publisher's note
2020. It may have been a heavy time full of many
Basket Of Hope Louisiana The Power of Faith
serious issues, but now we have the opportunity to
WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST PHOTOS COURTESY BASKET OF HOPE
Celebrating All That We Have Overcome SO HERE WE are in the midst of the holidays. It’s my favorite time of the year - even in a year like
celebrate all that we’ve overcome with peace and the light-hearted spirit of this holiday season. Our December issue brings you everything from inspiring stories to warm your heart, gift ideas for that special person, glittering fashions, seasonal
after her umpteenth surgery – the child who doctors told you would never
self-care, and tips on Christmas trees and gift
walk or talk. Your son is at home on the Northshore with needs of his own. At
wrapping, to food and drink recipes for creating festive gatherings. After taking care of everyone
the same time, you are going through a divorce. What is on your mind? For
else, treat yourself to one of our featured gifts
Ann Ollendike, when despair could easily have overtaken her, she was called
from local retailers in our gift guides on page eight.
to carry hope to families like her own in their darkest of times.
Please think about the year our local businesses have had and consider them first as you shop. It’s always our priority to support local businesses and bring you The Northshore’s Best so we’re excited to announce that voting for 2020 is now open from
“It’s a story of faith,” says the buoyant speech pathologist. “I had worked in hospitals so I knew what parents of sick children endure, but I never dreamed I’d have a child with disabilities. In 2008, as I sat with my daughter, Juliana,
December 1 through December 31. You can learn
my eyes were opened to the needs of other children in the hospital and
more about some of last year’s winners starting
their families. I felt in my heart that I was chosen to help, and I wanted to be
on page 26. Visit sophisticatedwoman.com or our Facebook page to cast your vote for this year’s
obedient to God’s will.” Despite having more than her own share of worries, Ann
Northshore’s Best. Speaking of up-and-coming
had a vision to create baskets filled with items for children and parents alike.
professionals, I know you’ll enjoy our Enterprising Woman cover story on page 22 about Katie Toups
“As a professional, I knew the value and impact of play therapy and wanted to
of The Blue Heron Group powered by Anchor
include games and crafts to get the kids’ minds off their illness, helping them
South Real Estate. Share in Katie’s story as she
to heal. For the parents, I envisioned including items to bring encouragement
spreads her wings with an exciting new venture headquartered in Madisonville.
and comfort, like books with uplifting messages and personal items.”
Finally, I’d like to personally thank all of our
Understandably, with the demands of caring for her own family along with
readers and advertisers for your support over
returning to work, Ann moved her charitable plans to the back burner having
the last year. Every day, I give thanks to God and all those who have made it possible for me to
found starting from scratch too formidable. However, an unexpected source
support women and share their inspiring stories
would offer a solution and remain woven throughout her endeavor’s success.
each month as we continue to bring Sophisticated Woman Magazine to our community. From the Sophisticated Woman family, we wish you a happy, healthy and joyful holiday season.
Lorie Hollis 6
IMAGINE SITTING IN Children’s Hospital with your ill, special-needs child
Sophisticated Woman | December 2020
She explains, “Our household loves football. In fact, Juliana’s first spoken word
