DeltaStyle January 2014
Dr. Patrick Gary Jones
President & Chief Medical Officer and Mike Breard Executive Vice President
A portrait of the arts, culture and people of the Delta January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 1
DS | Sports & Outdoors
2 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 3
g n i k a m r o f s k Than the 2013 !!! a us t l e D e h t f o t s e B
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10 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Sally will never forget the day it happened. After picking up a bag of groceries, she was suddenly overcome by a wave of excruciating back pain. Her doctor diagnosed it as a spinal compression fracture caused by osteoporosis. He referred her to Louisiana Pain Care for Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes vertebral fractures through the injection of cement into the fractured spinal bone. Within hours, Sally got relief from her chronic pain, restored mobility, and a new lease on life. If you’re diagnosed with a spinal fracture caused by osteoporosis or a back injury, talk to your doctor about Kyphoplasty, offered as an outpatient treatment at Louisiana Pain Care.
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January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 11
contents
98
january 2014
features 22 30 43
50 68
76 86 98 112 120
BECAUSE I’M THE MOMMA WE SHOP AMERICAN MR. MCALLISTER GOES TO WASHINGTON THE DELTASTYLE MAN ROCKSTAR FASHION IN A STEAMPUNK WORLD CHEF’S CORNER A GREEN HOUSE ON THE RIVER EVERYBODY’S ALL AMERICAN THE RIGHT STUFF COVER STORY: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS BY TAKING A LOOK BACK
• langiappe 22 Because I’m the Momma and I Said So....
• social spot 40 Keeping All Their Ducks in a Row
• i do 58 Weaver-Walker Wedding 63 Thomas-Eddington Wedding
• art & design 67 Ravenworks
DELTASTYLEMAG.COM 12 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
131 43
DeltaStyle MAGAZINE
• dig in 81 Troopers, Forward at the Walk
DeltaStyle January 2014
• sports & outdoors 103 Hunting Whitetails in the Land of Oz 104 Eight Men to Watch at the 22nd Winter Olympics
• education 111 Education 101
Dr. Patrick Gary Jones
President & Chief Medical Officer and Mike Breard Executive Vice President
A portrait of the arts, culture and people of the Delta
ON THE COVER:
• health & beauty 131 USO Tour
FOLLOW US
Rising to the top In this month’s issue, learn about the humble beginnings of Vantage Health Plan, and it’s rapid growth to become one of Ouachita Parish’s top employers, on page 120. Photo by Gary Guinigundo. Cover design by Ron Harris.
Tower Village Office Park www.towervillagemonroe.com
The Shoppes on Tower II www.theshoppesontower.com
Opening in February! Space available for lease in both properties. Call Joe (318)366-6307 or Lisa (318) 547-7083 January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 13
PUBLISHER
DAVID B. PETTY
GENERAL MANAGER
RACHEL CAGLE rachel@deltastylemag.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
J. ERIC McNEIL jeric@deltastylemag.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
TINA BLISS MCNEIL CUSTER
ADVERTISING SALES
Greetings DeltaStylers! I hope all of you had a safe, blessed and happy holiday season. Now that the holidays are behind us and a bright new year lies ahead, it’s a perfect time to make some changes. The first change of 2014 that I chose to make was to create our first ever issue dedicated to men. DeltaStyle Magazine has traditionally been a magazine for women and my cousin gave me the idea of focusing an issue on men. Why not? I sincerely hope that you enjoy the issue and all of the interesting men that allowed us to share their stories with you. One of the men that continually stays behind the scenes and never gets the credit he so richly deserves is Gary Guinigundo, our staff photographer. Gary is a former physician that decided to stop practicing medicine and return to school to receive a degree in photography. He is the epitome of the cliché “Life is too short to have a job you don’t enjoy.” He has truly been a Godsend to me, my staff and the magazine. I have no idea what I’ve done to be blessed with such a generous and kind individual coming to my rescue over and over again, but I am forever grateful for his help and support. The other man in my life that stays behind the scenes and never fails to give him plenty
of credit is my brother. He has turned aggravating me into an art form and I have no doubt that it’s his most favorite way to entertain himself. Luckily, he is also my best friend and the only man that knows all of my flaws and failures and loves me in spite of them. He gave me away when I got married and didn’t complain too much when I was given back; considering we grew up in the same home, he could sympathize with anyone that had to live under the same roof with me because it is no picnic. So, for all of you men out there that have never been one to read or be interested in seeing what graced the pages of DeltaStyle Magazine, I’m asking you to give it a try this month and let me know your thoughts. Making changes is often risky and usually scary, but I can’t think of a better time to make a change than at the beginning of a new year. Thank you to all of our advertisers and our loyal DeltaStylers, for making 2013 such a great year and may your 2014 be filled with many new fond memories and adventures.
TESS WILKS tess@deltastylemag.com
ADVERTISING SALES
KYLIE STRACENER kylie@deltastylemag.com
ADVERTISING SALES
KATIE BURKE katie@deltastylemag.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER TRAVIS HUTCHINS
CONTRIBUTORS DR. MARTIN J. DEGRAVELLE WENDY FREEMAN PAULEN LUTTGEHARM TIMOTHY J MICKEL, MD SARA CATHERINE MORGAN DARREN OGLESBY, RFC TARA AMBROSE GEORGIANN POTTS DR. BETH RICKS MELANIE DOUHIT RUSTY CUSTER CAROL-ANNE BARNES
PHOTOGRAPHERS COPYRIGHT: The entire contents of DeltaStyle Magazine are the Copyright 2013 by Gannett River States Publishing. No portion of the magazine (editorial or advertising) may be reproduced by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions of contributing writers may not neccessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher. 14 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
GARY GUINIGUNDO BRAD ARENDER MIKE CLIFTON
411 DESIARD ST., MONROE, LA 71201
OPEN TUES - SAT 10AM - 6PM
@DUCKANDDRESSING FACEBOOK.COM/DUCKANDDRESSING January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 15
Langiappe
|
Renaissance Man
noun 1. a cultured man of the Renaissance who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields. 2. ( sometimes lowercase ) a present-day man who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field.
A cultured man has a profound knowledge of good beer.
The first United States Marine Recruiting Station was in a bar.
It was the accepted
practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride’s father would supply his son-in law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the “honeymoon”.
use a well-chilled glass (pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes) to keep beer cold longer.
The oldest known written recipe is for beer.
Next to tea, beer is the second most well liked beverage in the world.
16 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
| Langiappe
MEN, Don’t Do It!!!
Valentine’s Day suggestions from a woman who knows. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it would behoove you to keep a few things in mind when buying the woman in your life a gift for this special day…if you would actually like to keep her in your life.
CUSTOMSHIRTS
1. Do not buy anything that promotes cleaning or cooking. 2. Do not buy her a gift with a pull-cord, trigger, or if it ends in the word machine. 3. Avoid buying clothes if she has not chosen them or tried them on... you may prove how little you know about her size and style. 4. Get a firm grip on your ears and pull your head out of the clouds. This holiday dedicated to LOVE comes only once a year, so take a few minutes and put some thought into getting something she will remember forever. Ask her ugliest best friend or her mother for some help if you need to, but for the love of Pete, do NOT think you will score points with flowers from the grocery store or chocolate from the gas station.
Delta Digits
If You Only Like It Perfect! 1615 NORTH 18TH ST. MONROE, LA
5,000 New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees eclipsed the 5,000-yard passing mark for the fourth time in his career, a feat that no other NFL quarterback has done more than once.
318.387.4409 1.800.355.1115 January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 17
Langiappe
|
Behind the Scenes of Missy Robertson’s photo shoot. Stay tuned to DeltaStyle Magazine’s social media sites and February’s issue to find out how Missy Robertson is defining her own STYLE & who was caught reading DeltaStyle Magazine!
photography by Gary Guinigundo
18 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
| Langiappe
Student Spotlight
COMING SOON! Inside & Out
HOME & GARDEN
Sydney Meeks and Melinda Jambois are 5th grade students at Sallie Humble Elementary School. These two girls made bracelets and sold them for $1 each. They raised $350 and sent the money to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Do you know a hard-working student that deserves a pat on the back? We want to hear about him or her! If you know a student you feel should be recognized and included in an upcoming issue of DeltaStyle, please submit a photo of the student to rachel@deltastylemag.com, along with responses to the following questions: • Student’s Name • Sport(s)/position(s)
• Parents’ Names • Achievements
• School & Grade
What motivates you to do your best? What famous person has been an inspiration to you?
Gardening Bug
year-round planting
the nursery
Decorating
the do’s & the don’ts
garden guru
Can you dig it?
Color Me Pretty
Mod About You
mid-century craze
2014 Guide for the DeltaStyle Homeowner Lisa Nelson and Marie Cascio enjoyed a friend’s birthday party.
Amelia Owen and Jayden Chapman The main branch of the Ouachita Parish Public Library hosted showing of Wizard of Oz in honor of the film’s 75th anniversary.
Reserve your space today for the upcoming issue of
Inside & Out DeltaStyle Home & Garden January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 19
Langiappe
|
Finding Gumbeaux: 1. Find Gumbeaux somewhere in the pages of the magazine. 2. “Like” us on Facebook and send an inbox message with the page number on which you found Gumbo, along with a contact phone number. Once you message us and let us know that you’ve found Gumbo, you will be registered to win!
Congratulations, Megan Smith! Megan is the winner of the Mr. P’s Tees drawing signed by the men of Duck Dynasty!
February’s Finding Gumbeaux Prize: An LSU Helmet Cooler by COOLR COOLRZ!
Mark your favorite pictures with
#ivegotstyle for a chance to have them published in an issue of DeltaStyle Magazine! 20 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
MEET
GUMBEAUX!
| Langiappe
Anyone interested in some ISLAND TIME ? Let us plan your perfect getaway! Â
Monroe Travel Service Director Nell Calloway and veteran David Riddle attended a holiday party at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.
www.monroetravel.com
email: info@monroetravel.com
1908 Glenmar Ave.
318.323.3465
Melanie Colvin and rescue dog Cooper were presented with a check for $5,000 for the Ouachita River Valley Animal League by Steve Best, of Modern Woodmen of America in Monroe.
The Wellspring hosted its annual holiday open house in conjunction with the retirement of Judy Bell, president and CEO of The Wellspring.
Susan Thomas and Susan Chappell at Tonore’s Wine Cellar for A Holiday Wine Tasting. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 21
Langiappe
| Momma
Because... I’m The Momma and I Said So Resolving to Stay the Same by Sara Catherine Walton Morgan Every year, when I am asked by my mother, or my children, or my husband, or the person who draws my name at work what I want for Christmas, I tell them I want a bullhorn. I am not kidding. Bullhorns are useful, and not illegal, unlike many of the other items on my list. I would use mine to motivate the drop off line at school, announce who goes next at the 4 way stop, and get Bean out of bed in the morning, which would shave at least 30 minutes off my day. Most of all, I would narrate my neighbor’s cat’s bathroom habits loudly enough for the whole block to hear, and maybe then they would train it to not crap in my yard. Christmas has come and gone and apparently I was on the naughty list, because once again I didn’t unwrap a bullhorn. In the spirit of things staying the same, instead of sharing my New Year’s resolutions with you, I will share a short list of things that have always worked for me in the past and that I resolve to continue doing. 1. If you ask me to accompany you out of town for any reason, I will agree to go and then immediately ask you what we are going to eat. If your reply is the name of any restaurant we have in El Dorado, you will be sadly mistaken. Why would I eat at Taco Bell in some other city when I can have that at home? If we go to Monroe, I will want to eat at The Mohawk. If we go to Hot Springs, I will want to eat at Colonial Pancake House. If we go to Winnfield, I will want to eat at Grantadams. The only restaurant acceptable in town and out, at any time of day, is Sonic. Any time is Sonic Time. 2. If you come to my house to visit, the level of clean you experience will be directly proportionate to the amount of time between your phone call and your arrival. If you call me from Ruston, you will think we live like normal people. If you call me from the Wal-Mart, I hope you went to the bathroom before you left there, because I’m not letting you in mine. If you call me from the liquor store at the end of the street, you can expect to get your gossip on the porch. DHS wouldn’t take the kids if there was a surprise visit, but I’ve seen a lot of Hoarders and my tolerance for mess is high. I seriously doubt I will lie on my deathbed and wish I had done something about those stacks of Southern Livings next to my chair. I will be much more likely to be mourning all those episodes of Toddlers & Tiaras I wasn’t able to get to because I was mopping the kitchen. (That was a joke. I’ve seen every episode of Toddlers & Tiaras and I don’t mop.)
If you come to my house to visit, the level of clean you experience will be directly proportionate to the amount of time between your phone call and your arrival. 3. As my work minion Chelsi can attest, I will scornfully mock any hot new youth-adjacent TV show that comes along until I accidentally stumble upon it, and then I will loudly proclaim it the best ever and lay claim to it. For 22 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
example: Teen Wolf. If you have lady parts and you like man parts, you need to be watching Teen Wolf. Chelsi maintains she told me to watch it last year and I made fun of her, which actually does sound like something I would do, and I maintain that if she had appropriately described the amount of man nekkidness, I would have watched it then and she wouldn’t have to listen to me rave about it now. Since watching Teen Wolf, I have updated my Top Three Man List to include Tyler Hoechlin and Dylan O’Brien, and if you watch the show, that should be a clue for you as to how random my ideas of attractive are. 4. I will refuse to do any chore that I consider a “man job.” This includes getting the oil changed in my car, any sort of yard work, taking out trash, lifting, moving, or hauling anything bigger than a purse, feeding the dog, pumping gas, and cooking (because I would rather starve than cook). I can do all of those things, and in between husbands I have done them all, but as I currently have a husband, I consider these his responsibilities. I reserve the right to add to this list at any time, depending on my level of lazy at the moment. In return, I will clean house sometimes (see #1) but not mop (see #2), handle all the laundry, and provide entertainment by giving a running commentary of every thought that crosses my mind. 5. Given the choice between getting dressed and leaving my house and staying home and reading a book, I will almost always choose my book. Given the choice between going to bed and reading one more chapter, I will almost always choose one more chapter. I wear a ponytail most every day because I stay up til all hours of the night reading and then wake up late and don’t have time to fix my hair. My love of books is why I can’t look cute at work. 6. I will do my best to raise a stable, well-adjusted daughter without losing my mind. The Bean and I have recently discussed thigh gaps ad nauseam because she, being an idiot teenager, somehow got in her head that having one is something to aspire to, and I, being a chubby middle-aged woman who owns more elastic waist pants than I should be ok with admitting in print, think aspiring to being able to see daylight between your legs is stupid. I understand that she is a young woman with a rapidly maturing body who is assaulted at every turn with unrealistic pictures of unnaturally beautiful women photoshopped to perfection, but I don’t ever want her to think that her body isn’t wonderful, so I told her if anyone ever acts like there is something wrong with her thighs, she should ask them to inspect more closely, and when they do, she should wrap her legs around their neck and choke them out. They deserve it. 7. I will also do my best to raise a stable, well-adjusted son without losing my mind. At the moment, this mainly involves teaching TDJ his “man jobs.” So far, he has feeding the dog and pumping the gas down pat, but
Momma
| Langiappe
Providing Peace, Comfort and Dignity... 1890 Hudson Circle, Suite 3 Monroe, LA 71201
illustr ation by Vic to
ria Ale xande r
still requires guidance on yard work and noticing overflowing trash cans. How he can memorize the fluctuating schedule of the skeevy ice cream truck yet not remember that the trash truck comes every Wednesday is beyond me. We also discuss rape more than he or I am particularly comfortable with, but boys apparently have to hear something eleventy-billion times before it sinks in, so I’ll continue to bring it up every chance I get. If the only thing he has in his head when he leaves for college is “I get ice cream at 5:15 on Monday and Friday, 5:30 on Tuesday and Thursday, and 5:50 on Wednesday” and “Don’t rape anybody,” I’ll be happy to remind him about trash pick up every week. 8. I will continue to write for Delta Style as long as Rachel keeps sending me passive-aggressive text messages in the middle of the night reminding me that my deadline was a week ago and that she loves me, she really does, but I need to send her something or she’s going to kill me. The thought of having my own magazine column never occurred to me until she asked, but I do enjoy having an outlet for my rants, and I’m sure the people I usually rant to are enjoying not having to listen to me as much. Every time someone tells me that they read what I write, I’m surprised, so I want you all to know how much I appreciate you. And don’t rape anybody. That’s important, too.
Phone: 318-387-2687 Toll-Free: 877-483-2780 Fax: 318-387-2780 Shannon D. Newton, RN Administrator
Healthcare Manager & Education WINNERS www.StJosephHospice.com January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 23
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Social Spot
| Vantage
Vantage
Up on the Rooftop The Downtown Renaissance was the recipient of the proceeds from the night of festivities, held on the rooftop of the ONB Tower parking garage.
Randy & Janet Henley & Candy Hatch
Mike Magee, Laura & BJ Mitchell, Julie Ardoin, and Jada & Faisal Ali
Antoine A. Ponton, Brandon Sullivan, Marvin & Gigi Shoemaker, Ronnie Scott
Amy Keifenheim, Chad Phillips, Jim & Terry Toney
Ashley Janes, William & Emily Arrington, & Ashley Register
Laura & Sean Chenoweth
Gigi Shoemaker, Sara & Jason Bezou, & Marvin Shoemaker
Pam Goodroad, Stuart Scalia & Melody Olson
Christmas Tree
School Art Project
Ceremony
Christmas trees were decorated by high school and middle school students in Ouachita Parish and presented with awards for their creative and uniquely decorated trees.
Dianna Dayton, Gretchen Lengefeld, Leah Reitzell, Michaele Price & Ryan Powell
Eli Smith
Vada Powell
Warehouse No.1 Restaurant AUTHENTIC LOUISIANA CUISINE SINCE 1980
valentine’s day
is just around the corner, make your reservation today! One Olive Street Monroe, LA (318)322-1340 www.warehouseno1.com 26 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Christmas Parade
Christmas Parade
| Social Spot
O T Y S A IT E E K A WE M
r u o Y t e G
Kiwanis of West Monroe Christmas Parade was held on Dec. 7 with Miss Kay and Chancie Neal as the grand marshals. Liam Shirey
s n e e r G
CES cheerleaders
Jeff & Libby Landry
1 Serving = 13 Wheat Grass Shots
Christ Church Kids
NUTRITION CENTER
• Vitamins • Herbal Supplements • Natural Foods • Cilantro Organic Bistro Chancie Neal, Anna Robertson Stone, & Kay Robertson
Klaire Futch, Tiny Miss Christmas on the River
1211 North 18th Street • Monroe, LA www.fiestanutrition.com • 318-387-844 January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 27
Social Spot
| Home Cinema & Delta Grande
Home Cinema Ribbon Cutting for Home Cinema
Delta Grande Delta Grande held a Christmas open house on Dec. 9. Becky Norton, Dawne Walsorth & Vicky Johnson
Alana Babb & Vicky Johnson
North Delta Cuisine Pull up a chair.
2013
Chef Cory Bahr sings the praises of North Delta Cuisine in WKH FRQ¿GHQW UHSHUWRLUH RI GLVKHV DW KLV \RXQJ EXW HVWDEOLVKHG 5HVWDXUDQW &RWWRQ D ZDUP DQG ZOHFRPLQJ HQYLURQPHQW LQ 0RQURH /RXLVLDQD :LWK D FRQVLGHUDEOH DSSHWLWH IRU WKH DUHDœV FXOWXUH DQG FXLVLQH %DKU H[HUFLVHV JUHDW UHVRXUFHIXOQHVV DQG GHWHUPLQDWLRQ LQ SURPRWLRQJ WKH ORFDO LQJUHGLHQWV RI KLV QDWLYH UHJLRQ ZLWKLQ WKH HOHJDQWO\ UXVWLF ZRRG DQG EULFN LQWHULRU RI DQ œV FRWWRQ DQG ERXUERQ ZDUHKRXVH 1RWKLQJ FRPSDUHV WR WKH IHHOLQJ RI EHLQJ DQ LQYLWHG JXHVW LQ VRPHRQHœV home - that’s Cotton. mon-thurs 11:00-3:00 friday-sat 11:00-3:00 dinner: mon-thur 5:00-10:00 friday-sat 5:00-11:00 brunch: sun 11:00-3:00 bar: 4-close, daily
MN-1000466972
lunch:
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The happiest of hours are afternoons at Cotton!
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28 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Great Gatsby
| Social Spot
Great Gatsby Gala Lisa Patrick, Leigh Rodgers, Kelly Keaney & Kim Hatton
Mike Sullivan &Barbara Norris
Juanita Woods & Jamie Mayo
Lavonne Doodueaux & Melody Gregg
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Community Trust Bank held the 2013 Great Gatsby Gala and Auction benefiting the Monroe Chamber on Dec. 5
Patty Stewart & Terri Ward
Daniel & Linda Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal
Brandon Earl, Anthony Jacola & Brandon Sullivan
Allyson Sager & Brook Sebren
Chad Swanberg Insurance Agent
cell -- 318.547.2042 office -- 318.283.0200 email -- cswanberg@sfbcic.com
Happy New Year!
This Year make a resolution that will last...protection and peace of mind for the ones you love! You won't need insurance on your life if something happens...but the ones you love will!
TM
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 29
30 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
We Shop American story by Kylie Stracener photography by Brad Arender
H
ave you ever seen “Made in China” on a product that you buy from a store? C’mon, everyone has! It’s almost as if everyone has the perception that everything is made in China. However, are you mindful of when you see “Made in America” on products? Local entrepreneurs, founders and creators of Idea Coterie and WeShopAmerican.com Matthew Cameron, Frank Sampognaro, Jarod Stokes, and Eric Weis are particularly aware of American made products. These Monroe inhabitants brought together by their love for art, music, and technology collaborated to form Idea Coterie in 2012. This actionable think tank invests in different types of startups and provides consulting for beginning entrepreneurs on how to get their business up and running. It assists startup businesses by offering a sense of inspiration and unique creativity to help them stand out in their niche business markets. Idea Coterie also chaperons investments for these starter businesses. WeShopAmerican.com is a product of Idea Coterie. This curated site paints a vivid picture that highlights numerous products available that are made in America. The website features products, services, businesses and events that are all not only made in Louisiana but also around the entire nation. “This is the beginning of a movement of supporting American made products,” says Stokes, Chief Experience Officer. From New York City to New Orleans, these products and businesses are updated daily on WeShopAmerican.com and rated on just how American they really are. The rating, or percentage, is based on five chief criterion: is the
company ownership in the United States, is the product assembled in America, are the materials used to make the product American, is the design American made, and is the way it’s made American. For your convenience, these ratings are to the right of every featured American item on WeShopAmerican.com. In showing these ratings, by no means is the site implying that it is an antiinternational site; it is just indicating that it is pro-American. On this website you are also able to find creative all American gift guides for kids, outdoors equipment and everything dogs. With the help of these gift guides Stokes says, “It’s a nice way to throw your Captain American suit on and say I can do this! Shopping American is obtainable.” Also, footage of informative documentaries on stories behind the product and the creators are available for your accessibility telling how the product is made and why, which generates added value to the product. If we make a point to buy more American made products, we will help increase our economy, which will create more jobs and benefit families here in the U.S. “You can get out and create something whether it be a company that’s technology based, actually building physical products like jeans, bags and hats, or starting a restaurant. Hopefully this (website) will be an inspiration to someone to get out and do something on their own,” says Cameron, president of Idea Coterie. Check out We Shop American for yourself at WeShopAmerican. com and also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Will you shop American? January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 31
Social Spot
| Cochon de Christmas
Cochon de Christmas A Cajun extravaganza for the entire family was held at the Brockman Riverbend Barn on December 21st, benefiting the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts.
Chris Stafford of Feufollet
Amy Matherne & Nathanael Medlin
Jeffrey & Kelsey Laudenheimer
Kelli Jones of Feufollet
Charlie & Cary Rogers
Tap & Jennifer Parker
Vii Wang & Brian Levatino
DON’T JUST SET GOALS. REACH THEM. Fitness Together is exactly what it takes to achieve your fitness goals. No hype. No fluff. It’s just you, your personal trainer and a customized exercise program that’s proven to get results. Call today for a free session and assessment.
CALL (318) 998-2348 TODAY! 2252 Tower Drive, Suite 104 • Monroe www.fitnesstogether.com/monroe 32 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Santa Stop
| Social Spot
Glenwood
Medical Mall
Santa Stop Santa stopped by Glenwood Medical Mall to spread Christmas cheer. Kaden & Michael Williams
Ricky Hendricks
Austin Helmer with Santa & his Elves
Marisa Young, Sarah Cady, & Lauren Harpert
Cameron Wilder with Santa
Eat to Lose is staffed by a Licensed Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian with 15 years experience in helping both adults and children to develop and maintain healthier eating habits.
For Kids and Adults We speciALize iN:
corporate Wellness Diet plans • school Nutrition Grants customized Weight Loss planning • clinical issues • eating Disorders Diabetes Type i/ii • High cholesterol • Hypertension • Reflux • Group Discounted Rates • pre-Op insurance evaluation for Bariatric surgery “There’s no doubt from a medical standpoint that “Eat to Lose” brings numerous health benefits. I’ve personally seen patients under the care of Andi Holyfield reduce or eliminate medications that control diabetes and hypertension. Medications can not erase the effects of a poor diet, obesity, or inactivity.” ~ Dr. Charles Morgan, Jr. M.D.
Andi H. Holyfield, LDN, RD
3801 Chauvin • Monroe • (318) 348-3120 www.eattoloseinc.com January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 33
Thank You to the Wonderful Sponsors of the 2013 Monroe Chamber Gala and Auction Presenting Sponsor:
RIBBON CUTTINGS Sponsors:
Dupont Jewelry
Ericsson
Delta Grande
Idea Coterie
Mike Ackel, Auctioneer ANGUS BancorpSouth Brookshire’s CBS Outdoors CenturyLink DeltaStyle Magazine Entergy FunRadio 92.7 Gardner Denver Thomas Hixson Autoplex of Monroe Holyfield Construction
IberiaBank Louisiana Land Bank Manpower Patty Stewart Photography Pecanland Mall Progressive Bank Opus Broadcasting The Fletcher Group The Louisiana Lottery The Radio People The News-Star
You are Invited to Attend
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce 93rd Annual Meeting and Banquet Bella Stanza
Rabo Agrifinance
Thursday, January 9, 2014 Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall 5:30PM – Reception 6:30PM – Banquet Keynote Speaker:
Mike Strain Commissioner, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry Business Cocktail Attire $40 per person (Members) $45 per person (Non-Members) $320 Table of 8 (Members) $360 Table of 8 (Non-Member)
Please respond on or before January 3, 2014 by calling: (318) 323-3461 for tickets 34 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
CommanderChristmas
| Social Spot
Commander
Christmas
Community Trust Bank sponsored an entire day of festivities in downtown Monroe, with proceeds from events going to the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank.
“Where Our Home-Like Atmosphere Sets Us Apart”
Services Provided • Studio, One Bedroom and Deluxe One Bedroom Apartments • 24 Hour Trained and Friendly Staff • 3 Delicious Meals Served Daily • Assistance with Bathing • On-site Beauty and Barber Shop • Relaxing Garden Room • Screened in Porch Area • Religious Services Provided • Transportation Provided. Shopping, Banks, and Medical Appointments • Social and Recreational Activities Daily • Tailored Care Packages Available • Long Term Care Insurance Accepted • Assistance with Veterans Benefits, If Applicable
MN-1000467269
(318) 343-1626 4 3 8 0 O l d S t e r l i n g t o n Ro a d • M o n r o e , L o u i s i a n a 7 1 2 0 3
Jennifer Bass, Executive Director • www.azaleaestates.com January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 35
Social Spot
| Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Awards Banquet
Nick Bruno & Joel Manby, CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment
The West Monroe - West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on December 10, 2013.
Alanna Cooper & T.C. Trichel
Jaden Leach, Miss La., & Amy Matherne, Miss Spirit of the Ouachita
Patty Stewart & Paul Trichel
A.O. Evans Award Recipient, Blake Wheelis, & His State Farm Team
Malcolm Delacerda, Linda Lou Lavender & Staci Albritton Mitchell
Beautiful Made
Affordable.
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile • Granite Resilient • Vinyl Flooring • Carpet Hardwood • Laminate and More
610 Louisville Avenue in Monroe 800.256.0746 • 318.387.6929 www.bobmosscarpetonemonroe.com 36 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 37
Social Spot
| Baylee Hanson
happy birthday , Baylee Hanson !
38 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Baylee Hanson
| Social Spot
Jr. League
| Social Spot
Jr. League Working Hard at Christmastime A special thanks to the local shops who participated in the 2013 Charity Shopping Pass. It was a success because of your support.
Top left front: Heather Guillot, Adrian Washington, Dana Tarver and Sarah Raymond Back: Jennifer Ables, Anya Fulco and Jodee Bruyninckx Right: Toys collected for the Salvation Army Bottom left: The Junior League Christmas Party
Between Charity Shopping Pass, decorating the home for the Council on Aging and collecting Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army, the women of the League have been hard at work. The 2013 Charity Shopping Pass was a huge success. In its second year, the fundraiser grew from 20 merchants to more than 50. Also new to the event, a booklet of detailed information about each participating merchant accompanied every shopping pass. Money earned from selling the shopping cards is used to fund the various community outreach programs the JLM operates each year. Charity Shopping Pass allowed local businesses to give back to their community. In addition, those who purchased this year’s pass showed support for their community, not only through buying their ticket, but also by shopping local for the Christmas holidays. It was a win/win for everyone. A special thanks to the local shops who participated in the 2013 Charity Shopping Pass. It was a success because of your support. After the Charity Shopping Pass week, the Junior League moved on to its next project—decorating the Ouachita Council on Aging, which has served seniors age 60 and above since 1967. At this center seniors can get help with their insurance needs, participate in exercise classes and even show off their artistic talents through painting, quilting and pottery decorating. The Junior League was more than thrilled to buy and decorate a tree and decorate the front entrance of the center in order to help these wonderful people get in the holiday spirit. What a fantastic way to show these special
seniors they are loved by their community. The JLM’s Done-in-a-Day program provides volunteers to assist other not-for-profit groups. With lots of area charities needing assistance during this busy time of the year, the DIAD teams have been hard at work. Each year the Junior League of Monroe members participate in the Salvation Army’s Christmas Angel program. Members pick angels (children) and provide items on their wish list. Wish lists range from wants such as bicycles, baby dolls and scooters to needs such as clothes, socks, shoes, and coats. This year the Junior League was given 50 angels and succeeded in collecting over 100 gifts. League members feel that they are able to contribute to a family’s Christmas by providing these gifts. Not only does the Angel family benefit from this program, but League members gain a sense of joy by giving back to their community. Providing for a family in need is a great way to show their own families that it’s better to give than to receive. After the hard work was done, the Junior League celebrated with their annual Christmas holiday party. At the lovely home of Nicole and Brian West, actives, provisional, and sustainers enjoyed the musical talents of Alan Brockman along with a delectable buffet. A good time was had by all who attended. We appreciate your support in 2013 and are looking forward to another great year in 2014. For more information on how you can help your community through the Junior League, give us a call or visit our website at jlmonroe.org.
Ageless Skin Laser Center Avenue Shoes Bakery Boutique Bath Junkie Bayou Chocolate Bayou Gypsy & Bayou Beaux Blue Sky Yoga Bob Sale Gift & Camera Catfish Charlie’s The Coffee Bean Cricket Beaux Bicket Embroidery Debbie’s Hallmark Fit Right Active The GingerBread House H. Mickel Sports Haneline’s Men’s Wear Happy Day’s Carwash & Lube Center Herringstones The Honey Hole Tackle Shop Inside Indigo Johnny’s Pizza House Inc. Chef Eric Johnson & Company Jos A. Bank K-Sera Boutique Legacy Silver & Gifts Louisiana Purchases Material Things Melvyn’s Restaurant Inc. The Muffin Tin Orange Leaf Monroe Pampered & Polished The Paper Market Parterre The Pickle Barrel Restaurant Sage Rick Breen’s Rapid Lube & Wash Rain the Salon Randy Smith Jewelers River Grille Ron Alexander’s, Inc. Ruby’s Bakery & Catering Rustico Rustic Rose Boutique Salt & Pepper Boutique Simmons Sporting Goods The Spotted Giraffe Stanley Steamer Taco Bandido Talbot’s Thurman’s Food Factory The Toggery Traditions Antiques The Trenton House Woodstock January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 39
Keeping All Their Willie and Sadie onstage with Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Nettles at ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CMA Country Christmas special.
Willie sings with Luke Bryan at ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CMA Country Christmas special.
The Robertsons with Norman Reedus of the A&E hit TV series The Walking Dead in New York. Anna Robertson Stone with Kellie Pickler in New York. Missy, Korie and Jessica having dinner with OMG Insider, Thea Andrews, in New York.
40 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Willie and Korie holding bottles of the new Duck Commander wines by Trinchero Family Vineyards. Missy and Reed with Briony Smith at the Sixth Annual Stuff-A-Bus Campaign, sponsored by The Center for Children
Ducks in a Row! Willie on the red carpet with Randy Owen at the 2013 BMI Awards in Nashville.
Willie with Luke Bryan and Dallas Davidson at the 2013 BMI Awards in Nashville.
The Robertsons on the red carpet at the 47th CMA Awards.
The Robertsons on stage at the 47th CMA Awards. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 41
42 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Mr. McAllister Goes to Washington
arri Vance
story by J. Eric McNeil portraits by Gary Guinigundo
Style McAllister McAllister DS | |Vance By now, just about everybody knows that McAllister’s entrepreneurship has gained him respect in the business. He has owned quite a few businesses—Subway sandwich and Fox Pizza franchises, construction equipment rental companies, convenience stores and a promotion company for sporting events. He puts together deals too lucrative for other entrepreneurs to turn down. His method is simple: “I set a business up, put the money together and 50 percent is mine. If (potential partners) want to make a dollar for themselves, they’ve got to make two dollars.” McAllister, a resident of Swartz, La., who
in November was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Louisiana’s 5th congressional district, says he knows how to read people and that he brings common sense to the table. But the question remains: How did this smalltown boy learn these skills? Two weeks after being graduated from Forest High School in West Carroll Parish, McAllister went into the Army. He did two years and 22 weeks in active duty and two years and 22 weeks in inactive duty. Those five years—completing a tour in Korea and another at Fort Knox—required him to “grow up and grow up fast. It taught me about responsibility and leadership. While I was in the Army, I didn’t have anybody to fall back on.” College came next. He enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he got his first bitter taste of politics. As a pre-medicine student, McAllister saw other students with GPA’s lower than his own be accepted into medical school because they had political connections that he did not. Fed up with the red tape, he decided the best route for him was to get out and find a job. 44 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Although you might call him a college dropout, his education had only begun because, as McAllister says, “I’m a go-out-and-get-things-done kind of guy.” And get things done he did. Following in the footsteps of many young men from West Carroll Parish, McAllister hired out on a pipeline where he was able to earn the money that would fuel his entrepreneurial endeavors. He knew that investing his money was the only way to reach the goals he had set for himself as a younger man. He wanted to retire when he was forty. “That’s a good plan to have as you start building your empire,” he said, and “as long as I
worked hard, everything turned out good.” The year he turned his back on a formal education was the year he married Kelly. He was able to put her through nursing school and start a family. The McAllisters have four children of their own—Emilie Kathryn McAllister, Duncan Michael McAllister, Vance Michael McAllister II (aka “Deuce McAllister”) and Eva Grace McAllister— and three years ago they adopted his second cousin, Anna Claire Rogers, who needed a better home environment. When the Congressman was inaugurated into the U.S. House of Representatives, his children were by his side. They have been enjoying their father’s recent notoriety. “They love it,” he said. “They think it’s cool. They love seeing me on TV, and they’re proud of Daddy. They have been so supportive through this whole process.” McAllister credits his parents who have always given him a strong, supportive foundation. And he says they are responsible for two personality traits that give him the drive to make
his mark on the world. “My dad taught me his hard work ethic,” he said. “The man worked three jobs when I was a little kid so that he could pay cash for a new home. And my mom has a heart of gold. She is thoughtful and caring. I am a nice mixture of the two.” The traits he inherited from his parents, as well as what he has learned has a husband and father, are what McAllister believes will help him in his political career. His “true, sincere love for the people” may be the factor that sets him apart from other politicians. The Representative claims he never had political aspirations. He decided to run for office when he heard there would be a special election and thought that it was time to make his move on Washington. It would be a way for him to give back to the country that had given him so much. But there was more to it than that even. McAllister says he knew there were greater powers at work. “I knew this was an opportunity God had laid before me,” he said. “I could leave something for my children . . . but not just for my children, for
| |Style McAllister Vance McAllister DS everybody’s children. I knew that I may be able to leave the world a better place.” McAllister says that his religious beliefs, his Christianity, is of the upmost importance. “We can never compromise on Christian beliefs,” he said. “Our Constitution was based on Christian beliefs. Until we get this back to ‘One nation under God,’ we are going to be lost. “That’s exactly why I ran for the 5th District,” he said. “God spoke, and I feel God will speak even more.” With the recent appearance of comments made by A&E’s Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson in GQ Magazine, McAllister, like so
many people in this country, has seen how one person’s Christian beliefs can bring about not only controversy, but debates about First Amendment rights. “I believe no one should ever be persecuted for their beliefs,” McAllister said. “What Phil said was Phil’s opinion. It is not my place to judge Phil, nor is it my place to judge homosexuals. He’s being persecuted and punished because he exercised his freedom of speech, and I will stand behind him. McAllister and the Robertsons have known each other for a while. In fact, some of the members of the Robertson family made television commercial supporting McAllister during his campaign for the 5th District seat, what some people have claimed to be a winning endorsement. But McAllister is quick to point out that the Robertsons’ support was not an endorsement and that his personal campaign strategy is what secured his win. In fact, McAllister funded his campaign with more than $400,000 of his personal capital. As a business man, McAllister has seen first hand the government’s increasing involvement in business affairs, and he thinks government regulation needs to be reined back. He believes the government is too big, the leadership in Washington is failing America, and that taxes are too high. “The government is stifling us down with paperwork,” he said. “You can’t go to the bank and borrow money the way you could ten years ago. We have to get to the point where bankers can loan money, put the responsibility back in the bankers’ hands.” By loosening the hold that Washington has on private businesses, the Congressman believes
when it comes to the government,” he said. “We need to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. We have to become creative in order to prosper.” McAllister will have plenty of chances to do his part in deterring the “domestic threat.” He has already had the opportunity to weigh in on some pretty big decisions that have gone before the House, such as the $2 trillion spending plan for 2014 and 2015 that passed the House 332-94. And he has already taken some flack about his decision, one that he explains with what he calls his “country boy charisma.” “I’m taking some heat, but I’m not going to run from it. It ain’t perfect, but it’s a start. If you’re driving a car 90 miles an hour and miss your stop, you don’t throw it in reverse at top speed. It’ll tear up your car. Your first step is putting you foot on the brakes to slow it down. This was the first time we’ve put the foot on the brakes.” Such anecdotal philosophies sum up who Vance McAllister is—a good old-fashioned, Bibletoting, family-oriented, entrepreneurial, country boy turned politician—and he ain’t changin’ for nobody. And so far, Washington seems to have accepted him with open arms, even giving him the honor of acting as Speaker of the House on his 40
more business owners would expand their operations and even take more risks. “We need to reduce the government’s footprint on everyday business,” McAllister said. “We don’t have to be so controlling that we tell every business owner what they can and cannot do.” He thinks the country can pull itself out of the economic rut it is in by reestablishing a true freeenterprise system and getting rid of what he calls “domestic threats.” “Sometimes we are our own worst enemy
birthday on Jan. 7. “The easy thing for me to do is just being real and being myself,” the Representative from Louisiana said. “I ain’t gonna change myself just to be a congressman. I don’t know how to be anybody else, and I’m not going to be. Let me put it this way: We need to change Washington to be more like the 5th District than to make the 5th District be like Washington.”
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 45
Style
| Duck & Dressing
Duck & Dressing Owners Rebecca and Korie Robertson held a holiday open house and grand opening party on Dec. 16 at Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest boutique, Duck & Dressing. Never short on surprises, Willie brought along his friend, Darius Rucker. He and his wife, Beth, mingled with guests and he even took the stage to provide some entertainment. photography by Gary Guinigundo
Rebecca Robertson & Joneal Kirby
Models
Keith & Teresa Tippen 46 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Nathan & Megan Williams
Alan, Kay & Lisa Robertson
Callan Farris
Rebecca & Korie Robertson
John Luke & Korie Robertson
Duck & Dressing Patrons
Haley & Brittney Lindsey
Amie Sikes and Todd & Jolie Sikes Smith
Duck & Dressing
Chrys Shackleford & Korie Robertson
Deirdre McGehee & Jep Robertson
| Style
Beth & Darius Rucker, Korie & Willie Robertson
Ricky & Evyn Caples
Teresa Tippen, Willie Robertson & Deirdre McGehee Joshua Green & Erica Nguyen
Fashion Bloggers
Lily Barham, Olivia Elkins, Virginia Barham, Kathy Barham & Payton Tonore
Rain Stylists Blake Mason & Ramie Gaubert & Friends
Jenna, Rebecca & Leauxla, Sadie & Erica January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 47
Ear, Nose & Throat Associates Wilson T. Barham, M.D. Lee A. Miller, M.D. Ear, Nose & Throat Associates welcomes audiologist Brittany Keahey, Au.D., CCC-A to their practice. Brittany, a Saint Joseph, LA native, received her undergraduate degree from LSU, her doctorate from Louisiana Tech University, and completed her residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Brittany provides comprehensive audiology care, with special expertise in the management of both pediatric and adult hearing disorders.
Now accepting new patients. Dr. Barham and Dr. Miller offer a full range of otolaryngology and audiology services at their new location. 2802 Kilpatrick Blvd.
|
Monroe, LA 71201
|
318-855-6282
Kids Buffet only
40
¢ TIMES THEIR agE
Available at participating Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza House Locations THE
E OF
LOUI
SI
A
48 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
ST
AN
TA
johnnys-pizza.com
|
www.entnela.com
WEST MONROE CHAMBER
www.westmonroechamber.org
Calendar of Events: Thursday, January 9 – Chamber Lunch and Learn with Dr. Enaka Yembe from noon to 1 p.m. at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce office Tuesday, January 14 – Ribbon Cutting for Reflections Caps & Tees at 10 a.m., West Monroe
A.O. Evans Award winner The A.O. Evans award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. The award is named in honor of Mr. A.O. Evans, who founded the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce in 1956. The 2014 A.O. Evans recipient is Blake Wheelis, a West Monroe native and owner of Blake Wheelis State Farm.
Wednesday, January 15 – Chamber Diplomats Meeting at 11:30 a.m., Location TBD
Members of Blake Wheelis’ family accept the A.O. Evans award on his behalf since he was unable to attend the Chamber’s Annual Banquet on December 10.
Thursday, January 30 – Focus of Education Luncheon with Dr. Bob Webber at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in West Monroe Find Us on Facebook Follow the WMWO Chamber of Commerce on Instagram @westmonroechamber & on Facebook at facebook.com/WestMonroe-Chamber!
MEMBER
2
MEMBER
Photo taken by Patty Stewart
Shown in the photo are WMWO Chamber of Commerce Board Member Aline Smead, Chairman Billy Hance, recipient Blake Wheelis, Chamber President Courtney Hornsby and Membership Director Tom McCandlish. Photo taken by the WMWO Chamber of Commerce)
Entrepreneurial Success Award
Spotlight
The Entrepreneurial Success Award is presented to a business or individual that exemplifies the true entrepreneurial spirit in three areas – employees, management style and entrepreneurial spirit. The 2013 Entrepreneurial Success Award winner is Linda Lavender Ford and Linda Lavender School of Dance. Shown in the photo are Melvin Delacerda, President of Johnny’s Pizza House and the 2012 Entrepreneurial Success winner, 2013 winner Linda Lavender Ford and 2014 WMWO Chamber of Commerce Chairman Staci Albritton Mitchell.
Reflections Caps and Tees
Owner, Lori Rockett 100 Westridge Drive | West Monroe, Louisiana (318) 396-3588 Established in 1993, Reflections Caps and Tees has been involved in the t-shirt printing and embroidery business for 20 years. The store offers T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sport shirts, polos, twills, hats, jackets, aprons and several different brands and styles of apparel including major name brands. Reflections also accepts customer-supplied items. With their own in-house graphic design artist and in-house digitizing, they can design the perfect custom apparel or gift for any occasion. Reflections offers thousands of promotional items to help customers promote their business and promote their staff. Some of those items include koozies, flash drives, pens, cups, mugs, mouse pads, lunch bags and more.
Photo taken by Patty Stewart
Entrepreneurial Success winner Linda Lavender Ford with members of her family at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet.
Reflections recently moved to a new location at 100 Westridge Drive in West Monroe and will celebrate with a ribbon cutting with the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 10 a.m.
Photo taken by Patty Stewart
Ribbon Cuttings
The Picket Fence, 373 Green Road, West Monroe
Stage Department Store, expansion of Estee Lauder and Clinique Counters, 3426 Cypress Street, West Monroe
Carl Stantizky & Associates Independent Brand Partner for NeriumAD www.NewFaceNow.Nerium.com
Delta Grande Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 3001 Grand Street, Monroe
Four Brothers Steak & Seafood 100 Constitution Drive, West Monroe
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 49
Style
| Fashion
The Toggery
The Toggery
Southern Tide knits in assorted colors
Martin Dingman Alligator Belts • Brown • Black • Cognac
50 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Col. Littleton Leather Goods • Wallet • Possible bags • Portfolio
| Style
Ron Alexander Fashion
The DeltaStyle Man
refined
Coppley Navy Blazer Ballin slacks in gray and khaki
Classic Deerskin Loafer Pantherella socks
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 51
Style
| Fashion
Ron Alexander Jose Luis Jungles Suede Jacket
St. Croix Red & Black Stripe Shirt Luchiahd Visconti Black Vest
St. Croix Zip Mock 100% Cotton
Michael Kors Black Coat Marcello Black Stripe Shirt
52 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
St. Croix Socks
Fashion
The DeltaStyle Man
sporty
| Style
Cashmere Overcoat Cashmere Scarf
St. Croix Zip Mock Regatta Collection Polo Shirt
Saintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lounge Wear
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 53
Style
| Fashion
Simmon’s
Simmon’s
Drake Waterfowl Blades Hat Drake Waterfowl Blades Jacket Drake Waterfowl Blades Pants
54 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Fashion
| Style
The DeltaStyle Man
rugged
Drake Waterfowl White Button-up Drake Waterfowl Olive Vest Drake Waterfowl Khaki Pants
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 55
Appliances • Building Supplies • Flooring • Cabinetry • Indoors • Outdoors • Tools
1422 Natchitoches St. • West Monroe, LA 71292 • (318) 325-3400 • www.hioutlet.com 56 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
John W. Perry, Jr. , Broker Gretchen Ezernack Brad Holloway Mike Ardoin JW Perry, III naifaulkandfoster.com 1811 Auburn Ave. Monroe, LA 71201
Memberships & Certifications CRE - cre.org CRB - crb.com
SIOR - sior.com CCIM - ccim.com NAI GLOBAL - naiglobal.com GREEN - greenresourcecouncil.org REALTORS - realtor.com & larealtors.org
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Commercial Industrial • Land Property Management Development • Consulting Land 2.69 Acres
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January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 57
I Do | Weaver-Walker
Colby Frances Weaver &William Jared Walker
58 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Weaver-Walker
Colby Frances Weaver and William Jared Walker
were married at six o’ clock in the evening, Saturday, November 9 at First United Methodist Church in Monroe, LA. Colby is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Fredrick Weaver, Jr. of Monroe and Mrs. Donna Brister VanVeckhoven of Monroe. Her grandparents are Mrs. Clara Dodds Weaver and the late Dewey Fredrick Weaver, Sr. of Monroe and the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Andrew Brister, Jr. of Monroe. Jared is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. William Dale Walker of Monroe. He is the grandson of Mrs. Billie June Walker and the late Frank Meredith Walker of Monroe and Mrs. Carolyn Jowers Laws and the late William Schumann Laws of West Monroe. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a classically romantic gown by designer Carolina Herrera. The couture design was a strapless, A-line ball gown with an ivory silk chiffon and lace bodice flowing into a beautiful tulle skirt with embroidered lace, hand detailing encrusted with crystals and mother of pearl floral appliques. A cathedral length veil designed especially to match this breathtaking gown with the same embellishments complemented the gown’s chapel length train. She carried a loose hand-tied bouquet of white chocolate garden roses, white tulips, peach hypericum berries, peach and white stock, dusty miller, blush spray roses and seeded eucalyptus wrapped in white silk ribbon. The groom wore a stunning deep navy velvet tuxedo blazer by designer Alexander McQueen. Mr. Walker paired the blazer with custom tuxedo pants that had satin grosgrain piping to match the blazer’s grosgrain lapel. He wore a boutonniere of white chocolate roses. The bride’s sisters, Connor Michael VanVeckhoven and Lydia Claire
| I Do
Weaver, served as maids of honor. Other bridesmaids were Shonda Farr McIntyre, Bristen A’lice Witty, Brelynn Diane Witty and Madeline Lil Brister (cousins of the bride) and Whitney Caroline Walker and Mollie Claire Walker (sisters of the groom). They wore deep navy one shoulder evening gowns made of draped chiffon by Jim Hjelm Couture and carried hand-tied bouquets of a floral mix wrapped in white silk ribbon. Jonathan Eric Wiggins, friend of the groom, served as best man. Also serving as groomsmen were Douglas Randall Turner (uncle of the groom); Austin Randall Turner (cousin of the groom); Dewey Fredrick “Trey” Weaver, III and William Graham Weaver (brothers of the bride); and Josh Bruce Hathorn, John Gregory Andrews and Jack Jones Nolan (friends of the groom). Ava Drew McIntyre (cousin of the bride) served as flower girl. William Douglas Swander (cousin of the groom) was ring bearer. Truman VanVeckhoven, Trevor VanVeckhoven, Owen Herrock, and Clint Norden served as ushers. Sarah Heatherly and Hannah Uth were ceremony Scripture readers and acolytes were Carlie Turner and Caitlin Herrock. Ashley Weaver and Lacie Blair served in the house party. The double ring ceremony was officiated by dear friend of the bride and her family, Dr. David Uth, and father of the groom, Rev. Dale Walker. Colby and Jared both come from unique backgrounds. The couple’s faith shined through during their nuptials. The couple partook in communion, which was followed by a special time of prayer specifically requested by the couple. Couples who have been influential in their lives surrounded the bride and groom while David Uth spoke a special prayer and blessing over the couple. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 59
I Do | Weaver -Walker
At the entrance to the church, two antique French Deco candelabras filled to capacity with white tulips, blush roses, condor lilies, and stock flanked the immense door. The entrance was also surrounded with glossy black, sparkling lanterns holding tall white pillar candles that flickered dazzling light. The sanctuary was no less impressive. At the book table, a low wide urn held a wonderful mix of flowers with cascades of tulips. The main aisle was lined with soaring single taper holders crowned with lush greenery, condor lilies, flirty soft ribbons in white, off white, champagne and blush, resembling playful maypoles. At the altar, two enormous triple-tiered iron garden pieces were overflowing with lilies, roses, hypericum berries, smilax, lilies, stock and hydrangeas. Vee Hollis, Gail Thompson, Charlotte Milonski, Lisa Lewis, Cathy Fluke, Peggy Caskey, and Brianne Adams made this most special occasion sacred and memorable with the amazing floral designs. Ceremony music selections including “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” (Bach), “Canon in D” (Pachabel), “Trumpet Voluntary” (Clarke), and Handel’s “Hornpipe from Water Music” were performed by Hunt Neely, Hallie Yarbrough, and Joe F. Cleveland. Kathy Boggs and Matt Brock sang “Waiting For You” (Matthew West) immediately following the seating of the families. A special selection of some of the couple’s favorite worship songs were sung by Kathy Boggs and Matt Brock during communion including “I Wanna Be Close To You,” “Jesus At The Center,” “Love Came Down” and “Waste It All.” The reception for the wedding was held at Bayou Desiard Country Club. Colby and wedding planner extraordinaire, Gregory Hudgins, worked for months with a production team from Lafayette to create their masterpiece. Gregory transformed the club with bolts of white fabric draped the walls at the entrance and down the hallway. Chris Allum’s and his crew constructed seven-foot boxwood topiaries that were placed at the entrances to the Palm Court and the Club Room. Since they shared their wedding day with one of the biggest SEC games, Colby and Jared knew they had to accommodate guests who were passionate about the LSU Tigers (and a few Bama fans). Once again, Gregory came through transforming the Club Room into a sports lounge, complete with 60 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
pub tables, barstools, LSU foam fingers, nachos, popcorn, chicken wings and plenty of large screen TV’s where guests could watch football. The Palm Court was transformed into a grand ballroom. The dining tables were set with ivory linen cloth with overlays in silk and sequin brocade. The gold chiavari chairs had ivory cushions. The table arrangements were towering glass cylinders filled with willow branches and crowned with the hydrangeas. The club was filled with the majestic floral designs from Chris Allums and his team Janie Green, Xzavier Wright and Joshua Riggin. The cake master’s five-layer confection was a composition of alternating layers of Red Velvet and Italian crème with cream cheese filling and traditional white with white icing. Each tier was overlaid with a decadent pearlized fondant and different designs on each tier. Succulent roses adorned the top of the cake. The groom’s cake was an all-time favorite of the evening, a cake made of tiers of individual chocolate chip cookies held together by homemade chocolate icing. The seven-piece blues and funk band Funkytown kept the guests dancing and entertained until the night ended with the guests creating a tunnel with sparklers for the happy bride and groom to run through. At the end of the tunnel, a horse-drawn carriage awaited the couple to whisk them away. It was an enchanting evening from start to finish. Colby and Jared would like to thank all of their very dear family and friends who helped make their day even more special by being there and showing their support. They would also like to thank their wedding planner, Gregory Hudgins. In Colby’s words, he “took my vision and everything I had ever hoped my wedding would be and made it come to life. It was the fairytale every little girl dreams of having one day!” Sunday morning following the wedding, the bride’s family hosted a jazz brunch for out of town guests at Courtyard by Marriott Monroe. Guests enjoyed flavors of Louisiana created by Kenneth McClinton and his catering staff as light jazz music filled the air. The couple enjoyed a perfect honeymoon trip in St. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. William Jared Walker will make their home in Monroe.
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Rebecca Mitcham
Specializing in weddings plus a wide range of flowers and gifts
Every wedding is unique. This is YOUR day, and we want to help make it everything you’ve always dreamed of. Rebecca’s Floral Designs 2601 N. 7th St. Suite 700 West Monroe, LA 71291 318-376-2380 Follow us on Facebook: Rebecca’s Floral Designs
Photo by Kale Photography
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St. Francis Clinic is Ready Every Day! An Urgent Care Facility… • Minor illnesses • Minor emergencies • Physician & Nurse Practitioners • No appointment needed • Quick, efficient and cost-effective
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(318) 966-6220 62 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
stfran.com
Thomas-Eddington
| I Do
Chelsea Morgan Thomas and Robert Eddington
C
helsea Morgan Thomas of Shreveport and Robert Eddington of Dallas, were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at half past three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Shreveport. The Very Reverend Alston Johnson, Dean of St. Mark’s, presided over the ceremony. Organist, Canon Bryan Mitnaul provided music, and Marybeth McVie coordinated the traditional, Episcopalian ceremony. Dale and Suhan Wallace of Monroe provided photography for the event, and David Harp Evans, also of Monroe, provided styling. Immediately following the ceremony was an elegant garden reception held at Centenary College Crumley Gardens. On the eve of the wedding, the parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Petroleum Club of Shreveport. The bride is the daughter of Mr. D.W. Thomas III of Monroe and Ms. Beverly Irvine Young of Shreveport. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. D.W. Thomas II and the late Ms. Leona Thomas of Bastrop, Louisiana, the late Mr. David Morgan Irvine, and the late Mrs. Joyce Irvine Gadd of Shreveport. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Eddington of Keller, Texas. He is the grandson of Mrs. William Radford and the late Mr. William Radford and Mrs. Robert Eddington and the late Mr. Robert Eddington, all of Mansfield. Following the ceremony, the couple was transported from the Cathedral to Centenary Crumley Gardens through the Fairfield and Highland Historic Districts of Shreveport by horse-drawn carriage. At the garden reception, guests were entertained by the music of violin soloist, Rose Smoak, and DJ Anthony Stark. Kathy Cubley and Alyson Foreman of Aly B’s Bakery provided the wedding cakes and reception desserts. For the reception, the bride chose to wear her late maternal grandmother’s tea-length, cap sleeve, vintage lace wedding dress, originally worn in 1958 when she wed her late grandfather. For her wedding, Chelsea Morgan wore a luxurious ivory satin, custom, couture gown by Mori Lee. The elegant off-the-shoulder v-neck design featured a detailed lace bodice flowing to the natural waistline. The gown’s three-quarter length sleeves of Alencon lace were fastened with covered buttons. Exquisite lace detailing accentuated the bottom half of the full, satin skirt as well as the bodice. The back of the custom gown featured a line of French covered buttons with a small bustle at the top of the satin skirt. An extraordinary cathedral-length train trimmed in lace, cascaded past the bride’s peep-toe shoes by Jimmy Choo. A three-tiered
lace cap veil with blusher topped the bride’s cathedral-length veil, accentuating the elegance of the gown’s intricate cathedral train. Chelsea Morgan’s bridal bouquet was tied with her maternal grandfather’s handkerchief and included hanging pendants containing photographs of each of her late grandparents. Two rosaries also adorned the bouquet: the first acquired from the Washington National Cathedral during the couple’s courtship, and the second gifted by the groom on the eve of their wedding. The bridesmaids were attired in long, blush nude gowns designed by Marchesa. Meagan Grady Carpenter of Mobile, Alabama served as Matron of Honor. Kellye Rene Hay of Shreveport was the bride’s honorary Maid of Honor and Jamie Hassell Payne, also of Shreveport, served as a bridesmaid. Leslie Taylor Thomas and Lauren Elizabeth Thomas of Monroe, along with Mackenzie Elise Young of Shreveport, attended their older sister as junior bridesmaids. The groomsmen and ushers included: Logan Hoover of Shreveport; Christian Vinas of North Richland Hills, Texas; Andrew Nunez of Dallas, Texas; David Irvine (cousin of the bride) of Marshall, Texas; Thomas Pile (step-brother of the bride) of Dallas, Texas; Jeremy Tyson (brother-in-law of the groom) of Keller, Texas; and Chase Ratley of Shreveport. Sisters of the groom, Melissa Eddington Tyson of Keller, Texas and Stephanie Eddington of Shreveport, delivered scriptural readings for the ceremony. The groom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and is employed as an accountant and financial analyst in Dallas. The bride is an alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity of Centenary College, was a member of Lamda Pi Eta and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies, and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of communications. She works as a film and television actress and producer and will pursue doctoral studies in 2014. Following a Caribbean honeymoon trip, the Eddingtons have made their new home in Dallas. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 63
Art & Design | Gallery Crawl
Downtown
Gallery
Crawl
Nine galleries were filled with holiday cheer during the bi-monthly Downtown Gallery Crawl on Dec. 5.
Bob & Linda Ward
Rick Sikes — “Stephen King’s Mug Shot”
Victoria Smith & Clifford Tresner
Jamie & Amy Madden
Jamie Johnson & M. C. Davis
Drew Bahlinger & Carlie Sandlin
Michelle McCally & William Holley
64 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Auditions for our February Dinner Theatre will be held on
Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
A play by local playwright Toby Otero and directed by Brandi Albritton.
The Hilarious Hillbilly Massacre - Dinner Theatre Directed by Michael Steele
January 17, 18, 24, 25, 2014 The Birchbumble family, a wild and fun loving clan from deep in the hills of Tennessee, is having a family reunion and you, being a close relative, are invited! Everyone is promised a hog slappin’ good time. However, before the moonshine starts flowin’, evil befalls the festivities. A barbaric I.R.S. agent crashes the party and demands that the Birchbumbles pay all the back taxes they owe or the government will confiscate the premises immediately. The Birchbumbles don’t take easily to threats, so the agent is bumped off. There’s more murder and mayhem and lots of merriment as the Birchbumbles stage their own auditions for Hee Haw. Talent like theirs must be seen to be believed. Be sure to attend this long awaited family reunion!
Tickets are $45 per person or $400 per table. Tickets include a fabulous dinner and great entertainment! Remember to purchase your seat name plates for $100.
Check out our updated website: www.strausstheatrecenter.com
Box Office 318.323.6681 Make sure to “Like” our new Facebook page, Strauss Little Theatre Monroe January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 65
Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts The Little Mermaid AUDITIONS
Auditions: January 4, 1:00 – 4:00 PM – ages 8-18 January 6, 5:30 – 7:30 PM Audition requirements are on the SYAA website. School shows begin on February 18th – Schools can register to see the show online Title Sponsor:
Public productions begin February 22nd and include a fun Character Luncheon on Feb. 22
WORKSHOP
The Avengers vs. the League of Villainous Women SYAA’s afterschool theatre training workshop program $75 per month – ages 7-12 • Thursdays from 3:45-5:30 starting January 9 Parents are invited to a mini-showcase each Thursday (last 15 minutes of class) Students receive a T-shirt and parents receive 4 tickets to the ending showcase
Register student online at www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com
Lessons at SYAA: LESSONS
Piano Lessons now available from Nathanael Medlin – nathanaelmedlin@gmail.com Voice Lessons with Amy Matherne – amycmath@comcast.net Violin Lessons with Samantha Parker – fiddlesticks1189@gmail.com Theatrical Dance lessons with Missy Crain Studios – missycraindance@comcast.net Contact these teachers for more information!
300 1/2 Lamy Lane • Monroe, LA 318 - 812 - SYAA (7922) • www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com
66 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Ravenworks
Art Buzz
| Art & Design
the creations of Mara Loeb
by Melanie Douhit Mara Loeb came to Monroe in 1985 as the costume designer at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She spent six years dividing her time amongst the roles of teacher, costumer, director and actor. She holds degrees in both art and theatre, so the job was a good fit. Before moving to Monroe, Loeb had been active in regional and community theatre in Portland, Ore., at the Wilson Center for the Arts; in community theatre in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada; and in several other states and cities. As the fifth of eight children raised in rural Iowa, it was a chance to get center stage for a change. In 1991 Loeb went to Carbondale, Ill., to get a doctorate’s degree in performance studies at Southern Illinois University. Her dissertation examined family storytelling, a constant passion of all the Loeb family members. Ten years after her first stay in Monroe began, Loeb returned because “I had never found people whom I enjoyed more or who were more fun to live around,” she said. Seven years later, she was appointed Director of International Student Programs and Studies, in addition to maintaining a half-time teaching load in communication studies, and she has savored all the personalities and cultures that this puts her in touch with. To keep her “artist identity fed,” Loeb has been involved with both the Young Troupe and the Strauss Theatre Center. “A few years ago I made huge puppets—15 to 20 feet tall—for a Russian story theatre project
that Cathy Webb directed,” Loeb said. “What an adventure that was! There was a lovely princess, a handsome prince, Evil Tsar—the Tsar of the Sea a supernatural fellow—a foolish musician and even an eight-foot tall horse.” In 2007 Loeb signed on to do the fantasy costumes for the Strauss Theatre Center production of Beauty and the Beast. “We’re talking Lumiere the candlestick, dancing plates and silverware, Cogsworth the clock, really any costume that had to be ‘engineered,’” she said. It must have been successful because Loeb and Marcy Hall shared the Outstanding Costumes award for the season. If teacher and making extraordinary costumes were not enough, Loeb is now venturing into a new business—jewelry making. “Since there are at least 24 hours in any day,” she said, “I have also developed my own jewelry making company, Ravenworks, and I have a booth at a few fests a year.” Loeb usually makes an annual appearance at the Harvest Herb Festival at St. Patrick’s in West Monroe, but she has also shown up at the Cooper Young Festival in Memphis, the Ruston Peach Fest and the Ruston Studio Tour. “Jewelry making came out of my costuming, since it, along with building hats, was the most fun of that job,” she said. Her favorite materials to work with—her “addiction”— are natural materials like coral, quartz, jasper, chalk turquoise (magnesite) and freshwater pearls.
“I think I must have been a magpie in a previous life because I am drawn to everything shiny,” she said. Her “Sierra Club Cameos” are slabs of agate mounted on leather and circles with seed beads and chips of white topaz, quartz crystal or whatever else the agate suggests. “It is designed in cooperation with nature,” she said. “My Beadery—the workshop devoted to my treasures—is creative chaos, but one shiny thing leads to another, you know. Each season inspires me to work with different textures, colors and styles, so there is always something new coming along.” Recently, Loeb has been exploring with what she can do with quartz crystal chips and pewter snowflakes. “Magical!” she said. “I love jewelry that can do more than one thing so my ‘Lariat’ necklaces can be worn five ways (six if you are slim enough to use it as a belt). “A few years back I teased my five sisters that I was going to make ‘Menopause Jewelry’ that combined stones said to calm the emotions, balance the hormones, aid memory and speed healing,” Loeb said. “The combination was less than lovely, so they became my ‘Menopause Charms,’ suitable to hang on a purse, or swing at someone!” Loeb said she is thrilled to be a new member of the River Gallery family. “Monroe has such a lively and supportive arts community,” she said. “It is a great place to grow your skills and enjoy the talents of others.”
Ouachita River Art Gallery is the oldest and largest co-op gallery in the state. We are grateful to the local community for the continued support of the arts in our area. The gallery is at 308 Trenton Street, West Monroe, and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. Gallery member’s work can also be seen at the Ouachita River Art Gallery’s extension gallery located in the lobby of Ouachita Independent Bank/Bankers Mortgage Plaza at 18th and Louisville in Monroe. Call 322-2380 for more information or visit www.ouachitariverartgallery.com. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 67
Art & Design | Corello
RockStar Fashion in a
Steampunk W
J ep and Jessica Robertson recently teamed up with Corello
jewelry designers Rick Caballo and Melissa Core to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As part of “No Shave November,” 10% of all profits from Corello’s new line went to this fundraising campaign. After having such a successful response to the new line, we decided to find out more about this dynamic duo and the minds behind the designs that Jep and Jessica Robertson fell in love with.
68 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
World photos provided by Corello
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 69
Art & Design | Corello
Q. When did you begin singing and where do your musical abilities come from? Does musical talent run in your family? A. I began singing at 15 years of age. My musical influences came from bands like U2, Bon Jovi, Rolling Stones. And nobody sings or does anything in the arts in my family but my dad does sing opera in the workshop Q. You have had a successful career as a singer/songwriter so far; when you first started your career, did you believe you would be as successful as you are today? A. I’ve been very lucky to play and tour all over the world and making a living out of music which is a hard thing to do these days and I’ve been lucky to share the studio with um I’ve been lucky to share players with people like Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Brooks and Dunn, Arrow Smith, you name it. It’s been great.
mean something to me. It’s kind of like Bob Dylan being fun and rocking. It’s not just I wanna hold your hand and kiss ya tight. Q. What are your future goals and plans for your musical career? A. I am recording my next album and plan to take the tour on the road with my music with my fashion line and my art works and incorporating everything together. Q. You are not only a singer and songwriter; you also have your own fashion line with Melissa Core called CORELLO. This fashion line consists of unique jewelry like stainless steel necklaces and bracelets, leather scarves, t-shirts, jackets, eel leather cuffs, leather wrist and boot wraps, and Iron Horn jewelry hangers. You both design and make all of these by hand. Where do you get your inspiration and how do you and Melissa work together (what are your roles)? A. The fashion line is based around music, art and fashion, so it reflects very highly on the music side. Bands like the Rolling Stones, Arrow Smith, Bon Jovi I guess influence what I do also the lyrics in my songs influence the feel of the style of the clothing and certain lyrics that are printed on tshirts. That sort of thing. I’m predominately the designer between the two of us and Melissa does bring a female touch to it with her creative eye. Q. Did you always hope to have your own fashion label or was this a dream that developed later in your career? A. The fashion line came about because of Melissa. She noticed a lot of talents around me and she decided to pull it all together and allowed me to create more different things out of different mediums and let me express myself I guess in creativity. Most of my art works on canvas end up on t-shirts and the same as lyrics and art end up there. And as well as the titles of songs become the titles of the line of the fashion line
Q. What would you say has attributed to your success? A. What’s attributed to my success would be hard work, persistence, and just being at the right place at the right time. Q. In 2010, you were chosen as a Grand Finalist in the Toyota Star Maker contest, which is Australia’s Number 1 Country Music Festival. Describe this experience and how did this achievement help you grow as an artist? A. It was a good experience. I’m not really into award shows and games like that. The reward comes from playing a great gig or writing a great song, so I’ve already been rewarded previous to that event, butIt was good to sing how I was placed amongst others. Q. The lyrics in your songs come off as honest and full of meaning; how do these songs come to you? Do you have a specific song-writing process you go through or is it different for every song? A. Song writing comes to me in different ways. Sometimes it’s lyrics. Sometimes it’s a lick on a guitar. Sometimes it’s a feeling. It’s important to have the right combination of these things. And these days it’s influenced by my art and fashion, so a lot of the lyrics that I use in my song writing go across to the paintings. And sometimes when I’m painting some feelings and emotions from the painting come across to the songs. So, it’s different at all times. And when you’re co-writing with some great writers there’s always a lot of stuff floating around the room. To me lyric is everything. It can’t be just fluff and a catchy hook. It has to
70 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Q. The CORELLO fashion line has a wide variety of unique jewelry and clothing to choose from, but it does not stop there; you also have canvas art that you create, design, and hand make yourself. Where does your artistic talent and inspiration come from? A. I’ve been drawing and painting ever since I was a kid and did that actually before my music career and I’m actually selftaught in everything I do and it’s just a matter of growing and trying new things. I love to paint musicians and icons of rock and roll such as Caverige and Steven Tyler. Edgy and deep meaningful stuff that reflects a lot of years of hard work by a the lines in Caverige’s face didn’t happen overnight and there’s a lot of stories in them lines. I’m actually incorporating these days a lot of our jewelry on the portraits, so Caverige will be wearing some of our jewelry in these paintings, and at the moment I’m working on a publishing deal in Maui with a company and they’re going to be publishing my arts and selling my original canvases as well as music and copies of the canvases and our fashion line. Q. CORELLO has already taken the country by storm, being worn by celebrities like Steven Tyler and Miranda Lambert; how did you come to collaborate with Jep and Jessica Robertson designing jewelry? A. We’ve been very lucky to have celebrities jump on board with us
Corello
| Art & Design
I came over and did some recording and here I am years later.
because they like it. It’s great. We’ve got Steven Tyler and Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line all flying the flag for us. It’s nice knowing that there’s a lot of brands out there but celebrities choose to use Corello and cause we are a little bit different and edgy other than other brands that are very safe and similar to each other. We met Jep and Jessica on the No Shave November campaign rock star shoot we did. They were featured in wearing Corello gear and we shot them. They were great to work with and we got a lot of exciting fashion prospects in the works. Having Jep and Jess for the face of No Shave November for Corello opened up a lot of doors for us which was great and it was great working with them. They were so easy to work with.
Q. When you are not singing, designing or creating art, how do you most like to spend your time? A. I spend my time playing guitar, painting, drawing, designing. Not much free time cause I enjoy it so I guess it’s not really free time if you love something so. I also love motorcycle riding, mountain bike riding. I like to go to the gym sometimes, and that’s about it. Q. What is your benchmark for success? In other words, what is the one thing that could happen for you to say, “I made it! I accomplished my goals and I could die tomorrow a happy man.” A. The benchmark for my success would be knowing that my companies have reached a level where they can support others and have charity organizations that they can do some good for the world and be able to support other peoples and create work for everyone so everyone can experience what we’ve experienced so far.
Q. What 3 words describe you best? A. Very Easy Going Q. How often do you get back to Australia? What was the catalyst for your move to Nashville?
Q. What are the things in your life that bring you the most satisfaction & sense of peace?
A. We get back to Australia hopefully once a year and hopefully this year, but the reason why I moved here was for music. I’ve got some interest here in Nashville for my music.
A. It would be completing a project or completing something that I’ve worked hard on,
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January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 71
Art & Design | Corello
Corello fashion, designed by Rick Cabello and Melissa Core, is worn by celebrities such as Steven Tyler and Miranda Lambert. Here, Jessica and Jep Robertson of the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty model Corello jewelry and T-shirts.
Lee is Better Than Ever...
Come Check Us Out!
Lee Junior High 1600 North 19th Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 323-1143 ext. 2101
For Appointments, Please Call 72 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Earn High School Credits in the following subjects • Business Computer Applications • Journey to Careers • Journalism • Spanish • Algebra I • Physical Science • Family Consumer Sciences
Corello
whether it’s an album, a painting or a fashion line. Also, satisfaction is meeting up with family and trying to get back to Australia when we can. Q. Who is the most famous person you’ve met, that you would like to hang out with again….the one that made the biggest impression on you? A. Definitely Steven Tyler. He was a big part of this fashion line. We got to hang out and he was so humble and gracious to me. He inspired a whole fashion line around him for me. I would probably love to hang out with him again and see what we’ve got not only fashion wise but musically. I’ve been influenced a lot musically by him. Q. What is something that you’ve learned about yourself that you would like to change? A. I would probably change my work ethic. I would probably have a little bit time for myself and for Melissa, so we can switch off a little bit cause we’re at 24 hours a day just thinking, creating and it’s fun but sometimes you need to escape a little bit. Q. What would you like our readers to say about you after reading this interview? A. I don’t like people to say anything about me, but just to realize how honest I am in my approach
| Art & Design
towards everything in life and respect everything that everyone does and what I do and hope that they can see that for honesty is the best policy. Q. How in the world did you snag such a kind, beautiful, artistic goddess like Melissa? A. I guess it was meant to be and fate, because we had met via some random guy in Nashville from Australia and she lives in my hometown in Australia so, small world, but we didn’t stay in touch, but for some reason I got in touch with her a few years later after we spoke over the Internet, and I asked her to be in my music video and she said yes and it was the first day we met and we have that documented on my video and we’ve been together ever since so it was destiny.
To see Rick and Melissa explain the concept behind their designs, watch this youtube video http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=GP2USgu4W28 or go to corellousa.com.
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 73
Eagle Expo Eagle Expo 9th ANNUAL
9th ANNUAL
FEB. 20 –22 | MORGAN CITY
LOCAL LENDERS, LOCAL DECISION MAKING
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The Franciscan Path of Peace – A Lasting Tribute The Franciscan Path of Peace will be a special part of the new St. Francis Community Health Center campus, which will be located on Tower Drive. The Path of Peace is a 100' x 70' terrace designed as a peaceful green space within a larger, beautifully landscaped garden. The meandering pathway offers community partnership opportunities through the sponsorship of engravable items: • Two Different Sized Bricks: – 8"x 4" with four lines: 18 characters per line, including spaces (sponsorship is $75) – 8"x 8" with eight lines: 18 characters per line, including spaces (sponsorship is $150) • Several Benches (sponsorship is $1,000 each) • Two Different Prayer /Meditation Areas including Statue and Prayer Boulder (sponsorship is $2,500 and only two are available)
“These Franciscan Path of Peace partnership opportunities are community contributions paving the way in healthcare for the future.” ~ Cindy Rogers, Foundation President & CEO Each sponsorship provides the opportunity for an engraved memorial or honorarium for someone important in one’s life, whether from a business or an individual. Please consider your donation in support of an institution that enriches lives, inspires hope and provides health and healing for those in need.
For more information call (318) 966-7833, or visit www.stfran.com and click on the St. Francis Foundation link.
stfran.com 74 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
St. Francis Community Health Center Scheduled to open late summer of 2014.
Dr. Toby Frost Joins Oglesby Financial Group Dr. Toby Frost has joined the Oglesby Financial Group as their new Chief Operating Officer. He transitioned to the boutique wealth management firm from First West Church (First Baptist West Monroe) where he served as Executive Pastor in the areas of management, human resources, and finance. “It has been a privilege to serve at First West for over six years because they do such a good job of helping people,” stated Frost. “It is that same legendary emphasis on uniquely serving the public and a passion for caring for clients that attracted me to the Oglesby Financial Group.” Dr. Frost was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky and grew up in Europe and the southern region of the United States. He received his bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and his master’s degree from South-
Dr. Toby Frost
COO Oglesby Financial Group
eastern Seminary at Wake Forest. Frost also has an earned doctorate degree in leadership from Midwestern Baptist Theological seminary in the area of corporate ethics. Dr. Frost is a published author of books, manuals, journal articles and other materials in seven languages. His wife, Susan is working as the general director of an upcoming city festival in our area. She is the also author of several books and manuals, is talented in administration, event planning, and customer care.
ment firms in the industry. Each and every client of the firm is an individual, and their sophisticated strategies are obsessively crafted and customized to meet every need. “
We searched long and hard to find just the right person. Dr. Frost brings with him decades of experience in leadership but most importantly, he has an impeccable reputation and a massive following of people whose lives he has touched through years. - Darren Oglesby
The Frost’s have three children. Their oldest daughter Taylor lives in Atlanta, GA where she is an advertising account executive for Comcast/ Xfinity. Their other daughter Perry also resides in Atlanta, GA where she directs the Atlanta Mystery Theatre as one of the youngest theatre directors in the US. She recently starred as the female lead in the feature film “New Hope” from R-Squared Productions. The Frost’s youngest child Roddey is in his senior year at LA Tech University in Electrical Engineering. Frost stated that, like many others are, he was drawn to the Oglesby Financial Group for several reasons. “The first thing that gets your attention is the amazing experience they provide for their clients in helping them live a better life. You truly feel special and honored when you walk through the door at the Oglesby Financial Group.” “The second element was the reputation of the firm and the vast expertise and depth of the team,” stated Frost. “Financial advisors from all across the U.S. travel to Monroe or listen to Darren speak nationally just to get a glimpse of how the firm operates in becoming one of the top wealth manage-
According to Frost, the third and perhaps most important reason is Darren Oglesby himself, the founder and president of the firm. “For over twenty years he has grown the firm through excellence, vision and dedication that has culminated into multiple industry leading awards and developed a wealth management practice like no other. From the top tier strategies they help clients employ to the unique experience they provide, he has just built something different and extraordinary,” he stated. “Darren is truly an asset to our city and region.” When asked about the firm’s decision to choose Frost to take the role of Chief Operating Officer, Darren Oglesby had this to say. “This is a very important role in our firm. We searched long and hard to find just the right person. Dr. Frost brings with him decades of experience in leadership but most importantly, he has an impeccable reputation and a massive following of people whose lives he has touched through years. It takes a special person to make that kind of an impact on the lives of so many. We felt his leadership, character and passion to help others fit perfectly with our team and the mission of the firm.”
Experience the Difference 20
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All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp. Member FINRA/SIPC 11440 JOG Road • Palm Beach Gardens • 33418-1765 • Tel: (561) 472-2000
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 75
Dig In | Chef’s Corner
C h e f ’s C o r n e r
The Warehouse No. 1
story by Tara Ambrose
ith the arrival of the first steamboat in Monroe, namely the W James F. Monroe, on May 1, 1819, The Warehouse No. 1 has
photography by Gary Guidigundo
watched the dawning of many decades in her 100 years on the mighty Ouachita River. With her corrugated tin exterior, original hard wood floors, restored exterior walls and beautiful exposed beams, this massive lady rests perched at the water’s edge just as she has done so since her original construction. A long standing reminder of an era far removed from us, she stands gazing across the mighty Ouachita River supporting her lightest load these days—her diners. Crafted in her present form and introduced to the public in 1980, The Warehouse No. 1’s original integrity of “less is more” has been brought to the forefront and maintained by general manager and co-owner Dennis Clack. With a staff comprised of approximately 18 employees, your visit to one of Monroe’s most historic eateries will be pristine from start to delightful finish from the moment you arrive through the heavy wood doors, until the last dish is removed from your table and your final au revior has been bidden.
76 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
While the integrity of the structure, simplistic décor and hospitable staff warmly meets you upon your arrival, it is the phenomenal culinary abilities of one of this area’s talented chefs that will have you returning again and again to The Warehouse No. 1. Pastry puffs, artisan bread, scratch made dressings, crab cakes, crawfish cakes, crème brulee, beignets and so much more are carefully crafted by the dulcet styling of Chef Joel Myers. Myers, who grew up as a child in United States Army, rooted himself in the “spud state” of Idaho early on in life after becoming a pastry chef. Joel’s predilection for all things culinary became his driving force while attending the Western Culinary Institute in Southwest Portland, Oregon, where he obtained his culinary degree with a heavy focus on Artisan baking. Growing up in a military environment, Myers’ methods in the kitchen are ever so methodical, but with his wife Jordan Amos Myers who is also an accomplished pastry chef steadfastly by his side, there isn’t anything challenge that Myers refuses to tackle— with his wife’s approval, of course!
Chef’s Corner
| Dig In
Chef Joel’s Recipe
Q 1. Where is your favorite place to dine for breakfast out with his family? Chef Joel: Ihop Dennis: At home! Honestly I cook breakfast for my kids every morning, but if I have to go out then it’s Waffle House. 2. Where is your f favorite place to dine for lunch/ dinner out with his family? Chef Joel: My Mother-in-law’s house, Mrs. Robin Amos Dennis: El Jarrito 3. Where is your favorite all around eateries in Louisiana? Chef Joel: Café Beignet in New Orleans—where he vowed beignet perfection Dennis: Ernst Café in New Orleans 4. What does you enjoy doing when he is not at the restaurant cooking? Chef Joel: Spending quality time with my children and my wife, Jordan and perfecting my favorite hobby, making pasta Dennis: Cleaning my house, raising children, jogging. I’m an avid Saint’s fan, all the way, even with the brown bags on the head phase! 5. What is Chef’s favorite thing about the North Louisiana region? Chef Joel: The fact that my wife was born here Dennis: People. Convenience. When you live in a large city it takes forever to get anywhere. But the people here are outstanding. Lots of people here Although Myers and his wife have worked at such esteemed places as the RimRock Inn in the beautiful mountains of Enterprise, this artisan trained baker decided to move to Louisiana in 2012 to cultivate a family environment with his wife, Jordan and their six children—ages eight, six, four-year-old twins, two and eight months. As fate would have it, Myers landed his spot at The Warehouse No. 1 in August of this year after Clack “twisted his arm” to get back in the kitchen and stop waiting tables. But with Myers’s never ending humor, soft spoken mannerisms and quick wit, one can immediately see WHY Dennis wanted his never ending talents back in the kitchen, as opposed to on the dining room floor. Nowadays, Myers continues to wow diners with his gemutlich gems and satisfyingly savory morsels of bite full bliss, but don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you, Myers is a power-house to be reckoned with! With no
&
A who want to do good for others and people notice that.
6. Do you do any volunteer work of any kind currently? Chef Joel: Fundraisers for my church, Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church and for my children’s school, Geneva Academy Dennis: Yes. The Warehouse No. 1 participates in the Christmas Tree Auction, March of Dimes— Signature Chefs Auction, Wine Over Water, Pilots for Patients, Boo on The Bayou, Northern Exposure, Charity Golf Foundation, Stuff A Buss, and many more 7. What is your personal menu favorite on the menu at The Warehouse No. 1? Chef Joel: Baked oysters, fried oysters and crawfish—I never had crawfish until I came here. Dennis: Salmon and Grits 8. What is your favorite “junk food”? Chef Joel: Can I say gas station hot dogs? I like just the plain hot dogs. Dennis: ½ Nutella and ½ crunchy peanut butter 9. Any accolades you’d like to mention? Chef Joel: Yes. A special thank you to the General Manager at The Warehouse No. 1, Dennis Clack. Dennis: Yes. As for this restaurant my focus is for great food, and great service. I’m blessed to have been in the restaurant business my whole life and it has been an utter blessing to me. When you do what you love to do every day, they say that you can’t call it work—I am very blessed. recipe left unturned, no fiasco not overcame—Myers is one of this area’s finest cooking forces. But like all good things, this visit to The Warehouse No. 1 had to come to a close; however, I happily concluded my time with these wonderful restauteurs by my quick return. With much respect and adoration for Myers’ creatively creamy crème brulee, his tantalizingly tasty crawfish cakes, as well as a plethora of other delectable menu items, this eatery is truly a one of a kind establishment and the staff inside—a sheer delight to work with. A special “Thank You” is extended to the fabulous hospitality extended by Clack, as well as the kindness and time expended by Myers in giving me, and all the readers of DeltaStyle, a sneak-peek into the days workings of one of this area’s finest places to dine and indulge in the beautiful scenery created by the paint brush strokes of God.
Everyday Fresh Fettuccine Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp granulated garlic 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 2 large eggs 1 Tsp red wine vinegar Directions: Mix the flour, salt, garlic and cayenne. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and vinegar. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir to form a soft dough. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature for 1 hour. Knead dough for 3 minutes. Cover and allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Cut dough into 4 pieces. Using plenty of flour, roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 1/4 inch wide strips. Boil water, adding salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 2 minutes. Strain, then toss with your favorite sauce.
Easy Pesto Alfredo Sauce Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (loosely packed) 1 cup pesto sauce 1 tsp. Johnny’s Seasoning Salt Directions: Heat cream in a sauce pan over medium heat until simmering. Add parmesan cheese to simmering cream, stirring to combine. When parmesan has fully melted, add pesto sauce and seasoning salt. Return to a simmer for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Serve with your favorite pasta and grilled chicken or steak for a delicious meal. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 77
Dig In | Wine
Save the Date
Krewe of Janus Grand Ball February 1, 2014 West Monroe Convention Center Now open to the public! Tickets $100. Cash Bar Live music by Gary Goins Group
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Sustainable Solutions for your New Year’s Resolutions By “The Wine Girl” – Wendy Freeman CSW, FWS
Happy New Year! With the beginning of each New Year we all reflect back and resolve to make better decisions for the next. About half of all Americans make at least one resolution each year, most of which have to do with eating and/or drinking habits. In this spirit, we are focusing this month on some of the healthier aspects of wine and the growing appeal of organic varieties. It seems we are bombarded with articles spotlighting studies supporting organic over chemically exposed or otherwise altered foods. While I am neither an economist nor a scientist, it just seems common sense that fewer chemicals used in producing the items we ingest can only be better for us and the environment as a whole. Many consumers believe that all wine is organic, but unfortunately wine grapes are chemically treated - like most agricultural products - to overcome pests, viruses and weeds. Grapes, like many fruits, are among the top of the list of the most chemically “sprayed” categories of produce on the market today with insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Just a little research and label reading will help you make the right decision in picking out the perfect wine – sans chemicals! Fortunately, a growing number of vintners are using natural resources like birds, bees, insects and even sniffer dogs to maintain “vineyard balance” - the best grape nature has to offer with the ability to survive the worst nature has to throw at it! Organic, sustainable and biodynamic are key when shopping for your next bottle. Here are just a few wineries that go above and beyond in making sure they protect the environment , while minimizing potentially harmful exposure to chemicals and other unnatural agents. Honig Winery believes sustainability is a holistic way of looking at their entire business – a way to do well while doing good. Michael Honig helped write the Code of Sustainable Practices for the Wine Institute and was instrumental in developing the first sustainable certification for California wineries. Just a few of their practices include – installing owl boxes rather than poisons for rodent control; mechanically tilling rather than spraying herbicides; employing sniffer dogs to detect the female mealy bug pheromone rather than a broad use of pesticides. Field Stone, Flora Springs and Schug wineries also practice sustainable farming. Like Honig, Schug Winery also creates habitats for varying species of birds, particularly raptors and owls – providing direct pest control to the vineyard. Lastly, if you are looking for a USDA Organic Certified wine try out Nebula ($12) from California. A Syrah, Merlot, Alicante Bouchet blend, containing no detectable sulfites – offering bright berry flavors and soft tannins. The Organic Consumers Organization states that organic wine contains an average of 32% more resveratrol (the antioxidant found in red wine that’s good for us) than conventional wine. That makes me feel just a little less guilty about going for that second glass!
Cheers! 78 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Chef’s Corner
S
imple, flavorful cuisine, driven by local ingredients, and prepared by timehonored techniques that never get in the way of the goodness: Cory Bahr has always cooked in the old Italian tradition – being that it is right in step with the signature old North Delta tradition of his flagship restaurant, Cotton, in Monroe, Louisiana. Buono for Monroe to be welcoming Nonna, Cory Bahr’s “Italian grandmother,” to its backyard this January. At Nonna, or “Grandmother,” his latest hometown venture, Bahr and his chef de cuisine Nick Oskoian unite thier staunch and successful cooking philosophies with the cuisine and dining style that has been the pride of Old World grandmothers for centuries. In a lovely old house and courtyard in Monroe’s Garden District (311 Hudson Lane), he serves a changing menu of simple Italian dishes. Neopolitan pizzas, hand-made pastas, fresh local vegetables, exquisite cheeses, and meats both braised and cured are complemented by simple Italian cocktails, a predominantly Italian wine list, and a robust selection of cold brews from Italy, Louisiana, and Mississippi to quench thirst and refresh the palate. In Bahr’s take on Italian, his creativity and practicality substitute local Louisiana ingredients and familiar Southern elements in classic Old Country fare with delectable results. Its where you’ll find Fried Oyster Carbonara with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Black Pepper along with a Lasagna with Bolognaise, Mushrooms, Ricotta, and Collard Greens. Bahr’s Panéed Veal with Lemon, Sage, and Mascarpone over Soybean and Potato Hash celebrates North Delta soybeans, and his Pork Osso Bucco, or Braised Pork Shank with Creamy Polenta and Braised Greens, might as well read “with creamy grits and collards.” The dessert offers a select list of house made gelati with along with Olive Oil Cake served in a diminutive cast iron pan. For Bahr, a battle-hardened Chopped! champion, Italian sensibilities couldn’t be more natural. Raised by his grandparents in an atmosphere where a passion for food was a way of life, he absorbed their approach that links cooking to the bounty of the earth. They cook with casual rustic simplicity,
| Dig In
Game Changer Chef Cory Bahr
adds a new twist to his North Delta Cuisine
An Italian inspired restaurant opens in January 2014 and Bahr has inherited their confident creativity, taking standards of the southern country repertoire and stamping them with a personal signature. Nonna feels like a comfortable trattoria. It seats 70 inside, and 30 out on the spacious courtyard, which is ringed by cheerful blue-striped Mediterranean beach cabanas facing a large central fountain, each giving shade and privacy to a hidden dining table. A bocce court on the manicured lawn encourages mingling between courses. Inside, in the sleek but cozy dining room, dishes are plated at a 7-foot long farm table, under brass domed heat lamps. Modern paintings enliven the restrained white walls and original wood floors. Sunday Patio Parties feature whole tables laden with antipasti, a whole succulent pig or goat roasting in La Caja China, and a keg of Prosecco to cool it all down. It’s about feeling at home, kicking back, enjoying, and savoring. Just like you would at your grandmother’s table, whether she’s in Tuscany or Monroe.
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 79
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Mounted Patrol
| Dig In
“Troopers, Forward at the Walk” Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Serves from the Saddle by Georgianne Potts We’ve all seen them. Uniformed men and women on horseback—moving along parade routes, patrolling at sporting events, offering encouragement to people temporarily overwhelmed by the crush. These public servants offer protection to the general public from their horseback perch, maintaining order where necessary and always ready to answer questions, give directions, or allow kids of all ages to pet their horses. I’ve always admired their sense of duty and concern for the public. They are, after all, putting themselves in situations that are generally unpredictable. Literally anything might happen at any time. I’ve also always admired their horsemanship—these folks have to be able not only to train their mounts to handle these ever-changing environments, but also to handle those animals safely during times of high stress for both rider and horse. Think about that the next time you are at a parade and hear the call “Troopers, forward at the walk” ring out as the riders advance.
T
here are currently 11 riders, both men and women, in the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit. All of them are either full-time deputies or reserve deputies, duly sworn law enforcement officers. Each has successfully completed both a stringent defensive tactics training program and firearms qualification. According to Sgt. Colby Shepard, a veteran rider with the Unit, members must be of good character and exhibit good equestrian skills. Applicants are encouraged to come and train with the Unit at their regularly scheduled training sessions (usually held twice a month) for from three to six months. This provides an excellent opportunity for both the Unit members and
the interested rider to evaluate each other. If, following this evaluation period, the rider is still interested he must make formal application to the Sheriff’s Office for the Mounted Patrol Unit. Part of the vetting process for prospective members is a background check and criminal history review. If the applicant is approved by the Sheriff’s Office, the members of the Mounted Patrol Unit vote to accept the new member. The new member is then sworn in at the Sheriff’s Office. Horses Must Also Qualify There is another member of this “team” who also must be evaluated, and that is the horse.
“As with any equestrian discipline,” Sgt. Shepard said, “a relationship of trust and confidence must exist between horse and rider.” Clearly the relationship is especially important in mounted patrol work when rider and mount must “act as one” in service to the public. Horses have different personalities and different temperaments, and somejust like their human counterparts—are simply not suited to patrol duty. Because these very large, strong animals are placed in very close contact with the public, there is little room for error. “The horses must be calm and quiet-natured, and tolerant of just about anything we might encounter out on patrol,” Sgt. Shepard said. “Not January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 81
Dig In | Mounted Patrol all people are cut out to be police officers, and not all horses will make a good patrol horse.” Generally the most desirable horses are lowenergy, “dead head” horses. All of the horses in the OPSO Mounted Patrol Unit are privately owned by their riders. When a horse is being considered for the Unit, he must be evaluated in a variety of areas—sensitivity to light and sound, heavy object sensitivity, obstacles, and compatibility with his rider. “Typically, the most challenging aspect of qualifying and training the horse is the heavy sensory exposure,” Sgt. Shepard said. “This includes how the animal tolerates flares, smoke, fireworks, helicopters, fire trucks, etc.” A Typical Detail Day A lot of work goes into just preparing to go out on patrol. The horses must be groomed and tacked. At least an hour ahead of time, the horses will be bathed; hooves and shoes checked; bridal paths, ears, and muzzles clipped; and manes and tails combed. When this is done, the horses are loaded into the trailer for transport to the patrol site. The deputies, uniformed and ready, travel to the meeting point. Upon arrival, the horses are unloaded, bridled and saddled, and inspected a final time. When all is ready, the riders mount and begin their patrol detail.
the horses are unsaddled, brushed down, put in their trailers, and returned to their home barns.
Funding and Volunteers
Sgt. Shepard has been riding mounted patrol for fifteen years, and considers it a privilege. He has ridden his horse all over the towns in Ouachita Parish, in and out of traffic at The Woodlands in Texas, helped manage a protesting crowd of 50,000 in Jena, and helped with crowd control at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee where over 100,000 people were enjoying themselves. Most of the Mounted Patrol’s work is done in Ouachita Parish, but they are often asked by other agencies in neighboring parishes to help with large crowd events such as the Tim McGraw Swampstock Festival, and the Winnsboro Catfish Festival. Nine of the deputies also ride patrol for the largest mounted security company in America,
While the mounts are owned and maintained by the mounted deputies, there are other expenses that must be covered. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office provides the Unit with matching saddles, bridles, various safety gear, and training for their mounts. According to Sgt. Shepard, mounted units are expensive for municipalities to operate. “This is the primary reason that they are not being utilized as much as they could be nationally,” Sgt. Shepard explains. Most mounted units are funded wholly or largely in part by donations and contributions. Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell recognizes the value of having an active Mounted Patrol Unit in service to the public. “These dedicated officers give the public a sense of security when they are present at crowded events,” Russell says. “They play a vital role in our overall response when there are threats to public safety.”
providing mounted security for outdoor festivals from coast to coast. Over the past four years, OPSO Mounted Patrol riders have worked for them in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee. While it is difficult to name just one memorable experience out of literally hundreds, Sgt. Shepard does have one in particular that stands out. “It happened one night at the Forsythe Boat Dock during holiday fireworks,” he said. “While my partner and I were sitting on our horses waiting for the fireworks to begin, an electrical transformer on a power pole approximately 20 yards away exploded overhead.” Sgt. Shepard remembers the very load noise and the shower of sparks that covered both riders and their horses. Although both horses were as startled as their riders were, both remained calm and stood still. “Fortunately, no one was injured in that incident, and the training of those horses paid off that night!”
Sheriff Russell admits that funding for the Mounted Patrol is a challenge in these tough fiscal times, but one that the public can help meet through donations to the Unit. “Donations from individuals who value the Unit and would like to help fund it are always welcome,” the Sheriff says. “These together with funds from the Sheriff’s office will ensure that the Unit will continue in years to come.” It is fair to say that all of the riders with the OPSO Mounted Patrol Unit enjoy what they do and find the experience worthwhile. All of them love horses and horseback riding, and find working with the Unit a perfect way to combine those loves with public service. “To be able to put on a uniform and serve our community is very rewarding,” Sgt. Shepard says. “The appreciation that the public shows to us when they see us riding is very satisfying. I am very proud to serve my community in this way. It lets me contribute something to the greater good with the resources that I have available.”
Things Can Get Exciting
Where Determines What The location of the detail and its purpose determine how the Unit will patrol. The OPSO Mounted Unit typically requires at least two mounted riders per detail as a safety procedure. If there is an accident or problem with a mount, the other mounted deputy is there to assist. For safety, when two riders are posted or standing together in a crowded area, the horses will stand facing opposite directions so that the entire area can be watched. When working parking areas and loading docks whether at regional malls or individual stores, the Unit provides high visibility security to help discourage thieves and often assists mall security in the apprehension of shoplifters. Late nights at the fair and similar large crowd events require the riders to provide crowd management and as-needed assistance to officers on foot. At sporting events, the Unit keeps a look out for suspicious persons as they provide a high-visibility security presence. “Regardless of the detail,” Sgt. Shepard said with a smile, “most of my time is usually spent being asked what my horse’s name is, and can he be petted.” It’s important to ask before petting, because these horses are trained to push away hands that come toward their faces. A pat on the animal’s shoulder is a much better plan. A typical patrol shift can last from four to twelve hours in the saddle. Once the duty is over, 82 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
3 Steps Toward Financial Wellness Are your finances healthy—or could they use a checkup? Start the new year with fresh resolve to achieve financial wellness. Control Debt - Enhance your financial health by keeping debt manageable. Know what you owe and make a plan to control debt using these tips: Pay off debts with the highest interest rates first, such as credit card balances. Pay as much as you can on your smallest debts and pay at least the minimum on large ones—even modest accomplishments can motivate you to continue. Review your finances to see that you’re not overextended: For example, your home typically should cost no more than 2 to 2.5 times your household income and your mortgage should be no more than 80 percent of the home’s value. Don’t use credit cards to get out of debt. You’ll not only pay more in interest, but you could damage your financial health and credit score at the same time. Learn more about debt management with these tips. Spend Wisely - Financial wellness is based on living within your means. Spending money carefully and wisely will greatly enhance your financial health. Write down every expense for a month and find out exactly where your money is going. You may be able to identify “extra money” to apply to your goals.
by Paulen Luttgeharm
Make a realistic budget using convenient online tools such as Mint.com. Two-income families: Try to cover monthly expenses with just one income and use as much as possible from the other paycheck for savings. Before buying, ask yourself if the item is a “need” or a “want.” If it’s the latter, wait a few weeks before you buy to make sure you have the cash in hand—or to decide if you still want it. Increase Savings - Saving for retirement, children’s education, emergencies or other expenses can help protect you—plus it delivers peace of mind. Get in the habit of paying yourself first. Give savings the same importance as paying bills, and save something from each paycheck. Participate in your company’s automatic savings program, if one is available. And always contribute enough to take advantage of matching funds, if they’re offered. Many experts suggest putting at least 10 percent of your income into savings—and some recommend saving as much as 25 percent. If saving is hard for you, start by saving at least one percent of your paycheck and commit to increasing your savings level as your salary grows. Save enough in your emergency fund to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses—enough for nine to twelve months is even better. If you do
tap into these savings, rebuild the fund as soon as possible. Need a few pointers? Visit AmericaSaves.org for a list of 54 ways to save. And learn how to build an emergency fund with tips from your State Farm Agent.
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ILLIAMS ORTHODONTICS Kevin Williams, DDS
Monday-Thursday: 8AM-5PM • Friday: 8AM-12noon | contactus@kwilliamsortho.com | Monroe: 318-600-3040 | El Dorado: 870-639-1737 Monroe Office: 1912 Lamy Lane, Monroe, LA 71201 | El Dorado Office: 408 West Oak Street, El Dorado, AR 71730 January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 83
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84 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
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Inside & out | Adams’ House
A Green House on the River photos by Gary Guinigundo
W
hen Rhonda and Brent Adams decided to build a new home on the old banks of Indian Mound, they choose Drewett Works of Phoenix, Ariz., to design the rustic river-style home with modern details. Brent said the style reflects his and Rhonda’s tastes because “we are both a little rustic in age, but we still have our modern flare about us.” The rustic and modern come together through the use of many natural element. Weathered planks run vertically on the exterior are anchored with accents of stone. You may not see the modern style right away, but when you walk up to front door, the porch, with its columns of stones encasing the floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, looks like a home from the pages of a mid-century magazine. The Adams did not use an interior decorator because the architect helped Rhonda with the color scheme of the home. “Rhonda loves to arrange and rearrange furniture,” Brent said, “so she did all the arranging of furniture. Everything is just as we want it. It just all came together like it was meant to be.” The interior of the house also has a clean, uncluttered decor, which one might attribute to Rhonda’s style. The Adams brought in an off-white sectional sofa that blended well with the other neutral and soft colors. It has some sentimental value, too, since it belonged to Rhonda’s mother who passed away two years ago on Christmas Eve. Although you might say the interior is somewhat modern and even minimal, it is not by any means cold or stark. Folding doors lead you from the den to the cozy screened porch surrounded by windows that bring in the warmth of the sun. A brown leather sectional sofa sits opposite the stone fireplace with a hearth made
86 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
“Brent has a degree in geology, so he loves looking at all the rocks in the granite.”
—Rhonda Adams, homeowner
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 87
Inside & out | Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; House
of the same riverbed granite found on the countertops in the kitchen and master bathroom. “Brent has a degree in geology,” Rhonda said, “so he loves looking at all the rocks in the granite.” The antique pine floors also warm up the house, as do the other wood elements throughout the house. “They came from Rustiques in Ruston, who gets them recycled from old barns in Georgia and North Carolina,” Rhonda said. “Our whole house is basically a ‘green house.’ It’s environmentally friendly, a lot of recycled material.” What the couple love most about the house is the way the den, kitchen and screened porch form one large room with great views all around. “The den with bifold doors which open accordian style brings the screen porch in which over looks the water and gives even more room for entertaining,” Rhonda said. “The den has a view of the horse stable across the street. The kitchen has a view of the water. Actually, every room has a great view. It’s like living in a glass house.” January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 89
Inside & out | Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; House
The rich wood tones play out through the Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house. The rustic canope bed in the master bedroom has clean modern lines. The bedroom door on an industrialstyle track is another of the many unique features in the home.
90 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; House
| Inside & Out
The Ouachita River plays an important role in the river-style house of Rhonda and Brent Adams. The couple enjoy the views of the river and the horse stables accessed from different rooms in the house.
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 91
Inside & out | Adams’ House
Brent’s Man Cave
Brent Adams, owner of Rocket Lube and Car Wash in Monroe, is the drummer in the church band at the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Christ the King Chapel. His home office double as his music room where he keeps his musical instruments. It’s also part storage room for his model plane, which he sometimes flies.
92 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Southern birds & BlooMs
NELA MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL 2014 SPRING SEMINAR featuring
Melinda Myers
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Contributing Editor and Columnist for “BIRDS & BLOOMS MAGAZINE” She will present a program on BEAUTIFUL, EASY and AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE MAKEOVERS
January 18, 2014
West Monroe Convention Center 901 Ridge Ave., West Monroe, LA 7:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. Registration Fee: $20 Pre-registration or at the door Available seating for 300 people Book Sales & Signing Exhibitors, Refreshments, Door Prizes This event is open to both novice as well as experienced gardeners.
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 93
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96 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
North LA Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic Xiaflex® as a Non-Surgical Option for Treating Dupuytren’s Disease Dupuytren’s disease is a fairly common disorder that I see in my practice. This disease, due to excess collagen production, can cause stiffness in the hand and the inability to straighten the fingers. Patients with this condition first notice a nodule or bump that may gradually form a rope like cord under the skin. Dupuytren’s disease typically affects the ring and pinky finger and occasionally the area between the thumb and index finger. It is usually not painful, but if it progresses, can affect everyday life. Opening jars, shaking hands, or putting on gloves becomes difficult due to restricted motion of the hand and fingers. If the condition is mild, observation is the treatment of choice. However, if the inability to straighten one or more fingers occurs, treatment is indicated to restore function. Until recently, the only treatment option was to surgically remove the diseased tissue. In 2010, Xiaflex® was approved as a nonsurgical alternative for Dupuytren’s
disease. Xiaflex® is a collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. It is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment that can be dramatically effective with just one injection for appropriate candidates. The procedure involves an injection of Xiaflex® into the thickened tissue of the hand. The patient goes home and the medication begins to dissolve the excess collagen overnight. The patient returns to the office the next day. A local anesthetic is then injected into the area and the affected finger is manipulated into a straight position. The patient then meets with our Certified Hand Therapist to have a splint made, which is worn at night for 4 weeks. This alternative treatment gives patients a more conservative, nonsurgical choice. It can be extremely effective and avoids the risks commonly associated with surgery. If you have any questions about Dupuytren’s disease or this treatment, please call our office to schedule an appointment.
Call: 1-800-488-2675 Or go to: www.NorthLaOrtho.com TO FIND A CLINIC NEAR YOU
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January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 97
Sports & Outdoors | Hootie Jones
Everybody’s
ALL AMERICAN by Rachel Cagle portrait by Gary Guinigundo
If
Laurence “Hootie” Jones’ future football career is as bright as his smile, then he is well on his way to a rewarding and successful life as an athlete. That big bright smile is one of the first things that you notice when meeting Hootie, and there is no doubt he has many reasons to be smiling. After playing in the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando, Florida on January 2nd, Hootie will be leaving home to embark on his journey as a collegiate football player. Although he has not made a decision as to what university he will be attending, 2014 will be life-changing year for the athlete ESPN 300 and named the #2 Safety recruit in the nation. Hootie began playing football at the age of 11 and just wasn’t happy about with the situation at all. You see, he was not allowed to play on teams of his classmates and friends. Not because of bad behavior, or discrimination, or school zones, or bad grades, but because he was too big. Hootie played in the Rec League and figured that he would probably play football through high school and that was where his days on the field as a player would end. Jones is serious as he tells me, “I just never thought I was that good. I loved football, but the idea of playing after high school didn’t
cross my mind. I knew I was going to college no matter what, I just always believed I was going to college to get an education.” How in the world does such a talented athlete, who is clearly a dominant presence even at the tender age of eleven, not see how good he is? He is the epitome of humble. He has also come to understand that he is indeed worthy of being an elite college athlete. “Random people come up to me in some really random places and just start talking to me and asking me questions,” he said. “I’m still shocked when I see a perfect stranger and they know exactly who I am.” Jones seems to remain unfazed by the attention, carrying himself with an air of confidence as opposed to arrogance which is often seen in elite athletes. This humble young man is also smart. “My momma told me if I didn’t keep my grades up I couldn’t play football and I knew she was not kidding,” he said. “Making good grades was worth it, so I guess that part kind of came easy for me.” Hootie is planning on majoring in Petroleum Engineering and minoring in football. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 99
Sports & Outdoors | Hootie Jones
“As long as I earn my college degree,” he said, “because that it is very important to me… and my Momma won’t let me play ball if I don’t.” The 6’2” 210lb safety laughs as he tells me, but only because it is the truth. Jackie, Hootie’s mother, has clearly raised her son with rules, boundaries, standards and a strong work ethic, and is extremely proud of the young man her son has become. This highly sought after athlete knows what he wants to do with his life, which is why he plans to work on a degree in petroleum engineering. “I want to be in the corporate world, wearing a suit,” he said, “and I love math and with the significant oil and gas boom in North Louisiana, I could live close to home.” Hootie can’t help but laugh at himself because he is a self-acclaimed fashionista. He loves to wear a bow-tie and has too many pairs of shoes to count. Hootie has been working since he was a sophomore so that he could afford to a wardrobe that consisted of the latest fashion trends. This young man is not afraid to earn a dollar, and he is no stranger to hard work. He has had many people in his life that showed him hard work pays off.
“
I just never thought I was that good. I loved football, but the idea of playing after high school didn’t cross my mind.”
Jackie named Hootie after her brother, Lawrence, who was also a star athlete at West Monroe High School. Lawrence Jones was far more than an uncle to Hootie. 100 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
“He was my best friend and we talked every single day,” Hootie said. “I went to him for everything: advice on girls, football, money, girls, life, anything and everything.” His uncle, Lawrence Jones, passed away last year and Hootie had to learn at an early age how very precious life is and that it should not to be taken for granted. Prayers and deep faith have helped Hootie keep a positive attitude, and he hopes to be a powerful influence for his Uncle’s son, Bryson, just as his uncle was to him. Despite the loss of his best friend, Hootie remained focused on his studies and football. The recruiting process began during his freshman year at Neville High School with an offer from Ole Miss. “I thought that was crazy when they made me an offer, and assumed that would be the only offer,” he said. How much difference does a year make in the life of a highly talented athlete? By Hootie’s sophomore year, he was receiving calls from the likes of UCLA, Stanford, TCU, Alabama, LSU, Florida and Georgia, just to name a few. After being contacted for the Army All-American team and Under Armor All-American team, on the same day, this young man began to see that his skills on the gridiron were far better than he ever dreamed. As the recruiting process evolved, Hootie traveled to several universities for campus visits and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see so many campuses and the opportunities that were in his very near future. With so many offers from eager coaches, this game of recruiting became an overwhelming experience, to say the very least. “Not a day has gone by that someone hasn’t asked me where I was going commit,” he said, “and I can honestly say that I do not know.” Hootie’s press conference to announce the college to which he would commit was held on
December 2, and this town of diehard LSU fans held their breath and crossed their fingers hoping he would remain a Tiger. To the disappointment of many and the excitement of others, Hootie verbally committed to Alabama University, as did the other two local All-Americans, Cam Robinson (West Monroe High School) and Cam Sims (Ouachita Parish High School). “Everyone has been very supportive of my initial decision,” Hootie said. “My boss is an LSU alumni and rarely misses an LSU football game, but he was still supportive of my decision.” Hootie explains that the people in his life that truly care about him as a person are going to continue to be a big part of his life, no matter what color uniform he wears in the fall of 2014, and that is no small group. He never meets a stranger and is rarely seen without that bright smile on his face. When asked what he will miss the most when he leaves in January, the smile goes away as he says, “Well, my mom, of course, but also my friends and my school. I love Neville High School and the teachers and especially my classmates. We are a really close class and I will definitely be home to walk with them for graduation in May.”
Just when everyone thought Hootie’s decision to attend Alabama was signed, sealed and delivered, he turned the sports fans’ world upside down and backwards with one simple tweet, “I just decommit from Alabama. I need more time” - Laurence “Hootie” Jones (@LJ7_ Era). LSU fans were once again hopeful and were quick to let him know. “Patrick Peterson even sent me a tweet, encouraging me to join the #7 era,” he said. While very flattered and even shocked by the tweet from the NFL player and LSU alumnae, the encouragement will not have an impact on his
Hootie Jones decision. If Jones’ fans have learned anything from the past six months, it should be this: 1) He is not taking this decision lightly and prays about it constantly. 2) Hootie Jones will not disclose his decision to a single solitary person until he is good and ready. This is one young man that has no problem keeping something to himself. “I did not feel like I fully explored all of my options, and I wanted to know that I had considered and weighed every possibility, so I decommitted,” he said. Jones is going to be enrolled in a university, somewhere, by midJanuary, but he is not rushing to make a decision. “This is the biggest decision I’ve ever made,” he said, “and I need to know that I’ve made the right choice.” Stay tuned, faithful sports fans, because our three local All-Americans will most likely be making the highlight reels in the fall of 2014 and for many years thereafter. Hootie Jones will be
wearing that bright smile and an awesome pair of shoes no matter where ends up playing college
| Sports & Outdoors
ball…living a dream he worked hard to achieve but really never believed would come true.
Sanjay A. Joseph, M.D.
Board Certified Hematologist Oncologist Dr. Joseph recently moved from Beaumont, TX, with his wife and four children. He graduated from the medical oncology and hematology fellowship program at LSU Hospital in Shreveport, LA, and is triple board certified. He bas worked closely in the past with other cancer experts in Shreveport, as well as at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. joseph and his staff look forward to serving the Northeastern Louisiana community.
318-322-HOPE 102 Thomas Road, Suite 113 West Monroe, LA Louisiana Oncology would like to wish everyone a blessed new year! January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 101
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Hunting
T
he “itch” started last spring during my daughter’s softball season. A friend that I coach with said, “Hey, by the way, I lease some land up in Kansas, and the guy that’s been in it with me is getting out. Would you be interested in going in with me, just the two of us?” That’s how it starts, folks. That’s how you get your wife to give you that hushka, hushka look. You know the one, that look that says “Ok, I’ve really enjoyed the last eight years with no bottled “deer pee” and no muddy boots—don’t mess up my chi, Rusty, I mean it. But this year, I couldn’t resist. Eight years or so ago, hunting (bow or gun) would have been the only thing on my mind. In fact, back then I lived my life around deer and duck seasons. But having a daughter and starting a business will bring priorities to the top of your list, and my list didn’t have time for hunting. I didn’t mind so much, I thought. Every now and then, when I would see a hunting program on television or an article on “Managing your Deer Herd” in one of the many outdoor magazines at Books-a-Million, or when I’d see how technology was changing the face of hunting with faster bows and trail cameras that didn’t need film (I told you it had been eight years), I would get the deer hunting itch. Like a good family man, I would ignore the “hunger” and pack it away with my hunting gear in some dark corner of my storage room. This year, however, my buddy Adam’s invitation to hunt in Kansas was a bright light shining on that part of me that been hibernating for too long. So in October, with my wife’s blessing (or at least her knowledge), Adam and I set off for a week to scout the deer territories of southeastern Kansas. To say I was excited is an understatement. On the drive up, all I could talk about was my glory days of deer hunting. I know Adam probably wondered if he
had asked a total lunatic to join him. Kansas is fast becoming the most sought after state for big trophy whitetail bucks. It is blessed with rich fertile soil and minerals. Combine this with its vast acres of cropland and cover on the eastern third of the state, a very limited number of permits available to residents and non-residents alike, and you have excellent deer habitat. All this adds up to “Big Bucks” with “Low Hunting Pressure.” And that’s where we were, Dorothy, right in the middle of Oz. And I was in Heaven. We met with the land owner’s family, a wonderful group of folks. We looked at stand sites, old and new, set game cameras and worked on getting the lease ready for the “rut,” that mythical time when the GIANTS come out. There is something joyous about sitting around camp with your hunting buddies and talking about family and friends and, in our case, faith. Adam has a wonderful family that my family has come to love dearly. We talked about deer hunting and the things we had learned over the years about whitetails. After the preparations, we got a couple of bow hunts in before heading home, with the intention of coming back as soon as the rut was in full swing (the first couple weeks of November). Now here’s where the story turns bad for me—did I mention that I have a nine year old daughter? Well, she was born on November 17, 2004. That puts her birthday right in the middle of the whitetail deer rut, the worst time of deer season to have any family obligations. Yep, I missed her birthday this year. But in my defense, I killed a really nice deer on November 19. Ok, I know, not a defense. She made me promise that I will NEVER miss a birthday again, unless she is with me in Kansas. I guess what I’m trying to say is this: Oz is a great place to rekindle your inner hunter. Just remember, though, there’s no place like home.
| Sports & Outdoors
Hunting W hitetails in the and of L
Oz
by Rusty Custer
Rusty is an avid sportsman who has hunted in Nebraska, Alabama, South Texas (King Ranch), the Mississippi Delta and some of the best private and public land in Louisiana. He has hunted where some folks only dream.
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 103
8
Sports & Outdoors | Olympics
Men to Watch
Bode Miller
Tim Burke
The most successful U.S. Olympic male alpine skier of all time, Bode Miller (36) returns to the Sochi games in 2014. With 33 victories, he is one of five men in history to win World Cup events in all five disciplines. The four-time World Champion skipped last season due to an injured knee but returned to the circuit in October at the World Cup Opener.
Shani Davis
At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, Shani Davis (31) became the first Black athlete to win a gold medal in an individual sport at the Olympic Winter Games. He won the speedskating 1000 meter event and a silver medal in the 1500 meter event. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, he did it again. He has set eight world records and is expected to become the most decorated long-track speedskater in U.S. history.
Tim Burke is the USAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chance to make history this winter in the biathlon, a sport the country has yet to medal in at any Olympic games. Burke (31) took silver last year at the World Championships in the 20km individual event. He is the second athlete to accomplish that goal.
Ted Ligety
Can Ted Ligety, the 2006 Olympic gold medalist in the combined, do it again in 2014? The 29-year-old from Park City, Utah, has dominated in the giant slalom for three years in a row at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and 19 victories in all.
Olympics
| Sports & Outdoors
Sochi, Russia
at the 22nd Winter
Olympics
The XXII Olympic Winter Games will take place this February in Sochi, Russia. The games will be the first Olympics for Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Ninety-eight events in 15 winter sports will be held in the newly built Olympic Park, comprised of 11 sports venues. The park is located by the Black Sea coast in the Imeretin Valley, near Russia’s border with Georgia.
Shaun White J.R. Celski Predictions
World-class skateboarder Shaun White (27) is bidding for a third consecutive gold this year. He has Olympic gold in the half-pipe at the last two Games adding to 13 gold medals in the Winter X-Games and two in the Summer X-Games. Fans can look for his Double McTwist 1260, which he named the “Tomahawk.”
Jesse Beckom III
Injured by his own skate before the Vancouver Games, J.R. Celski (23) rehabilitated in time to compete with Apolo Ohno in the relay and won bronze medals in the 1500m and 500m. The Monterey, Calif., native won five medals at the 2009 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships where he won five medals, two of which were gold.
Jesse Beckom III (34) helped John Napier in 4-man to win silver at National Championships and to win an 11th place finish at World Championships. The push athlete from Chicago is in his tenth competitive season as a member of Team USA Bobsled. He has also taken silver in 2-man and bronze in 4-man during the 20122013 National Team Trials.
Charlie White
Back in October, Infostrada Sports, predicted Norway and Germany to win the most medals in the 22nd Olympic Games, with Norway taking home the most gold medals (15). The USA came in fourth behind Canada who holds the record for gold medals at a Winter Games (14). In early December, however, the sports and media company updated its Virtual Medal Table, claiming Team USA to come in second to Norway and to tie that country with 15 gold medals.
Ice dancer Charlie White (26), along with his partner Meryl Davis, is considered one of the most likely gold medalist across all sports in Sochi. The reigning world champions have won 13 straight Grand Prix events. At the 2010 Turin games, they took home the silver medal. They are the current world record holders in the short dance, free dance and total combined score.
Sports & Outdoors | Farmerville
106 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Mangham
| Sports & Outdoors
Dragons end their 11-3 Winning Season as class 1a State Runner-Up
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 107
Sports & Outdoors | St. Frederick
St. Fredrick Warriors battle their way to the dome and take 2nd place
108 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Antique Show Friday-Sunday, Jan. 17-19 10-6 Fri. & Sat. 12-5 Sun. Monroe Convention Center Conference Hall
Dealers from at least eight states offering fine quality antiques
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January White Sale 20% off 20% off 50% off
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winter clothing Ruston Florist is now your favorite department store all
www.rustonflorist.com | 318-255-8747 | 1103 Farmerville Hwy Ruston, LA January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 109
110 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Education 101
LEARN. INVEST. GROW...T HE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY.
Ah
, the infamous New Year’s resolutions are upon us...the time of the year where we look back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It is a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Common resolutions include the decision to lose weight, quit smoking, get organized, and most importantly--get out of debt. We rationalize that last-minute Holiday shopping was our last bout of unhealthy spending, for it is certain we will be saving, budgeting, and coupon clipping every week post-holidays. In recommitting to your physical health, do not neglect your financial health. There are many dimensions to financial health including the amount of savings you have, how much you are setting away for retirement, and how much of your income you are spending on fixed or non-discretionary expenses. This is a wonderful time of year to reestablish your children’s financial goals as well, and if you haven’t already, talk candidly with them about the reality of financial literacy. When it comes to kids and money, many parents, caregivers, and teachers are full of uncertainty. All of your money choices, both good and bad, can be turned into positive learning experiences for your children. Research consistently indicates that the most important thing you can do to prepare your children for their financial future is to have honest, thoughtful, and regular conversations about money. Where do you begin? Nerdwallet.com suggests the following popular questions to ask yourself when considering educating your children in terms of their finances: • How should my kid spend money? • Does my kid need a bank account? • Should I give my kid a regular allowance? • How much should kids know about money? If thinking about these questions leads you to take the next steps in terms of managing money with your children, consider taking a Financial Literacy Quiz to ascertain your family’s working knowledge of finance. Quizzes for both parents and kids can be accessed at Ekomini.com, a wonderful site dedicated to helping kids become financially literate. This site is a structured, but fun way of teaching kids about money which can be used to enhance what they are learning in school and helps to create a better money savvy generation. The site supports an engaging, interactive, piggybank concept that makes saving fun, and entertaining, yet is highly sophisticated in terms of teaching young children about money management. Another wonderful site to help you educate your children about finance is Money as You Grow (moneyasyougrow.org) which has recently been named as a top website for kids by the American Library Association. This site has information, activities, and resources for kids ages 3-18+ and helps guide adults in talking to children about money with age-appropriate talking points, activities, and vocabulary, and it lists the 20 things that kids need to know to live financially smart lives. Want to take your educational tools with you on the go? Try these
fantastic (and mostly free!) financial apps designed specifically for kids and their needs: • P2K Money • Kids Money • Save! The Game • Bank of Mom • Savings Spree If online support seems too remote, impersonal, or intangible, then look to children’s literature for rich stories about children and young adults struggling with their finances. Make smart book choices when reading with your children, and talking about the idea of spending and saving can organically emerge from the shared reading experience. Some favorite books that support financial literacy are PICTURE BOOKS • Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst (ages 4-8) • My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tolollwa Mollel (ages 4-8) • Uncle Jed’s Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell (ages 4-7) • Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells (ages 3-7) • A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams (ages 4-8) CHAPTER BOOKS
• Owen Foote, Money Man by Stephanie Greene (ages 6-8) • How the Second Grade got $8,205. 50 to visit the Statue of Liberty (ages 5-8) • The Sisters 8 series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (ages 6-9) • The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davis (ages 9-12) INFORMATIONAL BOOKS • The Everything Kids Money Book by Brette Sembar (ages 9 and up) • Kidpreneurs! by Adam Toren (ages 9-12)
Financial Literacy should be part of every school’s offerings, and schools are slowly adopting richer curriculum in terms of instructing students about money and its application. But, until economics and entrepreneurship become mainstream beginning in Early Childhood programs, the burden of student learning in terms of financial fluency will depend on instructional support at home. Whether you choose pencil and paper, jars with labels, or your smartphone, talking with your children early and often about the ways and means of money is truly investing in their future. Have a wonderful New Year and happy reading!
Beth
Dr. Beth Ricks is the current Head of School at Grace Episcopal School. She holds a BA in English Education (ULM), MA in English Literature (ULM), Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Reading and Children’s Literature (Arizona State University). She currently serves on the state Board for the Louisiana Reading Association and is a National Reviewer of English Education Programs for The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). She has 10 years of experience as a classroom English teacher (grades 7-12), 10 years as a Reading Specialist and Diagnostician (grades K-12), 10 years in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and has taught courses in literacy, reading, literature for children and young adults, and teacher preparation. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 111
The Right Stuff Rocket Lube & Car Wash story by Gary Guinigundo photography by Gary Guinigundo and Steve Simoneau
I
t was the first day of business for Rocket Lubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brent and Rhonda Adams. Adams was worried no customers would show up. Earlier, his business consultants had predicted around 20-25 cars per day. On May 6, 2006, the owners nervously awaited for the 7:30 opening. As the bay doors were opened, they were greeted with a line of cars stretching down the block. The owners and their employees were stunned at first, wondering if they could handle the large number of cars waiting for service. By the end of the day, around 100 customers were treated to the Rocket Lube experience. There was no advertising or promotion prior to the grand opening. With around 70,000 cars per day traveling along Highway 165, the Rocket Lube sign is hard to miss. Brent and business partner Mike Sampognaro came up with the idea for an oil change and car wash center two years earlier. One of the barriers they faced was the location of their business. Brent was sure he wanted it somewhere on Highway 165. One of the original plans was to build it further north than it is today. He also thought the place should be based on a theme. It was Rhondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea that her husband should dedicate the waiting area to his father. Major Michael James Adams, Sr., was a former Flight Commander in the 618th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in Korea where he flew 49 combat missions. Michael attended the University of Oklahoma to earn his Aeronautical Engineering degree and then went on to do graduate work in Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 112 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Rocket Man
He was one of the astronauts selected for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) in 1965. This project was part of the United States Air Force (USAF) manned space program. The space stations were to be manned with astronauts for reconnaissance and military missions. The MOL was announced to the public in 1963, though it was canceled in 1969 when unmanned satellites proved more cost-effective with the same results. Michael was eventually selected as a student at the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB. There he participated in five months of NASA moon landing tests. Afterwards Adams joined the X-15 Program, a joint NASA/USAF project. His first X-15 flight was in 1966. One year later, during his seventh flight, as the aircraft was dropped from the supporting aircraft, he noticed an electrical problem that affected the handling of the aircraft. He continued on, but at the maximum altitude of 266,000 feet, his heading was off by 15 degrees. As the aircraft descended, it went into a Mach 5 spin, then recovered at 118,000 feet as a result of pilot skill and the aircraftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aerodynamics. Though a technical problem prevented Adams from rolling the aircraft upright in order to land it. The X-15 began to pitch violently and eventually broke apart at 60,000 feet near Johannesburg, California.
| Education
In the horizon, you could see the bright light from the rocketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flames piercing through the clouds and within seconds, it disappeared. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 113
Photo by Steve Simoneau
Education | Rocket Man
Brent and Rhonda have created a unique memorial for Michael Adams. Upon entering Rocket Lube’s waiting area, a painting of Michael Adams is prominently displayed on the wall. He is in his spacesuit that is attached to a portable air conditioner. Beside the painting is one of the X-15 aircraft. Also on the wall are framed articles of the X-15, an article with Bent’s and his father’s images, and a NASA memorial with photographs of some of the individuals lost in the line of duty. Behind the counter you see an orange flight suit, and above it hangs several model aircraft. On the back wall is a license plate from 1963 that belonged to Michael. Upstairs in the business office, on Brent’s desk, sits one of his father’s flight helmets. On its front is a tinted, plastic visor that slides up and down on a steel bracket aided by steel springs. The outer shell looks like plastic or perhaps fiberglass. The interior is lined with tan leather padding along with
114 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
built-in headphones. Holding the helmet in your hands takes you back to a different era. Brent and Rhonda, along with grandson, Clay, were recently invited to the Kennedy Space Center by The Astronauts Memorial Foundation to view the launch of the MAVEN Mars Space Probe. The foundation regularly invites the relatives to those lost in NASA missions. I was also invited as a guest of the Adamses to photograph the event. The invited guests met at the Center for Space Education for lunch and to meet relatives of past astronauts. After lunch, the group walked a short distance to the Space Mirror Memorial to view the launch. Michael James Adams was added to the Space Mirror Memorial in 1991. Also, another memorial was placed in front of the mirror to commemorate the anniversary of Michael’s death.
xxxxxxx Rocket Man
| Education
The launch of MAVEN was on-time at 1:28 pm Eastern, Monday November 18, 2013. Everyone was expecting the launch to be scrubbed because it was cloudy and beginning to get dark in the eastern horizon where the launch pad was located. In the horizon, you could see the bright light from the rocket’s flames piercing through the clouds and within seconds, it disappeared. It was oddly silent since the launch pad was 6 miles away and the sound had yet to reach the crowd at the memorial. A faint rumble could be heard, and it grew in intensity. We kept thinking it couldn’t get any louder, but it did. At its loudest, we could feel the deafening rumble in our chests and legs. Afterwards, the families posed for pictures around the mirror and exchanged stories. When you stop by Rocket Lube for an oil change or a carwash, take some time to read the articles and memorial on the wall. Examine the memorabilia displayed throughout the waiting area. Don’t forget to look up and see the model aircraft. And be sure to notice the painting of Michael Adams’ next to his rocket-powered X-15 aircraft. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 115
A udibel
®
The Hearing Center
Hearing Loss In The Elderly Hearing Loss May Cause Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Falling in the Elderly This new year, make it a goal to help a parent or grandparent prevent any of the causes of Alzheimer’s or dementia. One of these causes, unbeknownst to many, may commonly be hearing loss. Recent studies conducted at the University of Washington’s Department of Medicine found that out of 100 patients with Alzheimer’s, 83 patients had a hearing loss. Once fit with hearing aids, a third of those patients were classified with a less severe case of dementia.
So How Is Hearing Loss Related To Alzeimer’s? Well hearing loss actually plays a large role in brain function and stimulating brain activity in processing sounds. The term ‘auditory deprivation’ refers to depriving the brain of stimulation from sounds. For those with untreated hearing losses, the reduced ability to hear every day sounds may lead to reduced sound processing activity by the brain. As the brain receives fewer sounds, it becomes less active in processing a person’s surrounding and recognizing speech. 116 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
Hearing Loss Linked To Three-Fold Risk Of Falling Hearing loss has been linked with a variety of medical, social and cognitive skills, including dementia. However, a new study led by a Johns Hopkins researcher suggested that hearing loss may also be a risk factor for another huge public health problem: falls. Lin, an otolegist and epidemiologist, says among the possible explanations for the link is that people who can’t hear well might not have good awareness of their overall environment, making tripping and falling more likely. Another reason hearing loss might increase the risk of falls, Lin adds, is cognitive lead, in which the brain is overwhelmed with demands on its limited resources “Gait and balance are things most people take for granted, but they are actually very cognitively demanding.” Lin says, “If hearing loss imposes a cognitive lead, there may be fewer cognitive resources to help with maintain balance and gait.
We Can Help! A simple hearing test and video otoscopy can answer a lot of questions about your hearing. We will have a consultation about options to get you on the right track to improve your speech understanding and to make listening in group situations less fatiguing and more enjoyable. We will discuss technologies and fitting options to best fit your lifestyle and budget. The sooner we can get you started with your Aural Rehab, the sooner you will start enjoying those soft sounds.
Making A Difference Our mission is to bring understanding among people through hearing care by focusing on awareness, education, protection and treatment, So the World May Hear! At Audibel the Hearing Center, we care about your well-being and the lives of the less fortunate around the world. As a proud supporter of The Starkey Hearing Foundation’s “So The World May Hear” program, we are changing lives through the gift of hearing. Your support through the purchase of Audibel Instruments and your donation and trade in of any
model hearing aids goes to the foundation’s programs to provide hearing instruments to children in the most remote and poverty stricken regions of the world.
About Us Audibel The Hearing Center is Northeast Louisiana’s Audibel dispenser. Cherry Phillips “The Hearing Lady” has been serving this area for over 25 years. We offer free hearing screenings, free sound opinions, extended warranties and repairs on all makes and brands of hearing aids. You can find out more by visiting our website www.AudibelMonroe.com and you can see more and like us on Facebook.com/AudibelMonroe.
Monroe 318.325.2365 Ruston 318.251.1272 January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 117
a
As we make New Year resolutions, I want you to include your oral health. I want you to know how important it is to treat your oral health as a top priority. Delaying treatment until your oral health has suffered can have serious consequences for your overall health, your appearance, and end up costing you more in the end. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection which continues to spread over time. This untreated tooth decay can spread and require a root canal, crown, or implant, far more expensive procedures than a filling. In turn, delaying restorative treatment can mean cracks will continue to enlarge and deepen, requiring extensive repair later. You could lose your tooth.
Doesn’t it make sense that a small cavity diagnosed early means you won’t have to live with chronic toothache, and a smaller restoration will require less expense and trauma to your teeth?
ease if caught in early stages is easy to treat. But if left too long, gum disease can lead to bad breath, the need for tooth extractions, shifting teeth, or the expense of a restoration. Periodontal disease has been linked to chronic systemic illnesses like heart disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and complications in pregnancy. Early intervention is the key to success. Brushing and flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and visiting us regularly for an oral exam is critical to your health. Call our office today. You’ll save money in the end … as well as your health and your smile.
118 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
OUACHITA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Make 2014 the Year to Lose the Weight Now that we’ve gotten past the holidays and are looking with excited anticipation at the New Year ahead, it’s a great time to resolve to live healthier. For people who have been obese for years, it’s a perfect time to make a decision that could change their lives forever. The Ouachita Community Hospital Surgical Weight Loss Center helps patients lose weight and keep it off. We specialize in the surgical treatment of clinically obese patients by offering Adjustable Gastric Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Lap Band, Abdominoplasties and Brachioplasties. We go far beyond the surgery by providing a life-changing program that includes nutritional, physical activity and emotional guidance, as well as support groups.
Weight-loss surgery treats obesity in three ways: 1
restricting how much food the stomach can hold at any time
2
preventing the digestive system from absorbing all the nutrition in the food that is eaten
3
a combination of these two ways.
Research has shown that diet and weight-loss medications are of little use to people with extreme obesity. Their best chance for long-term weight reduction and improved health is bariatric surgery to promote weight loss. Even more than a decade after surgery, 90% of those who have undergone gastric bypass, the most common bariatric procedure, manage to keep off an average of 50% of the excess weight. The result is cure or improvement in diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, and hypertension, and a reduction in major cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol. Surgery, performed only on those who are severely overweight or for whom diet and exercise have failed, is a life-changing decision. It has the potential to resolve or improve many serious obesity-related health issues and improve quality of life. Some studies also suggest that people live longer after weight loss surgery, compared to equally obese people who do not have surgery. The Ouachita Community Hospital Surgical Weight Loss Center program provides you with a multidisciplinary team to help maximize your results. Team members are Henry Zizzi, MD, OCH Bariatric Surgeon; Stephen Maguire, MD, OCH Plastic Surgeon; Andi Holyfield, RD, Bariatric Nutrition; and Charlene Smith, RN, OCH Bariatric Coordinator.
Are You a Candidate? Below are questions you can ask yourself to determine if you are potentially a candidate for weight loss surgery.
Are you more than 100 lbs. over your ideal weight? Is your BMI over 40? Do you have a BMI of over 35 along with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, related to being severely overweight? Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Does your weight stop you from doing activities you enjoy? Are you unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time, even with medically supervised dieting?
Attend a FREE Seminar on Monday, Jan. 6 Register now to attend our next seminar on Monday, January 6th at 6:00PM at Ouachita Community Hospital. We’ll discuss the challenges of obesity and the role of bariatric surgery, as well as outline the different types of weight loss surgery procedures and programs we offer. Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Henry Zizzi, along with Bariatric Nutritionist, Andi Holyfield, RD and Bariatric Coordinator, Charlene Smith, RN will present and answer any questions you may have. Spouses, family members and partners are encouraged to attend. Space is limited so if you would like to attend, call 318-322-1339 to reserve a seat. Reservations may also be made online by visiting ouachitacommunityhospital.com/weightloss. The Ouachita Community Hospital Surgical Weight Loss Center is located at 1275 Glenwood Drive in West Monroe. Ouachita Community Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by an entity that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
To schedule a FREE consultation, call 318-388-1956. January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 119
DS | Sports & Outdoors
Back Row: Mike Breard, Dr. Patrick Gary Jones and Billy Justice Front Row: Annette Napier, Ronda Haygood and Melissa Halley These individuals played a significant role during Vantageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble beginnings and continue to help the company grow and prosper today.
Celebrating 20 Years by Taking a Look Back by Carol-Anne Barnes
The New Year means new beginnings. 2014 will mark the 20th anniversary of Vantage Health Plan, Inc., one of Ouachita Parish’s top 10 employers. You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve seen the revitalization downtown. You’ve seen the faces on the cover of DeltaStyle. But do you know the humble beginnings?
photos by Gary Guinigundo January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 121
Health | Vantage Mr. Warren Smiley, a WWII Army veteran, always loved people and loved helping people. His position in sales management with Olin Mathieson Chemical Company in Illinois (based in West Monroe) allowed him to do just that. When
The rest, as they say, is history. But in order to make history, Dr. Jones, President and Chief Medical Officer, knew he had to surround himself with those most qualified to help expand Vantage’s services while operating as efficiently as possible.
for the future he hopes to see Vantage expand into other states but stresses that Monroe will always be home. “This is where we belong. I am surrounded by good people,” says Billy. One who is described as “good people” by many is Mike Breard. Mike began his Vantage career as the company’s accountant reporting to the board of directors as well as handling day-today operations and accounts payable. Today, as the Executive Vice President, his guidance and company knowledge enables Vantage to grow and evolve as never before. When asked what was most rewarding about working at Vantage, Mike said, “I truly enjoy coming to work every day and watching the growth and opportunity provided to our employees. Being able to insure people with quality healthcare is also rewarding.”
I truly enjoy coming to work every day and watching the growth and opportunity provided to our employees. Being able to insure people with quality healthcare is also rewarding. — Mike Breard Jo Ann and Warren Smiley
the company offered him a transfer, he accepted the human resources position at their Riverwood International plant (now Graphic Packaging). He and his wife, Jo Ann, moved to Monroe in 1978. Upon retirement, Warren spent his spare time volunteering with ESGR, Barak Shriners, Scottish Rite, American Legion, and many other organizations. In 1983, Gary Jones and his young family moved in across the street. The two families became very close as the Smiley’s would help look after the Jones children while Gary completed his medical residency and opened his own family practice office.
Just the same as he influenced people, he has influenced the healthcare industry. — Jo Ann Smiley One afternoon in 1993, Mr. Smiley came to Dr. Jones concerned about the impending healthcare crisis facing the Riverwood employees. Despite his lack of knowledge about health insurance at the time, Dr. Jones agreed to meet with the CEO of Riverwood to discuss possible solutions. The following year, Vantage Health Plan, Inc. (Vantage) was established by Dr. Jones and a team of local physicians who together wanted to improve care and help lower healthcare costs. 122 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
The Faces One of the first was Annette Napier. Annette worked in the medical field for about 25 years before Vantage hired her to recruit providers to participate in Vantage’s network. She signed 60 physicians in her first year of employment. Today Annette is the Director of Provider Relations. Provider Relations is responsible for contracting with and credentialing healthcare providers. Provider Relations negotiates case-bycase rates when non-participating providers are required for specific services. Annette says her biggest accomplishment was contracting with two prominent local hospitals, describing it as a significant benefit for the Vantage members in the community. She is proud to work for a company that “really cares” about the member and enjoys telling others about Vantage. And then there’s Billy Justice. Billy left his previous job for what he calls a “complete risk” but believed in this new company and new concept. He wrote the company’s first product and signed up Vantage’s first member in 1996. Thousands of members later, Billy is now the Director of Marketing, Sales, and Member Services. He oversees the departments responsible for obtaining new employer groups and processing renewals as well as answering member calls regarding eligibility, benefits, and claims. He says
In order to provide quality health coverage, Vantage executives realized that health needs of the members was important. Melissa Halley came to Vantage as a Registered Nurse with 18 years of experience in critical care and outpatient surgery. A need for “normal” hours led her to Vantage in 1998. What she found, though, was not a normal insurance company. She describes the staff of Vantage as “truly caring” and explained that everyone works for the same goal of providing excellent customer service to Vantage’s membership as well as to its healthcare providers. Melissa is now the Director of Vantage’s Medical Management Department. The Medical Management Department is responsible for reviewing all medical services that require preauthorization. She says that she has enjoyed watching her employees grow and become confident in their positions and hopes they look forward to learning something new every day, just as she has. Rhonda Haygood had over 18 years of accounting and financial reporting experience before being hired at Vantage as its Director of Financial Reporting. She was approached by Vantage and agreed to interview with them as a “courtesy” because she was not really looking for another job and had no experience in the healthcare industry. However, after meeting with Dr. Jones and Mike Breard for less than two hours one afternoon back in 1999, she knew she had found a new job she would enjoy. Rhonda, now Chief Financial Officer, oversees the Accounting, Information Technology, Claims, Data Entry, and Imaging departments She says her inspiration every
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Vantage
| Health
being covered for years with carpet. This building houses Affinity Health Group’s (Affinity) corporate headquarters as well as Vantage’s media and marketing departments. Along with renovations to the Vantage Central Building, a new Central Park was added as a symbol of the rebirth and renewal of downtown Monroe. The park features four large planters and one large brownstone fountain to complement the adjacent terracotta-colored office building. The formation and balance of this beautiful space were perfected with magnolias, azaleas, day lilies, crepe myrtles, boxwoods, and hibiscuses offering employees a place for relaxation and the citizens of Monroe something to admire.
day comes from working with great leaders and employees on a daily basis and facing the everchanging challenges of the healthcare industry reporting regulations. Sissie Jones, wife of Dr. Jones for 38 years, has played a prominent role in Vantage’s building standards and management and overall visual appeal. Her work is strictly on a volunteer basis and she “delights in taking on new projects” and preserving the established image of Vantage today. Others say Sissie “selflessly dedicates” her time to the revitalization of downtown Monroe as well as renovation or construction of Vantage and its subsidiary’s numerous properties.
The Future
Vantage Tower
Sissie Jones
The Features Vantage’s corporate properties started out humbly as well. The first office occupied by Vantage staff was a leased building on the corner of Hudson and 18th Street. With the expansion of Vantage and its insurance products, it soon became evident that more office space was needed. Vantage would remain in this building until the opportunity arose for Vantage to purchase a piece of the Monroe skyline. The Tower was built in 1921 and served as the home of Ouachita National Bank for 70 years. The bank opened as Ouachita National Bank of Monroe, closed during the depression for one day, and reopened as the Ouachita National Bank in Monroe. The Tower was 95% occupied until 1998, when the then owner, Bank One, sold it to a private individual. During this short period of time, the Tower served in part as the Ouachita Parish Courthouse while the old Courthouse was being renovated. Dr. Jones had his eye on the Tower during Vantage’s early years of growth and success, but the building was only available for rent. Dr. Jones often discussed this plan with his friend and fellow colleague, Dr. Kerry Anders. Dr. Anders, an antique car enthusiast, noticed a photo of the Tower in an
ad in one of his hobby magazines. The ad stated the Tower and a collection of cars were going to be auctioned in a small town outside of Baton Rouge. Dr. Jones made the trip and was finally able to purchase a piece of local history. Renovations were completed in 2005 to house the employees at that time on a few floors. That same year, the Vantage sign was placed on the west side of the building and it was renamed the Vantage Tower. Since then, Vantage has renovated the other Tower floors to occupy the majority of this historic downtown treasure. With the purchase of the Tower also came the former Monroe Building and Loan location as well as what was known as the old stock exchange building, both on Saint John Street. Originally built in 1906, Vantage repurposed those buildings into a medical office and a state-of-the-art pharmacy. The original Greek revival architecture was preserved as well as other original interior features. Also located inside the pharmacy is a unique coffee shop with a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and sodas. In 2007, Vantage opened its first satellite office in Shreveport. This office was staffed with three member services representatives and one marketing executive to better serve the growing membership in Northwest Louisiana. In 2013, Vantage expanded the space to allow for six additional representatives as well as two provider relations consultants and two information technology consultants. Vantage purchased the former Central Bank Building, located at 300 DeSiard Street, in 2010. After several renovations, the Vantage Central Building now features a restored foyer, a new elevator, windows on the east side of the building, and a production room complete with a green screen and professional recording and lighting equipment. The original marble staircase leading to the Delta Board Room has been restored after
In 2014, Vantage will begin yet more renovations on two other multistory buildings downtown— the former State Office Building and the former Advantage Staffing building, which once housed the Sears and Roebuck store, located at 328 DeSiard Street. These buildings will be used as additional office space for the growing Vantage and Affinity employee base as well as entertainment venues. Through competitive products and outstanding customer service, Vantage and its subsidiaries have grown steadily over the past 20 years into a leading business in our community with over 500 employees. Vantage provides health insurance coverage for more than 25,000 members and currently contracts with more than 4,300 Louisiana healthcare providers. Up until his death, Warren Smiley stayed very involved in his community and with the Vantage board of directors. He passed away in March of 2012. He left behind his wife of 69 years, one daughter, Sherry, son Dale, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Jo Ann remained in Monroe and continued to participate in the quarterly dinner gatherings until recently when she decided to move north to be closer to Sherry.
Central Building
When asked about her husband’s inspiration of Vantage, Mrs. Smiley said, “Just the same as he influenced people, he has influenced the healthcare industry.” When asked if Mrs. Smiley would recommend Vantage she replied, “Vantage has the right price and their service is great. The employees are pleasant and helpful. They are real people with real answers.” January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 123
BALLOON SINUPLASTY™ THE NEW MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURE FOR TREATING CHRONIC SINUSITIS Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year with symptoms like congestion, fatigue, headache and facial pain. Here in Louisiana, the number of sinus sufferers is exceptionally high due to higher year-round humidity and pollen counts. Anyone with chronic sinusitis can tell you that it’s a condition that significantly impacts his or her quality of life and productivity. Now available at Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation
and pain outside of the operating room and without general anesthesia. Balloon Sinuplasty™, performed by Brent Metts, MD, PhD, delivers all the benefits of conventional sinus surgery without the bleeding, pain and prolonged recovery time. Most patients feel immediate relief following the procedure and are able to walk out of the office and work without restriction the next day. Until recently, the only surgical option available to correct chronic sinusitis has been standard endoscopic sinus surgery, where bone and tissue are cut and removed from the nasal passages to open obstructed sinuses and promote drainage.
About Dr. Metts: Dr. Metts is one of the few surgeons in the nation who are fellowship trained in minimally invasive and endoscopic assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. He specializes in treatment of sinus disease, thyroid disease, hearing loss, voice care, sleep apnea, throat problems, tonsillitis, and ear infections. 124 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
This more traditional procedure is usually associated with moderate pain, bleeding and a 7-10 day recovery time. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is designed to open blocked sinuses without removal of tissue or bone from the nasal passages. Dr. Metts passes a small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostril and into the blocked sinus. When the balloon is inflated, it gently expands the sinus’ natural drainage pathway to permanently restore normal sinus drainage and function.
For more information about Balloon Sinuplasty™ or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metts, call 318-329-8458.
P&S Surgical Hospital Offers Steps to Better Health in 2014 New Year’s resolutions present us with a gift—a reminder of the opportunity to transform our lives for the better. Good health is the key to living a full life. Below are 10 attainable things you can do for your Linda Holyfield, President and health in 2014. CEO of P&S Surgical Hospital All of us at P&S Surgical Hospital wish you a happy and healthy new year. 1. Get regular check-ups and cancer screenings. Annual health check-ups and cancer screenings are vital to one’s health because some health conditions do not present symptoms. A doctor can detect potential health hazards during a routine visit, giving you peace of mind and a healthier future.
6. Maintain social bonds. Spending time with family and friends helps to eliminate stress and goes a long way toward sustaining happiness, which contributes significantly to good health.
9. Travel. You don’t have to go far to enjoy the benefits of new experiences. We have so many treasures in our home state of Louisiana, and new scenery is a great way to refresh one’s mind.
7. Volunteer. Not only will you feel good about helping others, but your actions will make a big difference in our community. Visit United Way of Northeast Louisiana today or another agency that you are passionate about, and learn how you can help: http://www.unitedwaynela.org
10. Choose one healthy habit and stick to it. Experts maintain that it takes between 30 – 60 days to establish a new habit. Whether it is riding your bike 20 minutes a day or buckling your seat belt, commit to one new healthy habit that over time can result in a healthier you.
8. Expand your mind. Make a list of 10 good books and work your way through them in 2014. Take an online course. You will never regret higher education. Visit: ulm.edu/ online.
P&S Surgical Hospital is a joint venture between St. Francis Medical Center and 55 medical specialists.
CHOOSE US
for the same reasons they chose us.
2. Resist the urge to Google your medical symptoms. This is a common temptation in today’s technology-laden society, in which endless information is just a click away. An internet search cannot paint a complete picture of one’s health, and an inaccurate diagnosis from a web site can cause anxiety. Instead, make an appointment with your personal physician.
America’s 100 Best by HealthGrades
3. If you have a health condition, educate yourself. The physicians and nurses at P&S Surgical Hospital provide extensive counseling about your health condition and the proposed treatments. 4. Attain a healthy weight. It is helpful to know your BMI, or Body Mass Index. The BMI calculates the amount of body fat based on an individual’s weight and height. Weight-loss surgery typically is reserved for those who are at least 100 pounds overweight, or who have a BMI of 40 or higher. Learn about the gastric sleeve procedure at: www. laweightlosssurgery.com/ 5. Organize your medical records and those belonging to your family. Type a list of your current medications and any allergies and keep them on hand for your next doctor’s appointment. The Center for Disease Control offers an internet-based tool in which you can organize your family’s medical history. Visit: https://familyhistory. hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action
Joint Replacement
5-Star Rated
5-Star Rated
by HealthGrades
by HealthGrades
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Choose the hospital that measures up. Time and again.
312 Grammont Street • www.pssurgery.com • 318-388-4040 Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® is a registered trademark of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Used by permission of ASMBS. All rights reserved.
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 125
Just do it
“I’m in shape. Round is a shape.” Anonymous
by Timothy J. Mickel, MD, FACS Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Stubborn fat has met its match.
< Freeze your fat away.
Transform yourself without diet, exercise or surgery. CoolSculpting® is the revolutionary body contouring treatment that freezes and naturally eliminates fat from your body. There are no needles, no special diets, no exercise programs and best of all – no downtime. Developed by Harvard scientists to eliminate fat, CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, safe and clinically proven.
BEFORE
12 wEEks AFTER COOLsCULPTING
(-4 Pounds) Procedure by Grant Stevens, MD, FACS
Mickel Plastic Surgery 903 North Second Street Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 388-2050
mickelplasticsurgery.com
Call us today at (318) 388-2050 to schedule your consultation.
Results and patient experience may vary. Ask your physician if CoolSculpting is right for you. CoolSculpting for non-invasive fat reduction is cleared for the flank and abdomen. CoolSculpting is a registered trademark and the CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2012. All rights reserved. IC0529-B
126 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
It has been said that inside most of us is a thin person struggling to get out... but they can usually be sedated with some cookies or a few pieces of chocolate cake. As the New Year begins, fitness club parking lots will be packed and cross-fit classes will be full. But after a few weeks, they will empty out. Then my parking lot will be packed and my waiting room full. Look, I’m not complaining…I’m just saying. If only our willpower matched our resolve. Most people think plastic surgery is an alternative to working out. Either you sweat and toil and burn off the fat, or you have it sucked out. Either you tighten skin by building muscle, or you have the skin cut off. I strongly believe that the two things are complimentary. The first step in all body contouring is diet and exercise. Patients who are fit and close to their ideal body weight are better surgical candidates for a number of reasons. First, a fit patient will get a better result because the procedure will entail fine-tuning, not a total overhaul. Second, a fit patient will be more likely to meet me halfway and maintain optimal results because they work out and maintain muscle tone after surgery. Third, fit patients heal better because fitness means better blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Finally, anyone familiar with the hard work that goes into a fitness regimen tends to be more realistic about the results. Even though surgical results can be dramatic, they usually won’t take you from the couch to the front of Shape Magazine overnight. So, set a goal and stick with it. As Yogi Berra famously said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” Make a New Year’s resolution and do your best to persevere. Whether your goal is to have “holiday arms”, “Easter abs” or “bar mitzvah biceps” work hard and keep at it. When you’ve done all you can do and you still have problem areas that just won’t improve, come see me and we can discuss surgical options like liposuction and abdominoplasty, or non-surgical options like Coolsculpt for making you look your best. Of course, there is no exercise to increase your cup size--so if you want “bikini breasts,” the only option is surgery. I wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. Good luck reaching your fitness goals, but if you hit the wall, or are simply ready to take it to the next level, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 to see if breast or body contouring surgery is right for you. Visit www.mickelplasticsurgery.com for more information.
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A man needs his cave.
128 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
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DeltaStyle wants to hear about local military heroes who inspire you. To nominate someone for our monthly showcase, visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/DeltaStyle, and submit your nominations to the inbox. 130 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
U S O tour I love talking with the men and women over here. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just great to get to share our family stories with them and to see them laugh, hopefully giving them a chance to get their minds off being so far from their families. photos by Mike Clifton
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jep Robertson
132 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
January 2014 | DeltaStyle Magazine | 133
This has been a lifechanging experience and I’m just excited to bring smiles to these troops who are so far from home. I’m trying to shake as many hands as I can and say thanks to all of those who sacrifice so much. — Willie Robertson
134 | DeltaStyle Magazine | January 2014
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