust, we refer to Him as the was scheduled for an oral procedure, “Great Physician,” knowing that He and there was nothing I could do for can provide healing with or without her. I would have gladly taken her the assistance of human physicians. place, but I could not even hold her He is not only present and able, hand. I felt worse than helpless as He is also infinitely wise, knowing I watched her pass through those I MENTIONED EARLIER THAT I LOVE HER SO MUCH THAT I what is best and right in every “no-admittance” doors. situation. Several efforts by skilled, Now, fast forward about five WOULD HAVE TAKEN HER PLACE IF I COULD HAVE. WELL, competent doctors had not solved decades with me. It is early May of HE DID TAKE HER PLACE – NOT IN THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE, the issue with her eye. Based on their this year and our daughter is the training and their experience, they mother of two Ole Miss graduates NOT IN THE HOSPITAL, BUT ON THE CROSS. did their best to promote healing for and is actively serving others as a her. Unfortunately, they were not diagnostic radiologist is Tupelo, Mississippi. Once again, she is headed for surgery – as a patient! successful. God, on the other hand, possesses infinite wisdom, so His She has serious issues with one of her eyes, including a tear in her actions are beyond question and can always be trusted.

More important than His presence, His power, and His wisdom is retina and a partial detachment. Numerous procedures have failed to rectify her problem, and surgery is the final option. Once more, this the glorious fact of His love which informs every action of His perfect time due to the coronavirus shutdown, my wife and I are not able to will. I mentioned earlier that I love her so much that I would have be present with her at a very critical moment. She is still dearer to us taken her place if I could have. Well, He did take her place – not in than life and either of us gladly would have swapped places with her, the doctor ’s office, not in the hospital, but on the Cross. In his gospel, but that is not possible. Just as when she was a small child, we are John points out that the greatest expression of love is when one lays unable to provide any help in this time of need. Once more, we feel down his life for a friend. (John 15:13) The penalty for our sin is death (Romans 6:23), and Jesus paid our debt when He sacrificed His life that same helplessness.

However, as helpless as we feel, there is something that we can for us on Calvary. He took our place! do. We know someone who does not share our limitations and who Given the danger of the coronavirus and the violence that can help. And through prayer to Him, we can trust her into His care. continually threatens to erupt in our society, we need a friend who is able to take care of us in these unsettling times. It is good that we This thought provides us with immeasurable comfort.

Consider this important truth – He is always available; He is have family and friends who love us and who will do all they can to perpetually present. One of the most significant promises in the Bible tend our needs, but there is a limit to how much they can do. No such is found in Matthew 28:20 where Jesus says, “I am with you always, limits apply to the Lord. So, as we celebrate the national freedom to the end of the age.” No matter what our circumstances are, we are that was gained for us over two hundred years ago by our patriotic never alone. And because He is with us, we can face whatever life forebears, let me point you to one who gives freedom that is eternal. throws in our path. The presence of a friend is comforting to help By faith, take Jesus as your Friend. ▪

ar t i c le b y PAU L L I PE

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Sunset Ceremony

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VICTORIA BRADEN RUSSELL AND THOMAS REILY HOLLOWAY MARRIED AT ANCESTRAL HOME IN BASTROP

uring a sunset ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 2020, Victoria Braden Russell and Thomas Reily Holloway exchanged marriage vows at Park Manor in Bastrop, Louisiana.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Michael Russell of Jena and Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt Reily (Butch) Holloway of Oak Ridge. The couple chose to wed at Park Manor, where Reily also had proposed to Tori under a rose covered arch, in honor of Reily’s family ancestry and his great-great-greatgrandfather, Samuel Warburton Reily, who built the home in the early 1860’s.

The gardens of Park Manor featured a magnolia covered arch under which the ceremony was lovingly officiated by the bride’s father, after having escorted his daughter down the aisle. Victoria wore an exquisite ivory Carrafina gown with a satin bodice, lace A-line skirt and beaded belt.

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Her chapel-length lace-trimmed veil fell from a romantic chignon. The bride carried a Southern bouquet of red, white, and blush roses designed by Cotton Boll Florists of Jena.

As an homage to their families, Victoria carried her grandfather Joey Russell’s handkerchief interwoven into her bouquet and wore an amethyst ring which had been a gift to Reily’s grandmother, Frances Reily Holloway, on her wedding day in 1950.

Attending the bride as maid-of-honor was her sister, Emilie Grace Russell. Bridesmaids were Darbie Russell, sister of the bride, Rebekah Russell, Mary Grace Holloway, sister of the groom and Sydnie Gates. Serving as junior bridesmaid was Jozi Mae Smith.

Best man to the groom was Kaleb Smart, cousin of the groom. Standing as groomsmen were Beaux Lofton, Ike McBroom, Austin Clark and Josh Norris, with Adyn Hinton as junior groomsman. Ring bearers included

Parker Kirby, Jackson Kirby and Carter Crymes.

A reception honoring the couple followed immediately after on the Park Manor grounds.

For their first dance, Tori and Reily chose “Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” by Brandon Jenkins.

Kyle Dugas of Starlight Productions provided music for the evening, as Victoria and her father and Reily and his mother shared their dances. Reily and his younger sister, Mary Grace, also celebrated with a special dance to “You are My Hero.”

The reception area was transformed by Zina Yates with magnolias and a towering arrangement of mixed summer flowers on the buffet table. The buffet, consisting of smoked brisket, green bean wraps, fiesta pasta salad and a mashed potato bar, was catered by Betsy Warwick of Jena. Sitting on a stunning crystal riser on the bride’s table was the beautiful wedding cake created by Tammara Gresham

of Carriage House Cakes. The vanilla cake was filled with cheesecake chiffon and topped with buttercream icing. On the groom’s table was a two-tiered, five-layered chocolate cake created

by Lisa Crymes. The unique groom’s cake was topped with chocolate-covered strawberries and a replica of the groom’s police badge.

At the evening’s end, friends and family created a sparkler-lined path leading away from the manor house as the couple made their way down the brick-paved walkway.

The couple chose Savannah, Georgia as their honeymoon destination.

The night before the wedding, a rehearsal dinner hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Butch Holloway was held at Park Manor. Tori and her bridal party spent that night and her wedding day at the manor house sharing fond memories and preparing for Tori’s special day. Lynn Enterkin of Lynn Enterkin Photography captured all the special moments of the festivities. Meanwhile, Reily and his groomsmen enjoyed a morning of sport clay shooting at Prince’s Gun Range in Oak Grove before lunching at his parents’ home in Oak Ridge with friends and family.

Victoria is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s nursing program and is employed by Rapides Regional Medical Center in the Trauma Unit. Reily is currently attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe and is employed with Jena Police Department. The couple will make their home in Alexandria, LA. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JULY 2020 49

A Venue for the Seasons A Historical Venue to Start Your Future

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ETTING ENGAGED CAN BE THE MOST EXCITING TIME of your life. It’s a story that will be told with friends over the years and will never be forgotten. It also means it is time to start planning the most important day of your life, your wedding day.

When picking the perfect venue there are many things to keep in mind: season, size of the wedding, location, style, etc. The venue sets the tone for the entire wedding and with availability filling up, it should be one of the first things planned.

Elegant, beautiful, accessible and accommodating are the words that describe Park Manor. Perfect for the actual wedding event or simply a bridal photo session. The property includes an amazing plantation homefront with a brick walkway, a breath-taking bridal cottage and dressing room, and the enclosed reception hall that is perfect for any season. This historical venue has all of the modern amenities and its 150 acres of rolling hills and rustic woodlands await you and the one you want to spend the rest of your life with.

ANY WEATHER, ANY SEASON

Park Manor strives to accommodate anything and everything. Their beautiful reception hall can host your wedding guests for the ceremony and/or the reception. It is spacious and accommodating if the weather does not permit to be outdoors for the wedding. Beautiful and designed to be easily decorated, the reception hall has the perfect floorpan to serve food and drinks, dance, and entertain. It is large enough for tables and chairs, a fireplace and a large flat screen T.V. that is perfect for slideshows. It comes complete with its own sound system and whether it’s hot or cold outside, the hall has heating and air-conditioning.

FIT FOR YOUR STYLE

Park Manor has designed the reception hall to go with all wedding decor. A modern farm house look, with three windows at the center that were designed and built in the 1850s. These windows were installed as the focal point of this grand space and would make a beautiful background for a ceremony.

Looking for a traditional wedding venue? The plantation home itself was built in the 1860s. Its beauty and history make it the perfect location for a wedding. The front of the house is adorned with large white columns, a balcony and grand doorway and can be easily decorated to match each bride’s particular style. The brick pathway leads from the bridal cottage all the way to the front steps up to the house where one can envision themselves walking down the aisle.

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LOCATION IS KEY

Park Manor is located on the outskirts of Bastrop. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the plantation home is easily accessible.

Its manor also has plenty of parking for guests and is close to hotels and restaurants for the out-of-town guests. Also, having the ceremony and reception in the same location you won’t have to worry about transportation to and from the wedding. Dependable and reliable, you can trust booking with Park Manor.

EXTRA SPACE FOR THE BRIDE

A space just for the bride and bridesmaids, the Bridal Cottage is truly a sight to behold. Upon entering one will find a spacious room for dressing that is decorated with a beautiful, dreamy, rustic style that any girl will fall in love with. Luxury doesn’t begin to describe the pure beauty that is held in this dream cottage, large enough to fit the bridal party comfortably. It holds a full, working, elegant bath tub, kitchen, bathroom and a large living area with HD television. A vintage style of wispy lace and rustic couture continues throughout the entire cottage making it the perfect place to take bridal pictures and prepare for one of the most important days in a girl’s life. It’s truly a dream come true.

PHOTO OP

Around every corner of the plantation one can find many locations for the most luxurious photos. Pristine landscaping around the grounds provide multiple opportunities for bridals or pictures with the bridal party after the ceremony. There are beautiful backdrops for photos, in many different styles, from rustic to natural and indoor to outdoor, Park Manor accommodates all.

These are just a few of the amenities that Park Manor provides guests, and they have several packages for all your needs. Schedule your appointment now to view for yourself the amazing amenities this beautiful venue has to offer. Tammy Warner would love a chance to help you make your dream wedding a reality. Call her at 318.239.2146 or you can email her at tammy@parkmanorvenue.com.

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Shiner Beer An American Original

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

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HINER BEER IS BREWED IN THE TINY TOWN OF SHINER, Texas, which has a population of 2,069 residents. In 1909, Kosmos Spoetzl, born in Bavaria, Germany, purchased the brewery to create the kinds of beers he had loved in the old world to share with family and friends. The beer’s popularity grew over the years and by the 1970s, it had expanded all the way to the state’s capital. Today, Shiner is distributed in 49 states across the country. Even so, it remains independently owned and is still produced in Shiner.

Though the lineup has grown and changed over time, Shiner Bock is the original. Brewed with rich roasted barley malt and German specialty hops, the lightly hopped American-style dark lager always goes down easy. Current brewmaster Jimmy Mauric says Bock is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ. The caramel notes from the malt complement grilled meats and tangy BBQ sauce. It also happens to be a great ingredient for BBQ. See below for a zippy BBQ sauce recipe you’ll want to have handy all summer long. Shiner Bock is sold locally in bottles, cans, and on tap at select locations.

Ruby Redbird, formerly a seasonal variety, is now available yearround. Popping the top on this brew is like slicing into a ripe Texas ruby red grapefruit. A bold kick of ginger combines with the citrus for a tart, refreshing lager that’s perfect any time of year. Pair it with a salad or grilled fish or chicken. Clocking in at 95 calories and 3.1 grams of carbs, it is one of the lightest beers around. Ruby Redbird is sold locally in 6 pack bottles.

While Sea Salt Lime is a relative newcomer to the scene, it has fast become a seasonal favorite. Available throughout the summer (while supplies last), this crisp, tart lager is brewed with a dash of sea salt and a squeeze of lime to keep things interesting. It pairs well with Mexican fare, spicy shrimp, and even makes a great Michelada. Sea Salt Lime is sold locally in 6 pack bottles.

SHINER TEXAS-STYLE BBQ SAUCE Ingredients:

canned chipotle peppers in adobo

1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

1 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup canned chicken broth

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1/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 6oz Shiner Bock beer (half a bottle or can) 3/4 cup malt syrup 1 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup minced garlic 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/8 cup onion powder 1 tablespoon black pepper 3 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt

Method:

1. P uree the chipotle in adobo mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth and place 1/4 cup of the can in a medium sauce pan.

2. Add all liquid ingredients to sauce pan and whisk to mix thoroughly.

3. Bring sauce to a very slow simmer.

4. S tir occasionally. Add minced garlic and all of the dry ingredients,. Whisk to mix thoroughly.

5. S immer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring every four to five minutes to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick or burn to the bottom of the pot.

6. R emove sauce from heat and baste onto ribs, chicken, tofu, etc.

Or drink it directly from the container. It’s up to you.

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases and message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

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Super Omnia: The Best of All Cedar Creek’s Honor Graduates Reflect On an Uncommon Senior Year

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EDAR CREEK’S CLASS OF 2020 IS A REMARKABLE group. Its 51 members include two National Merit finalists, a Scholastic Art & Writing Awards national gold medalist, state championship athletes, college signees, and dozens of other standout achievements.

But what may define these students for generations is their membership in a community they could never have imagined—high school seniors coming of age during a global pandemic.

“I never thought I’d have to give a graduation speech without the last few days of high school to address,” Co-Valedictorian Donovan Turpin said of the stay-at-home order that closed Louisiana school campuses in March. Cedar Creek students completed the year via distance learning, meeting virtually with their teachers and classmates and even taking their AP exams online.

Turpin is a National Merit Finalist headed to the University of Mississippi. His valedictory address, delivered at the school’s delayed outdoor ceremony June 4, urged classmates to consider their role as students and citizens in turbulent times.

“We are living through history right now,” Turpin said. “Our children and grandchildren will ask what we were doing during the pandemic. I ask you, Class of 2020, what will you do?”

Doing is a virtue at Cedar Creek. Students log annual community service hours, and those who meet minimum requirements earn recognition at graduation.

“What our students have in common is that we don’t just try to meet quotas; we care about our community and are constantly searching for ways to make our city, state, and country better,” Turpin said.

Co-Valedictorian Lydia George, bound for Louisiana Tech’s agricultural business program in September, agrees.

“The importance that Cedar Creek places on community service makes every student a better citizen. Most go above and beyond the recommended number of service hours, and every Cougar becomes dedicated to making the community a better place.”

George said the school’s relationship to the community extends to academics as well. Cedar Creek employs several university professors to teach advanced STEM courses like AP Calculus, AP Physics, and Introduction to Engineering.

“Several of my teachers have been college professors,” George said. “We have the opportunity to ask their advice and their opinions

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on possible majors and to see what college instructors expect of their students.”

These three are acquainted with hard work and full schedules: they are AP Scholars, club presidents, athletes and performers, volunteers, and Academic All-Stars (for their exceptional ACT scores). They say Cedar Creek has been integral in developing their leadership skills, as in George’s work with the National Appaloosa Youth Association Board of Directors. She served as vice-president in 2020.

“Without the support of my friends, teachers, and Cedar Creek, I would not have had the confidence to pursue such an influential position,” George said. “It allows me to combine my passion for horses with my passion for leadership.”

Salutatorian Micaela Jolly, enrolled in Mississippi College this fall, is another teen making a splash on the national stage. She recently learned that a piece of her writing, a nonfiction essay titled “Saved by the Bread,” earned a national gold medal in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

“Micaela’s Scholastic medal is an outstanding achievement,” AP English instructor Leeanne Bordelon (M.A., Northwestern State University) said. “It means her writing is competitive not only with students in the south but among teens from diverse educational backgrounds across the country. We know that strong reading and writing skills are essential for college success, and it is wonderful to have our curriculum validated—to see our Cougars consistently performing well on national measures.”

For the Class of 2020, the enduring lesson of the past few months is the importance of focusing not on what has been lost, but all that has been gained on their journey at Cedar Creek.

“I strongly believe that no other school could have prepared me better for my future than Cedar Creek has,” Jolly said. “This season of isolation will never define our high school experience. The best is yet to come.”

Now enrolling in grades PK-12 for the 2020-21 school year! The first day of school is August 13. Cedar Creek’s academic programs are fully accredited and include multiple Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment courses at the high school level. The average ACT score for the Class of 2020 is 26.3, with the top 25% scoring 30.7 or above. Cedar Creek practices an open, nondiscriminatory admissions policy. For more, visit www.cedarcreekschool.org/ apply.

Open Communication

BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

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s a parent or caretaker you recognition throughout the community have to practice effective including: School Psychologist of the communication and prepare Year, Member of the Year awarded by the yourself for conflicts Louisiana School Psychological Association, and disagreements.

The Oustanding Alumnus Award, Community key to building a postive Collaborations Awards, and relationship and sorting Rachel’s Challenge Hero out any communication award. Flint has conducted difficulties with your teenager many trainings throughout his is to keep the channels of career on school-based mental communication open. We can health, crisis prevention and get locked into unhelpful ways response, special education/ of communicating, that once civil rights regulations, autism we’re in are hard to avoid. intervention and other topics Your teenager still needs to for several school districts know you are interested but and agencies around the state. watchful, that you care and are He is the sole owner of Flint on their side, even if you don’t Smith Consulting, LLC where always agree with them. You he conducts professional FLINT SMITH need to have the skill and the development in these areas emotional resilience to go on in school, professional offering help, even in the face of indifference organizations, and related agencies. and opposition.

Fint Smith is a nationally certified Q: What are some of the basic parents school psychologist who worked for 29 years and youth need to know about open in Northeast LA delivering psychological communication? services in the public school setting. He

A: There is a lot of misinformation retired recently after serving as the Pupil about effective communication and most Appraisal Facilitator for Ouachita Parish parents already have a philosophy on how Schools. He has received many awards and this should be between themselves and their 56 JULY 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

teenager. It is commonly understood that all relationship development hinges on good communication to some degree. Your ability to communicate well with your teen and their ability to reciprocate has a lot to do with the lifelong between you and your teen. If you have what counselors and psychologist refer to as “good rapport” before your child enters their teenage years, it is easier. Rapport is a harmonious, trusting, and empathetic connection between at least two people in a relationship. In fact, we need to intentionally develop rapport with our children and demonstrate the respect we expect from them. I have found through my years of counseling and intervention with teens and children when they feel you respect them they begin to trust you. Another foundational point to remember is all behavior is a form of communication. For example, if I ignore you, roll my eyes at you, refuse to comply, smirk at you, or undermine you I am communicating my feelings. These behaviors are what the Crisis Prevention Institute (crisisprevention. com, 2020) defines as paraverbals, or the way we communicate without using words or language. Some studies indicate at least a third of what is communicated from one person to another is nonverbal in nature.

Q: Why is it important for parents to have open communication with their children? How does this affect their health?

A: Having a parent or caretaker to communicate with and develop a healthier pattern of living is priceless and a significant protective factor for teens. Our teenagers need us now as much as they did when they were younger, but soon or later conflicts will develop between you and your child. Developing healthy boundaries is important during this developmental period and finding that balance of appropriate supervision and healthy independence is an ongoing, gradual process.

These are the times where the years of developing respect and rapport can pay off.

The physical and emotional health of teens during times of extended distress can start to decline if left unattended. Many of the patterns of dysfunction that people experience later in life develop in late childhood. These could include depression, substance abuse, sleep disorders, eating disorders, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder, and anger management.

If a teenager believes you are not going to move away from them and will be there for them, they will find themselves communicating with you and confiding in you even when perhaps that is not their initial intention.

“Having a parent or caretaker to communicate with and develop a healthier pattern of living is priceless and a significant protective factor for teens”

Q: What are some of the short and long-term outcomes of having healthy open communication with my teen?

A: In the short-term, we can resolve conflicts quicker and more effectively when we have an open, empathetic relationship already established. If the trust is already established, you can make it through the disagreements, conflicts, and questionable decisions. For families who have not established this type of relationship it is never too late to start and to learn. The long-term benefits of developing a healthy level of communication with your teen are immeasurable. We have several needs as we develop into adults and primary among these needs is security and safety. Teens who know they can come to you when they are distressed or in trouble have a life-line to help them through their journey. This develops a predictability and safety and they will know you have their back. Apart from all the benefits for teens on a personal level perhaps one of the most positive aspects of having this type of relationship is they learn to be good communicators as an adult and/or parent/caretaker and can pass this skill on.

like condescension; 8. Avoid long power struggles and teach the teen its okay to let things go (I do not have to win every debate), 9. Never give up (start over again) – this sends a strong message that you are in their corner for the long-term; and 10. Seek help from professionals when the relationship is worsening, or the teen is developing maladaptive behaviors that can be harmful to them or the family in the long-term.

RESOURCES

Child Mind Institute Child Mind Institute (https://childmind. org) is a free website dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families. They work to provide the ability to support children when they need it the most. There is information provided for parents, children, and educators to help improve the lives of children and families.

Jan Daniels, Youth Development Director at the Children’s Coalition, works with middle schools in northeast Louisiana to provide the suicide prevention program Signs of Suicide (SOS) and the abstinence-plus program Rights, Respect and Responsibility. Call Jan at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition.org to learn more about how you can get these programs at your child’s school.

Q: What are some strategies for strengthing and maintaining an effective level of dialogue with my teen?

A: Parents often ask themselves if they properly communicating with their teenager and developing their relationship. There are so many variables involved in family relations and one size certainly does not fit all relationships. The following is a good menu of best practices for developing and maintaining a functional and fruitful level of communication you desire with your teen: 1. Have a short memory (let them know we are not keeping a record of wrongs); 2. Do not take their behavior personally (this one is hard and sometimes it is personal, shake it off and start over); 3. Practice your strategies before engaging your child; 4. Practice controlling your emotions when you’re having conflicts and disagreements; 5. Do not escalate with your teen (model for them what you want to see in them); 6. Be careful setting down ultimatums, particularly ones you cannot enforce; 7. Control nonverbal communication and avoid sarcasm, intimidation, ignoring, and things WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JULY 2020 57

The Buzz About NELA Dental Ensure Your Smile Is Healthy, and Feel Comfortable While You Do It

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ELA DENTAL OFFERS PATIENTS A WIDE VARIETY OF services at three convenient locations. Their highly-trained dentists and staff provide top-notch patient care in Farmerville, Oak Grove, and Monroe. NELA Dental’s reputation for patient care and devotion to exceeding industry standards is unmatched in the area. From routine cleanings and root canals, to dental implants and the latest in cosmetic dentistry, NELA Dental is the premiere practice for all of your dental needs.

SEDATION OPTIONS TO EASE FEARS

Whether it’s root canal therapy or a routine cleaning, IV and oral sedation are options. Oftentimes, sedation allows patients to have multiple procedures completed in one visit., thus, cutting down cost and the number of visits to the dentist.

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, is delivered through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. IV sedation is an anti-anxiety medication, and the level of sedation can be adjusted to suit your needs. You will most likely sleep throughout the entire procedure.

Oral sedation can be administered to patients who may have some anxieties about IV sedation, to reduce their fear and make them more comfortable. There are a variety of single or incremental doses used to help medicate a patient during a dental procedure. These oral medications can help to reduce memory of the sights and smells of the dental office to avoid any discomfort. This type of sedation allows a more complicated procedure to finish faster and with more comfort for the patient.

A WHITER AND STRAIGHTER SMILE

Let your smile shine bright with teeth whitening from NELA Dental, as they offer Zoom Whitening. These treatments are affordable and can help whiten your smile in just one visit. By combining in-house LED technology and at home treatment, patients can see their teeth whiter in one week’s time.

The right veneers are a quick way to a beautiful smile, and this treatment is perfect for people with slight imperfections like stained, chipped, or gapped teeth. Veneers are an irreversible treatment, so having them placed is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before you and your dentist decide that veneers are right for you, it’s important to have the right information about them, including their cost and how best to care for them.

Resin bonding is another great option for a more confident smile.

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to shape and mold onto your teeth to give the appearance of straighter, whiter smile. It can be used as a cosmetic solution to chipped teeth, gapped teeth and staining in both teeth and fillings. Unlike veneers, resin bonding can be completed in one appointment.

CERTIFIED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Dr. Vance Costello is the only practicing dentist in North Louisiana with the ABOI/ID board certification, and one of only four ABOI/ID Diplomates in all of Louisiana. Certification by the ABOI/ID attests to the fact that a dentist has demonstrated knowledge, ability, and proficiency in implant dentistry through a rigorous examination process. The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry Diplomate (ABOI/ ID) designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Costello worked tremendously hard for nearly a decade to achieve this prestigious designation.

In addition to this accreditation, Dr. Costello has completed the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s Comprehensive MaxiCourse and is a Fellow of the AAID. Also, he’s an instructor with Advanced Implant Educators (AIE) and Implant Know-How.

NELA Dental’s Dr. Daniel Raymond has completed an implant fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA).

As a member of the IDIA, Raymond continues to build his continuing education portfolio as he works alongside industry experts to learn about the latest practices and techniques in order to provide his patients toplevel results.

WELCOME DR. MALLORY DEBNAM, D.D.S.

Mallory Debnam has joined NELA Dental as a new associate doctor. Dr. Debnam is a graduate of LSU Dental School class of 2017.

She then went on to receive her postdoctoral Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2018. Mallory is from West Monroe and enjoys working as a dentist in Northeast Louisiana. Patients can visit with Mallory at the Farmerville and Monroe locations.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

NELA Dental accepts most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offers flexible financing options. Call one of their three convenient locations to schedule your free consultation. Contact NELA Dental and start smiling today!

LITTLE SHORT OF A STANDING MIRACLE Historical Impressions

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

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love to read. I read many types of books but some of the most interesting to me are what is referred to as “alternate history.” Alternate history takes a “what if” position on how the world might be today if some event in the past did not have the same outcome. What if Admiral Nagumo had launched the planned third wave of planes at Pearl Harbor? What if the German Army had not halted its attack for three days and let the British evacuate at Dunkirk? What if Stauffenberg’s bomb had succeeded in killing Hitler on July 20, 1944?

The American Revolution has numerous “what if” pivotal moments that could have derailed our fight for independence.

George Washington called the American victory in the Revolutionary war “little short of a standing miracle.” Here are but a few of the many examples of how the American Revolution could have been lost.

In 1775, Benjamin Franklin, disgusted with the British arrogance and appalled by the bloodshed at Lexington and Concord, drafted a Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson was enthusiastic but many other delegates to the Continental Congress were “revolted at it.” It would take another year of bitter conflict to persuade the Congress to vote for the Declaration of Independence.

In 1776, British General William Howe trapped much of the American Army on Long Island, then in New York City, again in upper Manhattan, and once more on Harlem Heights. Even Washington admitted that if Howe attacked, the Continental Army would be “cut off” and faced with the choice of fighting its way out “under every disadvantage” or being starved into submission. The brief Revolution could have ended in 1776 but the excessively cautious Howe was slow to act, allowing Washington to slip away each time.

The American victory at the Battle of Trenton on December 26th, 1776 came after a crushing series of defeats and a major

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retreat across New Jersey. The victory also came just before the enlistments of the majority of Washington’s army were about to expire. Washington’s crossing of the Delaware in the night surprised the Hessian troops asleep after their Christmas celebrations. The victory boosted morale and encouraged many of the soldiers to extend their enlistments. Without this victory Washington likely would have had no army left.

On September 11, 1777, an army of 12,500 British troops marched toward the patriot capital of Philadelphia. Captain Patrick Ferguson, reputed to be the finest shot in the British army, was with these troops. At Brandywine Creek a flamboyant European hussar officer rode into Ferguson’s view followed by a senior American officer wearing a high cocked hat. Ferguson and three of his best riflemen crept forward to pick off the unsuspecting officers. Before they were in place, Ferguson felt it would not be chivalrous to fire at the back of an individual who did not pose any threat.

Instead he shouted to the American officer.

The American looked his way for a moment then turned to ride on. Ferguson called again, this time leveling his rifle at the officer as a command to stop. He held his fire and the officer, later determined to be General Washington, glanced back before slowly cantering away.

The Marquis de Lafayette joined the American cause and became a friend, confidant and advisor to Washington.

While the war was still underway Lafayette returned to France a hero, and it was largely through his lobbying efforts at the court of King Louis XVI that the French poured troops, a navy and more money into the war. The War could never have been won had not the French strongly supported the Continentals against their traditional British enemy. At Yorktown, the victory that ultimately won the war, Frenchmen

outnumbered Americans almost three to one.

In August 1781, French General Rochambeau convinced French Admiral DeGrasse to bring his fleet to the Chesapeake. Once Washington received news that DeGrasse was on the way to the Chesapeake, he marched his army south to confront the British under General Cornwallis at Yorktown. The arrival of the French fleet kept the British fleet at bay and prevented Cornwallis from evacuating by sea. Washington laid siege to Yorktown and neutralized the British defenses bit by bit until Cornwallis capitulated. Without the French fleet, the British would have easily escaped to New York and the war would have continued to an unknown outcome.

A rivalry existed between General Clinton, then Commander of British forces in North America, and his subordinate, General Cornwallis. They often butted heads over strategic goals. Cornwallis had the Prime Minister’s ear and had been placed in charge of the campaign in the southern colonies in preference to his superior, GenAeral Clinton.

Some historians believe Clinton hesitated to provide needed support to Cornwallis at Yorktown out of pure spite.

One of the bigger “what ifs” happened in July 1755 during the French and Indian War, when a British force under General Braddock was defeated by French troops and their native allies. One of Braddock’s colonels had two horses shot out from under him and later found four musket-ball holes in his coat. Colonel George Washington had narrowly escaped death and lived to fight another day.

Americans love our independence and believe all nations should have the same freedom from outside control. Our men and women have never hesitated to help others fight to remain free from would-be conquerors and aggressors. You can discover the stories of some of these Americans at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.

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have often said that if I could only take I fell in love with a frog who goes by the BAYOUOUTDOORS three lures bass fishing they would be brand name “Ribbit.” a Wobblehead, a Texas rigged worm

The Ribbit is made not to float and a frog. That is a broad statement but to make a good disturbance with its when you look down the rows of a tackle rear legs. The lure is low profile which store and see every wiggling, rattling allows for an easier hook set as you are ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON shaking bait in every color known to not pulling a hook through or around a man. The sight can be a little overwhelming but my reasoning for simple fat bait. Stanley, who makes this lure, also has a custom two-hook in selections go back to my childhood. The man who taught me to fish was the 5/0 size that does not easily hang, but comes through the lure for my grandpa, D.C. Chason. My “Pop” as I called him was a notable bass more effective hook ups. The cast can be on top of scum or on the edges angler back when bass fishing was more looked at as a way to put meat of heavy cover. My favorite is to work the Ribbit by Cypress trees and on the table than for bragging rights. There weren’t any tournaments lay downs. You fish this bait anywhere you would throw a buzz bait but in those days and Pop spent many a day on the Flint River and Lake with more ability to work it over heavy cover.

Seminole in Southern Georgia perfecting his craft. In those days, lure

One of the top foods of a bass is and always will be a frog. If you selection consisted of a Lucky 13 chugger bait, a Texas rigged worm and launch into a lake at daylight and hear the rumble of bull frogs, you are a frog. I rarely saw him throw anything else. However, I am quite sure in Ribbit water. The time of day does not really matter as I have caught had I had wobbleheads in the day, Pop would have been throwing them. them at high noon in 90 degree water on the Ribbit. The rear legs act

Frogs come in all shapes, forms and varieties. The mainstay of frogs like a churn or buzz bait and the ripples draw every critter from bass to is the old faithful “scum frog.” This lure is designed to be worked over alligators. It draws attention. The down side is the Ribbit is a lure that matted grass or duck weed, leaving a line of a trail through the grass you must constantly retrieve as it does sink. However, if the presentation where the frog is pulled. The bite is vicious and the catch ratio is not that requires a stop and start, merely change the hook to a single 5/0 offset good unless the bass are really hungry. To understand why a bass strikes and you can pause the bait. at a lure is merely to understand that a bass’ mentality is to kill. Eating

On a recent trip with a friend, he opted to throw the scum frog and I is secondary. They are protective of their space and are one of the most stayed with the Ribbit. After I boated fish number 4, my friend was talking territorial creatures in the water. It is said that if you put a largemouth ugly to his scum frog. He had 3 strikes and had not boated a fish. Not bass in a small aquarium, he will literally kill himself striking at his own that he was doing anything wrong, but the bass were not that aggressive. image in the glass. Bass bite when they are hungry, when protecting After changing over to a Ribbit, he caught fish after fish and we ended territory or fry (baby bass) or when irritated. That is why you can make the afternoon with over a dozen bass with only one under 3 pounds. repeated casts to a spot and after many casts, finally get a bite when most

The optimum time to fish a Ribbit is early and late as with any top would make one cast and leave. That bass isn’t hungry, he is irritated. water presentation. The best day is on a falling barometer. (right before

To address this you also need to understand that when an angry a front). Bass will readily feed towards the top in the upper level of the bass strikes, he will do this many times with his mouth closed. That is water column on a falling barometer and there is not a better time to get why some hook sets are on the outside of the mouth instead of inside. If Mr. Ribbit hunting. Color selection is pretty basic as I try to stay in the you want to know if the bass are hungry and your selection is the right same color range as our frogs. Natural is the best selection except on one, you will find your lure deep inside his mouth. high skies with a bright sun. On these days I opt for black as it sillouettes

There lies the problem with scum frogs, rats or other presentations better against the sky and you don’t miss as many strikes. that are fished over cover. The hooks may be large but the bass uses the

So the next time rain is in the forecast and you have the bass catching leverage of the lure (fatness) to get unhooked which is hard to overcome. blues, try to go back to the basics. Grab a bag of Ribbits from your local This is a problem with many lures as they may make a bass bite, but tackle store and enjoy a great afternoon of top water explosions. There is biting and getting a solid hood set are two different things. This is why nothing like it.

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FROG MAN

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Garden Ceremony LAYNE MCCARTHY STRODE AND STEVEN TAYLOR DOBBINS MARRIED AT CEDAR GRANDS

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ayne McCarthy Strode and Steven Taylor Dobbins were united in matrimony in an afternoon garden ceremony at Cedar Grands in West Monroe on June 22, 2019. Pastor Michael Wood opened the ceremony in prayer and a special message tailored to the couple. Layne and Taylor pledged their vows officiated

by Reverend Paul Solice, the Groom’s grandfather.

The bride is the daughter of Chip and Lila Strode of West Monroe. She is the granddaughter of the late John and Martha Kabbes and the late Paul and Beverly Strode.

The groom is the son of Michelle Solice from West Monroe and Steve and Kim Dobbins of Chatham, Louisiana. He is the grandson of Paul and Betty Solice and Donna Dobbins and the late Troy Dobbins.

The ceremony was a modern take on a garden wedding created by Harley Price 64 JULY 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

of Studio Roo Floral Design. A rustic chapel window frame was adorned with a mixture of green foliage with clipped garden roses and ranunculus with foraged wild greens to set the stage.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Reese gown crafted in luxe Cotton-Silk Mikado with a sweetheart bodice designed

by Rebeca Schoneveld. The voluminous skirt and train had a Tulle crinoline and horsehair trim. Imported from Ireland, the diamanté belt added sparkle and glitz. The bride’s veil was “something borrowed” from her sister.

In memory of her grandmothers, the bride attached their wedding bands to her floral bouquet. In keeping with family tradition, a six pence coin was carefully placed inside her shoe.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Katherine Alleman, sister of the bride.

The bridesmaids included Martha Kate

Goforth, Bethani Thomas and Brianna Ulven. Attending as junior bridesmaid was Cameron Babusek. The young ladies wore Show Me Your Mumu gowns in the style “Bouquet Toss.” Flower girls Kaelyn Dixon and Betty Jean Stegall wore white smocked bishop dresses with short puffed sleeves. The two girls carried baskets with pearl beads and silk ribbons, hand smocked by the bride’s aunt, Carmen Goforth. Program attendants were Bella Presley and Morgan Hilburn.

The groom’s attire was complemented with a bow tie made of alligator hide and trimmings from the bride’s gown, hand crafted by Bayou Bowties. Standing with the groom, his best men were Kyle Dobbins, brother of the groom, and Josh Thomas. The groomsmen were Josh Alleman, Keith Stegall and Ken Goforth. The ring bearer was Carson Bruzeau.

Blake Oden, a soloist, contributed to the wedding ceremony with an acapella rendition of “The One.”

A southern buffet was prepared by the bride’s mother.

Treasured friends, Deb Lindley and Katherine Bodron assisted with food prep and catering. Kathy Allmon and her team at Slim Chickens served fried chicken and heart shaped waffles with an array of syrups and treats. The bride’s and groom’s cakes were made by Cyndi Hodges of Bakery Boutique.

Photographer Kim Wilhite captured the essence of the couple’s love, laughter and celebration. Guests filled the dance floor with music by Mark Rogers.

The couple enjoyed an Alaskan Disney cruise honeymoon filled with exhilarating experiences, unforgettable nature encounters, Disney fun and ultimately, lifetime memories.

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B AY O U H E A L T H |

BY SHANNON DAHLUM

Summer Weather Raises Your Risk For Iodine Deficiency ou know that when you sweat a lot, it’s important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes? But one important mineral often overlooked is iodine. Iodine is an essential micronutrient and is needed in small amounts by every cell in your body. It’s necessary for producing adequate amounts of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.

Deficiency symptoms can include all the symptoms that accompany an under-functioning thyroid; dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, mental fogginess, difficulty with leaning and memory, constipation, sensitivity to cold and enlarged thyroid.

Studies have shown that athletes (especially those who sweat profusely or have a heavy workload) lose significantly more iodine than sedentary individuals, and without purposefully replenishing these stores, these athletes are at a much higher risk for iodine deficiency. In one study, performed in 1990, sweat was collected from a team of soccer players during a one hour game. They lost an average of 57 mcg of iodine through their sweat in that hour, and 13 of the players on the team were also found to have a goiter (enlarged thyroid, typically related to iodine deficiency). Thirty-eight percent of these soccer players lost more iodine in their sweat than their sedentary counterparts lost through their urine in an entire day.

Since iodine is an essential constituent of sweat, it’s important for anyone participating in vigorous exercise or even just spending time outside in the hot, humid Louisiana summer to include iodine in the diet. Because our bodies can’t produce iodine, the only way to get it is by consuming it. Adding in an iodine supplement isn’t recommended without the guidance of a medical professional, so focus on adding in iodine rich foods, instead. In general, Americans used to get more iodine in their diets through the use of iodized table salt, but many people have replaced this highly processed salt with less refined, more mineral rich varieties, like sea salt (which does contain small amounts of iodine) or pink Himalayan salt. This is great for other minerals but it does mean a lot of folks may be missing out on aded iodine intake.

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The richest sources of iodine come from the sea, with some seaweeds containing nearly 2000% of the daily recommended intake of 150 mcg in one gram. Look for sea salt with added seaweed to use for salting your food. Fiesta Nutrition carries Ocean’s Halo Hickory Smoked Organic Seaweed Salt, which is a great option. If you avoid salting your food, you can also find seaweed sprinkles on their own, without the salt. Seaweed snacks are also easy to find on most store shelves. These are small sheets of thin, crispy seaweed with a touch of olive oil and salt. But if seaweed isn’t your thing, all forms of seafood, like fish and shellfish, are generally rich in iodine. Dairy products, like milk, yogurt and cottage cheese contain varying amounts of iodine, as well, and so do eggs. Don’t skip the yolks, though, because most of the iodine is found there.

Probably the most surprising source of iodine is cranberries, which contain about 400 mcg of iodine per serving. Rather than reaching for your typical artificially flavored and colored sports drink after your sweat sessions, which doesn’t replenish iodine, add some cranberry juice to your water. You can pick up a bottle of 100% pure cranberry juice concentrate from Fiesta Nutrition and dilute to taste in your water bottle. To replace lost sodium as well, add a pinch of unrefined sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, too.

Several studies have shown that individuals who sweat excessively can be at risk for iodine deficiency if they do not pay special attention to replenishing the iodine lost through sweat. But even if you aren’t an avid athlete, it’s nearly impossible not to work up a sweat during these dog days of summer. Make a conscious effort to include iodine in your food to keep your metabolism and energy levels up.

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HOW MUCH STUFF is too much?

e all love our “stuff ” in our homes.

But how do we decide when enough is enough or it’s time to make a change? The change might be scaling down with no intention of replacing certain items that finally leave your household. It might be keeping to re-purpose or re-use pieces of furniture or accessories without letting them go. Maybe we are missing the perfect piece to make a room complete or a needed upgrade, so we have to add one more element rather than take anything away. Regardless of what the end result is, taking the time to genuinely analyze your “stuff ” is a good thing.

The psychology of your home as it relates not only to objects but to color is very important. Often times using a related color palette in your home can provide much needed continuity. Whether you prefer neutral tones or strong color, it is most important that your home makes you feel good. In this way, the items that fill it have a place and purpose and you are not constantly trying to fill it with unnecessary components.

Another school of thought is that you should design your life and then your home will follow.

Try and decide what you as a person or as a family gravitate towards as far as lifestyle, organization or number of people living in the household. This is really why decorating is a process and design has the opportunity to evolve and grow. Who knew that keeping the natural current of your life can be revealed in your living room furniture as well!

To live well you should try and remember that the everyday things in our home are what we should value. As we move through our lives, there are times that certain things need to move on too. If you can perceive it as giving new life to your home but editing, it helps you to enjoy the creative process.

Every chapter in your life deserves a place in your home. Just make sure that you are still reading the book… if not, let it go.

FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041

Friday Ellis for Mayor Stepping Up to Propel Monroe Forward

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ATHER, HUSBAND, AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNER FRIDAY Ellis is rooted in Monroe, Louisiana. Committed to the development and growth of the city, Friday and his wife Ashley Ellis are inspired by the community they call home and are willing to step up to serve Monroe in a larger capacity. It takes courage to serve, and Friday believes when God calls, he must answer. Friday entered the Monroe mayoral race with a vision for Monroe that includes incentivizing local small business development, rebranding our city as a tourist attraction, and connecting the north and south sides of Monroe with ULM and the downtown area.

It involves everyone working together to grow Monroe and make it a place where people want to return home.

As a United States Marine, Friday witnessed exemplary leadership in critical times. Enlisting months after 9/11, Friday believes in the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis, “always faithful.” You grow where you’re planted, and Friday promises to have the backs of Monroe citizens. He is anxious to work with council members to achieve goals for our community. Over the years, he has watched family members and business owners leave for opportunities elsewhere, and he knows Monroe has the potential to bring that talent and innovation back home. Policies to incentivize small business and increase quality of life for residents is key to his campaign. A city creates the environment for business to thrive. Businesses and industry create jobs, and the city must foster that creativity and allow it room to grow.

The Ouachita River is this city’s most dynamic unused resource.

Friday plans to develop riverfront property, including camping and recreation areas with landings for walkup restaurants and bars along the levee. Instead of the river being a divide between Monroe and West Monroe, it should be the launching point for events that bring commerce and tourism to this area. A city must use its assets, and we should accentuate the river in Monroe. Arts and music are commonalities, a way of bringing people together. Friday has seen this with Governor’s, his local cigar shop. Monroe should be a college town instead of a city with a college. Connecting students with the downtown area via enhanced transportation and a lively arts scene would begin to remold Monroe as a city where people want to stay and raise families.

As a board member of Catalyst, a small business incubator and accelerator program, Friday is focused on the city’s need for workforce development. Many people have ideas, but without resources and connections, many are never manifested. One way to capture new tax

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dollars for Monroe is appealing to the creation of new businesses. If a business is willing to relocate to Monroe or start an operation in the city, Friday proposes a 30% rebate on sales tax the first year, followed by 20% the second, 10% the third, and then hopefully a successful business is flourishing and Monroe has potentially decades of tax dollars to show for the investment. It’s a way for Monroe to put skin in the game, a thank you to those willing to put their all into a small business in our community.

After all, local businesses are the ambassadors of our city. Visitors want to go where the locals go. And when you spend $1 in a local business, 60% of that is reinvested in our area. Friday has built long lasting relationships with small business owners in our community because he is one, and he knows what they need to succeed.

Friday volunteers with My Talent My Biz, a local nonprofit started by D.J. Davis of New Light Church. The organization works with inner city kids to find talent and monetize their ideas into business opportunities.

Friday served as a mentor, and he is inspired by the energy, talent, and resourcefulness of our local young people. If we teach children the market, how to turn their ideas into a viable business, we are creating the business leaders of tomorrow. And if we create a city that fosters that talent and invests in ambition, then they are more likely to stay here and continue contributing to Monroe’s growth.

As the 2019 recipient of the Free Enterprise Champion Award

by Louisiana Business and Industry, Friday has been focused on the economical development of our region at the local and state level. He was nominated by elected officials to Louisiana Leadership sponsored

by The Council for a Better Louisiana, touring major metropolitan areas to discuss challenges and solutions for each city. He has seen what works and knows he can utilize the strengths of Monroe and his connections across that state to improve our city.

Friday believes in Monroe’s potential. He and his wife Ashley believe in investing in their community. As a lifelong educator, Ashley has worked in Title 1 schools, and giving back is in the family’s blood.

Adoption is close to their hearts, as their daughter Aurie was a blessing of the process. Ashley has spoken with First Lady Donna Edwards about helping bring the One Church One Child movement, an initiative to promote adoption in our state, to our region. When the Ellises see what needs to be done, they step up. Friday Ellis is ready to step up for the residents and business owners of Monroe, and he has the vision to propel Monroe forward.

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A R T I C L E B Y VA N E L I S R I V E R A | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N D R E W B A I L E Y

armers’ markets have deep roots in our history. But what used to be essential to daily life can now easily be substituted with an online order and curbside pickup.

Though our culture of convenience has snowballed into many forms and for a plethora of reasons, over 20 years ago the ancient practice of the market was born again, inspiring new generations of makers to sell fresh, local produce, meats, and baked goods. Consequently, the growing pool of one-of-a-kind products has promptly encouraged locals to seek quality ingredients that not only economically benefit their area, but also small farming families. The expanse of agricultural land surrounding north Louisiana has allowed markets in the area to increase in size and vendors. One of the most steadily growing in the area is the Ruston Farmers Market, bringing high quality, fresh and locally-grown goods to the people of Lincoln and surrounding parishes.

In the fall of 2007, a small group of women in a book club wondered why Ruston did not have access to local fresh produce. Wanting to get something started, they put out flyers around town, asking for interested volunteers and vendors. By May 2008, with permission from the City of Ruston, the market launched in a public parking lot at the corner of Railroad Avenue and South Monroe. “The city of Ruston, realizing the importance of the farmers market and the value to the community, allowed us to start using that building on 220 E Mississippi,” informs Marcia Dickerson, President of the Board of Directors of North Louisiana Farm Fresh, the umbrella organization that operates the Ruston Farmers Market. With a new, spacious building housing more vendors and incorporating utilities lacking in the original location, like a large fan and bathrooms, the group was able to focus on becoming better established.

In 2010, North Louisiana Farm Fresh Inc. (NLFF) was incorporated in Louisiana and a board was formed from volunteers, vendors, health professionals and other interested individuals. With the support of the NLFF, last year the market was able to put their Market Manager Tom Faber on full-time, in order to better facilitate the operations and use of the market, as well as offer agriculture consultation and hands-on administration of the market. Thanks to their exponential development, their vendors experienced a record setting $307, 000 in sales last year.

Beyond the space, vendors and exciting products, the market is a “wonderful social gathering for folks in Ruston,” says Dickerson. “It’s one of the few free, family friendly, all-community places that you can go and spend the morning.” Even if you’re not planning to purchase too much, you can still enjoy listening to live music, catching up with neighbors, or getting something to eat. “I know that it’s my favorite

destination on Saturday morning, without a doubt,” says Dickerson.

Melissa Martin from Holly Creek Farm looks forward to Saturdays, when she’s able to see her friends, talk to customers and glance at her kids running around with their friends, the children of other vendors.

“It’s energizing and exhausting, It’s a good day,” she says.

Because Louisiana has two growing seasons, the market is able to have fresh produce year round. Of course, “different growing seasons have different levels of produce available,” says Dickerson. The board seeks to educate the public about the significance of buying produce during its growing season. That means if you go to the market during February and ask about tomatoes, they’re not going to have any, as the beloved red berry doesn’t grow in Louisiana during that time. “If you get a tomato at the grocery store in February, it has traveled a very very long distance and has probably been picked long before it should have been,” warns Dickerson. In order to have a more immersive experience at the market and further learn about the food that will end up in your home, Dickerson encourages people to ask vendors about their product.

“Many of us would find it strange or rude to walk into a restaurant and start questioning people about their product,” she says, but at the Ruston market, vendors are eager to dish about their items. For instance, when chickens go into the molting phase when they don’t lay eggs, and the market consequently is in short supply, she learned about the use of duck and turkey eggs from the folks at Current Farms, based in Monroe.

At first, she hadn’t the slightest ideas what to do with duck eggs, let alone how they taste or whether you could eat them like regular eggs. They didn’t receive her questions as a challenge to them or as queries based on suspicion. She learned most bakers prefer duck eggs because they make baked goods bigger and “loftier” than chicken eggs. Martin gets a lot of people asking about whether they harvest the animals on their farm or what chickens lay what color eggs, “which is fine, because a lot of people have never seen a blue egg or speckled egg before,” she says.

The Ruston market runs by charging vendors a fee to participate, and whatever they sell is theirs to keep. “What we do like is for those local dollars to generally stay in our community,” says Dickerson. Because most vendors live within a “tight radius” of Lincoln Parish, if a vendor hypothetically sells five-hundred dollars worth of produce, some of that revenue is spent buying groceries in Ruston, at local restaurants and local shops. Over the years, they’ve accumulated a variety of vendors. Produce vendors, like Mack’s Tomatoes & Produce, specialize in high quality, delicious fruits and vegetables. However, if you haven’t guessed already, they are most notorious for their vine-ripened tomatoes, which are available from June until December. Located in Pioneer, LA, this family WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | JULY 2020 73

farm spans two generations, and what began as a 1,000 tomato plant venture has flourished into a large operation that services northeast Louisiana. Aside from market sales, they also sell at their home, as well as wholesaling to Brookshires and Super 1 Foods. They pride themselves in their tomatoes’ distinct flavor profile, resulting from the soil of West Carroll Parish. Michael and Ylane Albritton are happy to answer any questions and offer tips and hacks about growing tomatoes. After all, the more we grow in our gardens, the more we have to give to our neighbors.

Many vendors pride themselves in their variety of fruits and vegetables, but there are a few diversified livestock farms offering premium meat, such as Holly Creek Farms.

Three years into selling at the market, they offer eggs, pork, lamb and some veggies. “It was a huge learning curve to go from selling privately to making sure their products were packaged according to agriculture laws and state mandates,” says Martin. The most successful aspect of their farm has been the pork, a result of her asking for pigs for her birthday. Smith Family Farms, located near Lake Bistineau, raises beef, cows, sheep and pigs. Their livestock are always roaming pastures of seasonal grasses and are offered grain from self-feeders. Their aim is to maintain healthy livestock by emphasizing a low-stress environment.

The market also has what are called “value added foods,” which is when someone takes a food product and adds to it, like jellies and pickles. John Stack, owner of Fuego Dulce,

has been at the market since its inception.

He went from selling his product in mason jars at a parking lot, to having over twenty different products, two of which you can now get at Super 1. Some of his top sellers are his Sweet-Fire Habañero Sauce, Sweet-Fire Cayenne Sauce, and Sweet-Fire Ghost Pepper Sauce. Though the market’s primary focus is their food merchants, they have an increasing population of craft vendors selling handmade woodwork, soaps and other skincare products.

“One of the things that I have been particularly proud of is that [the market] has been an incubator for small businesses over the years,” says Dickerson, mentioning Railway Coffee, whose original owners began selling coffee beans and cold brew out of the back of their minivan. “That allowed them to connect with customers and really try to develop their products in a way that helped them establish a brick and mortar store later,” she says.

The unique platform of a farmers market serves a couple of purposes. “First, I always have the confidence that the food I get there is healthy and safe,” says Dickerson. She knows how the hens that laid the eggs are raised, as well as how the livestock is tended.

“I know that food is healthy and safe for my family.” Quite significantly, the market is also accessible to members of the community, who might have food insecurity. The market is close to food deserts within Lincoln Parish, and they accept SNAP dollars and have a grant from the Lincoln Health Foundation allowing them to match SNAP dollars and double people’s money: “So for someone who is struggling with

food insecurity, you get twice as much for your money in buying food at the farmers market.”

Even vendors find it has widened their reach.

“It’s been a doorway to local food sources and people we didn’t know and demographics that we didn’t have access to,” says Martin.

Dickerson is particularly proud that they have been one of the few markets to stay open at the beginning of the pandemic. She’s grateful to Faber for having the confidence to take the market online, allowing a curb-side pick-up system that gave their customers a safe and easy option to get good, healthy food. Unlike grocery stores, they didn’t have to set limits on their products. Though the market is back live, with safety precautions set by the state, they have kept their online orders open, switching the order date to Tuesdays.

Having a relationship to the food in your area allows you to keep the food chain close to you. “That’s the beauty of farmers markets. It’s like a dating service: here are the farmers, what they have, what they are bringing to the table,” says Martin. The Ruston Farmers Market has proven to be a diverse community, and there are still plans for further progress and community outreach. Taking part in a local farmers market is the ultimate display of regional and parish pride, so grab your mesh bags and make it part of your Saturday morning!

The Ruston Farmers Market is located at 220 East Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270. Follow them on Facebook or visit their website to learn more about their vendors and/or how you can become a vendor on a weekly or seasonal basis.

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Local Law Firm Focuses on Families Cummins | Fitts Attorneys at Law Voted Best Law Firm

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UMMINS AND FITTS IS A MONROE law firm focused on families. Founded by attorneys Daniel Cummins and Jessi Fitts, Cummins and Fitts specializes in family law, representing clients in cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support and community property division.

Cummins and Fitts opened its office in downtown Monroe in 2018 with the goal of becoming the area’s premier family law firm.

Partners Daniel Cummins and Jessi Fitts understand that family law proceedings can be an extremely stressful and an emotionally taxing experience for their clients. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, they guide clients through the legal process while being accessible and putting their minds at ease. In the two years since its founding, Cummins and Fitts has grown through referrals from satisfied clients.

Attorney Sophie Barksdale joined the firm earlier this year, expanding its services to

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include adoptions. Sophie is a Monroe native and a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Mississippi College School of Law. She began her practice as a clerk for the Fourth Judicial District Court working primarily on adoption cases. She continues her work with adopting families, handling agency, intrafamily, private and foreign adoptions for the firm.

As the firm continues to grow, Cummins and Fitts announces the addition of a fourth attorney to its team. Kay Stothart Rector recently joined the firm, bringing experience and expertise in family law as well as wills and successions.

Kay is a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana and a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. She is a Certified Civil and Family Mediator with advanced training in conflict resolution, and a former family law Hearing Officer. As the Hearing

Officer for the Fifth Judicial District Court in Richland, Franklin and West Carroll Parishes, Kay presided over child support, paternity and other family law matters and made recommendations for judicial resolution of disputes involving child custody, support and community property partition. Before becoming a Hearing Officer, Kay was engaged in the private practice of law for more than two decades, focusing on family law, wills and successions.

Cummins and Fitts is uniquely equipped to offer clients throughout Northeast Louisiana specialized, competent representation. The firm’s attorneys are committed to providing quality representation and sound legal advice to their clients. They will fight vigorously for the issues that matter most to their clients, while minimizing litigation when possible and encouraging amicable agreements that benefit the client and their families.

Re-Elect Mayor Jamie Mayo

Mayo’s Business Acumen and Overall Experience Sets Him Apart

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E ALL AGREE THAT WE OWE A huge debt of gratitude to all of our front-line heroes. “I’m proud that my son and daughter are serving on the healthcare front lines.” says Jamie Mayo.

James Earl Mayo was born in Monroe and grew up in Morehouse Parish and graduated from Bastrop High School. In high school, Jamie was recognized as a leader and team player who excelled in baseball, football and basketball.

When Jamie was in the sixth grade, he played trumpet in the high school band.

Jamie earned a full basketball scholarship to Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe). Mayo played point guard, a position known as a takecharge, leadership position, so it’s no surprise that Mayo led the team in assists for three consecutive seasons and ranks second all-time in ULM history in career assists with 370.

Jamie has always been a leader—on the court, and in the community. He was a point

guard and also a quarterback. Those positions require leadership skills, and he displayed those very early. He took charge of the game and motivated players to play well.

“Jamie is a consummate team player and leader,” says former NLU Coach, Lenny Fant.

Jamie’s leadership ability was evident as point guard for the successful basketball teams at NLU under Coach Lenny Fant.

Fant’s teams won seven conference and/ or district championships. Fant’s team with point guard Jamie Mayo was his single-most successful record, 23-6 and NLU received a bid to play in the National Invitation Tournament.

Mayor Jamie Mayo credits his BA in Business Administration and his business experience in banking and insurance with giving him the background to balance the city budget and protect the surplus.

Jamie earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from NLU. His degree and education earned him employment from

companies such as State Farm Insurance, Allstate Insurance and Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corp. Jamie’s business degree, business experience and conservative approach as Mayor of Monroe have served Monroe well in terms of balanced budgets and surplus during some very tough times.

Jamie married the former Angela Washington and they chose Monroe to raise their family.

They have two children, Jared and Ashley, who are, both nursing graduates of Grambling State University, and one grandson, Tyler Williams. “I am so proud of my son Jared and my daughter Ashley who are front-line nurses.

We are grateful for all our front-line heroes.”

The photo of Jamie and his grandson Tyler was shot by Brad Arender for a BayouLife article about Jamie.

Jamie and Angela are members of New Light Baptist Church (Rev. James B. Johnson, Pastor).

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bar e b e cu This month’s BayouEats feature, SHAW NUFF BBQ, isn’t just a story of good barbecue, it’s a story of service to humanity.

Owner and Pit Master, SAM SHAW, hasn’t just made barbecue a meal, he’s made a life out of it.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA

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’m your Michael Jordan of barbecue,” says Sam Shaw, owner and Pit Master of Shaw Nuff BBQ, with a sly smile. Though confident his grilled goods are a slam dunk, Shaw’s admiration for the Chicago Bulls legend has more to do with Jordan’s individuality than his stardom. Sitting down at Shaw’s second location at the recently opened 76 Gas Station on Louisville Avenue, I was expecting to smoke out the secrets to making good barbeque, but one hour into what turned out to be a two hour conversation, I quickly realized the secret to Shaw’s success, what has guided his every move has been his ability to ‘keep it real’ and focus on the most important part of his business: the people he interacts with on a daily basis. As a result, he has one of the most sought-after barbecue plates in town.

Though he was born in Monroe in 1967, Shaw was raised in Fort Riley, Kansas. “I’m an Army brat,” he says, adding it was a short-lived upbringing, returning to Monroe at fourteen, but he did enjoy the diverse pool of families he was exposed to while there. He remembers the first time he became fascinated by grilling. He recalls his mother making barbecue at home, but he had a neighbor who had the “big grills” out in his backyard. One day, his neighbor called him over to help, asking him to watch the meat. “I just watched the smoke coming out the grill,” he says. He never touched or turned anything, but he paid attention, taking interest in a skill he would later develop working at a successful barbecue establishment. “It could have easily gone south,” while working there, he says, recalling the growing pains of his first two years. “All I knew was the streets.” It was challenging to take ownership of his work ethic when he didn’t have a connection to the establishment, but he quickly dropped that mentality to the curb. “If you act like it’s yours, maybe one day you’ll have your own,” he asserts. It wasn’t an easy shift of perspective, but he went with it, and that spirit of advancement has contributed to fifteen years of Shaw Nuff. “The thing I learned most from working there was dealing with people,” says Shaw. Initially, he didn’t know he had it in him, to deal with people, but it became his focal point. “I just love people,” he says, following with, “Color don’t mean anything to me; it never has.” As a great uniter, good food draws all kinds of people in, the steady line of customers a testament to the quality of his grilled meats.

In the process of working, he had built a food truck because he had a feeling that in order to manifest his future, he had to start somewhere. “I call that trailer the ark, like Noah’s ark, because when I built that trailer it stayed at the house two years before anyone knew about it,” he says.

With his restaurant days behind him, he began to set up his trailer at night clubs. Since many people knew him from his former workplace, it made it easier for folks to accept this new portable establishment. “From that point on, it just went,” he says.

“We got good barbecue,” says Shaw nonchalantly.

Everything he knows about barbecue has mainly been acquired through instinct and intuition. “Barbecue is something I learn everyday,” he says, revealing he often switches gears here and there, striving never to get too

complacent. All that matters is making sure the resulting flavor stays the same. When it comes to what Shaw Nuff has to offer, it begins and ends with their house-made sauce: “It’s not considered barbecue until the sauce is on it.” As he reveals that only he and his best friend know the recipe, he gets up saying, “Hold on one second. I’m gonna grab something for you.” When he returns, he’s holding a small styrofoam container and a plastic portion cup. As he sits down he says, “Let me tell you what that sauce is gonna do to you when you taste it. You’re going to get a flavor that’s never been there before, then that flavor is going to leave, then it’s going to allow you to taste the meat.” As I dip a piece of sausage into a dark brown sauce, Shaw warns, “Be careful,” with a playful laugh. The sauce is tangy and, sho’nuff, stands out. Even after multiple dips, you’ll still be chasing the flavor with this sauce. There seemed to be hints of molasses and some kind of liquor, but when I asked, Shaw just laughed. “You know what’s in that sauce?” With a wry look he answers, “Love.” Truly, as the song goes, it’s all you need, especially if you’re spending approximately four hours making roughly 150 gallons of it every two weeks. “The thing about that sauce is that it’s never done until it’s done, done, done,” he says. What does that mean? “I knew you were gonna say that,” he laughs.

It goes through a process, he explains, keeping it vague.

“When I make that sauce, I can smell it and know that it’s complete.” Most people try to find the fastest way to cook their sauce, but Shaw’s way is about patience.

Shaw makes it clear that his sauce is a serving sauce, not one that you keep “painting” on your meat while you cook it. His take on barbecue sauce is that it’s the “quiet part” of the process because of its simplicity. What you should expect at Shaw Nuff BBQ are the classics smoked to perfection on pecan or oak wood slabs: sausage, ham, ribs, turkey legs, chicken, and brisket. A variety of combo

“You know what’s in that sauce?

Love. When I make that sauce, I can smell it and know that’s complete. It’s never done until it’s done, done, done.”

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plates are available, as well as sandwiches. Don’t leave your barbecue without one of their sides: baked beans, potato salad, corn, coleslaw, or green beans. Simple, filling, and good enough to keep you coming back for more. “You know who really let me know that I had good barbecue?

Truck drivers! They go all over the country,” he says.

“They’re like, man, this is the first place I’ve ever came and just had good barbecue.” Out-of-towners aren’t the only ones showing Shaw’s food love, one Facebook review raves, “even the parking lot smells edible y’all.”

Shaw admits he doesn’t get to talk shop too often. In fact, he claims he is “one of the shyest people in the world.”

But once the questions started rolling, he had stories to tell and even some grilling hacks for those wanting to improve their craft. “The one thing that people can really

GOOD QUE

What you should expect at Shaw Nuff BBQ are the classics smoked to perfection on pecan or oak wood slabs: sausage, ham, ribs, turkey legs, chicken, and brisket.

try understanding about how you start a grill, you don’t wait till your coals get completely white to start cooking,” he says. The only time you’d want to do that is if you’re cooking something fast, like hotdogs. “You only have so much energy in those coals,” he says, so when you do fire-up the grill, then place your raked off rack on it, the moment those coals start smoking, it’s time to cook. Another warning Shaw emphasizes is to never close your lid once you fire the grill. It could explode because of the combustion or the chemicals still on your coals will make your food taste like fluid. “I never toot my own horn. This is my first time doing this,” he says. Though that may be true, Shaw has the established chops to brag about his knowhow, particularly because he has pride in his profession and food.

“You know, this is how serious I am about barbecue. You know most folks, you cut them they bleed, right? You cut me, I’ll smoke,” he says with a chuckle. He likes to tease his customers sometimes. When he sees them praying over their food, he’ll say, “You know how good my barbecue is? It’s so good, that you don’t have to say grace; it’s already blessed.” hen Shaw first started doing the “barbecue thing,” it was about making money, but it wasn’t long before he began to contemplate how he was making that money: “That’s not the way to look at anything that you do because it’s short lived. If it becomes a business to you, the hustle is the last thing you want to use.” That’s why his logo is a knife, fork, and spoon forming a peace sign. “That’s all I know, but it comes with love,” he says, referring to barbecuing. He doesn’t consider himself a cook. “I know how to

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grill,” he says, asserting that barbecue is his art. “It’s more like a man’s feel on the grill.” He became addicted to his work because the love was always present. “Instead of just making a meal of it, make a life of it,” he says. That seems to be what Shaw got out of it, intentionally aspiring to have the best barbecue in town by perfecting it to the fullest.

Confident with good reason, Shaw does take it down for a moment admitting, “I may not be the best, but whoever is, I’ll make them nervous.” Shaw considers one of his most significant blessings from God to be having people to testify to. “Sometimes we get mixed up with what we do in our professions. You have to keep in mind, your profession is not your humanity. Your profession is your service to humanity,” he affirms. That’s what he strives to dish out daily. “This is Shaw Nuff BBQ. We love all, we serve all, run tell dat!”

Shaw Nuff BBQ is located at 1509 Martin Luther King Jr Drive Monroe, LA 71202. Follow them on Facebook and check out their second location at gas station 76, 21 Louisville Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana.

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Hemline Monroe Has a New Face

Laura and Jack Holmes Invest in Local Business

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HE TWIN CITIES HAS A NEW BOSS BABE IN TOWN! In recent months, Laura Holmes has become the new face of Hemline Monroe. Laura and her husband had the opportunity to invest in the locally owned small business from the previous franchisees, Leslie and Josh Culp, who opened the boutique in 2014. The Monroe location is located in the Murray Place shopping center on North 18th Street. The Hemline brand was created in New Orleans in 1993 and now has 29 locations throughout the south. With lines such as BCBG, Nicole Miller, Free People and more, Hemline provides style and excellence to its loyal customer base. And Laura is excited to be the new Hemline Monroe owner!

Laura was born and raised in Monroe, attending Ouachita Christian School and ULM. Her husband, a Monroe native and Neville alum, works in real estate and oil & gas. “We were looking for a new opportunity and this came up,” said Laura. “I have always been obsessed with fashion and we joke that my shopping addiction has now become my career!” The couple officially took over in April, right before the COVID pandemic struck. Laura took the downtime to really learn the ins and outs of the business and even remodel the store a bit. “I really wanted to make it mine so we added new dressing rooms, built a jean wall and a new shoe wall,” explains Laura.

The inventory is ever evolving depending on styles and seasons, but you can always find high-quality, unique merchandise geared towards a fashion-forward woman. “One thing I really want to focus on is getting a variety of inventory that reaches a broader price range, as well as women of all ages and sizes,” says Laura. “I also want Hemline Monroe to be a shoe destination so I have expanded the shoe selection. There’s everything from casual flip flops to slides to heels to sneakers.” If you pop in Hemline Monroe these days, you can find a wide selection from Z Supply, a line of casual and comfy soft tees. They also have Sofia, a line of washable silk, as well as L Space swimsuits. Very on trend right now is some of their pieces from Bella Dahl, like soft chambray button ups or tie dye tops, perfect for lounging around the backyard or a weekend at the lake. You can also find the signature embroideries of Johnny Was, culture driven styles of sunglasses from KREWE and handcrafted jewelry from Louisiana’s own Mimosa. Laura looks forward to being able to continue to offer a wide variety of clothing, from pajamas to swim to evening wear for all of the ladies of Northeast Louisiana.

Hemline Monroe has plans to host trunk shows and special events in the months to come, as soon as it is safe to do so. Be on the look out for some exciting things this fall and for years to come! And stop by and say hello to Laura…and the shop dog, Ralph!

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Bayou Dental Group

Improve Your Appearance, Improve Your Life

BY DAVID D. FINLEY, DDS, FAACD, FAGD

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NY GOOD DENTIST IS INTERESTED IN SAVING ALL of your natural teeth. But natural teeth aren’t always attractive teeth. They can be crooked individually, out of alignment with each other, and discolored. That’s where I, as a cosmetic dentist, can help you get the smile of your dreams.

The latest technologies in cosmetic dentistry mean that you really can enjoy your life more fully and have the smile of your dreams. If your teeth are less-than-ideal and causing you pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, then now is the time to find a cosmetic dentist to help you solve your problems. We have seen patient after patient returned to a full and happy life no longer self-conscious about their smile, no longer hiding their mouth at any opportunity, no longer letting their teeth hold them back from the life they want to lead!

And now, you can join them!

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Here is what you will receive when you see a cosmetic dentist: ● Y our Dream Smile – Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and seeing the most beautiful smile looking right back at you! ● Improved Self-Confidence – Flashing your gorgeous smile will make you feel incredible and more confident. ● Reduced Risk of Future Problems – With a small correction to your teeth now, you could avoid dealing with far more serious problems in the future.

This is the time to sort out any issues that you might have, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant they may be. I take a patient’s smile very seriously and consider myself an intricate planner. I also involve the patient in the process every step of the way. On any given smile creation case, we’ll take photographs and then create a wax model to show exactly what your smile will look like after treatment.

As an added bonus, you should know that I’ve been creating smiles for more than 30 years and have taken hundreds of hours in continuing education. I take pride in my work in the office and with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where I am the 61st accredited Fellow. My office has won the annual smile competition at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry several years in a row with our restorative and cosmetic dental solutions.

TRUST A DENTIST WITH YOUR TEETH WHITENING

Many people are tempted to try do-it-yourself teeth whitening.

Professional teeth whitening will work faster and protect sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better than over-the-counter whitening products. Having an oral exam before you begin any whitening process is an important first step, as we want to make sure your tooth discoloration is not the result of a dental condition in need of treatment. We offer ZOOM! whitening and Professional Tray Whitening in our office.

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2nd Annual Juleps & Jazz Monroe Symphony Orchestra

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HE MONROE SYMPHONY Orchestra (MSO) presents its second annual Juleps & Jazz Fundraising event on Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 1-3 PM. Juleps & Jazz will be different this year: ticket purchasers will receive a Juleps & Jazz Party in a Bag with fun and tasty contents. And the event itself will be hosted virtually out of concern for the health and safety of participants. MSO encourages everyone to plan their own J&J parties; to gather together in groups sized and spaced for your own comfort and to share the fun with each other via Go to Meeting audio and video conferencing link.

The Juleps & Jazz Party in a Bag will provide the makings for a fantastic party, including all of the ingredients for mint juleps (including fresh mint), branded cocktail napkins upon which to serve them, frosted party cups, wine, and party props for taking great selfies. Invite friends and family to gather at the location of your choice and celebrate!

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Dress up derby style (check out What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby and maybe Louisiana-ize it with some creative lagniappe) and participate in the exciting derby fun— all while supporting Northeast Louisiana’s only symphonic organization, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra and the community and youth programs it supports.

This year’s event retains the spirit of last year’s very successful predecessor with wine, music, mint juleps (all included in the price of the ticket in a J&J basket) and the opportunity to wear outrageous hats, ties and jackets while watching the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby. Each ticket buys a bag that includes contents for one participant, so buy a bag for each of your guests or make it Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) – the choice is yours.

Using the link and instructions provided in the Juleps & Jazz in a Bag, you can log in from any online device (computer, phone, tablet or television) and enjoy selected performances

by symphony musicians streaming live during the event. Get your Derby outfit ready and upload photos on your own social media with a tag to MSO and we’ll share them with others who are participating.

Great food (provided by you) fantastic drinks, party props and grooving music (provided by MSO), time with loved ones and did we mention, hats? It is more than something fun to do on Derby Day! Juleps & Jazz promises the most amazing Kentucky Derby Day you have ever personally hosted!

Purchase tickets at http://www.mymso.org/ julepsandjazz/

Tickets are non-refundable, must be preordered and go on sale July 15th . Juleps & Jazz Party in a Bag can be picked up September 4th.

Location and pickup times will be provided when tickets are purchased.

No More FOMO From B.O. MiraDry

BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, M.D., FACS, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

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HEN YOU WERE IN HIGH school, were you afraid to raise your hand in class because of the giant sweat ring? Now that you are an adult, are you embarrassed to make sales calls or give presentations to the board because you sweat through your blouse or your sport coat? Do nervousness and anxiety give you B.O. that no deodorant can hide? Do you ever throw away shirts (or blouses) because of the armpit stains?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone. Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating – affects about 5% of the population, although another 20 - 30% sweat enough to cause any of the problems mentioned above. But sweat that soaks through clothes and complaints about persistent odor are only part of the problem. Excessive sweating can disrupt normal daily activities, cause social anxiety, withdrawal and embarrassment and have a significant impact on overall quality of life. Over the course of a lifetime you could

spend a fortune on high priced deodorants and antiperspirants, or armpit Botox – not to mention the clothes you replace. Or, you could just be Bohemian and embrace it. But now you don’t have to do any of these, because you can eliminate the cause – with MiraDry.

MiraDry is a revolutionary new treatment that uses thermal energy to heat the armpit, where bothersome sweat and odor glands reside, and safely eliminate them. MiraDry is a non-invasive treatment that is just one of the many state-of-the-art procedures we offer at Mickel Plastic Surgery. It takes about an hour, is done under local anesthesia, has little or no downtime, and results in an 80-85% reduction in perspiration and odor in just one treatment. As a side benefit, there is also a 4050% reduction in armpit hair – regardless of the color.

While your body does need sweat glands to cool itself, you have 2 – 4 million of them so eliminating the troublemaking 2% that reside

in your armpit won’t affect your ability to stay cool. MiraDry has a strong safety record with over 100,000 treatments performed worldwide with predictably good results Most patients can return to normal activities - except exercise - immediately after treatment, although there may be some localized soreness, swelling or numbness that can last a week or two. The results are immediate and lasting – the sweat and odor glands eliminated by MiraDry are gone for good. A single treatment is sufficient for the majority of patients, although an occasional heavy sweater may need a second treatment in four to six months.

So say goodbye to armpit stains and odor.

Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 today and set up a free consultation to see if MiraDry is right for you.

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Get Fit This Summer

The Wellness Center Voted Best Athletic Center

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HE WELLNESS CENTER HAS BEEN in the heart of West Monroe for 30 years. The state-of-the-art fitness facility continues to provide the most innovative and high-tech equipment in Northeast Louisiana.

The Wellness Center offers an outdoor fitness track, an indoor heated pool that is open yearround, personal training, massage therapy, a private women’s fitness floor, swim lessons, group fitness training which includes Spin, Body Pump, Aqua Fitness, Body Combat, Aerial Yoga and so much more. We are constantly changing programs to make sure our guests receive the best our facility has to offer, and with our talented staff of wellness experts, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

To help beat the quarantine blues, The Wellness Center has scheduled some amazing summer events. Starting now through August 9th, we’ll be hosting The Ultimate Body

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Challenge 2020 (now for kids, too). For the next 6 weeks participants will have full facility use, group fitness classes and special workout challenges that will help you get fit and earn points to win big. This challenge is open to members and non-members. Overall adult winners with the most points earned and most body fat % lost, will be eligible for prizes that include: $100 Wellness Club Cash & bags of fitness goodies. Prizes for overall kids (ages 7-12) winners with the most points include: a pool party, KidsFit camps & goodie bags stuffed with fun. Make sure to register now at our front desk. We’ll also be giving bonus prizes to one adult and one kid with the most points earned each week.

Looking for something fun for the kids this summer? Try our KidsFit Summer Camps on July 13th and July 20th. Each camp is a week long and your child will enjoy fitness, games, swimming, arts and crafts, movie time

and popcorn, tie-dying projects, lunch and lots of fun. Ages 5-12 and non-members are always welcome. Call our front desk at 318.329.9100 for more information.

In September, The Wellness Center will host our Tri360°. Grab your team and register today for a fun event of swimming, biking and running. Get a jump start by training now because we’ll be giving away some great prizes to the top three team winners. You can sign-up at the front desk and as always - nonmembers are welcome to participate.

As we look forward to opening our next phase at The Wellness Center, know that our staff always makes your health our top priority. From sanitizing equipment and fitness studios, to maintaining safe social distancing practices, The Wellness Center is ready to help you beat the quarantine blues in a safe and fun environment. Make sure to stay updated with our changing policies and procedures by visiting our website at wmwellnesscenter.com.

We will continue to post temporary schedules on our web blog, as well as our Facebook/ Instagram posts @wmwellnesscenter.

For more questions or to register for any of our upcoming events, stop by and see us at 3215 Cypress Street in West Monroe.

Choose with Confidence St. Francis Medical Group Clinics

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UR PROVIDER CLINICS ARE now offering both in-person and video visits. We want to ensure the safety of our patients by minimizing the risk of contracting COVID-19. Below are some of the ways in which we are preventing the spread of infection: • Our team is following all recommendations from federal and local authorities, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Everyone, including our doctors and team members, undergo a daily health assessment when entering our buildings including a check for fever. You will see all our staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves.

• All our doctors and team members perform frequent handwashing.

• We perform diligent room disinfecting throughout the day including reception areas, nurses’ stations, and other common areas.

• Exam rooms are disinfected between each patient.

FOR IN-PERSON VISITS:

When you arrive, you will be asked to wear a mask. Since mask supplies are limited, please bring one from home. If you do not have one, we will provide one.

If you are registered to use MyChart and have the MyChart App downloaded, you can checkin and fill all necessary paperwork before you arrive through the app’s “E-Check In” feature.

If you are not registered with MyChart, call your clinic when you arrive to let them know you are there. Depending on the clinic, you will wait in your car until you are called on your cell phone, or you will be asked to wait in the clinic’s reception area. For those waiting inside, seating will either be physically distanced or certain seats will be marked reserved to allow for 6 feet social distance spacing. In addition, clinics will

limit the number of people at any given time in office. Before entering any of our facilities, you receive a brief screening to be sure that you are not exhibiting signs of COVID-19.

For adult patients who require assistance, one visitor is permitted. Visitors will also be screened at the entrance to the building, asked to wear a mask and to follow social distancing guidelines.

FOR VIDEO VISITS:

For those uncomfortable with in-person visits, video visits are available. You can be evaluated for many conditions from the comfort of your home using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

• Existing St. Francis Medical Group patients can schedule using MyChart if you have an active MyChart account. You may also call us directly to schedule.

• Existing patients without an activated MyChart account should call the provider office directly for assistance in setting up your MyChart account and scheduling.

• If you call to schedule, our team will provide easy-to-follow instructions to get your appointment started. If you schedule online, our team will call to confirm your video visit request and provide you with the information you’ll need prior to your appointment.

• New patients can call the provider office directly for assistance.

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BL: Was any part of your garden existing when you moved in?

CE: Yes! we are so fortunate to live in

an older home with lots of mature trees and plants, as well as all the shade that

comes with it. The large trees and azalea

perimeter in the front yard were existing.

We used to have a magnificent fig tree in the front yard before the 2014 torna-

do. When my daughter, Amelia, was a

toddler, she and I loved to go pick and

eat “pigs” together, and I’d let her climb its limbs. It was sad to lose it, but I love the brick round-about and staggered

concrete drive that we have now instead.

Some of my favorite existing plants are the loquat tree, the cypress trees, and a magnificent array of camellias and

sasanquas that a previous owner plant-

ed, and I suspect propagated, because

some are very interesting hybrids. Also,

the pond was already in place. It is beautiful and has provided endless hours

of entertainment for the kids, catching minnows and tadpoles.

BL: Did you design your gardens yourself or did you employ a landscape

Bayou Gardens

Christie and Michael Echols’ Home Garden ARTICLE BY MARÉ BRENNAN AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

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global pandemic can’t stop the Echols family from being grounded in nature. Christie and Michael Echols along with their two precious children have enjoyed outside living and learning during the Covid-19 quarantine. Both husband and wife are members of the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners who have put their gardening know-how to work to create functional and beautifully designed garden rooms surrounding their historic Monroe Garden District home. A potager garden filled with herbs, flower and veggies neatly tucked into raised beds edged with boxwood and brick, an outdoor living room surrounded by hydrangea and crepe myrtle, an outdoor dining room and grilling station along with a designated yoga and exercise area that overlooks a zen like water feature make this family’s gardens a quarantine dream.

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architect or landscape service to draw plans?

CE: We did them ourselves! Michael and I both love gardening, though thankfully different parts of it. Michael often has

great ideas, and he is for sure responsi-

ble for the lawn and making sure general maintenance happens. The hydrangea and crepe myrtle garden was his idea, and it is one of my favorite spots! He

also built a new fence and gate for me during the quarantine. I’m the one to take pencil to paper and draw things

out dimensionally. If it’s very geometric, it probably originated with me. We are partners though, and little is done by just one of us. The “potager garden”

in the back is my current pet project.

With strong geometries in the form of brickwork and boxwood hedges, the

garden was designed to be my personal outdoor classroom. I wanted something that was structurally beautiful, so that I could experiment within the beds. As

an architect, laying out the garden was the easy part for me! Learning how to

grow and care for a variety of plants is

my exciting challenge. We just started it

in the fall, but it has already come a long

way. I cant wait for some of the shrubs to mature!

BL: Are you inspired by any particular gardens or landscape styles? If so, what is your inspiration?

CE: While Pinteresting, I came across a

type of garden, called a potager garden.

I loved that it was designed to be beautiful but freely mixed herbs and edibles with ornamentals. Instead of rows of

crops, you end up with more planted bouquets of everything just mixed together.

BL: What challenges have you faced when constructing or maintaining your garden?

CE:The garden is in a low spot in the

yard, as well as being under an amaz-

ing, but often shedding, oak tree. The

beds are elevated, while the paths are

deep with rocks to retain rainwater. The garden gets “messy” sometimes, but I

knew that going in and that works for my relaxed personality. My other challenge

is that it is not a full sun garden, so there is a lot of experimenting trying to see what herbs and edibles can succeed

there. I made a sun chart in my garden

journal, measuring the quantity of light

in various spots throughout the garden every 30 minutes of the day. It ranges

from part sun to part shade. There is a

lot of dappled light! Ideally, there would be more sun, but this was one of the last remaining undeveloped parts of the

yard. I also chose it for its proximity to the kids’ play area.

BL: Since the Covid pandemic has

struck, what percentage of your time is spent outside in your garden?

CE: I began planning this garden knowing that Michael’s work schedule was

going to become more intense with his

new role as State Representative. I wanted to scale back my work responsibility in order to proactively prioritize our

family’s home-life culture. I don’t believe that families are accidentally awesome.

BL: What does your time spent in your garden feel like?

CE: It just feels like the place I am most content. I love using my hands and not feeling hurried. I feel connected to my

mom, who is a wonderful gardener, and I

feel connected to God, while watching all the miracles of life unfold around me.

BL: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your garden?

CE: This year, with the quarantine, was

really the first time that I’ve tried starting a lot of plants from seed. I think we were

all finding ways to be more resourceful. I had a big garden to fill and various seed packets shoved into drawers that I was able to pull out. Since the restrictions

have relaxed a little bit, it has been so fun sharing my little plants with friends to put into their gardens! Also, eating out of my

garden is so fun! I do not like cooking, but eating out of one’s garden is inherently satisfying and healthy to boot!

BL: Favorite plants?

CE: My arugula! It grows so quickly, and I eat it every day!!! I’m also excited about

the Luffa gourds, which were also planted from seed.

So I planned the garden, bought our family’s first dog and

prepared to “dig in” to domestic life. I had no idea that we

were all about to be quarantined together, but I was fortuitously prepared! With the quarantine came homeschool!

Like many other parents, I found out that teaching my kids

their school lessons is not an area in which I naturally thrive!

Our school, JGS, never missed a beat. We had a week’s

worth of assignments by Monday, after they came home

into quarantine on Friday. We worked our tails off! It was a difficult challenge that I’m very proud of the girls and I

for making it through. There wasn’t much left of me at the

end of each school day, so I escaped every afternoon into the garden. It became “my thing” and would rebuild my

confidence and peace of mind after the struggles of school each day. When it rained, I would research about compan-

ion planting or shade tolerant herbs and veggies. I’d make

notes in my garden journal. Michael, the better cook, would usually make dinner when he wrapped up his day’s work, for which I am really thankful!

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Prioritize Your Health During Covid-19

Don’t Delay Health Issues That Require Medical Intervention

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HE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO impact our daily lives—our social interactions, our work routines and even our mental health. So, how can we be proactive? We can prioritize our physical wellbeing and, ultimately, improve our overall wellness.

To maintain the health of our community, the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is fully operational. Delaying medical procedures can create significant medical, emotional and even financial consequences as diseases progress. For example, delaying a gallbladder surgery, which is usually a minimally invasive procedure, can cause the gallbladder to become inflamed or infected. Subsequently, a patient would have to undergo a more complicated process and a longer recovery. Postponing weight loss surgery can decrease mobility, increase joint pain and negatively impact one’s quality of life. And of course, early surgical

treatment of all cancers is crucial to a favorable prognosis.

We know that postponing surgeries can harm our physical health, but how does it negatively impact our emotional wellbeing?

For many, anxiety has become more commonplace, as we continue to navigate COVID-19. We worry about the ramifications of what was once routine—visiting a grocery store or going to the post office. Experiencing physical pain, caused by an underlying and possibly undiagnosed disease, compounds our existing stress. Earlier this year, Dr. Patrick Smith, a surgeon at our clinic, removed Morgan Freeland’s gallbladder. Her unexplained pain created a significant disturbance in her life, she said.

“The extreme pain was hindering my ability to do my job, so I stepped down. I was unable to play with my daughter. As a mother, I always try to put on a strong face and not let

her see the struggle, but that was completely impossible,” Morgan said. “Not knowing what was wrong with me took a toll emotionally. I was slipping into a state of depression. When you don’t know what is going on, your mind can wander, and mine was definitely going to a bad place ... Now, I can function again!”

All of us at The Surgery Clinic are taking every precaution to ensure each patient’s safety during the pandemic. What can you expect when you visit us? Before you enter the St. Francis P&S Surgery & Heart Center, where our office is located, a staff member will take your temperature, assess your symptoms, and ask if you have been exposed to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. If you do not have a mask, an employee will provide you with one. You will be screened once more upon entering our office, located on the third floor. Our waiting room chairs are arranged, so that our patients sit six feet apart, our staff and patients wear masks, and we have hand sanitizer available to those in our clinic.

In addition to Dr. Smith, the clinic is also home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor and Dr. Bart Liles. Contact us today with any questions about our surgeries, including our vein procedures, or the safety precautions we are observing during the pandemic. Follow our new Facebook page for updates and news about our clinic: facebook.com/surgeryclinicofnela

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Simply Lou Oh, What A Beautiful Morning

article and illustration by LOU DAV E N P ORT

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have been going to “virtual church” the past month and a half, I think.

What’s time these days anyway?

(Now, I do put on my pearl earrings even though I may still have on my pajamas and have a cup of coffee in my hand.) The point is, I really like it. And, I really like the young preacher, Chad Brooks, at The Foundry.

I like him because every message I’ve heard has been about something useful, something practical and easy to understand. Today, he “got me,” when he talked about helping some young, very underprivileged children that the church had “adopted” during this past Christmas.

There was one he spoke of that had really gotten to him, too. He brought me to tears; I mean big tears were streaming down my face.

My tears were from remembering how much my mama used to do for her little third graders. She taught third grade

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for at least 25 years until her sudden death.

She always had given the little kids that were from the poorest part of Bastrop in her classroom.

The school she taught at was the one right in the middle of a district that had the lowest income families and the highest. I got to go there because she taught there.

All us kids got along, but as I got older, I started to notice which kids my mama always got and who the other teachers got. It made me a bit angry at first, but, I figured it out. My mama was given those kids because those “in charge” knew full well, those kids NEEDED HER. And she loved every single one of her students unconditionally. I am still amazed by the things she did through the years... always for no credit; she never told anyone. She just did it. She never expected a praise, a pay raise, or a thank you.

I always remember this one little boy she knew was especially needy. But she

saw something in him and she brought it out! There was always a third grade program for the P.T.A. meetings, as well as all the other grades. Mama played the piano so she pretty much “ran the show.”

This little boy named Wesley could sing and Mama knew it. She gave him a solo... ”Oh What a Beautiful Morning!” and he brought the house down. So tiny, so sweet, up on that big stage singing his little heart out. I’m crying right now just remembering it. (I hear that song in my head sometimes and yeah, I get tears.)

Mama knew he didn’t have any dress clothes, so she bought him some and a pair of new shoes. He was so handsome and so proud of his new clothes. That little boy, all dressed up in clothes he never had in his real life, right up on stage at West Side Elementary School, belting it out like a pro!

And....he did get a standing ovation!

I don’t know where Wesley is these

days but I hope and pray it is somewhere good... a place where somebody loves and cares about him like my mama did.

I also hope and pray that I have some of “her” within me. She died on May 18, 1974 and there hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought of her; remembered something unselfish she did; how she loved her nieces and nephews, her students, her entire family and her large group of friends. I do believe she was one of God’s angels that he loaned me and many, many others for just a little while... and then he wanted her back. I get that. That is where I find comfort. That is how I have made it without her. She was my rock. And then, it was time for me to be “kicked out of the nest and fly on my own.”

Teaching “runs in my family.” Not only my mama, but also my grandmother, Mae Turner. Now, my own daughter, Carolyn, has been teaching for 23 years.

When she was a little girl, all she ever wanted to do was “play school.” I didn’t say, “Hey Carolyn, you want to play school?” She just did it! She’d line up her little books and her stuffed animals and dolls and she would “teach school!”

I see so much of my mama in her and how she cares so much for her students and

how much she cares about the school where she chooses to teach. She’s always taught at “underserved” schools and she does it well.

The rapport she has with her students makes me so proud. They love her, too! She’s always working on something to better her lessons, and her way of doing things for her school.

She spends hours trying to make things better, not just for her students, but everyone else there, too. She does the same things for her students just like my mama did... things that she seeks no recognition for, no thank you’s, nothing except to do the right thing and help.

I finally got to teach for a few years myself. When my children were small, I was fortunate to be able to stay at home with them. My husband had a good income that allowed me to do that and I wouldn’t go back and change one thing. I kept painting and now I’m looking at 50 years of painting.

But later, he passed away and I remarried.

After leaving that bad marriage, I was faced with finding a job, and I did all kinds of jobs to just “stay afloat. And then, a teaching job came my way.

I ended up teaching, too! I got to teach art at River Oaks School and I found I had that love for my kids just like my mama. I

had a small cramped room and almost no budget but I made it work. I would jokingly say “we made art from garbage” and it was true. ( I almost became a “hoarder.”) But, me and those kids made some great art. I learned how to be very creative and to stay on my toes with all the 7th – 12th grade students I had. I loved those kids, and I still do.

I think I’ve done okay and I have made sure my kids certainly know their incredible grandmother by all the stories I’ve told them.

Her spirit lives on and it lives on in them.

They know she had a great sense of humor and she was beautiful. But, they also know about her quiet generosity and unselfishness. Those kind of people don’t come around often and God sure blessed me to have her.” I just wanna be her when I grow up.” And, Mama, thanks for watching over all of us. I love you.

And to Wesley, wherever you are, I have never forgotten your solo… in fact, I do not remember one other song that the West Side Elementary School third grade presented to the P.T.A. on that night so long ago.

Many thanks to Chad Brooks for the inspiration for this column! Bless you!

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CIGAR QUEEN Northeast Louisiana’s own, KADEE MALONE, has defied the status symbol and masculine rituals of male dominance in the cigar industry. As the co-owner of Legends Cigar & Vape in Ruston, she’s joined the league of EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN breaking the barriers in the cigar industry.

article by VANELIS RIVERA photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

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quick Google image search of ‘cigar smoking’ reveals the mainstream image often associated with the gentlemen’s club archetype, one of a well-groomed man sporting a stylishly tailored suit, leaning confidently on a leather armchair, smoking a hand-rolled stogie.

Even now, most advertisements and cigar lounges still target men, pushing the narrative that every man should smoke a good cigar at least once in his lifetime. As a status symbol and masculine ritual, women don’t often comprise the majority and are either completely ignored or visually reduced to sex objects in this male dominated industry. The truth is, women have been rolling tobacco alongside men since the birth of cigar factories. Though the minority, they have not been invisible, and in the last couple of years have been occupying important roles in the industry. Joining this league of extraordinary women is northeast Louisiana’s own Kadee Malone, coowner of Legends Cigar & Vape in Ruston.

As the eldest sibling, Kadee naturally gravitated toward leadership positions. “I used to be in the background then my dad kind of threw me to the wolves,” she says recalling the beginning stages of her dive into the cigar world. Adopting the business acumen of her father, NBA legend Karl Malone, she’s followed in his footsteps and even partnered with him in a few other businesses including car dealerships and Teriyaki Grill. Initially, she was meant to lead construction and design of Legends, but because she built the lounge “from the ground up,” her father couldn’t imagine anyone else running the business. He asked her to go in fifty-fifty, which Kadee jokes is really more like ninetyten, “because I’m the one that does everything, and he kind of shows up.” Cigars may seem a strange venture for a young woman of twenty-eight, but Kadee’s been intrigued by cigars since she was a kid: “I guess you could blame Looney Tunes.” There was always that one character in the show smoking a cigar, which Kadee found “pretty cool.” As an adult, the allure of all things relaxing and leisurely ultimately drew her to cigars, the first which she tried at eighteen. Like her dad, her first cigar was a Monte Cristo.

Though she has diversified her palate since then, it wasn’t until the family was introduced to the La Aurora family, owners of the original cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, that she began to foster a deep appreciation for cigar making: “You have a newfound appreciation for a cigar or any product, if you go to where it’s made and see the process of how everything is put together.” The tour sparked an interest, particularly in Karl, who wanted to contribute to the niche enterprise.

At first, the La Aurora family was skeptical, thinking he was just another celebrity that wanted to “slap a label on a cigar.” But the Malones put forth effort, visiting Dominican Republic when they could in order to stay

involved in the process. “It was a respect thing,” says Kadee. “We didn’t go in making demands. We respected them, and we asked questions.”

Under the supervision of Mr. Guillermo Leon, President of La Aurora Cigars, as well as Mr. Gustavo Velayos, Sales and Marketing Director of La Aurora Cigars, Karl started the process by hitting the tobacco fields to get an understanding of the cigar construction process. This led to the blending process spearheaded

by Master Blender Mr. Manuel Inoa, who would create about fifty cigar blends, label each, and send them to the Malones. Everyone in the family took part in the tasting process, which helped Kadee venture and diversify her palate. After about three years of developing a respect and bond with one another, the families decided it was time for Karl to create his own cigar, the Barrel Aged.

“We all made the label; we all made the box; we designed everything,” says Kadee, admitting that though she’s the only sibling partnered with her dad, it’s been an allaround family effort to build the Legends brand.

Karl’s Barrel Aged cigar comes in four sizes-churchill (7x48), robusto (5x50), belicoso (6 1/4 x 52), and sumo toro (6 x 56). Thanks to its Ecuadorian wrapper, Brazilian binder, and fillers from Peru, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Dominican Republic, the cigar has strong aromatic notes and a deep flavor. Falling into the profile of full and medium-bodied cigars, people often get intimidated to try, but its spicy flavor notes have been described as complex and delicate. “We have women that smoke that cigar and they always say the same thing; they thought it would be super strong,” says Kadee. Her top recommendation will always be her father’s cigar and any of the La Aurora blends: “To me the La Aurora cigars are one of the smoothest cigars you can smoke, even a madura, which is really strong. They don’t hit as hard as other cigar brands do.” For any cigar novice not wanting to start off too strong, Legends carries Tatiana Flavored Cigars from a company based in Miami. Their flavored blends offer a change of pace with smooth and mellow tastes. Kadee likes to ask customers about their palate and the flavors they gravitate toward and try to match them with a cigar that will ease them into a good first smoke. On a personal level, Gurkha cigars have been growing on Kadee, particularly their recently released coffee flavored cigar, sure to indulge any java lover.

“I am a young African American woman in the cigar industry, which is obviously taboo. People automatically think that it’s only for men. For me, that’s kind of like a slap in the face. Women love cigars too,” affirms Kadee.

There is no demographic for cigar smokers. People from all walks of life enter Legends seeking a bit of relaxation and leisure. At first entering the cigar landscape was intimidating, and even now, she still has people dismiss her when she’s taking the lead. “I’m young, but at the

“I am a young African American woman in the cigar industry, which is obviously taboo.

There is no demographic for cigar smokers.” same time, the way that my parents raised me, because I am a biracial, African American woman, no matter what, as long as I have a voice and someone will listen to me, that’s all that matters,” she says. She’s grateful for the many times her father has advocated for her, shifting the attention toward Kadee’s direction, often saying, “I’m not the boss; she’s the boss. You have to listen to her. She knows what she’s talking about.” Her family has also been a source of support, not just in the cigar business, but her own enterprises. Knowing who she is, what she can do, and what she will continue to do has fueled her motivation. “No one can really stop me, if that’s my mindset,” she says.

It’s that same drive that allowed her to remain positive when, at first, not everyone was a fan of a cigar shop opening. “They were a little skeptical about it,” she says. “We wanted to do this for our community and people that love cigars, but also for ourselves, because we like cigars. We wanted to show people that they don’t have to hide and do something that you love.” Sharing what they love has also taken the form of how the lounge is decorated. Kadee’s vision was to create a rustic lounge with a spacious and cozy atmosphere with enough space for patrons to talk and build relationships. More importantly, she wanted people to feel as if they were stepping into the Malone home. She incorporated sports memorabilia from Karl’s career and family photos. When you walk into Legends you end up in their general area which includes their walk-in humidor, fully stocked with over 200 boxes of the freshest cigars. In addition, they also have a full wall dedicated

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to the entire line of La Aurora blends, and customers are invited to stay for a while in the Legends Great Room, a perfect gathering place for all “consumers of the leaf.” The only television in the entire lounge is in the boardroom, which seats up to fifteen comfortably and is perfect for hosting business meetings or even any big games, which can also be catered by Teriyaki Grill. The outdoor fire pit and waterfall area also offer an additional element of rustic charm.

Kadee’s not stopping at cigars, though. You can also find her new CBD and CBG products in the store: “I wanted to create these products for the women who are a little different, the ones that are athletic, edgy, super proud of the women they are becoming. Her beauty line is dear to her heart, because she’s struggled finding products to get rid of acne, calm her nervousness, and balance her mood. Her beauty line includes products like CBD facial serum, facial toner, bath bombs, body lotion and lip balm. On the health end, Kadee carries a CBG tincture which is a broad-spectrum cannabinoid extract that includes CBD, CBG, CBDV, CBN, and CBC. Not only is the product seed-to-shelf manufacturing, it is also third party, lab tested for purity and potency.

Since the store’s opening, Legends has grown and swiftly become an exciting venue for private events and parties. Not only housing a wide selection of cigars and vapes, they are also a sole importer and distributor of La Aurora’s signature rum, E. León Jimenes. Karl and Kadee have a few more projects in the works, but at the heart of their successful undertakings is the tightknit Malone family, their passion for business, and the love and connection to the northeast Louisiana community.

Legends Cigar & Vape is located at 2000 East Kentucky Ave, Ruston, LA 71270. Follow the shop on Instagram and Facebook or visit their website http://legendsvape.com. For more information about Kadee’s collection visit her website https://kadeemalone.com.

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The Place That Loves To Say Yes! Visit Karl Malone Toyota for Your Next Ride

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T KARL MALONE TOYOTA OF Ruston, they love to say yes! They are your top destination for reliable, quality new and used trucks, cars and SUVs, as well as service and financing. Their sales team is also more than happy to help you find the perfect Toyota vehicle. Looking for a new Tacoma or Tundra? You’re in luck! You can find just what you’re looking for when you visit them in Ruston. Plus, their service department will help you customize your new truck. As your Off-Road Toyota Headquarters, they specialize in custom lift kits, oversized tires and other 4x4 accessories to help you trick out your truck. They also sell parts such as tires, oil filters and wiper blades.

Karl Malone Toyota loves their community and our troops. Karl Malone is not only a great business man, but he is especially involved in the Ruston community. On April 25th 2019, an EF3 tornado struck the Louisiana Tech

campus and surrounding community, causing significant damage. One of the worst tornado’s Ruston has ever seen. One of the first people to reach out in response was the mailman himself, Karl Malone. He stayed on campus for several days to help clear debris, which helped allow the school to return to classes the following Monday. Karl also likes to support our troops by offering extensive military offers and are active in military outreach. “We thank you for your service.”

When it comes to the finance part of getting a new ride, their finance department will help you get the best rates, no matter what your situation is. And whether you’re looking for new or used, they’ll help ensure that you drive home happy.

Like we said earlier, Karl Malone Toyota in Ruston loves to say YES! When you commit to buying a truck from them you also get:

- 2 years free maintenance

- Car Wash with Every Service

- Delivery to your Home or Office

- They’ll buy your car no matter what?

- Saturday Service

Their service center also has a complimentary shuttle service and comfortable lounge with free beverages, WiFi and television! When it comes to customer service and making the customer the happiest, they’ve got the best.

If you’re in the market for a new ride and want good quality and service that you can feel confident about, visit Karl Malone Toyota. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call or visit us at 1001 North Service Rd E Ruston, LA 71270. We look forward to serving our customers from Monroe, Shreveport and Bossier City.

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Over 40 Years of Serving Voted Best HVAC/Heating and Air In Town

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ILLEY’S HEATING AND COOLING began serving Northeast Louisiana in 1978 and continues to build a strong company based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and caring for our customers with a special hometown feel. We stay on top of the heating and cooling industry enhancements and technological breakthroughs that make your heating and cooling system the most energy efficient products on the market today.

Randy Gilley, owner of Gilley’s Heating & Cooling, LLC started serving the Monroe – West Monroe area over 40 years ago and is thrilled to be able to continue to serve customers with the Gilley’s personal service.

The heating and cooling industry is everchanging, but one thing remains the same at Gilley’s Heating and Cooling: our emphasis on customer satisfaction. Our top priority is you, the customer. With years of experience and dependable service, Gilley’s looks forward to remaining the leader in energy efficiency

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and effective heating and cooling systems in Northeast Louisiana. Our focus is serving our community, not an out-of-town corporation.

We have experience in repairing virtually every size and type of air conditioning unit, regardless of the manufacturer. Our customers can be confident that Gilley’s can repair whatever issue you might have. Our technicians not only have experience, they are NATE certified. The NATE certification verifies that the technicians who pass are the best in the trade when it comes to knowledge and experience installing or servicing your home heating or cooling system.

Whether we are servicing an existing air conditioner, replacing your AC, assessing your indoor air quality and balance or installing a new heating and cooling system in new construction building or homes, you can feel confident with having experienced and certified HVAC technicians and can offer the most cost effective and the most extensive

maintenance services in North Louisiana.

We’re also offering installation of the The HALO-LED™, which is the industry’s first LED in-duct, whole home and building air purification system that is both mercury free and zero ozone compliant. The HALOLED™ proactively treats every cubic inch of air conditioned space, reducing airborne and surface contaminants and pollutants through bi-polar ionization and revolutionary, patent pending, REME-LED™ technology. This along with other measures you can take to help improve your air quality are all part of Gilley’s “Whole House” approach. Our experts have the expertise to assess your entire system for proper filtration, ventilation and air circulation.

Visit our website at www.gilleysac.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ gilleysheatingandcoolingllc to stay up-to-date on all our offers on qualified home comfort systems, involvement in the community and quick tip videos to help maintain the health of your HVAC unit.

We are very thankful for our customers who have voted for us the Bayou Buzz Awards winner since its inaugural issue in 2017. We look forward to serving our customers for many years to come with the same principles of honesty, integrity and care.

Steward Primary Care Sterlington

Steward Medical Group Welcomes Dr. Charla N. Poole, MD, PhD

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HARLA N. POOLE, M.D., PH.D., born in Monroe, is a proud native of Northeast Louisiana. She attended OPHS, during which she was elected Homecoming Queen, Student of the Year, and a National Coca-Cola Scholar. Her local community rallied behind her, helping send her to Tulane University on a full academic scholarship where she earned her B.S. in Neuroscience, M.D., and Ph.D. Her research, disciplined in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, focused on adult stem cells and cardiovascular regenerative medicine. She completed her final phase at Ochsner-LSU Monroe, becoming a board certified Family Medicine physician. Then, guess what she did? She came home to practice!

Dr. Poole, who practices at Steward Primary Care Sterlington, is devoted to her doctor patient relationships. She values lifelong relationships with her patients and

bases them on mutual respect, integrity, and commitment to patient-centered care. As a primary care provider, she acts as the first contact and principal point of continuing care for patients and coordinates any other specialist care that may be needed.

Dr. Poole specializes in treating many medical conditions, including:

• Adult and pediatric illness

• Cardiovascular disease

• Chronic Fatigue

• Women’s health

• Diabetes and hypertension

• Endocrine Disorders

• Skin conditions

• Arthritis

• Joint injections

• Minor injuries and procedures • Sports physicals and wellness exams of all ages

Dr. Poole knows that the best care can be local care, and she has come home to offer it to you. If you’re looking for a new doctor with solid roots in our community, Dr. Poole is now accepting new patients.

Extra safety measures have been taken and telehealth visits are offered in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Patients can continue to receive the medical care they need without coming to the doctor’s office.

All you need is a smartphone, desktop, or laptop equipped with a web camera.

Steward Primary Care Sterlington is located at 9052 Hwy 165 North, Sterlington, LA 71280. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 318-665-0170. Most insurances are accepted.

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Harrison Lilly Voted Best Realtor BayouLife Readers and Community Vote for Their Favorite

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HE HARRISON LILLY TEAM IS A SPECIALIZED GROUP of real estate professionals that believe in customer care, teamwork, kindness and high performance. The team includes Josh Williams, Robert Wilson, Chris Rux, Cristina Lilly, Amanda Meza, Tausha Strawder, Megan Neighbors, Heather Green, Melinda Winn, Carter Cascio, Sam Nelson, Jonathan Webster, Michele Evans, Moly Hill and Kim Masters. Their goal is to be the “team of choice” in Northeast Louisiana for the community and it seems like they have done just that as Harrison Lilly was chosen the “Best Real Estate Agent” in the 2020 Bayou Buzz awards. Their motto is “Real Estate that Changes Lives” and they are doing just that every day across our community.

“We believe that real estate can change lives, whether that is helping a local widow sell a home so she can move on or providing jobs that provide an income that can change lives, that’s our goal,” said Harrison. “We want to see everyone reach their personal goals, while helping our community.” Harrison grew up in Bastrop, Louisiana and has years of experience in the hospitality industry. In those years, he grew a deep connection to the community and strives to improve the community he has grown to love in a variety of projects. The Harrison

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Lilly team works together to give back, whether participating at local events like Empty Bowls and Woofstock, serving lunch at a local shelter or packing food boxes for the Food Bank. Harrison leads his team with the mentality that they are part of the bigger picture and the idea that real estate provides an opportunity.

When you list your home with The Harrison Lilly team, you are giving yourself the best opportunity to sell your home, sell it faster and net the most money. The local market has an average success rate of 68%, while the Harrison Lilly team has a success rate of over 87%.

The Northeast Louisiana Realtors averaged 100+ days on the market for sold listings while the Harrison Lilly team has averaged 77 days in the past 12 months. According to the MLS, the average realtor is selling homes for an average of 96% of the price listed while the Harrison Lilly team is selling over 98.5%. All of these reasons, plus their commitment to the mission of selling your home and giving you the best customer service experience available are the reasons the Harrison Lilly team is above average - in fact, they are the best of the Bayou Buzz awards! If you are looking to sell your home, buy a home or learn about a career in real estate, reach out to any of their team members to find out how real estate can change your life!

Let Us Help Change Your Life Dr. Henry Zizzi

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OR THE LAST 21 YEARS, DR. ZIZZI has been practicing General Surgery in the Monroe/West Monroe area. After completing his training, he joined the practice of Drs. William Ferguson and Tommy Lolley, who have both since retired. Dr. Zizzi believes in more than just treating his patients – he leads with his heart, as he knows many people walk into his office scared and concerned. Even minor procedures deserve a surgeon’s utmost attention to detail, and his experience enables him to perform surgeries with precision, accuracy, and trust between him and his patients. Dr. Zizzi takes a significant amount of time getting to know each individual while answering questions and alleviating concerns. He often uses diagrams or sketches to educate patients so that they know exactly what to expect before entering the operating room. Dr. Zizzi treats his patients with respect and compassion, as he understands how important the doctor-

patient relationship is to one’s well-being before and after surgery.

If you ask his patients, the quality that distinguishes Dr. Zizzi is his bedside manner.

He spends as much time as necessary with each patient and answers any questions they may have. Patients appreciate the consistency in his office, and they often remark that he is so thorough in his explanations that he answers their questions before they can even ask them. His main goal in an office visit is to keep the patient informed and comfortable, as he is well aware that the experience of undergoing a surgical procedure is hard enough. As a general surgeon, Dr. Zizzi is trained to operate on multiple areas of the body, and the most common procedures he performs involve the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, appendix, and gallbladder.

Theses gastrointestinal procedures are most commonly performed with a minimally

invasive laparoscopic technique. He also performs thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as weight loss surgery. Along with these procedures, he treats benign and malignant diseases of the breast, which is a significant part of his practice.

Outside of the office, Dr. Zizzi has a variety of interests besides medicine. He married his best friend, Deborah, and he has five children whom he adores. He enjoys studying and speaking foreign languages as well as traveling to countries outside the United States to practice his skills. Dr. Zizzi is also the lead singer of Code Blue and the Flatliners, having performed with this locally popular group since its inception in 2002. He actually attended NLU on a choir scholarship, which was a very fulfilling part of his college education. To top it off, he has a passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine, and his family says his homemade pasta is to die for.

Dr. Zizzi has a way with people, and he treats his patients how he would want a physician to treat his own family members.

While not every procedure is life or death, anxiety due to having surgery is real, and Dr. Zizzi takes the time to reassure his patients that he will take care of them to the best of his ability. With his hands, he heals the body, and with his heart, he builds long-lasting relationships with his patients.

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The Art of the Community Masur Museum of Art Adapts to Unforeseen Circumstances Article By Starla Gatson

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hen COVID-19 struck in March, Monroe’s Masur Museum of Art joined thousands of establishments across the nation in temporarily closing their doors in an effort to mitigate the spread of the disease. Then, on April 12 — Easter Sunday — the museum was hit with another curveball: an EF3 tornado with peak winds of 140 miles per hour.

What, then, do you do when life gives you lemons? Why, you make lemonade, of course! The coronavirus pandemic and a natural disaster could certainly be classified as sour fruit; however, the north Louisiana museum is determined to make the best of what they have and serve the Ouachita Parish community something refreshing and sweet.

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Luckily, none of the art inside the museum was harmed by the tornado, says Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Lindsay Kearney, but the building itself was not left unscathed; the high-speed winds left the Masur with roof damage, shattered windows, and cut electricity and internet lines, as well as damaging the bases of the museum’s two lawn sculptures. The most pressing issues, including restoring power, internet, and HVAC systems, have been remedied, but the museum remains closed to the public, as the road to full recovery is still long. “We have had to extend our closure period,” Kearney says. “We’re here working, but we are closed to the public and probably will be for most of the summer.”

The Masur Museum, located at 1400 South Grand Street, was built as a private residence in 1929, and has operated as a museum for fine art since 1963, when the Masur siblings donated the home to the city of Monroe. Since its foundation, the establishment has been the host to a multitude of exhibitions and educational programs for both children and adults including artist talks, workshops and academic lectures. According to its website, the institution is “dedicated to providing the community with a dynamic visual arts experience through exhibitions, public programming and collections management,” and despite the attack of both the storm and the virus, it appears that the museum has managed to continue achieving that goal and maintaining a presence in the community.

Kearney says the next exhibitions are scheduled to open September 3, but it remains unknown if the museum will be able to open its doors before then. Thanks to modern technology, though, patrons do not have to wait until September to experience all the Masur has to offer. “We have increased our social media presence,” explains Kearney. “We’ve been doing more features, including more looks at artwork from our Permanent Collection.

We’ve been sharing more videos about art and art processes, about art history, and things that we find online.” In addition to remaining active on both Facebook and Instagram, a virtual version of the museum’s most recent exhibition, the 57th Annual Juried Competition, was created and remains available for viewing online.

In the midst of the chaos, the Masur has even considered the needs of its younger patrons, and the curator of education is working on plans to create virtual summer art camps — complete with project instructions and art supplies — for local children to participate in from home.

The unexpected closure may also leave another question in the minds of patrons, artist donors, and museum sponsors: what about Off the Wall? The Off the Wall fundraiser provides the Masur with most of its operating money for exhibitions and educational programs, says Kearney, and for the past decade, the annual event has included food and drink, live music, a silent auction and the Bon Voyage raffle in which one lucky winner receives three thousand dollars to put toward a vacation of his choice. A live painting of the evening’s festivities is also raffled off. Community members can rest assured the well-established tradition will continue, albeit a bit differently than normal.

“Obviously, we can’t have a big party right now,” Kearney explains. “So, we’re doing an online auction, which is something that lots of nonprofits do all over the country in good times, so we know that it works. And who doesn’t like to shop online, anyway?” The auction will be live from July 22-26, and the Bon Voyage trip raffle will be conducted online, with all museum sponsors and artist donors receiving twice as many entries as a thank you for their support amid these less-than-ideal circumstances.

STOR M DE STRUC TION

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This year’s Off the Wall Fundraiser will be live from July 22-26, and the Bon Voyage trip raffle will be conducted online. The Off the Wall fundraiser provides the Masur with most of its operating money for exhibitions and educational program.

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ust as in years past, this year’s auction will feature works from both local artists and out-of-state creators, and each artist can choose to donate either 50 or 100 percent of their proceeds to the museum.

As the Masur Museum staff, under the leadership of executive director Evelyn Stewart, carefully tread these uncharted waters, the community stands behind them and eagerly anticipates the museum’s reopening. “We’ve had so many offers for volunteers, and we don’t even have any work that volunteers could do right now, which is sad because we’ve had so many people offer to help,” Kearney says. “We’ve had donations, financial support, come through. It’s been a really wonderful response. People have been very understanding as well. I think a lot of people are disappointed, and so are we, but we keep promising that we’ll be back soon, and they’ve been supportive of that, which has been wonderful.”

Though no volunteer opportunities currently exist, Kearney says there may be chances for community members to get involved with the museum in the fall, depending on coronavirus restrictions set by the city. “We do internships and we have volunteer opportunities mostly when we host events, but sometimes we have other volunteer opportunities as well. That’s the sort of thing, when we have something that we need people to do specific tasks for, we usually put out a call on our Facebook page, and we get inundated with responses of people offering to help, which is always wonderful. But we’re kind of waiting before we say anything definitively,” she explains.

The Masur Museum plans to reopen as soon as possible, but as of now, how daily operations will look still remains a mystery. One thing, however, is certain: the art museum’s staff fully intends to serve the Ouachita Parish community in whatever ways they are able given current circumstances, proving that even the sourest of lemons can be turned into lemonade.

For the time being, North Louisiana residents can stay plugged into the Masur Museum of Art online through Facebook and Instagram (@ masurmuseum). For more information, visit www.masurmuseum.org or call (318) 329-2237.

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Best Chiropractor

Dr. G.G. Grant BayouBuzz Award Recipient

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R. G.G. GRANT IS EXCITED TO BE NAMED THE BEST chiropractor in the 2020 Bayou Buzz Awards. Dr. Grant grew up in Ruston and graduated from Louisiana Tech in 2001. In 2005, he graduated from Parker University in Dallas, Texas with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Right after school, Dr. Grant began to work at Shell Chiropractic in Monroe. He is in his fifteenth year and practices alongside Dr. Brent Bryant.

While Dr. Grant does see patients of all ages, from pediatric to later in life, most of the people that walk through the door are coming in as result of injury or affliction. “Most people who come to see me are hurting and in pain,” said Dr. Grant. “They are limited in their daily activities and my goal is to get them back to their normal routine, free of pain.” For the past 11 years, Dr. Grant has worked with ULM athletes, as well as student athletes from St. Fred’s, Neville, Ouachita and other local schools. “I am very passionate about educating younger athletes on how to stay healthy, whether they eventually play professionally or not,” said Dr. Grant. “I really like to educate people on their body and how to maintain their spinal health.”

One of the things that sets Dr. Grant apart is that he works well with the entire medical community as he works to get patients healthy. “I believe it is so important to work together to help patients,” said Dr. Grant. “I work with other doctors, orthopedic specialists and physicians, for the betterment and overall health of my patients. I am just another person helping a patient feel their best.” He prides himself on being honest with his patients and making recommendations to other physicians, doing whatever it takes for a patient’s health and well-being.

Dr. Grant resides in Monroe with his wife Heather. He has two boys and a little girl. Lake, 16, is a junior at Neville, Hunt, 14, is a freshman at Neville and Griffyn, 5, is in kindergarten at JGS. In his spare time, Dr. Grant enjoys spending time with his family, duck hunting and playing golf.

Dr. G.G. Grant and Shell Chiropractic are conveniently located on Hwy 165 North in Monroe and are always accepting new patients.

The clinic also has two massage therapists on staff. Call today to set up an appointment with BayouLife’s Buzz Award’s Best Chiropractor in Northeast Louisiana!

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Summer Apparel Sale

The Children’s Shoppe in Monroe and Ruston

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OR TWO DECADES NOW, THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE has served as North Louisiana’s premier boutique for infant and children’s clothing, gifts and toys. The Children’s Shoppe provides timeless children’s fashions for girls – premie to size 16, and boys – premie to size 12. Perfect for every season and occasion., he Children’s Shoppe also carries a vast selection of must-have gifts for newborns, special events, birthdays, or just for play.

Help inspire kids to get creative with arts and crafts toys that will spark imagination at any skill or age level. Choose from deluxe watercolor sets to starter finger paints, sidewalk chalks and mess-free markers. Help kids develop fine motor skills while making beautiful things with great beading and craft projects for kids of all ages.

Have a tiny tyke who loves dinosaurs? The Children’s Shoppe has realistic dinosaurs in every size and color, as well as party play set with nine collectible miniature dinosaurs in a case. From dinos to tractors, The Children’s Shoppe also stocks John Deere tractors, construction site vehicles, train sets, Thomas & Friends toys, everything little boys dream of. Boys and girls will jump with joy over a PlasmaCar – no batters, gears or pedals…kid powered and kid approved for hours of endless fun.

Purchasing great quality toys and investing in your children’s toys are great for their brain development. Toys get children engaged in physical activity, by exercising their fine and gross motor skills.

Whether they are coloring or dressing and undressing a doll, for example, children are using their sense of touch and sight (fine motor skills) while walkers, tricycles or toy cars boost their gross motor skills and strengthen their arms and legs. Toys also help them discover balance and coordination and by being physically active, children avoid obesity and adopt a healthy life style.

From the time they are born, toys motivate babies to use their feet and hands in order to discover forms, colors and sounds. Once babies know how to sit and crawl, toys incite them to be on the move.

If their favorite toy is out of reach, the baby will use its muscles to try and grab it.

Is your little one growing like crazy and needing new clothes every other month? The Children’s Shoppe is now having a huge summer sale event on select items that you won’t want to miss. This is the perfect time to stock up on super cute summer sets for both boys and girls.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram (@ childrensshoppela) to be in the know about our new arrivals and specials. We are conveniently located at 109 N. Trenton in Ruston’s beautiful, historic downtown district and at 1826 Forsythe Avenue in Monroe.

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Above and Beyond

Helping Patients In A Nurturing Atmosphere

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OR OVER 25 YEARS, MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL Therapy (MMPT) clinics have been serving Northeast Louisiana, with clinics in Monroe, West Monroe, Shreveport, and Ruston.

The vision for 2020 is #aboveandbeyond, as the entire MMPT team is committed to continued excellence. As one of the longest established physical therapy practices in the area, MMPT employs a staff of 70 in various fields of physical, occupational, speech therapy, and billing administration. MMPT aims to provide exemplary care with stateof-the-art equipment and a wide variety of services & specialties. If you have a musculoskeletal diagnosis, a neurological issue, speech impediment or any other therapeutic need, MMPT has an expert on staff waiting to assist you with your customized treatment.

As patient Brandon Milner says, “I felt the culture Melanie created as soon as I came through the door. The healing hands, warm hearts and friendship is what I felt. I never feel like a number or an insurance claim. Three years ago, I couldn’t do anything but breathe. They have truly helped me, and my recovery is going to be our miracle as a team.

Words can’t ever express the love for the therapists. I am truly grateful for my new way of life because of them. I’m right where God wants me.”

The MMPT staff is innovative, using their unique skills to curate a holistic approach to treat each patient. The positive vibe inside the clinics is intentional; patients just feel better in the space. The staff at MMPT strives to go beyond what’s expected. That may be by meeting patients in their cars with an umbrella, transporting equipment to people’s homes who are unable to travel, or configuring living spaces for better patient mobility and healing. The team has successfully assisted spinal cord patients in walking the stage at graduations unassisted and fitted braces under dresses for prom pictures. The MMPT approach is personal, and the staff is committed to helping patients heal both physically and emotionally. Melanie Massey believes everyone has gifts, and when those gifts are recognized and cultivated, a positive and rewarding work environment is inevitable.

This is fertile ground for healing.

The MMPT staff treats everyone, ages 0-99. Their phrase, “We can help with that,” means there is always a therapist with a specialization who can help you with your unique issue, regardless of age, illness, or injury. They look for opportunities to brighten the lives of every patient who enters the clinic. That may mean regaining independence, getting rid of pain, finding ways to make them laugh, or empowering them to believe in their own potential.

The next time you are looking for an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech therapist, call the experts at MMPT.

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Same Designs New Location

Lauren Roebuck Designs Opens New Location in Ruston

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OR THE LAST 17 YEARS, LAUREN Roebuck has put her signature staple on interior decorating and floral design.

Her first love was floral design and then she slowly fell in love with interior design. She started out working at a florist part time while attending college. A graduate of LA Tech in Marketing and Management, Lauren has had her floral license for 24 years and couldn’t be happier with the business and reputation she’s built in the industry. Whether classic elegance or lavish designs, Lauren Roebuck Designs makes weddings, parties or your home design dreams come true! The team at Lauren Roebuck Designs, also gifted in home decor and lighting, pays attention to detail and personal touches making their team a wonderful and unique asset for any occasion.

Lauren is passionate about creating the finest one-of-a-kind floral arrangements for your wedding or event, and designing your home with the most up to date interior and designs.

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Lauren and her team pride themselves on their aesthetic, that a Lauren Roebuck design is recognizable. They have an eye for the unique, love to use color, and much like Lauren’s personality, the designs are energetic, happy and seem to be smiling. When it comes to flowers, Lauren Roebuck only uses highend flowers, and calls their style, “traditional with a twist.” When it comes to interior design, she has a unique eye to make the perfect room catered specifically for you. Lauren focuses on the details, insisting, “Every little detail makes a difference.” Lauren gets to know her clients and makes suggestions based on personality.

She adapts her style to the them; but it being a Lauren Roebuck design remains abundantly clear.

Lauren has recently built a stunning new store located on Bastille Lane in Ruston Louisiana. This stunning new location is filled with home decor, gifts, outdoor decor, lighting and her floral shop in the back.

Lauren wanted her own business for flexibility and creative control. Her parents owned a family business for 40 years helping create Lauren’s business mind and work ethic.

She has taken her original studio “Store” and has put it on a much bigger scale. You will find everything for home decorating and furnishing.

The shopping area features: lighting, furniture, jewelry, home decor, pillows, rugs, etc. Her husband Steven Roebuck is her strongest supporter, and for the first eleven years, her only helper. Her daughter Haley (17), and Alex (12), pitch in now…. the whole family is involved, and the location of the business allows them all to work together. Lauren has a passion for what she does, creating repeat customers and a reputation for exquisite work and service. “I thank God for giving me this talent and the ability to serve others through my designs! I absolutely love what I do and very fortunate to have a job that I am excited about and truly love!”

Your Hometown Urologist Dr. Robert Marx Specializes in Vasectomies

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VASECTOMY IS A MEDICAL procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy.

When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure.

THE VASECTOMY PROCEDURE IS NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by: • Washing the scrotum to prevent infection

• Not shaving the area

• Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling

• Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement

• Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding AFTER THE VASECTOMY

After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week

after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week.

If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well.

If you are considering a vasectomy, rest assured that Dr. Marx and his clinicians are taking extra steps to keep their office safe and sanitized for patients. Temperature checks are performed with a no-touch infrared thermometer before entering the office, and then patients are escorted directly to exam rooms where paperwork can be filled out before the visit. Dr. Marx and his entire staff are equipped with proper PPE, and patients are also required to wear masks at the time of visit. Each room is then disinfected thoroughly before the next patient’s arrival.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

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B AYOUKID Z

Restore, Repair and Heal Let’s Be a Part of Changing the World, One Word at a Time article by Cindy G. Foust

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appy Independence Day month readers as I write this month’s column wishing I was more “independent,” but, alas, I find myself writing my column as I convalesce in my big comfy chair. That’s right readers, it seems the song “Bad Mamma Jamma” has a whole new meaning for me than it did just two short days ago. Here’s what happened.

I thought I would be nice and help backstage with my daughter’s dance recital… I mean, that’s nice, right? As luck would have it, bad luck that is, we were just dancing our way through the last six decades of music (which includes of course, only the greatest decade in the history of music, the 80s), when suddenly the lights went dim.

I’m setting the mood for you readers, because I’m convinced it will help justify my injury.

Okay, where were we?

Lights… yes, the lights suddenly dimmed and the strobes and the disco flashes started and I began to feel “so excited, I just can’t hide it” and then the prelude to “Bad Mamma Jamma” started playing simultaneous with the stage director asking me to run and get a group of dancers. I’m not sure what exactly happened next, well, that’s a lie… I know exactly what happened.

As I jumped up, I became so swept up in the music and the lights that I found myself transported back to 1980-something and I was under my garage with my friends from

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Woodlawn Junior High and we were all dancing to tunes on my jukebox. Yes, I was very ahead of my time, friends, because I had this really cool 8-track, turntable, light flashing jukebox. Am I still in a rabbit hole? Where in the cat hair was I going with this story?

I think my injury not my jukebox, so, in an effort to be Miss Helper, I jumped up to run get the next group of dancers, but the music

took over my body I started “juking out” to “Bad Mamma Jamma.” I don’t think I will ever forget the look on the dance teacher’s face as she watched my “dismount.” I like to think it was because she knew I was hurt, not the fact that I looked like a gazelle who had been hit by a car, but we can debate that later. The point is that it all happened so quickly, like in a split second, and I couldn’t take it back either,

because let me tell you something, I really wanted to take it back.

Because when I landed readers, the pop I heard in my calf sounded like a gunshot going off in a tin can. And the pain? Well, the pain was instantaneous and quite simply, I wanted to scream and cry and lay down on the floor and die. Gosh, that sounds like music lyrics right there, but injury or not, I had a job to do. I was, after all, the stage supervisor.

Well, I kind of selfappointed myself the stage supervisor, but somebody has to be in charge, so it might as well be me, right? I’m in a rabbit hole again.

So, here I am, two-days post “Bad Mamma Jamma” incident and I am hobbling around like I’m 93, not 53, and my calf hurts and is sore and slightly discolored and my daughter has told her family goodbye and is currently living with another family in Montana. Just kidding, but I’m not kidding about the fact that I am limping around like I’ve been stepped on by a T-Rex. And as much of a good story as this makes, or bad story depending on who’s telling it, it got me to thinking about how my calf muscle injury can be used as an illustration for a life’s lesson. How so?

Sometimes our actions, like my impulse to jump up like I’m Cindy-Lo or some really good dancer, or words, can cause the same instantaneous injury and hurt. Sometimes we can say or do something that has instant

ramifications that might have the capacity to cripple someone else… even when we might not mean for it to.

I sure didn’t mean to hurt myself to the point of disability, but I did it, without thinking, without considering what might potentially happen. And when I landed my dismount (a graceful image probably comes to your mind, like Gabby Douglas or Simone Biles) the pain was so quick and so sharp that it took my breath.

Our words, readers, our actions can have the same crippling effect on someone else, and the tongue can cause greater, more lasting harm than the words to “Bad Mamma Jamma” (even though I’m sure I did look like “poetry in motion.”) I know this, because I have also been on the receiving end of harsh or critical words… words that have made me question my confidence or feel bad about myself. It’s hard to be transparent sometimes, friends, but the truth is I have also been on the giving end of such behavior, words and actions I wish I could take back. Right? Anybody else smell what I’m stepping in?

We are living in the strangest of times right now… here is so much tension and anger and hostility that I can barely stand to get on social media or the news. The words are harsh… the actions are worse and innocent people have

been hurt and continue to be hurt. It causes a dull ache in my heart, in the pit of my stomach when I read it, and I wish someone could just wave their magic wand and take us back to 1980 something, when the biggest dilemma was trying to decide if we wanted a Big Mac or McNuggets from McDonalds.

But this is the real world 2020, and here we all are, and just like the pain in my calf, there is a lot of hurt and pain around us, and it came on much the same way as my leg injury… in an instant. I also wish I had a magic wand that I could just wave and fix what seems to be broken. Because readers, there’s a lot of brokenness, and like me, I am sure you wish we could be in Mayberry. But there is no magic wand or no time machine to take us from this holy mess.

But what we do have is each other… we do, readers, even if we don’t agree on politics or religion or one of the one million things that seems to be causing all this angst, we have each other. And we have our tongues, which gives us the ability to restore, repair and heal.

I believe in humanity, readers…because I’ve also been on the receiving end of kindness and support that helped me grieve the loss of my child or heal after an illness.

Trust me, kind words from strangers

can be just as powerful and compassionate as words or actions from someone we know and love. We are never going to agree on the “issues,” we aren’t, and someone reading this column might be looking at me like I had a unicorn head if we were having this discussion in person, but it’s on my heart… just like last month when I encouraged you to be flexible and supportive.

It’s trying times; we all have our platforms and it’s likely they will be different platforms than our neighbors, but rather than spew hate and hostility, can’t we each work on our dismount? Because that dismount is what keeps our communities in turmoil, and I believe with all my heart, restoration is possible if opposing sides of any argument can just listen and speak with thoughtfulness and humanity rather than antagonism and anger. This narrative has the potential to change the world, readers, so be part of it. Lead it. Think before speaking. And like the words of the great song “Bad Mamma Jamma” let your words be “poetry in motion” rather than words that destroy and break.

Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger. You can find her blog at the alphabetmom.com for weekly columns about home life, parenting, small business stories and insight with a smidgen of literacy. Give her a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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A Beacon of Southern Hospitality Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant

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ESTLED ALONG THE PICTURESQUE OUACHITA River, the Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant has been a beacon of Southern hospitality and a source for savory dining for nearly four decades. Started in 1980, the restaurant arose from the vision of Frances Mason in a corrugated tin warehouse that was used for storing cotton bales over 100 years ago. Mason had the desire to transform the building into a thriving seafood restaurant, and today her vision lives on.

Many locals who have grown up in our region have fond memories of special occasions celebrated at the Warehouse No. 1.

Romantic dates, birthdays, rehearsal dinners and prom night meals have all been etched into our thoughts at the heavy wooden tables, inviting bar area and spacious, airy back porch with its relaxing river view. The Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant has endeared itself to us throughout time for many reasons, but now more than ever, what is most memorable at this establishment is the exquisite fare it offers.

Steaks and seafood remain popular dinner choices at the Warehouse No. 1. Steaks like the Peppercorn Filet, a filet mignon coated in cracked black peppercorns and topped with a velvety red wine reduction, and the hand-cut ribeye are grilled expertly each

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and every time. But true to tradition, seafood steals the spotlight. The Redfish Supreme is a standout that is not to be missed. The chef bakes his gorgeous, well-seasoned redfish filets and tops them generously with sautéed crawfish, jumbo shrimp, lump crabmeat, mushrooms and a creamy Dijon sauce that complements the various and tender redfish.

Whatever you do, leave room for a sweet ending to your meal.

From their delightfully rich and vanilla-infused Crème Brûlée to the fantastic bread pudding – the desserts are sinfully decadent.

It takes a special restaurant to remain relevant and successful in a small town, but it takes a truly impressive dining establishment to reach the iconic status that the Warehouse No. 1 has managed to achieve. Whether it’s the loyal patrons or dedicated staff, this restaurant has survived a flood, a fire and a pandemic and each time came back better than before. With a new renovation and an enticing menu, the Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant will continue to impress diners as long as the river runs.

Serving Women of Northeast Louisiana The Woman’s Clinic is Honored to be Voted Best MediSpa

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HE WOMAN’S CLINIC HAS BEEN taking excellent care of women in northeast Louisiana for over 50 years, but today our clinic and services are a little different. Our physicians are dedicated to taking care of today’s woman, which means more than annual exams and medication refills. For years, our physicians have received questions about the impact their hormone changes have on their skin and every other aspects of their lifestyle. In response, over the last 2 years The Woman’s Clinic has developed robust services dedicated to our patients’ cosmetic needs.

Claire Shemwell, RN is a ZO Expert who is also certified to perform a wide variety of cosmetic procedures in our office. These procedures are minimally invasive and affordable with proven results. When Claire first started working with our patients, she found that many were overwhelmed by all the products in this highly unregulated

market. In response to this, we created a free consultation with Claire, so patients may work with her to develop an individualized protocol to address their concerns, while keeping their budget and lifestyle in mind.

We use the ZO Skin Health product line by world renown dermatologist Zein Obagi, MD to prep the skin, tailoring each step to the specific person’s needs. These products bridge the gap between therapeutic treatments and daily care, allowing patients to experience continuously healthy skin regardless, of their age, ethnicity or unique skin condition.

Our wide range of cosmetic office procedures cover the gamut of skincare needs. Sublime Skin Tightening & Contouring targets telltale signs of aging, including jowl and neck laxity and nasolabial folds. Unlike conventional laser treatments, Sublime offers virtually painless and fast treatment for sagging and wrinkled skin. Sublative Skin

Rejuvenation is an advanced technology that uses radio frequency to deliver an effective and controlled fractional treatment to address wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, laxity, large pores and textural irregularities on the skin.

Velashape III is a noninvasive aesthetic tool that can smooth out your skin, get rid of your cellulite, and shrink fat cells without pain or downtime. CO2RE Intima is a laser treatment used to address various intimate needs of our patients including mild urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, cosmetic issues and other concerns.

We have been privileged to serve the women of northeast Louisiana and are honored to be named Best MediSpa. To fit your individual needs, there are lots of ways to get more information on ZO Skin Health products and the cosmetic procedures we provide:

• Go online to www.thewomansclinic.net • Message Claire directly through our patient portal for fast, convenient scheduling

• Call us at 318-388-4030, option 3

Follow us on Facebook for live videos, product giveaways and amazing promos!

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B AYO U B E AT S

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PATTERSON If you have frequented live music events in Northeast Louisiana for the past thirty years, chances are that you’ve seen a barrel chested bear of a man, bandana clad, wearing a sleeveless plaid button down, jean shorts, signature work boots, shredding an electric guitar with a lit cigar in his mouth. Once in a while, he’ll drive out a few back-up vocals, but mostly this stoic guitar virtuoso is completely immersed in dishing rapid riffs as loud as he can during any set.

General Keith Patterson may not consider himself or his music “for commercial consumption,” but that’s exactly what makes him the guitar general-unapologetic bravado, unmatched experience and unwavering regard for local music. article by VA N EL I S R I V ER A photography by A N D R E W B A I L E Y

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General Patterson has been playing guitar since the age of 13, first taking lessons from the jazz great Roland Gresham in Nashville, TN. Originally, he began playing the trumpet, even playing in a band. But when he went down to Baton Rouge, LA, to visit his cousin who was taking lessons on a six-string at the time, he returned to Nashville with the thought, “I gotta play guitar.” Gresham was a Seventh Day Adventist preacher who, to Patterson, looked like American jazz guitarist John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery and could play “all kinds of things,” because he had “huge hands.” Though not having an affinity for jazz, Patterson credits the experience with allowing him to be more open to other genres of music, proceeding to wear out all the albums he could get his hands on, drawing inspiration and trying to copy licks from Santana, Steely Dan, ZZ Top, and the like.

After he graduated high school in 1979, he went straight to the Navy serving for a quick stint, gaining significant experience working in a Special Forces unit. Shortly after, he proceeded to a college career then out into the giggin’ world. Moving to Ruston in 1984, he played guitar in just about every locale in the area. “Good Lord,” he says, “I’ve been playing in all these dumps and dives and bars for a long time.” His initial performing days included a five-year stint with the great Kenny Bill Stinson, local full-time musician, who Patterson considers a Louisiana treasure. “He’s a walking library. Guys like him don’t exist anymore,” he says, emphasizing that only a few musicians in the area can play that great. “Learned millions of things from him.”

Moving forward, the General became a member of prominent Ruston-based jam band, Howard Shaft, touring the South and recording an album with them. Thanks to that whirlwind experience, he got exposed to playing more Rhythm and Blues, which hadn’t been in his wheelhouse at the time. “It’s a well oiled machine,” he says of that band, adding that finding guys that can play well together is the optimal music experience for him. “I’ve always been a band guy. Never been a solo artist guy, never cared about that. I always wanted to see how the band operates, how all that works,” he says.

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fter moving around the country as an archeological field tech, he finally moved back to north Louisiana, which is when he fell in with the esteemed Monty Russell, for whom he played guitar for twelve years.

When they first became cohorts, Russell was a policeman in Ruston. He’d often have to go to the former Trenton Street Cafe, where Patterson worked to get the pile of college kids spilling into the streets to crowd back toward the establishment. “Playing with Monty is an experience in itself. We could fill a book, and people wouldn’t believe it,” he laughs. “I owe a lot to him, because he was the one who encouraged me to write my own songs and play my own stuff, which I don’t ever get to do. I owe him a lot, not only as a musician, but as a good friend.” Locally, he also played with another “local legend,” Patty Rambin. “She has paid her dues as a musician. She’s incredible,” he says.

One of Patterson’s many fascinating tidbits from his life are tied to his upbringing. Growing up on the outskirts of Nashville, he lived close to “all those Old Country, Opry stars,” like Stringbean and Grandpa Jones. He was friends with Johnny Cash’s and Willie Nelson’s kids.

“To us, he was just Mr. Nelson,” he says. When Nelson came through the area on tour, Russell was able to get them both gigs as part of the band. He has also opened for Dwight Yoakam and Blues Traveler. To say the least, the General has paid his dues. Recently, he’s been splitting his guitar duties between Josh Madden and Patty Rambin, occasionally gigging with Chris Canterbury, Wade Reeves and Beaux Atkins.

Everybody around here knows that General Patterson is the loudest player. I guess I am,” he says. Though he admires the acoustic guitar and even more so musicians who have mastered the complex craft of finger picking, his choice has always been the electric. “I have a 50 watt amp. I’m gonna turn that sucker wide open,” he says. “You’re gonna hear that sumbitch.” He doesn’t make any apologies about what some would consider overplaying. When the General is on stage, most everyone knows exactly what they’re going to get. “Sometimes you gotta let it out,” he says. “Why not?”

Patterson doesn’t own many guitars. If he’s seen with more than one guitar, either his 1975 Gibson 335, Strat, or Telecaster, it’s usually in case one breaks down. “It’s just wood and wire,” he says, admitting he’s more of an “amplifier dude.” The Gibson originally belonged to one of his buddies, who he played alongside in

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“Let me tell you something, man. Some of these old guys will GUITAR you into the DIRT, because they’re that good. A little respect goes a long way.”

Rambin’s band. “He had it under his bed. I saw it under there one day, and I was like ‘Dang!’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I don’t really like it.’” So on another occasion he traded a Telecaster he had for the 335. The oldest guitar he has is the guitar his dad gifted him when he got out of the military. It’s one of his most cherished instruments, not just because it holds the memory of his father, but also because he thought he’d never see it again. “I lost that guitar in 1986,” he says, when he pawned it at a time when he was in financial need. “It about killed me.” About four years ago he walked into a pawn shop in West Monroe that he heard was owned by the same man he pawned his guitar to in Ruston. He found out the owner had died and left all the guitars in inventory to a niece. As providence would have it, his father’s gift was still there, and he was able to buy it back after a thirty-year absence.

Patterson has been told he’s a frantic player. He knows his music style is not for those hoping to sing along to what’s most popular on the radio. “A lot of people don’t want to hear me sing for three straight hours,” he jests, admitting his songs incorporate a lot of storytelling elements. “I probably could be chastised for overwriting songs.”

Patterson writes about what he knows, the areas he’s lived in or stories he has been told or overheard. “I don’t use a lot of gentle dulcimers. It’s pretty much straight piano, guitar, bass guitar. It’s Americana stuff. I don’t hear those commercial melodies,” he says. Madden, who Patterson has played with for close to ten years, considers the song “Ten Foot of Water” on the 2011 album Daredevil “One of the best songs I’ve heard about Hurricane Katrina.” The ballad begins with drums, then an easygoing riff before the General’s commanding vocals recount the unprecedented tragedy of 2005: “Got ten foot of water, in a nine foot ceiling / A hole in my soul where the paint is peeling.”

His most recent record is Native American (2018), inspired by a trip he took to South Dakota with his wife, an homage to the place and some of his experiences there. Always having an admiration and love for indigenous culture and people, the discrimination and prejudice of Native Americans in that area floored him. He began to contemplate the term, finding his own understanding. “Being born here is what makes you a native American,” he affirms, adding “And I’m not a political person.”

He aims to avoid conversations that could be alienating to others, yet he’s deeply saddened about cultural and racial divides: “It’s hard for me to even get in discussions about it.”

Another point of contention for him has been the lack of female singers on stage. He mentions local players like Briana Calhoun and Bethany Raybourn, arguing that women should be getting as many gigs as male musicians. “I hope it picks up more,” he says.

Though Patterson has a long list of guitar greats he draws inspiration from, on the top of the heap is Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour. “He creates a solo in such an atmospheric way.

In such a melodic way that all he does is just paint another beautiful layer on an already perfect canvas. It’s so freaking powerful. It’s like watching a swing dancer and a ballerina at the same time. It’s so graceful, yet it will just kill ya, cuz it’s so perfect,” he says. “I was a Carlos Santana freak,” he says, adding to the list Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats, the Allman Brothers, and Los Lobos.

His favorite songwriter is Jimmy Buffett.

“People are probably going to laugh about that.” Patterson admires Buffett’s ability to write with levity. “Everything is tongue in

cheek. Most of the things he writes about is how to turn a bad situation into a good situation,” he says. Bruce Springsteen is another of his favorites. Taking note of his 1973 album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., Patterson admires his ability to transport you to another place and time with solid story weaving. “He’s seventy years old and he can still outplay most people that are out there now. His band has to be out there the whole time, pretty much. And they’re busting it, and there’s no spring chicken to that group either,” he says, mentioning that too often younger musicians will discount old schoolers, even in the area: “Let me tell you something, man. Some of these old guys will guitar you into the dirt because they’re that good.” Patterson has heard some naive comments here and there from younger musicians. He encourages up-and-comers to garner more respect for the “older guys,” especially if they want to get a little bit further ahead of the curve. “A little respect goes a long way,” he says.

General Patterson has seen the local music scene go from weekly venue performances to the rise of the private party.

Though he’d like to see more music venues open up, he admires local bands writing original music, mentioning Astro Motel and Jig the Alien. “The more original music, the more you have to choose from,” he says, hoping that original music gets its due in the area soon, especially since there are so many talented songwriters in the region. The path of a full-time musician is no easy trek.

From the outside looking in, it’s romantic and counterculture, but Patterson warns “it’s one of the hardest jobs there is.” While some may not see it as a job, Patterson’s experience has proved otherwise. “I’ve done a lot of manual labor. Being a musician will wear you out mentally, because you’re trying to appeal to so many people,” he says. Though he encourages musicians not to quit their day job, he’s the kind of old school musician that’s willing to help keep you in line, if you’re willing to learn from his experience… and ready to try to keep up with his rapid fire expertise.

Show the General some love by listening to his albums, “Shackville,” “Daredevil,” and “Native American,” now on iTunes and Spotify.

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Joe Banks Drywall & Acoustics Serving the Community for Over 45 Years

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N APRIL 1973, JOE BANKS FOUNDED Joe Banks Drywall & Acoustics. Located in Mangham, LA, this small town operation grew quickly at the hands of its proprietor and now operates in a 350 mile radius outside of its rural headquarters. During the past 30 years several trades have been added to the base company which include acoustical and specialty ceilings, flooring, fireproofing, plaster, exterior insulation finish systems and ceramic tile. Operations are now in the hands of Joe’s son, Trae, who has managed to keep his father’s legacy of excellent quality craftsmanship with a hometown feel.

Currently licensed to work in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama, Joe Banks Drywall and Acoustics, work with primarily commercial contractors. Their firm has been involved with the construction of all types of buildings that include, but are not limited to: office buildings, educational complexes, religious facilities,

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medical complexes, shopping malls, retail outlets, industrial projects and many more.

Whether you are looking for quality flooring or ceramic tiles for your new project, or need a company that specializes in drywall, acoustics, plaster, EIFs, or fireproofing, Joe Banks Drywall & Acoustics is known for timely completions, quality work and excellent prices.

Trusted with some of the most prestigious commercial jobs in Northeast Louisiana, Joe Banks has proudly assisted in the completion of Monroe’s newest indoor entertainment center, Surge; CenturyLink;, renovations and expansion of the Monroe Regional Airport; the restoration of the original Virginia Hotel to the Vantage State Building; the University of Louisiana at Monroe Library; and most recently VCOM-Louisiana, the new Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine on the ULM campus.

The flooring department which was voted as a finalist for this year’s BayouBuzz Awards has been led by Leotis Nash, an employee

with Joe Banks Drywall & Acoustics for over 35 years. The focus is on but not limited to stair installation, sub-floor installation, floor refinishing and vinyl flooring repair. From engineered wood to tile, carpet to hardwoods, their experts can handle everything from installation to refinishing and repair work.

Joe Banks Drywall & Acoustics is here to help with your next construction project.

Whether you’re a private individual, a small family general contractor, corporation, or international firm, their experienced staff is here to help. They are an Associate Member of the Northeast Louisiana Chapter of the Association of General Contractors, the Monroe Chapter of American Sub-Contractors Association, and Supporter of the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries.

Find them at 119 Broadway Street in Mangham, LA, by calling (318) 248-2191 or visit their website at joebanksdrywall.com or visit their website at joebanksdrywall.com.

Newest Branch Opening Soon Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union

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UACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS A full service financial institution dedicated to serving its community and its members. The credit union offers a wide variety of services including Saving (share) accounts, Checking accounts, E-Services, CD’s, IRA’s and almost any type of loan from purchasing a vehicle to a home equity loan, plus so much more.

Recently, Ouachita Valley added Business Services to that list. From business accounts to business loans, we can provide business services tailored to suit your needs.

In May of 1955, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union began as Ouachita Parish Teachers Credit Union. Over 64 years of service, Ouachita Parish Teachers Credit Union continued to grow adding additional school systems, sponsor companies and mergers. For this reason, in the mid-80’s, the name was changed to Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union to better represent the credit union membership.

We are excited to announce the opening of our newest branch located at 2400 Louisville Avenue. This will be our fifth location throughout the Twin Cities. Other convenient locations include Natchitoches Street in West Monroe, Well Road in West Monroe, Sterlington Road in Monroe and Martin Luther King Drive in Monroe.

“We believe in investing in communities where our members live and work. Ouachita Valley has over 64 years of experience in

financial services, but also has deep roots within the city of Monroe.

We’re confident this new location is a benefit to our members and this community. Our members are the forefront of everything we do.”

-Katie Pilcher President/CEO Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union is proud to serve their community. For the past 16 years, Ouachita Valley has partnered with Sunny 98.3 to host the Sunny School Supply Drive. This supply drive helps children who need assistance with supplies to return to school each August. Throughout the years, over 10,000 students have benefited from the supply drive with the help of the community.

Each year during the month of July, we host several events to raise awareness and accept donations on behalf of the supply drive. During that time, we also accept applications for students in need of supplies.

To make a donation or for more information call Jessica Nugent at 318.387.4592.

Ouachita Valley currently serves over 32,000 members in the parishes they serve which are: Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita and Richland. For more information log onto www.ouachitavalleyfcu.org or call 318.387.4592 and begin taking advantage of the credit union difference today.

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INDIGO DYES There are many ways to use indigo in dying clothing, tea towels, sheets. Be creative, resourceful and have fun experimenting with new techniques. It’s always a surprise at the end, and the results are fascinating.

Photography and article by HEATHER LAND

Indigo comes from the leaves of Indigofera tinctoria. It thrives in the hot humidity of the tropics in India, El Salvador, Vietnam as well as in the hills of Tennessee. The leaves are fermented in water for several days until it turns yellow where it left to dry in the air to oxidize and coagulate into blue indigo.

Dip dying in a vat of indigo is an age old art. It is chemistry. It is a process. It has to be balanced. It cannot be rushed, but it can be greatly enjoyed.

The depth of color will depend on the strength of the dye. Synthetic indigo can give a deep color in just one dip, while natural powders and many prereduced natural granules take as many as 5 dips to reach a desired deep shade. Natural dyes naturally fade during initial wash and will continue to fade over time.

There are many great resources online: • dearhandmadelife.com has a great DIY post • botanicalcolors.com uses dye master Michel Garcia’s techniques to make an easy organic vat • maiwablog.com uses fruit mash in place of fructose • medium.com has a great post about the history of indigo

The SHIBORI METHOD is a Japanese practice of folding and banding to create various patterns.

Let yourself get creative and resourceful and try dipping with various wood blocks or leaves banded into your folds.

For every 5 gallon vat of indigo, you can dye around 2.5 lbs of fabric. It has become a summer tradition for me to make a vat and dip a few dozen tea towels, while we are at the beach camping in the state park. One of my favorite towels was dipped with a dried palm leaf. It was completely experimental.

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BLEACH DYES

Clean out the closet or pickup some pieces at the thrift store, grab a spray bottle, a bucket and a jug of bleach and watch the transformation. (Be sure to wear gloves and a mask! Straight bleach is very irritating to the sinus passages).

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The Perfect Mattress

Can Be Found At American Mattress Outlet

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HREE YEARS AGO, ROBBY Compton opened American Mattress Outlet in West Monroe. Locally owned and operated, his business offers a large selection of mattress options for those looking for affordability without sacrificing quality.

Compton, along with his wife of 24 years, Leslie have two daughters, Makenzie who is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Katie who is a senior at West Monroe High School. Compton says, “We love our community and we love having a business that serves our community.”

American Mattress Outlet carries several lines of mattresses including: Signature by Southerland, Thermo Balance, Scandinavian Sleep, Englander, Symbol, Capital Bedding, Brooklyn Bedding and Wellsville. With a range of mattresses varying from Euro top to adjustable beds, there is something for everyone at American Mattress Outlet.

Stepping into the store offers customers a

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“whole sleep experience.” Not only will Robby and his team fit you for the perfect mattress, they will help you make the best choices to improve your sleep experience.

Compton says, “We see people that have horrible sleep experiences and by guiding them to a better pillow, a mattress that fits their sleep positioning, we can improve someone’s life, and that is what makes me so passionate about this business. Our tag line is ‘We are American Mattress Outlet, where you don’t have to go into debt to get a great night’s sleep’ and I mean that. The difference is we can find the perfect mattress for your needs and budget without sacrificing quality for price.”

With concerns about Covid-19, Compton has taken extra steps in keeping his store sanitized for those wishing to come for a comfort test, partially earning him “Innovator of the Year Award” from the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce. He purchased a mattress vacuum that is used daily - it comes

equipped with a UV light that kills bacteria, along with the vacuum function. And, they took things a step further by purchasing a washer and dryer for the store so that a clean sheet can be put on each mattress before customers lay down. This, along with statewide recommendations for retail stores give customers peace-of-mind when searching for their perfect sleep experience at American Mattress Outlet.

More than ever, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep. If you are searching to replace your old mattress, or just starting out with a new home, American Mattress Outlet is the place to go. When asked about his store Compton says, “I’ve worked hard the last 3 years to make sure that we are taking care of our customers - they are our lifeline. When you come through our doors, we are going to fit you for a mattress. It is a low-pressure sale and we genuinely care about you. Our prices and products are amazing, and we are here, local and ready to help you.”

This is what one of his customers said, “My wife and I were in the market for a new bed, we had looked several places and finally decided on this place. Robby was very helpful, kind, courteous, and down to earth. He was very helpful and we purchased a new bed. Thanks guys for the great sleep.” ~ Christopher H.

Feel Confident This Summer

BodyTite - A Procedure That Melts Fat Tissue

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R. SAIDI SOWMA FAKHRE provides state-of-the-art medically supervised beauty regimens at Derma MediQ. Dr. Sowma-Fakhre is Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine and Pediatrics. BodyTite

by InMode is a minimally invasive body contouring system that uses Radio-Frequency Assisted Lipolysis technology. In combination with traditional liposuction, Dr. Marx is performing these two fat reducing procedures at Derma MediQ. WHAT IS BODYTITE?

BodyTite is a tool used for performing radio frequency assisted liposuction. It’s meant for people who want to get rid of fat in specific areas of their bodies. Not only does it suck out fat like traditional liposuction, but it is also melts fat tissue and works with blood vessels to achieve a smoother, tighter look. It can be used to tighten up any area of the body that has excess fat, including:

• • • • • • •

Arms Thighs Hips Abdomen Neck Knees Buttocks

BodyTite is a great solution for individuals who are looking to reduce fat without the saggy, wrinkly skin. It also helps improve skin laxity after weight loss or due to aging.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

By combining BodyTite with tumescent liposuction, patients will receive maximium fat removal, for body sculpting and skin tightening without the scars associated with a tummy tuck and general anesthesia. Patients require larger incisions that in turn leave more scar tissue and takes weeks to heal – not to mention the dangers associated with general

anesthesia. With BodyTite Liposuction, Dr. Marx will be able to contour your body and give you the shape you have always wanted with small incisions that are virtually unnoticeable following the procedure, and a minimum recovery period with no general anesthesia.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A wand is inserted under the skin to heat fat cells while tightening the skin and providing a three-dimensional contraction of the dermis, subdermal connective tissue and deep fat to create a tighter appearance. Results are apparent immediately after treatment, and your body continues to improve over the course of six months to a year later. Once fat cells are removed, they do not grow back.

Only one treatment is needed for permanent results.

Dr. Saidi Sowma-Fakhre says, “Patients have seen an improvement in their overall appearance with great skin tightening. What is really wonderful about this procedure is that the downtime is minimal and can be done at our DermaMediQ office with only local anesthesia. The results are permanent, and as collagen production increases, results will continue to improve over time.”

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2 Crazy Girls Flowershop Offers Quality Floral Arrangements and Gifts

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HEN IT COMES TO PROVIDING the best quality and freshest flower arrangements, 2 Crazy Girls in Ruston Louisiana has the best. Holly Allen has been a licensed florist for 25 years and started the company back in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. Ruston definitely has her heart and she is proud of her Ruston roots. Holly strives to carry local merchandise in her shop, for example, goat milk soap that is made in Jonesboro, and “Down Right Designs” which is Anna Sasser’s art, who is from Choudrant.

Holly thinks the best part about her job is her customers. She loves making sure the customers are taken care of the right way and if they need flowers done for a wedding, graduation, funeral, etc., they are perfectly done the way the customer wants them.

She wants to make sure they are happy and satisfied at the end of the day.

2 Crazy Girls is committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts,

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backed by service that is friendly and prompt.

Because all of their customers are important, their professional staff is dedicated to making each experience a pleasant one. That is why they always go the extra mile to make sure that each floral gift is perfect.

Services that 2 Crazy Girls specialize in:

• Large inventory of fresh flowers for any occasion

• Weddings / Wedding Flowers

• Sympathy and Funeral flowers

• Birthday Flowers, Get Well Flowers, Anniversary Flowers

• Plants

• European/dish gardens

• Modern and traditional flower arrangements

• High-style floral arrangements

• Silk flower arrangements

• Dried floral arrangements

• Extensive gift line

• Gourmet fruit baskets

• Gift baskets • Greeting cards

2 Crazy Girls provides customers with custom designs for any occasion. They do fresh arrangements for all occasions, door wreaths and sconces, decorate doors with grapevine garland, silk arrangements for the home and seasonal decorating as well.

If you have any questions or need more information, give them a call directly at 318254-1090. They are always here to serve you and make your flower-sending experience a pleasure.

Comments from their customers:

Amazing prices on flowers/ monogrammed things. I will never go to anyone else They really take the time to listen to what you want instead of suggesting. They really go the extra mile. - Taylor W.

The flowers for my daughter’s wedding were beautiful. They went above and beyond to get her exactly what she wanted. I would highly recommend. - Trayce W.

They do an amazing job! I went in with a simple idea, and they went over and beyond what I ask. They did an amazing job. Will definitely recommend and will definitely be back!- Jan T.

Same Chicken Salad, New Location Coming Soon Ruston is Gaining a Chicken Salad Chick

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HICKEN SALAD CHICK IS EXCITED to announce our new location in Ruston, Louisiana. Located on Maxwell Boulevard, we are excited to spread the love and the most delicious chicken salad to this area.

At Chicken Salad Chick, we offer delicious, scratch-made, Southern-style favorites served from the heart. We don’t believe in strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet—so come in and enjoy! You’ll find fresh, healthy fare and gracious hospitality at our chicken salad restaurant. We know everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect chicken salad recipe, so we’ve created several options. If you’re a chicken salad lover, you’ll discover something here to satisfy your tastes. From simple to savory to fruity and nutty or even a little spicy, you can pick the chick that suits your mood. We have over a dozen varieties of chicken salads along with pimento cheese or egg salad, served by

the scoop, sandwich or bowl. You’ll also find delicious sides, soups and desserts, in addition to the scoops of chicken salad that started it all. Bringing along your little chicks? We have a great kids’ menu. For quick, amazing meals, we even offer convenient carryout. At Chicken Salad Chick, we use fresh ingredients and time-honored traditions. We take great pride in making our flavors by hand each morning, using only premium chicken tenderloins and our special combinations of sweet and savory ingredients.While you are here, consider yourself an honorary chick! We believe food brings people together, so we always provide service with a smile and aim for you to leave our chicken salad restaurants happy with your meal and refreshed from time well spent.

FOLLOW YOUR APPETITE AND EARN REWARDS

If you are planning on hosting an event for July 4th, let us help cater youre exciting day.

Call in and order what you want from our new carry out menu, and we will have your food ready for you. You can enjoy you’re wonderful event with family, friends or co-workers.

The Chick has always maintained the highest levels of food safety and cleanliness.

Chicken Salad Chick has been recognized nationally as one of the top restaurants for food safety and cleanliness procedures and scores, and we have added these new practices to address Covid-19 requirements and keep our guests and teams safe and healthy while enjoying us for dine-in, takeout, curbside and takeout.

1191 Lamy Lane Suite 7 Monroe, Louisiana Call (318) 322-4425

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Camp Ch-Yo-Ca

A Local Favorite for Over 53 Years

BY MEAGAN HARKINS

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ENTURING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY OFF BROWNLEE Road to Camp Ch-Yo-Ca, veteran campers know a lot of what to expect. The trees on these “100 acres of holy” are rooted as deep as the traditions, yet the Lord’s song is new every summer.

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca isn’t like a lot of other places young people are drawn to. The noise of the modern world is drowned out in order to fully embrace Jesus and one another. The simplicity of diving at the pool, creating in the craft shed and swinging with new friends points back to what the camp ministry believes the world was intended to be- a culture of joy, grace, forgiveness, inclusion and intimacy with the Lord.

The slower-pace that campers enjoy is evident as the iconic gazebo, a shaded, wisteria-wound refuge is one of the favorite hang-outs.

Within these posts lies the heart of camp. With hands full from a visit to the Country Store, directors, counselors and campers alike gather to build relationships that transcend time and place.

Red cabins residing in the villages are places of transformation through friendship and late-night talks. The mess hall is a place of unity and nourishment from home-cooked meals and silly songs. The pavilion is a symbol of joy that features such camp events as Nitty Gritty, skit nights and water days. The fields are places of renewal as spiritual activities and prayer nights guide campers to God. Campfire is a place of growth as wisdom is shared through Bible lessons. The picnic tables are even places of renewal as morning quiet time is another camp favorite. Lakeside chapels are places of deeper conversation and learning from dedicated Bible teachers.

While these places are only occupied during the summer, the experiences campers take away are timeless.

“You don’t need anything other than your heart to get to Jesus,” former camper, Sadie Robertson Huff, says. “You don’t need a stage set properly; you don’t need lights to be done; you don’t need the worship music to be loud enough; you don’t need the people in your life to be strong enough. Camp teaches you that. Because you are in the woods, it strips you back of everything.”

Walking around these piney woods, campers feel liberated to be themselves, venturing outside of self-imposed comfort zones to discover who the Lord made them to be.

“Campers see us as role models,” counselor and former camper, Ty Touvell, says. “We are able to show kids that it is okay to be silly and have fun. They need to know that camp is a safe place to be who you are with no worries. Showing them that sticks with them.”

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca teaches just Jesus. Coming from different beliefs, backgrounds and locations, thousands have gathered together on these grounds for over fifty years, choosing the freedom to grow with and learn from one another.

Counselor Kendall Branton says camp teaches her to slow down and rediscover childlike faith, describing it as “Choosing joy over worrying. Choosing happiness--not letting everything build up and walking in freedom.”

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca has been adored for fifty-three years. Whether someone has been a camper since the gates first opened or for just one week, Camp Ch-Yo-Ca feels like home. Year after year, the winding road to camp waits to welcome back old faces and celebrate those coming home for the first time.

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Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy Hopkins Dermatology Offers Non-Surgical Cure For Skin Cancer

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R. JANINE HOPKINS, BOARDcertified dermatologist, is pleased to offer a non-surgical cure for skin cancer.

This advanced technology, known as ImageGuided Superficial Radiotherapy (IG-SRT), is used to treat the two most common skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Hopkins has collaborated with SkinCure Oncology, a national company focusing solely on curing skin cancer, to bring this technology into her full-spectrum practice. Hopkins Dermatology is the second dermatology practice in Louisiana to offer this technology as an alternative to surgery.

Additionally, Hopkins Dermatology is in the top 1% of practices in the U.S. to offer IG-SRT to address the increasing rate of skin cancer.

radiotherapy for treating non-melanoma skin cancers. Once a skin cancer is diagnosed, Dr. Hopkins consults with her patient to discuss their treatment options. If the patient is a good candidate for IG-SRT, they are scheduled for a simulation where the skin cancer is analyzed via ultrasound, which allows Dr. Hopkins and her Radiation Therapist, Emily Williams, to visualize the depth of the tumor. They then determine the depth and fine tune the precise amount of radiation needed, allowing them to deliver an accurate, painless calibrated dose of superficial radiation to cure nonmelanoma skin cancer without scarring. This is ideal for treating skin cancer on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears or any area where healing or scars are a concern.

WHAT IS IMAGE-GUIDED SUPERFICIAL RADIOTHERAPY (IG-SRT)?

IG-SRT uses computerized image-guided

BENEFITS OF IG-SRT

• No Cutting, anesthesia or sticking

• No Scarring

• Twenty 15-minute treatment visits • Covered by Medicare, BCBS, United Healthcare and most commercial insurance companies • Painless Treatments • Doesn’t require discontinuation of blood thinners other medications • No diabetes complications • Does not require the use of antibiotics • 99.4% cure rate

Since IG-SRT launched at Hopkins Dermatology in November 2019, the number of cured skin cancers has reached over 100 cases. There is no need to travel to a bigger town. The technology is available right here in Northeast Louisiana at Hopkins Dermatology.

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2Dudes Brew & Que

Making the World Better One Plate at a Time

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EED YOUR SOUL WITH 2 DUDES BREW & QUE LOCATED in the historic Downtown Monroe. Kevo Meredith and Chris Brown combined friendship and business and started out with 2 Dudes Catering. Their passion for spreading love and feeding the masses eventually lead them to a more permanent spot where they currently reside. They both have a passion for coming up with the best recipes and concoctions that has set them apart from others.

Kevo and Chris’s main goal is to make sure they and their business spread love and happiness. With the current state our world is in, there is so much negativity surrounding us in our day-to-day lives such as the media, our social media channels and even right here in our own little town. These 2 dudes want to make sure that the time spent under their roof makes you feel welcome, loved, safe and satisfied by the time you leave. They want to make the world a little better one BBQ plate at time.

2 Dudes Brew and Que is such a great addition to the historic downtown food and entertainment scene. Opening theirs doors in December of 2018, the journey to where they are now has been nothing short of a struggle. They have definitely come out on top with a little bit of hard work and a love for what they do and the people that they do it for. As a new business feeling the affects of the latest quarantine from the coronavirus, it has been nothing short of an uphill battle, but they did not let this obstacle discourage them.

They kept persevering and getting creative on ways to keep moving forward and to be the best, and it has paid off by being named the best BBQ joint in North Louisiana.

When it comes to their menu, they have some of the most creative and fun things featured. For example, you have to try the “Hail Mary Sammich”. The Hail Mary Sammich comes out with huge layers of their five meats, smoked brisket, pulled pork, ham, chicken and sausage with three layers of cheese and topped with cole slaw on toasted bread. You also can’t forget about their mouth watering smoked meatloaf. This meatloaf has one chunk of smoked ground beef topped with a BBQ glaze and stuffed with cheddar cheese. It is definitely one of the most popular options on the menu. For dessert, be sure to try their “2 point conversion,” where you get the best of both worlds by getting smaller portions of both their delicious banana pudding and strawberry shortcake. Their banana pudding is made with Biscoff cookie butter cookies and their strawberry shortcake has angel food cake with a homemade cool whip glaze topped with fresh strawberries. If you’re in the mood to watch the latest sports game or just in the mood for a great craft cocktail, they have some of the best in town as well.

If you’re ready for some amazing BBQ, great atmosphere for a game or a great place to hangout, be sure to stop by 2 Dudes Brew & Que located on 436 Desiard St. in the historic downtown Monroe.

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SUMMER PA L AT E

From delicious libations to grilled salmon, homemade ice cream to a fruit caprese, these recipes are sure to tickle your taste buds.

BE A PEACH CO C K TA I L RECIPE ON PAGE 140

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY

KELLY MOORE CLARK A R T D I R EC T I O N

TAYLOR BENNETT

SPICY LEMON SALMON RECIPE ON PAGE 140

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PEACH CAPRESE SALAD RECIPE ON PAGE 140

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SUMMER PA L AT E RECIPES

BE A

PEACH

PEACH

CAPRESE

COCK TAIL

SALAD

WHAT YOU NEED: 1/2 sliced ripe peach 2 ounces gin 4 ounces tonic water 1 ounce freshly squeeze lime juice crushed ice rosemary sprigs for garnish lime wedges for garnish HOW TO MAKE: Fill a glass with peach slices and crushed ice. Pour gin of choice over ice, then top with tonic, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Stir to combine. Add more peach slices, a lime wedge and a rosemary sprig to garnish.

WHAT YOU NEED:

SPICY

LEMON

SALMON WHAT YOU NEED: 6 salmon filets 1 tbsp lemon juice 3 tbsp melted butter 1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp red chili powder 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 lemon, cut into thin slices 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley salt to taste HOW TO MAKE: Wash the salmon filets and pat dry.

Arrange the salmon on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Mix lemon juice, butter, garlic, red chili powder, salt and black pepper in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the salmon.Arrange lemon slices in between the filets. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.Bake the fish for 25 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Make sure to not overcook the fish or it will become dry.

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Garden picked basil 2 fresh peaches 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese olive oil balsamic vinegar sea salt ground pepper HOW TO MAKE: Slice mozzarella balls and peaches, and line them on serving plate topped with chopped basil or lined with whole basil leaf. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (or olive oil and balsamic vinegar). Season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

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HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

Take some time this summer to make a variety of mouth-watering homemade ice creams. We’ve compiled the recipes for three of our favorites: Cinna-Chocolate Ice Cream, Berry Refreshing Ice Cream and Grand Ole Good Time Ice Cream. Find the recipes on the following page.

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY

KELLY MOORE CLARK A R T D I R EC T I O N

TAYLOR BENNETT

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HOMEMADE ICE CREAM RECIPES GRAND OLE GOOD TIME ICE CREAM

WHAT YOU NEED:

BERRY

REFRESHING ICE CREAM

WHAT YOU NEED: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 2 packages (6 ounces) blueberries 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp salt 1 cup whole milk 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice HOW TO MAKE: Combine blueberries, sugar, vanilla and salt in a heavy saucepan. Heat blueberry mixture over mediumhigh heat until sugar dissolves while stirring occasionally.

Continue heating blueberry mixture until it comes to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for an extra 10 minutes. Remove mixture from heat. Cool for 20 minutes.

Purée blueberry mixture in a blender. Combine mixture, heavy cream, milk, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Cover and chill ice cream base with plastic wrap in refrigerator overnight.

Pour ice cream base into an ice cream maker. Make ice cream according to manufacturer’s directions.

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2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream zest of one medium-large orange 1 cup granulated sugar, divided 5 large egg yolks 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 3 tbsp Grand Marnier pinch sea or kosher salt HOW TO MAKE: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together milk and heavy cream. Bring the to a boil. Turn heat off and add the orange zest. Let mixture steep for 40 to 60 minutes. After steeping, add half of the sugar and salt and gradually return the mixture to a boil over mediumlow heat. While the mixture is reheating, combine the yolks and remaining sugar in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer on low speed, beat until mixture is pale and thick. Once the mixture has come to a slight boil, whisk about 1/3 of the hot mixture into the yolk/sugar mixture. Add another 1/3 of the mixture, then return the combined mixture to the saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture constantly until it coats the back of the spoon.

This mixture must not boil. Stir in the vanilla and Grand Marnier and pour the mixture through strainer (discard the orange zest); bring to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Whisk mixture again before pouring into the ice cream maker. Process in ice cream maker.

CINNA

CHOCOL ATE ICE CREAM

WHAT YOU NEED: 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 cup milk 1/4 cup cocoa powder 4o unces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon Pinch salt Pinch cayenne Pinch espresso powder 6 egg yolks, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp brandy HOW TO MAKE: Heat one cup of cream in a small saucepan and whisk in cocoa powder. Bring to a simmer.

Remove pot from heat and stir in chocolate. Put mixture into a metal bowl and add the remaining cup of cream, and let it cool. Add one cup of milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt, cayenne, espresso powder into a saucepan and heat until steamy (not boiling), stirring until sugar is dissolved. Place egg yolks in a bowl, and slowly pour the heated milk and mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly so that the egg yolks are tempered by the heated milk. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan. Stir the milk egg mixture constantly over medium heat with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spoon. As soon as the mixture coats the spoon, remove it from the heat and immediately pour it into the bowl of the chocolate cream mixture.

Add a teaspoon of vanilla. Let the mixture cool and place in the refrigerator until completely chilled. Right before churning, add 2 tbsp of brandy to the mix.

This is an optional step. Churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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ON T H E FRON T L I N E S

Thom Hamilton US Navy Commander Thom Hamilton recently returned from deployment to New York City, where he worked in an ICU with COVID-19 patients at a hospital there. This work was just one example of Hamilton’s remarkable ability to take what life gives him and make the most of it. article by Georgiann Potts Portraits by Kelly Moore Clark

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In many ways,

Hamilton’s entire life has been one marked by resilience. Since childhood, he has mastered the art of survival by assessing the current situation, evaluating the available options, and then making a decision based on the facts. His very successful military, nursing, small business and political careers have all come about as a result of this approach. Even with an active work life, however, Hamilton has never lost sight of the most important thing to him --family.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Not everyone’s childhood is like “The Waltons.” Multiple generations of family living in one home was not the childhood that Hamilton experienced, but there was still more than enough love to go around. He gives much credit to his sister, Debbie, for that.

Hamilton’s father, John N. Hamilton, Jr., was from Monroe. While stationed with the USAF in Germany during the Korean conflict, he met and married Renate Hautz from Munich. When he was discharged in 1958, the two moved to Monroe. Hamilton’s mother learned English and became a secretary for a West Monroe company. His father worked as a police officer and later at the West Monroe paper mill (Olin Kraft at the time). The two had 5 children in 6 years – Debbie, Bobby, Michael, Johnny and Thom. The family lived on Crescent Drive in Monroe’s southside, where new, affordable houses were being built.

The family was shocked by the untimely death of their father.

Thom, the youngest of the children, was only 5. “My mother was a strong woman, and we carried on,” Hamilton remembers. “She was very spiritual, and we grew up as Christians. We were very active in our church, Southside United Methodist (now Lea Joyner Memorial UMC).”

Three years later, Hamilton’s mother was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). This was a crushing blow, but the siblings banded together to care for their mother, as she gradually lost muscle function. “It was not an ideal childhood for us, but because Mom was always in control (ALS attacks the muscles, not the brain), she was still the boss,” Hamilton says.

As their mother’s condition deteriorated, the siblings banded together to take over the household duties. They devised a schedule for caring for their mother by taking turns. “We did normal kid things like playing baseball, but we had an obligation to take care of Mom. Someone was with her 24/7,” Hamilton says. “We took turns, sometimes having to stay home from school, because the sitter could not come.”

THE BIG APPLE Hamilton was deployed to New York City, Navy Medicine Support Team, Operation Gotham. He was assigned to Coney Island Hospital in South Brooklyn to work in a makeshift COVID-19 ICU unit.

Making His Mark

Debbie, the oldest,

gradually began managing the household, paying bills and doing those things that their mother couldn’t. When their mother died five years later, the sibling “tribe” had become a selfsufficient family unit. Because Thom was 13, his paternal grandfather was named his guardian. Although so young, because Debbie was now 19, Thom was allowed to remain home with his brothers and sister. “She was – and still is – my hero!” he says.

The children made a trip to Munich after their mother died to visit with family. They went during Christmas, and Hamilton discovered a love for snow skiing and mountains. It was the second vacation that Hamilton enjoyed as a child. The first, a driving trip through Arkansas and Missouri with his mother and relatives from El Dorado the summer after his father’s

death, was fun for the five-year-old. “I thought the Marvel Cave in Silver Dollar City was the largest thing in the world, and I was in awe of it,” he says. “Went back to it with my own kids years later and discovered that it was much bigger in my memory than in reality!”

Going to the river, water skiing, camps, and just hanging out with his friends were treats for Hamilton as he grew up. His paternal grandfather was older and in poor health, so he couldn’t take Hamilton hunting or fishing. Because of that, when Hamilton was invited to go do either with his friends and their families, it meant more. Especially before their mother’s death, the family would spend holidays together with their paternal grandparents and their Great Aunt Margaret in Monroe. Hamilton loved those special family times.

The family was poor, and the children lived on Social Security for most of Hamilton’s childhood.

Every penny counted. Hamilton’s first jobs when he was 13 were operating skeet shoots and trap house at a gun club. When 15, he ushered at Eastgate Cinema for one summer. That fall he began working at Louisville Imports, restocking, doing inventory control, and later, working the counter. He saved and bought his first car – a Toyota Corolla Sport coupe without air conditioning.

“That was the worst decision – buying a car without AC in the south – and it was not a chick magnet in the summertime!” he remembers. When that company closed, Hamilton worked at Safeway for the remainder of high school and his first year in college.

E A R LY E D U C AT I O N M E N TO R S

Hamilton attended public schools. Minnie Ruffin Elementary, Jefferson Junior High, Wossman High School (grades 9 and 10), and Neville High School (grades 11 and 12) were where Hamilton learned important life lessons and met teachers who guided him when he needed it most. At Wossman, Hamilton followed brother Johnny’s lead and joined the high school wrestling team. He might have enjoyed being in the band, but he says no one pushed him in that direction. “Kids need some encouragement by parents to push them into trying things, but no one really did that for me,” he recalls. “I’m not blaming anyone – it was just the way it was.”

While at Minnie Ruffin, Mrs. Neil (4th grade teacher) encouraged Hamilton to try harder. “She knew that I could do better,” he says with a laugh.

Ms. Williams, a 6th grade teacher there, was also an important encourager for Hamilton. “She was a tall African American woman whom everyone was afraid of,” Hamilton says. “When I got to 6th grade, she was my teacher. Turns out that she was the best teacher I ever had. She took an interest in me and was not willing to give up on me. She didn’t teach from intimidation, but from persistence and her belief in me. From that time on, I knew I wasn’t dumb after all and that I could learn if I were persistent enough.”

S T U DY I N G F O R A C A R E E R

Hamilton’s earliest dream was to be a pilot.

Today, he looks back on that and sees it as part of a plan (conscious or unconscious) for his escape into adulthood. Because he lacked both the money and grades for a professional pilot school, Hamilton enrolled at Northeast Louisiana University (now

ULM). He majored in Air Traffic Control, hoping to his BSN and spent the next decade pursing his medical use that to become a pilot. Both Debbie and Michael career. graduated from NLU, and Johnny was taking classes N U R S I N G A N D M I L I TA R Y CO M B I N E there. He worked on his private pilot’s license but ran

Hamilton began nursing as a telemetry floor out of funds before completing the work. nurse working in the ICU at night. Once again, he

To earn money for college expenses, Hamilton hated nights, so after 6 months he transferred to the took a job as night auditor at Monroe’s Holiday Inn APCU-post anesthesia care unit (aka Recovery Room).

Holidome. He worked there for 2 years, acquiring He worked there for a year earning the experience important accounting and guest relations skills. He required to move to Surgery. He became a Circulator also learned that he was not a night owl. His grades within surgery and found his niche. He and others suffered. began the heart program at Glenwood Medical Center

By this time, his sister had married Randy Wisenor, and he worked in that program as well as Surgery had one child, and was expecting her second. Hamilton Nurse for several years. Today, he is Charge Nurse for had “come along with the house” when his sister and the Glenwood Surgery department.

Randy married, but now he felt the need to get on his

Ten years after beginning nursing, Hamilton got own. The best option given his situation? The military. “a random email from Naval Reserves” that caught Hamilton enlisted in the US Navy, an important decision his attention. They were looking for Peri-Op Surgery that opened opportunities.

Nurses (trained for all parts of He chose electronics for his surgery – pre-op, op, and posttraining. Later in his Navy op) and were offering a bonus to enlistment, he decided to join. Hamilton inquired, listened, pursue nursing. He tried for and joined as a Commissioned the Navy’s Medical Enlisted Officer in the Navy Nurse Corps Commissioning Program in 2004. Today, in addition to his (MECP) through which the Glenwood responsibilities, he Navy would send him to the drills at the Navy Operational college of his choice to get a Support Center Shreveport and nursing degree in exchange for is deployed when the Navy his serving 6-years in the Navy needs him.

Nurse Corps. He took some pre Hamilton has had several nursing classes at Pensacola deployments as part of his Navy Junior College, but didn’t get duties. In 2010, he was deployed accepted to MECP. The next on the USNS Mercy serving year, the Navy was in draw in Indonesia islands. There he down and Hamilton had the worked in surgery offering lifeoption of remaining or leave. changing treatments for cleft While stationed in palates, cataracts, hernias, GYN Pensacola, Hamilton met Tonya procedures, orthopedics and “COVID-19 is the real deal. I have seen firsthand what more to the local underserved Arrington. Just 4 months later, it can do to a person. I know it has – and will – change population. USNS Mercy they were married. Together they have created a family filled had 10 operating rooms, 1000 some things in our life. Only if a vaccine or with love. “We’ve gone through hospital beds, and provided viable treatment comes along will we be able to some tough times together, first not only surgical services but return to life as we knew it.” just starting out on my enlisted also medical care in dentistry, pay and her minimum wage optometry and veterinary. jobs,” Hamilton says. “We complement each other.

Some worked as environmental engineers. “This was Tonya is a social butterfly, and I’m not. She makes me incredibly good work, done by all on board.” Hamilton get out of my normally introverted self.” recalls. “It really added to the quality of life to these While in the Navy, they had 3 small children communities.”

(Olivia, Corey, and Sean) and wanted to stop the

Hamilton had no idea that his next deployment frequent moves that military life required. Hamilton would come during a worldwide pandemic. also realized that with the collapse of the Soviet Union COV I D -19 and the poor US economy, Electronic Techs were a

By March 2020, COVID-19 was a familiar term dime a dozen – and most had no jobs. He realized that everywhere. As elective surgeries were stopped at nursing was a better choice because of its stability. He Glenwood and elsewhere, surgery nurses began cross chose to leave active military after 9 years and pursue training in other departments, so they could fill in nursing as a civilian. where the heaviest workloads were anticipated. At the Hamilton was coming full circle. He had been same time, Hamilton was deployed to New York City, part of the family team caring for their mother and Navy Medicine Support Team, Operation Gotham. had practical experience in caring for others who were He was assigned to Coney Island Hospital in South ill. He took a severance package from the Navy in late Brooklyn. There he worked in a makeshift COVID ICU 1993 and moved his family to West Monroe, so he could with 14 beds. Most of his patients were on ventilators. enroll in the NLU nursing school. In 1997, he earned Hamilton was the leader of his unit. In addition to

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patient care, his responsibilities included scheduling, preparing reports and serving as liaison between the hospital administrators and Navy leadership.

His deployment was supposed to be 60 days, but when orders came, they were for 270 days. No one knew how long they might be needed.

Hamilton spent 42 days in NYC and then 16 in Portsmouth, Virginia, in quarantine before being sent home. His experience left him with a clear understanding of just how dangerous the virus is. “COVID-19 is the real deal.

I have seen firsthand what it can do to a person. I know it has – and will – change some things in our life. Only if a vaccine or viable treatment comes along will we be able to return to life as we knew it,” Hamilton explains.

“I have seen it attack seemingly healthy patients that did not have the comorbidities than many of the victims have had. It scares me, and I worry about anyone who gets it.”

Just like other small business owners, Hamilton and Tonya have experienced the economic downturn that the virus has caused. Over the past 15 years, they have opened 3 businesses. Two have closed, but the Hamilton House Inn, a bed and breakfast in downtown West Monroe, remains open.

“Business at the Inn came to a crawl during March and April but is steadily picking up as the economy opens in phases.”

Hamilton also has a “bigger picture” of the virus’ impact, because he serves as a West Monroe alderman. Former Mayor Dave Norris appointed him to fill a vacant City Council seat, and then Hamilton won election to the seat at the next election – and the next. He didn’t seek his political career, but he has accepted the responsibility with enthusiasm. He loves West Monroe, his home.

Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, once said, “Let us never consider ourselves finished, nurses. We must be learning all of our lives.”

Thom Hamilton has done just that. Whether learning to cope with adversity or finding some way to move forward, Hamilton has indeed mastered the art of survival.

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Milan Arpino Awarded National Scholarship

Arpino Awarded Prestigious National Scholarship by the WSIA Education Foundation

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HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA Monroe student Milan Arpino, a junior majoring in Risk Management and Insurance in the College of Business and Social Sciences, was recently awarded a prestigious national scholarship by the WSIA Education Foundation for $5,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The foundation’s Derek Hughes Scholarship Program encourages the study of insurance and rewards exceptional students who have an interest in an insurance career.

Arpino was one of the few recipients selected from applications received from over 44 universities across the county.

Christine Berry, Ph.D., professor and coordinator of the RMI program, recommended Arpino for the scholarship.

“Milan is one of the most enthusiastic and hardest working students I have encountered in my over 25 years of being in higher education. There are many exceptional things

University of Louisiana Monroe about Milan, but one of the most RMI program.” remarkable is that she spent a year in Italy immediately The WSIA (Wholesale and Specialty Insurance after high school. On her own initiative, she later obtained a Association) Education Foundation, formed in 2018 risk management internship with the merger of the AAMGA (for which she could speak Education Foundation and only Italian) working for Mario the Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Capello, engineer and technical consultant for the Republic of Educational Foundation, is Italy this past summer,” Berry dedicated to encouraging the educational development of all said.

Arpino added, “I am those interested in the excess and surplus lines business, to honored to be a recipient of creating an understanding, and the Education Foundation MILAN ARPINO overcoming the misperceptions Scholarship.

I am very appreciative for the work of the selection of the excess and surplus lines market.

ULM’s RMI program is one of a few committee, Foundation President Brian Van Cleave, and Christine Timmerman for their in the country that offers a curriculum that continued support of students pursuing prepares students for successful careers careers in Risk Management and Insurance. in the wholesale insurance industry.

Special thanks to Dr. Christine Berry and the

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Snap, Crackle, Pop Why Are My Joints So Noisy?

BY VAL IRION, MD

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E’VE ALL EXPERIENCED IT: KNEES THAT SNAP when we stand up, a neck that cracks when we turn our head and ankles that pop when we rotate them. Often, joint cracking can be loud – and perhaps a little disconcerting. It is no wonder that many people think there might be something wrong with their joints when they hear them snapping, popping, and cracking. Creaking and snapping joints can be annoying, but for the most part, they are nothing to worry about. Unless…. popping and cracking are accompanied by pain and swelling. These “pops” are not good. These painful joint noises are often the result of an injury and need to be addressed sooner versus later.

WHY DO JOINTS MAKE NOISE? I hear about creaky joints from patients of all ages almost every day and the bottom line is that joints just make noise. Some of the more common reasons for popping joints:

Nitrogen bubbles: The joints surrounding tissues make synovial fluid to lubricate the surrounding area, protecting them from abrasion as you move. Nitrogen bubbles, a component of this fluid, often form in your joints. The cracking is the sound of gas being released from the joint, an action called cavitation. This process often occurs unintentionally when you walk, exercise, or get up from a still position. It takes time for nitrogen bubbles to form again, which is why you can’t repetitively crack the same joint until about 10 to 30 minutes pass.

Ligament Movements: Ligaments are composed of strong fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to each other. Your ligaments can be tight and may pop when you suddenly move or rotate at an unusual angle.

Rough Joint Surfaces: People often notice that their joints seem to make more noise as they get older. There is a good reason for that. The older you get, the more noise your joints can make, because some of your cartilage wears away as part of the normal aging process. The surfaces get rougher and your joints get a little noisy when they rub together. Joint sounds can come and go, depending on how you position your body when you sit and sleep, the amount of exercise you get, your age and just general wear and tear.

WHAT’S THAT SOUND? There are a few reasons why your joints snap and crack. If you are at the gym doing repetitive exercises, such as lifting weights or pushups, you might notice a clicking or soft snapping sound each time you bend your arm or leg. This sound may be indicative 152 JULY 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

that a muscle is tight and is rubbing and causing friction around the bone.

The sound also could be coming from tendons rubbing over the bone.

In this instance stretching before exercise can really help to reduce the joint noise. The shoulder is one of the noisiest joints… particularly during exercise. There are a lot of moving parts in the shoulder and several tendons that move over bones often resulting in snapping and cracking noises.

WHAT ABOUT CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES? When you crack your knuckles, the sound is the result of the compression of nitrogen bubbles (cavitation) that naturally occur in the spaces of the joints. Even though you may have been told that cracking your knuckles will cause you to suffer from arthritis or make your knuckles swell or get larger, there actually is no scientific evidence to prove this.

POPPING AND PAIN…TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR? If you hear or “feel” a popping sound in a joint and it’s accompanied by pain or swelling, you may have an injury that requires treatment. You should see your doctor if popping is accompanied by:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Limited range of motion

• The joint suddenly locks up after it pops.

Cracking noises, which often sound like popping and often can be a sign of problems that require treatment, like gout, ligament tears, inflammation, and joint dislocation.

HOW TO AVOID CREAKY JOINTS… Move! Move! Move! You can avoid creaking joints by getting up and moving throughout your day. The more you move the more your body lubricates itself. If you are sitting or lying around, the fluid in your joints doesn’t move either.

Activity and movement mean lubricated joints.

My partners and I want to wish you and your loved ones continued health and safety during these challenging times and a VERY HAPPY 4th!

Val Irion, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacement. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Irion or the team at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, please visit: orthopedicspecialistla.com.

Expanding Services

Children’s Coalition Expanding Mental Health, Student Support Programs Through Grant

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HE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST Louisiana is expanding its services to young people and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis with a $50,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.

The Children’s Coalition will use the funds in support of three programs: • Mental Health: Increased suicide screenings and mental health access for junior high students in rural parishes through the SOS: Signs of Suicide prevention program, which includes education for caregivers and teachers about the signs of depression in young people and ways to seek help.

• Rural Technology Access: Providing computers for incoming college freshmen who serve as student ambassadors for the Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation (U-ACT) program, which provides opportunities for young people to make positive choices that prevent and reduce substance abuse in Union Parish.

• Supporting Students and Families: As needs arise among student families, the Children’s Coalition has been providing support, from providing shelter and supplies, such as diapers, wipes and cleaning supplies, to helping families access the internet to continue remote learning for students.

Speaking about the Coalition’s mental health work funded by this grant, Executive Director Leann Bond said, “This crisis will affect families and children everywhere — whether it’s directly from COVID-19 exposure or the economic downturn. Young people are especially susceptible to the mental health impacts, because this is happening at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives when caregivers might see some warning signs as simply adolescent angst.

These essential resources will help families learn the signs, make a plan and access screenings. We have to pay attention now more than ever.”

Michael Tipton, president of the Blue Cross Foundation, added: “We are grateful for organizations, like the Children’s Coalition, who are working to support kids and families across the state during this crisis. Mental health is going to be a key factor in our resilience and recovery, and this kind of support is incredibly important to offer to those in need.”

Caregivers and families can find more information about the Children’s Coalition, including the SOS and U-ACT programs at www.childrenscoalition. org or by calling 318-323-8775.

About the Blue Cross Foundation

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation works each day to improve the health and lives of Louisianians by empowering everyday people to do extraordinary good. By building and funding coalitions of friends, families and neighbors, the Foundation hopes to build a healthier Louisiana, particularly for its children. The Foundation is funded solely by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, but is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. Together, Blue Cross and the Blue Cross Foundation invest $3.5 million each year into Louisiana’s communities and nonprofits.

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White Claw® Hard Seltzer Made Pure®

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UMMER IS HERE AND SO IS THIS SUMMER’S MOST sought-after drink that embraces the healthy lifestyle and a balanced life. White Claw Hard Seltzer brings the simplicity that is seltzer water, along with a spike of alcohol and a hint of natural fruit flavor, to create a refreshing low-calorie, gluten-free seltzer drink with no artificial ingredients. Crafted with simple and pure sparkling water, it’s a brandnew kind of alcoholic refreshment that is more relevant than ever given today’s healthier lifestyles and choices. White Claw Hard Seltzer makes it possible for health-conscious drinkers to enjoy a convenient and refreshing alcoholic beverage they can feel good about. At 100 calories, White Claw Hard Seltzer is all-natural, low carb and gluten-free. Each refreshing flavor of White Claw is naturally sweetened with a touch of pure cane sugar and free of artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, or crystalline fructose.

Who exactly are White Claw drinkers? What’s driving this shift in consumer behavior? They are both men and women. Some of them drink wine, spirits and light beer. Some are “lapsed” drinkers, meaning they had stopped drinking altogether. But the common thread, according to research, is that they’re “healthy lifestyle” consumers. Marketed as a “better for you” option for active, healthy types, most of the top hard seltzers are relatively low in calories — about the same as light beer — low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. Most, including White Claw, are even sold in skinny cans.

White Claw fits into the “work hard, play hard” mentality of many young professionals, there weren’t any good options for a light and refreshing gluten-free drink that wasn’t either too sweet or too alcoholic.

“Alcoholic beverages and healthy alternatives don’t always go hand-inhand but White Claw fuses convenience, refreshment and subtle flavor to deliver a drink that’s considerably lighter than a cocktail or beer,” said Sanjiv Gajiwala, vice president of marketing, White Claw Hard Seltzer.

“Serving as a step away from high-sugar sodas and mixers, White Claw is a shift into a lighter, all natural, better-for-you alcoholic beverage – defining a whole new category for those who want to enjoy life and have fun while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.” The 5% ABV White Claw Hard Seltzer is available in five minimally sweet flavors with zero aftertaste:

Natural Lime – Similar to the crispness of a vodka + soda, natural lime delivers the ultimate refreshment to quench your thirst on a hot summer day without the hassle of mixing your own drink.

Black Cherry – Just as black cherries thrive in sunlight, the premixed seltzer with all natural black cherry flavors comes in a convenient 154 JULY 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

can that can be cracked open wherever the outdoors may take you.

Ruby Grapefruit – The tart and tangy natural flavors packs a punch of antioxidants making White Claw a refreshing post-Yoga sip.

Mango - This hard seltzer is the perfect blend of seltzer water, their Brew Pure alcohol, and a splash of natural mango fruit concentrate. We hope you enjoy the mango flavor

Raspberry - A masterful blend of pure seltzer water, their proprietary BrewPure alcohol and a kiss of raspberry to bring together a refreshing and thirst quenching hit at your next family gathering.

Watermelon - Delight in the delicate taste of fresh Watermelon. This sweet and refreshing flavor is complemented by the pure refreshment of White Claw® Hard Seltzer.

Lemon - Only select varieties of lemon are carefully handpicked to create this classic. We use cold pressed zest from our lemons to release our juicy lemon aroma and taste — a fresh twist on your favorite flavor.

Tangerine - Experience all the joy of biting into a fresh Tangerine, with a smooth, clean tasting finish. This citrus flavor is bursting with the fruit’s fan favorite taste and natural sweetness.

Pineapple 70 - White Claw® Hard Seltzer 70 has 70 calories, 3.7% alcohol and 0g carbs. Our carefully crafted Pineapple flavor has a subtle fruit flavor for times when you crave a more delicate beverage.

Clementine - White Claw® Hard Seltzer 70 has 70 calories, 3.7% alcohol and 0g carbs. Experience a burst of light citrus clementine notes — subtle and balanced crisp refreshment similar to seltzer water garnished with fresh citrus.

White Claw Hard Seltzer takes its inspiration from the legend of the White Claw wave - when three perfect crests come together to create a moment of pure refreshment. We set out to make something as pure, refreshing and natural as this. The result? White Claw Hard Seltzer.

Made Pure.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees.

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

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage, Twitter: @marsalabeverag1 and Instagram: @marsalabeverage

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ELECTRIC SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

ART DIRECTION BY TAYLOR BENNETT

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA RELIFORD

HEMLINE MONROE

This vivid tie-dyed romper FEATURES a flattering V-neckline and flowy, long bell sleeves that are sure to make a statement.

PAIR IT WITH Mignonne Gavigan FEATHER EARRINGS AND light pink elevated sandals with a halo buckle closure

MODEL SIMRAN DHALIWAL EMAUS

BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE

THIS FLATTERING YELLOW FLORAL SWIMSUIT FEATURES A CUT-OUT DETAIL WITH BOW. ACCENT THE LOOK WITH A LARGE oversized SUNHAT AND LOCK & KEY NECKLACE

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CARA’S BOUTIQUE

This matching Mint and purple hooded tee and short tie-dye set is on trend this season. Pair it with beaded drop earrings, a mint scrunchie and glitter sneakers for a electric look.

ELEVEN 26 BOUTIQUE

SImran looks super haute in this deep green bikini with ruffle accents.

Cover up with a beautiful embroidered kimono and layer waterproof copper bangles. Finish the look with these white platform woven wedges with double toe straps.

HERRINGSTONES

This brightly-colored tie-dyed dye is comfortable and stylish. Paired with Super flared white jeans with a distressed hem, neutral cork wedges and gold hoops, this look is perfect for summer nights out.

DUSTY & CO

Special thanks to our beautiful model, Simran, for letting us talk you into this modeling gig.

Simran is the mom to twin toddlers and a successful business woman in Northeast Louisiana.

THIS NEON AND BLUE TIE-DYED SHIRT CAN BE WORN SWEPt OFFTHE-SHOULDER AND PAIRED WiTh DISTRESSED JEANS WITH A CUFF HEM. PAIR IT WITH WHITE WEDGES AND A ROUND WOVEN BAG FOR GREAT SUMMER STYLE.

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THE EVOLUTION OF LAND GRANOLA I created this mix to suit my desire for the versatility and crunch of granola that I craved and missed out on due to food intolerances. It is gluten free, nut free, whole foods, clean eats, and there is an option to make it completely grain free. It has been a staple in our home for years now. I make one batch a month and use it to top, to fill, to snack.

Choose the best quality ingredients available to you, and you will bake up quite a batch of superfood. Substitute your favorite nut/seed butters, use maple syrup in place of honey, add chopped nuts or dried fruit and omit the oats, if need be. This recipe is simply a place to start.

Recipe and Photograph by HEATHER LAND

W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : 1-2 cups Gluten free whole oats 1/2 - 1 cup Flax seed (whole or ground) 1/2 - 1 cup Hemp hearts 1/2 - 1 cup Chia seeds 1/2 - 1 cup Raw seeds (pepitas or sunflower) 1 cup Unsweet coconut shreds 2 TBSP Honey 2 TBSP Coconut oil (virgin/organic/unrefined) 2 -4 TBSP Sunflower butter 1 tsp Cinnamon 1 tsp Vanilla powder (or extract) **to taste Sea salt + flake salt for top HOW TO MAKE:

Preheat oven to 285 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a medium mixing bowl mix together all dry ingredients (except cinnamon and vanilla). In a separate small bowl whisk honey, oil, butter, cinnamon and vanilla.

Slowly incorporate wet ingredients into dry Mixture should be “sandy.” Gently spread out on baking sheet. Do not pat or flatten. Sprinkle top with flake salt. Bake for 20 minutes.

After first 20 minutes, remove from oven and toss with spatula. Set a second timer for 20 minutes and continue to bake in 5 minute increments, stopping to toss it evenly, until you begin to smell its aroma and the color begins to deepen. You want a golden amber brown finish.

Taste along the way to adjust salt as needed.

It will dry and crunch up as it sits once it is out of oven. Will keep in a glass jar for at least one month.

*Any add-ins - such as dried fruits or nibs should be added in the last 3 minutes just to release oils and aromas.

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These staple ingredients can be used in endless ways. Build your bowl in this order, and trust the process: Frozen acai (1 pint makes 3 generous bowls) Frozen fruit: bananas (sliced), dark cherries (halved) Fresh fruit: blueberries (whole), mangos (diced) Toasted coconut Granola - Our favorite combo is a bit of my own recipe and a bit of chocolate sea salt (Find the recipe on page 166) Cocoa Nibs Seed/Nut Butter Raw seeds Honey Flake salt

The A R T of A C A I Recipe and Photograph by HEATHER LAND

/ah-sigh-ee/ The blackish purple berries from a South American palm tree are, like most berries, rich in antioxidants, good fats and fiber. Frozen acai has the texture and consistency of a sorbet and its mildly tart and sweet flavor make it a great base for a cold summer bowl on a hot bayou day.

Sweet, cold, salty, crunchy, it hits all the points of balance and is so satisfying.

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MOONLIGHT CALADIUM This beautiful caladium is known for its colorful foliage that lasts all season long. This showstopper can be grown outdoors or indoors, and thrives on humidity – making it a perfect plant for Louisiana weather.

Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK Styling by TAYLOR BENNETT

H O W T O P L A N T: You can always start your caladiums indoors and then move them outdoors – making sure they are in a warm, moist place. Plant the bulbs smooth side down and eye side up. Cover bulbs with up to two inches of soil and water after planting.

T E M P E R AT U R E : Caladium bulbs start to bloom when temperatures are consistently over 70 degrees F. When planting outdoors, make sure there is no risk of frost.

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BUBBLE WONDER From kids to adults, making bubbles has always been a favorite pastime. In this DIY guide, BayouLife shows you how to make a bubble wand that will produce fantastic-sized bubbles that will keep kids entertained all summer.

Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK Styling by TAYLOR BENNETT

H E R E ’ S W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D : (2) 1/2 inch dowels, 36 inches long 1/16 inch drill bit Handheld drill (2) 1 1/16 screw eyes Washer with 1/4 inch center hole 1/4 inch, 100% cotton cording, (12 feet) HOW TO MAKE: First, pre-drill a hole in the side of each dowel, about 1/2 inch from the end. Twist a screw eye in each drill hole. Next, you’ll want to cut the cording into two sections. Cut one piece 48 inches long and the other piece 96 inches long.

Tie each end of the 48-inch piece of cord to a dowel through the screw eye. Thread a washer onto the 96-inch cord and slide the washer to the center of the cord. Tie each end of the long cord through the screw eyes on each dowel. Dip the wand into bubble solution holding the dowels together. Slowly lift them out of the solution and allow to drip for a minute. Lift your arms, separating the dowels as you go. Step back and bring your arms back together again to close the bubble, or continue to walk making a giant trailing bubble.

(Sourced from ehow.com)

H E R E ’ S W H AT Y O U ’ L L N E E D TO MAKE BUBBLE SOLUTION: 6 cups water 1/2 cup dish soap (we used blue Dawn) 1/2 cup cornstarch 1 TBSP baking powder 1 TBSP glycerin 172 JULY 2020 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

In a large dish pan or metal bucket, mix all the ingredients together, making sure to not get too many bubbles in it. Let the solution sit for about 2 hours. The cornstarch may settle to the bottom, just stir it up gentle to re-mix.

After the mixture settles, dip your wand in the solution and create giant bubbles the whole family will enjoy.

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G A L L E R Y of

HOMES 2200 Hwy 34, West Monroe

Enjoy the privacy of this house located at the top of a hill down the long driveway that leads you to the serenity of the outdoors. Lots of custom details, like stone and brick accents, aged wood wall, custom light fixtures, cedar beams, copper sinks and much more!

Floor plan is perfect for entertaining. House even has access to a pond! Move in just in time to enjoy that summertime living while sipping your lemonade on your front or back porch! MLS#192114 Heather Guillot, Vanguard Realty, 318-331-4229

189 Ormond Lane, Sterlington

A gracious southern estate. Boasting 5 bedrooms, 4,500 heated sf, 6 acres of manicured grounds with a boathouse on beautiful Bayou DeSiard. Natural light permeates the totally updated kitchen. The 17’ x 29’ sun room allows plenty of room for entertaining large crowds. Spacious mother-in-law apartment includes a full kitchen and a large second story sunroom with sweeping views of the bayou. MLS# 187358 Mark Sisk, RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-801-4344

101 Stubbs, Monroe

Come see this large Garden District charmer on 3 lots! This home is complete with large porches, spacious kitchen with refurbished antique stove, formal dining room, formal living room, large master bedroom, and bonus room that could be used as a bedroom. Outdoor shop/studio with utilities! Separate detached garage. Call today! MLS# 192932 Mark Sisk, RE/MAX Premier Realty, 318-801-4344

B AYO U B U Z Z WO RT H Y SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the winners of the 2020 Small Business Awards presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare Consultants.

Winners were: Emerging Entrepreneur: Sarah Blackwell of Sadie C’s; Micro Business: M3 Physio; Small Business: Iron Cactus; Female Champion: Emily Stansbury; Community Champion: Teresa Hibbits and the Silver Plus Award: Tempco Insulation Inc.

Lila Strode, President of the WMWO Chamber of Commerce shares her pride in the winners, “We are excited to showcase the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our deserving winners. I would like to be the first to congratulate them on their outstanding contributions to our community and recognition in this prestigious awards program.”

THE SPIRIT OF HEALING ART UNVEILING On Friday, May 22nd the City of West Monroe and the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana - NELA Chapter hosted a live stream of a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony via Facebook Live for the public. They held the ceremony on Antique Alley in West Monroe at the Bell Tower. The Blue Star Mothers read the names of the 45 Louisiana fallen soldiers from military engagements spanning from Iraqi Freedom in 2004 to current military engagements.

ATMOS ENERGY DONATES TO WM FIRE DEPARTMENT Atmos Energy recently donated $2500 to the West Monroe Fire Department toward the purchase of safety equipment.

The purchased equipment, known as “Particulate Blocking Hoods” help reduce the risks of carcinogenic particulate contamination found in many structural fires while maintaining air permeability and reduced risk of increased core temperature for the firemen.

“The risk of developing cancer is a growing concern in the fire service, because of the carcinogens firefighters are exposed to while fighting fires,” said West Monroe Fire Chief Todd Smith. “These particulate blocking hoods block over 99 percent of carcinogenic particulates found within smoke and will do much to improve the safety of our firefighters.”

“At Atmos Energy, safety is our number one priority,” Ann Hayward, Manager of Public Affairs stated, “And we are glad to provide this support to purchase safety equipment for the firemen who serve our community and our customers. This donation is a show of gratitude and to let them know we appreciate their service.”

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com the fireworks will be shot from the Endom Bridge.

Venue: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Hours: 9:00 PM

JULY 4TH 4th of JULY FIREWORKS SHOW

July 3-5 2Dsports Showcase 2Dsports is a network of coaches, scouts, professionals, and organizations committed to providing opportunities for amateur players to be seen by next level recruiters. The Sterlington Sports Complex will host a 2DSports showcase on July 3rd-5th.

Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA-136, Sterlington July 4 4th of July Fireworks The Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group presents the 4th of July Fireworks Show on Saturday, July 4th at promptly 9:00 PM. Best viewed from either downtown Monroe or West Monroe,

“Red, White, and Que Part II” Block Party Don’t miss out on the “Red, White, and Que Part II” Block Party on July 4th! Food, music, games, and more!

Venue: 2Dudes Brew & Que 436 Desiard St, Monroe July 10-12 Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages!

Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach, LA Hours: 9AM-5PM Friday, 11AM-9PM Saturday, 10AM-4PM Sunday Cost: $5 per vehicle Phone: 318-680-1304 July 11 Children's Funday at the Biedenharn Join the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens once a month from 10am-12pm for their Children's

Fundays at the Biedenharn! They will have crafts and fun for ages 3-16. Tickets can be purchased in the Museum Store on the morning of the event. Cost is $5 per child; Accompanying adults enter free. *All children MUST be accompanied by an adult* Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: $5/child Phone: 318-387-5281 Family Date Night

Don't miss out on Family Date Night at Kiroli Park on July 11th.

Kayak rentals, games, food trucks, cotton candy, live music from Jordan & Stacy Shepard, and an outdoor showing of The Sandlot!

Venue: Kiroli Park, West Monroe Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $2/person or $10/car load Phone: 318-396-4016 July 16-18 Crappie Regional Tournament The Crappie Regional Tournament will be held July 16th18th at the Forsythe Boat Dock.

Venue: Forsythe Boat Dock 2100 Riverside Dr, Monroe July 17 Sarah Jane Nelson CD Release Concert

Don't miss out on Sarah Jane Nelson's CD Release Concert at Strauss Theatre Center on July 17th.

Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Lane, Monroe Hours: 6:30 PM Cost: $20, $25 at the door Phone: 318-323-6681 July 17-19 2Dsports Showcase

2Dsports is a network of coaches, scouts, professionals, and organizations committed to providing opportunities for amateur players to be seen by next level recruiters. The Sterlington Sports Complex will host a 2DSports showcase on July 17th-19th.

Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA-136, Sterlington

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July 22-25 AAU National Baseball Tournament

The AAU National Baseball Tournament will be held July 22nd25th at the Sterlington Sports Complex. Don’t miss out!

Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA-139, Sterlington July 31-August 5 Dixie World Series

The Dixie World Series will be held July 31st-August 5th at the Sterlington Sports Complex. Don’t miss out!

Venue: Sterlington Sports Complex 1290 LA- 139, Sterlington July 4, 11, 18, 25 Ruston Farmers Market

Shop, eat, and support locals at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods.

Venue: Ruston Farmers Market Hours: 9AM-1PM Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-957-1305 July 11, 25 Picnic at the Park

Get out of the house and enjoy a picnic in Railroad Park in downtown Ruston on Saturday, July 11th & 25th.

Music will be playing and grab & go craft bags will be given from NCLAC. Just bring your to-go lunch from your favorite local restaurant and a blanket for lounging!

Venue: Railroad Park 101 E Park Ave, Ruston Hours: 11AM-1PM Friday, 11AM-9PM Saturday, 10AM-4PM Sunday Cost: Free to attend Phone: 318-251-8621

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