BayouLife Magazine August 23

BLcontents

8 / JUST PEACHY

This Aperol peach margarita is the kind of cocktail summer dreams are made of. With a hint of spice and peach popsicle garnish, these drinks will sure to be a frosty favorite.

16 / LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

School may be starting, but there are plenty of sunny days ahead. Check out these cute sunnies from local boutiques.

24 / FRESH CATCH

Reel in the flavors of these delightful dishes that feature blackened and fried fish.

26 / SUGAR HIGH

Indulge in sweet delights. These irresistible treats are a heavenly escape from the ordinary.

34 / BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

Taylor Bennett created an arrangement that combines beautiful blooms with fresh fruits and veggies. Tulips, spray roses,

delphinium, eucalyptus and grapes are nestled in an antique pewter vase.

36 / SEASONAL SALADS

These fresh and flavorful salads will brighten up your summertime palate.

44 / BAYOU EATS

probably tell you she wasn’t so sure about it. But now, the Monroe native believes she is exactly where she should be.

88 / BAYOU ICON

APRIL 2018

Adjacent to U.S. Route 165, tucked by Century Village Blvd, POUR by Char 19 is offering an extensive selection of premium wines, cocktails, and dining options at an upscale venue with relaxed overtones.

55 / BAYOU FEATURE

Growing up in the South while in a Pakistani-American household informs Nadia Elahi’s perspective. Through that juxtaposition, Nadia shares her life experiences and social commentary in the blog Pakistani Southern Belle.

70 / BAYOU ARTIST

If you asked JaCera François how she felt about moving back home to Ouachita Parish after graduating college, she would

Because of her trailblazing efforts to bring fine dining to the riverfront, and for her “can do” spirit that permeates every aspect of her life, Jan Mason is our August BayouIcon.

100 / MILETELLO FARMS

After years of concerns that led to discouragement regarding the actual nutrition of the food they and their children were consuming, Matt and Marylane Miletello, proprietors of Miletello Family Farms, began utilizing more of their own lawn for gardening.

104 / BAYOU FASHION

Start the school year off right with these fresh looks from area boutiques. From bell bottom jeans to printed tees, these looks are head of the class.

August is one of our staff’s favorite issues for one reason: food. Everyone in the office has gained a few pounds just flipping through the pages because we sampled everything that we pictured. It’s no secret that I have Celiac disease, so I suffered a little bit when mouth-watering petit fours from our friends at Thurman’s Food Factory walked through the door. But, we did get to munch on the Watermelon Feta Salad from Newk’s Eatery.

This month we teamed up with some of our favorite restaurants for a few beautiful pictorial spreads. Our styling genius, Taylor Bennett, arranged our Seasonal Salads, Sugar High and Fresh Catch shoots with Kelly Moore Clark photographing. Get your mouth-watering fix on pages 24, 26, 36 and 37.

Two years ago, a beloved restaurant known for its delightful balance of comfort and design, closed after a fire completely destroyed all of the kitchen area. For a while, it seemed that the Northeast Louisiana community would be left without the satisfying menu of Char 19, known for its combination of fine dining elements and the flare of American grill classics. While the original Char 19 remains in the memory of those who relished its signature cocktails and creative dining specials, a few miles away from the original location an offshoot has sprouted. Adjacent to U.S. Route 165, tucked by Century Village Blvd, POUR by Char 19 is offering an extensive selection of premium wines, cocktails, and dining options at an upscale venue with relaxed overtones. Read about it on pages 44-47.

It takes a very special person to work in the hospitality industry. The hours are long, the challenges are many, but for some, it is the perfect vocation.

BayouLife

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com

Jan Mason, co-owner and proprietress of Warehouse No. 1, is one of those special people who seems to have been born for the job. Her restaurant has been serving delicious meals for 43 years now, and for almost all of those, Jan has been a mainstay. Her touch is evident in the details – the food, the service, the décor, the ambiance. In spite of the demands of The Warehouse, she still finds time to help others. Because of her trailblazing efforts to bring fine dining to the riverfront, and for her “can do” spirit that permeates every aspect of her life, Jan Mason is our August BayouIcon. Read Georgiann Pott’s article on page 88.

I love this month’s back-to-school fashion shoot. Our community came to our rescue by donating desks for us to use, and Nathan Coker graciously spent a few days painting those desks to match our seamless. Ashley Greer stepped in and made modeling look effortless. Special thanks to Dusty & Company, HerringStone’s Hemline Monroe and Palette House & Plume for being a part of this shoot. Find it on page 104.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine Thank you for keeping it local.

Cassie

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nathan Coker nathan@bayoulifemag.com

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

Katelyn McAllister katelyn@bayoulifemag.com

Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com

Cait Wise cait@bayoulifemag.com

ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Darian Atkins

Nils Borquist

Dan Chason

Kenny Covington

Shannon Dahlum

Dr. David D. Finley

Cindy Gist Foust

Starla Gatson

Kerry Heafner

Paul Lipe

Erin Love

Meredith McKinnie

Andrew Patton, MD Georgiann Potts

Delia Simpson

Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera

Judy Wagoner

Guy Miller Val Irion, MD

Robert D. Marx, MD Rev. Bette Kauffman, PHD

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darian Atkins

ON THE COVER FISH + SALT

Styled by Taylor Bennett and Meagan Russell

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

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

Just Peachy

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 cup tequila

1 cup Aperol

1 cup Cointreau

1 cup fresh lime juice

4 cups frozen peaches

1/2 cup of honey

3 cups of ice

3/4 cup of coconut milk

Rim margarita glass with Tajin. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until slushy. Pour into glass and enjoy. Add popsicles or mint (or both) as garnish.

To make popsicles combine 6 cups of chopped peaches with 1/2 cup of pineapple juice and puree until smooth. Add to popsicle mold and let freeze.

This Aperol peach margarita is the kind of cocktail summer dreams are made of. With a hint of spice and peach popsicle garnish, these drinks will sure to be a frosty favorite.

Louisiana Delta Community College

Start Here, Go Anywhere!

RHONDA RUSHING, PMHNPBC, IS A LOUISIANA DELTA Community College (LDCC) alum and no stranger to challenges. Her soft-spoken persona gives no indication of the grit, tenacity, drive, and passion bubbling just beneath her surface. If a road is marked easy, it seems Rushing intentionally takes the road less traveled. Speaking with her, it becomes clear Rushing’s heart dictates her path.

She was a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for sixteen years before enrolling in the registered nursing program at LDCC. Rushing graduated from the program at the age of fifty. Coincidently, her mother began to suffer from dementia and moved in with Rushing. The opportunity to utilize her skills came much closer to home than she expected. There was a significant difference in caring for her mother, though. “Even though you learn things in the textbook, when it’s your parent, you don’t really see it,” says Rushing of her mother’s dementia symptoms. Walking with her mother through that process deepened her desire to help others.

Though Rushing professed she’d never return to school after completing the Associate of Science in Nursing degree; she completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through LSU Online and graduate school at the University of South Alabama. Midway through graduate school (December 2019), Rushing caught an early case of COVID-19, which preceded three strokes the week before Christmas. Resolved that her time had come and her soul was ready, Rushing halted prayers for healing. The strokes caused temporary damage but Rushing overcame them. Despite her medical trials, Rushing persevered. “I was able to finish graduate school, and I actually passed my ANCC certification (American Nurses Credentialing Center) on my mother’s birthday,” shares Rushing.

A woman on a mission is an understatement for Rushing. “I do feel like I have work to do. I do feel like I want to utilize my time to do good and help others,” explains Rushing. She does med-management work for some area agencies. Rushing also works with Diane Privitor Davis, APRN, FNPC, PMHNPBC at Therapeutic Psychiatric Services, and if that isn’t enough, she and Heather Batson Kimball opened an addiction recovery treatment clinic, Epiphany Outreach, Epiphany Health. Rushing is the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and Kimball is the Treatment Center Director. “I really believe this saves lives and is

an important service,” says Rushing. “You have to really be dedicated to wanting to do this and to wanting to help.”

Rushing also works with young girls who have been trafficked. Education is a tenant she strives to impart to them. “I tell them the way you make your world the way you want it to be, the way you improve your universe is education. It is the only thing in your life that can’t be taken from you,” says Rushing. These patients are near and dear to her heart.

Of the psychiatric career field, Rushing says there are so many areas in which to work. “It’s rewarding work. I love it when a patient comes back, bright and smiling, and tell me how different their life is now,” shares Rushing.

As a child, Rushing never thought she’d serve her community this way, but her life experience has stirred a desire to help those who feel on the outside. Says Rushing, “I know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, and I want these patients to understand that there are people who care and that there is a way to change your life.” The journey may be huge and require hard work, but Rushing encourages her patients to do the work that will ultimately improve their lives. She believes when patients invest in treatment for themselves, they also invest in their loved ones because their loved ones are impacted by their lives.

Rushing embodies perseverance, dedication, and commitment. The bulk of her education was completed after the age of fifty. She took on a career change and consistently expanded her skillset. At LDCC, we’ve said for years that you can start here and go anywhere, and Rushing is living proof of that.

Sometimes, life doesn’t go as planned. Challenges arise, and sometimes, we don’t rise with them. Time goes by, and before we know it, ten years have passed, maybe even twenty or thirty or more, and we’re still in the same place. Open your heart to hear this, everyone experiences setbacks, and some may not have ever been ahead to be set back. However, many agencies in our area are waiting to serve you. LDCC is one of them. Our area of expertise is preparing citizens with skills for the workforce. If this is your area of need, call us! We’re rooting for your success. Contact us at 318-345-9000 or www.ladelta.edu.

TABLE SALT

While table salt is the most common type of salt used in culinary applications, it can also be used for household purposes, such as cleaning or removing stains. Try kicking it up a notch by infusing it with various herbs, spices or citrus zest.

PINK HIMALAYAN SALT

Pink Himalayan salt is renowned for its unique flavor profile and beautiful pink color. It works well in both savory and sweet dishes, and adds a subtle mineral taste to dishes. Along with being a popular choice for cooking, its mineral-rich composition makes it a popular choice for bath salts.

KOSHER SALT

Kosher salt, known for its large crystal size and pure taste, is very versatile. Use kosher salt to season meat, poultry or fish before cooking. Its coarse texture allows for better absorption and distribution of flavor. Kosher salt can also be used to rim glasses and is the salt to add a finishing touch to meals before service.

Think Outside The Shaker

Discover the world of gourmet salts and elevate your dishes to new heights. From classic table salt to Pink Himalayan salt, these choices will tickle your tastebuds.

MALDON SEA SALT FLAKES

Maldon sea salt flakes have larger crystals compared to table salts, so they don’t dissolve as quickly when used during the cooking process. It’s best to use the as a finishing salt to full appreciate their unique qualities. We love sprinkling sea salt flakes over caramel or chocolate-based desserts.

Burger’s Up

Elevate your burger game with tasty toppings. These perfect patties feature some of our favorite flavors.

Little Miss Sunshine

School may be starting, but there are plenty of sunny days ahead. Check out these cute sunnies from local boutiques.

Living Life Deliciously

Self-Care Through Food

SELF-CARE IS ALL THE BUZZ THESE DAYS AND I AM ALL about the buzz. I discuss self-care frequently with my clients, I suggest it to my friends, recommended it when consulting and try very hard to carry it out in my own life. In fact, I sometimes urge individuals to be intentional about self-care as though they are pouring into themselves all that is good for their mental, emotional, and physical health. What is self-care and what is the buzz about?

Today, self-care is one of the most important things we can all do for ourselves and yet it is not implemented enough. Some attribute the increased discussion of self-care as a result of those going outward to care for others at the expense of going inward to take care of themselves. In my opinion self-care is when the care for self is more than a commercialized or material purchase addressing outer surface needs. Self-care is internalized care that goes deep within touching the inner depths of our being. The concept of self-care, I believe should be more than a passing fad of what we put on our bodies but a lifestyle that includes what we put in our bodies. Self-care has been described as an intentional effort to create your own, physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. As I have indicated in previously written articles, I am a “foodie” or a person who loves good food. I enjoy all aspects of food, shopping for it, preparing it, creating dishes, and of course eating it. How and what we eat is significant to our overall wellness. A favorite, savored, well-cooked, nutritious dish has the power to connect with all of our senses while providing nourishment. Food as self care, put us in the mood of savoring life with the practice of self-care through what we eat, when connecting with others and how we relax. When we think of savoring-we think of food. We must savor every aspect of our lives …our mind, body and soul. I grew up in a family where food was important and often the center of family gatherings, celebratory times, and meaningful experiences. Measures were taken so as not to use food as a coping mechanism to deal with stress and anxiety nor as rewards or comfort. I had an aunt whose doctoral research and administrative leadership was in food and nutrition. As a youngster I traveled to areas of the country with her to deliver research findings on healthy eating particularly for children and those battling health issues. I developed an awareness of the benefits of nutrition as it related to physical health and appearance. It would be later in life through my own academic

training that I would consider the relationship between nutrition and our mental and emotional health. It is to be noted I wrote this article from a personal place of interest and not as a nutritionist or one who has professional expertise and knowledge in this area. Considering what you eat and how it can affect your life is a personal choice that can make a big difference in your well-being, the way you approach your self-care and all your other cares. I encourage all to consider their nutritional health, to seek nutritional guidance and to take a trip to a local health store, I did recently and was like “Wow, I am coming back for a reset, to recharge, to rejuvenate and whenever I have the need to stop, focus and pour into myself.” Many of us have heard the adages “You are what you eat or an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” These are sayings that take in more than the physical body. In fact, research has shown the foods we intake affects mood, our memory, and our cognitive functioning. A balanced, varied diet can be an essential part of self-care as the food you eat impacts your overall health and well-being. Proper nutrition can play an important role in the management of daily stress and the long-term effects that stress can cause. It has been my experience when pouring into others, one must first fill themselves …it is hard to pour into others when your spirit is empty. My suggestion, fill yourself with happiness, feed your mind, body, and soul with nutritional eating such as fresh fruits and vegetables (green grapes are a personal favorite of mine), invest in good mental health care. You’re worth it. Boost your mood and energy levels with proper rest, adequate sleep, exercise, balanced meals, and meditation.

Time waits for no one. In this day when time seems to be going so fast, in situations that can feel stressful and are anxiety provoking it is helpful to slowdown, to take focus, to let go of challenges that serve as distractions from healthy relationships and moments to savor the goodness in life. I suspect if not all of us, most of us are guilty of failing to give ourselves that needed break or respite. With food as self-care may each us of us be mindful of what it means to really live. Let us live a deliciously healthy and happy life through self-care.

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

When we think of Hurricane Katrina, we think of New Orleans. The media’s fascination with the Big Easy resonated across our screens as we watched people stranded on rooftops, wading through rising water, drifting through the rubble of former homes. In this book, Natasha Trethewey pays homage to her hometown of Gulfport, Mississippi, another site ravaged by the same storm. Through a collection of voices blended with her own family testimony, Trethewey picks up the pieces of the lives affected by the wreckage, the people who nurtured her during childhood, the community that gives her strength. In a beautiful collection of interviews, city history, family pictures, letters, and her beloved poetry, Trethewey reassembles the pieces of the lives and history the flood waters came to wash away.

In one of the included poems, Trethewey writes:

“You can get there from here, though there’s no going home.

Everywhere you go will be somewhere you’ve never been.”

In returning home after the waters receded, Trethewey finds a community trying against all financial obstacles, to rebuild, to

recover what had been lost, to put the pieces back together that don’t quite fit the same. In her community’s stories, she finds glimpses of hope, but also a harsh awareness of reality. She writes, “A preferred narrative is one of the common bonds between people in a time of crisis.” We see this locally, as after any natural disaster, T-shirts are printed with “Ruston Strong” or “Monroe Proud.” We focus on the positive, the way a community comes together in times of crisis, bonded by a shared experience that ruffles the edges of difference. But in those uplifting messages, struggle still remains. Trethewey’s mediation on the Gulf Coast is a testament to the power of community and the reality of recovery. As shown in the people’s testimonies, the memory of before and after can span decades or just until the next storm comes.

This mediation is intimate, heartbreaking, informative, and shows the resilience and spirit of the people who still call the Gulf Coast home. Trethewey was awarded the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for Native Guard. A former Poet Laureate of Mississippi, Trethewey was named United States Poet Laureate in 2012 and 2013.

“Perhaps this is the most we can hope for: that as the memory of the hurricane fades into the background of our collective imagination, the worst experiences of it receding into the distance, Katrina may become, like Camille before it, a cautionary tale and marker of time - a way to link the narratives of our past to our ever-evolving future: Before and After.”

“Beyond Katrina: A Meditation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast”

“Names are talismans of memory too - Katrina, Camille. Perhaps this is why we name our storms.”

Alumni Spotlight

ULM Alum: Roy Arthur

ROY ARTHUR’S ACADEMIC JOURNEY INVOLVED dynamic shifts that became consistent markers of his professional trajectory. After graduating from St. Frederick High School, Roy left home for college, only to return within a few months. Having worked at Johnny’s Pizza, with then-budding local restaurateur Johnny Huntsman, Roy found that he needed to work and attend classes, and remaining in Monroe allowed him that balance. He entered Huntsman’s manager program, working 30+ hours per week and attending ULM classes in the morning. Johnny Huntsman preached the importance of a person’s work ethic and encouraged his employees to pursue higher education. Roy worked at the Johnny’s Pizza on South 2nd Street in Monroe, and when Johnny expanded into the Shreveport market, Roy paused his education again to help open three new stores. That initial experience, learning when to juggle and when to focus on one endeavor, proved vital to navigating life’s inevitable twists and turns.

When Roy returned to Monroe, intent on pursuing his degree full time, he majored in marketing. And unlike other college students who use classes to determine a final major, Roy’s work experience solidified his path. He wanted to work in sales, enjoyed interacting with people, and preferred the outdoors to sitting behind a desk all day. While at ULM, Roy still needed to work and took a job with Central Oil & Supply, all while picking up a few night shifts at Johnny’s Pizza on the weekends. While time for extracurricular activities was limited, Roy loved attending university sporting events, a passion that continues to this day. At Central Oil & Supply, Roy started in the warehouse, working his way up to a sales position as a Texaco distributor. He sold bulk oil to Texaco stations and farmers in North and Central Louisiana. Despite so many responsibilities, Roy graduated with a Bachelor’s in Marketing and later obtained a Bachelor’s in Accounting.

In addition to the mentorship of Johnny Huntsman, Roy benefitted from interactions with his ULM professors. Dr. McBeth in Management and Marketing, alongside Dr. Dolecheck and Dr. Defatta in Accounting, provided the business knowledge for Roy to be successful in his career. The combination of working while going to classes reinforced the necessity of learning business principles and putting them into practice.Roy also admired his future father-

in-law John Luffey Sr., a successful accountant who owned a local CPA firm. While Roy had gone to school since elementary with the Luffey children, it wasn’t until college that Roy and Terri Luffey, John’s daughter, reconnected and began dating. The couple married in 1983, the year before Roy graduated from ULM and they soon had two daughters: Cynthia and Victoria. Terri and Roy will be married 40 years this month.

While working on the second degree in accounting, Roy took a job with Entergy, for which he traveled to New Orleans frequently. The family briefly moved to Kenner after his graduation, but returned home after missing the Monroe community. Roy took a job with Luffey’s Medical & Surgical Supply, the family business, in 1991, advancing to president of the company in the late 90s. During Roy’s tenure, the rapid advancement of e-commerce and the emergence of Amazon made it hard for local supply companies to compete for business. After 51 years, Luffey’s Medical & Surgical Supply closed its doors, and Roy returned to the restaurant industry he knew so well. With partners Lindsay Leavitt and Joey Trappey, Roy purchased Portico and returned to interacting with people in a more relaxed environment. His business skills were essential to making the restaurant profitable. Roy paid close attention to labor and food costs, alongside food quality and pricing. He realized how much he missed people and enjoyed visiting with friends when they would come in for lunch and dinner. He took pride in providing a service that utilized his talents, both his people skills and his business acumen. After Roy and Joey sold their ⅔ of Portico to Lindsay Leavitt, Roy opened and now operates Miro’s in Monroe.

As a ULM alumni and devoted sports fan, Roy is happy to see the University heading in the right direction. The beautiful campus is led by a phenomenal administration that is intent on growing local support for the institution. ULM is a cornerstone of the community, and Northeast Louisiana is dependent on its continued success. As a beneficiary of this community and a patron of the University, Roy is excited about watching his children and grandchildren grow and flourish in this positive environment.

Fresh Catch

Blackened fish is served over a fresh salad with boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and black olives. Dive into this and other great dishes at Clawdaddy’s Crawfish and Oyster Bar

Reel in the flavors of these delightful dishes that feature blackened and fried fish.

Sugar High

Indulge in sweet delights. These irresistible treats are a heavenly escape from the ordinary.

The Road to Ruple Begins Here

Neville Junior High School’s Journey to Excellence

WELCOME TO NEVILLE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, A place where excellence is not only the destination but also the starting point. Our school’s motto, “Excellence for All, Excellence from All,” reflects our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment where every student can achieve their academic potential. Our mission is clear: to prepare students for lifelong learning and college and career readiness while easing the transition from elementary school to junior high school and beyond.

At Neville Junior High School, we recognize the significance of the journey students embark on during their formative years. That is why we place great emphasis on building strong connections with our feeder elementary schools and Neville High School. By working collaboratively with these institutions, we ensure a seamless transition for our students, helping them adapt to the challenges of each educational phase while nurturing their independence and sense of responsibility.

One of the unique aspects of our curriculum is the opportunity for students to earn numerous high school credits before they even reach Neville High School. Our diverse range of classes, such as Algebra I, journalism, physical science, Intro to BCA (Business and Computer Applications), Quest for Success, and gifted courses, empowers students to explore their interests and accelerate their learning journey. Additionally, we take immense pride in fostering artistic talent through our talented art programs.

A key component of our educational approach lies in our commitment to effective instruction every day. Our dedicated educators focus on three fundamental pillars: Skillful Curriculum Use, Demonstration of Learning, and Setting High Expectations for all Students. By adhering to these principles, Neville Junior High prepares students not only for academic success but also for the challenges of the real world.

Beyond the classroom, we recognize the importance of engaging students in extracurricular activities. Our school offers a wide array of opportunities in academics, athletics, and the arts, allowing each student to find their passion and flourish. From competitive sports like soccer, cheerleading, football, and softball to enriching electives like choir, art, computer applications, journalism, film, yearbook, Spanish, band, and orchestra, we strive to cater to the diverse

interests of our student population. Moreover, our students can participate in student council, robotics/STEM club, and the robotics team, encouraging teamwork and innovative thinking.

Neville Junior High firmly believes that the involvement of the community is integral to the development and success of our students and school environment. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly to build strong relationships with students, parents, and community members. This collaborative effort forms the foundation of a familycentered school experience, wherein we focus on nurturing the whole child to become productive and responsible members of society.

We understand that choosing the right junior high school for your child is an essential decision for any parent. At Neville Junior High, we are dedicated to providing a well-rounded and individualized education that prepares students for a lifetime of learning. We strive to instill in them not only a thirst for knowledge but also a passion for making a positive impact on the world around them.

If you are considering Neville Junior High School for your child’s education, we encourage you to reach out to any of our administrative offices at (318)-323-1143. Our team will be delighted to provide you with more information about our programs, curriculum, and extracurricular activities. Together, we can set your child on a path to academic excellence and personal growth.

In conclusion, Neville Junior High School is more than just a place of education; it is a community that fosters a love for learning, empowers students to realize their potential, and nurtures the values that will guide them throughout their lives. Our commitment to excellence drives us forward, and we are excited to welcome each new student to embark on “The Road to Ruple,” where greatness begins and futures are shaped. Always remember, “Every day is a great day to be a Neville Tiger.”

ADAPTING FLYING MACHINES TO MILITARY SERVICE

The month of August has one of the most important anniversaries of American aviation. On August 1, 1907, the Chief Signal Officer, U.S. Army Brigadier General James Allen sent out a memorandum establishing the Aeronautical Division of the United States Army Signal Corps. Under Allen’s order, the division had charge of “all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects” with a goal of “stud[ing] the flying machine and the possibility of adapting it to military purposes.”

The Army Signal Corps had actually been associated with aeronautics since the American Civil War. The Union Army Balloon Corps had been established during the war to observe Confederate deployments and movements and use signals to send that information back to Union commanders on the ground.

In 1906, the commandant of the Army’s Signal School was Major George O. Squier, a student of aeronautical theory who gave lectures on aircraft. When Squier was subsequently made executive officer to General Allen in July, 1907, he successfully pushed for creation of a separate aviation department within the Signal Corps.

The Aeronautical Division was initially a very small outfit with one officer and two enlisted men. In 1908, with the help of President Teddy Roosevelt, it was able to purchase and train men on a small dirigible and a Wright Flyer airplane. The corrosive effects of weather and hydrogen gas cut short the life of the dirigible service. The Wright Flyer crashed when the propeller broke loose and damaged a wing. Pilot Orville Wright was hospitalized and his observer was killed. Regardless, the Signal Corps was able to purchase a second, improved plane and the Army finally accepted it as “Airplane No. 1,” on August 2, 1909.

The first flight training school was

established on July 3, 1911 and by October the Signal Corps was operating with nine of its acquired eleven aircraft- one plane had been destroyed and “Airplane No. 1” had been donated to the Smithsonian. The Division adopted the Rules of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and its standards for pilot certification, and Congress approved flight pay and accelerated promotion for pilots in 1913.

In early 1913, all aviators were ordered to Galveston, Texas where on March 3 the Chief Signal Officer designated these men and their equipment the “1st Provisional Aero Squadron”; the first military unit of the U.S. Army devoted exclusively to aviation. General orders later redesignated the unit as the 1st Aero Squadron effective December 8, 1913. This squadron became the first air combat unit of the Army when it participated in the Punitive Expedition of the Mexican border in 1916.

These early days of military aviation were very dangerous. Of the 33 planes purchased by the Aeronautical Division between 1908 and early 1914, at least 25 were destroyed or determined unfit for service after crashing. (The actual number could have been as high as 28- there are no records as to the fate of three aircraft.) 51 pilots were trained but 13 more were killed in crashes.

Despite the crashes and casualties, the Aeronautical Division did indeed prove the worth of military aviation and Congress enacted a law to establish an Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps on July 18, 1914. The Aviation Section was allowed 60 officers and 260 enlisted men to train “officers and enlisted men in matters pertaining to military aviation” and to operate and supervise “all military [Army] aircraft, including balloons and aeroplanes, all appliances pertaining to said craft, and signaling apparatus of any kind when installed on said craft.” The Aeronautical Division continued to exist in name but only

as the Washington office of the Aviation Section.

As World War I raged in Europe, aviation played an incrementally greater role. Noting this, the U.S. Congress awarded $500,000 to the Aviation Section on March 31, 1916, then on August 29 a further $13,281,666 for military aeronautics and $600,000 for the purchase of land for airfields. The National Defense Act of 1916 increased the number of officers authorized in the Aviation Section from 60 to 148 and gave the President the power to set the enlisted personnel number. The act further authorized a Reserve Corps of 297 officers and 2000 enlisted men to be trained by the Section.

President Woodrow Wilson issued an executive order on May 20, 1918 that transferred aviation from the Signal Corps to two agencies under the Secretary of War: the Bureau of Aircraft Production and the Division of Military Aeronautics. Four days later the War Department officially established the two merged agencies as the U.S. Army Air Service.

The Air Service flew in World War I combat for only nine months- from February to November 1918. Its final number of 740 aircraft comprised only 11 percent of the total aircraft strength of Allied nations at the armistice. Despite its smaller size the Air Service conducted 150 bombing attacks, dropped 138 tons of bombs and downed 756 enemy aircraft and 76 balloons. 289 American airplanes and 48 balloons were lost during the war.

Although demobilized to peacetime strength after the armistice, the Army Reorganization Act of 1920 reaffirmed the Air Service as a combatant arm of the Army with a major general as the Chief of the Air Service. Included in the Air Service roster was a young pilot named Claire L. Chennault. But that is a story for another day. Or one which can be discovered today at the Chennault Museum.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Savings

The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group

AS SUMMER COMES TO AN END, WIND DOWN AT THE Medical Spa with these August Specials:

• 4 Radiofrequency Treatments, Face or Neck - $500 ($1000 value)

• Radiofrequency Microneedling - $450

• 3 Glo2Facials - $300 ($495 value)

• Kybella - $450 per vial

LEGEND PRO

Legend Pro by Lumenis offers TriPollar Radiofrequency Technology. Radiofrequency triggers regeneration of collagen and elastin fibers by applying controlled heating to the deep dermis layer of the skin. This technology can be applied to areas of laxity on the face and neck. What sets the Legend Pro apart is the equipment offers a combination treatment as well with VoluDerm (Radiofrequency Microneedling). This encourages the generation of new healthy skin by applying Radiofrequency-assisted thin electrodes and creating controlled micro wounds. These micro wounds also trigger the production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Microneedling targets fine lines, enlarged pores and texture. Your treatment is completely customizable — TriPollar and Radiofrequency microneedling can be completed separately, or you may choose a combination treatment, depending on desired results. Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild redness, which can last from a few hours up to a few days. We recommend not wearing makeup for 48-72 hours post treatment to allow for better healing. Results are best with a course of 3-5 sessions, with the sessions being 4-6 weeks apart.

GLO2FACIAL

The Glo2Facial by Geneo is a breakthrough treatment that unlocks the body’s natural superpowers: Oxfoliate with 02 bubbles, amplify with Lux via our lite ultrasound experience and detox via lymphatic massage. Each Glo2Facial is formulated with highly effective, natural ingredients to target specific skincare concerns. With six different treatments, your Glo2Facial is customizable for every age, skin type and season. Glo2Facial delivers clear, calm and naturally hydrated skin through patented technology and highly

effective, natural ingredients. With six customization options, Glo2Facial will become your go-to treatment. This month is an excellent opportunity to complete a series of Glo2Facials to help:

• Balance: Best for oily, acne-prone skin. Balance removes impurities, fights acne and minimizes oil production.

• Detox: Best for skin regularly exposed to allergens. Detox protects the skin from environmental stressors.

• Glam: Best for preventing signs of aging. Glam improves elasticity and prevents loss of collagen.

• Hydrate: Best for dull, dry skin. Hydrate enhances moisture retention and strengthens the skin barrier.

• Illuminate: Best for pigmented skin. Illuminate unifies skin tone and reduces pigmentation.

• Revive: Best for mature skin. Revive reduces fine lines, improves texture and smooths overall appearance.

KYBELLA

Are you suffering from a double chin or excess under chin fat? We have a solution for that! Kybella is a nonsurgical FDA-approved injection technique using deoxycholic acid to target fat cells in the chin area. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule found naturally occurring in your body that helps to break down and absorb fat permanently. Prior to any injections, we recommend a consultation with our provider. They can determine if you are a good candidate for Kybella and discuss expectations. The number of sessions varies for each person. Down time is minimal with some mild redness and swelling. Be sure to come by The Medical Spa this month to take advantage of our specials and events, and to find out more about the medical-grade skincare products offered here! We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont St., Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. Follow The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on our weekly specials, sales, promotions and giveaways.

Bountiful Harvest

Taylor Bennett created an arrangement that combines beautiful blooms with fresh fruits and veggies. Tulips, spray roses, delphinium, eucalyptus and grapes are nestled in an antique pewter vase.

Seasonal Salads

This Strawberry Pecan Summer Salad is topped with your choice of any scoop served atop a bed or spring lettuce and a delicious mix of dried cranberries , apples, strawberries, feta cheese and pecans.

Massaged kale ribbons, a lot of parmesan, garlic black pepper breadcrumbs and lemon ceasar dressing pack the flavor in this mouthwatering Kale Salad at Victory Pizza Bar inside Flying Tiger Brewery.

These fresh and flavorful salads will brighten up your summertime palate.

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY

This Parmesan Chicken salad is bursting with flavorful boneless, skinless chicken breast that is served over green salad with fresh tomatoes, black and green olives, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan and Italian dressing.

DOE’S EAT PLACE

This Black and Blue Steak salad has crisp red onions, fresh cherry tomatoes, Blue cheese crumbles and tender, delicious steak from Doe’s Eat Place.

NEWK’S EATERY

All natural chicken is served with an arugula and romaine blend, cucumbers, watermelon, blueberries, feta, green onion and sherry vinaigrette in the Watermelon Feta Salad from Newk’s Eatery.

“The Water Dancer”

On a 19th century Virginia plantation, young Hiram Walker knows only the landscape in front of him. As the dominance of American chattel slavery begins its demise, Hiram and his fellow Tasked, as Coates refers to the enslaved in the book, are seeing the ripples of discord among abolitionists and plantation owners that are intent on maintaining their way of life. Hiram, whose white biological father is the Lockless plantation owner, is summoned to the Main House to care for his father’s legitimate son Maynard. Possessing a photographic memory, Hiram grapples with the onslaught of collective memories of bondage, including his mother being sold when he was only nine. When Maynard drowns at a bridge crossing and Hiram is mysteriously found alive on the riverbank, Hiram uncovers his power of conduction, the ability to move people through time and space. As his father begins an emotional decline made more pertinent by the financiallyfailing plantation, Hiram executes an escape that channels him into an underground network of abolitionists where he meets Moses, a literary recreation of Harriet Tubman, noted for helping others escape American bondage. Torn between the promise of freedom and a paradoxical longing for home and the people he left behind, Hiram navigates a secret world of narrow escapes and loss as he wrestles with the budding reality of young love.

Coates’ writing possesses a lyrical quality, the phrases that sing across the page: “The tree of our family was parted - branches here, roots

there - parted for their lumber.” In this adaptation of the slave narrative genre, Coates weaves the historical and the fantastical, imagining what elements of magic may have aided in slaves defying the impossible and obtaining freedom. This meditation on memory framed in the horrors of American slavery dares to challenge history’s version of events, to deem the enslaved as their own saviors long before their full humanity was legally recognized. Coates blends his tale of the Underground Railroad in a similar fashion to author Colson Whitehead, yet with the added element of divine intervention, a God living among the people in Moses and her comrades. Coates creates characters that we long to root for, yet keeps them distantly drifting in a plot that meanders. Some moments hit the mark and are rather poignant, while others seem lost in the very fog that accompanies the conductions across the riverbanks.

As a devotee to historical fiction and the slave narrative genre, I enjoyed this book, especially for the melodic writing style. I would hesitate to suggest it to someone who does not idolize the genre for the complicated plot gaps and loose ends. TaNehisi Coates has also written three works of nonfiction, including Between the World and Me which won the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction. His meditations on race can also be found in the comic books he’s written for Marvel such as Black Panther and Captain America.

“I was young and love to me was a fuse that was lit, not a garden that was grown. Love was not concerned with any deep knowledge of its object, of their wants and dreams, but mainly with the joy felt in their presence and the sickness felt in their departure.”

“I was what I was and could no more choose my family, even a family denied me, than I could choose a country that denies us all the same.”

Meredith’s Musings

SANDALS AND SUCH

It’s early spring, Friday afternoon. The sun is shining, the lush green landscape is resurfacing, and I have two more hours of freedom thanks to childcare. I never pictured myself being one of those people who enters a store simply to peruse the aisles. I shop on a mission - with a list. I even check off the list as I fill my cart - a dopamine rush. Motherhood has lowered my bar for selfgratification. But this day I had time to kill and so I followed the outline of the store. With a mind always in motion, I assumed the must-grab items were intentionally placed in the back so one couldn’t help but peruse in route to a destination. As I passed the shoes, I remembered my five-year-old needed sandals. While scanning the hordes of options in every size, shape, and strap combination, I remembered I had no idea what size she wore. I phoned Husband.

Never once did I feel shame for not knowing my kid’s shoe size. I purchase much of their clothing in advance and rarely dress them myself. In one of our many talks about what is and is not working in our relationship, I had mentioned to Husband that I felt overwhelmed by the invisible morning labor. The conversation occurred when our five-year-old was only 12 months old. As he left by 6:30 each morning, getting myself and a small child ready felt like a

full day’s work in the span of an hour. He asked what I needed. I needed our child and soon enough, the other child, dressed in the morning before he left for work. As he has no hair and no societal expectation of presentation, he can dress himself in all of 5 minutes. He agreed, and it has become our routine. I rarely dress the girls in the morning, and to top it off, he handles bath time as well. We found a system that works for us without either feeling strung out or seething with resentment. And a conversation is all it takes. It almost feels too easy or have we become accustomed to relationships being hard?

Fast forward four years, and in the middle of the Target kid shoe section, I call Husband to ask what size to buy our daughter. After a brief exchange, I select the sandals, toss them in the cart, and start wheeling away. A woman stops her cart at the end of the aisle and just stares at me.

“Hello,” I acknowledge her casually. “Was that her dad who knew her shoe size?” she asked. “Yes,” I answered and smiled. “My husband never knew our child’s shoe size.” she responded. Any response would have come across judgmental or boastful, so I simply wheeled my cart away.

I receive such comments often and sometimes from my own family. When I would nod at Husband that a child needed

to be changed, someone would inevitably comment on “a man doing diapers,” as if childcare is solely a woman’s responsibility. I can’t sense if the comments are rooted in envy or praise or somewhere in between, but they always rub me the wrong way. It feels like shaming, regardless of the intention behind the comment. Perhaps my taking the comments negatively is a sign of my own internalizing of gender stereotypes. But I try to understand why I feel a certain way rather than explaining it away.

Once at the park, a woman stopped to tell Husband, who was pushing our daughter on the swing, what a good Daddy he was. My feminized Husband, pointed to me pushing our other daughter in the swing, and said I was a good mother as well. I appreciate those moments because I don’t feel alone in them. Husband notices them too, though admits he never did before I started pointing them out. I can’t change people’s gendered expectations but I can challenge them relentlessly. I can carve out an egalitarian approach to parenting and relationships that don’t stifle one gender while putting another on a societal pedestal. And I don’t have to carry the responsibility alone. It helps having a partner to carve alongside me, one shoe or comment or “compliment” at a time.

I REMEMBER

I REMEMBER, as I contemplate facing the heat and humidity that are integral parts of August weather, how I reacted to my initial introduction to summertime in Northeast Louisiana. I had been given the opportunity to serve the Delhi Presbyterian Church as a student supply pastor during the summer of 1960. Their pastor had accepted a call to another church and I was to “fill in” while the Delhi Church looked for his replacement. I realized that, when the summer ended, I would return to the seminary for my last year of study, leaving Delhi behind. So I headed out in my non-air conditioned Pontiac, looking for the town of Delhi. The longer I travelled, the more I was aware of how hot it was and the more I questioned whether or not I could make it through the summer.

Upon arriving in Delhi, I met the retiring pastor, who was scheduled to depart the next day. He showed me the pastor’s study which, to my great relief, was cooled by a window AC (well, at least I could study and prepare sermons without too much “suffering”!). Next, he took me to the sanctuary which, I learned, was also chilled by a huge cooling

system. Great! That meant that our worship services would be conducted in comfort! Maybe I could make it through the summer after all. Finally, the pastor showed me my living quarters. Would you believe it? It was also air conditioned. I had learned again: God is good!

Not only did He get me through that hot summer, He also worked things out so that the Delhi Presbyterian Church decided that they would wait until I graduated from seminary if I would accept a call to be their pastor. I expect that the awareness that there was an abundance of air conditioning in Delhi may have encouraged an affirmative response to their call. Seriously, that was not involved in my consideration; but had it been, it would not have been a negative.

There was a concern, though, and it was that my old Pontiac did not have an air conditioner. I doubted that my parishioners would appreciate having visits from a “sweaty” preacher. Fortunately, since I did not have any educational loans to pay off, I was able to make arrangements by which I could purchase a new vehicle – one that did

have AC My sister, who was a couple of years older and ages more mature than I, and who had a great influence on my life, thought that I was being extravagant in buying an auto with an air conditioner –our family had never owned a car with such excessive luxury. Well, a couple of years into my Delhi ministry, my sister and her husband visited us in our new home town and it did not take long for her to move air conditioning from the category of “luxury” to that of “necessity.”

Air conditioning helped me cope with the heat and humidity; I was able to adjust and ended up pastoring in Delhi for over 50 years.

My point is that we regularly encounter roadblocks or inconveniences that can be frustrating, or even completely disheartening, but if we face them, trusting God to help us, they usually can be managed. I pray, then, that I will rely on God for His grace and that I, and you, will be able to successfully cope with any challenges that confront us. Let’s keep remembering that God is good!

POUR

Adjacent to U.S. Route 165, tucked by Century Village Blvd, POUR by Char 19 is offering an extensive selection of premium wines, cocktails, and dining options at an upscale venue with relaxed overtones.

TWO YEARS AGO, A BELOVED restaurant known for its delightful balance of comfort and design, closed after a fire completely destroyed all of the kitchen area. For a while, it seemed that the Northeast Louisiana community would be left without the satisfying menu of Char 19, known for its combination of fine dining elements and the flare of American grill classics. Those who frequented the restaurant can attest to the welcoming environment curated by Wade Wyatt and Executive Chef John E. Peters III. While the original Char 19 remains in the memory of those who relished its signature cocktails and creative dining specials, a few miles away from the original location an offshoot has sprouted. Adjacent to U.S. Route 165, tucked by Century Village Boulevard, POUR by Char 19 is offering an extensive selection of premium wines, cocktails, and dining options at an upscale venue with relaxed overtones.

The space that now boasts the exciting and breezy eatery was originally POUR Restaurant and Bar, a popular Lafayettebased chain. Unfortunately, the economic rut caused by the Covid-19 pandemic forced its closure, providing the vacant space to become an opportunity for Wyatt and Peters—the perfect opportunity to revive their favorite aspects of their former joint venture. The dynamic duo, who have always considered themselves foodies, attended River Oaks School in Monroe and at some point in their careers were involved in the food industry. In fact, the first Wendy’s established in Louisiana circa 1978 owes its presence to Wyatt’s father. Growing up in the restaurant industry carved his path,

THE RESTAURANT

The current menu not only reflects the warm, intimate feel of the interior design but also considers the pristine wine list, as the restaurant often holds wine-pairing dinners. Additionally, Peters tapped into his extensive culinary experiences to further flesh out what has turned out to be a concise and multifaceted menu.

and at just eighteen years old he managed to open his first bar The Duck Blind Lounge. Though he has opened a few bars since then, he currently owns and operates TBJ’s on Roselawn Avenue. Banking on the success of their first restaurant, the two didn’t hesitate to take a chance in a smaller space that naturally called for a more relaxed and versatile menu.

When Wyatt and Peters made the transition from the expansive dining halls of

Char 19 to the cozy, open-space tavernesque feel of POUR, they found a move-in-ready establishment. Solid wood tables and modern, farmhouse wood chairs neatly line the main dining area, warmly lit by clear glass light pendants. The bar area stands out with sandy-colored wood panels and open cabinets. Stylish, tufted back bar stools match the amber-colored liquid shimmering from glass bottles. But perhaps the most intriguing area can be found at the back

wall of the space where six WineStation pouring systems hold a wide range of wine bottles, each with distinct tasting notes. With the ability to preserve wine for up to sixty days, this wine dispensing technology boasts a programmable portion control where patrons can choose from three pour sizes—taste, half glass, and full glass pour. Bottoms up, to say the least.

The current menu not only reflects the warm, intimate feel of the interior design but also considers the pristine wine list, as the restaurant often holds wine-pairing dinners. Additionally, Peters tapped into his extensive culinary experiences to further flesh out what has turned out to be a concise and multifaceted menu. He began his culinary training straight out of college and managed to sharpen his skills at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, a household name known for its refined Creole dining since 1880. Making his way back to Monroe, he worked as executive chef at Warehouse No. 1 twice, owned his own restaurant for about five years, and, of course, acted as executive chef for Char 19. Part of the construction of the menu entailed considering what the space’s kitchen could handle. “The kitchen was already here before we got moved in and it’s all electric,” says Peters, who wanted to make sure he made use of the Miracle Chef Air Fryer Oven, a multi-cook machine that lets you air fry, bake, grill, toast, and even make pizza.

WINESTATION

a wide range of wine bottles, each with distinct tasting notes. With the ability to preserve wine for up to sixty days, this wine dispensing technology boasts a programmable portion control where patrons can choose from three pour sizes—taste, half glass, and full glass pour.

The end result is a menu divided into five categories: First Flight, Boards, Flatbreads, Paninis, and Desserts. Customers will find some familiar items that have been given inventive twists. Take the Baked Goat Cheese & Olives w/ Honey Glaze—fresh goat cheese and kalamata olive mix baked and laced with local honey served with toasted flatbread. Or the Deviled Eggs—Char 19 homemade deviled eggs topped with “cowboy candy” jalapeño. Their charcuterie boards come in two sizes and feature fresh meats such as ham, pepperoni, and smoked salmon, as well as savory complementary cheeses, fruit, and toasted flatbread. Speaking of, their flatbreads are a must-have! If you have a soft spot for melted cheese, warm bread, and delicious toppings, you’ll want to take advantage of their Flight Night. On these nights, customers can pair selected wines with four flatbread selections. On the lighter side, try the Shrimp Scampi or Alfredo Smoked Salmon & Goat cheese paired with a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. Meat lovers will want to try the Mufaletta or the Swine Time (pepperoni, sausage, ham, mozzarella, cheese, cheddar cheese, and marinara) alongside a pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. Of course, feel free to venture wine pairings with any item on the menu.

While the current menu is sure to satisfy just about any dinner craving, POUR by Char 19 offers weekly specials that further enliven the dining experience. Popular specials include the grilled Char 19 pork chop served with chimichurri sauce or fresh fish with herb compound butter served with jambalaya, ambrosia melon/Oak Grove tomato slaw, and Char 19 French bread. More specific dinner specials occur by way of their incredibly well-attended restaurant tribute nights. A crowd favorite is Chateau Night, which honors The Chateau, a once local mainstay for fine dining. On Chateau Night, expect appetizers like Artichoke Desiard, Marinated Crab Claws, and Meatballs with Red Sauce. Choose from entrées like Snapper Tony (fresh Gulf snapper topped with lump crab meat and clarified

butter) or a six-ounce filet topped with lump crab meat and bearnaise sauce. In the same vein, Char 19 Night seeks to revive the very best of the former restaurant. This includes appetizers like Loaded Potato Gratin and Fried Brussels with Honey Glaze. On the entrée list: Char 19 Shrimp Pasta, Char 19 Grilled Chicken, and fresh grouper. If you are a fan of theme nights, their newest Caribbean Night will feature unique flavors of the tropics.

Such a distinct menu is enhanced only by the drink menu, and that menu is predominantly wine. For many, wine selection can be intimidating because the drink has typically been associated with ritzy and elitist culture; however, the POUR by Char 19 team wants to demystify this popular opinion by hosting Wine Dinners. Their most recent gathering featured wines by Don Surh, owner of Surh Cellars based in Napa Valley since 1999. Each wine of the evening was paired with specially prepared dishes. For instance, the 2018 Pampelemouse Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley, California), noted for its aromas of citrus, grass melon, and grapefruit was paired with fresh seared gulf shrimp farmers market ceviche and fried tortilla hay. The 2018 Frontline Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, California) shows stewed Bing cherry, kirsch, strawberry, rose petal, and forest floor tasting notes with a subtle hint of vanilla and light toast flavors. Complimenting the complexity of this wine was cane syrup rosemary New Zealand lollipop lamb chops served with green onion mash. Even if you can’t make it to one of these occasional tastings, each wine bottle featured in the pouring stations presents a detailed description of flavor notes in order to better assist all levels of winecurious folks. From pinot noirs, and red blends, to their whites selection, you are sure to find the blend that suits your mood or your dinner plate.

If you can’t make it to dinner, you definitely won’t want to miss their Sunday brunches. Though each brunch is different, they have been known for house-made biscuits, “real” Eggs Benedict, Waffle Benedict, and Strawberry Mini Biscuits with Lemon Glaze. You may even run into POUR by Char 19 by way of their latest food truck, which has served some classic homemade dishes like Mac and Cheese Bowls with Fried Chicken Bits at a few local events, proving that good food can be eaten anywhere.

Considering the upscale elements of POUR by Char 19, it is easy to dismiss the restaurant as “too fancy,” but Wyatt and Peters want to make sure that the Northeast Louisiana community knows that they are all about casual and comfort. In fact, the restaurant prioritizes the enjoyment of food and drink over what its patrons are wearing. “We’re the place to go for great wine and great food,” emphasizes Peters who hopes to not only peak the cravings of more Epicureans but also to entice the curiosity of those who are just looking for a place that serves enjoyment.

BAYOU OUTDOORS

WIPER FEVER

One of the most reliable fish to chase in the heat of summer is a striped bass. In North Louisiana you will hear striped bass referred to by many names: striper, white bass, bar fish, hybrids and my favorite; the wiper. Let me walk you through what is what. A striper is a pure bred striped bass noted by a set of solid black lines along his body, following his lateral line. A true striper can exceed 10 pounds and is a line stripping machine that once you hooked one, you will never confuse with his country cousins. They can be found in our area primarily in Lake Claiborne and live among the depths near the dam feeding primarily on large schools of shad. These fish are often confused and the important thing to note is that limits for stripers and their cousins vary as you can only keep 5 striped/hybrid striped bass but you can keep 50 bar fish and wipers.

Let’s now go to the beloved barfish. These pesky critters can be caught in just about every river oxbow and lake in our area. They tend to hold to the same color preferences and depths as crappie. Crappie fishermen despise them as they will scatter a school of crappie faster than a cop walking in a bar disperses customers. Barfish rarely weigh over a pound and have a gill plate that will cut your line or your hands very easily. The gill plate is one of their defense mechanisms and one reason they aren’t preferred table fare for predators. They will slice anything that comes at them from the rear. Barfish are often misidentified but their size gives them away. The lateral lines are darker and closer together. The lines are spotty and not solid. You catch one of these on a crank bait and you will find a critter that is difficult to handle but fun to catch.

A hybrid striped bass is relatively the same as his big pure bred brother the true striper. The main difference is a hybrid has a broken lateral line, meaning the line does not run true from gill to tail. They grow large but not as large as the true striper. River oxbows such as Lake Bruin or Providence hold many hybrid stripers. They love to school in the summertime and are a blast to catch. My favorite method for hybrids and true stripers is a carolina rigged jigging spoon, jigged vertically. Back off on that drag as they will not stay around long once hooked. My other preferred method is by trolling a crankbait. I take a medium series Bandit and troll with my Mercury 150 with the motor just put in gear and idling. I watch the graph for schools of bait and have a marker ready to throw as they do school up and multiple fish is pretty reliable.

Now for the wipers. Recently my childhood friend, Jon Miller and I traveled to a river oxbow and we were hunting wipers. My favorite time to fish for them is late afternoon just as the sun is cooling down. The shad will rise and follow current lines to feed. On this particular day, we went to Yucatan Lake and I knew an age old trick that an old timer taught me. When you are looking for wipers, look for coasting alligators. That’s right.... alligators. What happens is that the wipers come up and feed on the shad and go back down. When you see these juvenile alligators cruising jeddies or current edges, just wait. When I see shad skipping I take my choice of 3 lures: A Johnson Sprite spoon, my bandit crankbait in smoke color or my favorite, the old Little George.

Jon had never chased wipers and when I told him we didn’t have to fish very long and he would be worn out, he laughed at me. Jon is a CPA and has little time to fish and most of that is done on the private lake he lives on in Texarkana. Little did he know we would find them and find them we did. As we cruised down the lake, I could see that he was anxious but wary. I don’t think I had him very convinced as I sipped on a Gatorade and just watched. Suddenly a half acre of fish came up and started chasing shad. Sure enough, here came two alligators. I looked over at Jon and smiled and said, “You better back off on that drag.”

The great thing about a Little George or a Wing Ding is that you can throw the thing a country mile. I grabbed a rod and made one cast and it was on. To make a long story short, we fished 43 minutes and put 26 wipers in the boat. I was so tired when we got back that I had to take some Tylenol for my aching muscles. Jon was amazed. We returned two more times and didn’t find them as thick. After switching over to alligator watching and following, we put another livewell full in my boat. I was worn out and believe me, it was hot.

We cleaned up our fish and while cleaning them I was asked about the red line on the filets. Any red that you see in a filet is actually blood. This gives the meat a fishy taste (that I don’t mind) but if you have folks that like a more crappie like filet, trim the red lines on the filets. Jon went home a happy camper and we made another great memory.

So the next time you are tired of chasing other species, give the striped bass a look. Lakes like Claiborne, D’Arbonne, Bruin, Providence and Poverty are your best bet and can yield some line screaming trips like we experienced. No matter the heat or time of day, you can always find your new friend the striped bass in an area lake near you.

Don’t Throw the Sand

Learning Not to Retaliate

Happy August faithful readers, I hope this month’s column finds everyone enjoying these last lazy, and might I add hot, days of summer. My family actually just got back from a beach trip, and after 3 years of not having a “real” vacation, I have to tell you, it was glorious. I loved having my children under the same roof for an entire week…all to myself. Well, I shared them with Scott, too. We did as little as possible; ate our way through Seaside…and I can’t remember when I was so relaxed. By the way, in what has historically been my favorite month for Bayou Life, the food month, that is the only mention of food this month’s column, except for a Tootsie Roll Pop. But I’m getting ahead of myself, which I usually do.

Now, where was I? Oh, we were also blessed with some great weather, sunny skies with only the sounds of an occasional naval aircraft doing their training flybys to disturb our thoughts. I love that gentle reminder, don’t you? That there are military personnel working every day to insure our safety so we can enjoy the privileges that we have.

Wait, where was I? Again? Oh yes, my perfect vacation. Well, except for that one day that did in fact start as the perfect day by all accounts. There was a light breeze, the smell of salt and sunscreen was in the air and my family allowed me to play my favorite Pandora station, Hall & Oates (you will thank me later). I remember waking

from my doze and reaching in my bag for that Tootsie Roll Pop (see above) and before I knew it, I had made my way to the “how many licks does it take to get to the middle of a Tootsie Roll Pop?” Except there was no Tootsie Roll. No, just a white stick. That should have been an ominous sign right there, but no, I decided to head to the water for a bit of a cool down. Except there was a shark out there and readers, I don’t mind saying I got the (rhymes with TELL) (I love Jesus but I cuss a little) out of there. I’m not even ashamed to say I looked like a gazelle floundering and flopping trying to get out, as I didn’t want to be shark bait with my glistening legs. It was probably just a catfish or something but I decided not to chance it and got myself back to land…walking (or running) on water if you must know. After I got back to my chair and picked up my book, it’s about midday, right? And my family actually got up at 6:00 a.m. and “saved our seats” on the beach so no one could sit in front of us. Well, except for this family that decides at 12:00 p.m. to bring their tents and their chairs and their boom box and plant right in front of us. Man, I wanted to “cuss a little,” but I actually got so engrossed in “people watching” this colorful group that I forgot to be mad. I mean, don’t we all people watch at the beach? Of course, we do, because somebody somewhere will inevitably make a swimsuit choice that suddenly makes you feel like Christie Brinkley. Am I right? But I bet none of you have watched a husband (I’m assuming they were married) use

an entire tube of sunblock to “lather” up his wife before. But that’s all I am going to say about that since this in fact, a children’s column. And I’m getting to the “children’s issue,” I promise. Because right next to the colorful family, readers, was a young family that also caught my eye. You see, the beach in all its glory, is still a really hard place for me to visit. It was, after all, the place we were as a family during the last week of my baby boy, Samuel’s, life. I would say it’s a trigger that does in fact cause me to dread the memories that inevitably will surface. But, I’ve gotten pretty adept at swallowing that lump in my throat, because there’s really nothing more magical than watching children play on the beach. Building sandcastles, chasing fish with their nets, carrying bucket after bucket of water to their workstations…it’s pure magic. This particular family that I was watching had two precious children…a little boy and a little girl. “Brother” was busy chasing fish with his little net and “Sister” wanted the net. I’m not all together sure why “Mom and Dad” wouldn’t have two nets, but hey, it’s not my fish to fry; all I know is there was only one net and “Sister” wanted it and “Brother” was in no mood to share. “Sister” decided to act out, as we might expect, and started stomping and sputtering and demanding that he give her the net. Still nothing. So she sputtered and cried and stomped some more and ended up standing right over him with her arms crossed. Nope, not working. Let me tell you readers, this was a fit throwing episode of gigantic proportion; one (or twelve) that we have either likely thrown ourselves or watched our own children throw. Right? When “Sister” realized that she wasn’t getting the net, she reached down and grabbed a handful of sand. Just as she rared back to throw it, “Dad” intervened. “Don’t throw that sand at your brother.” At the sound of his voice, this little baby girl, likely about 3 years old,

dropped her sand. And that readers, is how we got from a Tootsie Roll Pop to the moral of this story. As I watched that little girl pick up that handful of sand and ready herself to throw it, it occurred to me that we, including our children, do the exact same thing in life, right? Just hear me out. When someone wrongs us, or we don’t get our way, sometimes in a split second, we pick a handful of sand up and just sling it at our target. Without hesitation, we sling that sand (or mud for a like analogy) and sometimes, the bandwidth of that sand is far and wide and the repercussions can be hurtful and ugly. As we ready our children for another school year and give them the talks: “Don’t talk in class;” “Don’t put your gum under your desk;” “Don’t go sharpen your pencil in the middle of the teacher talking;” “Don’t get sent to the principal’s office;” might we find some time to remind our children that “throwing sand” is unnecessary and unkind. Remind them to “be the bigger person” and “take the high road.” I know it’s hard readers, because our innate reaction when someone hurts us is to retaliate and sling that sand. But the truth is, when we don’t throw the sand, and simply walk away, the example that sets has a far greater impact than being the “sand thrower.” My daughter is about to start her senior year, and I’m in my feels, but I ask that you join me in prayer as we get ready to send them back for a safe and prosperous year, full of wonderful memories.

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

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO A ROUTINE

Well, we have managed to get here again!

A new school year is almost here and that means hectic schedules, alarm clocks, homework, projects, and paper piles. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with it all, but with a little organization you can create order out of the chaos. It is all in the routines you set and stick to. Check out my tips below:

This is your reminder to take the time to transition! Don’t let the school year sneak up on you. Begin easing your children into their new sleeping routine gradually. For instance, begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier until it’s closer to the hour they will need to awake for school. Also, begin going to sleep earlier to help combat any grouchiness.

Prepare the closets! Go ahead and clean out and reorganize their closets now. Get rid of anything that they have outgrown since last school year and set aside a space in your child’s closet specifically for new school clothes. If your children do not wear uniforms, it may be a good idea to put together outfits to avoid a war in the mornings. Or if you need to shop, check out the next tip.

Make a plan before you shop. The beginning of the school year is always the biggest shopping time for stores, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Make a list

of what your child needs so you won’t wander aimlessly and then leave with nothing, or worse, leave with way more than you need. Better yet, avoid the stores altogether and shop online!

Create a “School Stop.” This could be in a mudroom, laundry room, or simply inside the door they use the most. I suggest hanging a coat hook for the backpack and placing a roomy basket underneath for papers and other paraphernalia. If you didn’t previously have a “School Stop,” it would be a good idea to explain how you expect the area to work. Stopping paper clutter at the door is a must!

Make a plan for those piles of paper. I suggest that you go ahead and devise a plan for what you will do with the paperwork that is soon to bombard you. In our “school stop,” for instance, I have a folder for Eli and one for Everly. Any weekly papers that I need to keep or refer back to are placed in that folder. Another routine I stick to is to go through their backpacks and folders daily and take any action that is needed.

Create a homework station. Make doing homework a little easier by creating a space where all necessities are within arm’s reach. This space should be the same spot that homework is completed each day and it should be quiet and as far away from distraction as possible. Our homework station is at the island in our

kitchen. I can keep an eye on them and there isn’t much to distract them if the TV remains off.

Invest in a large calendar or calendar system. If you haven’t already, I suggest purchasing a large calendar that you can put in a central location for all to use. When you begin receiving special dates from the school and/or sporting teams, put them in the calendar immediately. If you prefer to go digital, there are several choices to consider.

Consider your nightly routine. A nightly routine will save you from becoming crazed every school morning. The more you can do the night before, the better. For instance, go ahead and think about what you will be cooking for breakfasts and packing for lunches so you can prepare them the night before each school day. Get backpacks packed and ready the night before, as well. I have made it a routine to choose outfits, pack lunches, check backpacks, layout breakfast and vitamins every night before bed. I can’t tell you the difference it makes to our mornings!

Remember…you can never be too prepared!

Happy new school year!!

“Remember...you can never be too prepared!”

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PAKISTANI SOUTHERN BELLE

Growing up in the South while in a Pakistani-American household informs Nadia Elahi’s perspective. Through that juxtaposition, Nadia shares her life experiences and social commentary in the blog Pakistani Southern Belle.

Story Mill Entertainment Studios in Columbus, Georgia, recently purchased the rights to Pakistani Southern Belle and will be adapting the blog for the TV screen. After decades of chasing the Hollywood dream, teaching in and around Los Angeles, and writing in her spare time, Nadia is on the cusp of achieving the Hollywood attention she first identified as a child at Jack Hayes Elementary in Monroe, Louisiana. Existing in two cultures simultaneously, Nadia has the unique ability to see America as both an insider and an outsider. From her childhood years receiving questions like, “What are you?” and “Where are you from?” to becoming a California resident in her early 20s and witnessing the Hollywood shift toward unique voices with stories that

deserve to be told, Nadia feels she has come into her own just as people are beginning to pay attention. In the 1970s, The News Star in Monroe profiled the Elahis, noting the significance of a Pakistani family in the Monroe area. Nadia’s uncle came to the United States with his wife who was an American Baptist missionary from Swartz. Nadia’s father, Morgan Elahi, always the dreamer, set his sights on following his brother to America. He married Nadia’s mother Venus, the couple having met in Pakistan, and set out for the States. Soon, the Elahi family unit established itself in Northeast Louisiana. Nadia’s older sister Mercy was born in 1974, followed by Nadia in ‘76 and brother Roger in ‘78. With the South Asian community in Monroe being so sparse with Pakistanis, many of the Elahi children’s friends hailed from India. The Elahis being Christian, and the Indian children being Hindu or Sikh, the desi friends eventually drifted apart. At the time, many Americans were unfamiliar with Pakistani culture or where to locate the country on a world map - the Elahis’ typical response being “Close to India.” After working as a milkman, Nadia’s father bought an old school convenience store unaffiliated with a corporate chain. The family ran the store for the bulk of Nadia’s time in school, which provided a bit of street credit, as her father hosted school car washes in the parking lot. Nadia insists, “It made me feel popular,” a

critical detail in an elementary girl’s life. In the 6th grade, Nadia auditioned for three, separate one-act plays. She was cast in the first play as Narrator 1, and her friend Vanessa Perkins was cast in the third play as Miranda, in a version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Vanessa and Nadia bonded as self-identified dreamers, anxious to become stars somewhere else. Having originally desired to become a lawyer or a fashion designer, Nadia got bit by the allure of stardom, knew she belonged on the stage indefinitely, and set out to be an actor, telling anyone who bothered to ask.

Nadia discovered writing between plays, composing her first story about a talking frog. As her interest in drama developed, Nadia wrote two plays in high school, one performed by Nadia, Vanessa, and their peers, and one 90210-esque play that she only let her girlfriends read. Though Nadia enjoyed crafting stories, she remained laser focused on acting, even after graduating from Ouachita Parish High School in 1994. Her parents insisted she get a college degree, so she enrolled at ULM, then NLU, majoring in Speech Communication and Theater, and minoring in English. Meanwhile, Vanessa received her B.F.A. from the Webster Conservatory in St. Louis; she then studied classical theater at the Oxford School of Drama. In 1999, the school friends reconnected and moved out to LA, finally putting themselves right where the stars live and breathe. Vanessa and Nadia got jobs at Universal Studios as tour guides, intent on climbing all the way to the top.

Nadia’s first stint in Los Angeles lasted from March of 1999 to January of 2002. Her father Morgan died in May of 2000, and it altered Nadia’s world. Grief made the once bubbly woman turn into a shadow of her former self. As a result, many of her friendships strained, and Nadia struggled to keep up with her Hollywood life. Recognizing her father’s death as a profound experience, one that would require time and reflection, Nadia decided to move back home and seek solace in her writing. Intended as a brief reprieve from the pressures of Hollywood, Nadia planned on returning to LA soon. Initially though, she felt like a failure. At church back in Monroe, she felt everyone’s eyes on her, the girl with the dream now back home because she couldn’t make it, another young person with unrealized dreams. She missed her freedom in California, yet she needed to grow and grieve. She took a job at a local religious private school, yet she didn’t enjoy the regimented structure or the lack of creative freedom. Though she intended to write, teaching sucked all of her energy.

In the spring of 2002, Nadia attended Mercy’s graduation from optometry school. Watching her sister walk across that stage, Nadia thought, “I want to do that.” She started eyeing academia

and enrolled in a creative writing class at ULM with professor Bill Ryan. In the fiction class, Nadia experimented with writing prose and began reading more. Escaping into literature allowed breaks from her own mind. She was able to write without the weight of the world on her shoulders. With Professor Ryan’s encouragement, Nadia pondered graduate school. Though she didn’t want to teach, she knew taking classes meant she could focus solely on writing and grow as an artist. During her fourth and final semester of grad school, the department offered Nadia an English composition class. She hesitated to accept, but was encouraged by ULM Creative Writing professor Jack Heflin. On the first day, she wore glasses and a khaki pencil skirt, trying to play the part of a college professor. The students surprised her; they actually listened to what she had to say, and Nadia learned the profound difference in teaching mature students. Always one to crave creative freedom, academia afforded her that luxury, and she fell in love with the college environment.

With newfound confidence and an M.A., Nadia moved back to Los Angeles, intent on pursuing her writing. Community college campuses dominate the California landscape, and Nadia took part time jobs with Rio Hondo Community College and Pasadena City College. She also worked full-time at an ad agency, but Saturday classes at the community college allowed her to juggle a jam-packed schedule. For 7 years, Nadia was a freeway flier, a term for instructors who teach classes on multiple campuses simultaneously. Inspired by friend and fellow colleague Briita, Nadia applied for a full time spot at Los Angeles Community College (LACC). The benefits of a full time slot allowed more writing time. Nadia wrote several stories, a screenplay, and some poems, a few of which were published in a local literary journal. She nurtured two loves in her life, connecting with students and creating new content. Tenured within 4 years, Nadia is in her 10th year at LACC and served as Vice Chair of the English Department, Co-Director of the Honors Program, and Editor-in-Chief of a literary magazine, bringing her creative writing endeavors full circle.

In 2017, Vanessa started a blog, and Nadia thought, “I should start one. Everyone else is.” The world around her, particularly the strained social environment, generated thoughts in her head. She kept pondering an incident that occurred post 9/11. A peer at Universal Studios had said, “We need to go to all the 7-11s and just round everyone up.” Enraged and hurt, Nadia composed an email about the 9/11 backlash and sent it to several friends, one of which forwarded it to the gentleman who made the comment. People appreciated hearing her perspective and the gentleman apologized, clearly unaware of the impact of such generalized statements. Likewise, when reading online commentary about the 2017 Women’s March, Nadia chimed in

Nadia says, “I wanted to tell people who I am.” She was tired of hearing people speak for her and about her, with little to no real information. The blog’s tagline reads: 46yo+Single+Pakistani+American = We’ll see where this goes. Each blog entry focuses on one of those facets of Nadia’s life or a combination, life as she experiences it from her juxtaposed vantage point.

voicing support for the marchers. And again, a random woman sent a Facebook message referencing an assumption about Nadia’s religion and heritage. These two incidents sparked the first blog for Pakistani Southern Belle. Nadia says, “I wanted to tell people who I am.” She was tired of hearing people speak for her and about her, with little to no real information. The blog’s tagline reads: 46yo+Single+Pakistani+American = We’ll see where this goes Each blog entry focuses on one of those facets of Nadia’s life or a combination, life as she experiences it from her juxtaposed vantage point. Within the first year, Nadia wrote 10 blogs on Pakistani Southern Belle, and dared to question, “Could this become something else? Could this be a TV show?” She invited her longtime friend Vanessa for drinks to find out.

Pakistani Southern Belle

Website: pakistanisouthernbelle.com

Facebook: Nadia Elahi

Instagram: @pakistanisouthernbelle

Story Mill Entertainment

Website: www.story-mill-entertainment.com

Facebook: Story Mill Entertainment

Instagram: @storymillentertainment

Twitter: @Story_Mill_

BAYOU PROFILE

While Nadia had moved back to Monroe for a few years, Vanessa stayed in Los Angeles and found success in playwriting. She initially worked in the corporate world for Walden Media, followed by Third Star Films and Pistol Lady Productions. She served as Co-Artistic Director at Sacred Fools Theater and authored two award-winning plays: Louis and Keely: Live at the Sahara, followed by Stoneface: The Rise and Fall of Buster Keaton. The latter was written for and starred her husband since 2008, actor French Stewart, best known for playing Harry Solomon on the NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, and more recently playing Chef Rudy in the CBS sitcom Mom. Nadia remained close to the couple, in and away from Los Angeles, and sought their advice on the future of Pakistani Southern Belle. Vanessa loved the idea, and Nadia wanted her friend involved. Aside from Vanessa’s screenwriting experience, Vanessa was present for most of the events in the blog, the women hailed from the same small town, and they navigated Hollywood together. Vanessa advised Nadia to create a beat sheet - a brief outline of the plot points of each episode. Nadia dove into the task, additionally reading Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by

BAYOU PROFILE: NADIA ELAHI

Blake Snyder, heavily recommended in the industry at the time. Two years later, Vanessa surprised Nadia having written the dialogue for Episode 1. The ladies took multiple passes at the script, realizing their sense of humor varied. Nadia joined Vanessa’s writing group and received valuable feedback, and edited the script which was finalized in 2022.

In 2022, Vanessa and French Stewart moved to Atlanta, a life change spurred by the pandemic. The couple realized with French shooting scenes primarily in Vancouver and Atlanta and Vanessa holding meetings online, they could raise their daughter Helene in a new city with more space and a slower pace. Vanessa took a job with Story Mill Entertainment, initially as the Vice President of Development, though now as Chief Creative Officer where she helps craft a slate of projects for the company. Story Mill Entertainment produces TV and film projects, a small studio with two soundstages. Vanessa pitched turning Pakistani Southern Belle into a TV show to the studio, introduced Nadia to the executives, and they agreed to film the

pilot episode and shop it around to streaming platforms. Nadia is the kind of fresh voice and unique perspective Story Mill Entertainment has been looking for, the company motto being: Stories that matter by people who matter. While Vanessa is new to television entertainment, she is not jaded with the industry and is anxious to try new things. Vanessa notes that migrating from plays to TV is a natural transition, as she searches for the right people to shepherd collaborations. Some of Vanessa’s favorite TV writers started with playwriting as it offers a unique perspective for the high-quality television we viewers have come to know and expect.

While the TV show is inspired by the blog, and the blog is inspired by Nadia’s life, some critical differences became necessary for the adaptation. Familial characteristics vary from her real life, and classroom interactions are embellished to nourish plot points. The show follows Nadia in her 30s as opposed to the 46-year-old writer of the blog. As Nadia and Vanessa took passes at that first script, Nadia kept veering back toward

reality, namely the right now, and Vanessa tugged the work in another direction. Vanessa kept telling Nadia, “You can’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.” The past will be depicted through flashbacks, showcasing Nadia’s life in Monroe, her other life in LA, and her experiences in higher education. Vanessa and Nadia are still fleshing out the next 8-10 episodes. After decades of writing, Nadia is uniquely proud of this work. Story Mill Entertainment will shoot the pilot in 2024 and then shop it to streaming services. Nadia’s nervousness is laced with excitement and bits of lingering insecurity. Admittedly, she wonders if anyone will care. But with time and experience comes the confidence and willingness to put herself out there again. With Vanessa Stewart by her side, she feels ready to step into this new medium and into the spotlight she identified so many years ago.

Now Is The Time To Treat Varicose Veins

Pharmacist Finds Leg Pain Relief at Surgery Clinic of NELA

MICHELLE GOLDMAN, A LONGTIME pharmacist, encourages her patients to seek treatment for varicose veins at Delta Vein Care, located at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana in downtown Monroe. Why? Michelle knows first-hand that their simple, minimally invasive vein procedures eliminate leg pain.

Dr. Bart Liles, a general surgeon at Delta Vein Care, performed radiofrequency ablation—a procedure that sends heat to the veins and closes off blood flow—on Michelle’s varicose veins. Michelle, who also had spider veins, underwent sclerotherapy, a procedure in which a chemical solution is injected into the vein. The vein fades within a few weeks.

After each procedure, Michelle returned to work the next day. Her leg pain? Gone. Her confidence? Boosted.

When Michelle found Dr. Liles, she knew he would “always be her surgeon for everything.”

“Dr. Liles used the latest technology— radiofrequency ablation. I had only one incision

instead of several,” Michelle said. “There was hardly any pain and no downtime.”

Before the procedures, Michelle, who was on her feet all day at work, experienced pain in her varicose veins, which look like blue or purple chords beneath the skin’s surface.

Removing varicose veins was once a painful procedure. Michelle is adamant about educating her patients and her family about technological advancements. “I tell them Dr. Liles and his team are great. They relax you and talk you through the procedure, which is simple and nothing like it used to be because the technology is much better. Dr. Liles is local, and he is excellent.”

Michelle, 55, also praised Lindsey McCready, one of the nation’s first Registered Phlebology Sonographers and now on staff at Delta Vein Care.

“It’s clear Lindsey loves her job,” Michelle said. “She answers your questions and ensures you understand what will happen. She is so thorough. It’s very evident that Lindsey loves taking care of people.”

Dr. Liles becomes like a friend, Michelle said. “Dr. Liles is very attentive. He truly listens to you and takes the time to get to know you. I just love Dr. Liles.”

MORE ABOUT VEIN DISEASE:

Women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins. While unsightly, varicose veins can also be painful, reduce circulation, and cause irritated skin, aching limbs, muscle cramping, swollen ankles, and puffy feet. Varicose veins can make walking—and standing for extended periods—painful. Untreated vein disease can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and deep vein thrombosis, which can be life-threatening.

Read about Delta Vein Care’s minimally invasive procedures, which last about one hour and allow patients to resume activities the same day. Visit: surgeryclinicnela.com/delta/

In addition to Dr. Liles, the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana is home to surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer.

Discover Your Inner Artist

At Clay & Canvas Art Studio

STEP INTO THE ENCHANTING world of art at Clay & Canvas, a brand new art studio nestled in the heart of downtown West Monroe. Owned and operated by Monroe artist, Ginny Montgomery, this studio is sure to provide a creative outlet for you to explore your artistic side!

Ginny, an experienced art educator, decided to take the plunge by leaving the traditional classroom setting behind to embark on a new chapter in her career. With a dream in her heart and a desire to share her knowledge with the community, she decided to begin the search for a studio space in which she could create her own work while also guiding others through a wide variety of fundamental art techniques. But finding just the right space proved to be quite a challenge. Little did she know that fate had something perfect in store for her.

After months of looking for studio space that could accommodate her pottery

wheels and kiln without any luck, Ginny was starting to accept the fact that her vision may not become a reality. Until one day during a conversation with a neighbor, she learned that a friend from college and fellow local artist, Sallie Anzelmo, had recently started seeking someone to share her West Monroe storefront, Three Threads, with her. The moment she stepped into Three Threads, she knew it would be the perfect place to start up Clay & Canvas Art Studio. Ginny found herself moving in in May, just in time to start holding summer art camps. With the help of some close friends who believed in her vision, a group of her former students, and a handful of art-loving strangers, the summer camps were a great success!

As the sun sets on the summer season, Ginny’s focus has shifted to a back-to-school art class schedule. With the arrival of the school year, Clay & Canvas is ready to offer a diverse range of classes, catering to both kids and adults. From painting and drawing to

pottery, sculpting, and printmaking, all with a little art history sprinkled in, there will be something to satisfy every artistic inclination.

Clay & Canvas will hold weekly classes for homeschoolers during school-day hours, as well as weekly after school classes for students. Additionally, adult classes will be available during both daytime and evening hours. Ginny will also host monthly workshops, and special events, such as birthday parties, pottery wheel date nights, and ladies’ night out paint parties, just to name a few. Hopefully having many different scheduling options will enable individuals from all walks of life to indulge their creative aspirations.

The inception of Clay & Canvas, which would not have been possible without the unending support of her family and friends, has given Ginny the opportunity to add to the artistic landscape of our community. Under her expert guidance in the charming, beautiful sunlit space that the Three Threads building provides, this studio promises to unlock the hidden potential of artists, young and old. So come express yourself creatively, while exploring your own unique artistic talents at Clay & Canvas Art Studio. You can visit hisawyer.com/providers/clay-canvas to learn more about our classes and to sign up for a session!

Your Hometown Urologist

D. Marx, M.D., Your Hometown Urologist

DO YOU EVER LEAK WHEN YOU laugh, walk or even cough? If so, you are not alone. For many women and men, stress incontinence is holding them back. Stress incontinence is defined as leakage that occurs as a result of coughing, exercising or sneezing. While many chalk this up to as the result of age, child bearing or strenuous exercise, stress incontinence is the result of damage to the urethral ligaments and truthfully can affect all individuals. While more common among females, stress incontinence can occur in both genders. However, stress incontinence in men is usually secondary to prostate cancer surgery.

Unlike individuals suffering from urge incontinence, stress incontinence does not affect the bladder’s ability to empty or its storage capacity. Stress incontinence is involuntary and occurs when internal forces apply additional pressure to the bladder neck.

A minimally invasive procedure done in the office might be all you need. Urethral bulking helps strengthen your urethral sphincter. This

is very similar to Restylane injections used in cosmetic surgery.

In some instances, female bladder incontinence is severe and doesn’t respond to non-invasive treatments. In these cases, Dr. Marx may recommend bladder suspension surgery. This procedure can be performed through an incision in the vagina without any abdominal incisions. Each procedure involves pulling the bladder neck back into place and securing it with a sling so that it stays put. All material used is organic so there is no mesh to erode.

Success rates for bladder suspension surgery are high often depending on a patient’s medical history or other medical conditions. To maximize the effectiveness of post-op results, be sure to discuss your lifestyle, limitations and any concerns you may have with Dr. Marx prior to surgery.

Urge incontinence occurs when the urge to urinate occurs and the patient is unable to inhibit urination. It is most common with

aging. Treatments include oral medications, behavior modification as well as InterStim which is sacral neural modulation. This is also known as a bladder pacemaker and is now MRI compatible. This is a therapy that has been available for 20+ years and Dr. Marx has at least 15 years experience with this device. An InterStim trial can be done in the office, allowing the patient to try the device before having it implanted.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is your hometown, board certified urologist. Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been specializing in this field for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S. Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his staff are here to help our community members suffering from these conditions find relief.

Whatever level of severity your problem is, Robert D. Marx, M.D. and his dedicated staff are ready to assist you. Dr. Marx prides himself on the personal attention he provides each patient. He understands that this is a sensitive subject and Dr. Marx has decades of experience providing careful, appropriate treatment to put you at ease.

IN THE GARDEN

Hello again, everyone, and thanks for joining me In the Garden! It’s been a while since we’ve been together here on the pages of BayouLife. But a lot has been going on in the garden so let’s catch up. How about the spring we had? It was a real spring! I credit our cool spring, late frost aside, with why I’ve seen wonderful vegetable production this season. Blueberries, mayhaws, and peaches are another story, unfortunately.

How is your compost pile doing? That and seed saving are my two soap box topics right now. Folks, if you’re not composting at home, you’re doing plants in your landscape a huge disservice. They’re missing out on the single best soil amendment available. Compost is a great material for breaking up clay soil. And homemade compost is a nutrient-dense material. Your plants will thank you by producing like crazy when fertilized with homemade compost, and I speak from experience. This season, I’ve turned sandy clay soil on my property into one of the best in-ground garden strips I’ve ever experienced! Fertility isn’t a problem with clay soils. Indeed, the small particle size just means that, per unit area, nutrients have more surface area to bind to, so, nutrients are there. Workability is the main problem with clay soils, and nothing will improve soil tilth and drainage like homemade compost. Do yourself and your gardens a favor by composting. Give me a call at the office and I’ll be glad to help you get started!

If there is a silver lining that came out of the pandemic, it’s that we all have a renewed appreciation for how important it is to be more self-sufficient than we were prior to 2020. It was a hard pill to swallow, but we learned going to the grocery store wasn’t always a sure thing. Home gardening experienced a renaissance likely not seen since World War II-era victory gardens and with that came a heightened appreciation for the value of heirloom and open-pollinated crops and saving seeds for future seasons. With seed prices predicted to rise by as much as 40% by next year and for a plethora of other reasons, I think it’s worth going into some detail about how to save seeds. So let’s focus on vegetables.

Cucumbers, snapbeans, butterbeans, English and field peas,

> Cucumbers are not ripe when we harvest them to eat. The seeds are not mature at this stage.

Seeds of Case Knife pole bean, Pink Eye butterbean, and Ma Savage’s pole bean (l-r) ready for storage. Peppers are fully ripe when they turn red. Okra pods left to dry on the plant will provide more than enough seeds for next year’s crop!

okra, squash, tomatoes, and watermelons are all examples of fruit. They begin as the ovary of a flower. Rule of thumb: fruit should stay attached to the plant for as long as possible. Inside each ovary are ovules that contain an egg cell. At the times of pollination and fertilization, the ovary expands into a fruit and the ovules inside the ovary become seeds. Seeds are attached to the interior of the ovary by a strand of tissue called a funiculus. The seeds and fruit will continue to draw nutrients from the plant for as long as necessary. A fruit is “ripe” when the seeds are mature enough to be dispersed. Remember, flowering plants do all this to reproduce. Not to please or feed us. We happen to reap the benefits. The process of flowering, fruiting, and setting seeds can be an energy drag on the plant which is why many vegetable plants stop producing if they aren’t picked regularly. Sometimes, we pick veggies (= fruit) before they’re fully ripe. This is the case with cucumbers. Cukes aren’t palatable when they’re fully ripe. But the seeds don’t mature until they’re fully ripe. Beans and peas are other examples. So, if saving seeds is the goal, then the seeds need to draw nutrients from the plant for as long as they can.

For beans and peas, leave normally formed pods on the vine until they dry completely and turn brown or grey. In many cases, you’ll be able to hear the seeds rattle inside the pod. When the pod is thoroughly dry, it will crackle when it’s twisted and will split open. The seeds literally fall out. They will be hard. Spread them out on a table or countertop for a week or two and they should be dry enough to store for next season. I store seeds in airtight containers or Ziplock-style bags in the freezer.

To save seeds from okra, simply leave a pod on the plant until it dries out. The pod (botanically, a loculicidal capsule) will start to split open (dehisce) along the sutures and the black, BB-like seeds will be visible. Simply twisting the dried okra pod should open it up; seeds will go everywhere if you’re not careful.

Eggplant should remain attached to the plant until the fruit turns yellow. Slice the fruit open and place sections in a large bowl of room temperature water. Seeds float out and the rest come out easily by running a finger through each chamber. Viable seeds usually settle to the bottom of the bowl. Fermenting is not required. The seeds can be collected in a strainer, rinsed off under a

forceful stream of water under the kitchen faucet, and spread on wax paper to dry.

Seeds of cucumbers are coated in a jellylike substance that will delay germination. This material must be fermented away. Cucumbers, like eggplant, will typically turn yellow when left on the vine. The longer they stay attached to the plant, the more fully mature seeds you’ll harvest. Select a fruit that is a good representation of the variety you’re growing and let that one be your seed fruit. The cucumber will be ready to pluck when the stem turns brown. The cucumber may even feel soft. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop the seeds and surrounding tissue out into a jar. Mature seeds typically pop right out. Once the seeds, surrounding tissue and juice are in the jar, add an equal volume of tap water. Cover the jar with a piece of cheesecloth and let the jar sit on the counter for a few days. Some seasoned seed savers put the jar outside in full sun. As the contents of the jar begin to ferment, viable seeds will settle to the bottom. Non-viable seeds will float and a definite layer of gel, tissue, and even some mold will form on the surface as fermenting proceeds. After a few days, the top layer can be poured off, and the mature seeds can be collected in a strainer, rinsed thoroughly, and spread out to dry on wax paper. As with cucumber seeds, tomato seeds will also need to be fermented to dissolve the jellylike coating from around the seeds. Viable tomato seeds will settle to the bottom of the jar.

So, give saving your owns seeds a try this season. Remember, seeds only of openpollinated or heirloom varieties will breed true. The surest way for these rare heirlooms to fall into extinction is for us to not be growing them! And extinction is forever.

Be sure to tune in to Louisiana Living every Tuesday at 4:30 on KARD Fox 14 and every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8:45 on KWCL 96.7 FM for the television and radio versions of In the Garden.

See you next month!

Legumes like snapbeans and peas should stay attached to the plant until the pods are dried.

MWM Restaurant Week

A Weeklong Culinary Celebration Highlighting Local Food

FOOD SHOULDN’T JUST BE FOR thought – it should be for sharing, savoring, and celebrating. Join Discover Monroe-West Monroe in doing just that with our first ever MWM Restaurant Week held September 11-17. This week-long culinary celebration is designed to highlight our restaurant culture and local food scene in Ouachita parish!

Crispy fried catfish, mouthwatering po-boys, and good old-fashioned barbecue are just a few of the tasty things you can sink your teeth into when you visit one of the many restaurants in Monroe-West Monroe. With more than 100 locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks, and more you’ll find everything from Southern cooking and steak and seafood to Italian, Asian, Cajun, and Indian.

Mark your calendars for a week filled with flavor. This week works by having locally owned restaurants offer fixed price

menu options. Lunch options will range from $10, $15, or $20 and dinner options will range from $25, $35, or $50. You may even find new menu specials at these prices! Participating restaurants will offer these specials everyday from September 11th through 17th during their normal restaurant hours.

One of the specials you can enjoy during this week comes from Kravins Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant quickly became a crowd favorite in Monroe. Your taste buds will dance when you bite into their flavorful wings. During MWM Restaurant Week, attendees can enjoy menu options like “The Sampler” which includes a burger, fries, 6 wings, and a drink for $15 or “The Wingbo” which includes a 10-piece wing combo with fries and a drink for $10.

“We at Kravins Restaurant are excited to announce that we will be participating in restaurant week presented by Discover

Monroe West Monroe! Join us for an experience like no other, we will be offering a special menu with delicious deals. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to indulge and satisfy your Kravins!” said Angelique Conner, owner of Kravins Restaurant.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support the culinary scene in Monroe-West Monroe. Plan to visit your favorite, locally owned restaurants and try delicious dishes you can’t find anywhere else!

“We are excited to promote our culinary partners in Monroe-West Monroe with our first MWM Restaurant Week,” said Sheila Snow, Vice President of Communications for Discover Monroe-West Monroe. “This week will be a celebration of our local restaurants. We look forward to shining a spotlight on our culinary scene here in Ouachita Parish.”

To stay up to date on all the things happening for MWM Restaurant Week, visit mwmrestaurantweek.com or follow Discover Monroe-West Monroe on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you are a restaurant wanting to participate in MWM restaurant week, please contact Sheila Snow at 318-3875691 or ssnow@monroe-westmonroe.org.

Let’s eat!

St. Francis Medical Center

Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER HAS received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke SilverPlus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient

care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“St. Francis is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Thomas Gullatt, MD, President of St. Francis Health. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure those suffering from stroke receive the best care possible.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to

help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize St. Francis Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

St. Francis Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytics, also known as clot-busting medication.

Find out more at stfran.com.

Festive Food in Calhoun

Locally Owned Restaurant Serves Tasty Tex-Mex

IRON CACTUS HAS BEEN SERVING UP FRESH FLAVOR since 2010 when they opened their restaurant in Calhoun. Since their inception, Iron Cactus has become a local staple, known for their family friendly atmosphere that people of all ages can enjoy. Iron Cactus is locally owned by Brad and Leah Parker. They are natives of Northeast Louisiana and take pride in supporting their community, as well as offering a family friendly destination. They have children of their own that are active in local schools, organizations and sports team so they know the importance of supporting local.

For appetizers, they offer their signature avocado dippers, as well as nachos, botanas, franchos, quesadillas and everyone’s favorite – the cactus roll – rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese and your choice of beef, chicken or pork, all rolled in a flour tortilla with pork sauce or chipotle ranch. You can also pick from the standard queso or guacamole dip or branch out with loaded queso, 7-layer or chipotle black bean dip.

There are plenty of lighter options with plenty of soups and salads. For salad choices there are taco, Tex-Mex chef, fajita steak and corn and black bean chicken salads. For entrees, there are different combinations with enchiladas, tacos, tamales, burritos and chimichagas. But these aren’t your average items. There are pulled pork tacos served with Mexican slaw, baja fresh tacos with fried catfish and shrimp tacos, piled high with fresh shrimp, pico, lettuce and jalapeno cilantro ranch. Signature entrée items include the stuffed avocado – a deep fried avocado with beef or chicken and cheese and the Mexican pizza, a 10 inch tortilla topped with beans, chips, beef or chicken, jalapenos, olives and cheese.

In addition to the fajitas fresh from the grill, there is grilled shrimp, a 16 oz. ribeye, hamburgers, sandwiches and po-boys. Iron Cactus has always been a family friendly atmosphere and there is even a kids menu for the little niños. Plus, Iron Cactus offers an extensive catering menu. You can choose from enchiladas, tamales, quesadillas, burritos, cactus rolls and tacos in beef, chicken, cheese, pork, fish and shrimp. You can also select fajitas, hamburgers, Mexican cornbread, chicken tortilla soup and more!

Iron Cactus is a seven time Bayou Buzz Winner for Best Margarita and Best Taco Joint. Also in 2020, during their 10th year of business, Brad and Leah received the small business award from the West Monroe/West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce for the restaurant and their contributions to the community. Stop by the locally owned restaurant and taste some of their award winning menu items!

Waterview Casino & Hotel

Winning is Just the Beginning!

WATERVIEW CASINO & HOTEL is ready for you to come see what’s new! We’ve been telling you all about the work we’ve done, and now the property is all set. The latest: we’ve painted the pool and added new outdoor furniture for your summertime fun. We know it’s going to be a hot summer and our cool pool area is a great place to beat the heat!

Did you know that our hotel is now a Wyndham Trademark Collection property? We’re proud to be a part of such a prestigious hotel family. Stay with us in a Deluxe Riverside room and enjoy both a soak in a jetted tub and unparalleled views of the majestic Mississippi River, all in a space you can call your own for a night or two.

Our all-new Sandbar Grill is open and ready for you to give it a taste. The space is beautiful, the menu is awesome, and the ambiance is relaxing. The bar is now open with a limited menu on Wednesdays, and

we’ve added a $25 Early Bird menu from 4pm to 6pm on Thursdays and Sundays. You can’t beat that price for a salad, ribeye, side, and dessert! Our trained mixologist has summer drink specials on repeat, or she can make whatever your happy heart desires. We recommend a Sandbar Grill reservation to ensure you can join us for a fine meal on your own terms.

The Sandbar Café (formerly known as the Lucky Bean) has a glow-up to show off, too. New, more comfortable tables & chairs complete the transformation we’ve made to this favorite eatery. We’re serving up breakfast favorites and Vicksburg’s best blue plate along with the burger and wings baskets our guests love so much. Now you can order at one of our kiosks (we call them Kevin) or from anywhere using the WaterView Casino & Hotel mobile app. Helpful QR codes in the Café will take you directly to the app store for a quick download, and you’re in business.

We’ll notify you via text or email when your remote order is ready for pick-up.

Now, on to the star of the show: our gaming floor. We have updated many of our slot areas with some of the hottest games available. You’re sure to find a great time here, whether it’s a game you’ve already played or a brand-new favorite. Our team has been working to ensure you can find something you’ll like whether you only make it just inside our convenient lobby slot area or head all the way down to our table games.

Speaking of table games, we have some new technology coming soon to make it even easier to play. Three card plus has recently returned, so there’s a game for all. Our friendly and experienced table games team is ready to play with you.

Come to WaterView soon to start spreading the “News!”

Now is the Perfect Time

Schedule Your Consultation at DermaMediq

IN THE PURSUIT OF BEAUTY AND SELF-CONFIDENCE, people are constantly seeking innovative and effective treatments to enhance their appearance. DermaMediQ, nestled in the heart of Monroe on Lamy Lane, has emerged as a premier medspa offering a variety of treatments but we want to highlight the triumphant trio of transformative procedures: BodyTite, Morpheus8, and Emsculpt. As the world heals and embraces a new normal, there couldn’t be a better time to embark on this journey of self-renewal. This article explores the reasons why now is a great time to experience these state-of-the-art treatments at DermaMediQ.

The past year has been one of reflection, leading many to prioritize their well-being and self-care. Now, as the world emerges from uncertainty, individuals are ready to embrace life anew. BodyTite, a minimally invasive and radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) procedure, can help sculpt and contour the body, addressing those stubborn areas that may have been bothersome during periods of isolation. BodyTite with liposuction is done by Dr. Bakeer. With DermaMediQ’s expertise, clients can step into the world with newfound confidence, feeling empowered by their enhanced appearance.

The stresses of these past few years have taken a toll on our skin, leaving behind signs of fatigue and aging. Morpheus8, a cuttingedge fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling treatment, can work wonders in revitalizing the skin’s appearance. By stimulating collagen production, Morpheus8 helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars, restoring a youthful and radiant complexion. As the world reopens, embracing Morpheus8 at DermaMediQ can be a game-changer in presenting a rejuvenated and vibrant version of oneself.

Many people have had to adjust their fitness routines or experienced challenges in maintaining an active lifestyle. Emsculpt, a non-invasive body contouring procedure utilizing high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, is a boon for those looking to sculpt and tone their muscles. By inducing powerful muscle contractions, Emsculpt helps achieve remarkable results that can complement one’s fitness journey. At DermaMediQ, clients can experience the latest advancements in body contouring, inspiring them to confidently embrace their physical achievements.

DermaMediQ’s location on Lamy Lane in Monroe offers clients a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. The medspa’s ambiance is designed to provide a sense of tranquility and comfort, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the experience. With the triumphant trio of BodyTite, Morpheus8, and Emsculpt, clients can trust DermaMediQ’s skilled practitioners to create personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.

The desire to look and feel our best is innate, and now, individuals can indulge in these innovative procedures at DermaMediQ, located on Lamy Lane in Monroe. As the world heals and embraces a new sense of normalcy, there’s no better time to embrace the triumphant trio of beauty enhancement and redefine one’s appearance with confidence and grace.

Bayou Dental Group

Improve Your Appearance, Improve Your Life

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

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

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Here is what you will receive when you see a cosmetic dentist:

● Your Dream Smile – Imagine waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and seeing the most beautiful smile looking right back at you!

● Improved Self-Confidence – Flashing your gorgeous smile will make you feel incredible and more confident.

● Reduced Risk of Future Problems – With a small correction to your teeth now, you could save having to deal with far more serious problems in the future.

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

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

TRUST A DENTIST WITH YOUR TEETH WHITENING

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

Finding Joy As An Artist

If you asked JaCera François how she felt about moving back home to Ouachita parish after graduating college, she would probably tell you she wasn’t so sure about it. But now, four years later, the Monroe native believes she is exactly where she should be and is doing just what she was meant to.

“I know God has me here for a reason,” JaCera François declares. The “here” François is talking about doesn’t just mean North Louisiana. She’s being a bit more specific and referring to her position as an instructor for the parish’s talented art program, the same one she participated in during her high school years.

Like many, François’s interest in art began during her childhood years. But unlike others, she wasn’t driven to draw or color out of boredom or sheer curiosity. She began drawing as a means of processing and sharing her emotions.

“I would just draw facial expressions,” she remembers, “and that helped me express how I felt at that time.”

The then-child filled notepad after notepad with her sketches, and one day, her aunt decided it was time to upgrade her tools. She gifted her niece her first sketchbook — “I still have it,” she says — and François eagerly filled it with drawings of faces, both real and imagined.

What began as a therapeutic practice had become a significant part of François’s life. And, as it turned out, she had a real knack for art. When she took her first-ever art class as an eighth grader at Lee Junior High, she breezed through every lesson. She says it was easy for her to follow along, and her excellence didn’t go unnoticed.

“Toward the end of the year, my art teacher pulled me out of class and told me she wanted me to try out for talented art,” François says. “I took the talented art test and passed.”

François began talented art classes the following school year when she began attending Neville High, and the program introduced her to a new means of making art: painting.

“My first project was oil pastel,” she says before explaining, “Before then, I was drawing using colored pencils, crayons, or markers; I wasn’t exposed to painting yet.”

François might have been a newbie painter, but she took to it quickly; her first project — the oil pastel piece — earned first place at the end-of-year talented art show.

The young creator remained in the talented art program for the rest of high school, advancing more each year. She knew she had gotten good, but the thought of continuing her art education in college

wasn’t even on her radar. However, it was on her dad’s.

“I always wanted to be a vet,” François explains. “Junior year, me and my dad were looking at schools to apply to. I was looking at LSU and somewhere in Tennessee, and he was shocked because I was so serious about art.”

It hadn’t dawned on François to consider art schools. She didn’t even realize she could pursue art professionally like the artists she learned about in talented art class until her father brought it up.

“My dad told me he felt I would do really well at an art school,” she says. “I told my talented art teacher, and she got me looking into schools. That’s how I came across Savannah College of Art and Design.”

The Savannah College of Art and Design — SCAD, for short — was one of François’s top two choices. But knowing she had family close to SCAD was the deciding factor: she would attend the private art and

“I know how I felt as a kid, so I can relate to them. And seeing it from this side, I’m the one who can potentially make or break their art careers. You can have a teacher that ruins it all for you, or you can have a teacher that opens your mind and makes you want to do more.”

design college’s Atlanta campus.

“I had a blast,” François says of her college years. “The school was in the middle of the city, and I had all types of different art classes, computer classes, and fashion [classes]. I even had a photography class as an elective.”

François earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion marketing and management and planned to stick around in Atlanta, work and paint in a studio until she could open her own, and maybe dip her toes into the fashion industry.

“[God] detoured my entire plan,” François declares, explaining that she ended up coming back home to Louisiana after

college instead of staying in the city.

At first, François didn’t have much luck finding an art-related position in North Louisiana. So, she took a job as an administrative assistant at Glenwood Regional Medical Center to pay the bills, all the while taking every opportunity she could to make and be around art. Even at work, François found ways to let her creativity shine, she says, “Anything I could put my hands on, I brought color and life to.”

During this time, she also kept herself involved in Downtown Monroe’s rapidly growing art scene, volunteering at Art Crawl events, being an active member of the Black Creatives Circle, and taking on commissioned pieces. She even interned at the FKJ Studio and Art Gallery in West Monroe. But soon, François was ready for a change, so she began perusing Indeed for art-related openings. Lo and behold, there was a position for her to apply to: the Ouachita Parish School Board was looking for a talented art teacher.

“At first, I never saw myself being a teacher,” François admits.

“But [the job] was in my field, and since I never saw myself at a hospital, either, I decided to apply and see what happened.”

What happened was François got the job. Having begun teaching in August 2022,

François has just completed her first year as a talented art teacher for seven schools in the parish. She hasn’t been at it very long, but even after such a short amount of time, François knows this — coming back home to work in the program that changed her life — is exactly what she is supposed to be doing.

“Because I went through talented art, I know what a big deal it is,” she says. “Being on this side as a teacher, I really know how much of a big deal it is. I know how I felt as a kid, so I can relate to them. And seeing it from this side, I’m the one who can potentially make or break their art careers. You can have a teacher that ruins it all for you, or you can have a teacher that opens your mind and makes you want to do more.”

François tells BayouLife she feared being the former, a teacher who extinguished any of her elementary through high school students’ love of art. And fortunately, based on her students’ reaction to the end-of-year talented art show, it seems that François’s dedication to doing right by those young artists is paying off.

“I saw the looks on their faces and how happy and proud of themselves they were, and that’s when it clicked for me that I’m where I’m supposed to be,” she says.

François’s newfound passion for

teaching hasn’t extinguished her desire to make work of her own. She’s still painting, depicting mostly figures and the occasional abstract image. And, just as she did as a child, she uses her work as a means of sharing her feelings.

“I always have a lot of emotion in my paintings,” François explains. “They’re really expressive.”

The figures she’s drawn — they’re mostly women, as womanhood resonates with her — tend to show deep sadness or extreme joy, nothing in-between, she observes. But she wants to see a shift in her work. She wants to leave pieces marked by sadness behind and exclusively make art that depicts and sparks positivity.

“I want to show happiness and joy and have people who see my work feel those things,” she declares. “I want my work to continue telling stories. I want it to spread awareness. I want people to feel peace when they see my work.”

François has big aspirations, including doing more commissions, showing at more galleries, having a solo show, and incorporating 3-D elements into her work. Only time will tell what’s next for her, but one thing is certain: joy will be written all over François’s next project, whatever it may be.

Homebuyer’s Handbook

A Step by Step Guide WHAT TO DO FIRST

Know Your Credit Score. Know where you stand; check your score first! Make sure the information on your report is accurate. Meet with a Mortgage Specialist. Make an appointment with a lender to get pre-approved for a home loan. He or she will explain different types of loans and discuss your budget, money needed for down payment and closing costs.

Gather Important Documents. In most cases, you will need to provide 2 years of income tax returns, 2 years of all W-2s, and 2 months of bank statements and pay stubs. Bring these items with you when you meet with the lender.

Decide What You Want in a Home. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What size home would best suit your family’s needs? Do you prefer a small yard with minimal upkeep or large acreage? Is school district an important factor?

Pick Your Own Agent. Experienced agents are skilled in helping buyers navigate the home buying process smoothly. You do not have to call the agent on the sign of the house you want; you are entitled to choose your own agent to represent you. Any Realtor will be able to show you any house on the market! You do not pay anything extra for the agent, they get paid at closing.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Change Jobs. Stay in your current position if possible. Lenders like stability.

Make Major Purchases. Don’t buy a car or make large purchases after you get pre-approved for a loan. Applying for new credit does affect your credit score.

Default on Payments. Your score drops every time you miss a payment.

Co-sign for Family or Friends. This is usually never a good idea, especially when house shopping.

Cancel Credit Cards. You can pay them off, just don’t cancel them. Doing so can lower your score.

Get Attached to the First Home You View. Many factors are involved in a successful real estate transaction. Be patient and know the perfect property is waiting for you!

Give up. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged! Purchasing a home is a rewarding experience and a wonderful investment. Keep looking if you do not find what you are looking for right away. Be patient and know the perfect property is waiting for you.

Purchasing a home is not complicated or scary when you know what to expect. With over decade of experience in the real estate industry, we can help you reach your goals whether you’re a first time home buyer, interested in buying investment property, or looking for your forever home. Cypress State Realty is a small, family-owned business and was created with real people in mind. We believe that knowledge is the key for buyers to make informed decisions, and we value the personal relationships and trust we have with our clients. Service is the cornerstone of our business. We look forward to serving you with all of your real estate needs!

Give Your Skin A Vacation

New Treatments Can Erase Sun Damage

NOW THAT SUMMER IS NEARING AN END, YOU HAVE recovered from fun in the sun, but has your skin? After spending the past few months at the ball park, at the beach and at the pool, you may look in the mirror and notice fine lines, wrinkles or even brown spots. You can thank the sun for that, but you don’t have to live with them.

Experts recommend that we spend 10 to 30 minutes a day in the sun to get our daily dose of vitamin D. The amount of time you spend in the sun should be determined by your skin type. If you have fair skin, you should spend less time in direct sunlight. Vitamin D regulates the immune system and keeps skin from prematurely aging. However, spending too much time in the sun can have a detrimental effect on your skin. The immediate impact of spending too much time in the sun is a sunburn. Over time, exposure to the sun can cause damage. The sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate our skin, damaging the elastic fibers that keep our skin firm and causing wrinkles to develop. The sun is also responsible for the brown spots you’ll find on your face, hands and other areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. They’re more commonly referred to as age or liver spots.

Over-the-counter skin creams can only do so much. Most of those creams just moisturize your skin, which will make it appear more supple and healthy. You have to go much deeper to repair skin damage.

At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we offer two noninvasive

treatments for fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration and sun damage. HydraFacial is a 30-minute treatment that provides instant and longlasting results. It cleanses, peels and hydrates your skin. The treatment exfoliates your face and removes debris from your pores. Your skin is nourished with moisturizers and creams that protect your skin and maximize your natural glow. In addition to the glow, patients notice more elasticity and firmness in their skin. Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser works to erase fine lines and reverse skin discoloration and damage. This cutting-edge technology stimulates new collagen. The laser treatment requires minimal recovery time. You’re normally ready for makeup the next day.

We also carry the entire line of SkinCeuticals, featuring serums, antioxidants, anti-aging creams, cleansers, exfoliators and more. These products are backed by science and the company continues to pioneer next generation products that will optimize the health and beauty of the skin. We can customize a skin care regimine that is just right for your skin, concern and needs.

At Louisiana Center for Women’s Health, we understand the choices you have when it comes to skincare. Our team of medical experts will guide you through the process. We offer the most advanced technology at prices well-below what others charge. Give us a call today at (318) 387-3113 to learn more about our special End-of-Summer prices.

First Annual NELA Teacher Symposium

Falling in Love with Teaching, Again

THE 1ST ANNUAL NELA TEACHER Symposium served as a platform to support, encourage, and inspire 90+ educators as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The sessions and networking opportunities offered invaluable insights and resources that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the educational journey of our teachers and their students.

Thank you for the overwhelming support shown during the 1st Annual Northeast Louisiana Teacher Symposium. The dedication to our educators and generous contributions have made this event an extraordinary success, leaving a lasting impact on our educators and the future of our students.

To our sponsors, donors, and volunteers: Your commitment to this educational experience for our teachers has

been truly remarkable! Your contributions, both financial and in-kind, have enabled us to provide an inspiring and informative symposium that will undoubtedly benefit countless educators in the coming school year. Your willingness to invest in our teachers is deeply appreciated, as is your ability to see the value educators bring to our community.

To the event staff at Tower Place: Your hard work and tireless efforts in planning and preparing for the symposium have not gone unnoticed. Your attention to detail, dedication to excellence, and seamless coordination allowed the event to run smoothly and made it an absolutely wonderful experience!

To the Louisiana school districts, businesses, and scholarship providers: We extend our sincere gratitude for recognizing

the value of this symposium and supporting the attendance of teachers. Your commitment to empowering and equipping these educators with the tools they need to thrive in the classroom will be contagious, and I know many will follow your lead as we grow this amazing event for educators year by year. Thank you for helping us make a difference for our teachers, our children, and our families, one classroom at a time.

To our dynamic speakers: You are the dream team! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being an integral part of the 1st Annual NELA Teacher Symposium. Your passion for education created a positive ripple effect that will be felt by generations to come. What a legacy you were called to share!

With heartfelt appreciation to each one of you who helped bring this vision to life, thank you! The July 2024 Teacher Symposium is in the works. Don’t miss it!

For more information on how you can support NELA Teacher Symposium 2024 contact Faith.gremillion@scdschool.com today!

ULM Receives Historic Donation

Lumen Technologies Donates Local Campus to the University of Louisiana Monroe

LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES AND THE University of Louisiana Monroe announced the donation of Lumen’s local campus to the university. In a departure from corporations selling their unused real estate after moving to remote or hybrid work, Lumen is gifting its property to the university in alignment with its ongoing commitment to both higher education and the Monroe community.

“Hybrid work is the future. Lumen is embracing this work model for employee wellness and flexibility,” stated Chris Stansbury, chief financial officer at Lumen. “We continue to be committed to the hundreds of Lumen employees in the Monroe area, and we’re so excited to partner with ULM on investing in the future of this vibrant community.”

The press conference announcing the donation was held in the current Lumen Technologies Center for Excellence, which will become the Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus when the transaction is finalized on

Saturday July 1, 2023. Williams was the founder of Lumen, then CenturyTel, and was a longtime supporter of ULM.

“Lumen’s impact on our region and university has been remarkable since its humble beginnings in northeast Louisiana,” offered Ron Berry, President of ULM. “A special thanks to Lumen CEO Kate Johnson, Lumen’s board of directors, and the many amazing leaders who have made today’s announcement possible. ULM looks forward to leveraging this historic gift to continue Lumen’s legacy while creating life-changing opportunities for our region.”

Lumen is donating two of its campus buildings, totaling over 800,000 square feet. The company will also lease back around 52,000 square feet of office space from the university for in-person events and meetings.

This is the largest single donation ever received by ULM and among the largest received by any public university in the state of Louisiana.

“The magnitude and significance of this gift is almost indescribable,” indicated President Berry. “Lumen is well known for their innovative solutions to some of society’s biggest technological challenges. ULM is honored to use this campus to keep the spirit of innovation and advancement alive for generations to come.”

“I know that my father would be so honored to see his name attached to this Innovation Campus,” said Carolyn Williams Perry, daughter of Clarke M. Williams. “His heart was always with ULM, then Northeast Junior College of Louisiana State University, and so it is very fitting that his legacy will live on in this way.”

In addition to Lumen, The Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus will house a Cor Medical clinic. The campus will be a mixeduse commercial facility, with ULM recruiting companies to fill the space.

Stress Free Living

Is That Even a Reality in Today’s World

THE ANSWER TO THAT IS YES!

The Gardens of Somerset has the solution to stress free living, which allows you hours of leisure time doing “what you want to do, not what you have to do,” as quoted by one of our favorite cottage couples, Nell and Don Richey. If you’ve considered making a change or downsizing from a home, now is the time to take a look at our Independent Living cottages. Currently we do have a few cottages available, but they are quickly becoming someone’s forever home.

Our independent living cottages offer the best of both worlds. Our residents enjoy independent living in a community that not only offers security and fellowship but a wide array of amenities, lifestyle activities and enrichment. Our two-bedroom, two bathroom cottages boasts 1610 square feet of beautiful living space with all utilities paid. Each cottage features a full kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops,

ample walk-in closets, a private entrance with attached garage, a safe, barrier-free bathroom, along with a utility room with washer/dryer.

Gardens of Somerset has everything you need right here on our 18-acre property, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy the things you love the most. We know the importance of convenience, and we do everything in our power to make your life as comfortable as possible. Gardens of Somerset offers and on-site restaurant, hair salon, fitness center, library, billiards and game room, art studio, movie theater, greenhouse and more.

We know that pets are family, too, and we are proud to be a pet-friendly community. We welcome all kinds of pets, and we have plenty of curated outdoor spaces for them to run and play to their heart’s content.

Our caring and professional staff is here to serve you and make sure that your needs are met. Along with the amenities listed, our staff is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a

week to assist you with anything you need. Most recently, we’ve added The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset which offers residents and those living outside the community access to a healthcare provider. We believe that providing this level of service will help each person living at Gardens of Somerset to live a happier, healthier and more purposeful life.

If you’re looking for a better living community that offers everything you need to live a comfortable and fulfilling life, look no further than the Gardens of Somerset. Our cottages allow those looking for independence to live safely in a community with resort-level amenities and activities and all the comforts of home. Come see what all the buzz is about, book your personal tour today and start living your best life “Stress Free” now!

Managing Late-Life Depression & Anxiety

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset

AS INDIVIDUALS AGE, THEY experience a multitude of changes, both physically and mentally. While it is customary for older adults to face challenges such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and declining health, depression and anxiety are often overlooked concerns that can significantly impact their overall well-being. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults is crucial for both identifying their struggles and providing the necessary support to enhance their mental health.

Physical Symptoms

Depression and anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms in older adults. These may include fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, unexplained aches and pains, and a noticeable decline in personal hygiene. Often, these symptoms are mistakenly attributed to the effects of aging or other medical conditions. However, it is important to differentiate between normal aging and mental health concerns by recognizing persistent patterns and changes observed in older individuals.

Behavioral Changes

Depression and anxiety may result in noticeable behavioral shifts in older adults. They may withdraw from social activities, avoid previously enjoyed hobbies, isolate themselves, and exhibit signs of restlessness or agitation. Additionally, it is not uncommon for older adults experiencing these mental health issues to display sadness, irritability, or irrational fears.

Cognitive Symptoms

Depression and anxiety frequently impact cognitive functions in older adults, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making skills. Feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy may become prevalent, leading to diminished motivation and interest in engaging with the world around them. It is crucial to identify these cognitive symptoms and ensure that they are addressed appropriately to prevent further deterioration of the individual’s mental state.

Communication and Support

Recognizing depression and anxiety in older adults is merely the first step. Providing adequate support is crucial in helping them

overcome these mental health challenges. Encouraging open and non-judgmental communication is vital, allowing older adults to express their thoughts and emotions freely. Regular check-ins, whether through phone calls or in-person visits, can further foster connection and provide a sense of belonging.

Professional Help

Seeking professional help is crucial when it comes to managing depression and anxiety in older adults. Collaborating with healthcare providers, therapists, and geriatric specialists can empower older adults with the necessary tools to overcome these challenges. Medication, psychotherapy, and support groups can all play instrumental roles in improving their mental health, enabling older adults to live fuller, more fulfilling lives.

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset is here to assist with helping residents with a proactive approach to provide the necessary support and care to treat late-life depression. Similar to the mission of the Gardens of Somerset, their goal is to offer integrated care to the residents while also inviting the community onto the campus for primary care services. For more information on the services offered at The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset from Integrated Care Professionals, or to schedule an appointment with Elizabeth, call (318) 306-2389. The clinic is located at 340 Lonewa Road in Monroe.

Positive Steps Fertility

Hot, Hot, Hot!

IS SUMMER THE BEST TIME TO GET pregnant? Cole Porter’s song, “It’s Too Darn Hot” argued chances to get pregnant improve as temperatures drop; yet on the flip side, many women deliberately try to conceive in the summer, so they won’t boil in their third trimester the following spring. After all, with summer in full swing and temperatures rising, regularly reaching the high 90 range, we’re all very aware of how hot things can get. However, summer weather isn’t the only thing bringing the heat—when thinking about fertility and family building, you may find yourself in the hot seat from family and friends asking about pregnancy plans, sweating it out waiting for the results of a pregnancy test, or reaching a boiling point of emotions when fertility hasn’t gone according to plan.

So how do you turn down the temperature? Seeking shade, icy treats,

and air conditioning can help to beat the physical heat, while seeking answers from a specialist (Positive Steps Fertility, anyone?) can go a long way towards beating the figurative heat the unknowns of fertility can inspire (perspire?). There is no need to sweat about your fertility—just take the pressure off by talking with a specialist about your goals and getting answers with gentle, quick, affordable single visit evaluation (“Parryscope testing”). Plus, if you are worried about “boiling of sperm” (from boxers vs briefs to needing liquid nitrogen for freezing or banking sperm) or wondering about whether basal body temperatures actually help fertility, there are actually easier/ “more chill” solutions for getting results. From dispelling the myths, to finding answers, to implementing individualized plans, our team is here to help you reach your family building goals.

Interested in casually knowing about the best ways to weather the fertility journey? Check out the Positive Steps Fertility Facebook page, website, or support group (online 6p, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, with updated links posted on Facebook). And, if you want your own personal forecast, just give us a call—we’re always happy to help!

Stay cool out there this summer!

- The Positive Steps Family

“Glow” Back to School

Teacher Appreciation Discount Throughout August

GETTING YOUR NEW SCHEDULE, books, supplies, and back to school clothes? Don’t forget your Fall protocol for healthy, glowing, blemish-free skin, so you can “glow” back to school!

The Woman’s Clinic partnered with ZO Skin Health in 2019 and offers free consultations with our aesthetics RN, Claire. She was the first certified ZO Expert in NELA and has extensive knowledge in building protocols. She will sit down with you to design a personalized protocol based on skin type and condition as well as level of compliance, budget, and lifestyle.

During your free consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask all of your questions. Meanwhile, we asked her a few of our own.

Q: I’ve been told that my oily skin will slow down the aging process. Is that true?

No. The oil (sebum) does not hydrate the skin or prevent aging. In fact, excess oil that sits on the surface of the skin will damage the protective skin barrier over time.

Q: Sometimes, I buy products that work at first but then stop working. Why is that?

Your skin goes through cycles, and you have fluctuations in elements such as hormones and exposure to various stressors. You may also build a resistance to certain topicals which must be alternated with other products.

Q: I have trouble remembering what product to use in the morning or evening, and what steps to follow. Can you help me?

Absolutely! Your protocol will be given to you with easy steps for AM/PM routines. Also, your personal skincare professional is always available by phone or patient portal at no additional charge if you have questions.

Q: My skin is sensitive. Will ZO products irritate me?

Most likely your sensitivity is due to a damaged barrier. Antioxidants, antiinflammatories, and DNA repair will correct this issue.

Q: Most acne products I have purchased in the past dry my skin out. Are ZO Skin Health products going to do the same?

ZO Skin Health products are packed with hydrators, calming elements, and vitamins to

nourish and protect your skin while ridding it of excess sebum. Remember that oil and water are not the same.

Q: I don’t have time or patience to do a long skin care routine. Is there something for me?

Of course! Protocols are tailored to level of compliance.

Q: I have dark places on my skin where I’ve had acne. Is it permanent?

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be treated effectively with pigment control products such as hydroquinone and retinol under the guidance of a professional.

Q: My acne is clear now, but I have bothersome scars. Can you help?

Yes. Using a dermal retinol and/or radiofrequency treatments such as Sublative RF to stimulate collagen are very effective in minimizing acne scars.

Q: Why should I purchase ZO instead of something less expensive?

If you get one line of medical grade products with proven efficacy, you will stop the habit of picking up multiple products that don’t work, thus saving money.

Q: I don’t have time to come in for a consultation. May I do it virtually?

Yes! We offer telehealth and phone consultations also. We can have products ready for pickup, or we will direct you to the online store for shipping.

Call 318-388-4030 option 3 to schedule your free consultation with Claire.

PRESERVING SUMMER HERBS BY MAKING OXYMEL

Ilove the idea of having a backyard vegetable garden where I can pick vine ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and colorful peppers to eat all summer long. Every spring, I plant seeds and have the best intentions of tending to my modest patch of dirt, but somewhere along the way I lose my green thumb and my plants wither in the oppressive heat as much as I do. Clearly, a bountiful vegetable garden won’t thrive on good intentions alone. I have, however, learned that one edible variety of plants really does thrive and produce all summer long despite my lack of attention: herbs.

Herbs have become my go-to backyard staple not only because of how easy they are to grow, but how versatile they are to use in the kitchen. There’s nothing that can jazz up a dish (or cover up my notso-great cooking) like a handful of freshly picked herbs. By volume, herbs are also far more nutrient dense than any vegetable out there, so they provide much more than just a punch of flavor. Packed with health supporting minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals, herbs have been used as medicine since ancient times.

As we near the end of summer I find myself pressed to figure out how to make use of all the herbs before they flower and go to seed. Once the plant’s energy moves away from growing new leaves to producing flowers and seeds, the flavor profile of the plant’s leaves changes. It begins to turn bitter, and I can only imagine the nutritional profile likely changes, too. When I start to see the flowers emerge, I continually pick them off to delay the process until I can harvest the plants and turn them into something that I’ll be able to continue using well into winter. Pesto is something I frequently make when I have a pretty big harvest of herbs, and of course drying the leaves to use in dishes and teas is also an option. This year, I’m preserving many of my herbs by making oxymel.

Oxymels are herbal preparations made by infusing herbs in honey and vinegar. The name itself, “oxy” + “mel” means “acid and honey.” They date back to the ancient Greeks, and Hippocrates used them in medical formulations. These sweet and sour tonics can be used as remedies for specific ailments, depending on which herbs are used, or as a general health tonic. They’re also wonderful just for adding

more complex flavors to salad dressings, roasted vegetables, cocktails and mocktails. Oxymels are notably used to calm gastrointestinal symptoms and to improve digestion, so I enjoy making pre-dinner digestif mocktails with them to sip on while I cook.

Of course, the herbs chosen to include in an oxymel will shape its flavor, but they can also alter how the extraction supports the body. The herbs I tend to grow and use the most are common ones that perhaps you have growing in your yard as well: peppermint, lemon balm, basil, thyme, and rosemary. To preserve them, I’m making one oxymel with peppermint and lemon balm, and am combining basil, thyme and rosemary for another.

Peppermint, as well as all forms of mint, are cooling and I find them so refreshing to include in drinks on these hot days. Mint is also a strong reliever of digestive complaints, including gas, bloating, belching and even hiccups. It’s been clinically shown to be helpful for people suffering with severe digestive disorders, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Lemon Balm is part of the mint family, so it also provides some cooling properties. As a “carminative” herb, it relives stagnant digestion, eases abdominal cramping, and supports the overall digestive process. Lemon Balm also has some potent antiviral properties so it can be supportive for warding off colds and other viral infections. It also acts as a nervine, or tonic to soothe the nervous system. This makes it wonderful to enjoy in a beverage in the evening, as it calms stress and anxiety, and promotes sleep.

Basil has a powerful anti-inflammatory action and supports the liver, which is vital for healthy detoxification, digestion, and hormonal balance. It has properties that can help lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It can stimulate the appetite, relieve acid reflux, and reduce bloating and water retention.

Thyme is known primarily for its ability to address infection, upper respiratory symptoms and digestive issues. It supports healthy digestion in small quantities, and in larger quantities can treat symptoms related to stagnant digestion, like bloating and gas. It can also be helpful for those with diarrhea or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Its antimicrobial properties support a healthy balance of microbes in the digestive tract, as well.

Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s considered a cognitive stimulant that helps improve memory, concentration and focus. It also boosts the immune system and improves blood circulation. Of course, like the other herbs discussed here, it has digestive supporting characteristics, too. It can calm heartburn, intestinal gas, liver and gallbladder complaints, and can stimulate the appetite. It’s a powerful antibacterial that can support a healthy internal microbial balance, as well.

When it comes it selecting herbs for an oxymel, there’s really no right our wrong choice. All herbs contain a variety of health supporting benefits, so just go with what you have or the flavors you like best. The vinegar and honey you’ll be infusing them in also provide additional support.

Vinegar is used for making oxymel because it has the ability to effectively extract the minerals, vitamins and medicinal qualities from the herbs you choose to infuse into it. It also provides its own benefits, as well. In last month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine, I wrote an article about supporting healthy blood sugar regulation, and one tip was to incorporate vinegar into your meals. If you missed it, you can find it on page 20 of the July 2023 issue to learn more about how vinegar can prevent sharp blood sugar spikes and promote healthy body fat mass. You can view and read it online, too, at bayoulifemag.com, if you don’t have a copy of the magazine.

Other types of vinegars can be used for making oxymel, but I like to incorporate raw apple cider vinegar because it contains enzymes and gut supporting bacteria that promote healthy digestive function and a balanced gut environment. Many common symptoms of indigestion can be caused by low stomach acid, and adding vinegar to a beverage before meals stimulates the production of stomach acid and digestive

enzymes. This can not only prevent uncomfortable indigestion, but helps the body assimilate the nutrients from meals more effectively.

Raw honey takes the pungent edge off the vinegar which makes the oxymel more palatable, and it also has a history of use in the treatment of digestive ailments. It contains living enzymes that support the digestion and assimilation of food, and it also contains a form of indigestible carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which support a healthy gut microbiome. Current research suggests that raw honey can reduce the presence of infection causing bacteria in the gut while simultaneously supporting the growth of beneficial species.

To make oxymel, in addition to herbs, raw apple cider vinegar and raw honey, you’ll need a sterile pint sized jar with a plastic lid, or a metal lid and a piece of parchment paper or coffee filter. After rinsing and drying your fresh herbs, add enough to your jar to fill it to the top. As for the amount of honey and vinegar you add, I’ve seen several variations on this. One source instructed to fill half the jar with honey and the other half with vinegar. Another source suggested using 1/4 cup of honey and then filling the remaining space in the jar with the vinegar. My takeaway from these variations is that it doesn’t really matter. You can’t do this wrong! I personally prefer the half honey, half vinegar method for its sweeter flavor.

Once your jar is full, top it with a plastic lid or place a piece of parchment paper or a coffee filter between the jar and a metal lid (to prevent corrosion) and leave it to infuse for two to four weeks, depending on how strong you prefer the herbal flavor to be. Be sure to flip the jar or give it a good shake every day. After the extraction is finished, strain your oxymel into a clean container and it’s ready to use.

Use your oxymel to make vinaigrette dressings for salads or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. My favorite way to utilize it is to create a digestif mocktail by adding 1-2 tablespoons to a glass of sparkling water and including a garnish of fresh herbs or fruit. Sipping it before or during a meal is a simple and enjoyable way to support healthy digestion.

Oxymel also makes a tasty modifier to classic cocktails and mixes best with botanical spirits like gin or aquavit. It provides additional depth to a Gin and Tonic, and a tasty compliment to sour cocktails, like a Ramos Gin Fizz or a Bee’s Knees.

OXYMEL VINAIGRETTE

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oxymel

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/4 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Combine all ingredients with a whisk, or shake in a closed jar until it emulsifies. Use as a salad dressing or drizzle over roasted vegetables.

OXYMEL GIN SOUR

Ingredients:

2 oz gin

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

3/4 oz simple syrup or agave nectar

1/4 oz oxymel

1 egg white

Method:

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker until frothy. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy!

The Wellspring Bowl & Bling

Presented by Trinity Diamonds Direct

MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND THE WELLSPRING

Bowl & Bling presented by Trinity Diamonds Direct on Friday, August 18th from 7-10 p.m. at Bayou Bowl. Bowl & Bling is a fun night out where it is not your skill that counts – it’s you!

Come join the fun as we throw strikes, spares, and more than a few gutterballs to raise money for one of Northeast Louisiana’s oldest and most effective non-profits! Enjoy unlimited bowling in the black lights while listening to a variety of great music by DJ TBayB. You will enjoy delicious food from Trapp’s and drinks from Marsala Beverage.

Each team can have up to six people. The price is $100 per person which includes bowling, food, drinks and shoe rental. You can register as a team or individually at wellspringofnela.org/ bowlandbling or by calling (318) 651-9314, option 4. $50 tickets are available for non-bowlers who just want to enjoy the food and fun. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, so contact The Wellspring for more information.

We will have a silent auction with some exciting prizes including a beach vacation. More information about our silent auction is coming very soon, so stay tuned to our online event page by visiting wellspringofnela.org/bowlandbling.

All proceeds benefit The Wellspring. Since 1931, The Wellspring has served as a community leader in bringing people and partners together to address some of the greatest challenges of our time: violence, homelessness, sexual assault, poverty, mental illness and children facing adversity. The Wellspring also serves as our region’s only accredited Sexual Assault Center, and the lead agency in the Family Justice Center of Ouachita Parish. Come join the FUN and partner with The Wellspring to change our community, one life at a time!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

THE PERFECT GAME:

• Trinity Diamond Direct

SPARE:

• 318 Construction and 318 Heat & Air

• Entergy

• Vanguard Realty

SPLIT:

• Copeland Electric

• Estates by RC

• Infinet Technologies

• Jim Taylor Auto Group

• Origin Bank

• Paramount Healthcare

• St. Francis Medical Center

As a 501(3)(c) charitable not for profit corporation, your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Love Your Locks

Stop Hair Loss Naturally

TESTIMONIAL: “I had lost so much of my hair that the only way I could fix it was to pull it straight up into a bun. Even then, I was still using sprays and powders to cover the balding areas. I was devastated. I can’t tell you how many tears and meltdowns I was having. Someone suggested Microneedling with AnteAge MD at Professional Laser Center and I thought, why not? I’m two washes away from a full wig. Two weeks after the first session, I could tell a difference. After one month, I no longer needed the sprays, and after the third treatment, I could wear my hair down again. It was growing again and even my family could see the difference. Microneedling with AnteAge MD gave me back my hair. Now, I maintain the results with one or two treatments a year because I know it works.” LH

Throughout history, hair has played a significant role in our society. It’s associated with youthfulness and beauty in women and considered our “crowning glory.” In men, it’s associated with virility and masculinity. We often see our hair as a reflection of our identity because it’s both personal and public. Many women feel that a bad hair day equals a bad day: when our hair is too fine, too frizzy, too dry, turning gray or falling out, our self-esteem is seriously affected. So, it’s no surprise that hair loss can be devastating for many men and women. The most common form of hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia, which is caused by DHT, a derivative of Testosterone. With the advent of testosterone supplementation, more and more women and men are suffering from this type of hair loss. This type of hair loss will become irreversible if not treated early.

Recent advances in hair follicle science has led to an amazing product that is helping people grow hair. AnteAge MD Hair Rejuvenation combines medical microneedling with cell cytokines, taken from the bone

marrow of 20 year old Scandanavian women. These powerful growth factors and cytokines signal the body to reawaken hair follicles from the “resting” to the “active” growth phase, without the pain of injections, surgery, lasers, drugs or ointments. The results parallel those of invasive and expensive PRP, with much less inflammation, and at a fraction of the cost.

Several different types of cells produce growth factors. Research has shown that some of the most important cells for this are bone marrow derived mesenchymal cells. These cells are primarily used for tissue regeneration, and they are the best cells at producing growth factors, compared to platelets, fibroblasts, or adipocytes. AnteAGE MD contains the antiinflammatory growth factors and cytokines derived and cultured from pristine human bone marrow. They’re pre-packaged and require no blood drawing in the office.

The treatment protocol is once or twice a month for at least three months, depending on the severity of hair loss. All of our patients are seeing hair growth within the first month and it continues to improve with each treatment. Significant results can be seen in 3 months. AnteAGE MD Hair MicroNeedling Solution is the real game-changer It’s a total home run for our patients.

For more information, visit our website www. professionallaser.com, or call 318-361-9066 to schedule an appointment.

Simply Spiked

The Juicy Details on a Fast-Growing Favorite

AYEAR AFTER IT ARRIVED IN MARKET,

Coors’ Simply Spiked™ franchise has been an undeniable hit in the U.S., a phenomenon the beverage company’s leadership has called a “rocket ship to the moon.”.

Simply Spiked Lemonade led off just over a year ago and was an immediate success. It ended 2022 as Circana’s* No. 2 new product in all of beer and launched in Canada this past February. It was followed by the launch of Simply Spiked Peach in the U.S. in March. In its brief time in the market, Simply Spiked Peach has won over consumers and established itself as the top innovation in beer, according to Circana.

“It’s a brand that’s been in the market for a year, but it feels like it’s been around for generations because it is inspired by what people know and love, which is the Simply brand, an iconic brand in the juice segment,” says Joy Ghosh, vice president of above-premium flavor brands at Molson Coors.

Inspired by a beloved juice brand found in half of American households, Simply Spiked has stood out on its own merits: Factors like 5% real fruit juice (squeezed then concentrated), an undeniably refreshing taste, and a great lineup of flavors in the variety packs.

Simply has also been making a splash on the small screen. When fans of Peacock’s top streaming program “Bel-Air” tuned in for this season, they saw their favorite characters – and a recurring cameo from Simply Spiked Peach, the newest member of the Simply Spiked roster. Simply Peach played a pivotal role in the character arc of Hilary Banks, a social media influencer looking to strike a deal with the brand.

And when Simply Spiked Peach formally launched, it did so with a cheeky campaign starring comedian Ron Funches.

“We’re finding ways to build culture into a brand – and vice versa,” Ghosh says. “Simply Spiked Peach was immediately seen as something that’s part of culture, in real time. That helped drive a lot of initial success.”

Simply Spiked aims to stay in the conversation. It’s a sponsor of the upcoming ESPY Awards, and recently released the Juice Boost Charging Can Sleeve, which keeps your beverages cold while simultaneously charging your phone. For more information, visit www.drinksimplyspiked.com.

With the Simply Spiked franchise well on its way, Molson Coors is continuing to key in on flavor. The relationship with The Coca-Cola Company has resulted in flavorful hits like the No. 3 hard seltzer brand

in the U.S. in the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer franchise and its new readyto-drink cocktail line, Topo Chico Spirited.

Molson Coors is set to yield another innovation with the release of Peace Hard Tea™, inspired by the fruit-forward iced tea beverage known for its vibrant flavors and free-spirited branding. Peace Hard Tea™ will hit shelves in early fall.

“Consumers are looking for a variety of flavor options and they’re looking for it in different formats,” Ghosh says. “They want something that’s high in flavor, lower in alcohol and refreshing. Flavor’s going to continue to grow, and Molson Coors is uniquely well-positioned to win. We’re making sure we have the right portfolio for today and tomorrow.”

Simply Lemonade Variety Packs include four flavors. Signature Lemonade takes the sweet, lemony tartness of classic lemonade and adds an extra element of excitement. Strawberry Lemonade is a fresh take, combining ripe berry and tart lemon. Blueberry Lemonade is a one-of-a-kind flavor, perfect for one-of-a-kind celebrations. Watermelon Lemonade puts summer sweetness on full display with mouth-watering lemonade and lip-puckering lemon.

Simply Peach Variety Pack includes four different peachy gems. Signature Peach is the queen of juicy with refreshing hints of fruity sweetness. Mango Peach is an escape to the tropics, where the taste of sweet mango and juicy peach come together for a fresh finish. Strawberry Peach offers a perfect blend of strawberry peach flavor to fire up those taste buds. Kiwi Peach is an island adventure, with a subtle hint of kiwi and taste of peach in every sip.

Whether you’re looking for something to sip poolside, or the perfect beverage to pair with the barbecue at your end of summer cookout, Simply Spiked has you covered. A perfect combination of sour and sweet, Simply Spiked has just enough chilled carbonation to beat the hot sun.

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

* Circana is the world’s leading advisor on the complexities of consumer behavior

JAN MASON

It takes a very special person to work in the hospitality industry. The hours are long, the challenges are many, but for some, it is the perfect vocation. Jan Mason, co-owner and proprietress of Warehouse No. 1, is one of those special people who seems to have been born for the job. Her restaurant has been serving delicious meals for 43 years now, and for almost all of those, Jan has been a mainstay. Her touch is evident in the details – the food, the service, the décor, the ambiance. In spite of the demands of The Warehouse, she still finds time to help others. Because of her trailblazing efforts to bring fine dining to the riverfront, and for her “can do” spirit that permeates every aspect of her life, Jan Mason is our August BayouIcon.

hen she looks back over her life, Jan Mason cannot help but see destiny at work. Often when her life seemed at a crossroads, just the right opportunity arose. Never one to step away from a challenge, Jan has always been ready to adapt and move forward. As a result, she has enjoyed an amazing career in the restaurant business. She is quick to say that she learned from the best – her mother, Frances; her co-owner, Duane Humphries; and countless others along the way who helped her navigate the restaurant world.

PARENTS SET THE STAGE

Those who know Jan well are impressed by her determination and grit. She comes by that honestly. Her parents set the standard by which Jan has lived her life.

Jan’s father, Clarence L. “Tiny” Mason, was born in Morehouse Parish. He was anything but “tiny” – standing over 6 feet tall. After graduating Collinston High School, he took classes at Louisiana Tech. Her mother, Frances L. Mincey, was born in Vernon Parish. When she was 8, Frances lost her father. Her widowed mother moved the family to Ruston so that her children could go to college. She put her children through LaTech by running a boarding house. This was Jan’s family’s earliest known hospitality experience.

While Jan’s mother was at LaTech, she met Clarence. Frances graduated early with an education degree. Later she would earn a M.Ed. from Northeast (now ULM). Clarence left school to enter WWII. For his service, he earned a Bronze Star. When the War was over, they married.

Initially Clarence had a general store in Collinston. Later he worked as a retail clerk and bookkeeper for a Bastrop department store. He and his brother also farmed cotton on land the Masons owned near Collinston. Still later, Clarence became an insurance salesman for New York Life in Monroe. Meanwhile, Frances taught elementary students at several schools. She ended her teaching career at Clara Hall and then Plum Street in Monroe. She also worked at Jefferson College in Natchez as a docent.

The couple had two children, Jan and Ann. “I was a honeymoon accident,” Jan says, laughing. “My sister was born 15 years later – on my birthday!” When Ann grew up, she married Ed Daigle. They live in Wichita, Kansas, with their children. She has been a teacher and Ed has worked mainly in the hotel business.

LOVING LIFE ON A BIKE

Jan loved her years growing up in

In the beginning, there were a number of challenges. It took courage to rent a 100-year-old warehouse and convert it into a restaurant. Jan’s mother was delighted to find that the warehouse offered the open space required, as well as some beautiful construction details.

“Food was a huge part of our get-togethers because Mom, her sister, and her mother were all great cooks,” Jan says. “My cousin and I weren’t taught cooking, but they did teach us how to wash dishes!”

Jan’s favorite was Christmas. “My mom always came up with some surprise gift which we weren’t expecting,” she remembers. “The farm money came in the fall so there was always a little extra.” She enjoyed going to Christmas Eve church and then enjoying Mom’s gumbo for dinner. (That same gumbo has been enjoyed for decades at Warehouse No.1.)

Jan credits her parents for giving her a foundation on which to build. “They taught me perseverance, an appreciation for good food, the importance of laughter – my dad was great at telling jokes, and determination,” she says. “I have used all of these as an adult.”

IN SEARCH OF A CAREER

In summers during Jr. and Sr. high school, Jan was a counselor at Y-Day Camp in Forsythe Park. She taught swimming at Swayze Natatorium, crafts, and played games with the younger campers. Jan enjoyed this immensely.

Bastrop when she was in elementary school. “I rode my hunter green Schwinn everywhere!” Jan says. “I rode it twice a day in summer to the Morehouse Country Club swimming pool.” She was an interesting combination – all girl, but with a little tom boy mixed in. “I spent hours in a 100-yearold magnolia tree, played fort and hide-andseek, paper dolls, regular dolls, softball, and hop scotch,” Jan says. “Lots of freedom back then. So different from now.”

There were special adventures. Jan and a friend were asked by their dance teacher to do a song and dance duet on the “Happiness Exchange” on KNOE. She also remembers enjoying Sunday lunches at the Rose Inn in Crossett and an especially fun trip to Eureka Springs. When Jan was at Neville High School, two of her best friends’ families had ski boats. The three girls mastered the fine art of skiing the Ouachita River for miles up and down – sometimes on slalom – without getting their hair wet! That, she says, was quite an accomplishment. At Neville Jan was active in Tigerettes and was a leader there. She also enjoyed being selected for Pelican Girls State.

Family holidays were special for the Mason family, especially Thanksgiving.

Jan entered LaTech in General Studies because she had no idea what career to pursue. When she was in Mrs. McGee’s class in 8th grade at Lee Junior High, Jan realized that she had an aptitude for math. Her mom, after seeing Jan’s grades (“the worst grades of my life!”) from her first semester, told Jan to decide on something. Jan declared a major in accounting after, as she says, “. . . eliminating everything else!”

Jan pledged Kappa Delta Sorority and found friends for life. She enjoyed the Business Students’ Association and held leadership positions in that and KD. To earn spending money, Jan did general office work for two LaTech professors. She also worked for a local CPA firm one summer doing accounting work.

Although she liked all of her professors, one stands out: Dr. Bob Harrison. She took his beginning marketing at ULM one summer and loved it. “He made his subject matter the most interesting class I had ever taken!” Jan says.

After graduation, Jan held several jobs over the next decade – all but one using her accounting degree. She worked for Humble Oil and Refining Co. (later renamed Exxon) for 4 ½ years, Price Waterhouse CPA Firm for 2 years, and University of St. Thomas for 2 years – all in Houston, Texas. After that much time doing straight accounting, Jan grew tired of doing accounting for people who were having all the fun. A change was in order.

Jan returned to Monroe and took a job with Faulk & Foster Real Estate doing primarily residential sales. She loved learning something new. After two years, she left real estate to work with her mother, and at last found the career that was meant for her.

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

Jan’s father died when he was just 56. Her mother received some insurance proceeds, but not enough to retire on. With determination and courage, Frances decided to risk it all on a restaurant venture. She and her late husband had spoken about the need for a new seafood restaurant in Monroe, so she began thinking of that as an option. She was 59 and determined not to be dependent on her two daughters. The result? Warehouse No. 1. When Frances opened it on June 1,

1980, she presented the public a new “face” and “place” for fine dining in the region.

Jan set up her mom’s books and began working there nights and weekends to help out. Just by chance, between jobs in Houston Jan had worked as a waitress in an upscale restaurant for several months. She was thankful for that experience when her mom opened the restaurant! It was also very helpful to have Ed, Ann’s husband, work some there during those early years.

An important reason for the success of Warehouse No.1 is Duane Humphries, the co-owner. An astute businessman, Duane has a number of investment properties including older structures. He oversees maintaining the building, and – because of his experience with older buildings – he is very familiar with how to keep the building the best it can be while not losing its historical significance. Duane and Jan divided their work so that

An important reason for the success of Warehouse No.1 is Duane Humphries, the co-owner. An astute businessman, Duane has a number of investment properties including older structures. He oversees maintaining the building, and – because of his experience with older buildings – he is very familiar with how to keep the building the best it can be while not losing its historical significance.

each could do what he did best. Jan says that Duane is a “big picture” guy while she is details-oriented, especially with the paperwork that he wants no part of. Duane handles day-to-day operations, conducting managers’ meetings every Monday to ensure that operations are carefully planned and carried out.

In the beginning, there were a number of challenges. It took courage to rent a 100-year-old warehouse and convert it into a restaurant. Jan’s mother’s time living in Natchez meant that she had witnessed many old buildings converted to other uses. She was delighted to find that the warehouse offered the open space required, as well as some beautiful construction details. She decided to change only what was absolutely necessary – the warehouse must look like the historic building that it was. The biggest challenge was the overgrown space outdoors. “It took one man a month to hack through and clear the overgrowth!” Jan says. “The levee board wouldn’t let Mother have any machinery on their levee.”

There have been serious challenges. In 1991, a major flood hit and Warehouse No.1 was closed for 7 weeks. Having survived that, the restaurant was hit again – in 2016 – with a fire. Warehouse No.1 was closed for 3 months. As it turns out, that fire was a blessing in disguise. When all of the soot was removed, they saw their chance to make changes. The original royal blue was replaced, new tables purchased, and matching ceiling fans installed. Three spaces – the bar, back serving spaces, and kitchen –were all improved. Duane was instrumental in overseeing these changes.

Experienced with managing crises, when the pandemic hit Jan, Duane, and

their team immediately began figuring out what Warehouse No.1 “could do” during a time filled with “can’t do’s.” They started doing take-outs suitable for families. These “Family TakeOut’s” proved very popular. When inhouse dining was allowed again, they carefully followed the distancing rules between tables, took temperatures at the door, etc. “Frankly, the biggest challenge was adjusting to a different set of facts/rules every week,” Jan says. “We had experienced survival before, so we just made decisions and kept going.”

A RICH LIFE BEYOND RESTAURANT WALLS

While Jan is the first to admit that owning and operating a restaurant is extremely time-consuming, she also admits that life beyond those walls can be good, too. The work hours are demanding and can put a damper on one’s free time. “It’s night and weekend work that takes up a lot of time and prevents attending many social events,” she admits. “I’m married to a restaurant! The Warehouse No.1 employees are the children I never had.”

Through the years, Jan has enjoyed a number of pursuits that are not work-related. She has enjoyed learning to play golf through the years. She is also a dedicated jogger, running every other day from age 30 until age 60. She loves to entertain friends in her home during holidays, and has favorite dishes that she prepares for each occasion. Her recipes are heirloom family ones, or ones shared by friends, or ones she finds in The Cotton Country Collection.

Her most treasured pursuit is travel, and she’s managed to do quite a lot of it. Among her past trips, one to London was her favorite. She learned from DNA testing that her ancestors were primarily from England. That confirmed what her uncles had always said – that the Masons originated in Wales. Jan drove to Wales on this trip and noticed while there a large company sign bearing the name “Mason.” Jan recently booked her next trip – a “bucket list” item. She will travel by train from Vancouver/Victoria across the Canadian Rockies to Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise in 2024.

Jan -- personally and through Warehouse No.1 -- has given back to the community generously and often. Grace Place, Pilots for Patients, the Broaden Horizon kids from First West, and many others have benefited from her community support. She has also given back through her interest in politics. Jan served on the LABI board (Louisiana Association of Business and Industry) and later was named Chairman of NorthPAC – the political arm of LABI.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

Jan and her mother always believed in riverfront development. They hoped by opening Warehouse No.1 they could be a catalyst for further development. Sadly, that didn’t happen as quickly as they had hoped. Even so, it has happened. Our area is fortunate to have women like Jan and her mother who are willing to take risks to make life better for us all.

New ULM Endwoment

Donation Sparks a New Endowment

A$50,000 DONATION MADE TO THE ULM foundation has established the Amy Katherine Lewis Student Award Endowment in Medical Laboratory Science. The donation was made in memory of Amy Katherine Lewis by her parents Jay and Teri Lewis.

Amy Katherine Lewis was a 2016 graduate of ULM, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Glenwood Regional Medical Center hired Amy upon graduation, where she worked in the laboratory until her passing in July 2020.

“Amy loved her time in ULM’s MLS program, and she was proud to be a member of the MLS profession,” said Amy’s father Jay Lewis. “We know that she would be very pleased to know that she is helping the future success of the program through this student award endowment.”

“Amy was a hard worker who overcame significant obstacles in her life to become an MLS professional, and she always prioritized taking care of patients. We hope that this award endowment helps students who are similarly hard workers with obstacles to overcome so that they too can become patient-focused health professionals,” added Lewis.

Recipients of the Amy Katherine Lewis Student Award Endowment in Medical Laboratory Science must be full-time students in good standing in the MLS professional program, including maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA. Recipients must demonstrate a record of diligent, hard work in the MLS professional program, as judged by the MLS faculty. Recipients must be in their senior year of the program and may receive the award for a maximum of two semesters.

According to remarks made at her memorial, Amy’s love for all animals was evident and gave her joy. She adopted Sadie, a mixed breed dog from the Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe. Amy’s colleagues in the lab at Glenwood shared how much they miss her smile, her laugh, her intelligence, her wit and her dry sense of humor. Amy was not easily impressed by material things or instant gratification, but rather her strong Christian faith gave Amy a more eternal outlook on life.

“In her relatively young life, Amy faced cancer, heart disease, and lupus,” said Jay Lewis. “She faced these challenges headon, and we believe these challenges gave her unique insight into the patient’s side of health care. Though she was at a high risk from COVID, and ultimately succumbed to its after-effects, she continued to do her job and serve patients during the pandemic. We will always be proud of our brave Amy,” he added.

Additional contributions to enhance the benefits of the Amy K. Lewis Student Award Endowment are greatly appreciated. Prospective donors may contact the ULM Foundation at (318) 3423636 orfoundation@ulm.edu. Contributions may be completed online at https://webservices.ulm.edu/give/ by selecting Student Scholarships-Specify by Name in the designation dropdown box and enter Amy Katherine Lewis Student Award Endowment.

For more information about the ULM Medical Laboratory Science Program, visit ulm.edu/mls.

That’s Bananas

WHAT YOU NEED:

Banana leaves

Tilapia (or other mild fish)

Lemon slices

Cilantro (or preferred herbs)

Cooking string

Spices

Open banana leaves and cut off any wilted or frayed edges. Next, cut the leaves into large squares about 12” wide. Place your protein in the center and top with lemon slices, herbs and spices. Fold up the edges over the filling and then place the packet in a second banana leaf fold side down, and repeat. Secure the packet by tying banana leaf fiber around it or using cooking string. Grill over medium high heat for about 3 minutes on each side. Continue to cook until the internal temperature is 140 degrees.

Try a new approach to cooking fish this summer. Fire up the grill, wrap it up and enhance the flavor of your food. Be-leaf us, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Doc, When Can I Play Again?

Young Athletes and Sports Related Injuries

KIDS PLAYING SPORTS IS GREAT. ACCORDING TO DR. Cynthia Bella, pediatric orthopedist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, the benefits of sports participation include:

• Increased socialization with their peers

• Enhanced self-esteem

• Fosters a child’s overall health and bone density

• Reduces the risk of being overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and risk-taking behavior

My wife and I have three young boys all playing sports and it is a huge part of our family dynamic. Yet, children often do get hurt, and sometimes those injuries can sideline young athletes for months or an entire season and may sour them on participating in the future. The effects of sports injuries may even linger into adulthood. We hear a lot about young athletes having serious sports related injuries. Youth related sports injuries typically fall into two categories:

• Acute traumatic injuries. These injuries include things like: fractures, sprains, concussions, and cuts and they typically result from a sudden blow or force.

• Overuse injuries. These injuries are also called chronic injuries because they typically occur over time and are the result repetitive training and fatigue.

Overuse injuries in young athletes can be just as damaging as acute injuries, especially if ignored or left untreated and we are seeing a lot of overuse injuries in young athletes. This in part stems from young athletes electing to drop seasonal sports and focus their energies on one sport year round. Using the same muscles over and over again results in forming muscle memory and when the body is called to react differently, the muscles don’t know how to react and this often results in injury. In addition, younger athlete’s muscles are still developing and this also puts them at greater risk for injury.

Prevention of injuries in young athletes is a big issue among all youth sports organizations and a big concern for the American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Several years ago, AOSSM initiated the STOP Sports Injury Program. STOP is an acronym for SPORTS TRAUMA AND OVERUSE PREVENTION in youth sport. The goal of AOSSM is to keep these young athletes out of the operating room and on the playing field.

Accurate diagnosis of a young athlete’s pain may require orthopedic

expertise because pain from a repetitive motion injury may develop somewhere in the body other than the site of the injury. Knee pain, for example, could result from injury to the hip.

When assessing a new patient following an injury, one of the most important things I can do is have a pretty detailed conversation with the young athlete and their parent(s) to help identify why they may be seeing me. I often ask them about what awards they have won, what championships, the best game, etc. We also talk about training, the hours, the time put into play. Once we review the information, it is often a wakeup call to the player and their family of how the injury could have occurred due to overuse and ultimately fatigue. Combine the personal history with a physical examination, and we are on the path to an accurate diagnosis and ready to discuss options. Although, surgery is sometimes the only option, operating on young athlete has special considerations. According to The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “children’s bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing,” which makes them more susceptible to injury. Growth plates, the cartilage at the end of long bones where bone growth occurs, are especially susceptible to injury that could disrupt normal growth. “A twisted ankle that might result in a sprain in an adult, could result in a more serious growth plate fracture in a young athlete,” the organization emphasized.

When I young athlete comes to see me in clinic following a sports related injury, inevitably, the first question they will ask is, “Dr. Patton, when do you think I can play again?” Unfortunately, the answer to that question is rarely quick or simple. Return-to-play answers can be controversial and confusing and often involve a lot people including parents, grandparents, coaches, trainers, and health care providers. It’s really important to keep an open mind, a well-rounded perspective and make sure that young athlete understands his/her injury and what the safest and healthiest options (surgical and non-surgical) to insure a healthy outcome. Let’s keep our young players healthy and injury free and remember, kids should not play through the pain… keep them safe and if you suspect a sports related injury, see your family doctor and/or orthopedic sports medicine doctor.

For more information about youth sports injury prevention, please visit: https://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/

Andrew Patton, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He sees patients of all ages and all activity levels. To schedule and evaluation with Dr. Patton, please call or visit Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana: 318.543-BONE(2663) or visit: orthopedicspecialistsla.com

Ultra Expands on Flavor

Enjoy Unexpected Flavor With No Compromise!

OUTDOOR TEMPS ARE FINALLY STARTING TO RISE, AND what just might be better than sunny days and T-shirts? Beer. If you’re watching what you eat but can’t help craving a cold one, no worries. Michelob Ultra wants you to enjoy a brew or two without the guilt. The brand has the perfect flavors & extensions in stores just in time for warm weather that your taste-buds won’t believe. What are the flavors?

MICHELOB ULTRA MANGO Y CHILE

This delightful beverage offers a light, sweet, and juicy mango taste, which is balanced with a touch of chili spice. Savor the perfect blend of sweetness and heat as you sip this fruit-based specialty domestic beer, which boasts a refreshing 4% of ABV. Enjoy the unique and refreshing combination of flavors that Michelob Ultra Infusions Mango Y Chile beer brings to your palate. Cheers to a refreshing twist on traditional beer!

MICHELOB ULTRA AMBER MAX

Michelob ULTRA Amber Max brings full flavor and rich taste to a superior light beer. At only 99 calories, it uses a unique blend of oats, rye, and blue agave to craft a gluten-reduced light lager with maximum flavor. Enjoy big taste that’s brewed for the effortlessly bold.

MICHELOB ULTRA PURE GOLD

The first nationally available USDA Certified Organic beer is here. Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is brewed with organic grains from the finest fields to craft a crisp taste with no artificial flavors or colors. And with only 85 calories and 2.5 carbs, it’s a superior choice to complement a balanced and active lifestyle.

MICHELOB ULTRA LIME & PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS

Beer meets exotic fruit with Michelob ULTRA Infusions. A superior light beer you love is now infused with real fruit flavors at just 95 calories per bottle. So enjoy beer like never before.

MICHELOB ULTRA ORGANIC SELTZER COCONUT WATER COLLECTION

Our USDA-Certified Organic Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer Coconut Water Collection delivers a refreshing, flavorful blend of coconut water and real fruit juice, with no sugar added. The uplifting tropical flavors make this the perfect drink for whenever you’re ready for a refresh. Flavors Include: Blueberry Watermelon, Strawberry Guava, Berry Hibiscus, Kiwi Lime

MICHELOB ULTRA ORGANIC SELTZER SIGNATURE COLLECTION

Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer, USDA-Organic certified product, delivers a clean and pure liquid that is as real as it tastes! Made from the

finest ingredients, our Signature Collection is gluten-free and contains unexpectedly refreshing flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Flavors Include: Cucumber Lime, Watermelon Strawberry, Spicy Pineapple, Grapefruit Melon

MICHELOB ULTRA ORGANIC SELTZER CLASSIC COLLECTION

Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer, our USDA-Certified Organic product, delivers a clean and pure liquid that is as real as it tastes! Made with real organic fruit juice and only the finest ingredients, our Classic Collection is gluten-free and features fresh flavors that pair perfectly with every celebration. Flavors Include: Black Cherry, Citrus, Mango Apricot, Mixed Berry.

Michelob Ultra’s mission is to “deliver on consumer demands for the taste of real, exotic fruits in a light beer.” This means delivering sweet and tangy tastes for only 95 calories and 5 grams of carbs per guilt-free bottle. All flavors are sold in either a bottled 12-pack, 6-pack or 12 slim cans. Each serving contains 4% alcohol.

Since Michelob ULTRA™ was introduced in 2002, its high end American-style has appealed to the masses. People who are interested in a low carb lifestyle finally had an option to choose from when it came to beer. Its subtle fruit and citrus aromas compliment this light-bodied beer’s smooth and refreshing taste. One year after its introduction, Michelob ULTRA™ became the fastest-growing new brand in the industry and was a phenomenal hit among adult fitness enthusiasts, adult consumers living an active lifestyle, and those looking for a great-tasting beer with lower carbohydrates and fewer calories.

The original Michelob ULTRA™ has 4.2% alcohol by volume, 95 calories and only 2.6 grams of carbs per serving, making it one of the lowest carb beer choices on the market. But Michelob ULTRA™ isn’t the only choice when it comes to low carb brew.

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and nonalcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important –quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts.

Please find us at www.marsalabeverage.com or follow us on social media: Facebook: Marsala Beverage

Twitter: @marsalabeverage1

Instagram: @marsalabeverage

The Spoils of the Land

After years of concerns that led to discouragement regarding the actual nutrition of the food they and their children were consuming, Matt and Marylane Miletello, proprietors of Miletello Family Farms, began utilizing more of their own lawn for gardening. In doing so, they discovered a deep love and satisfaction for planting seeds, cultivating and caring for the growing plants, and preparing meals using the very fruits of their labor.

As technology encroaches every aspect of our lives, one legitimate fear for the human race is a disconnection with the earth. Whether that be the soil, the trees, the sky, the seas, all bring life and provide sustenance. With the excessive speed of life, and the accelerating velocity of time as we grow older, it’s easy to forget how reliant we are on nature. All too often, we simply take it for granted that we will have food to eat, paths to walk, and lakes to swim. Fortunately, the awareness of environmentalists, responsible ranchers, and organic farmers influences more and more people every day, and the positive consequences are more respect for the land, more focus on waste reduction, and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed desire for so many to be directly involved in their own food production.

After years of concerns that led to discouragement regarding the actual nutrition of the food they and their children were consuming, Matt and Marylane Miletello, proprietors of Miletello Family Farms, began utilizing more of their own lawn for gardening. In doing so,

they discovered a deep love and satisfaction for planting seeds, cultivating and caring for the growing plants, and preparing meals using the very fruits of their labor. Beginning with tomatoes, they quickly branched out into more and more diverse vegetables at first, growing potatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, and the harvests delivered plants by the hundreds. With the intention to grow food for their growing family accomplished, the question emerged: what can be done with all these homegrown fruits and vegetables that exceed what one family could ever eat? After contemplation, and giving away bushels to friends and family, the idea for Miletello Family Farms was born.

Matt Miletello grew up in and around Monroe. After graduating from Neville High School, he moved on to the ULM Construction Management program. To help pay for his college education, he started a lawn service in 2008. In very little time, that business exploded, and he found himself busier than he had anticipated. Within a few years, he had established a consistent clientele, and he went all in. Such a career can be quite difficult, especially in Louisiana with

its blistering heat, unpredictable rains, and the overwhelming destruction caused by insect infestations. However, Matt, with an incredible work ethic and a great desire to please his customers, enjoyed the job and the people, and he tirelessly grinded through days of incessant sweating, mosquito bites, and the mechanical equipment problems to make sure everything went well for his crew and his clients.

Once the lawn service could stand on its own, Matt found that he also enjoyed the aesthetics of landscaping, so he started a secondary service curating lawns, and, like his lawn care work, his efforts paid off. As his knowledge of that craft progressed, he began to move more into lawn installation work, and after a few years of managing both lawn care and landscaping, he sold the initial aspect of the business approximately two years ago to solely focus on installations. Basically, maintaining a high level of consistency in both areas became difficult to adequately direct. While lawn care can be simple labor at its core, and even monotonous, the work involves constantly hustling in a race against the clock. Between sprinklers, the rain, and trying to keep a schedule to keep several people content, all aspects out of the control of anyone, the demands are enormous. Installation work is much more forgiving, as time is, in a sense, more malleable, and the impacts of the weather and environment are more understood as factors that can either speed up or slow down any progress. Plus, Matt realized that he truly enjoyed the work.

In time, though, as so often happens to every person to some extent, a greater sense of purpose arises. Matt had gotten married to Marylane, and eventually, their family grew. They first welcomed a daughter, Isla, before later having their son, Hutton. A greater focus on time spent at home, with each other, emerged as priority number one, so accommodating that desire became central to their lives. The passion for installation work, still important for Matt, carries similar time constraints of the lawn care service, and he knew he wanted to find something new to be passionate about while maintaining his landscaping service. He wanted something of greater personal value, something that could involve his entire family and be productive for everyone with whom he came into contact.

As a person who grew up with a father and a grandfather who both had gardens, Matt followed in their footsteps. Marylane, whose family was also heavily into gardening, was already purchasing high quality organic vegetables to incorporate in healthy meals at their home, and with a small garden in place, she felt they could easily expand and grow nearly everything

they could want. Their wishes aligned, so the development of a larger garden commenced. They initially began growing food just for at-home use and consumption, though any overages were bagged and shared with relatives and friends. As the garden flourished, though, and Matt, Marylane, and even the kids fell more in love with digging in the soil, watching seeds sprout, and picking multicolored and flavorful vegetables, he wanted to spend more of his time learning about how to optimize the improvement of his little farm. He and Marylane also started to think about something else; with his career and a hobby so connected with the earth, they began to consider the possibility of a job making the growing and selling of plants feasible.

Sometimes, the only way to find out how the depth of the water is to jump in feet first. With that mentality, and the faith in God’s plan for their future, Matt and Marylane decided to give the small farm idea a go. They planted thousands of seeds, from tomatoes and onions to cantaloupes and watermelons. They consulted knowledgeable friends and studied online materials and tutorials. They made mistakes and learned valuable lessons, both for better and for worse. In the end, with such diligence and care, they produced such an extensive volume that selling became a viable option, and a working farm became a reality.

For many years prior to the actual farm, Marylane had practiced the homestead style of food preparation: purchasing the most organic ingredients and preparing nearly all components of the meal from scratch. With the ideal goal of providing the most nutritious diet for her family, she had organized a worthwhile regimen sacrificing the time and ease that comes with processed foods for the sake of proper nourishment. Sometimes, delving into the lengthy process of careful food preparation devastates people, but Marylane treasured the opportunity to do the best for her children. Luckily, such caring people tend to want to share the joys of their discoveries with other, and this played no small part in the couple’s passion to grow and share their plants. Once the plans for the farm were in effect, considerations for maximizing the nutritional value of the fruits and vegetables became significant as well.

The Miletellos wholeheartedly believe in responsible farming. Their ultimate goal for the farm is to attain organic certification, a process that involves absolute restriction of prohibited compounds for a three-year

period. The farm primarily uses composted materials as fertilizers, which means that Matt and his crew must maintain constant and meticulous surveillance of the budding plants, watching for signs of dehydration, insect damage, and overall healthy growth. Feeding the plants in such a fashion promotes regenerative farming, a practice involving the restoration of soil that has been damaged over time and eventually results in reestablishing quality biodiversity, which in turn provides the plants with prime sustenance. A healthy, flourishing plant then provides the best possible nutritional benefits for a consumer. Additionally, Matt has bought dozens of free range chickens to roam the property. The chickens have begun producing eggs, and considering that the animals are fed the very same clippings, vegetables, and fruits grown, along with seeds and worms along the property, they are of the highest quality. Another great addition is a collection of beehives. A local beekeeper approached Matt about utilizing his property to help establish a healthy bee population. Understanding the circular value bees bring to flowering plants and the effect of healthy plants on bees, Matt jumped at the opportunity to add that element to the farm.

For Matt, the outcome is worth the labor. He consistently refers to symbiosis, and his awareness of the term as it applies to a family and a community as much as to the growing of organic plants is all too evident. In order to get great food, one must put in great effort. In order to procure optimal health and

“When I go into my garden with a spade, and dig a bed, I feel such an exhilaration and health.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

happiness, one must invest time and energy and love in all aspects of life. One thing affects another, whether that be what is in the food we eat, how we treat our friends and family, and how we interact with people with whom we interact.

At this point, very early in the burgeoning life of the farm, the Miletello family and those friends and family so fortunate to be in the loop, are reaping the rewards of the harvests. Matt and Marylane have begun selling their fruits, vegetables, and eggs, too, and their products may be currently found and ordered on Instagram (miletellofamilyfarms), Facebook (Miletello-FamilyFarms), or via email (miletellofamilyfarms@gmail.com), and a website is currently being constructed and will be available to access soon. Additionally, Matt and Marylane will potentially be a part of a Community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, which makes it easier for people who also join to order produce more efficiently. To further illustrate how important the connection to family is for the Miletellos, they named the available combinations, or boxes, after family members: the Mikey Mix, named for Matt’s late father, consists of a box filled with all available vegetables from that week plus a cantaloupe; Hutton’s Harvest, named for Matt and Marylane’s son, includes a smaller collection of the week’s vegetables; and the Isla Carte, named for the couple’s daughter, consists of a list of possible add-ons to one of the previous boxes. Customers may choose from okra, cucumbers, an assortment of various peppers, squash, tomatoes, or zucchini, among other possibilities. They also recently partnered with The Thirsty Farmer for an event this past spring, the Sip and Shop, with another planned for this upcoming fall.

All in all, the care and effort the Miletellos have put into their farm shows, and their continued devotion should continue their success. The biggest reason—they take great pride in their products. They carefully scrutinize every aspect of what goes into the plant, the soil used, and the protection from the environment, all for the sake of the pursuit of perfection. They not only sell their produce; they consume it as well. They are a true farm-to-table family, and they want to share their love for that concept with everyone.

Saved by the Bell

Start the school year off right with these fresh looks from area boutiques. From bell bottom jeans to printed tees, these looks are head of the class.

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME

Exaggerated elbow length sleeves add a hint of sophistication to this classic crew neck tee. Pair with high rise, boot-cut jeans and updated retro style sneakers. Accessorize with layered necklaces.

HEMLINE MONROE

Show off your unique style in this ruffle sleeve tie-dye printed shirt. Pair it with cropped striaght leg jeans in a pastel hue and classic white leather sneakers. Accessorize with super cute butterfly earrings and gold bracelets.

HERRINGSTONES

Ashley is wearing a Led Zeppelin graphic tee paired with a fitted jean with a trendy flair silhouette. Accessorize with a silky printed scarf, yellow woven earrings, a green top handle bag and sneakers with glitter and green accents.

Tech Students Honored

Tech Students Named Goldwater Scholars

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES THE remarkable achievement of two Biomedical Engineering juniors, Catherine Lacey and Rebekah Lindblade, who have been honored as Barry Goldwater Scholars. Catherine and Rebekah’s selection as Goldwater Scholars marks a significant milestone for Louisiana Tech, as they become the university’s first recipients of this esteemed award since its inception in 1989.

The Goldwater Scholarship Program garnered nominations from 1,267 students representing 427 academic institutions this year, with only 413 Scholars ultimately chosen. Of these Scholars, 197 are men and 203 are women, encompassing various majors. Among them, 48 specialize in mathematics and computer science, 308 major in the natural sciences, and 57 focus on engineering.

Dr. Joe Koskie, Director of the Honors Program, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements, emphasizing the Nationally Competitive Awards initiative that allowed Catherine and Rebekah to shine on a broader stage. The connection between Louisiana Tech and the Goldwater Foundation marks a tremendous honor for the university.

Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore, the program chair of Biomedical Engineering at Louisiana Tech, commended both Catherine and Rebekah for embodying the qualities of a Goldwater Scholar, highlighting their unwavering commitment to a research career.

Catherine Lacey, a junior in Biomedical Engineering with an Electrical Engineering minor, has been actively involved in various research projects throughout her time at Louisiana Tech. Collaborating with neurosurgery doctors from LSU Shreveport, she is working on developing a hydrogel coating to enhance the biocompatibility of implantable electrodes. Additionally, Catherine is part of a collaborative effort with students from different universities and researchers at the University of Florida and Johnson and Johnson to create a multifunctional accessory to increase independence for wheelchair users. Her previous experiences include participation in the Nanomanufacturing Systems Center Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Texas, Austin, where she designed a bio-stimulation device based on electromyography (EMG) monitoring feedback. Catherine’s future plans include pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on bioinstrumentation and research related to medical devices and sensors.

Rebekah Lindblade, another junior in Biomedical Engineering, has been actively engaged in diverse research projects during her tenure at Louisiana Tech. Collaborating with Dr. Teresa Murray, Rebekah participated in studying the impact of a new drug on specimens with traumatic brain injury, as well as working on neural probes to monitor brain signals preceding seizures. Recently, Rebekah collaborated with a team of researchers at Texas A&M University on a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) focused on developing a bio-barcode system for continuous glucose monitoring. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, intending to focus her research on heart disease, treatment procedures, and the design of preventative and curative devices.

Louisiana Tech University takes immense pride in Catherine and Rebekah’s achievements as Barry Goldwater Scholars, recognizing the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make to the field of Biomedical Engineering. Their dedication to research and academic excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Goldwater Scholarship.

Fishing with Kenny

THE FORGOTTEN FISH CATCHER

In my quest to find a newer and better way to catch fish, I love buying new lures and soft plastics to try. In my garage there are enough lures and soft plastics to last me another lifetime, should I be reincarnated and able to fish again. One of the drawbacks to having such a “stash” of lures and other fishing stuff, you tend to forget about lures that worked in the past, until you rediscover them.

Back in the 1980’s I started fishing a four-inch Ringworm religiously. It was a staple on the deck of my boat, and I won a good bit of money using it. I found ways I could use it to catch bass and probably the most important part of all, I realized no one else was using it. For the record, I am not saying I brought the four-inch Ringworm into existence here in our area. I am just saying I was the first person that I know of to fish it.

The first time I read about the Ringworm, it was being fished in the deep, clear lakes of California. A lot of the anglers fishing the U.S. Open on Lake Mead were having success with it and the more I learned (before anything called the internet was available) the more curious I became as to its effectiveness on our local waters. Years later, Toledo Bend legend Harold Allen would use the fourinch Ringworm to win a national event in the 1990’s on the Ouachita River, solidifying my beliefs on the Ringworm’s effectiveness.

Over the years I have developed a system that allows me to use this little jewel year-round. I have used it for flipping, as a spinnerbait and jig trailer, as well as a Carolina rig. What I have learned is this lure’s usage is place and time specific but it can save your day, especially when fishing tough conditions or tournaments. You may not catch a 20 lb. tournament limit on it, but catch you the fish that allows the event or turn a bad day

First, like all soft usually the thing most wide variety of Ringworm this; each color has a specific job or presentation that I use it for. My favorite colors are black/blue, plum, Junebug and black neon. However, I have white/pepper, chartreuse/pepper, pumpkin, firecracker and Firetiger as additional choices.

Now, let me explain a year-round way to implement the fourinch Ringworm into your arsenal. First of all, the Ringworm is one of the best spinnerbait trailers I have ever used and I took the idea from legendary angler Rick Clunn. One thing I noticed Clunn would do I thought was odd was that he would often mismatch his trailers to the basic lure color he was using. No matter if he was using a Firetiger colored spinnerbait, or any other spinnerbait for that matter, he would almost always use a Firecracker colored Ringworm with a chartreuse tail.

My color choices for my spinnerbait trailers have always been white/pepper, chartreuse/pepper, firecracker and Firetiger. I have

always matched these trailers to the spinnerbaits I am throwing but there are exceptions to this rule. In clearer water scenarios I have found that I do better with a more uniformed presentation, matching trailer to skirt, but in more off colored water, a bit of contrast seems to work well. One of the neat things about using the white, chartreuse and firecracker colors for tailers is it does allow you to dye the tails for added attraction.

The next technique for using the Ringworm is the least considered or implemented. Flipping and pitching for bass has been a standard in bass fishing since cypress trees were first discovered. Jigs, creature baits, and larger plastic worms have always been the lures of choice for serious anglers, but the Ringworm can be effective when used in the correct fashion. Also, it’s a lure the fish don’t see,

Due to the moodiness of the fish, the higher water temperature, and the transitional phase from summer to fall, the Ringworm is an excellent choice this time of year. Black/blue, Junebug, plum, and black/neon have always been my go to colors and work in a conditions. The only confidence using the when I have extremely water with visibility of less than six inches. I prefer the plum and Junebug in clearer water and the black/blue and black/neon in more stained water. I think the equipment set when flipping/pitching straight shank hook every time, paired with a three-eighths-ounce sinker, kept in place by using a bobber stopper. My line of choice is always 17 lb. Trilene XT. This technique is one of the few times I like flipping/pitching with a shorter rod, preferably 6’6 -6’10. The shorter rod allows for more

One more quick note about the Ringworm: If there has ever been a more deadly soft plastic to use on a Carolina rig for heavily pressured bass, I don’t know what it would be. On clear lakes like Claiborne and Caney, the pumpkinseed color with the tail dyed chartreuse, is a great “go-to” when all other presentations fail. It may not catch the biggest bass in the lake, but simply put, it is a fish

Well, it looks like we have run out of time and space again for another month. I hope we were able to share with you some knowledge that will help make your next trip on the water more successful. Be careful while enjoying the great outdoors, leave it better than the way you found it, and catch one for me!

See you next month!

Calendar of Events

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

August 1 & 15

Creative Meetups

Unleash your artistic spirit and immerse yourself in an inspiring environment where fellow artists gather to create together. Share ideas, techniques, and stories as you paint, sculpt, sketch, or craft your way through a world of endless possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your artistic journey, this open studio time is your chance to connect, collaborate, and cultivate your craft!

Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Address: Creatives at Work Gallery | 112 W Alabama, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 232-2054

August 1 & 8

Dixie's Summer Matinee Series

This summer at the Dixie is PACKED with movie magic! Thanks to Jonesboro State Bank, the Dixie Center for the Arts is having a FREE family-friendly movie every Tuesday throughout the summer - popcorn and drink included! August 1: Dora & the Lost City of Gold. August 8: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Time: 10:30 AM

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts | 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 595-0872

August 3

Downtown Art Gallery Crawl

The Downtown Art Gallery Crawl is held bi-monthly on the first Thursday of that month in Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. This is an evening of art, food, music, and fun with friends!

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Address: Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (318) 512-2131

August 4-6

Big Fish Musical

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. You will not want to miss this exciting performance by Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts!

Time: Friday at 7:00 PM, Saturday at

2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 3:00 PM.

Cost: Adults $15.00. Students $10.00.

Address: Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts | 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe | Phone: (318) 812-7922

August 5

North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market

The North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market is a community service that gives our area a fun, healthy way to come together and get to know their local makers and producers. This market has homemade and homegrown items only. Time: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Paramount Health Care Consultants Parking Lot | 1905 North 7th Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 738-1132

August 5

Iron Liftoff Competition

The Iron Liftoff Competition tests fitness and strength limits. Scoring will be the sum of each athletes heaviest successful Clean, Strict Press, and Front Squat. Athletes will have 3 attempts at each movement with a 30-minute timecap. The highest combined load from both male and female divisions will win $150. Do you have what it takes to win? Sign up now to find out!

Time: 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: Member $10.00. Non-member $20.00.

Address: CrossFit Iron Pelican | 3201 Cypress Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 537-9254

August 5

Cochren & Co.

Cochren & Co. have toured coast to coast amassing a loyal following of new listeners wherever they go. Michael Cochren is a singer/ songwriter and worship leader born and raised in a small Indiana town. After graduating school, Cochren began playing music across the country with a band of friends under the name Cochren & Co. With hopefilled lyrics and timeless melodies, Cochren & Co. blur the lines between American pop, soft rock, and soul/

blues to create a sound all their own.

Time: 7:00 PM | Cost: $20.00-$35.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts | 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 595-0872

August 5

High Rollers & High Fashion Casino Night

Get ready for a night of glitz and glamour at the High Rollers & High Fashion Casino Night! Dress to impress in your finest cocktail attire or blacktie formal wear, and try your luck at the casino tables. With a variety of games to choose from, including poker, blackjack, and roulette, there's something for everyone. This event is by Ivy Merit Foundation, Inc.

Time: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: ULM Bayou Pointe Event Center | Warhawk Way, Monroe

August 5, 12, 19, 26

Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local producers and creators every Saturday morning!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Ruston Farmers Marketplace

| 220 E. Mississippi Ave., Ruston Phone: (318) 957-130

August 6, 13, 20, 27

Live Music at Flying Heart

Enjoy live music at Flying Heart every Sunday! This month’s artists include Clara McBroom, Lee Denton, Cal Presley, and Grayson May.

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Cost: No Cover Charge

Address: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub | 204 Commerce Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

August 11-13

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages!

Time: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Big Creek Trade Days Grounds | 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach, LA 71235 Phone: (318) 680-1304

August 12

Children’s Fun Day

Bring your children to the Biedenharn to explore their creative side with activities and adventures through the Elsong Gardens! Children's Fun Day takes place on the second Saturday of every month (except December and January). Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: $5.00 Per Child. Free for Adult.

Address: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens | 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5281

August 12

VAMN! – Visual Artist Meetup

Join the Black Creatives Circle of North Louisiana every 2nd Saturday of the month at The Sugar Gallery for regular discussions about art studio practice and history/theory. Connect with artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Time: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Cost: Free | Address: The Sugar Gallery | 135 Art Alley, Monroe

August 12

Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi

Stephanie Trick & Paolo AlderighiPioneers in the use of four-hand piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie-woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era and the Golden Age of Tin Pan Alley.

Time: 7:00 PM | Cost: $20.00-$35.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 595-0872

August 12-13

Fire It Up Productions Team Roping

Fire It Up Productions Team Roping is happening August 12-13 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. Saturday, books open at 8:00 AM and roping begins at 9:30 AM. Sunday, books open at 8:00 AM and roping begins at 9:30 AM. A kid's dummy roping will take place Sunday at noon.

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center | 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (903) 721-0303

August 16

Fiber Artist Meetup

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, create and connect with fiber artists! Fiber art is a fine art style that uses textiles such as fabric, yarn, and natural and synthetic fibers. Bring your work in progress, supplies, a positive

attitude, and helpful tips!

Time: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM | Cost: Free

Address: 131 Art Alley, Monroe

August 17-20

Louisiana Classic

The Southern Cow Reined Horse Association Louisiana Classic is taking place August 17-20 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center.

Time: Thursday at 8:00 AM, Friday 7:40 AM settle and 8:00 AM start, Saturday 7:00 AM start and 6:30 PM start, Sunday 8:00 AM start.

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center | 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (225) 324-7204

August 18

Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series

Let the rhythm fill your lunch hour! Join us for an electrifying outdoor concert series featuring the talented band Mixed Notes, from Grambling State University! Get ready to groove, sway, and feast on some delicious tunes while you indulge in your midday meal. Trust us, your taste buds and eardrums will thank you!

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free | Address: Heard Freighthouse Food Park | Ruston

August 18

The Wellspring Bowl & Bling

Make plans now to attend The Wellspring Bowl & Bling presented by Trinity Diamonds Direct for a fun night out where it is not your skill that counts it’s YOU! Join the fun as they throw strikes, spares, and more than a few gutterballs to raise money for one of Northeast Louisiana’s oldest and most effective non-profits!

Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Cost: Non-Bowler $50.00. Individual Bowler $100.00. Bowling Team of 6 $600 | Address: Bayou Bowl - 100 Horseshoe Lake Road, Monroe Phone: (318) 651-9314

August 19

Writer’s Hub Meetup

Join the Black Creatives Circle of North LA every 3rd Saturday for a writer's hub meetup. Discuss your latest literary works, get helpful tips, and explore fun writing prompts with like minds! | Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free | Address: Art Alley | Downtown Monroe

August 24

Elvis in Concert: The Story of The King

Make your way to the Monroe Civic Center - Jack Howard Theater to see the King of Rock n' Roll himself! This is

an unrivaled multimedia production of The King's story and career. Starring internationally acclaimed world champion, Elvis Tribute Artist Cote Deonath, backed by The Infinit-E Tribute Band.

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Jack Howard Theater | 401 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2225

August 25-26

Bayou Jamb Football Jamboree

Bayou Jamb will kick off on Friday, August 25th. Bayou Jamb will host seven games and fourteen football teams on Don Shows Field inside Rebel Stadium for the preseason football jamboree. Each team will have the opportunity to compete in two 15-minute half series to take home bragging rights.

Cost: $15.00 | Address: Rebel Stadium Travis Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-1133

August 25

Ouachita Live Concert Featuring Shelley King & Her Band

Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live for a free concert on the last Friday of the month through October. With delicious local food trucks and lively music, it's sure to be a great time! This concert features Shelley King and her band.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Alley Park | 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe

August 26

LA Tech Football vs Florida International University

Louisiana Tech takes on Florida International University in their first home game of the 2023 season. Come out to the Joe and support those Bulldogs as they try to give the Panthers a loss!

Time: 8:00 PM

Address: Joe Aillet Stadium | 1450 W Alabama Avenue, Ruston