Lola Magazine November/December 2019

You Better Be Good for Goodness Sake!

FROM THE SILVER STAR FAMILY

1. Lang Ad

COMMUNITY

18 Volunteers of America 30 years of gifts from the heart 72 The Hub Music Hall Bringing the culture of music to hearts and souls in Louisiana

107 MLK Health Center Improving the health of our community with the patients they serve 126 Must Attend Events

121 Travel Matters North to Alaska 128 From Her Perspective Rose McMaster making her way from Louisiana to New York City

C ON T E N T S 2. Lola TOContents HOLIDAY

54 Locally Loved Gifts Your holiday gift guide to locally made treasures 62 Fa-La-La-La-Lola Lagniappe Week Shop ‘til you drop with spectacular special offers 8 Hostess with The Mostess Making Christmas morning magic 95 The Boss of Southern Cuisine The perfect cookie for Santa’s visit 80 Low-Carb Thanksgiving A guiltless feast for the holidays 79 Rozzie’s Best-Ever Pumpkin Bread

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KIDS & FAMILY

LOUISIANA LADIES

75 Allied Forces 90 Faith Over Fear The powerful force of motherKeeping It Real with Teri Netterville daughter relationships 38 A Woman with Vision 114 The Struggle is Real The inspiring story of navigating Finding help for those life through blindness struggling with ADHD 113 Women in Business 99 Sno-Port The Gig Economy The wonder of snowflakes HEALTH & BEAUTY comes to life 85 Integrate Your Health 102 Gifts of a Lifetime The Science of Gratitude Giving our children gifts that matter 15 Get Your Glow On 117 The Secret to Sanity Glow Alchemy Kitchen bridges Audiobooks make family health and beauty with road trips fun for all delicious, clean-eating cuisine HOME & 44 40 Years of Commitment An intimate look into the ENTERTAINING life and career of OBGYN 24 Old Hollywood Meets Modern Dr. John Waterfallen Luxury A home with wow factor 50 The Age of Super Women in every detail Infertility options for women of all ages 34 Front Door Therapy An easy DIY to brighten your curb appeal

3. Ivan Smith Ad

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Handwritten letters will never go out of style!

M

y collection of notes and letters is quite impressive. I have saved every note, letter, or card that I have ever received. Once every blue moon I read though my giant box of treasured letters. Each time I read through them I laugh, cry and hold on to all these little pieces of my life collected in this box. From the hundreds of folded notes all beginning with “What’s up? NMH!” (Nothing much here!), the lingo of Ruston Junior High 1996, to letters from pen pals met on vacations and priceless letters from my family and friends, they are all precious to me.

One of my most prized is a letter I received in the third grade from Airman First Class Bill Barham. My third-grade teacher had our class write letters to military overseas, serving in Desert Storm. They were to be handed out to any service men or women who had not received mail that day.

Bill Barham was 21 at the time he received a letter from little girl in Ruston, Louisiana. I was the only one in my class who received a letter back. Not only did Bill send a letter, he enclosed his unit patch from Jackson, Mississippi. Let’s just say this gave me major bragging rights with my classmates! I have cherished this letter for nearly 30 years. Recently I did a little research and learned that Bill passed away in 2010, leaving behind his beloved 5-yearold son. His brother was kind enough to fill me in on Bill’s story and how Bill absolutely adored his son. I recently passed along my treasured letter to his son who is now 16.

Bill’s letter reminds us what a gift handwritten letters truly are.

Text messages and emails become obsolete and forgotten, but letters are cherished forever. I encourage you write letters for the ones you love this holiday season. New toys and all the latest gadgets will put

smiles on many faces this Christmas morning, but heartfelt letters will put smiles on their faces for years to come.

We LOVE the holidays at Lola Magazine, and this issue brings you all things holiday!

Our carb-free Thanksgiving will give you yummy ideas for a healthy holiday meal. Check out our local gift guide collection of fabulous ideas all made by Louisiana locals. Make your Christmas morning even more delightful this year with Christmas morning tips and recipes from our Hostess with the Mostess. We are also super excited to bring you LolaLagniappe, Shop Local Week, November 30th through December 7th. You will find all of the special offers in this issue of Lola Magazine that are exclusive to our Lola readers. May you shop ‘til you drop, and then find time to take in all the wonder this time of year brings.

From all of us at Lola Magazine, we wish you a season full of making memories and holiday magic!

4. Bevin’s Letter/ Contributors

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Happy Thanksgiving and a Very Merry Christmas! -Bevin

READLOLA.COM

PUBLISHER Bevin Sutton Hicks Bevin@readlola.com MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Carie Cotter Hart Carie@readlola.com

ASSISTANT ADVERTISING ASSOCIATES Ashley Dillard, Shreveport/ Bossier/Natchitoches Ashley@readlola.com Shannon Lewis, Ruston Shannon@readlola.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tommy Stow Sutton 318-560-5785 DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE Carl Hammock 318-607-7106 ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT Richard Creative Lola@richard-creative.com CONTENT EDITOR Kathy Spurlock EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Rachael McCoy lolamaginfo@readlola.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Nicole Cotter Donesa Walker Jessica Comegys Teri Netterville Payton Denney Clinton Downing Roslyn Mee Danielle Richard Dr. Karen Pendleton Tricia Jowell Bridget Hamm Laura Kiefer Angela Vinet Dr. John Waterfallen Abigail McAlister, RD, LDN, CHC Dianne Clark Chef Hardette Harris Scott Anderson Kathy Spurlock Kristen Gladen Rosemary McMaster CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brittany Strickland Jarrett Warren Mitchell Cobb COVER Brittany Strickland edits: Jarrett Warren location: At the home of Shane and Dr. Alison Spann special thank you to Santa Randy Rogers for being the first man to grace the cover of Lola vintage pick up truck provided

by Jerry Carter photography:

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Carie@readlola.com *Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited. Lola Magazine is published bi-monthly by Stamper Marketing, LLC. 428 Mohican Lane, Shreveport, La 71106 (318) 573-6847. Lola Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertiser. Distribution of Lola Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products and/or services. Lola Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the publication’s content. Nonetheless, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absence of errors. No responsibility will be assumed. Visit us online at readlola.com to subscribe.

Lola Magazine is owned by Stamper Marketing, LLC.

And I heard him exclaim as he drove into the night…

“Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Sight!”

5. Van Norman Ad

ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Call For Appointment

318-703-5655 1801 Fairfield Ave, Suite 207 Shreveport, LA 71101 ShreveportEyeSpecialists.com

Shreveport Eye Specialists Russell Van Norman MD Dr. Rachel Meyer-Borel

SHOP AT UPTOWN

SHOP LOCAL

6. Lockhart 4800

LINE AVENUE SHREVEPORT, LA ShopAtUptown.com

FEATURING COMPLIMENTARY

Valet Services WEEKENDS

NOV. 30 - DEC. 21

CACTUS CLOTHING COMPANY • KING’S GIFTS • CHATEAU EN MAE LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS • PRETENSES • THE MOPPET SHOPPE LOUISIANA COIN & JEWELRY • TUESDAY MORNING • BROOKSHIRE’S MERLE NORMAN • EYE CARE • RED CARPET NAIL SPA • ASIA MASSAGE THE BROKEN PHONE • CTRL ALT DEL • GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC • SUBWAY KUMON LEARNING CENTER • COUNTER CULTURE • JASON’S DELI PAPA MURPHY’S • STARBUCKS • THE UPS STORE • RED RIVER BANK

C R E AT I N G MEMORIES •

SINCE 1960

•

7. Uptown Shopping Center 6601 Youree Drive Shreveport, La 71105 318-797-5544 www.lockhartjewelers.com

WRITTEN BY JESSICA COMEGYS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

8. Hostess

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9. Hostess

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Christmas Morning Menu Spinach Mushroom Tomato Quiche Sweet Potato Hash

2-3 DAYS AHEAD • Order your grocery pick up (insert winking emoji)

or breakfast meat of choice

• Prep and bake the sweet potato hash. Save some diced onions and peppers from that stuffing you’re making. Chop once, use twice. Store in fridge once cool.

Hot Chocolate Station

1-2 DAYS AHEAD (CHRISTMAS EVE)

Chicken Sausage

Lowder Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

(available Christmas Eve for pick up!)

• Pick up cinnamon rolls • Crack eggs and get quiche mixture together, set in fridge in a large bowl overnight • Blend hot chocolate milks and set up crock pot with un-melted chocolate during late night toy assembly.

When I said make-ahead, did I mention this was easy? Isn’t there CHRISTMAS MORNING • Turn on crock pot, pour in milk mixture and always a sweet potato on the holiday heat hot chocolate grocery list? And we all have an extra • Bake quiche pie crust and plenty of onions to chop! • Re-heat hash and sear off sausages So, here is the plan… • Put your feet up and enjoy the fun!

10. Hostess

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CROCK-POT HOT CHOCOLATE 3 cups milk ½ cup heavy cream 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz.

1 package milk chocolate chips 12. oz 1 teaspoon vanilla TIP: to make non-dairy, use almond milk, canned full fat coconut milk, condensed coconut milk and dark chocolate • Add all ingredients to your crock pot set to low for 2 hours. Stir every 10 minutes or so to make sure it’s well combined.

Once all the chocolate chips are melted turn it down to the warm setting.

• Optional: You could also set the crockpot to high for less time and stir more frequently. Once all the chocolate is melted you can turn the crockpot down to warm.

TOPPINGS & MIX-INS Marshmallows & Whipped Cream Crushed Candy Canes + Whole Candy Canes for stirring Cinnamon & Nutmeg Sea Salt & Caramel Syrup FOR KICK: Peppermint Schnaps, Baileys, Vanilla or Caramel Vodka (I’ve even seen Marshmallow flavor!)

11. Hostess

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SPINACH MUSHROOM TOMATO QUICHE 1 pie crust, homemade or store bought 8 ounces small white mushrooms, sliced 3-4 cups packed fresh baby spinach 4 ounces fresh goat cheese (optional) 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 6 large eggs, beaten 2½ cups milk ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 2 tbsp melted butter (optional) • Preheat the oven to 375˚F. • Roll pie crust out to about 12 inches. Gently place in a greased 9-inch pie pan.

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk and then fold in sautéed veggies, melted butter, and cheeses.

• Pour into deep-dish pie crust.

• Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until egg is set. Cool for 2 minutes, serve warm.

12. Hostess

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SWEET POTATO HASH 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks ½ onion, diced (do extra when making other holiday dishes and set it to the side for this dish) 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional) • Peel and chop sweet potatoes • Place sweet potatoes in a glass casserole dish, and sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Drizzle with olive oil to coat (up to 1/3 cup). Stir it around well to cover all of the sweet potatoes.

• Roast in the oven at 450 degrees for 55 – 65 minutes, stirring 3 – 4 times. Each time you stir the sweet potatoes, use a spatula to scrape up any edges that have stuck to the pan. This will help make sure that the sweet potatoes get as crispy as possible.

Wishing you the

SWEETEST moments this

Holiday Season!

What a specialty store should be.

• Magnolia Baby

13. Caspiana Ad

• Kissy Kissy • The Proper Peony • KicKee Pants • Bailey Boys • Beaufort Bonnet • Native shoes • J Bailey • Kyte Baby • Angel Dear

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318-344-4842 @caspianacatering_glow

CASPIANACATERING.com

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14. The Children's Shoppe Present this flyer for 15% OFF your first purchase at Glow Alchemy Kitchen*

- COLD PRESSED JUICE - GRAB & GO

- HEALTHY LUNCH

- WELLNESS RETAIL

We proudly bank local!

- COOKING CLASSES *Restrictions: can’t be combined with other offers, expires 12/20/19, excludes catering and special orders.

INTRODUCING I

wanted a place to feel comfortable and interactive. The kitchen is open and inviting. Feel free to sit at the counter and chat with one of our team members while you sip your matcha latte. Pop in and grab a cold-pressed juice and dinner to go from our opensale fridge. Order a hot lunch and stay while you catch up on emails. Sign up for one of our cooking classes or wellness workshops. Rent the space for a private dinner or event.

I wanted this to be a multifunctioning space that is open to all. Vegans and carnivores both will find something to enjoy! So, what is Alchemy? As a holistic health coach and trained chef, alchemy is the discovery of a universal cure for disease and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life, the power and process of transforming something common into something extraordinary.

In this new chapter, we are transforming what we know as food into something beautiful, delicious, and healing. And the glow you will get from the inside out will be unmistakable. In January you will wake up to an inbox full of marketing emails titled “new year new you,” “resolution this and that,” but the micro decisions that we make to show up for ourselves every day is what it’s all about.

Awareness clarifies our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

Becoming aware is the strength that helps us navigate the slew of life’s daily stimulations and challenges with grace.

What matters is that you show up for

yourself in the day-to-day this coming year. Whether this means scheduling self-care regularly, cleansing with the changing of the seasons or aligning your daily rhythms in harmony with the moon cycles. Living with intention is a powerful medicine. I believe, like wisdom, wellness starts from within.

What’s on the menu?

• Wellness lattes - warm or cold, these drinks are full of adaptogens and ingredients to heal your body and soothe your soul.

• Boutique hot tea service custom herbal blends offered in the finest spas and hotels.

15. Glow Article • Lunch - salads, soups, macro bowls, and some of our Caspiana meal prep favorites!

• Grab & Go - snacks, salads, dinner - all ready to snag on your way home!

• Cold-pressed juice - freshly pressed preserving all the nutrients.

• Protein shakes and smoothie bowls - delicious shakes that have up to 20g of plant-based protein and stress-fighting adaptogens!

• Take-away catering trays - smoked salmon, hummus crudité… all your favorite Caspiana catering items are available by preorder to bring to your next event!

We will also offer exclusive retail brands like Moon Juice, Little Barn Apothecary, and HUM Nutrition.

Learn more about these brands and check for upcoming events, holiday specials, and sign up for our signature boutique-prepared meal service at CaspianaCatering.com.

Happy Holidays! Jessica Comegys

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16. Breathe Yoga

B U SI N E SS IN BE A U TY

Dr. Lindsey Pennington Specializes in Natural Appearing Results

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r. Lindsey Pennington is proud to be the only female facial plastic surgeon in the state of Louisiana with her own solo private practice focusing on both noninvasive and surgical facial rejuvenation. Dr. Pennington has deep roots in Louisiana starting when she obtained her undergraduate degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. She then went on to graduate from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine with research honors. After completing residency in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Louisiana Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, she went on to complete an additional year of surgical training in facial plastics and reconstructive surgery under the prestigious Dr. Stucker, an accomplished past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery.

Next, Dr. Pennington pursued additional externships with Dr. McCoullough in Gulf Shores, AL and Dr. Jacono in New York City to expand her surgical knowledge with the guidance of these world-renowned surgeons in the facial plastic surgery community.

Dr. Pennington returned to Shreveport in 2017 and opened her own office, Lindsey Pennington MD Facial Plastics on Line Avenue. She offers a unique female perspective on a number of medical and surgical procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers to more advanced surgical techniques in facial rejuvenation such as facelift. Her office also offers customary medical grade skin care, and a range of advanced medical grade lasers and esthetic services. When Dr. Pennington is not at her office or in surgery, she can be found spending time with her daughter and husband, working on one of their many community investment projects around Shreveport.

The beautiful patient pictured here was in her 50’s and presented to Before After Dr. Pennington with complaints of saggy skin under her neck due to a significant weight loss and facial aging.

She had worked hard to lose weight and felt it took a toll on her face. After a consultation with Dr. Pennington, where 3D morphing software was utilized to simulate before and after results. She decided to undergo a lateral brow lift, an upper and lower blepharoplasty for rejuvenation of her eyes, a face and necklift to address the excess skin and dropping tissues, as well as a lip lift. She is so happy with actual facelift patient her natural appearing results. She looks more rested and youthful.

17. Pennington

of Dr. Pennington

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Facelift, Eyelid lift and Rhinoplasty (nose job) Injectable fillers, Juvederm and Botox Medical grade skin care, lasers, and chemical peels

Call

318.216.5366 today to schedule your complimentary cosmetic evaluation with Dr. Pennington

6030 Line Avenue, Suite 110 | Shreveport, LA 71106 www.penningtonfacialplastics.com | @ penningtonfacialplastics

30 years ago,

Volunteers of America began its holiday campaign to raise money and provide services to the most vulnerable in our community.

They’re known as…

Caring Gifts.

WRITTEN BY TRICIA JOWELL

18. VOA Gifts

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hat if you could buy all of your family and friends a Christmas present, have someone else mail it to them and give a meaningful donation to help those in need in our community all at the same time?

Well, Volunteers of America North Louisiana has made your Christmas dreams come true by allowing you to do just that. Since 1989, North Louisianans have spread Christmas joy through Caring Gifts by making a donation to support the life-changing work of Volunteers of America. In return, Volunteers of America sends a beautiful, hand-wrapped angel to everyone on your MiQuesha

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mailing list. Plus, they learn how the donation you made in their name will benefit thousands of lives throughout the year, including children and families, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.

Mi’Quesha is just one of those.

Born and raised in the Highlands neighborhood, Mi’Quesha began attending the Volunteers of America’s LightHouse, a free after-school and summer program, in eighth grade. As middle school is for most children, this was such a pivotal time in her life. She struggled with confidence, academics and motivation.

The LightHouse gave M’Quesha a safe place to go every day after school with people

who supported and believed in her and the opportunity to tap into her creative side – to believe in herself.

While still in high school, Mi’Quesha spoke about the LightHouse at a South Highlands neighborhood holiday party.

She mentioned that she hoped to go into fashion design.

Listening to Mi’Quesha’s story was Knox Goodman, owner of Knox Goodman’s Boutique, a retail clothing and accessory store that closed its doors after more than 30 years in Shreveport.

Mi’Quesha didn’t know it then, but that meeting was the opportunity of a lifetime.

“When I first met her, I thought I’d go for a couple of days to learn how they work,” Mi’Quesha said. “But she actually assigned me days to come work, and the staff would take turn picking me up.”

Mi’Quesha worked at the Boutique for a couple years, and after she graduated from high school, she followed Knox to work at Imelda’s as a way to continue her

- At the home of Katie Dunkelman

19. VOA Gifts

professional growth.

Today, Mi’Quesha is the Sales Lead Manager at New York & Co. located inside the St. Vincent Mall and a freelance model in Shreveport. She considers Knox her “lifelong friend and mentor.”

Mi’Quesha is just one of many students who have greatly benefitted from the work of Volunteers of America and our LightHouse program, which is also celebrating 30 years of serving children and families in ShreveportBossier this year.

For one child, like Mi’Quesha, to experience the LightHouse program, it costs around $2,500 a year. That’s why the unique holiday campaign, Caring Gifts, is so important to Volunteers of America’s ministry of service.

Caring Gifts is just one of two times a year Volunteers of America invites the community to invest in its work to close the fiscal year gap, the difference between what it costs to operate our

programs and services and what we receive from government funding. This year, the organization must raise $2.35 million.

Last year, Volunteers of America provided over 40 programs serving over 7,600 individuals in need, ranging from the young to the elderly. While the organization first began in 1935 as a shelter off Texas Avenue for women and children, its mission was, and remains, to reach and uplift all people bringing them to the knowledge and service of God. As we celebrate 30 years of Caring Gifts, we know each gift brings hope and love to not only those who find their way to Volunteers of America, like Mi’Quesha, but also to those who receive an angel in the mail.

I hope you will consider joining our Caring Gifts campaign this year and start a new holiday tradition! Together, we can change our community – one gift at a time.

Last year, Volunteers of America provided over 40 programs serving over 7,600 individuals in need, ranging from the young to the elderly.

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How does Caring Gifts work?

For 30 years, North Louisiana has spread holiday joy through Caring Gifts. This Christmas season, you can honor your family and friends by donating to Volunteers of America. In return, Volunteers of America sends a beautiful, handwrapped angel to all those on your holiday shopping list letting every recipient know that a donation has been given in their honor and it will greatly benefit thousands of those who find their way to Volunteers of America this year, including

How to make a Caring Gifts donation: • Visit our website https://voanorthla.org and fill out a Caring Gifts donation form.

• Mail a check payable to Volunteers of America North Louisiana, Attn: Lisa Brandeburg 360 Jordan Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.

• Fax to 318-300-1979 Volunteers of America North Louisiana, Attn: Debbie Swinford.

• Donate by phone and call Veronica Tasche at 318-221-2669, ext. 233 with your credit card information.

• Watch us on TV! This year, we are proud to celebrate 30 years of Caring Gifts in partnership with KTBS 3.

20. VOA Gifts • ½ Art by Oneal

children and families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities.

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Jim Roach Owner Roach Plumbing

Return on Relationships

21. Origin Bank

Mary Yawn Origin Banker

Simplified Banking

ISN’T A PIPE DREAM

Improvement often starts with a closer look. Jim uses special scope cameras to discover the source of a problem from within. And for over 25 years, banker Mary has provided the latest technology to help shed light on new pathways for progress. For both, it’s clear to see how the right tools can make streamlining his plumbing business a reality.

Start relationship banking at www.Origin.bank/relationships MEMBER FDIC

Making your

DREAM HOME come to LIFE Since 1950

22. Lincoln Flooring

•

Custom Rugs

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Cleaning/Restoration

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Carpeting

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Cushion/Padding

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Wood

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Adhesives

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Paints/Coatings

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Ceramic/Porcelain •

Sealers/Finishes

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Vinyl/Resilient

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Specialty Floors

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Laminate

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Flooring Accessories

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Flooring

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Natural Stone Floors

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Area Rugs

803 East Georgia • Ruston, LA

(318) 254.0170

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lumbing problems don’t have to wreck your day. When you call Mark Johnson Plumbing, you can always expect fast, on time service and best of all, the job is done right the first time! We’ve been keeping Monroe area homes safe since 1997 with everything from a small pipe leak to water heater problems and everything in-between.

Personalized service is what we’re known for. Our experts are not only skilled in their craft, they are able to tailor the work to what you need. We take pride in our workmanship and use only top quality materials when carrying out your plumbing repairs and installations.

23. Mark Johnson (pickup from May/June)

Exceeding Expectations s i nc e 1 9 9 7

• Family Owned and Operated • 24/7 Emergency Service • Fully Stocked Trucks • Up-front Pricing

318.255.1332 Find us on Facebook markjohnsonplumbing.com

Serving North Louisiana and all surrounding areas k n o w who is at your door.

OLD HOLLYWOOD meets MODERN

24. Home Feature written LUXURY

by Angela Vinet

WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET • PHOTOGRAPHY BY MITCHELL COBB 24

“People hire me to make their house beautiful. It’s not about me and my tastes, it’s about THEM. Each of my projects is unique to fit my client, creating THEIR version of beauty.”

COLE BAKER Interior Designer and Owner of Maxie Home Interiors

L

ocal interior designer Cole Baker of Maxie Home Interiors embarked on a designer’s dream job recently - creating an Old Hollywood look with a modern twist in the desirable Bocage Lakes neighborhood in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

When contacted by his clients to completely re-invent their home in Baton Rouge, Cole was thrilled to work with clients ready to push their creative boundaries in creating the perfect spaces. Cole crafted each space to fit the client’s lifestyle, making the space a reflection of them. “If you know the person in the house,” Cole mused, “you should be able to see them in the home.” Never wanting a home to look “decorated,” the spaces he created are nothing short of jaw dropping.

For this pair of homeowners who enjoy New York City, Old Hollywood and Art Deco is a favorite style. Cole took what this couple enjoys the most about their favorite places and turned their personal home into a luxurious, unique space.

Stepping through the entryway onto a custom inlay three-stone marble mosaic, flanked by a richly dark-stained oak floor, under an exquisitely delicate Italian chandelier sets the luxurious tone. White-bricked walls offset the dark flooring, while the soaring ceilings and expansive space give strolling room upon entering with bold design features creatively placed.

25. Home Feature 24 Local interior designer and owner of Maxie Home Interiors Cole Baker specializes in whole home design projects. Graduating from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s of Interior Design, Cole has been creating beauty for the past 14 years all over Louisiana.

From coordinating complete renovations to ground- up construction, his passion is blending unique items to create bold design features while balancing his client’s tastes.

His new design studio and showroom will be located in Pope’s Plaza of Bossier City at 532 Benton Road.

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26. Home Feature

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eveloping an eternal love for Moet & Chandon Champagne, these homeowners acquired an exclusive and highly sought-after small bottle vending machine of their favorite bubbly. Careful calibration and temperature settings

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as to not disturb the delicate bubbles of champagne, the home owners can simply press a button to have one of the 320 bottles to sip at the perfect temperature in their kitchen as the vending machine is a focal point amongst the cabinetry.Â

T

aking their love of champagne to another level, lacquered cabinets with a mirror-like finish of Champagne Pink with custom brass-wrapped trim store the kitchen essentials. Creatively using their space in the renovations, Cole mounted backless cabinets over the new windows with glass shelves in a brass frame for a functionally stunning kitchen feature. The true champagne pink paired with the Calcutta Apuna marble from Triton Stone

27. Home Feature

in Baton Rouge is stunning, as it is on every available surface including the vent hood for a wall of marble. Adding in the brass trim and complete brass wall to the island, no guest would ever want to leave the showcase that is the kitchen while sipping the bubbly under gold-foiled light fixtures from Italy.

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he kitchen opens to a breakfast area with wood-burning fireplace. The matte lime-washed white walls and fireplace allow the kitchen to really pop, while the lovely landscape painting over the fireplace draws in the color from the adjoining room. A custom-designed table by Cole was built out of Nero Marquina marble crafted by Ricon Stone. At the end of the room, guests will be entranced by the 6x8 foot Audrey Hepburn painting by Louisiana’s own world renowned pop art darling, Ashley Longshore of New Orleans.

28. Home Feature

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f the many rooms in this home that inspire and delight the senses, the master bathroom is almost too gorgeous to use. More of the pink tones perfectly blend with gold tones for an Old Hollywood and Art Deco masterpiece. Pink lacquered doors and cabinets each carefully crafted by the master cabinetmaker Kris Built from Cole’s personal designs set the stage, but the wet room steals the show. Gold-leafed glass tiles are the walls to the shower space where a specially designed Breccia Capria marble sourced from Houston, Texas, pairs with the marble mosaic flooring. While the goldplated plumbing fixtures imported from Paris, France, will not be outdone by the golden shower, they are equally as exquisite. Blending the art deco look to the old Hollywood style, Cole designed specialty mirrors to accompany the wall sconces almost reminiscent of the skyscrapers of New York City. Stepping to the side of the golden shower, the ladies’ vanity strictly for makeup with Old Hollywood lighting awaits. Each of the 14 bulbs around the mirror were hand cut with their own socket recessed into the wall. From the octagon-shaped knobs to the incredible detail of the art deco inspired cabinetry, every detail in this bathroom is perfection.

29. Home Feature

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30. Home Feature

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very fashionista’s dream closet was built with shelves upon shelves housing the designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and clothing every jet setter needs. Built-in jewelry drawers and a library ladder to reach those top-shelf items on the fourth tier all encased in bold pink with Cole’s custom-designed

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brass fittings pair perfectly with the divine black-and-white striped Missoni carpet imported from Italy. This closet is a dream.

The marble-topped island allows the homeowner to design outfits with plenty of space next to Vintage Vogue covers lining an accent wall as the perfect

complement to the pink closet. Getting dressed has never been more fun.

This project was a renovation, a rejuvenation, breathing new life into this home. Cole Baker was able to push the envelope on his design ideas, which rendered a lavish work of art at every glance in each of his rooms.

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n true Dorothy Draper fashion, Cole Baker was inspired by his personal design idol known for breaking boundaries with her bold use of patterns and color.

Cole channeled his inner Dorothy in the powder room for a visual masterpiece. Ashley Longshore’s Gem Paper design, hand printed

by Flavor Paper in New Orleans, shimmers and shines just as the real gems do. But, the glamour doesn’t stop there. The vintage malachite and brass mirror is perfection while allowing all of the colors to jump off the walls. Not to be outdone by the amazing walls, a work of art is in the flooring with New York glass mosaic artist Allison Eden’s original work found at the base of the sink.

Like walking into a colorful dream, this powder room could charge for admission it’s so amazing.

31. Home Feature • ½ Maxie Home

new location • popes plaza 532 benton rd. 71111 • maxiehome.com • 318 670-3058

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Outdoor Furniture Pottery Fountains Ironwork

32. Corner Collection (pick up)

An Unsurpassed Selection in Shreveport-Bossier 8320 Line Ave. • Shreveport • (318) 868.6267 •

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33. Harrison Paint DIY

Local Art Antiques Craft Coffee

Restorations Lamp repair Vintage lighting

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FRONT DOOR

Therapy DIY with Bridget

You’re fixin’ to need: • Painter’s tape • Fine grit sandpaper • Paintable filler (if you have any cracks or hole in your door)

• Good quality paint brushes • 1 quart of primer

• 1 quart of exterior paint (pick a color) • Or hire a professional if your Honey Do list is already full

HOW TO PAINT A PANELED DOOR 1. Remove the door and all of the hardware. Rest the door on a pair of sawhorses (or something stable that can hold your door – not the kids or your grandmother’s step stools) outside.

2. Clean, then scrape off any blistered or peeling paint. Use sandpaper to smooth the surface.

Before painting, wipe away the extra dust with a damp cloth.

3. Use painter’s tape to cover anything you do NOT want painted (windows).

4. Do NOT skip priming. This will help prevent the door from absorbing moisture, smooth out the texture and keep the paint from soaking into the wood. Be sure to cover the front and all the side edges.

5. Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint. As the diagram shows, paint

34. Harrison Paint DIY • ½ Harrison Paint

1. Edges, 2. Panels, 3. Center stripes, 4. Horizontal Rails, 5. Outer strips.

WRITTEN BY BRIDGET HAMM

In need of a refresh?

Give your front door a facelift!

34

I

f you believe the exterior is in need of a refresh, there’s an easy and inexpensive DIY project that really packs a punch: Give your front door a facelift! Paint your front door and get ready for your neighborhood to take notice.

Finally it’s fall (some say winter, but ya’ll know we rarely have winter), so you can tackle this project. Pick a day when it’s not too hot or raining because you will need to leave your door open for a few hours. Some of you may want to get a heavy tarp or piece of plywood to prevent unwanted guests (mosquitoes, birds, your in-laws) from sneaking in your house.

The hinged edge gets the exterior color when the door swings in. If the door swings out, the side with the knob gets the exterior color.

6. Apply a second coat of paint for a smooth finish. Once the door is COMPLETELY dry (it will no longer be tacky to the touch), the hardware can be reattached and door replaced.

7. Sit back, enjoy a beverage and admire what you just completed!

PALETTE BY PURPOSE: “Happy” Yellow Color - A sunny entry hints at a home’s warm entry. A yellow front door symbolizes mental clarity, cheerfulness, wisdom, confidence, creativity and intellect. If you want your visitors to consistently feel merry whenever they enter the home, then a yellow front door might be the right match for you. You may hear your neighbors refer to your door as pretty as a peach.

Blue is Inviting Guests Over- According to

several studies, blue is the most popular color for front doors.

This color is considered to be regal and rich yet fun and funky.

People with blue front doors in their homes usually have a “go with a flow” personality and usually attract others. This may be the neighborhood hangout!

Bold Red Presence - Aside from creating a bold

statement, painting your front door in red will surely make your house stand out. Red doors generally express a sense of “welcome” and give guests an inviting feel. According to feng shui principles, a red door symbolizes a positive energy flow and good luck.

Green Tree Hugger - Green is the color of nature. A

green front door suggests that its homeowners are very caring toward the home and the community. This is often associated with traditional values and positive characteristics, which are very desirable for a home. You may be the mom with a fun scavenger hunt or outdoor expedition planned for the kids.

LBD (Little Black “Door”) Makes a Statement - The color black is commonly associated with strength, power and authority. The beauty of using black for your front door color is that it offers a timeless look, which means it will not go out of style– think of it like your favorite little black dress.

Dress it up or down, your front door will always look great!

35. C&C Lighting

harrisonpaintco.com

35

36. LE Chalk

4847 Line Avenue • Shreveport www.clarkesjewelers.com

Jay Mitchell 4th Generation Clarkes Owner

Amanda Woodruff Store Director

C

larkes Jewelers on Line Avenue, established in 1931, is a family-owned and operated upscale jewelry boutique focused on in-house designs, an eclectic assortment of the

finest quality jewelry, and one-of-a-kind designs. “Clarkes” opening price points begin around $500 and exceed seven figures for unique

37. Clarkes

and investment grade diamonds and other treasures. Reworking older jewelry items, often inherited, to more contemporary and wearable designs is another Clarkes specialty. Clarkes Jewelers is a multiple time Small Business of the Year winner (Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce) as well as a longstanding member of the American Gem Society (AGS).

ABOVE: Sylva & Cie., a Clarkes Jewelers favorite designer.

TOP RIGHT: Stacking bands in a variety of styles and precious metal colors.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Layering bar style necklaces in varying sizes.

VIS

A Woman with How Laura Kiefer Navigates Everyday 38.

Life A andWomen Blindness

Vision

WRITTEN BY LAURA KIEFER

O

ne day soon, Laura Kiefer will likely be completely blind. For now, her vision is impaired only in her periphery, meaning that her best field of vision is directly in front of her. At the age of 22, Laura was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare eye disease that causes breakdown and damage to cells in the retina.

Because it is an inherited degenerative eye disease, Laura watched her mother work through the same diagnosis, including giving up her driver’s license on the same day she became legally blind.

All of this shaped Laura to become the fascinating woman she is today, including her career as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist with Louisiana Association for the Blind, where she helps young students and adults to move about safely, efficiently and with confidence in their everyday lives.

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with a

SION PHOTO CREDIT: BRITT ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY

39. A Women with a Vision

HOW HAS YOUR VISION IMPACTED YOUR CAREER?

I always wanted to be a teacher. I worked in a daycare while I was going to school part-time and I hated being stuck in one classroom. All of a sudden, it was like a light bulb went off because my mom had gone through orientation and mobility when I was in high school.

It clicked that I could be a teacher, but it would be one-on-one. Right now, I’m an itinerant teacher for Bossier and Caddo schools, in addition to working with all ages outside of those two programs.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS? HAS THEIR VISION IMPAIRMENT IMPACTED THEIR CAREER PATHS?

I do have one student who wants to be an ophthalmologist. It’s on my to-do list to investigate that job more so he can make an informed decision about that career path. There are some difficulties with my job because I do have to be the realist who says, “I know you’ve heard your whole life you can do anything you want to do, but let’s examine this and see if this is a good fit for you.” And, if maybe not, we can find something that parallels that job and your interests. Let’s pursue that.

In a perfect world, everybody would have the accommodations that they need. But I know that we live in the real world. We live in a day and age where there are so many technological advancements that make it easier for people with vision loss. Sometimes, it’s really just about finding the right person to take a chance on them.

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40. A Women with a DO YOU DRIVE? HOW DO YOU AND Vision OTHERS GET AROUND TOWN? At this point in my life, I am still able to drive in optimal conditions, but I’m right on the cusp.

Our catchphrase in this field is “it depends.” We live in an age that people probably would have dreamed of years ago because of Uber and Lyft. Sportran has a service called LiftLine and it’s a reduced $2.50 fare. It’s a really cool time to be visually impaired. There are more opportunities for independence now, more than ever. There is also a way for some people who are legally blind to drive with something called a bioptic, which is like a telescope or binoculars mounted to glasses.

Bioptics may be an option for people with an acuity of 20/200 or better.

HOW DO LOW VISION OR BLIND WOMEN NAVIGATE DATING? So, I actually wasn’t diagnosed with my condition until after I”d already met my husband!

The percentage of married versus not married for those with visual impairments is really close to people without disabilities. I think we all have baggage and we all have our problems and visual impairment may just be one of those bags. I think that maybe it’s your confidence and your selfesteem that helps you which is the same as anybody, whether you’re visually impaired or not.

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WHAT ABOUT PARENTHOOD? When I met my husband I said, I didn’t want any kids because I didn’t know how I would navigate parenthood without vision. We’re planning to be foster parents and we’re going through that process. But we have to be real. I’m going blind and for my husband to transport me and kids may be difficult. So, I think I’ll just learn to adapt and make it work. Two people I went to college with are both totally blind and they have a daughter together. So, it can be done!

SO, IF YOU OR SOMEONE WHO IS BLIND WANTS TO WEAR MAKEUP, IS IT DIFFICULT? I do have a slightly decreased acuity that does make it difficult for me to match my skin tone. Actually,

yesterday I was buying foundation and they were out of the usual stuff. I had to kind of ask my husband: is this the same color? I heard from a woman who also has Retinitis Pigmentosa that she goes to the cosmetic counter at a department store every season and she has them show her how to apply. A former student who is totally blind used apps like AIRA and Be My Eyes, where you can video chat with a sighted person for help in any situation. There are a lot of resources!

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE COULD KNOW ABOUT BEING BLIND? Everyone’s an individual. It’s fascinating. It’s a constant adaptation and evolution of people. You can have two people with the same exact condition, and how they’re experiencing it will differ completely. If people would just give it a try and just see what we’re capable of, their minds would be changed, for sure.

41. A Women with a Vision • ½ BOM A face you know. A bank you can trust.

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

41

“My son needs Occupational Therapy???”

42. Little Works In “He doesn’t even have Progress (pickup) a job yet!”

Sure, Junior may not have entered the workforce yet, but if he displays any of the following behaviors, an Occupational Therapy evaluation could help determine if therapy is a viable option for him.

Difficulty with handwriting Reverses letters Experiences reading difficulties Difficulty using scissors or holding pencil correctly

Problem focusing in school Lacks appropriate coordination Doesn’t like the way certain clothes feel against his skin

Where Children Are Cherished! www.littleworksinprogress.com • info@littleworksinprogress.com •

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Shreveport, LA: (318) 795-3388 | Leesville, LA: (337) 239-3334

43. Adams Eye Care ADAMS EYECARE Charles S. Adams O.D.

Treatment of Eye Conditions and Diseases

• Lenses • Frames • Contacts

visionsource-adamseyecare.com 1911 BENTON ROAD - SUITE C - BOSSIER CITY

318-742-4012

Happy Holidays

from our family to yours!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

44. Dr Waterfallen

44

Dr. John Waterfallen:

40 Years of Commitment WRITTEN BY DR. JOHN WATERFALLEN

I 45. Dr Waterfallen grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended Centenary College, which had a renowned pre-med education program. My degree was in biology and I was especially enamored with genetics and embryology. In the 1970s, both of these studies were just gaining traction, so there was much momentum and excitement about being on the forefront in an emerging field. Genetics was exciting following the fairly recent discovery of double helix DNA. All of the new research was thrilling and I was fascinated with reproductive medicine.

I went on to attend LSU Medical School in Shreveport, which was then in its infancy. I remember applying to medical school and answering the question, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” My response was, “Because I want to help people and be able to use my expertise to make a difference in others’ lives.” Some medical schools look for students that will go on to work in research, but LSU was looking for doctors that would be involved in patients’ daily lives, which was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.

In medical school, my favorite subject was reproductive biology and thus obstetrics and gynecology. I continued my education in OBGYN residency at LSU Medical Center and became devoted to the specialty: The more I saw of OBGYN the more I loved it. There is a fact noted in the medical field that every physician either loves or hates the practice of OBGYN. I loved it and developed a true passion for women’s health. One certainly needs passion to be able to sustain the daily rigor of an OBGYN practice.

Looking back on my career, working in an emerging field has been incredibly exciting. Over the past 40 years, there has been a tremendous expansion in technology: In the 1970s, the practice of OBGYN progressed from being very similar to how it had been practiced for the previous 20 years to close to how it is practiced today. While I was in training, fetal monitoring and ultrasound were introduced, and wow, did that change things. We went from guessing about fetal growth and well-being to knowing about the 45

fetus in great detail. This achievement in advanced diagnosis and treatment of the fetus provided precision in managing the pregnancy, which greatly enhanced neonatal outcomes.

With more advanced patient management, the birthing process became much more user friendly. This was evident with prepared childbirth, pain management options, and updated labor and delivery suites to contribute to patient comfort, satisfaction, and postpartum care.

Of course, the advent of epidural anesthesia greatly enhanced the birth experience as well. For the most part, epidural anesthesia has made labor “fun.” Of course, I must give a salute to the natural childbirth program, which is another concept for labor management that was being taught early in my practice

babies each per month for 20 years.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Schumpert Medical Center was a referral center for acute, high-risk pregnancy, so we managed many high-risk transports, primarily patients needing access to the neonatal nursery. We had patients coming to see us from an 80-100 mile radius because they needed access to more specialized care. Today, with the creation of more facilities equipped to care for high-risk situations, patients have more accessibility to premium care.

Other aspects of OBGYN practice have also exploded with technology: In vitro fertilization and minimally invasive surgery with the laparoscope and the robot were introduced.

Outpatient surgery and short-stay hospitalization has enhanced the success and comfort of hysterectomy and other invasive gynecologic surgeries.

Advancements in the specialty of anesthesia with better medications, techniques, and monitoring capabilities make outpatient surgery feasible.

Implementation of new technologies and advancements has been quite beneficial, but for me it has been most rewarding to be an integral part of the lives of patients and their families. Having delivered over 7,000 babies, it is difficult to put into words how meaningful my job has been for me, personally. OBGYN is demanding and sometimes exhausting, but also yields great professional satisfaction.

In answer to a common question – YES, it is still exciting to deliver each and every baby. Each new baby is a gift from God and there is always a spiritual context to the birth! So often, I witness the expression of “pure joy” with a birth,

which is both exciting and rewarding.

Guiding the patient through her pregnancy to a successful conclusion is deeply fulfilling to the doctor and staff.

Throughout my practice, I have cared for families, friend groups, and individuals from Shreveport and the surrounding area. When I first started my private practice in 1981, there were many more traditional families, so I have had the opportunity to take care of generations of women.

I have often cared for multiple generations – mother, baby, grandmother and great-grandmother. Being a part of many of these families’ lives is almost like playing on a team: You’ve been through thick and thin together and you have shared a bond, almost a spiritual bond. When they come to the office, it is like a reunion. We compare notes on what is happening in their lives; I love hearing all of the family updates.

And, all of the excitement isn’t just surrounding the obstetric part of the practice: it’s very rewarding to provide high-end solutions for all patients.

Whether it’s for disabling periods requiring surgical intervention, for pain and discomfort that may require a hysterectomy, or for hormone therapy management. Many patients come in with disabling symptoms, and once we

46. Dr Waterfallen in the 1980s. Natural childbirth is still a great option for those so inclined.

As the field has become more advanced overall, better facilities have been created and patients have better access to those facilities, which is very satisfying to see. In the early days of my career, there were a limited number of OBGYN doctors delivering babies. My partners and I delivered twenty plus

Having delivered over 7,000 babies, it is difficult to put into words how meaningful my job has been for me, personally. OBGYN is demanding and sometimes exhausting, but also yields great professional satisfaction.

46

find a solution they say, “It’s the best thing I ever did and I should have done it sooner.”

While there are certainly many high points in the practice of OBGYN, there are also challenges. Two of the hardest parts are what you would expect: the balance of work/life and dealing with loss.

To be effective and successful in this specialty, the doctor must be available 24 hours per day for deliveries.

That schedule of course puts a strain on personal time.

It is an honor and a privilege to be with patients every step of their pregnancy all the way through delivery; however, being there for patients can mean time away from my family or missing out on activities you really want to do. The job is also physically taxing: seeing 30-40 patients every day, delivering babies weekly, performing weekly surgery, and being on a regular call schedule at all hours leads to a very busy life.

In general, reproductive medicine is mostly positive: helping women conceive, managing their pregnancies, and shepherding them through building a family. Sometimes nature doesn’t take the best course and bad things can happen.

When a patient loses a baby and the hope and excitement of a pregnancy, new baby, and new life are suddenly taken away from a couple, it causes great sadness to the patient and her family, but also to the doctor and staff. Every fetal loss is devastating. This type of loss requires a different aspect of care from the physician. Such is an opportunity to care for the patient on an emotional and spiritual level – giving them hope, understanding, and comfort. I have the opportunity to be there for the patient when she might not have anyone else to support her through the loss. Patients often find that there is very little emotional understanding and support when they have a miscarriage. The patient and husband often experience a feeling of profound loss, especially when they have faced infertility or repetitive miscarriage. I always do my best to reassure the patient with the facts: “Tomorrow is going to be a better day. You are going to grieve, but you always have hope to have a child.”

And it’s always a momentous occasion when a patient is able to conceive and deliver a successful pregnancy after loss. Providing support through both joy and loss makes my practice very meaningful.

When I reflect on favorite moments over the years, I am thankful for the opportunity to care for high-risk pregnancies, to facilitate infertility treatments, to coordinate private adoptions, and to support generations of women with care. It’s really all of the times I have given something away that are the most special to me: in the moment, those

acts felt almost peripheral to my main practice, but now I look back and think, “that was my finest hour.”

For many years, I managed high-risk patients by referral and transport who required daily, detailed observation and treatment for a successful outcome. Dedication, consistency, and attention to detail would change a potential loss of the pregnancy or severe fetal complication into a successful delivery of a healthy baby. When this occurs, it is always such a triumph for everyone involved. Every time a baby is born, do you know how many connections have to occur?

Trillions upon trillions of chemical reactions have to occur perfectly to produce a perfect baby. It never gets old seeing the miracle of life.

On more than one occasion, I have felt God’s grace so clearly when there was the perfect alignment for a private adoption within my practice. I would have a patient come in expressing her great desire to adopt a baby and soon after that encounter, I found another patient expressing her great need to surrender a baby. It’s simply amazing when the circumstances line up perfectly. When I make the call to the patient and ask, “If you still want to adopt a baby, there is one available.” The answer is always “1,000 times yes.” Every adoption I have been able to coordinate has felt like a divine appointment.

Welcoming a new baby into the world and seeing that baby also welcomed into a loving family is always very moving. I recently delivered a baby for a young lady whom I delivered. When interviewing she and her husband, I learned that I had delivered him, as well. Both of their mothers have continued to see me as patients so I know both families. The young mother was wheeled through the double doors from the delivery room holding her new baby and the doting crowd of family and friends was waiting to meet the newest member of the family. Everyone celebrated the new addition and it was such an inspiring picture of “continuity of care” and to realize how a new baby changes the lives of everyone involved.

47. Dr Waterfallen

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Similarly, another one of my favorite moments probably didn’t seem that remarkable to anyone else. I remember taking care of a patient whose husband left the marriage while she was pregnant. When she went into labor, one of her close friends came to be her support person, and her friend happened to be a close patient of mine for whom I had delivered several babies. I remember the successful labor, in detail, and the baby was just gorgeous. As the friend and I looked at the new baby in the warmer together, we both started tearing up – overwhelmed by the beauty and joy in the moment. And we both commented that the new mother didn’t immediately grasp what had just happened to her: a life-changing miracle.

Each having experienced the birth of our own children, the friend and I knew that this birth would bless her life forever.

Currently, I am doing fewer deliveries and enjoying it more! For years, all of the doctors in my practice and I were delivering 20 plus babies per month. I am actually closer to the national average now at eight to ten babies per month.

This new pace definitely feels slower than what I had grown accustomed to, but my current schedule just means that now I have more time with my patients to help with anything I can. I give each patient my undivided attention. I carefully address all my patient’s issues.

I put the patient in contact with other doctors if needed and we come up with costeffective solutions to solve and treat their problems. I am still very involved with patient care and love every minute of it.

When I first started practicing medicine, my goal was to go into private practice, to stay in the same location, to treat families of patients for decades, to be very available, and to do the best for each patient regardless of circumstance.

And I believe I have accomplished just that.

Truly helping people is a great way to live.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely!

48. Dr Watterfallen • ½ Lowders Bakery Congratulations JACKIE!

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48

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little miracle?

49. Positive Steps Infertility Dr

Photo by Raul Angel on Unsplash

Dr Pres Parry is located at 149 Fountains Blvd, Madison, MS 39110 CONSULTATIONS AND SECOND OPINIONS IN

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We build families!

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Fertility in the

Age of the ‘Super Woman’ AUTHOR: DR. KAREN PENDLETON

50. Dr Karen

A

s my partner Dr. Jack Ward and I embarked on the establishment of our Lifestyle Medicine practice, PairO’Docs Bio-Rejuvenis, we initially concentrated on what is now one of our 10 tenets, tenet #8, Hormonal Balance.

In the dawn of our practice, the organic draw was women in some spectrum of menopause...pre, peri, and/or full-blown menopause. Soon after, younger women were seeking us for proactive measures dealing with their fertility. That has been so heartwarming for me to be able to guide a woman in laying the groundwork for a healthy and fertile field.

About the same time, one of my family members was dealing with her own fertility challenges. She, like me, had pursued her medical education and career, only to discover her biological clock ticking away. When asked when she and her husband were going to start their family, her answer resonated with me. “We

50

will start our family when we can fully love, nurture and enjoyed them.”

As her time approached (mid 30s) for targeting pregnancy, challenges emerged. Finally, after a decision to seek the recommendations of a fertility specialist, these were the recommendations presented: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Donor Eggs / Embryo Adoption.

Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse in women under 35. Women aged 35 and older should seek care from a fertility specialist after six months of regular intercourse without conception.

Infertility affects more than ten percent of couples at some time during their reproductive lives. This means that one couple out of every ten will experience infertility, making it a relatively common condition.

While infertility was once considered a “female problem,” we now know that up to half of all couples have a male infertility component. This makes thorough testing of the male a necessity before beginning any female treatments.

One misconception is that most infertile couples will require In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Studies show that only 8 to 15 percent of couples will eventually require IVF; and most become pregnant using procedures such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a medical procedure and, specifically, a type of artificial insemination that assists sperm reaching the egg more easily. Further, the sperm is placed into the uterus directly during ovulation to minimize the sperm’s travel time to

improve the chances for fertilization.

Reported in the journal Facts, Views and Visions in OBGYN, the first documented case occurred in London, England, in the late 1700s.

That procedure was the brainchild of a Scottish surgeon, Dr. John Hunter.

Success rates vary depending on the age of the woman and other factors like sperm, fallopian tube status and cervical mucus conditions.

In Vitro Fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology, whereby an egg is fertilized by sperm in a test tube or elsewhere outside the body. The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulatory process, removing the ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from a woman’s ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a liquid medium in a laboratory. After the fertilized egg undergoes embryo culture for about two to six days, it is implanted into the uterus (mother or surrogate) with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

Donor Eggs / Embryo Adoption is a process in which a fertile woman donates an egg, which undergoes fertilization in the laboratory. Then, the fertilized egg or eggs (now termed embryos) is/are transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

FYI: Donor sperm is the oldest form of assisted reproduction. Donated sperm can be used for Intracervical Insemination, IUI or IVF. Surrogacy With a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, a woman other than the intended mother carries the baby until birth. Sometimes donor eggs or sperm are used; other times, the parents’ own genetic material is.

51. Dr Karen

Americans are having fewer and fewer babies these days.

In 2018, there were nearly 3.8 million children born in the U.S. That may sound like a lot, but that’s the lowest number in more than three decades, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are many factors that have led to this decline.

But it’s mainly driven by changes in our society.

HERE ARE THE TOP REASONS WHY FERTILITY AND BIRTH RATES ARE FALLING: 1. People are having children later in life.

2. The cost of having children is rising.

3. The number of unplanned pregnancies has dropped.

4. Environmental factors may play a role, i.e., hormone disruptors found in chemicals like pesticides and plastics.

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Fast forward to my family member’s fertility decision: In Vitro Fertilization. The IVF yielded 10 embryos. Six were used for the procedure and the other four were frozen (officially known as Oocyte Cryopreservation). The first procedure with the above stated yielded one healthy baby boy. Fifteen months later, as the mother of that baby boy was making her hospital rounds, she ran into her fertility specialist. That doctor asked “What are you and your husband going to do with the other frozen embryos?” Her answer was, “Let’s schedule the next IVF procedure.” And, within days she was pregnant. Thus, in her case the IVF was a 100% effective. Oh, and did I mention, a healthy baby girl was born!

My family member’s fertility story truly inspired me to be of service to our community of “super women.”

Who are these “super women?” These are women who are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and well, me, who are determined to set goals and achieve them. This dedication to our goals in many instances has required a lot of hard work and sacrifice. For me, I made a conscious decision to be child-free but have been labeled unintentionally (I hope) as childless. That’s okay because in the last 20 years, I’ve been instrumental in the conception of five babies, with the fifth to be born before the end of this year 2019. That success is based on my golden 10 tenets.

In my evaluation of both women and men, I definitely target possible root causes and address them accordingly.

In WOMEN these causes include: • Hormone Issues, i.e., sex (ovarian), pituitary, adrenal & thyroid hormones • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Failure • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

In MEN these causes include:

• Hormone Issues, i.e., sex (testicular), pituitary, adrenal and thyroid hormones • Testicular Abnormalities, i.e., undescended testes, varicocele • Tubular Defects (involves the network of tubes from the testes to the penis)

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

In both WOMEN and MEN these causes include:

• Endometriosis

• Autoimmune Diseases

• Food Sensitivities

• Uterine Fibroids

• Infections, i.e., Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• Abnormal Cervical Mucus

• Medications, i.e. Anabolic Steroids (bodybuilding), Antifungal, Chemotherapeutics

52. Dr Karen • ½ Citizens Bank • Obesity and the obesityrelated diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease)

• Genetics, i.e. Genetic Carrier Screening

395 Old Wire Rd. • Ruston (318) 255.6630

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Once possible causes are identified and managed, other practices are so very important to incorporate. Again, many of these strategies are rooted in our practice’s 10 tenets. For example: TENET #7 | NUTRITION AND GUT HEALTH: Nourish your fertility with a healthy dietary lifestyle. In general, I am a proponent of the Mediterranean diet. Drink Electrolyzed Reduced Water. Compliment your diet with clean, food-grade, nutrient-dense, physician-directed supplements.

TENET #9 | BODY MOVEMENT: Engage in a balanced regimen of daily exercise

TENET #5 | STRESS MANAGEMENT (ANXIETY): Just breathe and press pause. Practice self-care with the laying on of healing hands.

Love yourself and don’t forget your partner. Go out and play / dance. Do your homework... you don’t know what you don’t know until you know. Surround yourself with a supportive tribe that emphasizes a mind-body-spirit connection.

In addition, there are so many complimentary practices that I feel can be beneficial to those folks addressing their fertility. These include yoga, acupuncture, herbal medicine, hypnosis, biofeedback, Chiropractic care and Cannabis sativa (CBD and/or THC) – controversial.

And finally, let’s not forget about good old intimacy. Think about “bringing sexy back”!

What are the newest advances available or on the horizon for fertility?

Just to name a few: • In Vitro Maturation (IVM) • Uterine Transplantation • Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing • Genetic Editing • Creation of egg and sperm, i.e., In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG)

Just remember this quote from Georgia Witkin, PhD:

“With today’s advanced technology, every woman is really just ‘pre-pregnant’; not infertile.”

If you are interested in being proactive in your wellness and/or fertility journey, I invite you to reach out to our practice. Do so by going to www.AskiDrKaren.com and complete the Healthspan Quiz.

53. Dr Karen. ½ Gautreaux Interiors

DISCLAIMER:

All of the information found in this article is based on the opinion of the author Karen M. Pendleton, M.D. The information is meant to motivate readers to make their own health decisions after consulting with their own health care providers. All readers should consult a doctor before making a health change, especially those that are related to a specific diagnosis or health condition. No information in this article should be relied on in determining a diet, making a medical diagnosis or determining a treatment for a medical condition. The information in this article is not intended to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare practitioner and is not intended as medical advice. No information in this article should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

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Where Culture & Music Unite

F

or many years, Monroe was an entertainment hub for Northeast Louisiana. Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, artists like Ray Charles, Sonny and Cher, Elvis and many others made Monroe a stop on their touring schedules.

As the years went by, other artists like Prince, George Strait, and Reba McEntire included Monroe on their tour rosters.

As the cultural landscape of Monroe changed and those artists grew in their careers, Monroe was no longer a dot on their maps for touring. The music in Monroe never died. It merely became more localized. The great local talents filled the void playing small clubs and taverns. The concerts became fewer and locals would travel to neighboring cites and states to get the fix of national and international artists.

In the spring of 2018, I sat down with downtown developer Jason Thomas and architect Fred Bennett. We began looking at a building at 201 Washington that was set to be come industrial residential condos. As we went through the building, it became evident that the structure needed to serve a

greater purpose.

In the early 1920s, it was built to house Ryan Polk Chevrolet. For more than two decades it operated as such until the dealership relocated. In 1947 it became Murco. Inc. until late 2018.

This is when James Murphy relocated to another space.

At that time plans were in full swing for the development of this building. Its original planned use was scrapped and plans were drawn up for a music hall. As we set forth with the plans, we enlisted James Reneau and David Sorrell of The Blue Group to over see the remodel to transform this diamond in the rough. I signed on as the designer of the project and demolition began in December 2018.

Establishing a name for the venue had to be the right fit. Many names were tossed around for a few weeks until the right one just made sense. On that day The HUB was born. The HUB takes its name for the definition of being the center point of activity. As with an automobile, the hub is the center point of motion that gets the wheels turning. It was a name that payed homage to its initial use.

In order to get this project from blueprints to development, it took some financial backing to get the ball rolling.

Ron Purdy of Ouachita Valley Credit Union stepped up and helped get this

72. Hub content

WRITTEN BY CLINTON DOWNING 72

project going. It takes a wonderful man and banker to take a chance on something that hasn’t been done in our market.

While music is the universal language, not everyone wants to wait until later at night or in a bar setting to hear great singers and musicians live. The Hub is unlike any other center offered in our community. It is a center intended for multi-purpose events for the public as well as private events. The Hub offers 16,000 square feet of heated and cooled space as well as an outdoor covered area.

The plans for 2020 include an 8,000 square foot amphitheater and 2,000 square foot rooftop patio.

The HUB’s central purpose is to solidify an entertainment district in the downtown area of Monroe. Music is the basis for its incarnation. The HUB will promote and present musical acts of all genres on a local, regional, and global level. Music is the common language across the world. The HUB will showcase musical talents of all genres for all ages.

The HUB will also be a premiere event center for private parties, graduations, reunions, and charity events. Our mission is to make the HUB a community-based facility that will benefit the community and give back to the community. The HUB has several spaces for various purposes.

THE MURPHY LOUNGE

The Murphy Lounge is a haven for creatives, artists, musicians and enthusiasts seeking a simple and contemporary atmosphere for great music, libations and being social. Located in the heart of downtown Monroe in The Hub of the cultural district, The Murphy Lounge offers an environment to wind down from a workday while enjoying the best music, crafted cocktails, lite bites in an artistic setting like none other in Monroe. The Murphy Lounge is available for private parties on request.

The Murphy Lounge’s design needed to be special as it is the focal point of the building with its wrap-around, floor-toceiling windows. Cobalt blue became the inspiration for this room. The original scored concrete floors were refinished. The steel beams were exposed to incorporate an industrial vibe with the contemporary design aesthetic. The walls were given a lacquered look with a high gloss Salty Dog blue. The bar counters were custom designed of blue agate stone in Brazil.

RYA N H A L L

Ryan Hall is a 12,000-square-foot event space. With eight stunning crystal chandeliers and velvet drapes in a refurbished warehouse setting, Ryan Hall has been transformed into a breathtaking space for music concerts, wedding receptions, charity events, and many social gatherings. Ryan Hall is fully equipped with audio and visual capabilities with an interchangeable stage.

Seating compacity is 500-1,000 depending on layout for each event in this venue space. Ryan Hall is available for private and public events on request.

THE GARAGE

The Garage is a 1,700-square-foot heated and cooled space for intimate outdoor gatherings. This space is accented with 120-year-old arched iron gates from New Orleans that open to the lot of the future expansion of the 8,000 square foot amphitheater. This space has floor-to-ceiling windows that make it possible to view the space for its future gated courtyard. These windows provide a clear view of the 6 foot by 6 foot crystal chandelier that anchors the exposed wood beam ceiling. This space is perfect for rehearsal and birthday dinners as well as wedding and bridal showers. The Garage is available for private gatherings on request. The Garage will also showcase unplugged “Garage Sessions” with visiting and local musicians and performers.

T H E C O B A LT S U I T E

The Cobalt Suite is a 2,200-square-foot space for our musicians and performers at The Hub. The Cobalt Suite is equipped with a full kitchen, living space, bedroom, conference area, two full bathrooms and a small dressing room. The Cobalt Room is the ultimate space to reserve for bridal parties, showers, and intimate gatherings.

Much detail was taken into designing a hip hangout space for local as well as traveling artists. Oversized leather sofas and metal cowhide rugs anchor the main room. The kitchen cabinets got the Salty Dog blue to make this former storage space pop. Music-inspired art flanks the walls. One of the best additions is the painted records from the developmentally disabled arts students at ARCO. They are the right personal touch to add some heart to his space. Funky print pillows and musician biographies and a few turquoise Buddha heads add a pop of various color to the space.

73. Hub content

Last but certainly not least to the design of the HUB is the incredible mural by Louisiana artist and actor Matthew Yerby. In the heat of the June this summer, Matthew came in for three weeks from Los Angeles to create a masterpiece with of many singers and musicians from Northeast Louisiana. These artists have created a legacy and left their thumbprint on the stage locally, regionally and worldwide. Amongst the artists are Louisiana Music Hall of Famers GG Shinn and Doug Duffey; Ray Charles’ lead back up singer Dr. Mabel John; Louisiana Fiddler Champion Hallie Yarbrough; R& B singer Mary Griffin; The British Bayou Icon and theatre legend Mary Simpson, and my dad and piano player Ron Downing.

The HUB officially opened its door mid-September. A large roster of artists are set to play through the remainder of 2019.

Tickets and information for these artists can found on the website www.thehubmonroe.com. Among the artists lined up are Blues Prodigy Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and The B.B. King Blues Band on November 7, up and coming rockers Bishop Gunn from Natchez, Miss., on November 14, R&B/ Soul diva Mary Griffin on November 21, ‘80s pop star and legend Taylor Dayne on November 23, Cowboy Mouth on November 30, Colt Ford on December 5, The Equinox Jazz Orchestra Christmas Show on December 13, Marc Broussard on December 14,, piano prodigy, Michael McDowell’s Christmas Spectacular and hip hop legends The Sugarhill Gang and Fantastic 5 on December 28.

The Hub is the heart of the renewed development of downtown Monroe bring together the masses one note at a time.

73

KINGFISH & BB KING BLUES BAND NOV E M BE R 7T H

BISHOP GUNN / MAGNOLIA BAYOU / MOCCASIN CREEK N OV EMB ER 1 4T H

MARY GRIFFIN

TAYLOR DAYNE

NOVE M BE R 2 1 ST

NOVE MBER 23RD

74. Hub Ad COWBOY MOUTH / CREED FISHER

COLT FORD / LENNY COOPER

N OV E M B E R 3 0TH

D ECE M BER 5T H

EQUINOX JAZZ ORCHESTRA

MARK BROUSSARD / DAVID GRACE

DEC E M B E R 1 3 T H

DECEMB ER 1 4T H

MICHAEL MCDOWELL - PIANO CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR D ECE M BE R 2 1 ST

SUGAR HILL GANG & THE FURIOUS 5 D ECE MBER 28T H

ALLIED FORCES The Powerful Force Between Mother and Daughter WRITTEN BY PAYTON DENNEY

she needed glasses. I’m super grateful that goose egg popped outward instead of inward.

Even though the outdoors isn’t her jam, sissy agreed to a camping weekend with the family. She helped pack the tent, sleeping bags and snacks. All was going well until shower time when we discovered the tick. And then the ankle swelling began. We haven’t asked her to return to the woods.

Our sissy has spent hundreds of hours in the sweltering heat and freezing rain of the ballfield. On one such summer baseball marathon weekend, she waited 20 minutes in the snow cone line. With widened eyes, she reached out to grab her refreshing, long-awaited treat. Turning to run back to the bleachers, sissy tripped over the foot of the man standing behind her. Defeated, bleeding and sticky, she made her way back to where I was watching the game. She sobbed. A few minutes later, the guilt-ridden man walked up and gave her money to buy another one. Drying her tears, she limped back to the line and waited again. This time, without running, she climbed back into the bleachers to sit down. As she grasped her spoon to taste that first satisfying bite, both the ice on her spoon and the entire cup of snow cone fell to the ground. Sissy hung her head in utter defeat.

Although I’m sure she has no clue, this girl heals my parenting brokenness in all ways possible. I too have felt the disappointment that life can deliver. I have dropped my mama

75. Allied Forces Payton I Denney ’m pretty certain that my daughter is the one raising me. I’m not sure when this role reversal happened. That was never my intention. Her entrance into this world was shared with her much larger twin brother. The physician told us that her brother had the “sweeter spot” in utero. But from the moment that beautiful 3 pound 11 ounce baby girl entered this world, she’s been a source of strength for our family.

Parenting boys is like playing defense in the game of dodgeball. If you’re not on your toes, you’re going to get pelted in the face. Raising boys involves blood, broken objects and amphibians. They eat — a lot. Boogers are everywhere. We’ve abandoned the concept of matching socks. And here’s the rub, our daddy is just another big boy. In hindsight, it’s evident that the Lord knew that I would need an ally in parenting these fellas.

Sissy and I have adopted the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” mantra. She has battle wounds to prove it. When her brothers needed to practice their catching, she found a glove and waited for the ball to be returned. Consequently, we found out that

SISSY AND I HAVE ADOPTED THE “IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ‘EM, JOIN ‘EM” MANTRA. 75

snow cone multiple occasions as well. But the crazy fact is that, for me, she’s the stranger with the snow cone replacement money.

Dylan’s never broken anything that belongs to me. She doesn’t walk around naked or make jokes about booties. Daily, she preps the lunches for the following day. On more days that not, she wakes me up for school.

My selfless girl always has money for concessions. She’ll go without a snack just for the pleasure of giving to someone else. When Dakota’s soccer team didn’t have enough players to make a team, she volunteered to play. And although she may have not been the quickest on the team, her intimidation game was strong. She ran at the other players with her teeth visibly clenched. On occasion, she scored.

Dylan’s tougher than me. At amusement parks, she’s the only one daring enough to ride the loopty loop rides.

When the boys skin a deer or shoot a raccoon, she’s the first one ready to observe. If a sick chicken needs medicine, she patiently administers the meds. The boys don’t mess with her, mainly because she can throw a throat punch. Inversely, she’s their biggest fan.

A few weeks ago, I picked up a disappointed Dylan from school.

When I asked what

happened she said that her “reputation (had been) ruined.”

Thinking the worst, I asked her what that meant. To which she replied, “I cried in class. Now all the boys know that I’m just a regular girl.”

But she’s not just a regular girl. Dylan can feel the bite of a bass on her fishing line. She can set the hook and reel them in.

She has a quick wit and a deep faith in God. She has faith in me. She has faith in all of us.

Just when I thought that I couldn’t be more enamored with my girl, Dylan found her athletic niche. As it turns out, my strong, beautiful daughter is a gymnast. I can most confidently tell you that I had no idea how physically and mentally tough these athletes are. With ripped hands and aching joints, these girls practice 16 hours a week. When she misses the high bar and lands on her back, she gets back up and tries again. When she splits the beam, she wipes her tears and heads back to the floor to evaluate what went wrong. On meet day, she pushes her nerves down and hits the spring board with all the strength she can muster. Dylan is learning to improve upon her last score with each passing week. The progress is slow, and the pressure is high, but our Dylan

76. AF Payton Denney

76

isn’t easily rattled. And when everyone else is tucked in bed for the night, Dylan begins her homework.

When I am at my weakest, Dylan notices. She’ll pet my hair, pat my leg and ask me if I need her to cook dinner.

Heading for a night on the town, I can count on sissy for an honest opinion on my outfit choice. I know a change is in order if her nose wrinkles. In all honesty, the only time Dylan loses her cool is if her brothers step out of line or if someone eats her snacks. The latter doesn’t happen very often —anymore.

This girl knows how to have a good time. Like me, she loves an impromptu public photomontage. We’ve gotten used to taking selfies because the boys never offer to take our picture. A trip to TJ Maxx followed by a Lauren Daigle jam session heals us both from the exhaustion of raising boys.

Ironically, it doesn’t take us long to miss them. Because even though they are crazy and loud and rambunctious, they are ours.

Don’t get me wrong.

Dylan’s not perfect. She’s lost the privilege of having a bedroom door for several weeks at a time. That door had a habit of slamming. She has her fair share of meltdowns, but so have I. And as with any balanced relationship, we’ve found our happy medium.

With every sun that sets, I am grateful for the gift of my daughter. I now know why baby girls are adorned with bows — a precious, perfect gift. My hope and prayer is I can be the mother Dylan needs me to be — that the relationship will not be lop-sided with me on the receiving end. Because truth be told, when she reaches for my hand, she’s the one holding mine.

77. AF Payton Denney

PHOTOS BY PAYTON DENNY

77

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Holidays AT NOVEMBER

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23 ......... Turkey Trot 5 K 26 ......... BINGO 26-27 .... Thanksgiving Tennis Camp 28 ......... Thanksgiving Brunch 29 ......... Gobble til you Wobble Day Camp

78. Southern Trace DECEMBER

5 ....... Trivia Night 14 ..... Tacky Sweater Tennis Mixer 7-8 .... Tennis Tournament 17 ..... BINGO 8 ........... Santa Brunch 21 ..... Princess Breakfast 10 ......... Ladies Tennis 22 ......... Decorate Mixer Santa Cookies Santa Letter Contact us to learn more.

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Rozzie’s Best-Ever

79. Pumpkin Recipe

Rozzie’s Pumpkin Bread 3 cups of sugar 4 eggs beaten 1 cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup orange juice 2 cups pumpkin (1 can) 3 ½ cups flour 1 ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking soda

PUMPKIN Bread BREAD

1 cup chopped nuts (I recommend pecans or walnuts. Optional for nut-free baking.)

1 cup raisins for variety (Optional. My family prefers without raisins.)

• Mix all ingredients.

• Grease and flour 2 loaf pans.

• Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or longer. Check with a toothpick. Don’t over bake.

WRITTEN BY ROSLYN MEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

C

ooking and baking have always been one of my favorite pastimes. I come from a large Italian family, where food and faith are the center of our home. I look forward to the holiday season as it gives me time to do what I love most, cooking and sharing. For over 46 years I have been baking my Pumpkin Bread. This recipe was shared with me by my first mother-in-law, Delores Cotter. It has become my staple holiday gift and I love that my friends enjoy it just as much as my family. I’m excited to share my recipe with all of you with the hope you can start your own family traditions. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Enjoy! Roslyn Mee

79

Healthy

HOLIDAY OPTIONS Staying on track this Holiday Season 80. Low Carb Thanksgiving

WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL MCALISTER, RD, LDN, CHC PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BRITTANY STRICKLAND Abigail McAlister is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter. Her focus is community nutrition education for Caddo and Bossier parishes. She teaches weight management and diabetes classes, cooking workshops, recipe demonstrations, and “stand-alone” nutrition lessons and seminars. For information, or if you are interested in joining a class or booking Abigail for a lesson, please call 318-226-6805 or email her at amcalister@agcenter.lsu.edu.

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O

81. Low Carb Thanksgiving

Spinach, Pear, and Pomegranate Salad with Feta 10 ounces fresh spinach 2 ripe medium pears, sliced ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ½ cup pomegranate arils ½ cup wonton strips 2/3 cup orange juice (optional) 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette of choice

• In a large salad bowl, toss together the spinach, pears, feta, pomegranates, and wonton strips.

• Toss with salad dressing just before serving.

• If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, dip each pear slice into a bowl of orange juice and then add to the salad to prevent the pears from browning.

ther than encouraging moderation and balance, I like to tell the people I teach to color their plates, and this salad is one of those dishes that accomplishes that. What I love about this recipe it is that it’s simple to make, but looks beautiful and elegant.

I’ve found that any balsamic vinaigrette really pairs well with this salad. Of course, it’s usually better to make your own dressing, but sometimes that’s just not realistic in the midst of preparing for a holiday meal. When choosing a salad dressing at the store, I stay mindful of sodium and added sugar content by reading the nutrition labels and comparing products. I usually purchase pomegranate arils to save some time instead of trying to seed a whole pomegranate. I like to add wonton strips for a little crunch, but you could substitute with walnuts, pecans, almonds, or any other nuts of choice if allergies are not a concern for your household. Looking to add more color? Try adding some cubed roasted sweet potato, red onion, or even change up your greens and add in some lettuce or kale with hints of deep purple. The great thing about salads is your ability to make them your own.

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time but you’re worried about your pears browning, no worries -- this recipe has accommodated for that as well.

Simply dip your pear slices in orange juice. I like to keep the pear slices refrigerated in a bowl of orange juice and top the salad with them right before serving, just for extra precaution.

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O

ne of the main foods that comes to mind when I think about Thanksgiving

is sweet potatoes. My family, like many others, serves a sweet potato casserole with copious amounts of butter and a brown sugar crumble topping that is so good it should be illegal. While my family’s infamous sweet potato casserole is delicious, it’s definitely not healthy, which is ironic because sweet potatoes are actually very nutritious. They’re rich in vitamin A, specifically in the form of beta-carotene. Beta carotene is what gives sweet potatoes (and

82. Low Carb Thanksgiving

other orange vegetables) their rich, vibrant color. Beta carotene keeps our eyes, skin, and immune system healthy and strong, and it’s also an antioxidant, which means it helps reduce damage by free radicals in our bodies.

The natural sweet flavor of sweet potatoes makes them a great base for desserts, which is why I decided to highlight this lovely “lightened” sweet potato dessert. This recipe still

Sweet Potato Citrus Cups 6 small sweet potatoes (about 2-3 pounds total) 4 large navel oranges 1 (14 ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk 3 Tablespoons melted butter 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons orange zest ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup pecans (chopped or halves— however you prefer to garnish) • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place sweet potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Let stand 20 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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• Wash oranges, making sure to rinse off any dirt on the skins. Cut oranges in half crosswise. Scoop out pulp using a spoon, leaving the peel intact. Reserve orange pulp for another use.

• Peel sweet potatoes and place potato pulp in a large bowl. Add sweetened condensed milk and the next 7 ingredients. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth, stopping occasionally to remove any tough fibers, if necessary. Spoon about ½ cup mixture into each orange cup. Place orange cups in a 13 x 9 baking dish.

• Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and top with pecans. Bake another 5 minutes until pecans are toasted. Remove from oven and serve warm.

has some added sugar and a small amount of fat, but it is definitely lighter than what most families are used to serving without sacrificing taste. I love how the sweet potato mash is creatively served in orange cups and topped with pecans for garnish. I’m what you may call a “pecan snob,” so I made sure to get some local pecans from Killarney Farm in Dixie, Louisiana.

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85. Integrate Your Health: The benefits of Gratitude by Nicole Cotter

Give Thanks WRITTEN BY DR. NICOLE COTTER

S

hortly after my husband and I returned to Shreveport following residency, we hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our home. After our family gathered around the dinner table for the feast, we took turns saying what we were most thankful for in the previous year. My father, a foreigner by birth but U.S. citizen since 1985, stood up and announced that Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because, while surrounded by those he loves most, it provides a special opportunity to recognize that for which he is most grateful. And that makes him happy.

The more gratitude we have, the happier we will be. You may think of gratitude as a personality trait – you either are or are not grateful by your very nature. That is not necessarily true, though, and like most things, the more we practice gratitude, the better at it we become and the more positive effect it will have in our lives.

Manners come in the form of a gracious, though reflexive, “thank you� when we receive good service or when a door is opened for us. Gratitude, on the other hand, is an intentional and powerful practice. Just as my Dad has a moment of gratitude around the Thanksgiving dinner table, we can have similar moments throughout 85

our day. Gratitude then shifts from a personality trait to a practice, something that we can all do. It is in this regular practice of gratitude that we build happiness, health, and longevity. Similarly to taking a pill every day to improve blood pressure, practicing gratitude every day can improve happiness.

The science behind a gratitude practice is encouraging. The emotions associated with gratitude induce the relaxation response, which is the response counter to the stress response. Gratitude makes us more optimistic. A regular gratitude practice has been shown to improve emotional well-being, make us more social, and deepen our relationships. A gratitude practice can increase energy, decrease blood pressure, reduce symptoms of depression, improve sleep, and reduce pain. Gratitude makes us more resilient.

Gratitude can be practiced in a number of ways.

Pause throughout the day to reflect on the things you have in that moment for which you are grateful.

Consider setting an alert on your smartphone to remind you to do this twice a day – it only takes a few seconds. It is easy to be grateful for the big things in life,

but recognizing the smaller gifts is just as important.

Practice mindfulness throughout the day -- paying attention, on purpose, non-judgmentally, and in the present moment. Pause before eating to recognize the good fortune of having a meal. Write thank you notes, a lost art that is as important and therapeutic to the person writing the note as it is to the person receiving it. Leave positive reviews for services with which you have been pleased. Volunteer your time. Keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude journals can be purchased at any bookstore, but you really need only a blank book in which to write. Every morning or evening, write down 3 things about your day for which you are grateful. They say it takes two months to form a habit.

Why not give gratitude a chance to take hold?

The upcoming holidays are a great time to start a gratitude practice. The Thanksgiving tradition of counting our blessings is important throughout the year, not just on the fourth Thursday of November.

As Margaret Cousins said, “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.�

86. IYH: The benefits of Gratitude

INTEGRATE YOUR HEALTH with Dr. Nicole Cotter

86

Dr. Nicole M. Cotter is a medical doctor dual-boarded in and practicing Rheumatology and Integrative Medicine. She is the owner of Nicole Cotter MD, an integrative consultative practice where she partners with patients to create personalized health plans that integrate complementary medicine with conventional to care for the whole person.

Happiness is a state that can be nurtured and it turns out that gratitude is one of the most effective ways to do so.

87. IYH: The benefits of Gratitude • ½ Lauren Robuck

Thank you for all the love and support!

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS our family FROM

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Keeping it Real with Teri Netterville

A New Generation: FAITH over Fear 90. Teri

When you think back to your childhood days, does it make you feel warm and fuzzy inside?

90

PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH OGLEE

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or most of us, our childhood memories include fun, stressfree times and happy experiences that usually involved our family, our friends, school events and church functions.

Most of us were shielded from the ugly and heavy burdens of life, especially worldly and political ones.

Our parents purposefully kept those sorts of things from us, and back then it was easier to do so. With no such thing as social media or 24-hour news outlets, we could be kids when ignorance truly was bliss. Unfortunately, parents today are reporting their genuine fears with regard to raising well-adjusted children during this time in our culture that feels toxic, anxious and out-of-control.

This got me thinking about this new generation of parents in an entirely different light.

I began wondering how we can maybe offer hope to these families whose fears are very real.

First, I feel we must validate and acknowledge these fears.

Yes, these are extraordinary times.

Our children have access to the world through their fingertips on their phones or computers. Scarier still is who now has access to them.

It is very alarming to think about.

How can we help them truly enjoy and relish in this part of life without them

91. Teri

p are nt i ng with fear as their guide and constant companion?

This topic is of such genuine concern for parents today that I wanted to pose this question on Facebook to see what kind of responses my Facebook friends might have to offer.

I posed my question like this: “How can parents raise their children to be aware, knowledgeable of their surroundings and privy to the truths of this world WITHOUT making them fearful, untrusting worrywarts who are too afraid of the world to try and conquer it?

“How can we equip them with the proper tools at an early age, to face life’s problems and to handle the many situations and circumstances appropriately when we are scared to death to let them out of our sight?”

Here are a couple of my favorite responses:

This one is from my friend, Missy, who put it simply, “We can do this by living this way ourselves. We must lead by example. Children learn what we show

them, not what we tell them. If we calmly address it, they will. If we calmly, but honestly, handle it, they will. If we freak out every time we cannot find them on life 360 for three minutes, then they will. The proper tool is teaching them the confidence and strength that we, ourselves, show them every day. Yes, there is bad out there, but we will not live our lives in fear. We will prepare for the worst...calmly...and then we will go and enjoy our lives!”

My American Ground Radio brother, Stephen Parr, made some insightful points as well and this was one of my favorite ones from him: “Remember your job as a parent isn’t to raise carefree children. It’s to raise confident adults. What makes childhood great isn’t the stuff you have or even the activities you do. It’s the love you receive from your family. It’s about the way you demonstrate to your children that you love them. That’s what builds a quiet confidence within children that will give them the internal 91

92. Teri We are ultimately the protectors of our children.

We are their voice and we are their greatest advocates.

We all strive to provide a safe place for them to live in, love in and explore in.

92

strength to conquer any challenges life throws their way.”

The rest of the comments were centered around trusting God and His plans for each of our lives. And, of course, teaching our children to do the same.

Some commented that we should never allow fear to be the guide of our lives, for that kind of example could be detrimental to our children. They would most likely grow up doing the same thing.

One parent duly noted that kids have access to far more information than we ever had at their age. In fact, they are light years ahead of us in so many ways. But…the bottom line is that they are still kids who simply need the adults in their lives to love and protect them.

There is a story within the chapters of the amazing autobiography, “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom, that sums up so beautifully what I feel our job is as parents in this world.

Corrie Ten Boom and her family were a deeply spiritual Dutch family who were very active in underground efforts to save Dutch Jews during the Nazi occupation of Holland.

Corrie’s father, Casper Ten Boom, was a loving and respected man in their community. He was full of wisdom and had a great and innate love for people.

In this particular memory, Corrie recalls this moment between her and her father on a train ride when she was about 10 or 11 years old. Corrie recalled how she would oftentimes use trips home with her dad to bring up things that were troubling her.

This particular time, she asked her father about a poem she had read at school. One line had described “a young man whose face was not shadowed by sexsin.”

Feeling too shy to ask her teacher about this, she asked her mother only to have her mom blush and unable to respond to her question.

Her father’s response stayed

93. Teri

with her forever and it actually greatly impacted my thinking as a parent. I hope it strikes you in the same way.

Corrie reminisced: “And so seated next to my father in the train compartment, I suddenly asked, ‘Father, what is sexsin?’

“He turned, to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case off the floor and set it back down on the floor. “ ‘Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?’ he said.

“I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts that he had purchased that morning. “ ‘It’s too heavy,’ I said. “ ‘Yes’, he said. “ ‘And it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It’s the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger, you can bear it.

For now, you must trust me to carry it for you.

“And I was satisfied. More than satisfied…wonderfully at peace. There were answers to this and all my hard questions.

But for now, I was content to leave them in my father’s keeping.”

Although we are generations removed from that tragic time in our world history, one thing remains the same. As parents, we continue to protect our young from the burdens of the world that we live in. We willingly take on the heavy matters and adult issues until we feel they are old enough, mature enough and properly equipped to handle them. And that, in my opinion, is the right and fair thing to do.

We are ultimately the protectors of our children. We are their voice and we are their greatest advocates. We all strive to provide a safe place for them to live in, love in and explore in.

Among our greatest wishes is for our children to forever look back upon their childhood days with the fondest of memories, along with sweet, carefree experiences.

If we stay on task and refuse to let fear be our guide, we can surely raise our children to be confident adults, who are excited about their promising future and their great purpose for this world.

Parenting can be really hard at times, especially during these times of great anxiety and division spilling from our news outlets. But the bottom line is that our children are our most valuable gifts from God and worth every bit of time, effort, and energy we pour into them. The reward is far greater than any outside stressors. You will discover this the very moment they arrive…when their first breath takes yours away.

The journey will be full of love, laughter, pain and tears… lessons, tests and great testimonies. The main ingredient for a good and wise parent is to simply…Keep it Real. ;-) 93

• Consistency ~ Consistency in discipline ~~ in love ~~ • Pray in the sharing of responsibilities ~~ and mostly in your Christ-like behavior, both in public and behind closed doors.

• Trust ~ Trust God; the journey; your gut; and your ability to forgive yourself when you mess up…because you will. Learn to apologize for your mistakes to your children. This teaches humility and allows them to know that we don’t expect perfection. Perfection is unattainable.

• Balance ~ Your time; Your efforts inside and outside of your home; Time with your spouse and children; T.V., phone and other hobbies that take your attention away from your family.

Last but not least, a few words of wisdom by my friend, Allen Hendrix.

He calls these his “best F-Words” for parents during this time in our world:

~ Pray for your family; your friends; your enemies; your leaders and those in control of the different facets of life.

Pray every day for gratitude, guidance, for discernment, for knowledge and wisdom. And do so in front of your children.

Allow them to see your trust in God and His plans for you and for your family.

• Be involved

~ Be involved in every aspect of your child’s life. Stay involved even when your children don’t want you to be. You must remain vigilant in who and what has influence over your children’s lives and the decisions they are making in their lives.

• Remain firm ~ Remain firm in the ways you already know are right and then continue to educate yourself along the way.

1. FAITH ~ Parents have to live out a life of faith. It must be daily, not just on Sundays.

2. FAMILY ~ We, as parents, must do everything we can to stay together. Even if not married, parents must do their best to show love and kindness towards each other, especially in front of the children. As parents, we have to be mindful to work hard at creating the best and most loving experience we can.

3. FITNESS ~ Mental fitness, that is. We must demonstrate to our kids what it means to work smart. Hard work equals success. We also have to help our kids understand what it means to fail. We must lovingly lead our kids to understand that they can learn so much from losing from time to time.

4. FUTURE ~ We cannot limit our kids’ ability to dream and plan for their OWN future. Sure, we can pave the way and give them the keys to open as many doors as they can. But we should be careful to not drive them down a road or open those doors for them. We have to let them figure it out as much as possible.

94. Teri • ½ Broadmoor Family Dental

94

OLD FASHIONED

TEA CAKES

Try adding this true North Louisiana favorite to your Christmas baking list this year

95. La Pain Care (camera ready) OLD FASHIONED TEA CAKES

THE BOSS OF

SOUTHERN CUISINE WRITTEN BY CHEF HARDETTE HARRIS The “Us Up North” Kitchen 300 North Allen, 71101 www.usupnorth.com usupnorth

@chefhdh

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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1¾ cups white sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs, room temperature ¼ c whole milk 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp of baking soda ½ tsp of baking powder ½ tsp ground nutmeg • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt together.

• In a separate bowl, combine sugar and softened butter. Beat with a mixer or by

hand just until fluffy. Do not over beat.

• Gradually fold in eggs, vanilla and nutmeg.

• Add milk and mix until blended. Dough should still be somewhat fluffy. Sprinkle with flour if necessary.

• Scoop 12 heaping tablespoons of dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or Silpat.

• Bake for about 8-10 minutes until lightly brown. Do not let the bottom of the cookies burn.

• Remove and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.

• TIP: to reduce sugar, use ¾ cup of sugar and 1 cup of sugar substitute

W

hen I make Tea Cakes, it takes me back to my childhood when our babysitter, Ms. Rosie Faye, made them. I remember watching her as she would beat the butter and sugar together by hand until fluffy. The smell of the batter after she would add the vanilla and nutmeg still lingers to this day.

She and her mother, Ms. Angie, were and probably still are hands down the best at making tea cakes in the entire south.

Whenever someone brings up the subject of tea cakes, my Dad who is now 86, always says, “You know who makes the best tea cakes? Ms. Angie!” Now I make them for him and here’s my recipe. Enjoy!

95

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98. Cedar Creek

The Science & Wonder Of Snowflakes

T

WRITTEN BY DIANNE CLARK

he forecast is calling for SNOW!! Gather your holiday sweaters and prepare for a blustery season at Sci-Port Discovery Center’s new exhibition, “Sno-Port: The Science and Wonder of Snowflakes.” Get ready! A season of winter and intrigue is coming to Sci-Port Discovery Center as two new attractions come to life.

The first of these additions, “Sno-Port,” a temporary tenweek exhibit, will be taking over the first floor of Sci-Port Discovery Center beginning November 30 . So, how is SciPort making it “snow” in the ArkLaTex? Sno-Port will consist of a variety of interactive snow and ice-themed exhibits, displays and games for visitors of all ages. Activities will provide information about the science and wonder of snow and snowflakes. Lead exhibit producer and coordinator Bonné Summers, owner of Apex Communications and Events, states, “I was approached in May of this year by a variety of people about how a temporary exhibit could be produced at a reasonable cost to help animate Sci-Port Discovery Center and increase traffic during the holiday season. I asked a variety of local fabricating, lighting and engineering professionals to brainstorm with me on a concept and Sno-Port is the result of this group of local talent.” This group includes Ryan McCutcheon of JRyan Artist, Luke Lee with Fusiform Workshop Design, CSC Productions, Twin Blend Photography and Mitch Landry Services Inc. This creative team is building a variety of sets a l l C as t l e b and interactive games and activities. w o Sn Once you have experienced e Th these activities of “Sno-Port,” guests will travel into the Sci-Port Planetarium to take an interactive virtual reality ride on the Red River Rocket Sled. Riders will feel the excitement of take-off and the sensation of cool wind on their faces as they trek

99. Sno-port

their way through a snow blizzard in downtown Shreveport and Bossier City.

In preparation to meet the emerging educational demands of STEM in American education, the team has developed activities that highlight a variety science fields, including geoscience, biology, physics, mathematics, architecture, engineering, computer science, and chemistry.

SNO-PORT EXHIBIT

The science & wonder of snowflakes BLIZZARD TUNNEL: Transform into a snowflake as you enter into the exhibit.

MAKE A FLAKE: Make a snowflake as individual as you are to hang in the ceiling with hundreds of other snowflakes.

ICE FISHING: Grab a pole and go fishing in an animated ice pond. View virtual reality fish as they swim under the surface.

SNOW CHAIR LIFT: How high can you pump up your ski lift chair?

SNOWBALL CASTLE: Toss a “snowball” into the windows of the snow-covered castle to initiate a series of bells.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IGLOO: Chill out in an inflatable igloo while you create your own igloo or other creations with “ice” blocks.

SNOWGLOBE DISCOVERY: Discover the inner workings of a giant snow globe.

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ADVENTURES OF INTRIGUE EXHIBIT

THE NEW EXHIBIT WILL INTEGRATE THESE SKILLS INTO AN EXPERIENCE THROUGH GAMIFICATION -- THE FRAMING OF APPROVED CURRICULUM WITH INTERACTIVE PLAY AND INSTANT FEEDBACK.

Coming February 2020 DOCKSIDE: Inspired by the steam boat era’s import/export business and the oil manufacturing industry.

BAYOU: A “river bed” of water mimicking both Red River and Caddo lakes will demonstrate indigenous species of flora and wildlife which, often through conservancy intervention, are thriving in our ecosystem.

INVENTORS MANSION: Inspired by Captain Henry Miller Shreve’s home in Illinois, this space will consist of rooms decorated with clue-bearing information.

BUT… That’s not all!

By February 2020, expect the opening of the new, permanent exhibit, which will be named “Adventures of Intrigue.” This innovative approach to hands-on, curriculumdriven education will provide an immersive, interactive story experience for all ages that will utilize one of the world’s greatest computers of all – your brain! Search the Inventor’s Mansion, the Train Depot and the Nature Cabin of as you select an adventure requiring you and your team to solve riddles and find clues hidden within the Adventures of Intrigue Gallery. Educators and employers alike expect individuals in the 21st century to be proficient in critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving. The new exhibit will integrate these skills into an experience through gamification -- the framing of approved curriculum with interactive play and instant feedback.

This new, permanent installation is based on, and being created by, the owners of the Museum of Intrigue, located at the Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse, New York. The Museum of Intrigue team is comprised of game developers, set designers, story writers, and more, led by production director Nicole Ginsburg to begin the transition and transformation of the former Louisiana wetlands exhibit area into the “Adventures of Intrigue Gallery.”

Guests will begin their adventure when they enter the Train Station Depot, inspired by the railroad industry in Northwest Louisiana. Adventures include unique, custom-designed and

interactive faux architectural facades that will showcase our local culture, biology, and history as “jumping- off points” for the enacted stories.

Dianne Clark, Executive Director of Sci-Port Discovery Center, sums up the excitement of these two new programs, “We were thrilled when the Shreveport Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau asked Sci-Port to become more involved in the downtown holiday activities. As a result, the concept of Sno-Port was developed and is now being designed by a team of experts as a one of a kind holiday-themed, educational exhibition. Our plan is to continue to improve this exhibit and make it bigger and better every year. In addition to the holiday excitement, we are finally ready to reveal our plans for a new permanent exhibit, The Adventures of Intrigue Gallery. This new exhibit will incorporate curriculum-aligned STEM-related activities designed to provide engaging group experiences for all ages. Look for a March opening for this new adventure!”

100. Sno-port

100

EXHIBIT INFO SNO-PORT

11.30.2019 thru1.30.2020 Adults: $12 Children ages 1-12: $5 (under 12 months free) Sci-Port Members: $5

GALLERY OF INTRIGUE

Opening in early March 2020 First adventure free with general admission Additional adventures $5 - $8 Group and corporate pricing information will be available upon request.

Tickets available on line via sci-port.org Call 318-424-3466 for more information or go to www.sci-port.org

EVENTUALLY, THEY’LL OUTGROW THE BIKE. Give the gift that they will never outgrow.

101. Learning RX 1 in 5 children in the U.S. have learning and attention issues.1 But with the right instruction and support, brain-based challenges can be changed.

Visit LearningRx.com/Shreveport to start a conversation with our staff. We can assess and uncover the “WHY” behind your child’s struggle and what you can do to change a brain—and a learning difference—today.

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Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities

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Gifts of

a Lifetime

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The Spirit of Giving is a gift.

That “give the shirt off your back” kind of generosity is something only a few people truly possess and yet it is a trait that can be given to others simply in the training of it.

W

hen I was young, my mother told me that JOY was spelled JesusOthers-You, meaning that you put God first, then others, then yourself last. In today’s society we often get this backwards and yet it is so important in raising our own that we continue to reach out to those around us so they might be blessed. It is in this spirit that I share my personal story of our family and our blessings we have each year.

Wanting to be in the right attitude at Christmas time, I struggled on how to do this with my little ones as going to the rescue mission or volunteering service was so hard when they were little. We decided that each year we would select an experience for us to spend time with each other and that should include the blessings of other people within our realm. As little guys, our boys were fascinated with the fire fighters, calling them “fighter fighters.”

They always wanted to bless the fire fighters as the engine house was close, and we took cookies or brownies over often and talked to them and got on the trucks, even had them come out for a fire fighter-themed birthday party. In thinking of how much my littles loved this, we decided to bless not only the fire fighters but to spend the next year

collecting and setting aside for a signing your name or drawing a picture. gift to give at Christmas to bless The gift of gratitude and the gift of others who were “burned out” of giving unto others comes from the act of their home. I simply got a small giving and thankfulness. Over the years, fire engine and attached a gallon we have been blessed with so much and Ziplock baggie to it, and all of we in turn choose to bless others who our extra change and ones made it into are not as blessed through the various that baggie for that year as well as some ministries and opportunities that are out of the “extras” we had around the house there. Generosity of spirit is a gift and it becoming a small pile of blessings. Then can be shared and it can be trained.

When I was asked to share this piece just at Christmas time, we made some reindeer cookies and took them along of my story with you, I thought of how with the monies and “extras” to the to do so without it seeming to be snotty firehouse to be a blessing to the next or prideful because that is not what it family in need. This was the start of a is about nor who I am at all. The point really wonderful concept because my of Christmas is a celebration of the ultimate gift we all were given in the kids couldn’t wait to see who was next.

On Christmas Eve, from the time the form of a tiny baby who was the Christ kids were little forward, we have had a in human form. The shepherds came to present under the tree and it was the first worship him and the wise men brought present we opened. It was simply a small him gifts (yes, I know this was actually box that has a name inside it of whom much later but tradition…). It is in this we planned to save for and bless the that we tried to stay in our thoughts. following year. My boys are grown now Three gifts to symbolize the gifts of the and we still travel or take an experience wise men. Three gifts only per person together and yes, we had presents under under the tree and of course, the Santa the tree, but we always try to understand surprise when they were very little… that it is not the number of gifts nor the but, it was and still is the best to open box on price of the gift nor even if it is valuable that small to you or something you want but rather, it is the heart of the giver that is in that package so you carefully unwrap and you think of the value of that heart.

Taking the time to write thank you to those who blessed you with their heart at Christmas is as simple as turning over the paper that the package

BY DONESA WALKER, M.ED. was wrapped in and saying OWNER OF LEARNINGRX AND BRAIN thank you while

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TRAIN LEARNING SOLUTIONS

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Some of my friends ask me who are you giving to this year and I always say, to the place that God has laid upon my heart.

Christmas Eve and know that the ultimate gift is in the blessing of those around you.

This should be a daily calling and yes, we do that too, but it is special to know that you are working and saving to bless others as Christ has blessed you with the gift of life. In the world of fraud and cheats, people who lie and steal to get from others in so many ways, it is still so refreshing to be able to bless someone or a ministry with a small gift of thoughtfulness and the JOY that comes from that cannot be had in other way. Some of my friends ask me who are you giving to this year and I always say, to the place that God has laid upon my heart.

If you are in need of a place to start your giving, simply choose an outreach or a person in your scope of influence.

LearningRx and The BrainTrain Learning Solutions gives to the homeless shelters every year. You are welcome to join us in

104. Donesa • ½ Guiseppes

the giving. We are accepting new blankets, pillows, and hygiene items such as small toiletries, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc., and these will be taken to the homeless in the week prior to Christmas. If you are in need of a list of places to save and donate to, there are so many ministries from Angel Tree to Roy’s Kids, nursing homes to the homeless. Scripture says the needy you have with you always. It is not always will you have the opportunity to bless them so take the opportunity to teach your littles this year to bless others. There are many in need of so much from those who need brain training and cannot afford it to those who need shoes and clothes. Every penny or gift counts and you can give even when you are the one in need for that is how it comes back to you. If you cannot give financially or in gifts, give your time. There are many in need of a simple listening ear or to have a book read to them.

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WRITTEN BY SCOTT “SCOOTER” ANDERSON

R

ebecca Montgomery reached a milestone birthday and knew it was time to take better care of herself. An ad on social media caught her eye and put her on a path to a healthier lifestyle. The first stop on her journey — MLK Health Center and Pharmacy.

“I’d seen an ad on Facebook about MLK Health Center offering free mammograms,” Montgomery said. “I wasn’t going to a doctor regularly, and I hadn’t had a mammogram since 2012. I turned 50 this year, so I thought I would take advantage of that because I haven’t been going like I should.

So I called, and I have had nothing but great support the whole time.”

MLK Health Center and Pharmacy, at 865 Olive St. in the Highland neighborhood, is a safety net medical services provider. It provides free primary health care and pharmacy services to patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease.

For Montgomery, MLK Health Center offered more than a diagnosis. It gave her the support she needed to make real changes in her life. “I’m so proud of this program because it really helps me stay on track,” Montgomery said. “Miss Sadie, she calls me at least once a week. They call me and check on me, and they all are really helpful in making sure that I understand what’s going on.” The diabetes prevention program

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by Scott Anderson

The MLK Garden Montgomery drove an hour to visit the MLK Health Center and Pharmacy. She got a free mammogram and pap smear. She said her mammogram results came back great. And thanks to her visit, she was able to head off another potential health risk.

“They said I was pre-diabetic,” she said. “They offered me the diabetes prevention program, which is another free program they have. Now I come back once a week. I’ve learned what to do — how to eat better and how to stay away from the bad stuff.”

Rebecca Montgomery is eight weeks of education designed to help patients make informed lifestyle decisions. It includes exercise and nutrition tips as well as medical information. Montgomery lost eight pounds in the first two weeks of the program, she said. “They have a garden out there,” Montgomery said. “(They) took us out there and gave us some herbs to cook with and taught us about some of them that are good for us. I’ve learned about starch, like green beans and stuff like that I didn’t realize was really a starch. Also, the nutritionist taught us that it’s better to 107

use real sugar, just not as much.”

Montgomery also said the program promoted her to change her drink of choice after Grey Rogers, registered dietician, taught her what sugar and artificial sweeteners do to the body.

“I went straight to water,” she said. “Your body knows how to break down regular sugar, but it doesn’t know how to break down artificial sweeteners. She said it’s just better to do no sugar or a little bit of sugar than to use (artificial sweeteners).

When you look at the patients who are actually diagnosed with cervical cancer, it’s the women who have missed that screening.”

FILLING THE GAP MLK Health Center and Pharmacy provides free comprehensive primary care and pharmacy services to those who cannot afford private insurance but do not qualify for Medicaid coverage. Jackson said the center has seen an increased demand in recent years, despite Obamacare and

SHE SAID ONE REASON WOMEN MAY MISS HEART ISSUES IS THAT THEY DO NOT PRESENT IN WOMEN IN ALL THE SAME WAYS AS MEN.

the expansion of Medicaid. He cited the example of a single parent of two children who makes $30,000 a year. That’s too much to qualify for free care but not enough to buy private insurance, Jackson said. “Those people become uninsured,” he said. “When they become uninsured, patients tend to forego routine primary and preventative healthcare.”

Jackson joined with the late Sister Margaret McCaffery to found the center in 1986. He was a resident at LSUHSC School of Medicine and started a Saturday morning clinic at Christian Service’s Hospitality House after seeing many uninsured patients struggle with preventable diseases. MLK Health Center received its own non-profit status in 1986. According to center’s website, it holds the first Charitable Pharmacy permit issued by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. The center recently celebrated five years in its current location on Olive Street. The clinic serves 1,700 patients and dispenses 40,000 prescriptions annually at an estimated value of $16 million in services.

The center also serves as a training ground for students in a variety of medical fields. Students from Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing and LSUHSC’s School of Medicine and School of Allied Health Professions, as well as students from LSU Shreveport and Centenary College, gain clinical experience treating patients at the center. The center has offered mammography screenings since its inception, largely cause of Jackson’s history with breast cancer. Jackson said the unique nature of the clinic and MLK Health Center

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She taught us how much sugar was in one 20-ounce Coke, and I was drinking like a two-liter a day.” Montgomery said she plans to continue making healthy choices and improving her lifestyle. “I feel much more energy,” she said. “I’ve been walking every day, and it keeps me going. I have this group here, and they help me any time, and they make sure that anything I need, they’re here to take care of it.”

Dr. Robert Jackson, medical director at MLK Health Center and Pharmacy, celebrates success stories like Montgomery.

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer, in particular, is a mission that hits close to home with him. “My mother died of breast cancer in 1965,” he said. “I was diagnosed with male breast cancer in 1999. In fact, I was the same age when I was diagnosed that my mother was when she died. Breast cancer has had a significant impact on me.”

Dr. Julie Gayle, director of the women’s clinics at the center, said she has seen the increased interest as well among women.

In addition to two clinics a month, the center host two events a year — Mammograms and Manicures in October and Ladies Night Out in May — to encourage women to get screenings.

She said early detection is key to successfully treating breast cancer and gynecological cancers, including cervical cancer.

“With breast cancer, if you can pick it up early, they can undergo treatment,” she said. “Among the gynecological cancers, you can only screen for cervical cancer. It’s not uncommon that we get patients who haven’t had a pap smear in five or 10 years.

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have lowered the threshold for many women to seek treatment.

“When we first started offering it, many more women than I thought didn’t want to have it done, and I wasn’t sure why,” Jackson said. “One of the special things about how we do most of our clinics is that patients come in for routinely scheduled appointment usually on a fixed schedule based on the medicines we supply. So patients tend to come in as a group.

All 20 patients see each other again and again. They develop relationships. They can be tremendously supportive. It seems to benefit patients, particularly in their willingness and ability to comply with medical recommendations.”

In addition to mammograms and care for diabetes and other chronic conditions, MLH Health Center and Pharmacy offers testing for sexually transmitted diseases. STDs are on the rise in the Shreveport area, which Jackson said is a concern for women for two main reasons. “Not only because of the possibility that assault is involved, but most of the time in men sexually transmitted diseases come to your attention much sooner,” he said. “A substantial amount of the time, women may not have symptoms. They can only be detected on specific screenings.”

Heart issues are another area of concern for women at MLK Health Center and Pharmacy. Dr. Connie Hale, a cardiologist, said women often overlook heart risks and concerns. “Women neglect their heart health,” she said. “When you talk to a woman about her general health and ask her if she has any concerns, it’s usually breast cancer or something along those lines. But heart disease kills more women the breast cancer does.” She said one reason women may miss heart issues is that they do not present in women in all the same ways as men. She said women won’t always feel the chest pain or numbness in their arm that is commonly associated with a heart attack. A woman might experience nausea and vomiting that will pass quickly, or they will break out in cold sweats for no reason.

She also said a woman’s motherly nature can keep her from proper self care. “Women are caretakers,” she said. “We nurture everyone else. We make sure the kids are taken of, the husband’s taken care of. We also have jobs and lots of responsibilities. We often put ourselves last. Just like the airplanes says, when the oxygen drops, put it on yourself first. Generally, I don’t see that women have that mentality.” She offers one piece of advice for anyone when it comes to heart health: “If it ever crosses their mind that they need to have their heart checked, they need to have it checked.”

Gayle and the NSU graduate nursing faculty conduct the clinics with medical students. She said the hands-on training is her favorite part because of the education it provides both the students and the patients. “There should never be a visit with a patient where you don’t have some type of teaching,” she said. “The patients who come here, there are a select few who come yearly or come every couple of years. But more times than not, they haven’t been to the women’s clinic. So this may be their only time with any healthcare provider. A lot of them haven’t seen a healthcare provider in a while, so when they do come in, they will open up to you. You don’t just help them with their women’s health needs. You feel like you get to treat the whole patient. And the students love it. They seem to bond with the patients as well.”

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED The doctors, nurses and medical students volunteer their time to see patients and MLK Health Center and Pharmacy.

But medical professionals are not the only volunteers needed to run the center. “We need volunteers of any stripe,” Jackson said. “Certainly, we need people in various medical specialties.

But you don’t have to have medical knowledge or training to be useful to us. One thing we use laypeople for is training them to be patient educators. You don’t need special knowledge to show a patient a prescription bottle and ask them to read the label back to you and make sure they understand what it says.

“Another thing, we are seeing increasing numbers of Spanishspeaking patients. I don’t want anyone suffering illness that could be avoided, regardless of what situation is going on. We can always use bilingual volunteers to help with translation issues.”

For Montgomery and others like her, the staff and volunteers at MLK Health Center and Pharmacy have opened the door to a better life. “My mammogram went well, and that made me really happy,” Montgomery said. “I am going to keep going forward with the diabetes program to teach me the best way. My mother and father were both diabetic, and my mother basically died from diabetes. I’ll be healthier and my family be healthy with all of the research that I’m learning and everything that they’re giving us. They always make sure that we can go home happy. I just hope anybody who needs any help knows that this is the place to get involved.”

For more information about MLK Health Center and Pharmacy, visit mlkhealth.org.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS WRITTEN BY KIRSTEN GLADDEN

R

The Gig Economy

honda Denman is a 63-year-old woman who is on a roll, literally! With Uber expanding to every parish in Louisiana, she is taking full advantage of the perks of setting her own schedule and earning residual income in the process.

After working for CenturyLink for 37 years, Rhonda retires on September 7, 2018, and five days later she starts driving for Uber. She recalls, “I was at the DMV in West Monroe and I saw a good friend of mine sitting in the car waiting on someone.

He and I started talking and he told me he was driving for Uber.”

Rhonda went home and researched the driver requirements.

“You have to undergo a background check and your car must meet certain criteria,” she said. Denman is referring to criteria such as the vehicle must be 10 years old or newer, the vehicle must have at least four doors, and seatbelts for at least four passengers. In addition, drivers must be able to pass a criminal background check, along with the expectation of having a clean driving record, valid insurance, possessing an in-state driver’s license, at least three years of driving experience, and be at least 21 years of age. And with that, Rhonda accepts her first ride and begins to gain notoriety as the “woman in the hat.”

Although the aforementioned criteria listed is Uber’s requirements, the state of Louisiana now has its own set of requirements, thanks to the passage of House Bill 527 in early July, which now allows ridesharing throughout the state.

Before now, there was not a statewide set of regulations for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, which connects drivers who utilize their personal vehicles to people who book rides via an app. Prior to July, ridesharing was only provided in the cities of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Monroe and Lake Charles. Now, there is a clearly defined framework for the companies and drivers to operate within throughout the state.

The law places “transportation network companies” under one regulatory authority within Louisiana’s Department of Agriculture. Moreover, 1 percent of gross receipts from all rides is collected, which is then returned to the local jurisdiction where the rides take place. It’s a payoff for both the

state and rideshare drivers. The statewide coverage also serves as a great benefit to rural residents, who previously could not benefit from the service. “I used to not have coverage past Sterlington,” said Denman. Without the newly enacted state law, a lot of rural communities would have been left out.

“Now, we can travel anywhere within the state and accept rides. I rode through a small town the other day just to test it and I saw requests for rides.” Denman also relishes in the fact that she feels she benefits her community on a daily basis. “I love forming relationships with passengers. I have really had an opportunity to truly help others.” Denman has received requests for rides from all kinds of people -- nurses who just ended a late night shift, a daughter whose father was experiencing a medical emergency, a mother whose child forgot their lunch, elderly patients who need rides to their appointments, and even celebrities who have been in the Twin Cities for appearances.

Denman encourages anybody who is looking to serve their community, work on their own schedule, and make extra money to sign up through the Uber website. She also offers up this advice, “Make yourself identifiable. I have the signs on my car and I always wear my boots and a hat. I also dress up Rhonda Denman my car for the holidays.”

And despite national ridesharing horror stories, Denman says she’s never had a bad experience while driving in the northeast Louisiana and encourages others to push skepticism to the side. “Just do it. It’s great extra income and if you’re an outgoing person it’s great!” Denman is riding her way into financial freedom as a Gold Level driver with outstanding ratings and earning driver rewards as an Uber Pro. When asked how long she plans to drive for the ridesharing service, Denman replies, “Until I can’t drive anymore!”

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WHAT IF ADHD IS REAL?

BY JONATHAN WIGGINS, M.S., LPC, PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM COUNSELOR AT BRENTWOOD HOSPITAL

S 114. Brentwood content it down for this one! According to Russell A Barkely, Ph.D. and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at University Medical Center in Richmond, VA, children with ADHD are twice as likely to die in childhood, 2.5 times as likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs, five times as likely to attempt suicide when depressed, and have an average life expectancy 13 years shorter than their peers who do not have the disorder. Approximately 25% will develop clinical depression and about 50% develop an anxiety disorder. As many as 80% will have additional mental health diagnoses including learning disabilities. Hope those shocking figures got your attention!

WHAT IT CAN LOOK LIKE Billy won’t sit still in class. He gets out of his seat without permission (as though there are no rules or he has forgotten them), repeatedly talks to other students even though he has been told for the 30th time to be quiet. His mind is off on some journey far from the classroom where his teacher is trying desperately to share the knowledge he needs to get a job and succeed in life. Ask him to write an essay and you’d think you asked for a kidney. Math? Just forget it. Wait a minute, don’t “forget it” because he never learned it! Homework! It is a nightmare for parents. Forty-five minutes of work turns into three hours of begging, threatening, bribing and yelling.

Billy can’t seem to do anything right. He breaks in line, can’t wait his turn, breaks the rules and pushes people who get in his way. He threatens people who challenge him. Neighbor moms won’t let their kids play with him because he can be aggressive.

He’s a prolific liar because he has to be creative to get out of 114

trouble all day, every day. Hope he didn’t get a concussion when he fell backward in his chair for the fourth time today.

Oh, and don’t forget that he knocked over a whole glass of milk when grabbing for a chicken finger on his brother’s plate.

He is easily bored and can’t seem to stay on task longer than a few minutes (if that long). He has to be told 20 times to clean his room. When he is finished, you can’t tell it. He often just walks off as though he heard nothing when given a directive. Give him more than one thing to do and nothing gets done. And yes, he can really focus on something he loves and wants to do!

He might be brilliant, but you can’t tell that from his grades. Up to 30% of children with ADHD also have learning disabilities. Billy starts to call himself dumb. He gets teased and bullied (sadly, sometimes by adults). It is not uncommon that he becomes depressed (which often looks like anger in children). He feels pain from his teacher’s frustration, his parents’ anger, and his peers’ rejection. His claim to fame becomes the “bad, defiant kid.”

He hangs with the kids who don’t care or who have stopped caring. Why? It’s because every kid needs affirmation and they will find a place to get it. In this group, he is accepted and even esteemed because of his high profile as a trouble-maker.

To avoid his unpleasant reality, he starts experimenting with drugs and escapes the world that doesn’t like him. The feeling is mutual! Billy finally gets attention when he shows up at the hospital because he is thinking about or actually harming himself or others. The law might get involved and, worst-case scenario, he ends up doing time. This is by no means the life

story of all children with ADHD but it is not that uncommon.

If diagnosed, treated, understood, and supported, Billy could turn out to be class president, CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or just an ordinary, law-abiding, tax-paying citizen; a great neighbor and friend.

THE DIAGNOSIS The first diagnoses are informal, given by parents, teachers, and peers. They’re not clinical terms; they are just labels like rebellious, stupid, defiant, careless, extremely forgetful, lazy, disrespectful, dishonest, disruptive, irritating, frustrating, hard-headed, angry, and aggressive. He’s the dreaded “problem child” who won’t do what parents tell him. He’s the “bad kid” in a class of 30 where some dedicated teacher is trying to make learning as interesting and painless as possible. People think, “His parents must never discipline him at home or he would know how to act.” On top of everything else, the last thing the over-extended teacher needs is a dreaded “plan” that makes an already tough job virtually impossible. (There are effective instruments for diagnosing ADHD; however, it is best to have a psychologist perform testing for ADHD and learning disabilities. The report will likely contain recommended interventions for parents and teachers.)

THE WHY

effectiveness. (All drugs have possible side effects that should be medically monitored.) Stimulants are the most common drug class, and in many cases, highly effective; however, there are other classes of effective drugs for those who do not respond well to stimulants or who experience side effects.

Unfortunately, the average length of time that patients take medication is 2.5 years. Parents are not educated about what to do if there are side effects. Often the medication wears off by the time the child gets home and parents get to experience the “rebound” effect that sometimes happens. Behavior ramps up after a relatively controlled day. Emotions sometimes start to boil over for a while. Find the right medication, the right dose (no professional or parent wants a zombie child), the correct administration time or times, and the right delivery system (e.g., extended release, liquid, or osmotic pump capsule).

Talk therapy doesn’t work! Therapy that does work is parent training. They learn healthy, effective behavior management skills in the home. They learn to understand and support their child. They learn about proper diagnosis. They learn how to advocate for their child at school including appropriate, effective, accommodations (not a “bad” word), and specialized help if their child struggles with learning.

They fall in love with and enjoy that amazing, wonderful, often brilliant child who previously “gave them fits.” They learn how to provide “real-time” social skills training. They do get talk therapy for their children if there are co-occurring problems like anxiety and depression.

They learn to take along “busy” activities when they eat out so everyone in the restaurant doesn’t think they are bad parents.

They learn simple things like breaking tasks into smaller, singular assignments instead of strings of instructions. They learn to cover up most of the problems on a math homework sheet so the child doesn’t get overwhelmed by the sight of the “whole” assignment.

They learn that that teachers can have a “special signal” they can use to redirect the wandering mind and that there are specific classroom techniques that improve performance. They learn that some children actually focus better with a fidget toy or listening to music while doing school work.

While I am not the person to elaborate on the topic, studies show adverse, permanent changes in the brains of children who are not treated early and effectively.

Like one 6-year-old patient exclaimed, “My brain makes me do it!” He was right. But there is help.

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ADHD is associated with an underperforming frontal lobe. Imaging techniques show less activity in that area of the brain when compared to persons who do not have ADHD. Big deal? Yes it is! In broad terms that is where decisions are made, alternative behaviors are considered, risks and consequences are considered, emotions are managed, impulsive or inappropriate behaviors are inhibited, tasks are initiated and methodically carried out, and we “remember to remember” routine activities. It’s not working at its optimal level.

Counterintuitively, a doctor prescribes a stimulant to a child (or adult) who is already bouncing off the walls and WOW. They calm down and focus! Could it be that the therapeutic drug “speeds up” activity in the frontal lobe where executive functions take place? The result is improved control and better judgment.

WHAT WORKS? Medication is the most effective and immediate intervention. If your child were diabetic, you’d not think twice about her or him taking medication on a regular basis. But if the brain isn’t functioning correctly, there is a stigma attached to using the medication that can properly treat it. Think about it! Research shows that about 93% of patients will have positive effects from the appropriate medication.

ADHD medications have been subjected to many years of extensive research that supports their general safety and

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Branding 101 part 3

WEBSITE

Read Online:

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part 1

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I

n today’s market, a professional website is a “must” for every business. From a simple one-page presence, to a highly complex digital storefront, the possibilities are endless!

When building a website for your business, there are two audiences to consider – your customers, and Google. If you create a Google-friendly website, it will put your site at the forefront of relevant searches. This can yield HUGE results for your business!

116. Richard Creative

With those two audiences in mind, ask these questions before you get started:

What are your customers looking for?

• Attractive, easy-to-navigate design, on a mobile-friendly platform

• Localized information and images – not stock photos from “Anywhere, USA”, but personal, familiar landscapes and people.

• Answers to their immediate questions: how to access your products or services, and how to get in touch with you.

What is Google looking for?

• A mobile-friendly website with regular updates.

Blog posts and photos are easy, cost-effective ways to regularly update your website.

• Relevant, localized content • Lots of photos and videos – Youtube is a great tool for this!

What to look for in a professional website company: • Your goal should be to connect with the right designer – one who “gets” your business, and who is on the same page with your aesthetic and needs.

• The right design company starts with a lot of listening. Once they grasp your specific needs, they will research your competition and target demographic, and propose creative ways for your audience to engage with your online presence.

• The right design company will offer great design AND professional content – they are equally important!

A few extra tips: • Confirm that you will fully own your website upon completion of the project • Remember that you will need to pay for a domain name, hosting services, and an SSL annually, so include those costs in your marketing budget • Remember: Your online presence should always match your in-person presence, to give potential clients and partners a taste of what working with you will be like!

Our award-winning website designers & professional content developers are ready to take your business to the next level. info@Richard-Creative.com

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Long drive with small kids?

You need a family audiobook WRITTEN BY DANIELLE RICHARD

Charlotte’s Web written by E.B. White

Wonder

written by R. J. Palacio

narrated by E.B. White, George Plimpton

A Wrinkle in Time

written by Madeleine L’Engle narrated by Diana Steele, narrated by Nick Podehl, Kate Hope Davis, Ava DuVernay, Madeleine L’Engle, Rudd

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

To Kill a Mockingbird

narrated by Nick Offerman

narrated by Sissy Spacek

written by Mark Twain

Charlotte Jones Voiklis

117. Book Review

‹‹‹

written by Harper Lee

Youngest LISTENERS

About the reviewer: Danielle Williamson Richard is a

graphic designer, owner of Richard Creative, and the art director of Lola Magazine. She is all about organizing and creating, and has been a book nerd her whole life.

Audiobooks and podcasts have become a near-obsession in her adult life, as listening while doing mundane chores makes for a much happier mama. Danielle is the mother of two exceptional children, and spends her days managing Richard Creative with her husband, James.

❰ ❰ ❰

1-3 Grade LISTENERS

4-5 Grade LISTENERS

How audiobooks save our sanity on the road…

I

t was, of course, a family obligation that took me to New Orleans one weekend a few years ago. I was the lone adult, with both kids in tow. Faced with an hours-long drive both to and from our weekend wedding festivities, I was beginning to dread the whole ordeal.

This was going to take something stronger than the standard road-trip entertainment ammunition. To combat the insanity of who-picks-what-movie, or who-used-my-headphones, or whywon’t-this-dvd-load, and my-batteryis-at-2-percent, we boldly sidelined all electronics and downloaded an audiobook. As we began our trip toward South Louisiana, we rolled onto the interstate to the beginnings of a magical journey. The brilliant voice of Jim Dale is a perfect match to narrate the origin of one chosen wizard named Harry

Potter. Not only did it capture the kids’ attention all the way into Metairie that evening, we easily breezed through the weekend and were looking forward to finishing the book on the ride home.

As we look toward an upcoming 2019 holiday season that is sure to involve travel in some way, we wanted to suggest a handful of audiobook options that work well for people of all ages.

Some are classics that parents will love to share with their children, and some are great contemporary reads that you’ll both get to discover together. The lineup on this page includes 5 stand-alone books for short drives, and then page 118 showcases 5 different series of books for those much longer road trips. May your holiday travels bring you joy rather than frustration.

117

Little House on the Prairie SERIES

The Box Car Children SERIES

Diary of a Wimpy Kid SERIES

written by written by written by Laura Ingalls Wilder Gertrude Chandler Jeff Kinney Warner narrated by narrated by Cherry Jones narrated by Ramon De Ocampo Aimee Lilly

‹‹‹

Youngest LISTENERS

Percy Jackson SERIES

written by J.K. Rowling

written by Rick Riordan

narrated by Jim Dale

1-3 Grade LISTENERS

❰ ❰ ❰

Harry Potter SERIES

narrated by Jesse Bernstein

4-5 Grade LISTENERS Purchase Audiobooks at: Audible.com or Amazon.com

118. Book Review • ½ Coburn Readlola.com/books

PRO TIP: Check your local library for FREE audiobook listening apps

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- Tr av e l Mat t e r s -

North To Alaska Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska, is 3,417 miles from my home in Monroe. Not a weekend jaunt.

But I dreamed of dining there as I began planning our Alaskan vacation. My research revealed the best way to taste Alaska within the one- to two-week time frame most people have for a vacation is through a cruise or a land-cruise journey.

That’s where it gets complicated.

WRITTEN BY KATHY SPURLOCK

Y

ou can go to whatever cruise line you want and book directly. I recommend you consult with a travel agent to plan this type of complicated travel because your agent is going to give you the best advice and will be there if you encounter any blips along the way. It costs you nothing.

After looking at our available time, budget and cruise lines, we chose a balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas, Seattle round trip, for travel Sept. 6-13.

Our ports were Juneau, Skagway, glacier cruising day at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, and Victoria, British Columbia.

We flew American Airlines from Monroe to Seattle through Dallas-Fort Worth. We had a shuttle from the SeaTac Airport to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Seattle. It’s a new hotel and is absolutely pristine with good food options and superb customer service. A shuttle the next morning took us straight to Pier 91, our departure dock.

Boarding was fast and easy, and we had early access to our cabin to drop off carry-on bags. We had a 9th-deck, starboard side, mid-ship balcony room.

Great views, convenient to elevators.

121. Alaska - Kathy Spurlock

Juneau, Alaska

O

ur first day, we had lunch outside Café 270, which is a beautiful space in the aft of the ship.

It was included in our fare.

A word about cruise ship dining, beverages and amenities: The basics and somewhat beyond are included.

There is no absolutely shortage of good food, beverages and entertainment.

Increasingly, some of the more upscale options for food,

beverages and special events or activities bear additional fees or require advance reservations. Ask questions and do your research.

A lot of Facebook groups are formed for the cruise lines and for individual cruises. Scope them out but take the advice in social media venues with a grain of salt.

Just like I’m reporting on my experience here, it’s simply that – the experience of two people who have flown and cruised before. Always consult an expert like 121

White Pass Railroad

your travel agent or call the cruise line directly if you have questions.

Our first port was Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Did you know that no roads lead to Juneau? The way to get there is by ship or air. We booked a whale watching tour through Dolphin Jet Boat charters that included a meal at Tracy’s Crab Shack, a landmark on the Juneau pier.

Great tour, super people, highly recommend. Saw lots of whales and other wildlife. I was amazed at the number of bald eagles we saw – they are so beautiful they always give me chills! And Tracy’s? Well, it was a ton of awesome food.

King crab legs, crab bisque and crab cakes. I did manage to eat it all.

In Skagway, our next port, we did the White Pass train excursion booked through the cruise line. It

was a beautiful ride. We had plenty of time for souvenir shopping in the quaint downtown area.

I negotiated hard for a silver whale tale necklace, and we purchased and mailed the grandkids wooden “Alaska” postcards.

Glacier day was not a stop, but a trip in as close as we could safely get to the glacier based on the amount of ice in the water. Our captain paused and very slowly turned the ship 360 degrees twice so everyone on board would have an opportunity to view and photograph it.

Victoria, British Columbia, was our final port.

This is one of the cleanest, most beautiful metropolitan areas I’ve ever seen. We took a tour through the cruise ship to Butchart Gardens. We have been to lovely gardens all over the world, and even been to the famous Chelsea Flower Show in England.

Butchart was amazing – a beautiful place created out of

122. Alaska

122

a limestone pit.

The Ovation of the Seas was a city unto itself. But it’s broken up into smaller spaces – there’s no “mega” Main Dining Room or giant show room. I often felt like I was in a hotel/mall. There were tons of smaller restaurants and entertainment venues, so you had amazing choices for things to do all day and all night.

Tons of “included” food choices were available outside the main dining rooms and the Windjammer buffet. I picked up plates of “free” pizza at Sorrento’s and walked them next door to the English pub where we watched the Saints’ game, and we fell in love with the grab-and-go fruit, salad and sandwich options from Café Promenade, Solarium and Café 270.

We dined at Chops and Jamie’s Italian, two of the specialty restaurants on board.

We bought a “Chops + One Specialty Dining Package.”

Loved Chops. Very solid upscale steakhouse meal. I would compare Jamie’s to any Italian restaurant next to any mall – a lot of food, a lot of pasta.

There is SOOO much conversation about the “drinks packages” on cruises.

We have never done it. We bought a specialty coffee card for Lindsey and a soda card for me. He didn’t use all of his coffee card in a week, and I probably broke even on my soda card with a couple of Cokes every day. Even selecting cocktails or wines by the glass when we wanted

them, our bill came in far less than it would have been with a package.

With numerous cruises under our belt, we skipped the photographers and the photo packages. They do some good work, and if this is one time you get your whole family dressed up for dinner, go for it! We also skip spa and salons unless there’s an amazing deal.

I definitely enjoyed the “Wines Around the World” class that was held one afternoon, and we had an amazing four-hour Chef ’s Table experience one night. Both of those were at added cost, but they were well worth it.

Ovation of the Seas also has North Star, which is a glass bubble that lifts you high above the ship, iFly – a skydiving simulator, and Flowrider -- a surfing simulator. They are included in your cruise fare, although some North Star rides now cost extra (at the time of this writing, that was dependent upon demand and location.)

The ship has multiple covered and After our awesome stay at the Hyatt open pools and hot tubs, including Regency on the way to our cruise, I was adults-only in the Solarium. Every other glad I took the advice of my travel agent convenience imaginable is included. and booked the Kimpton Alexis on our This ship even has a SeaPlex gymnasium return. This little beauty of a boutique that is also used for bumper cars and hotel was in a great location and featured trapeze lessons! newly renovated, beautiful rooms with Weather was moderate. Jeans or super amenities and service. leggings, sneakers, long-sleeved shirts Once back in Seattle, I had to have and fleece or hoodies were our uniforms. one more fresh Alaskan king crab leg.

We took heavier clothes, but never broke Elliott’s Oyster House filled the bill and them out. It rained one day and I was was an easy walk from our hotel. glad to have a raincoat with hood.

We had traveled to Seattle I’m already dreaming of my next Alaskan before, but if you haven’t and adventure. It’s a great break from summer in Monroe. The best prices are available that’s your cruise departure by booking early. Unlike the Caribbean, port, definitely go in a day where you can snag some lower rates by or two ahead of time. My watching the prices, our cruise went up in favorites are the Chihuly cost substantially as the ship filled up!

Museum, which celebrates If you’re thinking Alaska is in your sights for 2020, consider booking your cruise soon. the amazing glass artistry Various insurance riders are available, including of Dale Chihuly, and the “cancel for any reason.” IT IS AMAZING. Space Needle.

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127. Events • ½ Gentry Rose

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FROM H E R P E RSP ECTI V E Rose McMaster: Lola Magazine's Intern

Making Her Way In NYC

A

round three years ago, I was at that oh-so-pleasant point in life where I had absolutely zero inkling about where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. To be fair, I was only 19 at the time; I don’t think anyone was expecting me to have my life properly planned out. Still, I was feeling utterly and completely lost. I was attending a college I wasn’t happy at, I was fresh out of a break up, and I had no clue where my future was heading. All I knew at the time was that I loved to read and write.

As I clung to these passions during this difficult period, I also stumbled upon my dream career: literary publishing.

It should have been obvious to me all along, I simply needed to turn my love of books into my job! I then had to ask myself: Where is the home of literary publishing in the United States? New York City, of course.

When I realized that this dream would involve me moving to one of the largest cities in the world and entering into one of the most competitive industries, I doubted myself. I had lived in Louisiana almost my entire life. I barely knew how to navigate downtown Shreveport, let alone having to figure out New York freaking City! I wasn’t sure that I could make it, but I am not one to back down from a challenge.

So I set my sights on NYC and started taking the steps to get there.

Cue the arrival of Lola Magazine.

I knew I didn’t stand a chance in New York if I didn’t have some realworld experience, so I searched for a publishing position in Shreveport.

Somehow, I got hold of Carie Hart’s phone number and I called. And I called. And I called, each time asking if they needed an assistant on their

team. Finally, I pestered Carie to her breaking point and she gave me an interview. Sitting down with Bevin and Carie, I told them about my dreams for publishing, my educational background in English, and my determination. They gave me the chance I needed and it was a match made in heaven.

I adored working with Lola.

Whether I was writing and editing articles, working alongside the wonderful Brittany Strickland in photoshoots, or organizing wardrobe for the next fashion spread, I enjoyed every second of my work. Along with my new job, I also threw myself into my schoolwork and graduated with highest honors, I took on side jobs with my college’s publishing press, and I somehow managed to meet and fall in love with the one New Jerseyan guy in all of Louisiana who had equal dreams for a career in New York. As the years passed, I saw the magazine grow and I saw myself grow with it.

Fast forward to May 2019. As much as I loved my job with Lola, it had to come to an end. I said my goodbyes and hopped on a plane, hand in hand with my boyfriend, as we flew up north together. While everyone else from my graduating class spent the summer lounging on beaches and soaking up the sun, I spent the summer applying to endless jobs and seeing constant rejection letters. By the time the end of July rolled around, I started to think that I would never get my foot in the door with New York publishing.

Finally, however, I got a response from an independent but international publishing house, Austin Macauley Publishers. After two interviews and a lot of nail biting, Austin Macauley

WRITTEN BY ROSE MCMASTER

128. Rose McMaster Lola Magazine Intern Making Her Way In NYC

128

offered me a position as an Editorial Assistant. I had achieved what had been my goal for years: I had gotten into a publishing house! Still today, there are times where I just sit back and think to myself, “I can’t believe I actually did it.”

I miss Louisiana. I miss walking down my street on summer evenings, when the unbearable heat has finally loosened up and I’m serenaded by the cicadas in the pecan trees. I miss the smell of burning leaves. I miss sitting on the banks of the Red River with my friends. I miss the FOOD, gumbo, crawfish, jambalaya, dear Lord please give me something with Cajun spice!

But I love New York. I love the bustle, I love the grime, I love the endless amounts of scaffolding. I love how everyone packs into one subway car like sardines and how people blatantly ignore the crosswalk signals.

I love the lack of southern hospitality yet the unspoken loyalty and even begrudging love New Yorkers hold toward their city.

I don’t know where the future will take me. I mean, I’m only 22 and I am in no rush. Whether I stay in New York for the rest of my life, move back to the south, or go somewhere different altogether, the one thing I know for sure is that I will always be proud of achieving this step in life and grateful for the people who helped me get here.

Bringing you

HOLLY ROCA www.hollyroca.com

YOUR EXCLUSIVE REALTOR ® IN THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS METROPOLITAN AREA AND ALL OF NORTH WEST LOUISIANA

318.754.7039 | HollyRoca@kw.com

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Merry Christmas FROM

COSSE AND SILMON ORTHODONTICS